Overview

• President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, likened to a 'digital Fort Knox,' using seized Bitcoin from civil and criminal cases.
• The reserve will initially hold approximately 200,000 Bitcoin worth $17 billion, with provisions to add more assets if acquisitions remain budget-neutral.
• Russia is reportedly using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to facilitate trade with China and India, circumventing international sanctions imposed after the Ukraine invasion.
• The Bank of Russia has softened its stance on cryptocurrencies, allowing limited investment and supporting crypto's use in international trade.
• Critics question the volatility of Bitcoin compared to gold, but proponents argue its rarity and transparency make it a modern strategic asset for governments.