A Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is a government-backed stockpile of Bitcoin held as an official reserve asset.
In simple terms, it's the digital equivalent of gold reserves: a tool for financial security, economic sovereignty, and protection against inflation.
Countries or states adopting this approach accumulate Bitcoin to store long-term value and reduce dependence on traditional reserve currencies like the US dollar or euro.
Bitcoin Strategic Reserves Around the World
Governments across the globe are at various stages of exploring or implementing strategic Bitcoin reserves. Some have already started buying, while others are drafting laws or holding debates.
El Salvador
El Salvador was the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. Since then, it has steadily built a Bitcoin reserve, holding over 6,000 BTC as of spring 2025. President Nayib Bukele has committed to buying 1 Bitcoin per day and treating the asset as a long-term national reserve. Even amid pressure from institutions like the IMF, the country has doubled down on its Bitcoin strategy.
United States
In March 2025, the US federal government officially established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve through an executive order. The policy directed the US Treasury to consolidate Bitcoin seized in criminal and tax investigations into a formal reserve account and prohibited its sale. This initiative treats Bitcoin like a sovereign financial asset, akin to gold. A separate Digital Asset Stockpile was also created for non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum and Solana, allowing for more flexible management or liquidation.
Brazil
Brazil is considering its own sovereign Bitcoin reserve through a proposal called “ResBit.” This bill would require the central bank to purchase Bitcoin until it made up 5% of Brazil’s international reserves. Proponents believe this would strengthen financial independence and guard against currency devaluation. Several top advisors have expressed strong support, calling Bitcoin a tool for national prosperity.
Argentina
Under the administration of President Javier Milei, Argentina has taken a crypto-friendly stance and is actively discussing Bitcoin as part of its national reserves. Proposed regulations include lifting currency controls and allowing the central bank to hold Bitcoin. Some drafts even suggest allocating 1% of Argentina’s reserves to Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and the unstable peso.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, a referendum campaign is underway to require the Swiss National Bank to hold Bitcoin in its reserves. Supporters argue this would modernize the country’s monetary policy. However, central bank officials have pushed back, citing Bitcoin’s volatility and limited liquidity as disqualifying traits for reserve status. As of May 2025, the proposal remains hypothetical, pending a public vote.
US States Adopting Bitcoin Reserves
Several US states are advancing legislation to create state-level Bitcoin reserves, typically through treasury investment programs. These are designed to diversify holdings and potentially hedge against inflation or dollar risk.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire became the first US state to officially pass a strategic Bitcoin reserve law in May 2025. The law allows the state treasurer to invest in Bitcoin and other digital assets with market capitalizations above $500 billion. While the 5% cap currently only applies to Bitcoin, it leaves the door open for Ethereum and other large-cap assets in the future. The law includes requirements for regulated custody and transparency.
Texas
In March 2025, the Texas Senate passed a bill to establish a Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. If signed into law, it would allow the state to invest public funds into Bitcoin and potentially other large-cap cryptocurrencies. The legislation includes provisions for oversight and risk management and marks Texas as a national leader in crypto policy.
Wyoming
Wyoming introduced legislation in early 2025 to allow up to 3% of certain state investment funds to be allocated to Bitcoin. The bill includes strict security and custody requirements and mandates regular reporting. It reflects Wyoming’s broader strategy of becoming a crypto-friendly state and aligns with the views of pro-crypto leaders like US Senator Cynthia Lummis.
Nevada
Nevada has been proactive in promoting blockchain innovation but, as of mid-2025, does not have a dedicated Bitcoin reserve policy. Its efforts have focused more on sandbox programs and decentralized identity rather than direct investment in cryptocurrencies.
Why Bitcoin Strategic Reserves Matter
As Bitcoin gains traction among governments, understanding the strategic value behind holding it in national or state reserves reveals why this trend is more than just a political statement. It’s a calculated financial move.
Price and Market Impact
When governments hold Bitcoin rather than sell it, they remove supply from the open market, supporting prices over time. On the other hand, when countries offload large amounts (as Germany did with over 46,000 BTC in 2024) the market can react sharply, sometimes causing double-digit price drops. Strategic reserves reduce the risk of panic sales and signal long-term confidence in the asset.
Institutional Influence
Government adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset legitimizes it in the eyes of banks, hedge funds, and corporations. Companies like MicroStrategy already hold Bitcoin as their primary treasury asset. When a state or country follows suit, it signals to the world that Bitcoin is not just speculative. It’s a viable financial instrument worthy of institutional adoption.
Expansion Beyond Bitcoin
Many governments are not limiting their reserves to Bitcoin alone. The U.S. has created a separate digital asset stockpile for other cryptocurrencies. States like Texas and New Hampshire have passed or proposed legislation that includes Ethereum and other leading tokens. This signals a broader trend toward integrating a national cryptocurrency strategy, where multiple digital assets play different roles in sovereign finance.
Conclusion
Bitcoin strategic reserves are transforming the way nations and states think about wealth, security, and independence in the digital age. What began with El Salvador is now a global movement, with the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, and several U.S. states leading the way. Whether to hedge against inflation, protect against currency risk, or gain leverage in a digital world, Bitcoin reserves are becoming a new pillar of economic policy.
As more governments formalize their crypto strategies, expect to see growing adoption, institutional validation, and perhaps, new global standards for digital reserve assets.
HODL & Buy Bitcoin on Komodo Wallet
If you're a crypto investor building your Bitcoin portfolio, Komodo Wallet provides the solution you need.
Komodo Wallet enables you to purchase Bitcoin with fiat using an integrated on-ramp, then store, send, and receive BTC with a non-custodial solution that keeps you in control of your funds.