MicroStrategy at risk of being removed from indexes

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure The financial world is abuzz after JPMorgan published a report suggesting that MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares could be removed from MSCI indexes—which could trigger a forced sell-off worth up to $2.8 billion.

This decision would result from a new MSCI policy set to take effect in January 2026, which assumes excluding companies whose assets consist of more than 50% cryptocurrencies. In practice, this would mean that companies like MicroStrategy—known for aggressively accumulating Bitcoin—would no longer qualify for most major stock indexes.

MSCI Changes the Game

MSCI, a global leader in market index creation, explains its decision as necessary to “maintain sector balance” and limit exposure to “volatile digital assets.” However, for the crypto industry, this is a blow directed at the very foundations of institutional Bitcoin adoption.

According to JPMorgan data, out of MicroStrategy’s approximately $5.9 billion market capitalization, $2.8 billion comes from index funds that passively track MSCI. Should the exclusion decision take effect, these funds would be forced to sell MSTR shares, which could cause sharp declines not only in the company’s stock but also across the broader crypto market.

Wave of Outrage and JPMorgan Boycott

The report’s publication immediately sparked a wave of outrage in the crypto community. Hashtags like #BoycottJPMorgan i #SaveMicroStrategy appeared online, and well-known investors openly criticized the bank and MSCI.

Investor and developer Grant Cardone announced that he “withdrew $20 million from JPMorgan” in protest. Meanwhile, Bitcoin commentator Max Keiser urged his followers:

“Defeat JPMorgan. Buy MicroStrategy. Buy Bitcoin.”

According to analysts at Bitcoinist, these emotions show just how sensitive the crypto market remains to actions by traditional financial institutions. While JPMorgan formally only relayed data from the MSCI report, it has “unexpectedly become a symbol of the conflict between Wall Street and the decentralized world.”

Michael Saylor Responds: MicroStrategy Is Not a Fund, It’s a Vision

In response to the turmoil, Michael Saylor, founder and CEO of MicroStrategy, firmly distanced himself from the narrative that his company is merely a “digital asset warehouse.”

“MicroStrategy is not a fund or a trust. We create, build, and develop software, and Bitcoin is the foundation of our balance sheet—not its purpose.”

Saylor recalled that in 2024, the company joined the Nasdaq 100 index, which was a historic step for crypto-affiliated firms. Now, however, if MSCI implements the changes, MSTR could lose the position it has built over the years.

Potential Market Consequences

Experts warn that MSCI’s decision could trigger a domino effect. Companies with large crypto exposure will have to choose between:

• remaining in indexes at the cost of a crypto-based strategy,
• or losing passive capital from funds that must comply with the new rules.

As a result, this decision could cool institutional investor enthusiasm for Bitcoin, which in turn could negatively affect cryptocurrency prices and market sentiment.

HYLQ – An Alternative for Balanced Investors

In the face of this uncertainty, more and more investors are seeking a balance between growth potential and stability. One project that has attracted attention in recent weeks is HYLQ (Hylq)—a modern token combining the benefits of blockchain with principles of transparency and low risk.

The project is gaining popularity among investors looking to avoid sudden regulatory moves like the one affecting MicroStrategy.

Check out Hylq

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.