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22 May 2026, 12:15
Dollar Holds Near Six-Week High as Markets Eye Iran Peace Talks
BitcoinWorld Dollar Holds Near Six-Week High as Markets Eye Iran Peace Talks The US dollar traded near a six-week high on Tuesday, supported by cautious investor sentiment as diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal entered a critical phase. The greenback’s strength reflects a broader risk-off mood in global markets, with traders weighing the potential for a breakthrough in talks against ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Diplomatic Developments and Market Reaction Negotiators in Vienna have reported progress in discussions aimed at restoring the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), though significant differences remain. The prospect of sanctions relief on Iranian oil exports has introduced a new variable into currency markets, particularly for energy-sensitive currencies like the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone. Analysts note that any credible agreement could increase global oil supply, potentially weighing on crude prices and influencing central bank policy decisions. Why the Dollar Is Strengthening The dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of six major peers, has climbed approximately 1.5% over the past two weeks. Several factors are contributing to this rally: Safe-haven demand: Investors are seeking the relative safety of the dollar amid uncertainty over the pace of global economic recovery and persistent inflation concerns. Federal Reserve policy expectations: Markets are pricing in the possibility of further interest rate hikes by the Fed, which makes dollar-denominated assets more attractive. Geopolitical risk premium: The Iran talks add a layer of unpredictability, prompting traders to reduce exposure to currencies perceived as higher risk. Impact on Emerging Markets and Trade A stronger dollar can create headwinds for emerging market economies by making their dollar-denominated debt more expensive to service. Countries with large current account deficits or heavy reliance on commodity exports are particularly vulnerable. For importers, a robust dollar reduces the cost of goods priced in other currencies, but it can also dampen export competitiveness for US-based companies. Conclusion The dollar’s trajectory in the coming days will depend heavily on the outcome of the Iran negotiations and any accompanying shifts in risk appetite. While a diplomatic resolution could temporarily weaken the dollar by reducing geopolitical tensions, the broader trend remains tied to monetary policy divergence and global growth dynamics. Investors should monitor both diplomatic signals and economic data releases for clearer direction. FAQs Q1: Why does the Iran nuclear deal affect the US dollar? A1: The deal’s potential to lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports could increase global supply, lower oil prices, and reduce geopolitical risk. This can shift investor preferences away from safe-haven assets like the dollar, though other factors such as Fed policy also play a major role. Q2: What is the dollar index and why does it matter? A2: The US Dollar Index (DXY) measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six major currencies: the euro, yen, pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc. It is a widely used benchmark for the greenback’s overall strength in global markets. Q3: How long could the dollar stay at these levels? A3: Currency levels are influenced by a mix of factors including central bank policy, economic data, and geopolitical events. The dollar’s current strength may persist until there is a clear catalyst—such as a Fed policy shift or a definitive outcome in the Iran talks—that changes market expectations. This post Dollar Holds Near Six-Week High as Markets Eye Iran Peace Talks first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 May 2026, 11:46
Us bill proposes 1 million BTC reserve by 2030
🚨 US proposal grants Treasury power to buy 1 million $BTC by 2030. All acquired Bitcoin must be held at least 20 years. Continue Reading: Us bill proposes 1 million BTC reserve by 2030 The post Us bill proposes 1 million BTC reserve by 2030 appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
22 May 2026, 11:39
Oil perpetual futures contracts stage comeback to reclaim HIP-3 daily volume lead
