Taiwan’s Potential Bitcoin Inclusion in National Reserves
The Taiwanese government is edging closer to potentially including Bitcoin in its national reserves strategy. Recent agreements between the Executive Yuan and Taiwan’s Central Bank indicate a willingness to examine Bitcoin as a strategic asset and to consider the feasibility of utilizing seized Bitcoin currently en route to auction as a pilot program. Leading this initiative is legislator Dr. Ju-chun Ko, who has been supported by Samson Mow, the CEO of Bitcoin infrastructure company JAN3. This development has been identified as one of the most significant movements toward sovereign Bitcoin adoption in Asia, as reported by Bitcoin Magazine, amid ongoing discussions in Taiwan’s legislature regarding a reduced reliance on traditional reserve assets.
Concerns Over Financial Stability
Dr. Ko has expressed concerns about Taiwan’s dependence on the US dollar, emphasizing the necessity for a diversified financial strategy to ensure stability. During previous discussions this year, he advocated for the incorporation of Bitcoin into the nation’s reserves, citing the risks associated with global inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the volatility of the New Taiwan Dollar, which has exhibited swings up to 5% within a single trading day. Currently, Taiwan maintains about 423 metric tonnes of gold and around $577 billion in foreign exchange reserves, with a substantial portion—around 92%—invested in US Treasury bonds.
Ko clarified that the intent is not to replace traditional assets with Bitcoin, but rather to enhance financial resilience through diversification. He remarked,
“Bitcoin offers a unique hedge due to its decentralized and fixed-supply nature,”
noting its independence from both monetary policy and external influences.
Global Trends Supporting Bitcoin Adoption
Global trends appear to lend support to Ko’s advocacy. For instance, in March 2025, former US President Donald Trump enacted an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, incorporating approximately $17 billion in forfeited Bitcoin. Additionally, nations like El Salvador and Argentina have implemented frameworks aimed at harnessing Bitcoin for fiscal strategies, particularly in combating inflation and banking instability.
Regulatory Developments in Taiwan
Taiwan’s regulatory body, the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), has already taken steps to support digital assets, permitting professional investors to engage in foreign Bitcoin and crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) since 2024. Although this proposal remains in the study phase, there is a clear plan for the central bank to conduct feasibility assessments and potentially roll out pilot programs using confiscated Bitcoin ahead of broader utilization.
Recent Legal Actions Against Crypto Fraud
In related news, Taiwanese authorities recently tackled one of the largest crypto-related money laundering operations in the country, resulting in the indictment of 14 individuals linked to a NT$2.3 billion (approximately $75 million) fraud. The scheme, operated by Shi Qiren, involved more than 40 storefronts masquerading as legitimate crypto exchanges. Prosecutors revealed that the operation deceived over 1,500 victims and misappropriated investor funds into overseas accounts. Following an extensive investigation, authorities seized items including cash, cryptocurrency, and luxury assets valued at over NT$100 million. Shi now faces potential prison time of up to 25 years for his role in this extensive fraud and money laundering case, which successfully exploited gaps in Taiwan’s crypto regulatory framework.
