In a move that has turned heads, Sebastian Bea, President of Coinbase Asset Management, suggested the U.S. could revalue its gold reserves to free up nearly $100 billion.
He hinted this shift would be budget-neutral and could fast‑track a major Bitcoin purchase. His remarks, made on The Scoop podcast, came earlier this week and have sparked debate among policymakers and market watchers.
Revisiting Gold Accounting
Bea pointed out what he called a long‑standing oversight in how Washington records its bullion holdings. He argued that by adjusting the official value of its gold, the government could unlock capital without touching tax dollars or increasing debt.
“Sometimes the ideas are so big that people either can’t hear them or don’t want to hear them,” he said at the start of his interview. He urged listeners to pay close attention to this proposal, even if it seems unconventional at first glance.
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A Path to Bitcoin Acquisition
According to Bea, freeing up this capital would create a clear route for the U.S. to buy Bitcoin on a large scale. Many in the industry have expected gradual adoption over the years, but Bea’s idea suggests a sudden and substantial entry into the market.
He described the plan as more than a thought experiment. Instead, he painted it as a realistic strategy that could position the U.S. at the forefront of digital asset adoption.
Critique of SEC Crypto Rules
Meanwhile, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, has raised questions about the Securities and Exchange Commission’s stance on cryptocurrencies. In a recent post, he expressed confusion over a rule that bars SEC employees from holding or using digital assets.
Grewal implied that such restrictions could undermine the agency’s ability to understand and regulate this emerging class of investments. His comments have added another layer to the ongoing discussion about how to balance oversight with innovation.
Bitcoin’s Rise and Geopolitical Stakes
Bitcoin’s price has chased the $100,000 mark in recent trading, driven by growing institutional interest and shifting global dynamics.
Central banks around the world have been stockpiling gold at record rates, as they seek a hedge against inflation and currency risk. Bea’s proposal raises the possibility of a parallel rush for Bitcoin among sovereign actors.
If the U.S. were to adopt a Bitcoin‑backed approach, other nations might follow suit, dramatically reshaping the digital asset landscape.
Also Read: Coinbase Foresees Bitcoin Market Weakness Continuing Into Late Q2, Despite Growing Accumulation