Several governments around the world are actively accumulating Bitcoin as a form of digital gold, which is shifting the role of cryptocurrencies in the global economy. A recent report highlighted key governments that maintain Bitcoin as part of their digital currency reserves.
According to the report, the United Arab Emirates is solidifying its status as a global hub for digital assets, with recent data revealing it holds 6,451 Bitcoins, valued at approximately $725.88 million.
Analysis from Arkham Intelligence shows that these holdings were amassed through Citadel Mining, a Bitcoin mining company mostly owned by the International Holding Company (IHC), indicating a structured governmental approach to building a strategic reserve of digital assets.
This initiative began in 2022, with the UAE’s Bitcoin holdings expected to reach around 8,600 Bitcoins by November 2024, after which they sold about half of their portfolio. Since then, they have steadily increased their holdings through calculated buying and selling.
There were earlier rumors suggesting the UAE possessed about 420,000 Bitcoins, a claim supported by the former CEO of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, who resides in the UAE, but these figures have not been officially verified.
This development occurs as numerous countries are racing to establish reserves of digital gold, in light of the growing recognition of Bitcoin as a strategic asset in the global financial system.
In a significant move, U.S. authorities recently seized 127,271 Bitcoins (valued at around $14 billion) in connection with an international money laundering and fraud case involving Cambodian national Chen Chi last week.
This seizure is expected to elevate the U.S. Bitcoin reserves to record levels, as the government prepares to introduce a strategic Bitcoin reserve as part of President Donald Trump’s digital asset-friendly policies.
The United States currently holds the largest known stockpile of Bitcoin among governments, totaling 198,012 BTC worth $24.46 billion. However, recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests have raised doubts about this figure, revealing that the U.S. Marshals Service may control only 28,988 Bitcoins, which has caused concern among some Bitcoin advocates within government circles.
In a proactive step reinforcing Trump’s cryptocurrency agenda, the United States has formally established a “strategic Bitcoin reserve.” This reserve is set to expand significantly under the “Bitcoin Act,” which proposes purchasing up to 200,000 Bitcoins annually for a five-year period, a development that could reshape the global ownership landscape of digital assets.
Meanwhile, El Salvador continues its unique strategy of acquiring one Bitcoin daily, despite an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $1.4 billion loan.
As the end of July 2025 approaches, marking the anticipated conclusion of its taxpayer-funded investment strategy, El Salvador has recently accelerated its efforts, acquiring 40 Bitcoins over 30 days, possibly to surpass the deadline.
Currently, the country holds 6,350 Bitcoins (around $715.4 million), distributed across 15 different wallets to mitigate risks of potential hacks. Each wallet now contains a maximum of 500 Bitcoins, reducing overall exposure.
Bhatn has also begun utilizing its hydroelectric resources for Bitcoin mining, transferring 2,011 Bitcoins to new wallets last September, with diversifying their holdings to lower risks. Reports indicate that Bhutan has used its Bitcoin profits to double civil service salaries, significantly curbing turnover.
The Lazarus Group, supported by the North Korean government, has enhanced the nation’s position among significant Bitcoin holders after hacking the Bybit platform and stealing $1.5 billion. The group now retains approximately 803 Bitcoins valued at $99 million after liquidating most of its assets this year.
Blockchain analytics suggest that China may have divested its 190,000 Bitcoins seized in the 2019 Plus Token case, with indications of transfers to mixing services followed by movements to centralized exchanges.
The current phase signifies an escalating competition among governments to build Bitcoin reserves for strategic, economic, or political purposes. While the U.S. aims to establish an official reserve, and El Salvador and Bhutan work to bolster their digital stocks, the UAE is making measured strides to assert its position as a global player in the Bitcoin and blockchain economy.