Wall Street’s Quiet Crypto Grab: $100 Billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum Locked Away

Let’s not sugarcoat it — when 160 public companies start snapping up crypto, it’s more than just a phase. According to Coinpedia and data aggregated via TradingView, public firms around the world now hold a staggering $100 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum combined. That’s not just a headline — it’s a clear marker of how far we’ve come since the “magic internet money” days.

Now, sure, maybe you’ve heard rumblings of this before. MicroStrategy, Tesla, Coinbase — the usual suspects. But the reality? This trend is broader, deeper, and possibly just warming up.

Credit from : Investopedia

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Bitcoin and Ethereum: From Fringe Bets to Balance Sheet Staples

Let’s take a moment and rewind. Just a few years ago, most CFOs wouldn’t touch Bitcoin or Ethereum with a 10-foot pole. Too volatile, too risky, too…weird?

Fast forward to 2025, and here we are — the likes of Galaxy Digital, Tesla, Block Inc., Marathon Digital Holdings, and even smaller firms are scooping up BTC and ETH like it’s the new gold and silver. And honestly? That comparison isn’t too far off.

Credit from : Plus500

In fact, Coinpedia breaks it down quite simply — out of all publicly traded firms, Bitcoin alone is held by 45 companies, totaling over $80 billion, while Ethereum sits around $10 billion, and the rest? Spread across a mix of BTC and ETH holdings.

Sure, Ethereum is trailing in dollar value — but don’t count it out just yet.

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Ethereum’s Growing Share: Smart Money Watching Smart Contracts

Here’s where things get interesting. While Bitcoin still reigns in sheer value, Ethereum is slowly — but surely — becoming the more strategic hold.

Why? Utility.

As Bankless noted in their Ethereum Decade of Dominance feature, the Ethereum ecosystem isn’t just about price speculation anymore. It’s powering everything from DeFi protocols and NFT platforms to L2 scaling solutions and even tokenized real-world assets.

Credit from : Unicsoft

So, while Bitcoin gets the big headlines and “digital gold” branding, Ethereum is weaving itself into the fabric of next-gen finance. And some corporate treasurers are waking up to that.

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160 Companies… But That’s Just the Start

Okay — 160 sounds like a lot, right? But zoom out a bit.

There are over 58,000 public companies globally. So 160? It’s a drop in the ocean. But here’s the kicker: the $100B locked by those few is likely just the beginning.

Some say these early movers are doing the heavy lifting — absorbing volatility, testing accounting waters, navigating regulatory gray zones — so others can follow later, easier.

It’s the classic “S-curve” of adoption. Early weirdos first (looking at you, MicroStrategy), followed by curious dabblers, and eventually, mainstream acceptance.

Credit from : Corporate Finance Institute

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Institutional Behavior, Retail Ripple Effects

Another fun side effect? When companies start locking up crypto, liquidity tightens. And less liquid supply often pushes prices… well, you know where.

It’s not just hype — we’ve seen this in action. Following announcements from major firms adding Bitcoin to their treasuries, BTC often surges shortly after. It’s a pattern at this point.

But it’s not just about price action. Public firms embracing crypto also signals a shift in mindset — a growing belief that Bitcoin and Ethereum might be long-term hedges, innovation tools, or both.

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Accounting Nightmares and Regulation Limbo

Now, let’s be honest: this isn’t all rainbows and “number go up.” There’s still a messy accounting dilemma for crypto on balance sheets.

Under current U.S. accounting rules, digital assets are classified as intangible assets — meaning if their price drops, companies must record an impairment loss… but if the price rises, they can’t record a gain unless they sell. Yep, a total buzzkill for volatility.

Plus, we’re still waiting on comprehensive regulatory frameworks. And some firms aren’t exactly thrilled about that limbo.

But still — despite all this, companies are still buying. Maybe they know something the rest of us don’t. Or maybe they’re just playing the long game.

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Bitcoin and Ethereum in Boardrooms: What Comes Next?

So what does it really mean when major public companies are collectively holding $100 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Well, a few things, probably:

• Validation: Crypto isn’t fringe anymore. It’s on the books of Fortune 500s.
• Scarcity: Less BTC and ETH available for retail buyers.
• Inertia: Once enough big players get in, others follow… or risk falling behind.
• Volatility cushion: Institutional holders can (somewhat) buffer wild price swings.
• Narrative shift: Bitcoin = store of value. Ethereum = future of finance.

Still, even with all this momentum, we’re barely scratching the surface.

Credit from : Cointelegraph

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Final Thoughts: Bitcoin and Ethereum Are No Longer Optional

Here’s the thing — when that much money is involved, it’s not about ideology anymore. It’s strategy.

Yes, there’s risk. Yes, the regulatory winds are still swirling. And yes, some say the crypto hype might fade. But right now? The trend is pointing in one clear direction.

With $100 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum now sitting in the coffers of public companies — and growing — ignoring crypto is starting to look less like caution and more like… denial.

Is this the tipping point? Hard to say. But one thing’s clear — this isn’t just a crypto story anymore. It’s a corporate one.

And it’s still unfolding.