Digital Asset Treasury Companies (DATs) are redefining corporate treasury management for the blockchain era. By combining traditional finance principles with decentralized technologies, these companies are turning static crypto holdings into productive assets that generate yield, enhance capital efficiency, and contribute to the security of proof-of-stake (PoS) networks.
The opportunity has never been stronger. In the U.S., recent legislative wins, such as the GENIUS Act and the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, have provided much-needed regulatory certainty. These laws not only define the oversight roles of the SEC and CFTC, but also clarify that staking activities do not automatically create securities liabilities. This removes a major roadblock for enterprises seeking to generate yield through staking.
From Bitcoin-heavy strategies like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), to Ethereum staking specialists like Bit Digital and SharpLink Gaming, to Solana-focused treasuries like DeFi Development Corp, DATs are embracing diverse approaches. Yet the common thread is clear: yield is no longer optional – it’s the core driver of Treasury 3.0.
At Chorus One, we view DATs as pioneers bridging two financial worlds. This article explores how these companies evolved, why yield generation is now imperative, and how secure, compliant staking infrastructure is enabling the next phase of treasury innovation.
The modern DAT movement began in 2020 when MicroStrategy invested $250 million in Bitcoin, positioning it as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. By July 2025, the company had grown its holdings to 601,550 BTC, worth over $70 billion at then-current prices.
Other corporations followed: Tesla, GameStop, and Japan’s Metaplanet among them, primarily focusing on accumulation and long-term appreciation. While effective in bull markets, these strategies left treasuries exposed to volatility.
Ethereum’s September 2022 transition to PoS marked a turning point. Now, holders could earn 3–5% APY simply by staking. Public companies quickly pivoted:
By mid-2025, public companies held 2.33 million ETH worth $8.83 billion.
Today, leading DATs go beyond vanilla staking. They layer liquid staking, restaking, and DeFi integrations to compound returns:
Combined, these strategies can yield 6–10% or more, turning treasuries into dynamic revenue engines.
Want more? To read the full whitepaper by Chorus One's Head of Sales for the Americas and regular Forbes Contributor, Leeor Shimron, and Head of Legal, Adam Sand, follow this link.
