MicroStrategy, now rebranded as Strategy, has publicly announced its ambition to evolve into a global Bitcoin bank. CEO Phong Le outlined this vision during the Money20/20 fintech conference on November 6, 2026. The company, which transitioned from an enterprise software firm, currently holds 845 000 BTC in its reserves.
The strategy involves merging traditional finance with decentralized systems, including the use of STRC preferred stock. Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, who previously encouraged banks to offer Bitcoin lending services in September, reaffirmed the company's commitment to building a Bitcoin-focused banking infrastructure on social media.
Simultaneously, technical debates regarding network accessibility have emerged. On-chain data indicates that the Bitcoin blockchain has grown from 0.3 GB in 2011 to 780 GB in 2026. This size allows users to operate a full node on a standard 1 TB drive, supporting the decentralized principle of self-custody.
Disagreements persist among developers regarding blockchain growth limits. While some suggest a 16 GB annual cap to maintain accessibility for home hardware, researchers note that the chain grew by approximately 85 GB between July and September 2026. These discussions highlight the ongoing tension between centralized institutional banking and individual network participation.
