In a monumental decision impacting both traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem, MSCI Inc., the renowned global index provider, has announced it will not move forward with its initial plan to exclude crypto-focused companies from its flagship stock indexes. This announcement, made on January 6, 2026, comes as a relief to companies and investors heavily invested in digital assets.
What Was MSCI’s Plan?
MSCI’s original proposal, first introduced in October 2025, sought to exclude a category of companies labeled as Digital Asset Treasury Companies (DATCOs). According to MSCI, these were firms where cryptocurrencies accounted for 50% or more of their balance sheet assets. The intent was to reclassify DATCOs, effectively making them ineligible for inclusion in major indices like the MSCI All Country World Index.
Had this plan been implemented, it could have dramatically restricted the visibility and accessibility of crypto-focused firms to global institutional investors and mutual funds tracking MSCI indexes. Among the 39 companies identified for potential exclusion were major players like Strategy and Japan’s Metaplanet, which collectively represent a market value exceeding $133 billion.
Why Did MSCI Reverse Its Decision?
In its official statement, MSCI cited the complexity of distinguishing between companies that genuinely integrate digital assets into operations and those using cryptocurrencies as passive assets. This differentiation, according to MSCI, requires more “research and consultation.”
This decision followed intense backlash from the crypto community and high-profile public campaigns. For instance, Strategy’s executive chairman, Michael Saylor, argued in a December 2025 letter that the 50% rule was “arbitrarily targeting digital assets” while ignoring similar business practices in other industries like oil, timber, and gold. Saylor asserted that implementing this rule would lead to index inconsistency and instability due to fluctuating asset values and accounting standards.
Market Reactions to MSCI’s Announcement
The market responded positively to MSCI’s reversal. Shares of Strategy saw a 4% jump in after-hours trading, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Bitcoin also experienced a short-term price boost. This underscores growing synergy between traditional financial markets and cryptocurrency-focused businesses.
Several advocacy groups, including BitcoinForCorporations and asset managers like Strive Asset Management, welcomed the decision. Many argued that the exclusion plan violated index neutrality principles and unfairly penalized companies dealing with digital assets, unlike firms with heavy concentrations of other commodities.
Looking Ahead: MSCI’s Next Steps
While the exclusion plan has been halted, MSCI has stated it will conduct further analysis of how companies with significant non-operating digital assets fit within its indexes. This suggests there could be future guidelines impacting the classification of DATCOs.
The decision also signals a broader reckoning with how global financial systems integrate digital assets. As digital currencies like Bitcoin continue to gain mainstream adoption, index providers will need to refine their frameworks for inclusivity while maintaining their standards.
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