Czech central bank invests in digital assets for the first time
The test investment is separate from international reserves and will not affect monetary policy or foreign exchange operations.
The Czech National Bank (CNB) has acquired digital assets for the first time, creating a USD 1 million test portfolio outside its international reserves. The initiative includes Bitcoin, a USD stablecoin, and a tokenised deposit on the blockchain.
The portfolio aims to provide practical experience with digital assets and test related operational processes, without plans for further active investment.
Governor Aleš Michl explained that the idea originated in January 2025 to evaluate decentralised Bitcoin and explore its potential role in diversifying reserves. Discussions later included stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and future payment methods, with insights to be shared over the next two to three years.
The CNB emphasises that the koruna remains the country’s legal tender, while new digital payment and investment methods are increasingly emerging.
The test portfolio will examine the full chain of digital asset management, from technical administration and multi-level approvals to crisis scenarios, security measures, and AML compliance.
The CNB aims to maintain and develop internal expertise, ensuring staff gain practical knowledge transferable across teams. The investment is separated from the central bank’s international reserves and will not influence monetary policy or foreign exchange operations.
Alongside the portfolio, the CNB has launched CNB Lab, an innovation hub to test digital assets, blockchain solutions, AI tools, and payment innovations. The Lab will help the bank prepare for the future of finance while building practical experience and team expertise.
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