The Czech Central Bank Bitcoin purchase marks its first direct entry into digital assets, establishing a $1 million digital asset portfolio. The pilot includes Bitcoin, a USD stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit on the blockchain. The total investment will not be actively increased, and the portfolio is fully separate from the CNB’s international reserves.
The CNB Board approved the purchase on October 30, 2025, following an analysis of possible investments in new asset classes. The report highlighted the growing role of digital assets in corporate and fund portfolios and the likelihood of broader adoption in the future. Governor Aleš Michl explains that the goal is to gain hands-on experience with blockchain-based asset management, including custody, settlement, auditing, and AML compliance.
The initiative attracted attention on social media. Watcher. Guru shared on X that: "🇨🇿 Czech Central Bank buys $1 million worth of Bitcoin & crypto," emphasizing the symbolic step by a European central bank into digital assets. The CNB stresses this is not a change to its reserve management strategy, and the experiment will not affect monetary policy or foreign exchange operations.
Pilot Portfolio Tests Blockchain Operations and Payment Innovations
The CNB portfolio allows staff to compare asset classes. Bitcoin represents decentralized digital assets, the stablecoin reflects private-sector digital cash, and the tokenized deposit provides insight into regulated financial instruments. Michl adds that the portfolio enables testing of the full operational chain, from technical key management and multi-level approvals to crisis scenarios and internal auditing.
Another potential, which is brought to light by Michl, is the payment innovation. The CNB sees a potential situation where tokenized Czech bonds or other assets can be purchased directly using the Koruna, and day-to-day payments and investments are combined. The pilot is focused on developing in-house competencies, as the staff will be able to relocate knowledge between departments and equip the CNB with new trends in digital finance.
CNB Lab Innovation Hub Supports Technology Testing
In addition to the pilot, the CNB created CNB Lab, an innovation center covering blockchain solutions, AI tools, and instant payment technologies. The laboratory will simulate trading, settlement, and auditing of digital assets during testing of operational preparedness to a variety of market situations.
The CNB has already discussed Bitcoin holdings with ECB and IMF officials, but has verified that the Bitcoin actually held is not a reserve asset. The bank will retain Bitcoin to conduct research within its premises, with the focus being on process analysis, security measures, and real-life experience in managing digital assets.
The pilot portfolio and CNB Lab combined strategy would put the bank in a position to learn how the traditional institutions relate to blockchain-based assets and position it to engage in a future where digital finance becomes more significant.