Bitcoin has reached an extraordinary milestone, surpassing the $100,000 mark and gaining support from high-profile figures like U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yet, despite the growing mainstream acceptance of the cryptocurrency, Microsoft (MSFT) remains undecided about embracing Bitcoin. The tech giant’s shareholders are set to vote this Tuesday on whether to explore adding Bitcoin to the company’s balance sheet.
The Upcoming Vote
Scheduled for December 10, Microsoft’s shareholders will cast their votes on a proposal titled “Assessment of Investing in Bitcoin.” Filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the proposal suggests that the company should publicly evaluate Bitcoin as a potential investment. However, Microsoft’s board has advised voting against the initiative, emphasizing that the company already considers Bitcoin as part of its broader strategy to assess diverse investable assets.
The proposal was submitted by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank advocating for Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation. In their filing, they called Bitcoin “an excellent, if not the best, safeguard against the diminishing value of fiat currency.”
Despite this strong endorsement, Microsoft’s leadership appears cautious. The board reiterated that the company already conducts due diligence on Bitcoin and other assets, a position that mirrors the skepticism often expressed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Gates has been a vocal critic of cryptocurrencies, citing their speculative nature and potential risks.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of this vote could have significant implications not just for Microsoft, but for the broader cryptocurrency market. If shareholders back the proposal, it could represent a major step forward in Bitcoin’s journey toward mainstream corporate adoption. A positive decision would send a strong signal to other traditional companies and financial institutions, reinforcing Bitcoin’s legitimacy as an investment option.
On the other hand, rejecting the proposal would position Microsoft as cautious compared to other tech giants like MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Tesla (TSLA), which have already embraced Bitcoin. MicroStrategy, in particular, stands out with its massive Bitcoin holdings of 402,000 coins—worth approximately $40 billion—representing nearly 2% of the total Bitcoin supply.
The Road Ahead
As Bitcoin continues to break records and gain institutional support, all eyes are on Microsoft’s decision. A move in favor of Bitcoin could set a new precedent for blue-chip companies, while a rejection might underscore lingering concerns about the volatility and regulatory uncertainty of the crypto market.
Regardless of the outcome, Bitcoin’s growing influence in the corporate world is undeniable. Whether Microsoft joins the ranks of Bitcoin-investing firms or not, this vote highlights the cryptocurrency’s steady march toward global acceptance. Stay tuned for the results—Tuesday promises to be a pivotal day for both Microsoft and the crypto community.
Read more on Top Crypto to watch for in 2025
Read more on Microsoft and Bitcoin
Leave a Reply