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Switzerland proposes adding Bitcoin to its reserves alongside gold, aiming to enhance financial stability.
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The initiative needs 100,000 signatures by mid-2025 for a public referendum to amend federal law.
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The move aligns with global trends as nations explore Bitcoin as a strategic asset in their financial systems.
Switzerland initiates plans to add Bitcoin to its national reserves, marking a significant shift in cryptocurrency adoption and financial strategy.
Switzerland Wants to Join the Bitcoin Reserves Race
The proposal, driven by a group of crypto advocates, requires a legislative amendment to mandate this change. To proceed, the initiative must gather 100,000 valid signatures from Swiss citizens by June 30, 2025. If successful, the Swiss Federal Assembly will evaluate the proposal, potentially advancing Switzerland’s position as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption.
Switzerland regularly holds public referendums to decide on legislative matters, emphasizing the country’s commitment to direct democracy.
“If one country implements a Bitcoin strategic reserve, you can kiss goodbye to your 4 year cycles. I already laid this out in January and assumed an adoption cycle. Think 2002 big tech,” said crypto entrepreneur Tyler Durden.
The SNB has historically expressed reservations about cryptocurrencies. However, proponents of the initiative argue that Bitcoin could serve as a hedge against inflation and bolster Switzerland’s reputation as a hub of financial innovation. Currently, the SNB’s reserves are diversified across fiat currencies and approximately 1,040 tons of gold.
More Countries Want to Add Bitcoin to Its National Reserves
Switzerland’s exploration aligns with a broader global trend of considering Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. In the US, discussions around establishing a federal Bitcoin reserve are gaining traction. Projections from VanEck suggest such a reserve could reduce the US national debt by 36% by 2050.
Also, major politicians like Senator Cynthia Lummis have advocated for accumulating 1 million Bitcoin to strengthen financial stability.
“2025 will be the year for Bitcoin and digital assets. With David Sacks as Crypto Czar, this will be the most pro-digital asset administration ever! I look forward to working closely with David Sacks to pass comprehensive digital asset legislation and my strategic Bitcoin reserve,” Senator Lummis recently wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Elsewhere, Japanese lawmaker Satoshi Yamada has called for the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). Similarly, Russian lawmakers have proposed establishing a Bitcoin reserve to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, citing its potential to enhance financial resilience.
Meanwhile, several cities and states have already implemented Bitcoin reserve strategies. Vancouver’s City Council recently approved a plan to diversify its financial reserves by incorporating BTC, addressing fiat currency volatility.
As Switzerland embarks on its signature collection phase, the initiative marks another step in the evolving conversation about Bitcoin’s role in global financial systems. If passed, the proposal could signal a significant shift in how national reserves are managed in the digital age.
Conclusion
The push for Bitcoin as a national reserve asset illustrates a dynamic shift in the financial landscape, where established norms are increasingly challenged by innovative strategies. As countries like Switzerland consider integrating Bitcoin into their reserve frameworks, the implications for global economics and digital asset valuations could be profound. The ongoing signature collection serves as a pivotal moment in crafting financial resilience for the future.
