Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) saw its stock price skyrocket 138% on June 2 after announcing its new Bitcoin treasury strategy, making it Norway’s first publicly listed company to hold cryptocurrency reserves. The Oslo-based exchange revealed it acquired 6 Bitcoin through shareholder loans and plans to expand its holdings to 10 BTC by month-end.
The strategic shift comes as NBX positions itself to become a digital asset bank, leveraging Bitcoin’s growing role in global finance. Company executives highlighted plans to develop Bitcoin-backed loan products and expand institutional custody services during their Q2 earnings call.
Market analysts attribute the dramatic price surge to investor confidence in NBX’s multi-pronged approach to cryptocurrency adoption. Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) shares reached record volumes on the Euronext Growth Oslo index following the announcement, with trading suspended twice due to excessive volatility.
Norwegian Block Exchange’s Strategic Pivot
NBX has emerged as a Nordic crypto leader through several key initiatives:
- Acquired 6 Bitcoin (worth ~$390,000 at announcement)
- Targeting 10 BTC reserves by June 30
- Distributed 3.78 BTC through cashback rewards
- Secured $15M in new institutional funding
The exchange plans to use its Bitcoin reserves as collateral for lending products and yield-generation services. This aligns with its broader ambition to become Europe’s first MiCA-licensed digital asset bank by 2026.
Bitcoin’s Corporate Adoption Accelerates
NBX’s treasury move reflects growing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a reserve asset. The company’s CFO stated: “Our Bitcoin strategy serves dual purposes – hedging against fiat inflation while creating new revenue streams through blockchain-based financial products.”
Industry observers note this development makes Norway the 14th European country with public companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. The trend follows similar moves by MicroStrategy and Tesla in the United States, though on a smaller scale.
USDM Stablecoin and Cardano Integration
NBX will launch Europe’s first MiCA-compliant stablecoin (USDM) on the Cardano blockchain in Q3 2025. This strategic partnership positions the exchange to capitalize on Cardano’s growing institutional adoption while meeting strict EU regulatory standards.
The USDM stablecoin will enable frictionless Bitcoin trading pairs and serve as the backbone for NBX’s planned decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Developers are currently testing cross-chain functionality with Ethereum and Solana networks.
Market analysts predict NBX’s stock could see further volatility as the company executes its ambitious roadmap. The crypto sector’s performance in Scandinavia has outperformed traditional tech stocks by 18% year-to-date, according to recent market data.
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The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has begun reviewing NBX’s banking license application, with a decision expected by Q1 2026. Successful approval could establish new regulatory precedents for cryptocurrency integration in traditional finance.
- Bitcoin Treasury
- A corporate strategy where companies hold Bitcoin as part of their reserve assets, typically to hedge against inflation or generate yield.
- MiCA
- Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation – the European Union’s comprehensive framework for cryptocurrency oversight and consumer protection.
- Stablecoin
- A cryptocurrency pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies, designed to minimize price volatility.
- Cardano Blockchain
- A proof-of-stake blockchain platform known for its research-driven approach and focus on regulatory compliance.