MSCI Keeps Digital Asset Firms Eligible in 2026 Review

Global index provider MSCI announced on Tuesday that it will not exclude digital asset treasury companies from its benchmarks as part of its February 2026 review, opting instead to maintain their current eligibility while initiating a broader consultation on the treatment of nonoperating companies.

The decision applies to so-called DATCOs, firms where digital assets such as Bitcoin represent at least 50 percent of total assets. MSCI identified a preliminary list of such companies during its review process, but feedback from institutional investors highlighted concerns that some DATCOs exhibit characteristics similar to investment funds, which are typically ineligible for inclusion in its global equity indexes. As a result, MSCI chose to preserve the status quo for now, ensuring that qualifying DATCOs remain in indexes like the MSCI World and others, provided they meet standard eligibility criteria.

Strategy Inc., a pioneer in adopting digital assets as corporate treasury reserves and holder of over $60 billion in Bitcoin, welcomed the outcome. In a post on X, the company stated, "MSCI confirmed Digital Asset Treasury Companies will remain in MSCI Indexes for the Feb 2026 review....