Brazil Proposes 5% of Foreign Reserves for Bitcoin Reserve

Brazil is advancing a groundbreaking bill to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, proposing to allocate 5% of its foreign exchange reserves to Bitcoin, signaling a strategic shift in asset diversification. The bill, known as PL 4501/2023, has gained approval from Brazil’s Economic Development Committee, positioning the country alongside El Salvador as pioneers in state-backed Bitcoin reserves. Federal Congressman Eros Biondini emphasized that the initiative aims to foster technological innovation and strengthen Brazil’s economic resilience through this digital asset integration.

Brazil’s proposal to allocate 5% of foreign reserves to Bitcoin marks a significant move in crypto legislation, potentially reshaping national economic strategies. The Brazilian House of Representatives is progressing with the PL 4501/2023 bill, which proposes the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve dubbed “RESBit.” This initiative aims to allocate up to 5% of Brazil’s foreign exchange reserves to Bitcoin, managed by the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance. The bill mandates the use of cold wallets for secure storage and requires bi-annual audits to maintain transparency and accountability. This legislative move reflects a growing trend among nations to diversify reserves beyond traditional fiat currencies and gold, embracing digital assets as part of a modern economic strategy.

By potentially joining El Salvador as one of the first countries to legislate a Bitcoin reserve, Brazil is signaling a forward-thinking approach to national asset management. Proponents argue that this diversification could reduce exposure to currency fluctuations and inflation risks associated with fiat reserves. Congressman Eros Biondini highlighted that the reserve is designed to “drive technological innovation and enhance Brazil’s economic resilience,” underscoring the dual economic and technological benefits. Market analysts suggest that formal adoption could boost institutional confidence in Bitcoin, encouraging broader acceptance within Latin America and beyond.

El Salvador’s pioneering adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 set a precedent for integrating cryptocurrency into national financial frameworks. Brazil’s proposal differs by focusing on Bitcoin as a reserve asset rather than legal tender, which may offer a more measured approach to digital asset integration. This distinction could appeal to other large economies observing the outcomes of El Salvador’s experiment. Additionally, Brazil’s emphasis on regulatory oversight and audit requirements reflects a cautious yet progressive stance, balancing innovation with governance.

As of June 12, 2025, Bitcoin trades at approximately $107,482.53, with a market capitalization exceeding $2.1 trillion and a 29.88% increase over the past 90 days. These robust metrics provide a favorable backdrop for Brazil’s consideration of Bitcoin reserves. The Coincu research team notes that Brazil’s legislative progress may inspire other nations to evaluate digital assets for reserve diversification, potentially accelerating global adoption trends. However, ongoing legislative scrutiny will be critical to address regulatory challenges and ensure sustainable integration.

Brazil’s advancement of the PL 4501/2023 bill to create a national Bitcoin reserve represents a significant milestone in the evolution of state-level cryptocurrency adoption. By proposing a 5% allocation of foreign exchange reserves to Bitcoin, Brazil is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative economic policy in Latin America. This initiative not only aims to diversify national assets but also to foster technological growth and economic resilience. Stakeholders should closely monitor further legislative developments, as Brazil’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other countries contemplating digital asset integration within their financial systems.