U.S. centralizes seized crypto in new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

The United States has established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve following an executive order signed on March 6, 2025, by President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to centralize the management of seized crypto assets, with a primary focus on Bitcoin.

The reserve currently holds around 200,000 BTC, valued at approximately $24 billion, entirely sourced from seized assets rather than market purchases. Oversight is managed by the Treasury Department and the Department of Commerce, while the U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for handling the assets.

As part of this move, the U.S. government suspended regular Bitcoin sales in order to reduce downward price pressure caused by auctions. The structure mirrors other strategic reserves, such as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The measure is part of a broader regulatory agenda, including the adoption of the GENIUS Act, which requires full backing for stablecoins and integrates cryptocurrency oversight into general banking regulations.

Conflicting statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding future Bitcoin purchases fueled market volatility, leading to nearly $1 billion in liquidations. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price surged to $124,000, supported by expectations surrounding the role of the reserve.