President Martin Schlegel of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) spoke at the General Assembly meeting in 2025 on the increasing demand for digital assets, especially Bitcoin.
However, Schlegel was adamant that the SNB had not chosen to include Bitcoin in its foreign exchange reserves immediately.
Why is SCB Rejecting the Bitcoin Reserve Idea?
Schlegel highlighted the cryptocurrency’s volatility and liquidity, pointing out that these features conflict with the SNB’s stringent risk management regulations.
According to Schlegel, the central bank takes a measured and careful approach to highly speculative assets, despite the fact that the subject is regularly debated.
However, the SNB had indirect exposure to Bitcoin as of the end of 2024 because of its equity holdings in publicly traded cryptocurrency companies.
These included cryptocurrency-focused companies like MARA Holdings and CleanSpark, as well as Tesla, which has bitcoin on its balance sheet.
Rather than a specific investment in digital currencies, this indirect exposure is a reflection of these companies’ wider market activity.
Schlegel explained that these positions are not a purposeful wager on Bitcoin alone, but rather represent a component of a diversified portfolio approach.
The SNB’s ruling highlights the difficulties central banks encounter in striking a balance between financial stability and innovation in a monetary environment that is changing quickly.
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New Statement Comes as SNB Faces High Pressure to Accept Bitcoin Reserve Idea
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is under growing pressure from cryptocurrency proponents to make Bitcoin investments. They contend that the hazards of depending too much on conventional reserve assets, such as the US dollar, have been brought to light by the economic uncertainty brought on by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
These activists contend that the SNB might diversify and safeguard its reserves from inflationary and geopolitical pressures by using bitcoin as a decentralized and limited substitute.
They think that owning bitcoin will improve Switzerland’s resilience and financial independence. Notwithstanding these defenses, the SNB maintains its prudence, pointing to worries about the volatility and liquidity of bitcoin.
However, in times of global economic turmoil, the drive reflects rising interest in incorporating digital assets into national reserve strategy.
SCB Chair’s Comments Come Right After Luzius Meisser’s Pro Bitcoin Comments
Luzius Meisser, the originator of the Bitcoin Initiative, spoke to the SNB’s General Assembly before Martin Schlegel’s remarks.
Meisser referred to Bitcoin as a “special asset” and said that it provides a compelling substitute for conventional government debt, which is normally held in reserves by central banks.
He highlighted the decentralized structure and restricted quantity of Bitcoin as crucial benefits during uncertain economic times.
In order to force the SNB to store bitcoin, Meisser’s group is advocating for a nationwide vote. Schlegel responded by restating the SNB’s cautious approach and citing the cryptocurrency’s high volatility and liquidity issues as justifications for not accepting it as a reserve asset.
Also Read: Swiss legislator Samuel Kullmann Proposes Referendum For Bitcoin Inclusion in Constitution