UK Company B HODL Transforms Bitcoin Holdings into a Lightning Network Powerhouse

UK-listed company B HODL Plc has launched its

treasury initiative by purchasing 100 BTC for about £8.4 million ($11.3 million), placing it among the world’s top 100 public Bitcoin treasury holders title1 [ 1 ]. The acquisition, made at an average rate of £83,872 per Bitcoin, puts B HODL at number 98 on the Bitcoin Treasuries ranking title2 [ 2 ]. The firm, which began trading on the Aquis Stock Exchange in London this Monday under the ticker “HODL,” secured £15.3 million ($20.7 million) to support its plans title1 [ 1 ]. Since its debut, the company’s stock has climbed 34.7%, reaching £21.55 ($29.06) as of early Wednesday title1 [ 1 ].

B HODL’s approach is to establish a substantial Bitcoin reserve to fuel its Lightning Network activities. The company intends to use its treasury to run high-capacity Lightning nodes, enabling scalable liquidity and earning routing fees from micropayments title1 [ 1 ]. This strategy mirrors broader industry movements, such as MicroStrategy’s 639,835 BTC ($72 billion) and Smarter Web’s 2,525 BTC ($284.4 million), which holds the 29th spot globally title1 [ 1 ]. Although B HODL’s 100 BTC purchase is small compared to these leaders, it highlights the increasing institutional adoption of Bitcoin as a corporate asset.

The company’s leadership features Freddie New, a former solicitor and co-founder of Bitcoin Policy UK, as CEO, and Blockstream CEO Adam Back, who owns 25.5% of the company’s shares title1 [ 1 ]. CoinCorner, a UK-based exchange with a 14.3% stake in B HODL, is also backing the project. By focusing on both treasury accumulation and Lightning Network integration, B HODL sets itself apart from traditional Bitcoin holders like miners or speculative traders title1 [ 1 ].

B HODL’s move into the Bitcoin treasury space comes amid a broader trend in the UK, where nine companies have recently disclosed Bitcoin acquisitions title3 [ 3 ]. Smarter Web’s swift rise from a £4 million valuation to £1 billion after its BTC investments demonstrates the potential for significant stock price swings tied to treasury strategies title3 [ 3 ]. Meanwhile, B HODL’s current market value of £30.78 million ($41.35 million) and its 98th global ranking reflect an early but deliberate entry into this competitive field title2 [ 2 ].

Experts observe that Bitcoin treasuries are increasingly seen as a safeguard against inflation and a way to diversify corporate portfolios title4 [ 4 ]. However, this approach comes with risks due to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations, as shown by the varied outcomes of companies like GameStop and Cango title4 [ 4 ]. B HODL’s focus on Lightning Network operations introduces a revenue stream that could help offset some of these risks through ongoing fees. This model differs from passive holding strategies, such as MicroStrategy’s, which is centered solely on asset appreciation title4 [ 4 ].

The UK’s regulatory landscape is also shifting to encourage crypto adoption. The Financial Conduct Authority has recently suggested loosening rules on crypto-related retail products, and HM Revenue and Customs’ 2026 requirement for detailed transaction disclosures points to growing institutional acceptance title3 [ 3 ]. These regulatory changes could strengthen B HODL’s approach, as clearer rules often boost investor trust in digital assets.

B HODL’s initial actions highlight the evolution of Bitcoin as a corporate asset. While it still trails Smarter Web in UK Bitcoin holdings, its targeted emphasis on Lightning Network integration and institutional alliances positions it to benefit from the rising need for scalable crypto infrastructure. As the Bitcoin treasury sector grows, B HODL’s success may depend on its ability to combine treasury expansion with operational income in this fast-changing market.