In a direct appeal to index provider MSCI, Strive Asset Management CEO Matt Cole has called for a revision of the firm’s current policy that excludes companies holding Bitcoin from its widely followed indexes. Cole argues that the existing framework, which effectively blacklists firms with cryptocurrency exposure, is an impractical constraint that limits investor choice. He advocates for a market-driven approach, suggesting that investors themselves should determine the suitability of such assets within their passive investment portfolios through index funds and ETFs. This stance highlights a growing debate over the role of digital assets in traditional finance, as institutional adoption of Bitcoin continues to evolve. Strive’s position emphasizes the principle of neutrality, contending that index providers should not impose subjective criteria that preemptively filter corporate holdings, but rather reflect the comprehensive market landscape for investors to navigate according to their own strategies.
