Bhutan’s GMC Sets Global Trend by Adding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB to Strategic Reserves

• GMC pioneers crypto adoption in reserves, boosting economic resilience and advancing blockchain innovation in South Asia.
• Bhutan’s GMC leverages strategic location and secure blockchains to enhance liquidity, innovation, and digital asset integration.
• With $1.12B in BTC, GMC’s crypto reserve plan aligns with Bhutan’s bold strategy to modernize and lead in blockchain technology.

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Bhutan’s ambitious Special Administrative Region, announced plans to include Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and BNB in its strategic reserves. This move positions GMC as one of the first jurisdictions globally to adopt digital assets in its reserves. Consequently, this initiative enhances economic resilience and strengthens the region’s commitment to blockchain innovation and digital asset integration.

Recognizing Blockchain’s Role in Economic Strategy

Located strategically on the land bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, GMC aims to serve over two billion people in the region. Besides its geographic advantage, GMC’s adoption of large-market-cap digital assets ensures liquidity and minimal price impact. Moreover, the focus on secure, mature blockchains allows effective on-chain monitoring, aligning with its progressive yet well-regulated approach.

The announcement follows GMC Law No. 1 of 2024, which provides a legal framework for financial services involving digital assets. This law, enacted in December 2024, ensures companies can operate in a compliant yet technologically advanced environment. Furthermore, the initiative complements Bhutan’s broader digital asset strategy, as seen in its existing crypto holdings via Druk Holding and Investments (DHI).

Strategic Impacts and Upcoming Initiatives

GMC plans to host a high-level meeting in March 2025. This meeting will include global government officials and industry leaders to discuss digital assets as strategic reserves. Additionally, GMC aims to establish an international advisory panel, underlining its leadership in blockchain adoption.

Bhutan already holds substantial crypto assets, including 11,688 BTC (worth $1.12 billion) and 656 ETH ($2.2 million), according to Arkham Intelligence. Moreover, smaller holdings on Polygon, BNB Chain, and Base further diversify its crypto portfolio.

This move follows the November 2024 announcement of a $100 million bond to fund the GMC project. Envisioned as a 21-year phased development, GMC seeks to create an economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia.