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Capital Group Emerges as Metaplanet’s Largest Shareholder Amid $500M Bitcoin Bet

TL;DR

• Capital Group has become the largest shareholder of Japan’s Metaplanet with an 11.45% stake worth nearly $500 million, solidifying its indirect exposure to Bitcoin.
• Metaplanet now holds over 25,500 BTC, ranking as the fifth-largest corporate holder globally, trailing only giants like MicroStrategy.
• The Tokyo-listed firm’s ambitious treasury plan and bold capital-raising strategies have positioned it as a trailblazer for corporate Bitcoin adoption across Asia.
  

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Capital Group’s entry as Metaplanet’s top shareholder marks a new chapter for both firms. The $2.6 trillion asset manager, long regarded for its conservative approach, now indirectly holds significant Bitcoin exposure through this Japanese corporation. The move reflects a broader institutional trend of seeking equity-based pathways into digital assets without the complexities of direct coin custody.

Founded in 1931, Capital Group has been a cornerstone of traditional finance, managing American Funds and serving global institutional investors. Under portfolio manager Mark Casey, the firm has steadily expanded into crypto-related investments, growing from $1 billion to over $6 billion in just a few years. By surpassing National Financial Services to become Metaplanet’s largest investor, Capital Group has underscored its confidence in Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset.

Wall Street Giant Deepens Crypto Exposure

Metaplanet, once a struggling hotel operator, has reinvented itself as Asia’s most aggressive Bitcoin treasury company under CEO Simon Gerovich. The firm boosted its holdings from 4,525 BTC in April to 25,555 BTC today, worth about $2.71 billion. Its bold “555 Million Plan” seeks to accumulate 210,000 BTC by 2027, a target representing 1% of Bitcoin’s capped supply.

The company’s transformation has been dramatic. In 2024, its stock became the best performer among Japan’s 55,000 listed firms, fueled by a 395% yield on Bitcoin. Yet volatility remains. Shares have fallen 54% since June despite Bitcoin’s slight rise, raising questions about the sustainability of its financing structure. Still, its Bitcoin options trading business generated strong Q2 profits, helping offset treasury risks.

Traditional Finance Aligns With Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries

Capital Group’s move reflects growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a strategic corporate asset. Over 190 listed companies worldwide now hold BTC, with combined reserves surpassing $115 billion. Japan’s pending tax reforms, which may lower corporate crypto capital gains from 55% to 20%, are expected to accelerate this trend further.

Metaplanet’s pivot from hospitality to digital assets has become a model for emerging markets. Its international profile continues to expand through partnerships and high-profile endorsements, including Eric Trump joining its advisory board earlier this year. For Capital Group, the investment provides a calculated balance of innovation and caution, positioning it to benefit from Bitcoin’s long-term adoption while minimizing operational complexities tied to direct holdings.