Community Reacts to MSCI’s Potential Exclusion of Crypto Treasury Companies, Sparks Boycott Calls against JP Morgan
The crypto community has intensified its criticism of JP Morgan following news that MSCI, a leading index provider formerly linked with Morgan Stanley, plans to exclude digital asset treasury firms from its indexes in January 2026. This move has sparked widespread calls for a boycott of JP Morgan, highlighting ongoing tensions between traditional finance giants and the growing cryptocurrency sector.
The controversy emerged after MSCI announced considerations to potentially remove crypto treasury companies from its indices, which would likely impact their market valuations. JP Morgan shared this development in a research note, prompting immediate backlash from Bitcoin advocates and industry supporters. Among them, real estate investor and Bitcoin supporter Grant Cardone publicly announced he was withdrawing $20 million from Chase and pursuing legal action over alleged credit card malfeasance. Cardone’s statement came amid calls to oppose large financial institutions perceived as hostile to crypto interests.
In the crypto sphere, Bitcoin advocate Max Keiser urged followers to “Crash JP Morgan and buy Strategy and BTC,” reflecting a broader sentiment of resistance against traditional banking institutions reluctant to embrace digital assets. The backlash underscores a growing divide between established financial services and the decentralized ethos promoted by Bitcoin supporters.
The exclusion of crypto treasury firms from major indexes could trigger a significant sell-off as funds mandated to hold these instruments may be forced to divest. Such a move could negatively influence digital asset prices, adding uncertainty to the already volatile crypto markets.
Strategy CEO Michael Saylor Responds to MSCI Proposal
Following the announcement, Michael Saylor, co-founder of Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), addressed the potential impact of MSCI’s policy change. Strategy, which entered the Nasdaq 100 last December, benefits from the passive investment flows associated with the index. Saylor clarified that Strategy is not a fund or trust, but a “Bitcoin-backed structured finance company,” emphasizing its different operational model.
Saylor’s statement came after MSCI’s proposed rule would revoke index eligibility for any treasury company holding more than 50% of its assets in cryptocurrencies. This development leaves companies with the dilemma of reducing their crypto holdings or losing access to essential passive market flows. Analysts warn that a sudden sell-off by affected firms could push down digital asset prices further, intensifying market turbulence amid broader regulatory and institutional challenges.
The ongoing debate underscores the escalating tensions between traditional financial indexes and the emerging digital asset ecosystem, with many investors watching closely as regulatory and index inclusion decisions unfold.
