Corporate BTC Playbook

Bitcoin Strategy Guide

The complete playbook for companies adopting Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. From board approval to technical implementation — everything you need to know.

Why Bitcoin?

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Inflation Hedge

Fixed supply of 21 million coins. Unlike fiat currencies subject to unlimited printing, Bitcoin's programmatic scarcity protects against monetary debasement.

🌍

Global Settlement Layer

24/7 borderless transactions with final settlement in ~1 hour. No banks, no intermediaries, no permission needed.

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Superior Returns

Bitcoin has outperformed every major asset class over the past decade. Averaged 100%+ annual returns since inception.

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Institutional Grade

Established custody solutions, regulated exchanges, and accounting frameworks. Ready for corporate treasury deployment.

Adoption Framework

The proven 5-phase approach used by MicroStrategy, Tesla, and 50+ public companies

01

Education & Research

✓ Executive team Bitcoin education sessions
✓ Study existing corporate adopters (MicroStrategy, Tesla)
✓ Evaluate treasury exposure to fiat currency risk
✓ Assess regulatory landscape in your jurisdiction
02

Strategic Planning

✓ Define allocation percentage (5-100% of treasury)
✓ Set acquisition strategy (DCA vs. lump sum)
✓ Establish holding period and rebalancing policy
✓ Create internal governance framework
03

Legal & Compliance

✓ Obtain board approval and shareholder authorization
✓ Review securities law implications (public companies)
✓ Implement AML/KYC procedures
✓ Update corporate bylaws and treasury policy
04

Technical Implementation

✓ Select institutional custody provider (Coinbase, Fidelity, BitGo)
✓ Set up multi-signature cold storage wallets
✓ Establish secure key management procedures
✓ Configure accounting software for Bitcoin tracking
05

Execution & Disclosure

✓ Execute initial Bitcoin acquisition
✓ File 8-K disclosure (public companies)
✓ Communicate strategy to shareholders and stakeholders
✓ Establish ongoing monitoring and reporting procedures

Critical Considerations

💼 Accounting Treatment

Current Standard (FASB): Bitcoin is treated as an indefinite-lived intangible asset subject to impairment testing.

  • Mark-to-market losses recognized quarterly if price drops
  • Gains only recognized upon sale
  • No reversal of impairment losses allowed

Proposed Change: FASB is considering fair value accounting that would allow gains and losses to flow through P&L each quarter.

🔐 Custody Solutions

Options:

  • Qualified Custodians: Coinbase Custody, Fidelity Digital Assets, BitGo (regulated, insured)
  • Self-Custody: Multi-sig hardware wallets (requires technical expertise)
  • Hybrid: Mix of hot and cold storage for different use cases

Best Practice: Start with qualified custodian for insurance and regulatory compliance.

⚖️ Legal & Regulatory

Key Requirements:

  • Board resolution authorizing Bitcoin treasury strategy
  • 8-K filing within 4 business days of material Bitcoin purchase (public companies)
  • Quarterly 10-Q disclosure of holdings and impairment losses
  • Bank Secrecy Act compliance for certain transactions

Recommendation: Work with securities counsel experienced in digital assets.

📊 Acquisition Strategy

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA):

  • Buy fixed dollar amount at regular intervals
  • Reduces timing risk and volatility impact
  • Example: $10M per week over 10 weeks

Lump Sum:

  • Deploy entire allocation at once
  • Higher conviction required
  • Example: MicroStrategy's $250M initial purchase

Case Studies

Learn from companies that successfully adopted Bitcoin

MicroStrategy

Software Est. 2020
189,150
BTC Holdings
$18.6B
Current Value
3X
Stock Outperformance

MicroStrategy pioneered corporate Bitcoin adoption under CEO Michael Saylor. Started with $250M purchase in August 2020, now holds 1% of all Bitcoin ever to exist.

Key Insight: "Bitcoin is the exit strategy from fiat currency debasement."

Tesla

Automotive Est. 2021
9,720
BTC Holdings
$958M
Current Value
HODL
Strategy

Tesla bought $1.5B Bitcoin in January 2021, briefly accepted BTC for vehicle sales, then held through volatility. Proved Fortune 500 companies can adopt Bitcoin.

Key Insight: "Bitcoin is a less dumb form of liquidity than cash."

Block (Square)

FinTech Est. 2020
8,027
BTC Holdings
$791M
Current Value
5%
Treasury %

Block maintains 5% of total cash in Bitcoin, integrates Bitcoin into Cash App, and builds Bitcoin mining infrastructure. Full-stack Bitcoin commitment.

Key Insight: "Bitcoin has the potential to be a more ubiquitous currency in the future."

Essential Resources

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MicroStrategy Bitcoin Resources

Complete corporate playbook, accounting guidance, and legal frameworks from the pioneer.

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Treasury Tracker

Live data on public and private company Bitcoin holdings, updated in real-time.

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SEC Filings Database

Review 8-K and 10-Q filings from companies that have adopted Bitcoin treasury strategy.

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Strategy Consulting

Need guidance? Our team provides confidential Bitcoin treasury strategy consulting.

Ready to Start Your Bitcoin Journey?

Join 50+ public companies and hundreds of private firms that have adopted Bitcoin as treasury reserve.

Schedule Consultation View Case Studies