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Bitcoin’s march into mainstream finance just hit a landmark moment as a major credit agency officially rated a bitcoin treasury firm, signaling a seismic shift in how traditional markets recognize digital assets as strategic reserves.
S&P’s Historic Rating Signals Institutional Legitimacy For Bitcoin Treasuries
Growing institutional confidence in bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset has taken a major step forward with a historic move by S&P Global Ratings. The agency assigned a “B-” issuer credit rating with a stable outlook to Strategy Inc. (formerly Microstrategy Inc.) on Oct. 27, marking the first-ever rating of a bitcoin treasury company by a major credit rating agency. The decision highlights how traditional credit markets are beginning to formally evaluate companies whose balance sheets are deeply tied to digital assets—a milestone that the crypto industry views as a significant validation of bitcoin’s growing institutional legitimacy.
Strategy’s executive chairman Michael Saylor stated on social media platform X:
S&P Global Ratings has assigned Strategy Inc a ‘B-‘ Issuer Credit Rating (Outlook Stable) — the first-ever rating of a Bitcoin Treasury Company by a major credit rating agency.
In its report, S&P Global Ratings explained: “The company’s concentration in bitcoin is key to its strategy and will likely continue to weigh on our ratings. Strategy’s treasury reserve strategy gives indirect exposure to bitcoin to investors who can’t have or prefer to avoid direct exposure to bitcoin.” S&P noted the firm’s negative adjusted capital and limited operating cash flow but credited its conservative debt management and reliable capital markets access as stabilizing factors.
S&P Global Ratings added:
Our ratings on Strategy incorporate our view of the company’s narrow business focus, high bitcoin concentration, low U.S. dollar liquidity, and very weak risk-adjusted capital offset, only partially by Strategy’s strong access to capital markets and prudent management of its capital structure.
The crypto community has broadly celebrated the announcement, calling it a breakthrough for bitcoin’s mainstream recognition. S&P’s stable outlook reflects its view that Strategy will continue to refinance its obligations through equity and debt while maintaining investor confidence. With more than $70 billion in bitcoin holdings and no significant debt maturities before 2028, the company’s strategy is seen as a potential model for institutional-scale bitcoin exposure. On Monday, Strategy disclosed the purchase of 390 BTC for about $43.4 million and reported a year-to-date BTC yield of 26.0% for 2025. As of Oct. 26, 2025, the company holds 640,808 BTC. Supporters say S&P’s rating highlights bitcoin’s growing role in corporate and financial planning.
FAQ 🧭
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Why is S&P’s rating of a bitcoin treasury company significant?
It marks the first time a major credit agency formally evaluated a company holding bitcoin as its core treasury asset, validating crypto’s legitimacy in traditional finance. -
How does the S&P rating impact institutional confidence in bitcoin?
The rating boosts trust in bitcoin as a credible reserve asset and may encourage more corporations to adopt bitcoin-backed strategies. -
What are the main factors behind Strategy Inc.’s stable outlook?
S&P cited the firm’s strong capital markets access and prudent debt management as key to maintaining stability despite bitcoin volatility. -
What does this milestone mean for bitcoin investors?
It signals a maturing market where bitcoin’s role in corporate finance is increasingly accepted, potentially driving further institutional investment.
