Czech Central Bank Buys Bitcoin for First Time in 'Test Portfolio'
The Czech National Bank has confirmed a direct purchase of bitcoin for a designated digital asset "test portfolio," marking the first verified instance of a central bank buying BTC outright. Authorities emphasized the move is experimental and not a change to official reserve policy, intended to study custody, risk management and market mechanics rather than to replace traditional reserves.
The development matters because it gives other monetary authorities a practical reference for handling crypto on balance sheets and may accelerate work on custody frameworks, accounting and regulation. Market reaction is likely to be measured in the near term, but the transaction removes some uncertainty about whether central banks will engage directly with bitcoin as part of controlled, exploratory programs.