Bitcoin
Norway Expands Bitcoin Footprint Through MicroStrategy Holdings

Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), Norway’s sovereign wealth fund giant, has been discreetly increasing its Bitcoin exposure—with a unique twist.
They have strategically increased their indirect holdings by 153% by placing a shrewd wager on MicroStrategy, rather than rushing headfirst into the volatile crypto market.
By the conclusion of 2024, NBIM had acquired approximately $500 million in MicroStrategy, which amounted to more than 1.1 million shares.
Norway is able to pursue the potential advantages of Bitcoin without the discomfort of direct crypto ownership, thanks to this clever strategy.
Betting On Bitcoin—Without Purchasing A Single Coin
The most important point is Norway’s fund does not actively participate in Bitcoin. Instead, they are using MicroStrategy’s significant BTC holdings—akin to investing in a gold rush shovel manufacturer instead of digging for gold alone.
🇳🇴 Norway’s Bold Crypto Move!
💰 $500M Investment: Norway’s sovereign fund acquires 1.123M shares in MicroStrategy
📈 Bitcoin Exposure: Holdings surge 153% in 2024, now at 3,821 BTC
🌍 Global Positioning: Now among the largest institutional Bitcoin holders
🔄 Strategic Shift:… pic.twitter.com/GRKJ3KVadL
— MoneyDubai (@MoneyDubai_ae) January 30, 2025
Maintaining MicroStrategy shares helps NBIM avoid the problems related to cryptocurrencies: no regulatory gray areas, custody issues, or restless nights brought on by market swings.
And it’s paying off; their indirect crypto exposure rose from about 1,506 BTC to 3,821 BTC at year’s end. Not bad for a fund officially free of cryptocurrencies.
Norway’s indirect exposure to Bitcoin has almost tripled over the past year, as a result of increased allocations to crypto-related firms, according to K33 Research.
The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund (NBIM) indirectly holds 3,821 BTC, reflecting an increase of 1,375 BTC since June 30, 2024, and a yearly growth of 2,314 BTC—a 153% increase compared to its end-of-year 2023 holdings.
It is important to highlight that this exposure likely… pic.twitter.com/seQ12cM2Rn— Vetle Lunde (@VetleLunde) January 29, 2025
What’s The Rationale Behind MicroStrategy?
Therefore, why do they align themselves with this organization? MicroStrategy has emerged as the embodiment of the corporate Bitcoin craze. Their stock has become a Bitcoin barometer as a result of their aggressive purchasing spree; as BTC increases, so does their share price.
BTCUSD trading at $104,103 on the daily chart: TradingView.com
This implies that Norway’s fund can capitalize on Bitcoin’s potential without experiencing the cryptocurrency market’s volatility. It’s a win-win situation: maintain the stability of conventional investments while gaining a glimpse of the untamed side of crypto through a reputable intermediary.
NBIM's MicroStrategy investment value. Chart: NBIM
Big Money’s Crypto Playbook
This is not solely a Norwegian anomaly; it is a component of a more extensive trend. Institutional investors are gradually becoming more favorable toward cryptocurrency; however, they remain cautious regarding their own possession of digital currencies. Rather, they are employing their imagination. They are entering the crypto waters without entirely immersing themselves by supporting companies such as MicroStrategy.
Eggs In Other Baskets
Apart from MicroStrategy, Norges Bank Investment Management also owns stock in multiple companies that deal with Bitcoin. These include Tokyo-based Metaplanet, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, Bitcoin mining companies Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms, and Tesla.
Featured image from Gemini Imagen, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin
Why ETF Issuers are Buying Bitcoin Despite Recession Fears

According to new data from Arkham Intelligence, three major Bitcoin ETF issuers are acquiring huge amounts of BTC today. The ETFs had $220 million in net inflows yesterday, and the issuers are potentially expecting a spike in demand.
Although Bitcoin has seen wild fluctuations over the past couple of days, institutional investors might show more confidence in the leading cryptocurrency than the TradFi market.
Why are ETF Issuers Buying Bitcoin?
The crypto market experienced wider liquidations today, and fears of a broader recession are circulating heavily. Since President Trump imposed much higher tariffs than expected, crypto is mirroring the TradFi stock market with notable downturns.
However, the US spot Bitcoin ETFs market shows that institutional demand might rebound in the short term.
“Donald Trump just tariffed the entire world. So? Grayscale is buying Bitcoin, Fidelity is buying Bitcoin, Ark Invest is buying Bitcoin,” Arkham Intelligence noted on social media.
Arkham Intelligence, a prominent blockchain analysis platform, is not the only one noticing this trend in Bitcoin ETFs. Although Bitcoin’s price has been very volatile over the last two days, it has consistently managed to return to a rough baseline.
The asset’s long-short ratio was 0.94 last week, and it shifted to 1 today. This signals a move toward more balanced investor positioning.
Previously, with 48.5% long positions against 51.5% short positions, the market exhibited a slight bearish tilt. Today, the equal split—with 50.5% long positions—signals that investors have neutralized their stance, reducing the bearish bias.

