ECB President States Bitcoin Unlikely To Be Included in Central Bank Reserves

ECB President Christine Lagarde said Bitcoin is unlikely to be included in central bank reserves, citing liquidity and security concerns.

Deniz Saat

January 30, 2025 @ 3:15 PM PT

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has indicated that Bitcoin is unlikely to be incorporated into central bank reserves, following a discussion with Czech National Bank Governor Aleš Michl.

JUST IN: 🇪🇺 European Central Bank President says Bitcoin will not be included in any EU central bank reserves.

"Reserves have to be liquid, reserves have to be secure, they have to be safe, and they should not be plagued by money laundering or other criminal activities." pic.twitter.com/PmDxQxNmKP
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) January 30, 2025

Speaking at a press briefing on January 30th, Lagarde reiterated that the European Council requires reserve assets to be “liquid, secure, and safe,” suggesting that Bitcoin does not meet these criteria.

She expressed confidence that central banks within the council would not include Bitcoin in their reserves.

Her comments followed remarks from Governor Michl, who proposed that the Czech National Bank consider diversifying its reserves with Bitcoin.

While the Czech central bank’s board voted the same day to explore additional asset classes, it did not specify Bitcoin as a consideration.

Lagarde’s statement is among the few instances in which the ECB has addressed the topic of Bitcoin in central bank reserves.

It comes amid broader discussions on digital assets, including an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump to establish a working group on Bitcoin and digital asset regulations.

Some ECB officials have previously supported further research into a digital euro as part of ongoing developments in the financial sector.