Bitcoin Policy Tracker

Executive Order 14233 established the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve from seized assets. Directed Treasury to evaluate budget-neutral accumulation strategies.

Senator Lummis's bill to acquire 1 million BTC over 5 years as a strategic reserve. Would require Treasury to hold for 20 years minimum.

Passed the House with bipartisan support. Establishes comprehensive framework distinguishing Bitcoin from securities. Most significant crypto legislation in US history.

MiCA creates a comprehensive EU-wide crypto regulatory framework. Bitcoin classified separately from other crypto assets with lighter-touch rules. Full application from December 2024.

Proposal to ban proof-of-work mining in the EU on environmental grounds was rejected by the European Parliament. Bitcoin mining remains legal across the EU.

El Salvador became the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, alongside the US dollar. Citizens must accept BTC for all goods and services.

China banned Bitcoin mining and classified all crypto transactions as illegal in 2021, causing a massive migration of miners to the US, Kazakhstan, and elsewhere. Mainland mining remains prohibited.

Arizona became the first US state to pass legislation creating a Bitcoin strategic reserve, allowing up to 10% of state funds to be invested in Bitcoin.

Legislation to establish a Bitcoin reserve fund for the State of Texas. Texas already hosts ~25% of US Bitcoin mining hash rate.

Czech Republic passed a capital gains tax exemption for Bitcoin held longer than 3 years — joining Germany in offering long-term holders significant tax relief.

Clarifies jurisdiction between SEC and CFTC for digital assets. Bitcoin explicitly classified as a commodity under CFTC oversight.

De minimis exemption for small Bitcoin transactions under $200 to avoid capital gains calculation. Would dramatically simplify everyday Bitcoin payments.

Prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a retail CBDC directly to US citizens. Passed the House in May 2024. Protects financial privacy.

Congressional resolution overturning SEC's SAB 121, which required banks to record customer crypto assets as liabilities — making custody economically unviable.

UK Law Commission confirmed that Bitcoin is legal property under English law, providing clarity for custody, inheritance, and commercial arrangements.

Hong Kong approved the first Asian Bitcoin spot ETFs, positioning the city as Asia's digital asset hub. Multiple fund managers launched products within weeks of approval.

Comprehensive reform classifying Bitcoin as a financial product under the Corporations Act. Would bring exchanges under ASIC oversight with consumer protection requirements.

Russia legalised Bitcoin mining and permitted Bitcoin exports in international trade. Significant given Russia's vast energy resources and interest in sanctions-resistant payment rails.

EU Transfer of Funds Regulation extends travel rule to crypto. Critically, self-hosted (non-custodial) Bitcoin wallets are explicitly protected and not subject to the full KYC requirements initially proposed.

Brings crypto asset promotions and stablecoins under FCA regulation. Bitcoin spot ETPs approved for professional investors on UK markets.

ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority published comprehensive Bitcoin custody rules for institutional players. Enables sovereign wealth funds to hold Bitcoin directly.

Japan exempts corporations holding their own issued crypto tokens from unrealised gains tax. Significant step toward enabling corporate Bitcoin treasuries.

Brazil enacted comprehensive virtual asset legislation recognising Bitcoin as a payment method and creating a licensing framework for exchanges under Banco Central oversight.

Argentina passed regulation allowing employees to receive salaries in Bitcoin and other crypto assets. High inflation has driven massive Bitcoin adoption among Argentines.

Nigeria's Central Bank reversed its 2021 ban on banks servicing crypto exchanges. Bitcoin exchanges can now operate with bank accounts — critical for Africa's largest economy.

Established a dedicated Bitcoin trust fund for the Salvadoran government, enabling daily BTC purchases.

Bitcoin held for more than one year is exempt from capital gains tax in Germany. One of the most favourable tax regimes for long-term Bitcoin holders globally.

Dubai established VARA as the world's first dedicated virtual asset regulator. Comprehensive licensing framework covering Bitcoin businesses, exchanges, and custodians.

The Druk Holding & Investments state fund has been mining Bitcoin since 2019 using hydroelectric power. Bhutan now holds ~10,000 BTC — roughly equivalent to 30% of GDP.

Wyoming has passed 30+ blockchain-friendly bills, establishing the most comprehensive Bitcoin legal framework of any US state.

German institutional funds (Spezialfonds) permitted to allocate up to 20% of assets to Bitcoin and digital assets.

Switzerland's comprehensive blockchain law creates a legal framework for tokenised assets, DLT trading facilities, and digital securities — cementing Zug's "Crypto Valley" status.

Canada approved the world's first Bitcoin spot ETF (Purpose Bitcoin ETF) in February 2021 — nearly 3 years before the US approved its own. Landmark for global institutional access.

Japan was one of the first nations to recognise Bitcoin as legal property under the Payment Services Act. Crypto exchanges licensed by FSA. Updated in 2022 to include stablecoin rules.

Allows the Florida CFO to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and dollar debasement.

New Hampshire now allows residents to pay state taxes in Bitcoin — the first US state to enable Bitcoin tax payments.

Proposed legislation to allocate up to $1B of state pension funds to Bitcoin as an inflation hedge.

Establishes legal framework for digital asset custody by banks and trust companies in Georgia.

Protects Bitcoin miners' right to operate, exempts home miners from licensing, and prevents discriminatory electricity rates for mining operations.

Codifies the right to mine Bitcoin at home. Prevents HOAs and local governments from banning residential Bitcoin mining.

Prevents local governments from restricting home Bitcoin mining. Enshrines the right to mine as a property right.

ATO clarified that Bitcoin used for everyday transactions under $10,000 AUD is treated as a foreign currency, not an asset — reducing CGT burden for small purchases.

FSCA declared crypto assets as financial products under the FAIS Act. Bitcoin service providers require licensing. South Africa among first African nations to fully regulate Bitcoin.

Colorado accepts Bitcoin for state tax payments. First state to accept crypto for government fees.

Tax incentives for Bitcoin mining operations. Kentucky offers some of the lowest electricity rates in the US, making it attractive for miners.

The Central African Republic briefly made Bitcoin legal tender — the second nation after El Salvador. Later amended due to IMF pressure, but Bitcoin remains a recognised currency.

Panama passed a law allowing Bitcoin as a voluntary payment method and establishing a regulatory framework. Awaiting final presidential signature to become law.

Measure to study Bitcoin as a state reserve asset failed in committee. Legislature voted against allocating state funds to Bitcoin.