From oil to Bitcoin: Saudi Central Bank stakes big on MicroStrategy

• Saudi Central Bank gains Bitcoin exposure through investment in MicroStrategy. 
• Gulf institutions, including Mubadala, are ramping up Bitcoin investments amid global crypto adoption.

In a notable shift signaling rising institutional interest in digital assets, the Saudi Central Bank has revealed its indirect exposure to Bitcoin [BTC] through a significant stake in Strategy (formerly known as MicroStrategy).

Saudi Central Bank enters crypto with MicroStrategy’s help

Recent SEC filings show the central bank now holds 25,656 shares of the firm, which is widely recognized for pioneering the use of Bitcoin as a treasury reserve.

This investment effectively ties a portion of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth to the crypto market. 

Needless to say, the Saudi Central Bank’s recent investment in Strategy was interpreted by the crypto community as a quiet but powerful endorsement of Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

That being said, Strategy recently made headlines with its Q1 2025 earnings report by announcing a bold expansion of its Bitcoin acquisition plan, doubling its capital allocation to a staggering $84 billion.

The firm now holds 568,840 BTC, valued at around $68 billion, further cementing its position as the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin.

However, despite the fanfare, Strategy’s stock (MSTR) closed 5% lower on the 15th of May, at $397.

At press time, it was at $393.94, down by 0.78%, with market watchers citing volatility and concerns over the company’s leveraged crypto strategy.

Other nations and their respective crypto approach

Traditionally, central banks have leaned on gold and U.S. dollars to safeguard long-term value, but a subtle shift is emerging.

A growing number of nations now, including the United States, the United Kingdom, El Salvador, Iran, and Bhutan, have started to add Bitcoin to their national treasuries.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund had previously set a precedent by boosting stakes in crypto-exposed firms like Strategy, Coinbase, and Metaplanet.

Following suit, the Saudi Central Bank has now entered the digital asset arena, marking a significant move toward crypto exposure.

This follows its 2024 involvement in a China-led digital currency trial, which many view as a strategic signal toward diversifying away from dollar-dominated oil trade systems and possibly laying the groundwork for broader crypto adoption within the Kingdom.

Abu Dhabi joins the fray

Well, the Saudi Central Bank isn’t alone in expanding its crypto footprint; Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala, has also made a decisive move.

In its latest SEC filing, Mubadala revealed a $408.5 million investment in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, marking a notable uptick from its prior holdings.

This rising institutional interest from the Gulf region underscores a broader strategic shift as influential financial entities reallocate capital toward Bitcoin exposure.