Saudi Central Bank Invests in Bitcoin via MicroStrategy

Key Takeaways
- The central bank of Saudi Arabia is indirectly investing in Bitcoin through MicroStrategy.
- The central bank holds 25,656 shares of the company.
- MicroStrategy currently holds approximately 568,840 Bitcoins, valued at around USD 68 billion.
- Other Gulf states like Abu Dhabi are also increasing their crypto investments.
- Global central banks are beginning to consider Bitcoin as part of their reserve strategies.
Saudi Arabia Backs Bitcoin – Indirectly
The central bank of Saudi Arabia has made its first indirect investment in Bitcoin by purchasing shares in MicroStrategy. According to recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the bank owns 25,656 shares of the company. MicroStrategy is known for holding Bitcoin as part of its corporate reserves – currently over 568,000 BTC – making it the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin worldwide.
This investment signals Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in digital assets. Many market observers view this move as a strategic step toward diversifying away from traditional currencies such as the U.S. dollar.
MicroStrategy Doubles Down on Bitcoin Strategy
MicroStrategy, now rebranded as “Strategy,” continues to pursue its Bitcoin-focused trajectory. In Q1 2025, the company announced plans to double its capital allocation for Bitcoin to USD 84 billion. Its current holdings of 568,840 BTC represent a market value of approximately USD 68 billion.
Despite this aggressive approach, the company’s stock has come under pressure. On May 15, it closed down 5% at USD 397. The current share price stands at USD 393.94. Analysts attribute the decline to the high volatility and risks associated with the company’s Bitcoin-centric strategy.
Gulf States Realign Their Strategies
Saudi Arabia is not the only Gulf nation turning to digital assets. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala, has also expanded its crypto exposure. A recent SEC filing revealed that Mubadala has invested USD 408.5 million in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF – a significant increase from previous positions.
These developments point to a broader strategic shift. Traditionally reliant on oil trade, Gulf states are increasingly seeking alternative stores of value and investment opportunities. Bitcoin appears to be emerging as a serious option in this context.
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Global Trends: Bitcoin in National Reserves
A similar trend is emerging worldwide. More and more countries are integrating Bitcoin into their national reserve strategies. In addition to Saudi Arabia, this includes El Salvador, Iran, Bhutan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has also invested in companies with strong crypto exposure, including MicroStrategy, Coinbase, and Metaplanet.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in a Chinese-led digital currency project in 2024 was an early signal. Its current investment in MicroStrategy could be another step toward reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar and moving toward a more diversified financial strategy.
Our Take
The Saudi central bank’s stake in MicroStrategy is more than just a financial investment – it’s a strategic signal. The move shows that even conservative institutions like central banks are beginning to view Bitcoin as part of their long-term financial planning. Especially in resource-rich countries like Saudi Arabia, which are seeking alternatives to dollar dependency, Bitcoin is gaining importance.
For crypto enthusiasts like you, this means institutional acceptance of Bitcoin is growing. If even central banks are investing in Bitcoin indirectly, this could lead to greater stability and trust in the market over the long term. However, risk remains – particularly with highly leveraged strategies such as MicroStrategy’s.
Sources
- SEC filings on MicroStrategy
- MicroStrategy Q1 2025 financial report
- Reports on Mubadala investments in Bitcoin ETFs
- Information on global government Bitcoin holdings