From Holding to Controlling: When Bitcoin Starts 'Buying Listed Companies'

marsbitPublished on 2026-02-06Last updated on 2026-02-06

Abstract

From Holding to Controlling: When Bitcoin Starts "Buying Listed Companies" In a landmark event, Bitcoin has entered the capital structure of a publicly traded company as a form of capital contribution for the first time. On February 4, Nasdaq-listed insurance brokerage Tianruixiang Holdings announced that an undisclosed investor would contribute 15,000 Bitcoin in exchange for equity in the company. Valued at approximately $1.125 billion (based on Bitcoin's price of $75,000 at the time), this transaction marks a historic shift. This is not about buying a Bitcoin ETF, holding BTC, or issuing debt to purchase Bitcoin. It represents a direct exchange of Bitcoin for equity in a listed company. Over the past two years, a profound change has been underway: Bitcoin is systematically entering the balance sheets of public companies. Companies like MicroStrategy (now Strategy) have fundamentally altered traditional corporate logic. They no longer operate solely based on their core business but function as financial vehicles, continuously issuing stock and convertible bonds to raise capital for purchasing Bitcoin. This has given rise to a new type of entity: the **Bitcoin Treasury Company**. Other examples include Japan's Metaplanet, and U.S.-based firms like Twenty One Capital and Bitcoin Standard Treasury. A significant阵营 (camp) of publicly traded companies now holds substantial Bitcoin, including: * Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy): over 710,000 BTC * Major miners like MARA,...

Author: Conflux

For the first time, Bitcoin has entered the capital structure of a listed company as a "capital contribution asset."

On February 4, TIAN RUI XIANG Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed insurance brokerage company, announced that an undisclosed investor would contribute 15,000 Bitcoins in exchange for equity in the company. At the time, with Bitcoin priced at approximately $75,000, the nominal value of this contribution was about $1.1 billion.

The announcement did not disclose specific details, but it achieved a historic breakthrough: Bitcoin, for the first time, entered the equity structure of a Nasdaq-listed company as a "capital contribution asset."

This is not buying an ETF, not holding BTC, nor issuing bonds to buy coins. This is using Bitcoin directly to exchange for equity in a listed company.

The Era of Bitcoin Treasuries

Over the past two years, a profound change has been taking place: Bitcoin is systematically entering the balance sheets of listed companies.

Take Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) as an example. It has completely transformed the operational logic of traditional listed companies. It no longer relies on selling software to make money but has instead become a financial machine: continuously issuing stocks, convertible bonds, and other instruments to convert financing into Bitcoin.

Legally, it is a Nasdaq-listed company;

Financially, it more closely resembles a "Bitcoin asset amplifier";

In the capital markets, it has become a directly tradable Bitcoin channel that doesn't require an ETF.

Japan's Metaplanet, the U.S.'s Twenty One Capital, and Bitcoin Standard Treasury are all following the same path as Strategy.

These companies have formed a new species—Bitcoin Treasury Companies.

The Listed Company Bitcoin Camp

To date, the global listed companies holding the most Bitcoin have formed a substantial camp:

  • Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy): Over 710,000 Bitcoins
  • Large mining companies like MARA, Riot, Hut 8
  • Trading platforms like Coinbase, Bullish
  • Bitcoin treasury companies like Twenty One Capital, Metaplanet, Bitcoin Standard Treasury
  • Even tech and payment companies like Tesla and Block

These companies share a common trait: they have turned Bitcoin from an investment asset into an integral part of the company's capital structure.

The 15,000 Bitcoin transaction by TIAN RUI XIANG represents a leap forward in this direction.

The "Reverse Merger" of Crypto Assets

If the transaction is completed, TIAN RUI XIANG would hold over 15,000 Bitcoins, surpassing U.S. crypto exchange Coinbase to become the world's eighth-largest Bitcoin treasury company.

However, its distinction from Strategy, mining companies, and exchanges lies in the fact that it is not "buying Bitcoin with fiat currency" but rather using Bitcoin to, in a sense, "acquire a Nasdaq-listed shell company."

Under this structure, the transaction no longer appears to be merely an investment but rather resembles a reverse merger of traditional capital markets by crypto assets.

Bitcoin is no longer just "held" by companies; it is beginning to be used to restructure ownership itself.

From Strategy's over 700,000 Bitcoins, to mining companies, exchanges, treasury companies, and now transactions directly exchanging Bitcoin for equity in listed companies, a clear path has emerged: Bitcoin is restructuring the "listed company network."

When this system becomes sufficiently large, Bitcoin will no longer be just a "crypto asset" but will transform into a financial infrastructure embedded within the global system.

When enough listed companies use Bitcoin as the foundational layer for capital and ownership, Bitcoin will no longer be just a "crypto asset" but will become a financial infrastructure embedded within the global capital system.

*This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice. The market carries risks, and investment requires caution.

Related Questions

QWhat is the historical significance of the T-Regen deal involving 15,000 Bitcoin?

AThe T-Regen deal is historically significant because it marks the first time Bitcoin was used as a 'capital contribution asset' to acquire equity in a Nasdaq-listed company, directly integrating it into the firm's capital structure.

QWhat is a 'Bitcoin Treasury Company' and how does it differ from a traditional company?

AA 'Bitcoin Treasury Company' is a new type of entity, like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), that functions as a financial machine, raising capital through traditional means (e.g., issuing stock, convertible bonds) to accumulate Bitcoin, effectively becoming a publicly-traded Bitcoin holding vehicle rather than operating a traditional business for profit.

QHow does the T-Regen transaction differ from a company like MicroStrategy simply buying Bitcoin?

AUnlike MicroStrategy, which uses fiat currency raised from capital markets to purchase Bitcoin, the T-Regen transaction involved an investor directly contributing 15,000 Bitcoin in exchange for company equity, resembling a reverse merger where Bitcoin is used to acquire a public listing.

QAccording to the article, what is the broader trend of Bitcoin's role in public companies evolving into?

AThe broader trend is that Bitcoin is evolving from a simple investment asset into a fundamental part of corporate capital structures, and is on a path to potentially become a financial infrastructure layer embedded within the global capital system as more companies use it for capital and ownership.

QWhat major shift does the article suggest is happening regarding Bitcoin and corporate ownership?

AThe article suggests a major shift where Bitcoin is no longer just being 'held' by companies but is being used to 'reconstruct ownership itself,' as seen in deals where it is directly exchanged for equity, fundamentally changing the relationship between crypto assets and traditional corporate finance.

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