Swiss National Bank Rejects Bitcoin Reserves Amid Growing Industry Pressure

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has firmly rejected proposals to include Bitcoin in its reserves, emphasizing concerns about the stability of the volatile crypto market. Despite growing pressure from the local crypto industry, SNB officials maintain that Bitcoin does not currently meet the necessary requirements for currency reserves. Chairman Martin Schlegel stated during a recent shareholder meeting, “cryptocurrency cannot currently fulfill the requirements for our currency reserves,” reflecting a cautious stance towards adopting Bitcoin.

The conversation around Bitcoin as a reserve asset in Switzerland has intensified, particularly following a proposal initiated by the Swiss Federal Chancellery. The initiative aims to mandate that the SNB hold Bitcoin alongside its existing reserves. To progress, the campaign needs to collect 100,000 signatures, a significant target that could trigger a nationwide referendum. The proposed amendment seeks to modify Article 99 of the Swiss Constitution, which currently stipulates that the SNB must maintain sufficient reserves, predominantly in gold. Advocates wish to append “and in Bitcoin” to this clause. The movement, backed by the nonprofit 2B4CH, highlights the growing support for cryptocurrency within Switzerland, emphasizing the potential of Bitcoin as a stable reserve amid a turbulent global economy.

Prominent figures in the Swiss crypto sector, including Giw Zanganeh of stablecoin issuer Tether, have played pivotal roles in launching and promoting the campaign. The need for diversification in reserves is becoming increasingly urgent as traditional fiat currencies like the dollar and euro face significant fluctuations. Advocates for the campaign argue that Bitcoin offers a hedge against political and economic instability endemic to fiat currencies. Luzius Meisser from Bitcoin Suisse insists, “holding Bitcoin makes more sense as the world shifts towards a multipolar order.” He articulates that holding a modest percentage of Bitcoin could insulate the Swiss economy from the political ramifications inherent in foreign currency dealings.

Yves Bennaïm, founder of 2B4CH, echoes these sentiments, suggesting that with nearly 1 trillion francs in reserves, the SNB could prudently allocate 1-2% into Bitcoin. This diversification strategy, he argues, is not about overexposure but rather about securing value in an asset that is appreciating and increasingly sought after. Additionally, the sentiment around Bitcoin is bolstered by the ongoing development of the Crypto Valley, which continues to attract blockchain startups and innovation within Switzerland. Recent statistics indicate that the Crypto Valley has surpassed a valuation of $593 billion, further solidifying Switzerland’s position as a burgeoning hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain enterprises. With major retailers like Spar integrating Bitcoin payment systems into their operations, the practical application of cryptocurrency in daily transactions is gaining traction.

The dialogue surrounding Bitcoin as a reserve currency represents broader global trends highlighting the appetite for alternative assets. As traditional financial systems encounter unprecedented challenges, the adoption of cryptocurrencies appears increasingly plausible. Swiss citizens have a unique opportunity to voice their opinions on this development through the proposed referendum. Despite current resistance from the Swiss National Bank regarding Bitcoin reserves, the ongoing campaign reflects a significant push from the local cryptocurrency industry for reform. As Switzerland’s Crypto Valley continues to thrive and evolve, the outcome of the potential referendum could set a precedent for other nations contemplating a similar approach. The debate around Bitcoin’s role in central bank reserves raises important questions about the future of finance and the need for resilience in economic policy.