Crypto advocates push Swiss National Bank to diversify reserves with Bitcoin
Switzerland is already a pioneer in blockchain innovation
Luzius Meisser, founder of Bitcoin Suisse and a prominent figure in Switzerland’s cryptocurrency sector, has called on the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to diversify its reserves by allocating a portion to Bitcoin.
Speaking ahead of the SNB’s annual general meeting in Bern on Friday, Meisser argued that holding Bitcoin could protect the central bank’s nearly 1 trillion francs ($1.09 trillion) in reserves from political influence and inflation pressures.
Key takeaways
- Call for Reserve Diversification: Luzius Meisser urged the Swiss National Bank to allocate 1–2% of its nearly 1 trillion francs in reserves into Bitcoin to hedge against inflation and political risks.
- Referendum Campaign: Crypto supporters launched a movement to change the Swiss constitution, requiring Bitcoin to be held alongside gold in SNB reserves.
- Swiss Crypto Adoption: 11% of Swiss citizens have invested in crypto assets, underlining Switzerland's leadership in blockchain technology.
- SNB's Cautious Stance: SNB President Thomas Jordan cited "very high volatility" and "doubtful liquidity in crises" as key reasons for skepticism toward cryptocurrencies.
Crypto community's opinion on SNB's policy
Citing the global economic instability exacerbated by U.S. tariffs and the gradual weakening of dominant currencies like the dollar and euro, Meisser emphasized Bitcoin’s resilience. “Politicians eventually give in to the temptation of printing money to fund their plans, but Bitcoin is a currency that cannot be inflated through deficit spending,” he said.
In response to these economic shifts, cryptocurrency supporters have launched a referendum campaign aiming to amend the Swiss constitution to require the SNB to hold Bitcoin in its reserves alongside gold — a move they believe would further safeguard Switzerland’s financial independence.
Bitcoin’s Growing Stability and Switzerland’s Crypto Leadership
With a market capitalization nearing $2 trillion and daily liquidity reaching billions of dollars, Bitcoin has emerged as the most liquid and stable digital asset globally. Meisser suggested that the SNB could allocate just 1–2% of its reserves into Bitcoin without significant risk. “We are not saying – go all in with Bitcoin, but if you have nearly 1 trillion francs in reserves, it makes sense to have 1–2% in an asset that is increasing in value, becoming more secure, and that everyone wants to own,” Meisser stated.
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Many central banks are considering the prospect of creating Bitcoin reserves, especially amid the new crypto market rally. At the time of writing, BTC price reached $94,823, showing a 2.4% increase in a day and a 12.1% increase in a week.
BTC price dynamics (April 2025). Source: TradingView
Switzerland, already a pioneer in blockchain innovation, continues to foster its reputation as "Crypto Valley," notably with Ethereum’s founding in Zug. A study by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts reports that 11% of the Swiss population has invested in crypto assets.
Despite the momentum, SNB leadership remains cautious. Swiss National Bank President Thomas Jordan reiterated the institution’s concerns, stating that cryptocurrencies exhibit “very high volatility,” and that “liquidity in crisis situations is doubtful,” reinforcing why the central bank has so far refrained from adding Bitcoin to its reserves.
Implications for the industry
The outcome of Meisser’s proposal, combined with the growing public support exemplified by the referendum effort, could significantly influence Switzerland’s monetary policy. Observers will closely watch whether the SNB will shift its reserve strategy amid broader global trends favoring digital assets.
We also wrote that Swedish MP proposes adding Bitcoin to currency reserves.
