Ukraine’s Bold Move: Building a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Amid Global Crypto Adoption

Ukraine is reportedly finalizing legislation to establish a national cryptocurrency reserve, positioning itself alongside nations like El Salvador, Bhutan, and the U.S. in embracing digital assets at a state level. The country already holds Bitcoin worth $4.8 billion, largely accumulated through donations for its war effort, making it one of the largest Bitcoin holders globally even without an official reserve framework. This strategic move highlights the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin and its potential role in national financial systems. As of May 16, 2025, Bitcoin’s price stands at 104,090.34 USDT, reflecting the continued interest and confidence in the leading cryptocurrency.

Ukraine Eyes Strategic Crypto Reserve: Report

Ukraine is reportedly finalizing legislation to establish a national cryptocurrency reserve, positioning itself alongside nations like El Salvador, Bhutan, and the U.S. in embracing digital assets at a state level. The country already holds Bitcoin worth $4.8 billion, largely accumulated through donations for its war effort, making it one of the largest Bitcoin holders globally even without an official reserve framework.

The move comes amid a broader trend in early 2025, with several nations evaluating bitcoin reserves. While countries like the Czech Republic and the U.S. have advanced such initiatives, others including the UK, Switzerland, South Korea, and South Africa have rejected similar proposals.

Fidelity Macro Director Advocates 4:1 Gold-to-Bitcoin Allocation as Sharpe Ratios Converge

Fidelity’s Director of Global Macro, Jurrien Timmer, suggests a strategic 4:1 ratio for Gold and Bitcoin holdings as store-of-value assets. Bitcoin’s resurgence above $100,000 coincides with its 52-week Sharpe ratio nearing parity with gold’s 1.33, despite Bitcoin’s current -0.40 reading. "After a strong run by gold, perhaps the baton is being passed again to Bitcoin," Timmer noted in a May 16 social media post.

Gold has notched 67 record closes since early 2024, maintaining a 33% premium to its long-term average. At current prices—$103,600 for Bitcoin and $3,213 per ounce for gold—the two assets now exhibit comparable volatility-adjusted performance under Timmer’s framework.

Wisconsin Divests Entire Bitcoin ETF Position Amid Market Uncertainty

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board liquidated its entire $335.9 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) during Q1 2024, according to SEC filings. The move preceded President Trump’s tariff announcements that later contributed to crypto market volatility.

Wisconsin’s pension fund had been the first US state-level institution to disclose Bitcoin ETF exposure. The divestment of 6,060,351 IBIT shares removes a notable institutional holder from the market as regulatory and economic uncertainties persist.

Wisconsin’s Investment Board Exits Bitcoin ETF, Shifts to MicroStrategy

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) has abruptly ended its $350 million Bitcoin exposure through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), despite BTC’s 27% rally this quarter. The move signals institutional caution even as crypto markets gain momentum.

SWIB’s pivot to MicroStrategy shares maintains indirect Bitcoin exposure through the corporate holder’s massive BTC treasury. This hedging strategy reflects the uneasy balance between traditional finance norms and crypto’s disruptive potential.

Global divergence sharpens as Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala doubles down on digital assets. Such contrasting approaches highlight the unresolved debate about Bitcoin’s role in institutional portfolios during this transitional market phase.

Bitcoin Adoption Gains Momentum as Galaxy Digital Debuts on Nasdaq, Steak N Shake Accepts BTC

Galaxy Digital (GLXY) made its Nasdaq debut, marking a significant milestone for cryptocurrency-focused financial services. The listing arrives amid growing institutional interest in digital assets, though it competes for attention with grassroots adoption stories.

Fast-food chain Steak n’ Shake has begun accepting Bitcoin payments via Lightning Network, as demonstrated in a viral social media video. A customer transaction showed seamless integration using the Zeus app’s QR code functionality - a tangible example of Bitcoin’s evolving utility as a payment rail.

Luxury watch wholesaler Top Win International (TOPW) is rebranding with a pro-Bitcoin stance, though details remain forthcoming. These developments collectively underscore cryptocurrency’s expanding foothold across both traditional finance and consumer commerce.