Key Points
- The National Bank of Poland (NBP) dismisses the idea of incorporating Bitcoin into its reserves due to security concerns.
- Adam Glapiński, NBP President, insists on the absolute security of reserve assets, highlighting Bitcoin’s volatility.
The National Bank of Poland (NBP) has categorically denied the possibility of integrating Bitcoin into its currency reserves. This decision is mainly due to the serious security issues associated with the cryptocurrency.
Adam Glapiński, the President of the NBP and Chairman of the Monetary Policy Council, underscored the importance of complete security in reserve assets at a recent press conference. He stated, “We will not consider Bitcoin under any circumstances, as reserves must be absolutely secure.”
Current NBP Reserves
At present, the NBP’s reserves are primarily composed of gold, U.S. dollars, and euros. Other assets play a lesser role in their portfolio.
Glapiński pointed out the strategic timing of Poland’s gold purchases, which have grown significantly in value amid global economic uncertainties. He cited Bitcoin’s well-known volatility and unpredictability as the main reasons for its exclusion from the country’s reserves.
Historical Stance on Bitcoin
The NBP’s wary approach to Bitcoin is consistent with its historical viewpoint. In a statement from 2017, the NBP and the Financial Supervision Authority warned about the risks associated with virtual currencies. These risks include potential losses due to theft, the absence of guarantees, and high price volatility.
They reiterated that virtual currencies are not issued or guaranteed by the central bank and do not meet the criteria for legal tender.