HomeNews StoriesRumoursIs Bitcoin Still Decentralized? Strategy’s $285M Bet Sparks Doubt

Is Bitcoin Still Decentralized? Strategy’s $285M Bet Sparks Doubt

Date:

  • Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings surpass 531,000 BTC, sparking decentralization concerns.  
  • Vinny Lingham warns that Strategy risks becoming Bitcoin’s “Federal Reserve” with growing control.  
  • Michael Saylor projects Bitcoin could reach $13M per coin by 2045 amid continued accumulation.

Bitcoin’s decentralized structure faces growing doubts after Strategy, formerly Microstrategy, disclosed another large Bitcoin purchase. The company acquired 3,459 BTC between April 7 and April 13 for approximately $285.8 million in cash. The growth has intensified discussions about Bitcoin’s ownership focus, as Strategy’s total holdings now exceed 531,000 BTC, representing a major portion of the cryptocurrency’s fixed supply.

Vinny Lingham, a well-known internet entrepreneur and investor, has publicly questioned whether Bitcoin remains truly decentralized following the company’s latest acquisition. His warning has drawn attention to the increasing influence of large corporate holders over the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Strategy Adds 3,459 BTC, Holdings Surpass 531,000 Coins

According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Strategy carried out the latest Bitcoin purchase at an average price of $82,618 per BTC, including fees and related expenses. The acquisition was financed through the company’s ongoing at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program.

During the same period, Strategy sold 959,712 shares of its Class A common stock (MSTR), generating $285.7 million in net proceeds. Presently, the company possesses $2.08 billion of MSTR shares and $20.97 billion of STRK shares that may be issued in the future, which illustrates that the company may continue buying more Bitcoin.

Following the recent acquisition, Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings have reached 531,644 BTC. The firm’s cumulative investment in Bitcoin stands at $35.92 billion, with an average purchase price of $67,556 per BTC. This total now represents approximately 2.5% of Bitcoin’s maximum supply of 21 million coins.

Vinny Lingham’s reaction to the purchase was direct and critical. In a post shared on X, Lingham referred to Strategy as the “Federal Reserve for Bitcoin,” highlighting concerns about asset centralization. The Federal Reserve, or the central banking system of the United States, is said to influence the money supply and is often scrutinized for this element.  

Lingham builds his argument towards the ability of Strategy to amass more Bitcoins, which could lead to a single company owning the digital currency, an irony of the decentralized system.

Fears regarding the centralization of Bitcoin have existed since the cryptocurrency’s development. However, the recent acquisition strategy has raised people’s concerns partly because it has increased Strategy’s ownership proportion of the total Bitcoin supply.

Saylor’s Projections for Bitcoin’s Future

Strategy’s co-founder and executive chairman, Michael Saylor, has consistently presented an optimistic long-term outlook for Bitcoin. He estimates that the Bitcoin price could rise enormously to $13 million per Bitcoin by the year 2045. For the target price, he has set a high target of $49 million per BTC and a low target of $3 million per BTC.

Saylor has also stated that Bitcoin’s market capitalization could expand to $500 trillion over the coming decades. Additionally, he predicts that the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could generate between $16 trillion and $81 trillion for the U.S. Treasury by 2045, potentially contributing to efforts to reduce the national debt.

Regulatory Engagement and Future Plans

Saylor has engaged in dialogue with the authorities in the United States of America. He has also engaged the SEC’s Crypto Task Force and the U.S House Financial Services Committee and shared his opinion on cryptographic advantages. He was also present at the White Summit by President Donald Trump with a number of guidelines about Bitcoin and other virtual currencies. However, Strategy’s available capital through its stock offering programs indicates that it may further acquire more Bitcoins, thereby raising the percentage held in its balance sheet.

Peter Mwangi
Peter Mwangi
Peter Mwangi is a skilled crypto writer and expert in blockchain technology, digital assets, and decentralized finance. He has a talent for translating complex concepts into engaging informative content. With a deep understanding of the industry, Peter delivers accurate analysis that appeals to beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.

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