Taiwan launches Bitcoin reserve study

Taiwan's Central Bank and Executive Yuan agreed on November 12, 2025. They launch a formal study on Bitcoin in national reserves. Pilots use seized Bitcoin from criminal cases. The review examines integration methods. It tests storage and valuation protocols. Officials confirmed the deal in joint statements. This step follows months of internal debates. Seized assets provide an initial pool without new purchases.

Legislative origin

Legislator Ko Ju-Chun proposed the bill in May 2025. Bitcoin offers decentralization. It hedges against geopolitical risks. "Bitcoin’s decentralized architecture... makes it an ideal financial hedge," Ko stated in filings. The proposal cited U.S. precedents. It emphasized Taiwan's exposure to currency controls. Ko represents the Kuomintang party. His initiative gained cross-party support. Discussions highlighted trade vulnerabilities.

Regional first

No Asian country holds Bitcoin reserves. Taiwan seeks the lead. The U.S. created a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in 2025. El Salvador uses Bitcoin as tender since 2021. Argentina studied options in 2024. Taiwan's move counters regional economic dependencies. Japan and South Korea monitor developments. Singapore focuses on stablecoins instead. Taiwan positions itself as a crypto-friendly hub.

Pilot scope

Seized assets start the pilots. Value reaches low millions of dollars. No adoption timeline set. Volatility and custody pose challenges. Regulators assess legal frameworks. They review anti-money laundering compliance. Technical audits cover wallet security. Experts will evaluate risk models. The Central Bank leads coordination. Results inform future policy decisions.