Oil is once again the main focus of on-chain trading. On Hyperliquid, Brent and WTI perpetual futures moved ahead of stocks and metals in terms of daily volumes. On-chain traders focused on oil while the Strait of Hormuz blockade continued. Brent oil rose to $105.95, creating additional uncertainty for the global economy. WTI oil traded at $98.03, still drawing in significant interest due to its partial correlation with Brent. On HIP-3, Brent achieved over $365M in trading volumes for the past day, while WTI trading reached over $831M . The shift in trading volumes also showed Hyperliquid immediately reflected shifts in trader attitudes, away from stocks and into energy commodities. Hyperliquid’s HIP-3 reaches a new record in open interest HIP-3, the third-party platform, continues to expand its influence in decentralized trading. Since March, HIP-3 has emerged as one of the major hubs of perpetual futures volumes, with over $6B in weekly trading. HIP-3 emerged as one of the key hubs for perpetual futures trading and the main venue for Brent and WTI perpetual futures. | Source: Dune Analytics Open interest on HIP-3 expanded to over $2.50B, a new record since the platform started accelerating in March. HIP-3 was also among the factors pushing the HYPE token to new all-time highs above $60 in the past week. For now, TradeXYZ makes up over 93% of all HIP-3 volumes, based on DeFi Llama data. The creation of HIP-3 contracts locks increasing amounts of HYPE, increasing the token’s scarcity. HIP-3 is turning into a key element of the Hyperliquid ecosystem growth. TradeXYZ deploys new contracts almost daily, reflecting the movements in individual stocks , while also carrying the major equity index and commodities markets. Based on Dune Analytics data, HIP-3 makes up over 41% of total Hyperliquid volumes. Some of the HIP-3 contracts compete with the top crypto pairs on Hyperliquid and are among the top 10 most traded pairs. Global uncertainty put oil in the spotlight According to Kaiko research, in the past two months, oil has become the first asset to react to geopolitical news. Tensions in the Middle East pushed Brent and WTI permanently higher, with increased volatility. Kaiko also noted BTC and equities diverged from the performance of oil, leading to the changing trading behavior for HIP-3 users. BTC remained much less volatile and broke its overall correlation to oil futures in March. As a result, traders seeking directional moves paid more attention to Brent and WTI perpetual futures. BTC drifted from its narrative of being a safe haven, breaking down and reacting negatively to geopolitical uncertainty, noted Kaiko analysts. Analysts also noted the oil market had an exceptional news-driven nature, reacting immediately with strong directional news. Oil futures move on announcements of conflict de-escalations in Iran and rally with supply concerns. For crypto traders, those volatile moves can translate into significant gains. Oil perpetual futures, even with larger daily price moves, are still less volatile in comparison to crypto tokens, offering a more predictable trading opportunity. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
22 May 2026, 11:10
Dollar Steadies Near Six-Week High as Iran Peace Talks Drive Market Caution
BitcoinWorld Dollar Steadies Near Six-Week High as Iran Peace Talks Drive Market Caution The US dollar traded near a six-week high on Tuesday, supported by cautious investor sentiment as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran took center stage. The greenback’s strength reflects a broader risk-off mood, with traders closely monitoring negotiations that could reshape energy markets and geopolitical stability in the Middle East. Dollar Strength Amid Diplomatic Uncertainty The dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of six major peers, hovered around 105.5, its highest level since mid-March. Analysts attribute the rally to a combination of safe-haven demand and expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer. The prospect of a potential breakthrough in Iran talks has added a layer of complexity, as any agreement could influence global oil supply and, by extension, inflation dynamics. Iran Talks and Market Implications Negotiators from world powers resumed discussions with Iranian officials in Vienna, aiming to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. While progress remains uncertain, markets are pricing in the possibility of sanctions relief that could bring Iranian crude back to global markets. This potential supply increase has weighed on oil prices, which fell modestly on Tuesday, but the dollar has remained resilient as investors hedge against broader geopolitical risks. Why This Matters for Currency Traders For forex traders, the interplay between geopolitical developments and monetary policy is critical. A successful Iran deal could reduce safe-haven demand for the dollar, while a breakdown might push the currency even higher. Additionally, the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision in June will be influenced by inflation data, which could be affected by changes in energy prices. This creates a complex environment where currency movements are tied to both diplomatic outcomes and economic data releases. Broader Market Context The dollar’s recent gains come after a period of relative weakness earlier in the year, when expectations of Fed rate cuts weighed on the currency. However, resilient US economic data and sticky inflation have forced traders to recalibrate their expectations. The euro, meanwhile, remains under pressure due to sluggish growth in the eurozone and political uncertainty in France, while the Japanese