tl;dr
MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor pauses Bitcoin purchases as the company’s holdings hit a $79 billion valuation, highlighting the growing influence of institutional crypto adoption and reshaping traditional finance.
**Michael Saylor’s Strategy Pauses Bitcoin Purchases Amid Record $79 Billion Holdings**
In a notable shift, MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor revealed that his company, Strategy, will not conduct its regular Bitcoin (BTC) acquisitions this week. The pause, announced on X (formerly Twitter), was framed as a symbolic gesture to highlight the firm’s $79 billion valuation of its Bitcoin holdings—a milestone that underscores the company’s long-term commitment to crypto. Saylor referred to the break as a “$79 billion demonstration of long-term holding power,” signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s enduring value.
### A Record-Breaking Bitcoin Treasury
Strategy’s Bitcoin accumulation strategy has seen remarkable growth. The company recently completed its latest batch of purchases, acquiring 22.1 million BTC at an average price of $113,048 per coin. This brought its total holdings to 640,031 BTC, purchased at an average cost of $73,983, totaling $47.35 billion. However, the current market valuation of its Bitcoin treasury has surged to an estimated $79 billion, reflecting the asset’s volatility and the firm’s strategic patience.
The pause comes after a previous suspension in July, which the company attributed to market adjustments and earnings announcements. Strategy has consistently emphasized its long-term accumulation approach, with Saylor noting that such breaks are “usually undertaken to announce earnings or when the market is in the process of adjusting.”
### Institutional Crypto Adoption Surges
Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings now represent approximately 3% of the total supply, making it the largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally. The company’s Bitcoin treasury has nearly doubled in value since 2024, surpassing the market capitalization of major financial institutions like Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and BNY Mellon.
Saylor also reflected on the company’s journey, recalling its initial $250 million investment in Bitcoin, which initially reported a $40 million realized loss. Over the past seven weeks, Strategy has deposited over 11,000 BTC into its treasury, further solidifying its position as a crypto pioneer.
### Broader Institutional Crypto Trends
The move by Strategy aligns with a broader surge in institutional adoption of digital assets. VanEck’s recent report revealed that institutional crypto treasuries now hold approximately $150 billion across assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
**BitMine**, for instance, has acquired $1 billion worth of Ethereum (ETH), increasing its holdings to 2.65 million ETH—a valuation of roughly $11 billion. The company is now the largest corporate Ethereum treasury globally. Despite a 16% monthly decline in blockchain revenues due to market fluctuations, institutional investors continue to hold ETH, driven by long-term strategic goals.
VanEck warned that increased Ethereum staking could reduce rewards for smaller participants, but the macroeconomic trend points to institutional backing as a cornerstone of crypto’s future.
**VisionSys**, an AI-driven entity under Nasdaq Asia, has also made waves with a $2 billion Solana (SOL) treasury plan. Marinade Finance has already allocated $500 million in the first phase, highlighting Solana’s growing appeal among institutions seeking diversification beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
### The Road Ahead
As Strategy pauses its Bitcoin purchases, the broader crypto landscape continues to evolve. Institutional adoption, driven by massive treasuries and strategic investments, is reshaping traditional finance. While market volatility and macroeconomic challenges persist, the shift toward crypto as a core asset class appears irreversible.
For Saylor and Strategy, the $79 billion valuation marks not just a financial achievement but a testament to the transformative potential of Bitcoin in the modern economy. As more institutions follow suit, the line between traditional finance and digital assets grows increasingly blurred—a trend that could redefine global capital markets in the years to come.