Bitcoin is stepping beyond its traditional role as a store of value, with companies increasingly adopting strategies to harness its potential as a yield-bearing asset. CoinShares, a leading European crypto investment firm, has predicted a sharp rise in Bitcoin-focused yield solutions in 2025. This shift, outlined in its December 11 report, reflects the growing integration of cryptocurrency into active financial operations and corporate treasuries.
Rethinking Bitcoin’s Utility
Once seen primarily as a hedge against inflation, Bitcoin is now being utilised to generate income through innovative financial strategies. CoinShares highlights three primary approaches driving this transformation.
The first is the introduction of metrics to measure Bitcoin’s contribution to shareholder value. For instance, MicroStrategy has pioneered the “BTC Yield” metric, demonstrating how Bitcoin acquisitions enhance returns. Between January and November 2024, MicroStrategy reported an impressive 26.4% BTC yield, showcasing the potential of this approach.
The second method is yield farming, where companies lend Bitcoin to generate returns. This strategy allows businesses to actively earn on their holdings, avoiding the inefficiencies of idle reserves. The third approach leverages derivatives to create consistent income streams from Bitcoin reserves, opening new pathways for financial growth.
A Surge in Crypto Payments Drives Adoption
The broader acceptance of cryptocurrency payments is a critical factor behind this growing trend. In 2024, companies like Ferrari, AT&T, and Home Depot embraced crypto payments, paving the way for mainstream adoption. Payment platforms such as BitPay and Flexa have been instrumental in simplifying the process, encouraging businesses to explore crypto as a viable treasury asset.
CoinShares predicts that this momentum will push larger corporations like Amazon, Nike, and PayPal to follow suit, integrating Bitcoin into their reserves. By combining yield strategies with crypto payment solutions, these companies can unlock Bitcoin’s dual utility as both a payment medium and an income-generating asset.
Innovative Technologies Enable Bitcoin Yield Growth
Technological advancements are also reshaping how Bitcoin is used in corporate finance. For instance, Core DAO’s collaboration with BitGo has introduced dual staking solutions. These enable companies to stake Bitcoin on custodial platforms while earning additional yields through Core tokens. Such innovations allow businesses to maximise the value of their crypto holdings, transforming Bitcoin from a passive store of value into an active financial tool.
Regulation and Broader Implications
CoinShares notes that political and regulatory developments in the United States will play a significant role in shaping Bitcoin’s evolution. By 2025, Bitcoin’s utility is anticipated to expand beyond a mere hedge against economic instability. Through yield strategies, widespread crypto payments, and technological advancements, Bitcoin is set to solidify its position as a cornerstone of corporate and financial ecosystems worldwide.