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Bitcoin as a Reserve Asset? Czech Central Bank Governor Opens the Discussion
Governments and central banks, from the United States to Switzerland, are giving Bitcoin serious consideration as an alternative to traditional reserve assets, with the Czech Republic being one of the latest to signal interest.
The governor of the Czech National Bank (ČNB), Aleš Michl, has floated Bitcoin as a potential diversification strategy for the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The latest comments signal a growing government interest in cryptocurrency as a savings tool.
Czech Republic Joins The Bitcoin Conversation
In an interview with CNN Prima News, Michl mentioned the possibility of acquiring “a few Bitcoin” for diversification purposes. However, he went on to clarify that such an acquisition would not constitute a significant investment for the bank.
Any decision to purchase BTC would require approval from the ČNB’s seven-member board.
The narrative surrounding Bitcoin has shifted significantly after Donald Trump won the election in November 2024. Once a skeptic, Trump has voiced support for Bitcoin as a strategic asset and proposed establishing a US BTC reserve to boost economic stability.
Advocates of this plan suggest that Bitcoin’s finite supply could act as a hedge against inflation and a weakening dollar, with prominent supporters like Senator Cynthia Lummis arguing its potential as a valuable addition to national reserves. While critics in Congress have raised concerns, the idea continues to gain traction.
Global Shift Toward Bitcoin
Internationally, Switzerland is considering a similar step, with the Swiss National Bank exploring the inclusion of Bitcoin alongside gold in its reserves.
A referendum could make Switzerland the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as an official reserve asset, aligning with its tradition of being a hub for financial innovation.
In Germany, figures like former Finance Minister Christian Lindner have proposed that Bitcoin could help reduce dependency on the US dollar if adopted by the European Central Bank or the Bundesbank.
Similarly, Hong Kong is also engaging in this global trend, as legislator Wu Jiezhuang advocated for integrating Bitcoin into financial reserves to ramp up economic resilience in December.
This comes months after Legislative Council Member Johnny Ng stated that Hong Kong should follow the United States’ lead if the latter decides to implement a Bitcoin strategic reserve.
Russia, too, has taken concrete steps to leverage Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for international transactions in a bid to bypass Western sanctions and reduce reliance on the dollar. 
Meanwhile, Anton Tkachev, a State Duma deputy from the New People Party, officially proposed setting up a strategic Bitcoin reserve in the country.
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Czech central bank governor Ales Mitchell is set to propose to the bank’s board of directors that 5% of its €140 billion in reserves be allocated to Bitcoin. The move is a bold one and highlights the growing interest in digital assets by central banks.
If the plan is approved, the Czech National Bank will become the first Western central bank to own Bitcoin.

In an unexpected move, Aleš Michl, the governor of the Czech National Bank, has expressed interest in Bitcoin as a potential tool for diversifying the country's foreign exchange reserves. This marks a significant shift as governments and institutions begin to re-evaluate their financial strategies, exploring cryptocurrency as a potential reserve asset.
A Cautious Approach to Bitcoin Investment
Michl recently shared his thoughts on Bitcoin, highlighting that while the Czech National Bank (CNB) may consider acquiring a small amount, it would not be a major investment for the institution. He clarified that any such decision would require approval from the CNB's seven-member board. In a follow-up statement, Janis Aliapulios, an adviser to the board, confirmed that no plans for Bitcoin investment were in place at present. However, Michl remains open to further discussions regarding its potential role in the bank's diversification strategy.
Currently, the Czech National Bank is focused on increasing its gold holdings, aiming to boost its reserves to about 5% of total assets by 2028. While gold remains the primary asset for diversification, Bitcoin's impressive annual returns, which have significantly outpaced gold in recent years, have sparked growing interest.
Bitcoin vs. Gold: Impressive Annual Returns
Over the past year, Bitcoin's value surged by over 131%, while gold only saw a rise of just over 30%. This stark difference in performance has led many to reassess traditional reserve assets, considering the potential for digital assets like Bitcoin to serve as a more volatile but rewarding alternative.
Shifting Global Perspectives on Reserve Assets
Michl's comments reflect the broader shift in governmental and institutional thinking about Bitcoin’s place in the financial system. Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain expert, suggested that if Bitcoin becomes a common reserve asset, it could fundamentally redefine what is considered a "safe" asset. This would promote more decentralized and digital approaches to economic stability, though Bitcoin's price volatility remains a significant risk.
The U.S. Push for Bitcoin Reserves
The trend is not isolated to the Czech Republic. In the U.S., there is growing momentum for Bitcoin to be incorporated into national savings strategies. The Bitcoin Act, spearheaded by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, proposes the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve at the national level. This proposal has gained bipartisan support, with states like Texas and Pennsylvania considering similar initiatives. The success of such legislation could be a game-changer for Bitcoin's role in the global financial system, potentially driving its price to new heights.
According to Adam Back, co-founder and CEO of Blockstream, if the Bitcoin Act is passed and more states and countries adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset, Bitcoin's value could surpass $1 million.
Conclusion
The Czech National Bank's openness to Bitcoin as part of its reserve diversification strategy highlights the growing recognition of digital assets within traditional finance. As other countries follow suit, Bitcoin may evolve from a speculative asset into a cornerstone of financial stability. While challenges such as volatility remain, the potential rewards are becoming hard to ignore. With increasing support for Bitcoin in both global governance and financial institutions, we could be on the cusp of a major shift in how reserve assets are viewed across the world.
Stay tuned for further developments as Bitcoin’s role in the global economy continues to evolve. 🌍🚀
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