Introduction
Since the total supply of Bitcoin is limited to 21 million, it is seen as “digital gold” and provides a hedge against the inflationary depreciation of fiat currencies (e.g. the dollar). Countries such as the US can aim for economic stability with this reserve due to rising national debt (over $31 trillion) and money printing. Instead of traditional reserve assets (gold, foreign exchange), Bitcoin diversifies the portfolio and reduces dependence on central banks. As an example, El Salvador is currently the only country that has announced the creation of an official “strategic Bitcoin reserve”. El Salvador recognized Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, becoming the first and only sovereign country to hold Bitcoin in its state vault. This decision was taken to increase the country’s financial independence, reduce remittance costs and accelerate integration into the global financial system.
Apart from this, no other country’s central bank has publicly announced plans to create an official “Bitcoin reserve” or draft legislation to do so. Most countries are focused on regulating cryptocurrencies and developing their own digital currencies (CBDC – Central Bank Digital Currency). Bitcoin can be seen as an asset that is resistant to international sanctions. By using its reserve as a strategic tool, a country can gain influence in the global financial system. In June, President Trump signed the decree making the existing 200 thousand Bitcoins a strategic reserve. This gave Bitcoin the same legal status as Gold and Oil. This decision does not yet foresee any new Bitcoin purchases for the US. It clarifies that existing BTC seized from criminals will not be sold.
What are the Bitcoin Purchase Plans of the Central Banks of Brazil and Finland?
Historical Processes of the Central Bank of Brazil
- In 2022, the Central Bank of Brazil
It announced that it aims to assess the use cases and technological feasibility for digital real. The Bank has selected nine partners to help develop a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency). The partners included crypto exchange Mercado Bitcoin, Santander Brasil, Itaú Unibanco and Aave (AAVE), a DeFi platform. The bank said the initiative has received 47 project proposals from Brazil, Germany, the US, Israel, Mexico, Portugal, Portugal, the UK and Sweden.
- Final Version in 2024
In November 2022, the Central Bank announced plans to launch a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) pilot program and plans to launch the final version in 2024.
- Proposal for an International Reserve Strategy in 2024
Federal Deputy Eros Biondini has proposed a “RES Bit” strategy that would invest up to 5% of the country’s international reserves in Bitcoin.
- In January 2025, the Central Bank of Brazil
Extended the public consultation period on cryptocurrency regulation until February 28, allowing for further analysis and public input on the proposed framework. Brazil has solidified its position as a global leader in crypto, with 26 million citizens (12% of the population) holding digital assets. This places the country sixth worldwide in crypto adoption, highlighting its growing influence in the sector.
- On August 19, 2025, the Central Bank of Brazil
It held its first Bitcoin strategic reserve session. Brazil’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Law has passed through the first committee, moving one step closer to the country’s goal of having BTC among its national reserves. The country is considering the purchase of $19 billion worth of BTC, equivalent to about 5% of its foreign exchange reserves. Brazil is leading the way in regulating the cryptocurrency market and developing its own central bank digital currency, “DreX”. The country’s goal is to take control of the crypto ecosystem and expand digital financial services.
Bank of Finland Historical Processes
The Bank of Finland’s most notable history with Bitcoin is related to the management of Bitcoins confiscated as a result of drug operations.
• Selling Bitcoin in 2021
Finland decided to donate Bitcoins obtained from criminal organizations to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia. The value of Bitcoin to be donated by Finland to Ukraine, which started to accept cryptocurrency support from all over the world, especially at the beginning of the war, is more than 77 million dollars.
• 2023 Digital Euro Pioneer
announced that it is working on the creation of an instant payment solution in line with European standards. Tuomas Välimäki, BOF board member and member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB), made the announcement on October 19. Välimäki explained that the Bank of Finland actively supports the development of new forms of payment. The Finnish company Membrane Finance launched a euro-backed stablecoin. Membrane Finance CEO Juha Viitala said that the EUROe stablecoin, subject to regulatory requirements, will encourage more Europeans to grow their wealth through DeFi.
• What’s New for Finnish Investors in 2025
Swedish digital asset manager Virtune has started offering Avalanche (AVAX) and Cardano (ADA) ETPs (Exchange Traded Product) to investors in Finland.
Potential Impact of this Strategy on Bitcoin
When a country’s Central Bank decides to add Bitcoin to its reserves, it has significant implications for the crypto market. The Central Bank’s purchase of Bitcoin elevates it from an unreliable investment instrument to the status of an official financial asset. This encourages other countries and major financial institutions to turn to Bitcoin. The total supply of Bitcoin is limited to 21 million units. When a country starts buying for reserves, this can create a massive increase in demand. Increased demand in the face of scarce supply could start a strong and lasting uptrend in Bitcoin’s price.
Countries could enter a “Bitcoin accumulation race” to diversify their digital reserves. This could call into question the status of traditional reserve currencies (dollar, euro, etc.). As central banks are long-term investors, holding Bitcoin in their reserves could reduce short-term volatility in the market, allowing the asset to be perceived as a more stable store of value.
On August 15, 2025, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took a more distant stance than his recent statements that led to the sale of Bitcoin and gave the impression that the purchase of Bitcoin was off the agenda. He stated that he was still exploring budget-neutral ways to purchase Bitcoin for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. “Treasury remains committed to exploring budget-neutral ways to acquire more Bitcoin to expand the reserve and fulfill the President’s promise to make the United States the ‘Bitcoin superpower of the world,'” Bessenti said. Concerns have already been raised that the slow pace at which the US is implementing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could lead to front-running by other states. Some worried that the Treasury would not even implement the strategy. After Bessent’s statements, Bitcoin lost about $55 billion of its market capitalization, falling from $121,073 to $118,886 in 40 minutes.
Conclusion
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve was first adopted in Texas, created for economic protection, geopolitical strength and technological leadership. The Central Bank of the Czech Republic subsequently indicated that it would consider investing up to 5% of its total reserves in Bitcoin. In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to begin holding Bitcoins recovered from judicial proceedings (“forfeited BTC”) as a strategic Bitcoin reserve. In addition, a “Digital Asset Stockpile” was created to store different digital assets. The US Treasury continues to plan purchases for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve remains important as a tool designed for economic protection, geopolitical power, and technological leadership related to crypto assets. It is being adopted in a wide range of US federal policies, from Texas to the Czech Republic. Ultimately, these reserves could transform the financial system, but risks could increase if volatility, regulation and environmental challenges are not carefully managed.