yen continues to weaken against the dollar, trading near 156 yen per dollar. Conclusion The dollar’s position near a six-week high underscores the market’s cautious stance as Iran peace talks unfold. While a diplomatic resolution could alter the currency’s trajectory, the immediate outlook remains tied to safe-haven flows and Federal Reserve policy. Traders should watch for concrete developments from Vienna, as well as upcoming US economic data, for clearer direction. FAQs Q1: Why is the US dollar rising? The dollar is rising due to safe-haven demand amid geopolitical uncertainty, particularly around Iran peace talks, and expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain higher interest rates. Q2: How could Iran peace talks affect the dollar? A successful deal could reduce geopolitical risks and safe-haven demand, potentially weakening the dollar. Conversely, a failure to reach an agreement could strengthen the dollar further. Q3: What should forex traders watch next? Traders should monitor progress in Iran negotiations, Federal Reserve statements, and key US economic data such as inflation and employment reports for clues on the dollar’s next move. This post Dollar Steadies Near Six-Week High as Iran Peace Talks Drive Market Caution first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
22 May 2026, 11:06
Stablecoin Limits in the UK: Why Regulators Are Rethinking the Rules
The UK is moving from discussion to design on how stablecoins should work in everyday payments. After a string of market scares and global policy shifts, officials are signalling tighter guardrails and, in some cases, explicit limits on what stablecoins can do in the UK. That does not mean a crackdown on innovation. The aim is to make fiat-backed tokens usable in shops and apps without importing bank-run dynamics or offshore risks into UK payments infrastructure. This guide breaks down what “stablecoin limits” could actually mean, where the proposals stand, and how issuers, exchanges, wallets, and merchants can get ahead of the rulebook. PointDetailsPolicy focusUK authorities are prioritising fiat-backed stablecoins used for payments; algorithmic designs are not expected to qualify as payment instruments.Where limits may applyReserve composition, redemption at par/within set timeframes, marketing to UK consumers, use in UK payment systems, and potential constraints on foreign‑currency tokens in retail payments.Supervisory splitFCA for conduct/issuance/custody, Bank of England for systemic payment systems using stablecoins, PSR for competition and access in payment systems.Legal baseThe Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 enables regulation of “digital settlement assets” used in UK payments, with secondary rules to follow.TimingRules are expected to arrive in phases after consultations; firms should plan for authorisation, safeguarding, transparency, and resilience obligations.Business impactIssuers and payment firms may face UK establishment requirements, reserve attestation, redemption SLAs, and clearer liability in payment chains. UK stablecoin rulebook: what is actually on the table? The UK’s policy path was set by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (FSMA 2023), which gives authorities the power to regulate “digital settlement assets” (a category that includes fiat‑backed stablecoins) when used in UK payment chains. HM Treasury has outlined a phased approach: stabilise payments first with fiat‑backed tokens, then expand to broader cryptoasset activities. As part of this, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England (BoE) published discussion materials in late 2023 that flagged the areas they expect to hard‑wire into rules. Key documents include the FCA’s paper on regulating fiat‑backed stablecoins and the BoE’s discussion on a regime for systemic payment systems using stablecoins. You can find the official materials here: FCA DP23/4: Regulating fiat-backed stablecoins Bank of England: Regime for systemic stablecoin payment systems FSMA 2023 (primary legislation) HM Treasury cryptoassets collection Payment Systems Regulator: Digital payments & stablecoins While the final rule texts are being drafted, several themes are clear: Scope: The near‑term regime targets fiat‑backed stablecoins used as a means of payment, not trading tokens or algorithmic designs. Authorisation and location: Issuers and certain service providers active in UK payment chains may need UK authorisation and an appropriate legal presence. Redeemability: Consumers should have a clear claim at par in fiat, with timely redemption and robust complaints/redress channels. Reserves and custody: Backing assets should be high‑quality and segregated, with controls over concentration, liquidity, and where assets are held. Systemic perimeter: If a stablecoin payment system becomes systemically important, BoE rules would kick in with bank‑like resilience and resolution standards. What does “limit” mean here? The knobs regulators can turn “Limits” do not always mean hard caps on usage. In payments regulation, limits often appear as design constraints that cap risk rather than volume. The UK could deploy a mix of the following: 1) Reserve quality and concentration Expect strict eligibility criteria for backing assets (for example, short‑dated government securities, central bank deposits, or similarly liquid instruments), plus limits on exposure to any single counterparty or asset class. This effectively caps run risk by constraining the riskiness of the reserve portfolio. 