Hong Kong and Germany Explore Bitcoin Reserves to Keep Pace with US Leadership

• The idea of adding Bitcoin to national financial reserves is growing, with the United States paving the way and countries like Germany and Hong Kong now considering similar steps.
• Japan’s Prime Minister acknowledged the potential of Bitcoin as a safe haven during inflation but noted that its price volatility makes it difficult to implement as a foreign exchange treasury asset.

Incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves has gained notable traction since Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 elections. Wu Jiezhuang, Chairman of Hong Kong’s Web3 Virtual Asset Development Subcommittee, has called on the government of the city-state to consider integrating Bitcoin into its reserves.

These developments reflect the nation’s efforts to keep pace with U.S. leadership in the cryptocurrency space. Countries like El Salvador and Pennsylvania have already made headlines by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender.

Similarly, Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democrats (FDP) party in Germany, has advocated for the diversification of the country’s reserves to include Bitcoin (BTC). However, it’s worth noting that the Japanese government has expressed skepticism toward such proposals. 

Hong Kong Embraces Bitcoin

Hong Kong, recognized as a global financial hub, has been at the forefront of financial innovations. Recent policy changes aim to enhance its status as a fintech center by integrating cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, into its financial framework. Wu Jiezhuang has suggested that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) consider incorporating cryptocurrencies into its fiscal reserves and using foreign exchange funds to acquire and manage digital assets in the long term.

Wu emphasized the global significance of major economies adding Bitcoin to their reserves and recommended that governments and businesses limit their allocation to a small percentage because of Bitcoin’s volatility. Forming a Bitcoin reserve aligns with Hong Kong’s ambition to lead in the digital economy and to attract cryptocurrency enterprises and investors. The anticipated results include a rise in foreign direct investment and the positioning of Hong Kong as a top hub for digital asset trading and innovation.

Germany’s Plan for a Bitcoin Reserve

Germany’s approach to Bitcoin as a strategic reserve is noteworthy, given its position as Europe’s largest economy. The country has a history of being open to cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin being recognized as a legal means of payment since 2013. Recently, Germany has gone a step further by encouraging institutional investments in Bitcoin.

Former German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has proposed that the European Central Bank (ECB) and the German Bundesbank consider adding Bitcoin to their reserves. This follows a similar suggestion from a European Member of Parliament last week. Lindner stated that incorporating Bitcoin would signal Germany’s commitment to the future of finance and may inspire other nations to follow suit.

As we reported earlier, President-elect Donald Trump already announced intentions to sign an executive order for the creation of a Bitcoin reserve, reigniting discussions about its potential effects on cryptocurrency markets. This is in line with earlier proposals like the Bitcoin Reserve Act from Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis. Some experts champion Bitcoin’s potential role in reshaping global finance. Mathew Sigel of VanEck recently argued that the US could reduce its national debt by up to 36% by 2050 through adopting a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Additionally, Russia has shown growing interest in cryptocurrency and is contemplating a Bitcoin reserve, although concerns about Bitcoin’s price volatility may delay its implementation. Other states, like Texas and Ohio, are also planning to establish their own Bitcoin reserves, further demonstrating the shift in how governments view cryptocurrencies.