Czech National Bank Becomes First Central Bank to Add Crypto to Reserves
In late 2025 the Czech National Bank (CNB) quietly added cryptocurrencies to its balance sheet, marking the first known instance of a central bank holding crypto assets in official reserves. The CNB’s decision follows a year of experimentation and research by monetary authorities worldwide and signals a shift from purely theoretical consideration to active adoption. Details on which tokens and the size of the allocation were not fully disclosed, but the step itself is being treated as a clear milestone.
The move matters because it normalizes crypto as an asset class for sovereign balance sheets and could push other central banks to reassess reserve strategies, custody arrangements, and risk frameworks. Market participants say the CNB’s action may accelerate regulatory clarity and institutional infrastructure for custody and reporting, while policymakers will need to balance diversification benefits against price volatility and liquidity considerations.