The Czech National Bank has added cryptocurrencies to its
holdings for the first time. The central bank announced a $1 million test
portfolio today (Thursday) that includes Bitcoin, a US dollar-pegged
stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit.
Digital
assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25
The bank has also added shares in Coinbase. Bitcoin is
reportedly appearing on a central bank balance sheet for the first time.
Czech Bank Gains Operational Independence Testing
The portfolio was approved by the CNB board on October 30.
The bank said the pilot is intended to give staff practical experience with
blockchain-based assets. The investment will not be actively increased and was
made outside the CNB’s existing international reserves.
CNB Governor Aleš Michl first suggested a Bitcoin investment
in January. The proposal faced criticism from European Central Bank officials
at the time. The Czech Republic is an EU member but has not adopted the euro,
giving its central bank some operational independence.
CNB Lab Studies Blockchain Applications
Michl said the test portfolio will evaluate Bitcoin’s
potential role in reserve diversification and examine possible uses for
tokenized Czech financial instruments. The CNB has also launched the CNB Lab
Innovation Hub to study blockchain and other financial technologies, including
applications in monetary policy and commerce.
🇨🇿 CZECH CENTRAL BANK JUST BOUGHT $1,000,000 WORTH OF #BITCOIN AND CRYPTOHERE WE GO 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ltSuMwsZwN
— The Bitcoin Conference (@TheBitcoinConf) November 13, 2025
CNB Expands Crypto Exposure, Pilot Continues
Earlier proposals by Michl to purchase larger amounts of
Bitcoin were not approved by the CNB board.
The CNB emphasized that the pilot does not indicate plans to
adopt a permanent digital asset reserve in the near term. The initiative
reflects growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies and the use of
blockchain technology by central banks globally.
New Czech Law Clarifies Crypto Banking Rules
Separately, the Czech
Republic has enacted a new cryptocurrency law that aligns the country with
the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. The legislation clarifies tax and
compliance requirements and allows licensed crypto companies to access bank
accounts.
The law aims to provide a more predictable regulatory
environment for digital asset businesses and could make the country more
accessible for blockchain-based firms.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
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