MSCI approves rules that could eject Strategy, Metaplanet from equity indexes
MSCI has approved a new set of rules that could result in the removal of Strategy and Metaplanet from major equity indexes, according to a report from CoinDesk. The updated classification criteria target companies whose primary business model revolves around holding digital assets rather than operating traditional commercial activities, placing both firms under scrutiny given their substantial Bitcoin treasury strategies.
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has accumulated tens of thousands of Bitcoin on its balance sheet over recent years, positioning itself as a Bitcoin-focused treasury company. Metaplanet, a Japanese investment firm, has similarly adopted an aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy, drawing comparisons to Strategy's model. MSCI's revised rules reflect growing regulatory and institutional debate over how crypto-heavy companies should be categorized within traditional financial frameworks.
The potential ejection from MSCI equity indexes carries significant market implications, as index inclusion directly influences capital flows from passive investment funds that track those benchmarks. Removal could trigger automatic selling pressure from institutional funds required to mirror index composition, potentially affecting share prices and reducing visibility among mainstream institutional investors.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether MSCI formally triggers the removal process, what timeline the organization sets for compliance reviews, and how Strategy and Metaplanet respond — whether by adjusting their business structures or accepting exclusion from traditional equity benchmarks as a consequence of their crypto-focused mandates.
Source: CoinDesk
