‘If you’re short on Bitcoin banks, you’re betting against Bitcoin itself’ – Exec

Key Takeaways

Corporate treasuries are embracing crypto, with Bitcoin and Ethereum dominating reserves while risky altcoins flash mixed signals. Despite $117.9 billion in BTC holdings, treasury diversification may be muting Bitcoin’s rally though. 

2025 has seen the corporate adoption of digital assets accelerate rapidly, with Bitcoin [BTC] and Ethereum [ETH] leading the charge as preferred treasury holdings.

However, the trend isn’t one without any complications.

While blue-chip crypto assets are continuing to dominate reserves, a growing number of firms are also experimenting with altcoins. However, it must be noted that some of these altcoins have struggled to deliver returns lately. 

David Bailey on the dark side of altcoins

According to David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin treasury firm Nakamoto, this move risks clouding the overall narrative of crypto balance sheets and weakening the case for digital assets in corporate treasuries.

Remarking on the same, Bailey noted,

“The entire treasury sector is being tested, and rightfully so. Toxic financing, failed altcoins rebranded as DATs, too many failed companies with no plan or vision. It’s totally muddled the narrative. The treasury company moniker itself is confusing.”

Bailey framed the growing role of Bitcoin in corporate reserves as a natural extension of the fiat system. He said, 

“The Bitcoin treasury company of the fiat system is a bank. Today we are building Bitcoin Banks. If you’re afraid of that term, call them Bitcoin financial institutions.”

He went on to add that success in this model depends on how well firms can build and monetize their balance sheets.

What’s he so concerned about?

Those who execute effectively, Bailey argued, will see their assets grow, while weaker players risk being acquired or fading out. He explained that being short on Bitcoin banks essentially means betting against Bitcoin’s foundational role in the global financial and monetary system.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin held in publicly traded companies had climbed to around $117.91 billion, according to BitcoinTreasuries.NET.

Ethereum is also emerging as a strong contender in corporate portfolios. Beyond being a store of value, its staking capability provides annual yields, positioning it as both an asset and an income generator.

In fact, data from StrategicETHReserve revealed that about 3.14% of Ether’s total supply is already held in publicly listed treasury companies.

And still, this expansion into multiple assets raises questions about its impact on Bitcoin’s price trajectory.

Mike Novogratz adds his two cents

Just recently, Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz had claimed that treasury firms diversifying into Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies could partly explain Bitcoin’s sideways trading. This, because capital might not be flowing exclusively into BTC anymore. 

Novogratz said,

“Bitcoin’s at a consolidation right now. Partly because you’re seeing a lot of these treasury companies in other coins take their shot.”

The next few months may hinge on Bitcoin’s ability to break higher. However, Arthur Hayes’ outlook suggests the current bull run could stretch well into 2026, fueled by broader macroeconomic catalysts.

Where does the market stand right now?

Finally, the CMC Altcoin Index climbed to 68 – A level that signals the onset of an altcoin season.

At the same time, Bitcoin’s Dominance chart stood at 57.66%, reflecting Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market cap.

While still commanding the largest portion of the market, the dip in dominance underscores a shift of liquidity into altcoins. This is consistent with the bullish sentiment around tokens like ONDO, MELANIA, and MYX.