From Startup Fortune · · 1m 10s
Bhutan Launches Central Bank with Bitcoin Power
Bhutan's new central bank can hold Bitcoin from day one, as its sovereign fund sells half its crypto stash.
In brief
Bhutan's new central bank can hold Bitcoin from day one, as its sovereign fund sells half its crypto stash. Bhutan created a central bank allowed to hold Bitcoin, while its sovereign fund reduced holdings by 65%. Originally reported by Startup Fortune.
Bhutan's New Central Bank
Gelephu became the first special zone with a central bank allowed to hold crypto from day one.
Royal Decree Signed
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck signed a royal decree on November 4 to create the Gelephu Central Bank.
Central Bank Powers
The new bank gets monetary policy, foreign reserve management, payment oversight, and liquidity support.
Bitcoin Reserve Mandate
The Gelephu Central Bank is explicitly permitted to hold digital assets alongside gold and foreign currency.
Sovereign Bitcoin Mining
Bhutan's Druk Holding started mining Bitcoin in 2019 using hydropower and now holds 4,453 BTC.
Bitcoin Holdings Drop
Druk Holding's Bitcoin stockpile fell 65% from 13,000 BTC to 4,453 BTC since 2024.
Real Tension
Bhutan created a central bank for Bitcoin while its fund sells off its holdings.
New Jobs
Over 50 new positions are created for virtual asset supervision and banking operations.
In short
Bhutan created a central bank allowed to hold Bitcoin, while its sovereign fund reduced holdings by 65%.
