Finance

Bitcoin Supply Shock Looms as Corporate Giants Gobble Up Crypto, Reshaping Finance

Companies are buying Bitcoin at record rates, potentially creating a supply shortage.

October 26, 2025, 11:03 AM

Illustration depicting the BRICS nations, possibly represented by flags or symbols, suggesting a new currency system for international trade.

As the BRICS nations explore a new currency system, the global market anticipates a shift in international trade dynamics. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Corporate Bitcoin accumulation has reached unprecedented levels, with businesses acquiring nearly four times the daily mined supply and holding 6.2% of the total Bitcoin supply, leading to speculation about a supply crisis.

The practice of paying salaries in cryptocurrency is rapidly increasing, with over 25% of companies now compensating employees in crypto, a trend particularly favored by Gen Z workers for inflation protection.

The surge in corporate Bitcoin adoption and crypto payroll presents both opportunities for traditional banks to offer new services like crypto custody and challenges related to volatility, regulation, and cybersecurity.

The Story So Far

The current surge in corporate Bitcoin accumulation, with businesses acquiring nearly four times the daily mined supply, is driven by a growing trend of companies embracing Bitcoin as a corporate reserve asset across various industries. This phenomenon is further amplified by the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency for employee payroll, particularly among younger workers, who see it as protection against inflation and a means for more efficient international payments, together reshaping corporate finance and labor markets.

Why This Matters

The unprecedented corporate accumulation of Bitcoin, significantly outpacing new supply, signals a potential supply crisis and a fundamental reshaping of corporate finance, with Bitcoin increasingly becoming a mainstream reserve asset. This institutional embrace, alongside the growing trend of crypto payroll, marks a significant shift in business operations and employee compensation, prompting traditional financial systems to adapt to this evolving digital asset landscape.

Who Thinks What?

Companies are actively accumulating Bitcoin at an unprecedented rate, using it as a corporate reserve asset and increasingly paying employees in cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, to leverage practical advantages and signal confidence.

Gen Z employees are increasingly preferring to receive compensation in cryptocurrencies or stablecoins, citing protection against inflation and currency devaluation.

Traditional banking institutions face both opportunities, such as offering new crypto-related services, and challenges, including price volatility and regulatory risks, due to the surge in corporate Bitcoin adoption.

Corporate Bitcoin accumulation has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with businesses reportedly acquiring nearly four times the daily mined supply, sparking speculation about an impending supply crisis. This surge in institutional interest is reshaping corporate finance, with over 6% of all Bitcoin now held by companies and a growing trend of paying employees in cryptocurrencies.

Corporate Bitcoin Accumulation Surges

According to a report by River, corporate Bitcoin holdings have hit record highs, with companies purchasing an average of 1,755 Bitcoin daily. This significantly outpaces the approximately 450 Bitcoin mined each day, leading some analysts to suggest a potential supply shortage. Currently, businesses collectively own about 6.2% of the total Bitcoin supply, with 158 publicly listed companies disclosing Bitcoin on their balance sheets.

The report indicates that companies now hold roughly 1.3 million Bitcoin in total. Treasury-focused firms, such as MicroStrategy, account for a substantial portion of these holdings, with MicroStrategy alone possessing approximately 788,000 Bitcoin. The trend of corporate adoption extends beyond the tech sector, with real estate, finance, software, and hospitality industries increasingly embracing Bitcoin as a corporate reserve asset. A notable 25.7% of businesses opting for self-custody signals growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

Crypto Payroll on the Rise

Alongside corporate accumulation, the practice of paying salaries in cryptocurrency is gaining traction, particularly among younger workers. A significant segment of Gen Z employees reportedly prefers receiving part or all of their compensation in cryptocurrencies or stablecoins, citing protection against inflation and currency devaluation. Over 25% of companies are now compensating employees in crypto, representing a 66.7% increase since 2023.

Crypto payroll solutions offer practical advantages, including rapid payment processing and reduced international payroll costs compared to traditional banking systems. However, due to Bitcoin’s price volatility, many firms opt to use stablecoins for employee compensation to mitigate financial risk. Companies are also investing in dedicated compliance teams and utilizing specialized crypto payroll providers to ensure adherence to tax and regulatory requirements.

Implications for Traditional Banking

The increasing corporate adoption of Bitcoin presents both opportunities and challenges for traditional banking. Banks could adapt by offering new services such as crypto custody options and interest-bearing crypto accounts to attract new clientele. Conversely, they face risks associated with Bitcoin’s price fluctuations, the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, and heightened cybersecurity concerns regarding digital assets.

A Shifting Landscape

The unprecedented rate of corporate Bitcoin accumulation, significantly outstripping new supply, alongside the growing prevalence of crypto payroll, marks a fundamental shift in corporate finance and labor markets. This trend suggests a re-evaluation of traditional financial strategies and is expected to continue influencing the future of business operations and employee compensation.