The White House issued an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, starting with seized assets, while budget-neutral strategies for acquiring more Bitcoin will be developed to ensure no additional cost to American taxpayers. (White House)
The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reaffirmed that banks can hold digital assets for customers and facilitate crypto transactions if risks are managed appropriately. (Reuters)
Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas revealed that Bitcoin now constitutes 70% of his personal investment portfolio, calling it "the hardest asset in the world." (Bitcoin.com News)
Prime Minister Tobgay of Bhutan stated in an interview that the country utilizes its abundant hydroelectric power to mine Bitcoin, primarily funding public servants' salaries, with smaller portions allocated to free healthcare and environmental initiatives, all while maintaining a carbon-negative footprint. (CoinCentral)
Emirates NBD, a Dubai-based bank, has launched crypto trading services through its digital arm, enabling clients to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. (Bloomberg)
Brazilian fintech Méliuz has adopted a new treasury strategy to invest up to 10% of its cash reserves in Bitcoin, aiming to capture long-term returns. (Reuters)
Summary
This week, the White House initiated a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve using seized assets and plans budget-neutral acquisition strategies, while the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency confirmed banks can manage digital assets and crypto transactions with proper risk management. Internationally, Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas disclosed that 70% of his portfolio is in Bitcoin, praising its resilience, and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tobgay revealed the nation mines Bitcoin with hydroelectric power to fund public salaries, healthcare, and environmental efforts sustainably. Meanwhile, Emirates NBD in Dubai introduced crypto trading services. Lastly, Brazilian fintech Méliuz adopted a strategy to allocate up to 10% of its cash reserves to Bitcoin for long-term gains.