The rise of Bitcoin treasury companies has sparked an intense debate over whether they add stability or new layers of risk to businesses. Analysts from the global credit rating agency, Morningstar have expanded on the skepticism, pointing out that using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin as a primary reserve currency may weaken, rather than strengthen the stability of corporate treasuries.
The Dark Side Of Bitcoin Treasury Companies
The adoption of cryptocurrencies for treasury functions has become one of the most trending topics in the financial industry. In a commentary published on August 21, Morningstar analysts noted that while Bitcoin and Ethereum are increasingly used for payments and investments, the shifts toward employing them for treasury functions introduce risks that could outweigh potential benefits.Â
According to the commentary, Bitcoin treasury companies are likely exposing themselves to elevated levels of financial instability. One of the biggest drivers of this risk is the absence of clear regulatory oversight. Morningstar analysts highlighted the lack of a global regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, with countries like the United States and Canada adopting differing approaches, while others, such as Egypt and China, impose outright bans.
This fragmented environment reportedly creates unpredictability for corporations that must manage compliance and financial stability. For treasuries, where certainty and legal clarity are vital, the analysts caution that such uncertainty may heighten credit risk and weaken confidence in long-term planning.Â
Morningstar further stressed that cryptocurrency markets lack the depth of traditional asset markets, making liquidity unreliable. The analysts warn that this can cause companies to incur losses or face delays when attempting to access capital. They also note that such disruptions undermine the efficiency expected of corporate treasury management. Â
Morningstar’s report also highlighted security risks for Bitcoin treasury concerns companies, noting that reliance on third-party custodians and exchanges such as Coinbase or Binance exposes them to operational failure, cyberattacks, and regulatory disputes. It added that the dual role of these exchanges as both trading platforms and custodians increases counterparty risks, weakening the stability of treasury reserves.Â
Further Warnings Issued Over BTC Treasury Firms
In the commentary, Morningstar analysts further stated that volatility remains the most striking weakness of Bitcoin treasury companies. Their research underscored that Bitcoin is nearly five times more volatile than the S&P 500 in the short term, exposing companies to sudden valuation swings that can severely destabilize operations.Â
Morningstar also noted that the materiality of crypto holdings is another central concern of Bitcoin treasury companies. The analysts caution that when digital assets make up a significant portion of a company’s reserves, the treasury begins to function more like a speculative portfolio than a financial safeguard.Â
The report pointed out that firms like Strategy Inc., which holds over 629,000 BTC, are particularly exposed to this imbalance. With the top 20 public companies controlling 94% of total public Bitcoin treasury holdings, the sector also faces significant concentration risks. Furthermore, Morningstar warns that Bitcoin treasury companies may also be vulnerable to technical failures, exchange insolvency, liquidity crises, and weakened creditworthiness, even with insurance and security measures in place.
