Taiwan is exploring a major shift in its national reserve strategy by evaluating the inclusion of Bitcoin as a potential strategic asset. The Executive Yuan and Taiwan’s central bank have agreed to study Bitcoin and consider pilot holdings using seized cryptocurrency currently awaiting auction.
Legislator Dr. Ju-chun Ko has led the push, arguing that Bitcoin could diversify Taiwan’s reserves and reduce dependence on the US dollar. “Bitcoin offers a unique hedge due to its decentralized and fixed-supply nature,” Ko said, noting that it operates independently from traditional monetary policy and foreign influence.
Currently, Taiwan holds roughly 423 metric tonnes of gold and $577 billion in foreign exchange reserves, with about 92% invested in US Treasury bonds. Dr. Ko emphasized that Bitcoin would complement, not replace, these traditional holdings.
The move aligns with global trends. In March 2025, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, while countries like El Salvador and Argentina have integrated Bitcoin into fiscal strategies as protection against inflation and banking instability.
Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission has also supported digital asset adoption. Since 2024, professional investors can purchase foreign Bitcoin and crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Although the proposal is still under study, the central bank is expected to conduct feasibility tests and pilot programs with seized Bitcoin before any wider adoption.
The push for Bitcoin adoption comes amid growing concerns over financial security. Earlier this year, Taiwan uncovered a $75 million crypto money-laundering operation involving fake exchange franchises, highlighting both the risks and opportunities of the country’s expanding digital asset landscape.
