Bhutan Cashes Out $60M in Bitcoin—Still Sits on a $1.4B BTC Fortune

Bhutan's crypto playbook just got interesting. The Himalayan kingdom offloaded $60 million worth of Bitcoin—barely scratching the surface of its $1.4 billion stash. Talk about taking profits while keeping your diamond hands.

Why sell now? Maybe they needed petty cash for another happiness-index survey. Or perhaps they spotted what Wall Street won’t admit—BTC’s long-term trajectory laughs at short-term dips.

One thing’s clear: When a nation-state treats Bitcoin like a strategic reserve asset, it’s time to rethink what 'sovereign wealth' really means. Meanwhile, traditional finance still thinks CBDCs are innovative.

Strategic Bitcoin Sales Total $59.47 Million

Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reports that Bhutan’s sovereign investment arm transferred a total of 512.84 BTC to Binance during the week of July 10. These transactions were split into six separate transfers, with the largest moving 208.56 BTC, valued at $23.18 million at the time.

Other transactions included 100 BTC, 99 BTC, and several smaller batches, bringing the total value of the sales to approximately $59.47 million. These moves coincided with Bitcoin’s rise to new all-time highs, suggesting Bhutan was tactically capitalizing on market momentum.

The timing is noteworthy. Between July 10 and 14, Bitcoin surged from $108,000 to over $122,000, reflecting a 12.4% price increase. Bhutan’s decision to offload a portion of its holdings during this rally indicates a profit-taking strategy rather than an exit from the crypto space.

Bhutan’s Bitcoin Treasury Still Tops $1.4 Billion

Despite the recent outflows, Bhutan’s crypto reserves remain robust. According to Arkham’s on-chain tracking, the kingdom still holds 11,411 BTC, currently valued at approximately $1.4 billion. This substantial holding underlines the government’s continued commitment to digital assets as a part of its investment strategy.

Interestingly, the total value of Bhutan’s crypto treasury grew by over $73 million within a week — from $1.29 billion to $1.37 billion — thanks in large part to the Bitcoin rally.

This isn’t the first time Bhutan has taken advantage of market peaks. Earlier, between July 3 and July 10, the government moved 213 BTC (worth nearly $24 million) to Binance, even as its overall crypto portfolio appreciated from $1.26 billion to $1.30 billion.

Ethereum Holdings Remain Steady

Bhutan’s interest in crypto isn’t limited to Bitcoin. The nation also holds 656 ETH, currently valued at about $1.93 million. Although no changes in ethereum holdings were recorded during the same week, an 18% increase in ETH’s price pushed up the portfolio’s valuation.

This further highlights how passive gains in a volatile market can significantly impact a portfolio’s worth—even without adding or selling assets.

Why the Timing Matters

The Bhutanese government’s latest MOVE happened as Bitcoin broke past weeks of consolidation, finally clearing the $121,000 resistance level. The price explosion came amid broader macroeconomic developments, including new 30% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on EU and Mexican imports.

Interestingly, Bitcoin — traditionally viewed as a risk-on asset — brushed off the negative macro sentiment and instead responded positively. On July 13, the same day Bhutan offloaded over $23 million in BTC, Bitcoin climbed as high as $122,400 on Coinbase.

This price resilience has been a major factor in Bhutan’s decision to actively manage its crypto exposure—cutting back during surges and benefiting from long-term price appreciation.

A Tactical Play, Not a Crypto Exit

While the $60 million sell-off might suggest a shift in strategy to some, it’s clear that Bhutan is far from abandoning its crypto ambitions. With 11,411 BTC still in reserve, the country remains one of the largest sovereign holders of Bitcoin.

Its tactical approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of market dynamics, where timely sales during price peaks help lock in profits without undermining long-term investment goals.

In fact, the Royal Government of Bhutan’s consistent management of its crypto portfolio demonstrates a rare combination of conviction and agility—traits often missing from traditional sovereign wealth management when it comes to digital assets.

What’s Next for Bhutan’s Crypto Strategy?

As Bitcoin continues to flirt with all-time highs, analysts expect more sovereign entities and institutions to become active participants in the market. Bhutan’s success may set an example for others looking to diversify their national reserves using decentralized assets.

With Bitcoin trading around $121,000, market watchers will be keen to see whether Bhutan continues trimming its stash during rallies or begins exploring other digital asset classes.

Either way, the country has firmly established itself as a serious crypto player on the global stage.