Czech National Bank Governor Says He'll Present Plan to Invest in Bitcoin as a Way to Expand Reserves

In an interview with the Financial Times, governor Aleš Michl, who is expected to present the plan on Thursday, said: “For the diversification of our assets, Bitcoin seems good.”

The governor of the Czech National Bank has said that he will present a plan to the board to invest in Bitcoin as a way for the bank to expand its reserves.

In an interview with the Financial Times, governor Aleš Michl, who is expected to present the plan on Thursday, said: “For the diversification of our assets, Bitcoin seems good.”

If the board approves the plan, the bank could hold up to five percent of its €140 billion ($146 billion) reserves in Bitcoin.

Trump impact

Michl also pointed to US President Donald Trump’s impact on the crypto market. Last week, Trump signed an executive order for a crypto working group to provide regulatory clarity on crypto. It’s also expected to look into a national Bitcoin stockpile.

Despite believing that the Trump administration could “create some bubble for Bitcoin,” Michl added that the Bitcoin trend “would be an increase without those guys as well, because it’s an alternative [investment] for more people.”

Since being re-elected to the White House, Trump has appointed several pro-crypto candidates to top positions. Paul Atkins is expected to become the chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a position previously held by Gary Gensler.

Wider investor interest

Michl pointed to the increased investor interest, thanks to the introduction of US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January.

Yet, while the governor is presenting a plan to the board, he said that he was open to Bitcoin becoming worthless.

“It’s possible to have a big range of outcomes, that Bitcoin will have a value of zero or an absolutely fantastic value…but in our history we have also had some stocks like Enron or the payment company Wirecard, so we have some experience with bad investments, so, yes, I’m ready [for a possible Bitcoin collapse].”