Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Gold-Like Shift: Central Banks Consider Digital Reserve by 2030

Deutsche Bank has issued a bold five-year forecast for Bitcoin, predicting that the cryptocurrency could be included in central bank reserves by 2030, alongside gold. The bank's analysts, Marion Laboure and Camilla Siazon, argue that Bitcoin's maturing characteristics-reduced volatility, limited supply, and low correlation with traditional assets-make it an attractive candidate for institutional adoption. This assessment aligns with broader trends, including the surge in corporate Bitcoin holdings and the growing legitimacy of digital assets in financial markets Central banks will end up holding Bitcoin in their reserves^[1].

The bank's analysis highlights Bitcoin's evolving behavior, noting that its volatility has declined to historic lows as its price rises. This shift mirrors gold's trajectory, where fixed supply and uncorrelated performance have long made it a staple of central bank reserves. Deutsche Bank further points to the recent record high of $125,000 for Bitcoin and the increasing number of corporations-such as MicroStrategy-building Bitcoin treasuries. These developments, combined with central banks' efforts to diversify reserves amid geopolitical uncertainties and a weakening U.S. dollar, underscore Bitcoin's growing appeal as a safe-haven asset Central banks will end up holding Bitcoin in their reserves^[1].

Institutional adoption is a key driver of this forecast. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have drawn billions into Bitcoin, with the iShares Bitcoin Trust alone holding over $80 billion in assets. Regulatory clarity, such as the U.S. GENIUS Act and Europe's MiCA framework, is also reducing legal risks for institutional investors. Additionally, custody infrastructure and corporate treasury allocations are accelerating, with 85% of firms planning crypto allocations by year-end, according to an EY survey. These factors are transforming Bitcoin from a speculative asset into a core component of diversified portfolios Deutsche Bank Reveals a Bold Bitcoin Forecast^[3].

Deutsche Bank's projection is further supported by supply dynamics. Corporate Bitcoin accumulation now outpaces new mining output by a 3:1 ratio, with 463,685 BTC held in corporate treasuries through September 2025, compared to 164,250 BTC mined. This scarcity, combined with central bank interest in strategic reserves-such as the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve established in March 2025-could intensify demand. The bank also notes that Bitcoin's low correlation with equities and bonds (12% and negative in some periods, respectively) positions it as a diversification tool for central banks Stack Sats Quickly: Deutsche Bank Predicts Bitcoin on Central …^[5].

Price projections for Bitcoin vary widely, with Deutsche Bank's focus on institutional adoption contrasting with more speculative forecasts. ARK Invest, for instance, has raised its 2030 bull-case target to $2.4 million per Bitcoin, reflecting a 72% annualized growth rate. This optimism is fueled by declining exchange balances and increased cold storage, signaling long-term holder confidence. However, Deutsche Bank cautions that regulatory risks or macroeconomic shocks could push Bitcoin below $30,000 in a bear-case scenario. Despite these uncertainties, the bank emphasizes that Bitcoin's role as a reserve asset is gaining traction, with countries like Brazil and Russia exploring strategic reserves Bitcoin in 5 Years: What to Expect by 2030? - Analytics Insight^[4].

The U.S.-led adoption of Bitcoin is a critical factor in this forecast. President Donald Trump's executive order to create a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has reinforced the narrative of Bitcoin as a geopolitical tool. Deutsche Bank analysts argue that the U.S. dollar's weakening position and global diversification efforts are accelerating Bitcoin's adoption. This aligns with the broader trend of central banks purchasing gold, which has risen over 50% this year, as a hedge against dollar volatility. The bank's research suggests that by 2030, Bitcoin could coexist with gold on central bank balance sheets, mirroring their complementary roles in portfolio diversification Central banks will end up holding Bitcoin in their reserves^[1].