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Russia Holds Off On Including Bitcoin In Strategic Reserve, Future Reconsideration Possible

By Akriti Seth

Last Updated: Mar 6, 2025

Fact checked

By Sam Cooling

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Disclaimer

Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
99Bitcoins may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. All our recommendations follow a thorough review process.

The Russian Finance Ministry revealed that it is not currently planning to include cryptocurrencies in the strategic reserve due to volatility concerns. 

However, Deputy Finance Minister Vladimir Kolychev suggested that this stance could change once the fund’s liquid assets reach a level equivalent to 7-10% of Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP).  “However, for now, the volatility signs are not favorable,” Kolychev said.

On 4 March 2025, local media reported that the Russian Ministry of Finance does not plan to change the current regulatory structure of the NWF’s investments, and, in particular, to add crypto assets to it.

Russia’s Reserve Includes Gold And Chinese Yuan

Currently, the NWF primarily holds gold and Chinese yuan, with approximately 60% of its assets in yuan and the remaining 40% in gold. Kolychev insisted on opting for stability and liquidity, clarifying that currently Russia doesn’t have an appetite for volatility. 

“From the point of view of sovereign budget reserves, it is important for us that the assets in which these reserves were invested could be sold very quickly and without a large price revaluation, so that our sale does not lead to the fact that we receive not a ruble for a ruble, but 50 kopecks for a ruble,” said Kolychev. “And crypto assets are an asset with increased volatility.”

The Deputy Finance Minister also noted that Russia is still “far” from reaching its desired levels of reserves, making it unlikely that cryptocurrencies will be considered anytime soon.  

“The volatility parameters are not favorable for now,” Kolychev said, confirming that he considers crypto an unsafe asset.

Despite US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a strategic crypto reserve involving Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana and Cardano, Russia, Switzerland and Australia have dismissed the idea of incorporating crypto into their official reserves.

EXPLORE: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025

Switzerland And Australia Are No Longer Interested In A Strategic Crypto Reserve

On 1 March 2025, Swiss National Bank (SNB) President Martin Schlegel rejected the proposal to hold part of its reserves in bitcoin, as proposed by a people’s initiative.

According to local reports, Schlegel said that cryptocurrencies do not fulfill the essential characteristics that a good currency should have.

Meanwhile, Australia’s current government has indicated that it doesn’t have plans to establish a crypto strategic reserve. However, the country is on the brink of choosing a new government. The latest YouGov poll shows the center-right coalition holding a slight lead over the center-left Labor government, leading 51% to 49%.

EXPLORE: 10 Coins with High Returns: Crypto Forecast 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Russia’s reluctance to adopt cryptocurrencies as part of its national reserves stems from concerns about volatility and liquidity.
  • While the Russian Finance Ministry has left the door open for cryptocurrency reserves in the future, significant hurdles remain before such a move can be realized. 

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Akriti Seth
Akriti Seth
Editor

Akriti Seth is a Zurich-based Business Journalist and Crypto Editor. Her passion for journalism has taken her across the globe – from thriving as an on-television correspondent to writing engaging articles, she has worked for companies like Informa UK, Bloomberg... Read More

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