This balanced positioning suggests that market sentiment has stabilized, potentially reflecting increased uncertainty about near-term price movements. Bitcoin investors may now be awaiting clearer market signals before committing to a more directional bias.
Additionally, the Bitcoin ETFs have performed well in another key area. According to data from SoSo Value, the entire asset category had net inflows of $220 million yesterday.
Granted, Trump made his Liberation Day announcements after the stock market closed yesterday, but that’s still a very impressive amount of growth.
It is currently unclear exactly what impact today’s market turmoil had on the Bitcoin ETFs as an asset category. However, Arkham’s data suggests that these issuers are making notable investments in BTC.
If nothing else, it suggests that these firms are anticipating an uptick in demand in the near future. There are still many unanswered questions about tariffs, crypto markets, and the global economy as a whole.
If ETF inflows continue throughout this week, it will reflect institutional investors’ betting on BTC to remain more stable and sustainable than TradFi markets amid recession concerns.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
BlackRock Approved by FCA to Operate as UK Crypto Asset Firm

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, received approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as a crypto asset firm.
This marks a significant milestone for the investment giant, allowing it to extend its influence in the growing digital asset market.
BlackRock Joins Crypto Elite with FCA Approval in the UK
With this approval, BlackRock can operate its newly launched European Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) as a UK entity.
According to the FCA’s website, BlackRock officially became the 51st company registered as a crypto asset firm on April 1, 2025. The firm joins a select group of financial entities, including Coinbase, PayPal, and Revolut, which have met the FCA’s stringent regulatory requirements.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP recently launched on the Euronext stock exchanges in Paris and Amsterdam. As BeInCrypto reported, this marked an expansion of the firm’s footprint in the European crypto investment market.
To attract investors, the product was introduced with a temporary fee waiver. It reduced its expense ratio to 0.15% until the end of the year. Once the waiver expires, the fee will revert to 0.25%, aligning with competing products like CoinShares’ Bitcoin ETP.
The iShares Bitcoin ETP is designed for institutional and informed retail investors. It offers a regulated and cost-effective way to gain exposure to Bitcoin. This move also positions BlackRock as a leader in the European digital asset space, catering to the growing demand for crypto-based financial products.
Meanwhile, the FCA has faced criticism for its cautious approach to crypto regulation. It has only approved around 9% of all applicants seeking registration as crypto asset firms.
“This low level of application approval signifies potential concern for the UK’s ambition to become a crypto hub,” Alan Vey, founder of web3 firm Aventus and a former Brevan Howard developer, said recently.
The regulator has defended its strict policies. A statement on its website articulated that many submissions lack essential information or fail to meet compliance standards.
“We have rejected submissions that didn’t include key components necessary for us to carry out an assessment, or the poor quality of key components meant the submission was invalid,” the FCA wrote.
Therefore, BlackRock’s FCA approval is not a mean feat. It marks another step in the mainstream adoption of crypto. With the UK now part of BlackRock’s growing crypto asset operations, the firm continues to push forward in integrating Bitcoin into traditional finance (TradFi).
BlackRock also manages approximately $12 trillion in assets (AUM) and continues actively expanding its crypto market presence. It launched its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the US in January 2024. The financial instrument has since grown into the largest US spot Bitcoin ETF, managing nearly $49 billion in assets.

