Do you hold Bitcoin Treasuries or Bitcoin ETFs?
There are many ways to get Bitcoin exposure today. Some investors prefer to hold real Bitcoin in self-custody, while others buy shares of companies with large Bitcoin treasuries (like MicroStrategy) or spot Bitcoin ETFs such as IBIT or ARKB. Each approach has its pros and cons.
Bitcoin Treasuries
Publicly traded companies such as Strategy, Metaplanet, and Marathon Digital hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets. By buying their stocks, investors gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements. This option is easy for those already active in traditional markets, but it adds company-specific risks.
Bitcoin ETFs
Since 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs have opened the door for institutional and retail investors to gain Bitcoin exposure without self-custody. Popular ETFs include BlackRock’s IBIT and Ark Invest’s ARKB. They trade like regular stocks and fit easily into retirement accounts, but holders don’t actually own Bitcoin themselves.
Owning real Bitcoin
Not your keys, not your coins. Many hodlers reject ETFs and treasuries entirely, preferring to buy Bitcoin directly and secure it with hardware wallets. This approach provides full sovereignty, but also comes with responsibility for security and self-custody.
Why this poll matters
The results will show how our community balances convenience vs. sovereignty. Some want pure Bitcoin ownership, others are comfortable with regulated financial products. Together, the answers highlight how Bitcoin adoption evolves across different investor types.
Tip: There is no single “right” way — but if you want full freedom, holding Bitcoin in self-custody is the ultimate form of ownership.
