Czech National Bank Makes Historic Move: Buys Bitcoin for $1 Million Test Portfolio in 2025

• Why Did the Czech National Bank Buy Bitcoin?
• What’s the Goal of the CNB’s Crypto Experiment?
• How Does CNB Labs Fit Into This Strategy?
• What Are the Broader Implications for Central Banks?
• FAQs About the CNB’s Bitcoin Purchase

In a groundbreaking move, the Czech National Bank (CNB) has purchased bitcoin for the first time, creating a $1 million test portfolio. This pilot project also includes a USD stablecoin and tokenized deposits, marking a significant step into digital assets. The CNB aims to gain hands-on experience with crypto investments and blockchain technology, though it clarified Bitcoin won’t be added to its international reserves soon. Governor Aleš Michl revealed the idea was conceived earlier this year, and the bank has since expanded its scope to include asset tokenization and future payment systems. The CNB also launched CNB Labs to explore emerging financial technologies, including AI and instant payments. While the bank acknowledges crypto’s growing popularity, it remains cautious, emphasizing this is purely an experimental initiative.

Why Did the Czech National Bank Buy Bitcoin?

The Czech National Bank (CNB) made headlines on November 13, 2025, by announcing its first-ever Bitcoin purchase. The $1 million test portfolio is part of a broader experiment to understand digital assets from a central bank’s perspective. According to Governor Aleš Michl, the idea was first discussed in January 2025, with the board approving the purchase on October 30. The portfolio isn’t just about Bitcoin—it also includes a USD-pegged stablecoin and tokenized deposits, reflecting the bank’s interest in blockchain’s potential for diversifying reserves and modernizing financial systems.

What’s the Goal of the CNB’s Crypto Experiment?

The CNB’s primary objective is practical: to test the waters of crypto investment without committing to large-scale adoption. The bank explicitly stated it won’t actively increase its Bitcoin holdings, as this is purely a learning exercise. Analysts from BTCC note that the CNB’s cautious approach mirrors other central banks’ exploratory moves, like the ECB’s digital euro trials. The bank plans to evaluate the entire crypto lifecycle—from buying and storing to auditing and crisis management—over the next 2-3 years. “We’ll share our findings publicly,” Michl said, “and deliver a full project assessment by 2027 or 2028.”

How Does CNB Labs Fit Into This Strategy?

Parallel to the Bitcoin purchase, the CNB launched CNB Labs, an innovation hub focused on testing disruptive financial technologies. The lab will explore AI tools, instant payment solutions, and blockchain applications, aiming to future-proof the bank’s operations. Michl emphasized that hands-on experience is critical: “We need to develop in-house expertise to navigate the digital shift.” The lab will also compare different digital assets, analyze their properties, and simulate trading scenarios—essentially stress-testing crypto in a controlled environment.

What Are the Broader Implications for Central Banks?

The CNB’s MOVE signals growing institutional curiosity about crypto, even if outright adoption remains distant. While the bank consulted with the ECB and IMF, all parties agreed Bitcoin doesn’t qualify as a reserve asset—yet. However, the CNB’s experiment could pave the way for tokenized government bonds or CBDCs. As CoinMarketCap data shows, Bitcoin’s volatility has decreased since 2023, making it marginally more palatable for conservative institutions. Still, the CNB’s stance is clear: this is research, not endorsement.

FAQs About the CNB’s Bitcoin Purchase

Why did the CNB buy Bitcoin?

The Czech National Bank purchased Bitcoin as part of a $1 million test portfolio to gain practical experience with digital assets and blockchain technology. This is an experimental initiative, not a long-term investment strategy.

Will the CNB add Bitcoin to its reserves?

No. The CNB clarified it has no plans to incorporate Bitcoin into its international reserves in the NEAR future. This is purely a pilot project for research purposes.

What else is included in the test portfolio?

Alongside Bitcoin, the portfolio contains a USD stablecoin and tokenized deposits, allowing the CNB to explore multiple facets of blockchain-based finance.

How long will the experiment last?

The CNB expects to evaluate the project over 2-3 years, with periodic public updates and a comprehensive report by 2027–2028.