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Aleš Michl is about to do something quite bold. The governor of the Czech National Bank is set to speak at Bitcoin 2026, at the end of April. It’s a first for a central bank head.
He will speak on April 28 at 10:20 AM Pacific Time. The venue: the Nakamoto stage at the Venetian Resort. His topic: how to diversify a central bank’s reserves with Bitcoin. Not exactly the usual speech from someone in his position. But Michl is not your typical figure.
In January 2025, he proposed allocating up to 5% of the CNB’s reserves to Bitcoin. We’re talking about 140 billion euros in total reserves. His reasoning: Bitcoin has a low correlation with bonds and other traditional assets that central banks typically accumulate. It allows for better risk distribution. At least in theory.
Christine Lagarde Was Not Impressed
The announcement caused a stir. Especially in Frankfurt. Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, expressed her skepticism. She doesn’t look favorably on EU central banks putting Bitcoin in their vaults. Michl stood firm. He maintains his position.
The CNB has already started testing the waters. In November 2025, the bank purchased a test portfolio worth one million dollars. Inside: Bitcoin, a US dollar stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit. It’s a project from the CNB’s lab. The goal is to see how it works practically, to understand the operational implications. Michl stated it’s preparation, not speculation. The evaluation is scheduled in two to three years.
A million dollars is nothing for a central bank. But it’s a signal. It shows that Prague is taking this seriously.
Las Vegas Expects 35,000 People or More
Bitcoin 2026 takes place from April 27 to 29 at the Venetian Resort. It’s the biggest Bitcoin event of the year. Developers, investors, miners, policymakers. Everyone will be there. Conferences, technical workshops, immersive experiences.
The 2025 edition in Las Vegas attracted 35,000 participants. This year, organizers expect even more. Interest in Bitcoin is rising. Central banks are starting to take a closer look. Not all, but some.
The choice of Las Vegas is no accident. The city is a hub for innovators. And then, it’s Las Vegas. It helps to draw a crowd.
The event offers several types of passes. From general admission to premium experiences. Privileged access to workshops, conferences, exclusive networking sessions. Multiple stages, various formats. Topics range from Bitcoin fundamentals to corporate adoption, open-source development, and energy policies.
Additional announcements about the main speakers are coming soon. Michl is already a big name. But there will be others.
The Venetian Resort provides an ideal setting for networking. Previous editions have shown a steady increase in participation. This reflects the growing interest in Bitcoin and its potential role in the global monetary system. Central banks, even skeptical ones, are watching closely. Some are testing. Others are criticizing. Prague is testing.
Michl will explain his vision on stage. How a central bank can integrate Bitcoin into its reserves without taking excessive risks. How to manage volatility. How to justify it to European regulators who, for many, remain reluctant.
The CNB is not the only one looking at Bitcoin. Other central banks are exploring digital assets, even if few admit it publicly. Prague’s test portfolio is a first step. A million dollars is symbolic. But it opens the door to larger allocations if the tests are successful.
The US dollar stablecoin and the tokenized deposit in the portfolio show that the CNB is not limiting itself to Bitcoin. It is exploring the entire blockchain ecosystem. The operational implications are complex. Custody, security, liquidity, accounting. All this must be tested before scaling up.
Michl has taken a bold stance. Not popular everywhere. But he stands by it. His appearance in Las Vegas is likely to draw a lot of attention. Financial media will be there. Other central banks too, even if they don’t all admit it.
Bitcoin 2026 promises to be a meeting point for key industry players. From novices to seasoned experts. The focus will be on discussions ranging from technical basics to institutional adoption strategies. The fact that a central bank governor is taking the stage changes the game. It legitimizes the conversation.
The organizers have set up different categories of passes to meet the varied needs of participants. Ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone. Technical workshops, high-level conferences, immersive experiences. Everything is planned.
The expected attendance increase compared to previous years shows that interest is not waning. Bitcoin remains a hot topic. And when a central bank starts talking about it seriously, it draws even more attention.
Michl speaks on April 28. Stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aleš Michl and why is it significant that he speaks at Bitcoin 2026?
Aleš Michl is the governor of the Czech National Bank. He becomes the first central bank governor to speak at the Bitcoin 2026 conference, marking a turning point in institutional recognition of Bitcoin.
What has the CNB done with Bitcoin so far?
In November 2025, the CNB purchased a test portfolio worth one million dollars including Bitcoin, a US dollar stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit to evaluate operational implications before potentially allocating 5% of its 140 billion euros in reserves.
How many people are expected at Bitcoin 2026?
The 2025 edition in Las Vegas attracted 35,000 participants. Organizers expect even more for the 2026 edition, which takes place from April 27 to 29 at the Venetian Resort.
