Czech National Bank Begins Bitcoin Pilot to Learn About Crypto

The Czech National Bank (CNB) has started a pilot project with Bitcoin (BTC) and other blockchain-related assets worth $1 million. 

The experiment, which will run for two to three years, aims to give the bank experience in handling digital assets and other financial tools. 

CNB Launches Bitcoin Pilot to Gain Experience with Digital Assets

Most of the assets in the CNB’s portfolio are Bitcoin. The rest include a U.S. dollar-based stablecoin and a tokenized deposit. All assets were purchased on October 30, 2025 through exchanges, but the bank did not disclose the counterparties.

As announced, the pilot will test how the bank can buy, hold, and manage digital assets. It will also cover administrative processes, approvals, and how to handle emergencies. This include security measures and following anti-money-laundering rules in the digital world.

The decision reflects the fast growth of digital assets and their increasing use by companies and investment funds. The bank sees this project as a way to prepare for possible future changes in the financial system.

CNB Keeps Bitcoin Pilot Separate from Official Reserves

The CNB emphasized that these digital assets will not be part of the country’s official international reserves. The bank does not plan to increase the portfolio during the pilot. 

The small scale of the project will allow the bank to study the process carefully and assess the results. After the project ends, the bank will review the results and consider how to apply its lessons in the future.

Governor Aleš Michl first suggested exploring Bitcoin earlier this year. He said that fast-changing payment systems and tokenized financial products make it important for central banks to understand new systems.

Michl added that in the future, people might buy tokenized government bonds or other instruments using the Czech crown. The pilot will help the bank understand the technical, operational, and compliance requirements for such actions.

CNB Pilot Reflects Global Shift Toward Digital Assets

The CNB’s pilot also reflects a broader global trend. Central banks and institutions around the world are increasingly exploring digital assets, including tokenized financial instruments to understand their potential

A recent research from Deutsche Bank predicted that by 2030, both gold and Bitcoin could be used as central bank money. Analysts say that the definition of money is evolving to include digital currencies.

The CNB’s move shows financial institutions are making efforts to prepare for a future where such financial tools play a larger role in finance.

Similarly, countries such as the U.S., China, and members of the European Union are testing digital currencies through pilot programs. At the same time, large companies like Tesla and Strategy already hold significant amounts of Bitcoin in their reserves.