Microsoft Shareholders to Vote on Potential Bitcoin Investment as Institutional Interest Grows

• Microsoft to discuss Bitcoin investment in December, despite board opposition.  
• BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF growth signals rising corporate crypto interest.  
• Bitcoin’s strong returns drive institutional focus, pushing for corporate adoption.

Microsoft Corp., the third-largest company globally by market capitalization, has set forth a shareholder vote to discuss an “Assessment of Investing in Bitcoin (BTC/USD)” at its annual meeting on December 10, according to a recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. 

With a market cap exceeding $3 trillion, Microsoft’s engagement in such a discussion shows Bitcoin’s rising prominence within the financial strategies of major corporations.

While Microsoft’s board has recommended shareholders vote against this assessment, the proposal points to the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin.

Tesla, another tech giant, recently confirmed it still holds all of its Bitcoin, and financial giant BlackRock now owns approximately 5% of all Bitcoin in circulation, alongside a similar stake in MicroStrategy Inc.. 

BlackRock’s position highlights its ongoing commitment to Bitcoin, evidenced further by its operation of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), the largest Bitcoin-focused investment fund globally.

The shareholder proposal calling for Microsoft to explore a Bitcoin investment cited the cryptocurrency’s impressive performance, noting its nearly 100% gain over the past year and 414% growth over five years. 

Additionally, the proposal referenced the outstanding market performance of MicroStrategy (MSTR), which has seen its stock soar by 244% in 2024 alone. In comparison, Microsoft shares have risen by 14.52% during the same period. This contrast in performance, driven by 

In response to the proposal, Microsoft’s board stated that it finds the vote unnecessary, as the company has previously considered Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies among its investment options.

Microsoft’s statement emphasized that it remains aware of the crypto market and regularly monitors trends and developments in the space for future decision-making.

The increasing institutional embrace of Bitcoin is evidenced by the launch of eleven spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States earlier this year. 

With Microsoft’s second-largest shareholder, BlackRock, leading initiatives in the Bitcoin ETF market, the upcoming vote at Microsoft’s annual meeting exemplifies how the crypto market is gaining traction within major institutions.