A new development has occurred in the cryptocurrency market that could affect the future of companies in indices. MSCI, one of the world’s leading index providers, announced that it has adopted new rules restricting the inclusion of companies that are not currently operational in its indices.
Following MSCI’s announcement, Bitcoin treasury companies Strategy and Metaplanet are reportedly being considered for removal from the MSCI Global Investment Grade Market Indices starting in December. However, a final list of companies to be removed has not yet been announced.
MSCI announced that the eligibility of non-operating companies for indexing will be reviewed under new regulations. According to the statement, the new rules will come into effect as part of the November 2026 index review, and the changes will be effective from the market close on November 30.
Which Criteria Will Companies Be Evaluated By?
MSCI’s new rules cover companies whose primary activities are based on holding investment assets like Bitcoin, rather than commercial operations.
At this point, Strategy is also among the companies expected to be affected by MSCI’s new rules due to the large amount of Bitcoin on its balance sheet.
According to the statement, the new rules foresee a two-stage screening process. In the first stage, companies will be examined to determine whether they possess significant operating assets. Companies that fail this assessment will be subject to a second screening process based on five financial ratios, regardless of sector.
Companies that exceed the specified limits in at least four of the five indicators will lose their right to be included in the securities indices.
To be removed from the current index, the company will need to meet the relevant conditions in both of its last two financial reporting periods.
Final List to be Announced November 11th!
MSCI has listed Strategy and Metaplanet among the companies that could be affected by its new rules, with the final list to be announced on November 11, 2026.
Both companies’ business models, based on Bitcoin accumulation, are significant in terms of applying the new criteria. If they are delisted, funds that track MSCI indices may need to restructure their portfolios.
