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- The Czech National Bank purchases Bitcoin to create a $1 million test portfolio for exploring digital assets.
- CNB launches the CNB Lab to experiment with blockchain solutions, AI tools, and innovations in payments.
- The bank will test various digital assets, including Bitcoin, for crisis response, security, and compliance over the next two to three years.
The Czech National Bank (CNB) has made a move by purchasing Bitcoin for the first time in its history. On November 13, the bank announced the creation of a $1 million test portfolio, marking its entry into the world of digital assets. The portfolio will include Bitcoin, a USD stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit on the blockchain. This step reflects the bank’s intention to explore the potential of these digital assets in the future of finance.
Czech National Bank’s Digital Asset Portfolio
The decision to purchase Bitcoin follows discussions within the CNB board about digital asset investments. The goal of this portfolio is not to generate active returns but to gain practical experience with holding and managing digital assets. According to the CNB, this move will allow the bank to test the processes involved in handling crypto assets, including their acquisition and management.
Aleš Michl, Governor of the CNB, shared that the idea of establishing a test portfolio was conceived in early 2025. The bank aims to evaluate Bitcoin’s potential for diversifying reserves and to gain insight into the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies. The decision was made after careful analysis, which showed that crypto could become mainstream in the future.
CNB Lab Launches to Test Financial Technologies
Alongside the Bitcoin purchase, the CNB also launched the CNB Lab, an innovation hub designed to test emerging financial technologies. The lab will focus on experimenting with blockchain solutions, digital asset management, and artificial intelligence tools. CNB Lab is expected to explore innovations in payments, including instant payments, and various trends shaping the future of monetary policy.
Michl emphasized that the CNB Lab aims to build internal capacity and provide hands-on experience with digital assets. This initiative will help the CNB prepare for the future by gaining insights into digital asset management and developing the necessary expertise.
Plans for Future Digital Assets Testing
The CNB’s current investment will allow the bank to explore various aspects of digital assets, including crisis response, security protocols, and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The bank plans to test different types of digital assets and how they can be used in trading scenarios. Additionally, CNB will assess how these assets can be recorded in their accounts and audited.
The Czech central bank also held discussions with the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the reporting of Bitcoin holdings. However, all three parties agreed that Bitcoin should not be considered a reserve asset at this time. The CNB has stated that it will continue to hold Bitcoin for internal analysis and will provide updates on its experiences with the digital asset portfolio. In about two to three years, the bank plans to present an overall assessment of the project.