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Taiwan’s government is considering adding Bitcoin to its national reserves, following calls from legislators to audit existing crypto holdings and evaluate digital assets as a strategic reserve option. Premier Cho Jung-tai has pledged a detailed report on Bitcoin reserves and government-held cryptocurrency by year-end 2025.
The push comes amid concerns over Taiwan’s heavy reliance on the US dollar, with over 90% of its $602.94 billion foreign exchange reserves held in USD, according to the Central Bank of the Republic of China as of September 2025. Lawmakers argue this exposes Taiwan to currency fluctuations and potential depreciation risks, threatening macroeconomic stability.
Lawmakers Urge Bitcoin Audit and Strategic Reserve Planning
Kuomintang legislator Ju-Chun Ko emphasized the need for Taiwan to diversify reserves during a recent Legislative Yuan session. Ko called for an immediate inventory of all government-held Bitcoin, including assets seized in legal cases, such as the $146 million confiscated in a 2024 fraud case.
Ko recommended that confiscated cryptocurrency should be retained for potential strategic use rather than liquidated quickly. This would allow Taiwan to build a digital reserve base, preparing the nation for future financial innovation and supporting macroeconomic resilience.
Premier Cho acknowledged that the US dollar remains the dominant global settlement currency but confirmed the government’s openness to evaluating emerging digital assets. Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long committed to providing a balanced report on a Bitcoin reserve strategy before the end of the year.
Global Momentum for Bitcoin Strategic Reserves
Taiwan’s move reflects a broader international trend toward cryptocurrency as a reserve asset. In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the US Digital Asset Stockpile. Several US states are also adopting Bitcoin reserve policies, including New Hampshire, Arizona, and Texas, through legislation like the BITCOIN Act of 2025, which mandates the Treasury to acquire up to one million BTC over five years with a 20-year minimum holding period.
Deutsche Bank analysts project that Bitcoin could achieve reserve status similar to gold by 2030, strengthening the case for adoption among central banks and financial institutions worldwide. Lawmakers like Ko reference these global developments as a model for Taiwan’s potential reserve diversification.
Regulatory Hurdles and Taiwan’s Competitiveness
Despite growing interest, Taiwan faces challenges due to regulatory delays. Lawmaker Ko criticized the slow progress on the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) legislation, noting that uncertainty could hinder fintech innovation and slow digital finance growth.
Currently, only nine cryptocurrency platforms are regulated in Taiwan, and delays in comprehensive VASP rules may limit opportunities for institutional adoption and broader market participation. Ko urged a cooperative regulatory framework between banks and VASPs, similar to US GENIUS Act and Singapore’s digital asset standards, to maintain global competitiveness.
Implications for Taiwan’s Financial Strategy
The year-end evaluation by the Central Bank will determine whether Taiwan diversifies its reserves with Bitcoin or maintains its heavy dependence on traditional assets like the US dollar. Lawmakers argue that strategic cryptocurrency adoption could reduce currency exposure risks, enhance financial autonomy, and position Taiwan as a forward-looking hub for digital finance in Asia.
Taiwan’s decision could influence broader regional trends, as other Asian nations watch closely for central bank approaches to digital reserve assets. The outcome will signal whether the nation is ready to embrace cryptocurrency as a core component of national financial strategy.