Moreover, the surge in institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs has been remarkable. In just one year, US spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over $95 billion in investments, SoSoValue data shows. This highlights the increasing demand for regulated Bitcoin investment vehicles.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
What It Means for Bitcoin

An expert has cautioned that the reverse yen carry trade is currently unfolding, albeit at a slower and more controlled pace.
This could have significant implications not only for traditional financial markets but also for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC).
Why Investors Should Pay Attention to the Yen Carry Trade?
For context, the yen carry trade is a strategy in which investors borrow yen at low interest rates and invest the funds in higher-yielding assets, such as the US dollar or technology stocks. The goal is to profit from the difference in interest rates.
Nonetheless, this strategy’s risk arises from currency fluctuations. If the yen appreciates, investors converting the investment back to yen to repay the loan may see reduced or eliminated profits.
According to Michael A. Gayed, this scenario appears to be materializing now.
“The problem today is that those borrowing costs are starting to get more expensive. Traders who were able to access virtually free capital for years are now finding themselves sitting on costly margin positions that they’re potentially being forced to unwind,” he said.
In his recent report, Gayed explained that rising borrowing costs compel traders to offload dollar-denominated assets. This, in turn, heightens market volatility and depresses the prices of risk assets.

Notably, this happened last year as well. Gayed pointed out that in August 2024, the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates twice sparked a significant rally in the yen. Yet, at the same time, the S&P 500 saw an approximate 10% correction.
He added that the subsequent rebound alleviated investor concerns. Nevertheless, he believes the real issue is that the situation was never fully resolved.
“Big carry trade unwinds don’t just last a couple of weeks, and conditions are suddenly normalized,” Gayed stressed.
He added that the current market conditions resemble a similar situation. Notably, the Japanese 10-year yield has surged to 1.56%, the highest since 2008. As these yields climb, the yen strengthens, and the carry trade dynamics begin to shift.
“The 10-year yield continues to climb higher and close the interest rate differential on comparable 10-year US Treasury yields. That’s going to continue fueling strength in the yen that may continue into the later stages of 2025. And as long as the yen continues to strengthen, whether it’s quickly and slowly, that’s going to keep unwinding any outstanding carry trade that’s still out there. And it’s probably a lot,” he stated.
Moreover, Gayed suggested that the Bank of Japan will likely continue raising rates. Meanwhile, the Fed might possibly lower them in the coming months, further solidifying his outlook.
He also focused on the correlation between the S&P 500 and the yen. Gayed noted that the yen’s rise preceded the recent S&P 500 pullback by several weeks.
The correction could also be linked to an anticipated US growth slowdown and potential tariffs. Yet, he emphasized that the reverse carry trade is particularly risky due to its potential to escalate quickly, especially in the current macroeconomic climate.
“The market is plenty capable of correcting on its own, given the fears associated with tariffs and slowing economic growth. If you add people being forced to sell their US equity holdings in order to close out their short yen positions on top of that, it’s easy to see how a bad situation quickly becomes worse. And it’s already happening. Japan is still the real risk,” he claimed.
Now, the question is, why will this impact Bitcoin? Given its close correlation with the S&P 500, a correction in the latter could spell trouble for BTC. Analyst Lark Davis pointed out that Bitcoin and the S&P 500 have been closely linked since 2023.

“So as we’re trying to determine where Bitcoin goes from here, the unfortunate truth is that it all probably depends on what happens to the major stock indices,” he noted
Davis also advised crypto investors to monitor the broader economy, the stock market, and the M2 money supply, both in the US and globally.
For now, the largest cryptocurrency continues to navigate volatility ahead of President Trump’s tariff announcement. In fact, BeInCrypto reported that spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded outflows for three consecutive days.

On the price front, Bitcoin has dipped 3.1% over the past week. At press time, the coin was trading at $85,042, representing small gains of 0.8% over the past day.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
-
Altcoin20 hours ago
Analyst Forecasts 250% Dogecoin Price Rally If This Level Holds
-
Market19 hours ago
Cardano (ADA) Downtrend Deepens—Is a Rebound Possible?
-
Altcoin23 hours ago
Binance Sidelines Pi Network Again In Vote To List Initiative, Here’s All
-
Market20 hours ago
XRP Price Under Pressure—New Lows Signal More Trouble Ahead
-
Market15 hours ago
IP Token Price Surges, but Weak Demand Hints at Reversal
-
Market23 hours ago
XRP Price Reversal Toward $3.5 In The Works With Short And Long-Term Targets Revealed
-
Regulation10 hours ago
US Senate Banking Committee Approves Paul Atkins Nomination For SEC Chair Role
-
Ethereum15 hours ago
Ethereum Trading In ‘No Man’s Land’, Breakout A ‘Matter Of Time’?