Michael Saylor Addresses MSCI’s Bitcoin Index Proposal
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Strategy Inc., shared his perspective regarding MSCI’s potential action on Bitcoin treasury companies.
MSCI’s Proposed Index Changes
MSCI is expected to make a crucial announcement by October 16, 2026, regarding its proposed guidelines that could see Bitcoin treasury firms removed from its indices. Saylor expressed indifference towards this decision, asserting that he believes digital assets are integral to the future of finance.
The methodology in question targets firms classified as non-operating companies, using data sourced from May 2026. The companies identified for potential exclusion include:
- Strategy: The largest Bitcoin treasury company.
- Metaplanet: A Japanese firm.
- Yellow Cake: An investment firm focused on uranium.
Impact of Removal from MSCI Indices
Analysts at JPMorgan estimate that should MSCI proceed with the removal, Strategy Inc. could witness approximately $2.8 billion in passive investment outflows, as MSCI-tracking funds currently own around 3.1% of the company’s shares.
Saylor criticized the proposed MSCI rules, suggesting they are biased and do not reflect the true nature of the current market ecosystem. He affirmed that even if Strategy were to be excluded from these indices, it would not significantly impact the company’s overall operations.
Insights on Bitcoin’s Market Position
During the interview, Saylor also shared his insights on Bitcoin’s current market status, asserting that the asset has effectively bottomed around the $60,000 mark and is poised for recovery, with an anticipated rise to approximately $80,000. He forecasts that Bitcoin will eventually surpass the $100,000 threshold.
Strategy’s Stance on MSCI’s Methodology
Strategy Inc. has officially contested MSCI’s approach. The company argues that the provided framework for assessing companies is discriminatory and maintains that index providers should accurately reflect market realities without imposing limitations on how firms operate.
As of mid-October 2026, Strategy holds over 848,000 BTC, bolstered by a recent acquisition of an additional 250 Bitcoin, reinforcing its commitment to digital assets.
Future Considerations and Responses
This is not MSCI’s first attempt to address the status of digital asset treasury firms. An initial proposal in January 2026 to exclude these companies from its indices was ultimately abandoned. Following a review of feedback from the August 2026 consultation, any changes may impact the upcoming index revisions in November 2026.
For shareholders of Strategy, the immediate concern is logistical; should MSCI move forward with exclusion, the resulting $2.8 billion sell-off will need to be addressed. Furthermore, if MSCI establishes a precedent by defining Bitcoin treasury firms as non-operating, it could influence other index providers and institutional investors who might follow suit.
The dynamics remain closely watched, with key events including MSCI’s imminent announcement, the implications for the November index review, and how other affected firms such as Metaplanet and Yellow Cake react to potential deletions.
