UK Goes Crypto: Nine Public Companies Now Hoarding Bitcoin as Treasury Assets

London's stodgy financial scene just got a crypto facelift. Nine UK-listed firms have quietly—or not so quietly—joined the corporate Bitcoin treasury club. Move over, gold reserves.

From FTSE to BTC

The London Stock Exchange might still run on tea and crumpets, but its listed companies are chasing digital gold. No names dropped yet—but let's just say some 'boring' industrials now sport shinier balance sheets.

Follow-the-leader (or FOMO?)

Copying MicroStrategy's playbook? Obviously. But when the Bank of England keeps printing sterling like monopoly money, can you blame them? One CFO probably muttered 'inflation hedge' while clicking 'buy.'

The new corporate liquidity

Bitcoin's volatility? Please. These firms would rather ride crypto waves than watch cash reserves evaporate under 7% inflation. Bonus: their annual reports just got way more interesting.

Final thought: When pension funds start allocating to crypto, we'll know the revolution's real. Until then—enjoy watching traditional finance play catch-up.

Tao Alpha Eyes £100M Raise for Bitcoin Treasury Plan

Among the UK firms, AI services provider TAO Alpha disclosed plans to raise £100 million after revealing a bitcoin treasury plan that triggered investor interest.

Smarter Web Company, a small website design firm, saw its market value rocket from £4 million to over £1 billion in just two months after announcing its Bitcoin purchases in April, although shares have since cooled.

Natural resources company Panther Metals confirmed this week it bought a single Bitcoin, executing on a strategy it unveiled earlier in June. Its shares are up 81% this month, mirroring bitcoin’s 74% rise over the past year.

Panther CEO Darren Hazelwood said the firm aims to build up £4 million worth of bitcoin holdings “as rapidly as we can.”

Bluebird Mining Ventures’ shares have soared nearly 400% since announcing plans to buy bitcoin.

Founder Aidan Bishop said the strategy had revived the struggling company, which posted a $898,000 loss last year.

The firm has already raised £2 million in debt to fund Bitcoin purchases and is looking for another £10 million.

JUST IN:Bluebird Mining, a Gold miner, increased their goals and now aims to raise a minimum of £10 million ($13.7 million) to start their "digital" gold strategy and buy #bitcoin

Yesterday, they announced a £2 million funding facility but they received unprecedented… pic.twitter.com/s7G9qkwTIa

Meanwhile, Vinanz, originally focused on Bitcoin mining, has increased its Bitcoin holdings to $3.85 million through ongoing equity and debt funding.

CEO Hewie Rattray emphasized the growing investor appetite, saying the company offers “listed, regulated access to Bitcoin.” Vinanz plans to rebrand as the London BTC Company.

UK Aims to Become a Global Crypto Hub

The flurry of Bitcoin adoption comes as the UK reaffirms its ambitions to become a global crypto hub.

The Financial Conduct Authority recently signaled a softening stance, proposing to ease restrictions on certain crypto-linked retail investment products after years of a tough regulatory approach.

As reported, the UK will require crypto firms to collect and report detailed customer information on every trade and transfer starting January 1, 2026, as part of a sweeping effort to strengthen tax compliance and oversight in the digital asset sector.

According to a recent statement from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the new rules will mandate that platforms record full names, home addresses, and tax identification numbers for all users.

Each transaction must also be logged with specifics such as the cryptocurrency used and the amount transferred.