Michael Saylor Urges Banks to Offer Bitcoin Custody and Lending Services

Saylor’s Proposal for Bitcoin Banking Services

The core of Saylor’s proposal is to allow bank customers to hold Bitcoin through institutional custodians and use their holdings as collateral for loans without having to sell the underlying asset. By enabling banks to compete in this space, Saylor argues that Bitcoin owners would gain access to credit and financial services that are currently limited.

In his essay, Saylor defines Bitcoin as “digital capital” and suggests that owners should have the right to choose between self-custody or utilizing a professional provider. This is one of five rights he advocates for regarding digital assets. He contends that current regulatory hurdles prevent institutions from effectively serving clients who wish to keep their Bitcoin while simultaneously engaging in traditional financial activities.

Regulatory Review and Risk Classification

Saylor is urging regulators, including the U.S. Treasury and banking authorities, to differentiate between custody, collateralized lending, and direct balance-sheet exposure. He argues that current accounting and capital requirements, such as the Basel framework’s 1,250% risk weight for Group 2b cryptoasset exposures, create unnecessary obstacles for banks. He asserts that regulators should evaluate the specific risks associated with each activity rather than applying broad, restrictive assumptions across all crypto-related services.

While Saylor seeks to lower these specific barriers, his proposal does not suggest exempting banks from their fundamental obligations. Institutions would remain responsible for assessing the value of collateral, implementing security measures to protect customer assets, and managing potential losses. He maintains that establishing these frameworks is a necessary step to make Bitcoin a practical component of the modern financial system.

Integration of Digital Assets and AI

The proposal also addresses the role of insurance companies, suggesting they should have a clear path to incorporate digital capital into their balance sheets and product offerings. Beyond banking, Saylor links his long-term outlook to the rise of artificial intelligence. He argues that autonomous software agents will increasingly require the ability to research, negotiate, and execute transactions in markets that operate continuously. He contends that these systems require a “bill of digital rights” to function effectively within the global economy.

This push for regulatory clarity follows the failure of the CLARITY Act to advance in the U.S. Senate on September 15. Following that legislative stall, Saylor stated that he expects agencies like the SEC, CFTC, and the Treasury to move forward with rules under existing law. Strategy’s own Bitcoin Banking Adoption Index, recorded in July, indicated that approximately 32% of major banks had adopted some form of Bitcoin-related service, though institutional stances remain divided. While firms like Strategy maintain significant Bitcoin holdings, other financial leaders, such as JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, have expressed skepticism toward the asset.