Bitcoin News Today: Central Banks Diversify Reserves as Dollar Wanes: Bitcoin and Gold Gain Strategic Ground

Deutsche Bank AG has projected that central banks could hold Bitcoin alongside gold as strategic reserve assets by 2030, driven by shared characteristics such as inflation hedging, low asset correlation, and declining volatility. The bank's analysis, led by economists Marion Laboure and Camilla Siazon, highlights parallels between gold's historical role in the 20th century and Bitcoin's emerging trajectory, with both assets gaining traction amid geopolitical uncertainty and de-dollarization trends Central Banks Seen Holding Bitcoin, Gold as Key Reserves by 2030 …^[1].

Gold prices have surged past $3,983.80 per troy ounce, with central banks purchasing over 36,000 tons of reserves globally. This trend is linked to the U.S. dollar's declining share in global reserves, which dropped from 60% in 2000 to 41% by 2025. Bitcoin, meanwhile, has approached $125,000 in price, with its relative volatility falling to historic lows, mirroring gold's transition from speculative asset to institutional staple Central banks will end up holding Bitcoin in their …^[2].

The bank attributes the growing interest in both assets to their disinflationary properties and utility as safe-haven tools. Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins and low transaction costs position it as a portable alternative to gold, which incurs storage and security expenses. For example, the Bank of England charges £3.50 per night for storing a single gold bar, making large reserves costly Deutsche Bank Predicts Bitcoin Will Join Gold in …^[3]. Emerging market central banks, in particular, are diversifying reserves into gold and Bitcoin to mitigate risks from U.S. sanctions and currency depreciation Bitcoin reserves reshape central bank diversification and policy^[4].

Despite these advantages, challenges remain. Critics, including JPMorgan analysts, argue that stablecoins could bolster dollar demand, potentially undermining Bitcoin's and gold's roles as reserve assets. Additionally, Bitcoin's volatility-while reduced-remains higher than gold's, and regulatory frameworks for digital assets are still evolving Will Bitcoin Become a Central Bank Asset Like Gold?^[5]. Deutsche Bank acknowledges these hurdles but emphasizes that Bitcoin's infrastructure, including regulated custodians and insurance solutions, is improving, reducing operational barriers for large-scale adoption Deutsche Bank: Bitcoin Could Join Gold on Central Bank Balance …^[6].

Academic research supports the potential for small Bitcoin allocations in central bank portfolios. A 2025 study noted that while Bitcoin's liquidity and stability lag behind gold, it could reduce portfolio risk under specific conditions. Correlation analyses also reveal that Bitcoin and gold often move in tandem, though recent divergences highlight Bitcoin's evolving market dynamics .

The Trump administration's establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in 2025 has further fueled institutional debate. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the reserve's role as a "budget-neutral pathway" for building holdings from forfeited cryptocurrency, signaling a shift in policy toward digital assets Will Bitcoin Become a Central Bank Asset Like Gold?^[5]. Meanwhile, countries like China and the European Union are monitoring gold demand surges while cautiously evaluating Bitcoin's integration into reserve strategies Deutsche Bank: Bitcoin Could Join Gold on Central Bank Balance …^[6].

Deutsche Bank's outlook anticipates a complementary role for Bitcoin and gold in central bank portfolios, with neither asset poised to replace the U.S. dollar entirely. The bank forecasts that by 2030, central banks will allocate both assets as diversifiers, leveraging their distinct advantages-gold's deep liquidity and Bitcoin's programmability and portability Central Banks Seen Holding Bitcoin, Gold as Key Reserves by 2030 …^[1].