Swiss National Bank Rejects Bitcoin for National Reserves Amid Rising Global Economic Uncertainty

B. Ali
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During its recent shareholder assembly in Bern on April 25, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) reaffirmed its conservative stance by rejecting calls to add bitcoin to its national reserves, despite growing global economic turmoil and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

This decision, led by SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel, underscores the institution’s commitment to traditional reserve management, prioritizing stability over the emerging appeal of digital assets.

SNB Rejects Bitcoin for Reserves, Citing High Volatility and Focus on Financial Stability

SNB Chairman Schlegel strongly opposed the idea of integrating bitcoin into Switzerland’s currency reserves, emphasizing the cryptocurrency’s “very, very high” volatility as a major threat to financial stability.

Addressing the gathering, Schlegel firmly stated that bitcoin does not meet the necessary requirements for inclusion in the SNB’s reserve assets, citing its unpredictable price swings and limited liquidity. The SNB maintains that its foreign-exchange reserves must consist of highly liquid and stable assets, which cryptocurrencies currently fail to offer.

This firm rejection comes amid growing pressure from cryptocurrency advocates who have launched a referendum initiative, urging the central bank to diversify its assets with bitcoin alongside traditional gold holdings. However, Schlegel’s remarks made it clear that preserving the resilience of Switzerland’s monetary system remains the top priority.

Swiss Decision Could Impact Crypto Sentiment Amid Global Bitcoin Reserve Discussions

Meanwhile, Switzerland’s refusal to embrace bitcoin could influence investor sentiment, as it highlights the ongoing hesitation of major financial institutions toward digital assets.

With countries like the United States creating strategic bitcoin reserves using seized digital assets, the global conversation about cryptocurrency’s role in national wealth strategies is gaining momentum. However, Switzerland’s cautious approach signals that concerns over volatility and security still dominate official decision-making.

Analysts warn that if more nations follow Switzerland’s lead, the broader adoption of bitcoin as a reserve asset could slow, keeping its price vulnerable to fluctuations.

On the other hand, the continued resistance from traditional financial bodies may strengthen the resolve of crypto enthusiasts to push for bitcoin’s recognition as a legitimate store of value.

SNB Remains Committed to Traditional Assets Amid Rising Economic Uncertainty

Apart from concerns about price instability, Schlegel also pointed out the technical vulnerabilities of cryptocurrencies, noting that as software-based assets, they remain susceptible to bugs and other reliability issues. He reiterated that the SNB’s reserves are strictly meant to support monetary policy objectives, and digital assets, for now, do not align with this mission.

Despite intensifying economic uncertainty driven by inflation fears and geopolitical tensions, Switzerland’s monetary authorities remain committed to traditional safeguard measures. As the referendum initiative moves forward, it reflects a growing debate within Switzerland about adapting to new financial realities — but for now, the Swiss National Bank is standing firm in defense of its cautious, stability-first approach.

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Live webinar speaker and derivatives (Forex, Crypto, and Indices) analyst with a broad range of skills for evaluating financial data, investment trends, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and the best ways to strategies investment selection.  Expertise: Trading Psychology; Speculative Positioning & Market Sentiment; Technical & Fundamental Analysis.