The Growing Trend of Central Banks Buying Bitcoin
In a recent discussion on X, Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey, alongside analysts Dylan LeClair and Matthew Pines, made bold claims that are causing a stir in financial and crypto circles. Bailey, a close Bitcoin advisor to Trump, confidently stated that multiple central banks around the world are actively acquiring Bitcoin.
Insights into Central Banks Acquiring Bitcoin
Joe Carlasare, a partner at Amundsen Davis LLC, highlighted Bailey’s assertion that central banks are purchasing Bitcoin without providing any evidence. Bailey, in a subsequent post on X, specifically mentioned lesser-known players like Bhutan, Venezuela, and Iran as early adopters in the central banking space.
When questioned by Fred Krueger about countries besides El Salvador, Bailey disclosed, “Iran, Bhutan, Venezuela, nobody super impressive. The large government buyers are the sovereign wealth funds.” He predicted that major central banks would soon follow suit in acquiring BTC, stating, “I do think you’re going to see large central banks start taking positions soon.”
Mike Alfred, a former tech CEO and founder of a value investment fund, supported Bailey’s claim. Alfred confirmed interactions with representatives from countries like Bhutan, Burkina Faso, and French Guyana who are participating in acquiring Bitcoin. He mentioned, “It’s happening, homie. Bhutan confirmed this to me on Tuesday. I have a call with Burkina Faso and French Guyana on Monday.”
Bailey also noted the unique case of Bhutan, where the country is actively engaged in Bitcoin mining. Bhutan’s sovereign investment arm, Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), in partnership with Bitdeer Technologies Group, is expanding its Bitcoin mining operations to boost the country’s economy dependent on hydropower.
Additionally, Bailey referenced a report from the Iranian Students’ News Agency stating Iran’s regulatory strategy concerning Bitcoin. The Iranian government plans to direct domestically mined Bitcoin into state coffers to fund imports and bypass economic sanctions.
Speculating Trump’s Potential Bitcoin Holdings
Bailey delved into the theoretical scenario of former President Donald Trump accumulating a substantial Bitcoin reserve for the US Treasury to safeguard against financial system risks. He proposed utilizing a timelock mechanism to protect these assets for future generations, potentially positioning Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
Bailey suggested, “At a minimum, Trump should timelock the 210,000 Bitcoins already held by the USA for 100 years.” He envisioned a narrative where Trump secures Bitcoin from Silk Road, protecting it for future generations, highlighting the intriguing possibilities that could impact the global order.
As Bitcoin traded at $66,211 at the time of writing, Bailey’s insights and predictions shed light on the evolving landscape of central banks and potential governmental Bitcoin holdings.
Featured image created with DALLE, chart from TradingView.com