Taiwan Considers Bitcoin for Strategic Reserves Amid Calls for Crypto Audit

Taiwan is moving closer to evaluating Bitcoin as part of its national strategic reserves as lawmakers push the government to reduce reliance on the US dollar and modernize its financial strategy. During a recent Legislative Yuan session, Kuomintang legislator Ju-Chun Ko urged officials to conduct a full audit of Taiwan’s Bitcoin holdings—including cryptocurrency seized in legal cases—and to explore how digital assets could strengthen the country’s financial resilience.

Taiwan currently holds $602.94 billion in foreign exchange reserves as of September 2025, with more than 90% tied to the US dollar. Ko warned that such heavy exposure leaves Taiwan vulnerable to currency fluctuations, potential dollar depreciation, and shifts in global monetary policy. He argued that diversifying into assets like Bitcoin could help protect purchasing power and support long-term stability, especially as digital currencies gain global traction.

Ko emphasized that Bitcoin confiscated in criminal cases—such as the $146 million worth of crypto seized in a major 2024 fraud investigation—should not be liquidated immediately. Instead, he suggested that Taiwan consider holding these assets as part of a strategic digital stockpile. Premier Cho Jung-tai responded by acknowledging the growing relevance of digital assets, while Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long committed to delivering a comprehensive report on Bitcoin reserve strategies by the end of 2025.

The push comes as global momentum for Bitcoin reserves accelerates. The United States established its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in March 2025, and several US states have introduced their own Bitcoin reserve laws. Analysts from Deutsche Bank even forecast that Bitcoin could reach gold-like reserve status by 2030, strengthening arguments for central bank adoption.

However, Taiwan’s progress is slowed by delays in regulating virtual asset service providers. Ko criticized the stalled development of a dedicated VASP law, warning that regulatory uncertainty risks weakening Taiwan’s competitiveness in digital finance. As policymakers prepare their year-end evaluation, Taiwan faces a pivotal decision on whether to embrace Bitcoin as part of its economic future or remain anchored to traditional reserve assets.