Bitcoin in Swedish Reserves? Parliament Weighs Bold Proposal

Rickard Nordin, a Member of the Swedish Parliament, has submitted a formal request to the government urging it to consider Bitcoin as part of Sweden’s national reserves. The proposal draws inspiration from the U.S. model, where confiscated BTC is stored, not liquidated. In his written question to Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson, Nordin cited Bitcoin’s role as a modern equivalent to gold, emphasizing its resilience during geopolitical and economic instability.

“Swedish authorities should store Bitcoins seized by agencies such as customs or police, rather than selling them,” Nordin proposed.

Why This Matters

Bitcoin as Digital Gold

Nordin argues that Bitcoin serves as a strategic hedge, similar to gold, and could bolster Sweden’s financial resilience without requiring taxpayer funds.

Budget-Neutral Strategy

• No direct government investment in BTC.

• Hold confiscated coins as reserve assets.

• Mirrors U.S. federal practices, where agencies retain seized crypto assets.

Current Reserve Landscape

Sweden’s central bank, Sveriges Riksbank, currently backs its reserves with foreign currencies and gold. The proposal would extend its scope to include decentralized digital assets.

Global Context: A Growing Trend?

El Salvador made headlines by making Bitcoin legal tender and incorporating it into its national reserves. In the U.S., the federal government has amassed significant BTC holdings through seizures. Sweden could become one of the first European nations to adopt a balanced, non-purchasing BTC reserve strategy. International finance experts are watching closely to see whether Sweden will lead a new policy shift in the EU on crypto reserve integration.