Business

A Growing Corporate Treasury Trend in 2026

Published

on

Sydney, Australia — As Bitcoin’s price hovers around US$78,000 in early 2026 amid global market volatility, a small but growing number of Australian companies have embraced digital assets as part of their treasury strategies. While far from the scale seen in the United States—where firms like MicroStrategy hold hundreds of thousands of BTC—Australian public companies are quietly accumulating Bitcoin, viewing it as a hedge against inflation, a store of value, or a strategic asset in the evolving crypto landscape.

Unlike the U.S., where corporate Bitcoin adoption exploded after MicroStrategy’s pioneering moves in 2020, Australia has seen more cautious uptake. Regulatory scrutiny from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which flagged crypto oversight gaps as a 2026 priority risk, has tempered enthusiasm. Yet, a handful of ASX-listed entities have disclosed holdings, often through direct purchases or exposure via funds and ETFs they manage.

Data from trackers like BitcoinTreasuries.net and company filings as of February 2026 reveal only a few public companies with confirmed BTC on balance sheets. Many Australian firms gain indirect exposure through crypto-related services, mining operations, or investment vehicles rather than outright treasury holdings. Private companies and funds add to the picture, but public disclosures remain limited.

Here are the top 10 Australian-linked entities (primarily public companies) with the most significant Bitcoin exposure or holdings, ranked by approximate BTC count or equivalent value based on recent reports and filings. Note that figures can fluctuate with market prices and are subject to ongoing updates; some represent managed funds or indirect stakes rather than pure corporate treasuries.

Advertisement
  1. DigitalX Limited (ASX: DCC) Perth-based DigitalX leads Australian corporate Bitcoin exposure with approximately 502 BTC as of early 2026, valued at around A$60-65 million depending on spot prices. The blockchain and digital asset manager has aggressively grown its holdings, raising A$20.7 million in 2025 from investors including Animoca Brands to expand its treasury. DigitalX also operates the BTXX Bitcoin ETF on the ASX, providing spot exposure that bolsters its overall position. The company positions Bitcoin as a core asset class, with holdings representing a significant portion of its balance sheet.
  2. Locate Technologies Limited (ASX: LOC) This Sydney last-mile delivery startup made headlines in 2025 as one of the first ASX firms to adopt a formal Bitcoin treasury policy. It holds about 12 BTC, valued at roughly A$1-1.5 million. Locate raised funds in mid-2025 specifically to build the position, viewing Bitcoin as a superior store of value compared to cash amid inflationary pressures. Share price volatility followed announcements, reflecting investor sentiment on the strategy.
  3. 333D Limited (ASX: T3D) A smaller player focused on digital assets and 3D technologies, 333D reported holdings equivalent to about 2-3 BTC in recent updates, with market value around A$200,000-300,000 as of February 1, 2026. The company flagged a material impairment of A$141,661 due to crypto volatility and AUD strength against USD, underscoring risks in unhedged positions. Despite the dip, 333D maintains Bitcoin as part of its treasury management policy.

Beyond these three public companies with direct disclosed holdings, the list expands to entities with substantial indirect or managed exposure:

4-6. Bitcoin ETFs and Funds (e.g., DigitalX BTXX, VanEck VBTC, Global X EBTC) Australian-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs hold significant BTC on behalf of investors. DigitalX’s BTXX ETF, VanEck’s VBTC (with nearly A$290 million AUM), and Global X’s EBTC collectively custody thousands of BTC equivalents. While not corporate treasuries, these vehicles—often managed by the companies above—represent Australia’s primary institutional Bitcoin access, with holdings in the range of hundreds to low thousands of BTC across products.

7. Iris Energy Limited (ASX: IRE, NASDAQ: IREN) The Bitcoin mining company, dual-listed and with Australian roots, holds BTC from mining rewards. While exact treasury figures vary (miners often sell output), Iris has pivoted toward AI infrastructure but retains exposure through operations. Indirect holdings place it among notable players.

8-10. Other Crypto-Adjacent Firms (e.g., Synthetix, Power Ledger, CoinJar)Blockchain startups like Synthetix (decentralized derivatives), Power Ledger (energy trading), and exchanges like CoinJar have crypto-native models but limited disclosed BTC treasuries. Some hold small amounts for operational or strategic reasons, though not at treasury scale. Private firms and funds add depth, but public transparency remains low.

The trend reflects broader global shifts, with corporate Bitcoin adoption rising despite 2026’s price dips. In Australia, adoption lags due to regulatory caution—ASIC’s 2026 outlook highlighted risks from unlicensed or fringe operators—and a preference for regulated products like ETFs. The proposed Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 aims to clarify licensing for platforms holding customer assets, potentially encouraging more corporate uptake.

Advertisement

Analysts note Australian firms favor indirect exposure via ETFs or mining rather than aggressive treasury builds like MicroStrategy’s. Volatility remains a concern; 333D’s recent impairment highlights forex and price risks without hedging.

As Bitcoin matures, more ASX companies may follow suit if regulatory clarity improves and institutional confidence grows. For now, DigitalX stands out as Australia’s clearest corporate Bitcoin champion, blending treasury strategy with product innovation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending

Exit mobile version