Standard Chartered’s latest research reveals a surge in government holdings of MicroStrategy (MSTR), signaling a growing trend of institutional interest in Bitcoin. The report highlights the increasing use of MSTR as a vehicle to gain exposure to Bitcoin, particularly in countries where direct investment is restricted by regulations. According to Geoff Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, several governmental bodies and pension funds significantly expanded their MSTR holdings during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting this strategic move. This demonstrates a desire for Bitcoin exposure in areas where direct ownership is prohibited. MicroStrategy’s record-breaking holdings of 576,230 BTC, valued at approximately $59 billion based on current market prices, offer further evidence of this trend.