2) Redemption service levels Rules can impose time‑bound redemption standards (for example, same‑day or T+1 for verified customers) and prohibit fees that undermine par convertibility. Setting a redemption SLA is a limit on delay risk and an incentive to hold ample liquidity. 3) Marketing and distribution to UK consumers The FCA may require firms to present risks prominently, avoid misleading “cash‑equivalent” claims, and target only appropriate users. This caps mis‑selling risk rather than token supply. 4) Use in UK payment systems The BoE and the Payment Systems Regulator could set participation criteria for payment systems that settle in or route stablecoins. If a token or issuer does not meet those thresholds, UK payment firms may be limited from integrating it in customer‑facing flows. 5) Systemic triggers Once volumes, users, or interconnectedness pass certain thresholds, a system can be designated “systemic,” bringing in much tougher liquidity, operational resilience, and resolution planning requirements. These are limits tied to scale, not hard caps on transactions. 6) Currency‑specific constraints Policymakers globally worry about “currency substitution” if non‑domestic stablecoins dominate retail payments. The UK has signalled interest in managing this risk. That could translate into guardrails for the use of foreign‑currency stablecoins in UK retail payments until they meet higher standards, or into proportional frictions that favour sterling‑denominated options. 7) Location and accountability Requiring a UK‑regulated entity (issuer or distributor) in the payment chain limits jurisdictional arbitrage. It also enables enforcement of redemption rights and consumer protection rules. Pro tip: For product teams, treat these limits as product requirements. Design the reserve, redemption, and disclosure experience first; the on‑chain token mechanics come after. Why the rethink? Lessons from MiCA, depegs, and bank funding Three developments are shaping the UK conversation. 1) Market stress exposed run dynamics High‑profile depegs, including those triggered by exposure to stressed banking partners, showed how quickly confidence can evaporate when reserves are not ultra‑liquid or when redemption is gated. The lesson for supervisors: if a token is used like money, it needs money‑like backstops. 2) Europe’s MiCA created a reference model—with caps The EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA) distinguishes between e‑money tokens and asset‑referenced tokens, and layers extra requirements on “significant” tokens. European authorities have also consulted on potential constraints for tokens referencing non‑EU currencies in day‑to‑day payments to limit substitution effects. The UK is not copying MiCA, but the debate on usage caps for foreign‑currency tokens is now part of the global policy toolkit. 3) Bank disintermediation risk If stablecoin reserves sit in commercial bank deposits, large‑scale adoption could pull funds out of bank balance sheets during stress. UK proposals have floated the idea that reserves for systemic tokens must be held primarily in central bank money and top‑tier liquid assets to mitigate those spillovers. Opinion: The UK appears to be aiming for “payments‑grade” stablecoins that feel like cash at the point of sale but are backed like narrow‑bank liabilities behind the scenes. GBP vs USD stablecoins in the UK payments lane The UK’s approach could reshape incentives across currencies: Sterling‑denominated stablecoins may gain an advantage in retail acceptance if rules steer payment systems toward domestic‑currency tokens that meet UK standards. USD stablecoins will likely remain central to trading and cross‑border settlement but may face additional conditions before being embedded in UK consumer payments. Merchants could see less FX exposure and fewer chargebacks by using GBP tokens for local flows—provided redemption and liquidity are robust. None of this precludes multi‑currency support. It simply means each currency token must clear a policy bar aligned with its real‑world use case—and some uses may be discouraged if they raise currency‑substitution or financial‑stability concerns. Readiness checklist for issuers and wallets Firms that want to be UK‑compliant should prepare as if the core planks below will be required. This is not a substitute for legal advice; it is a practical starting point. Establish a UK‑authorised entity responsible for issuance or distribution in UK payment chains, with an accountable senior management function. Define a narrow, liquid reserve policy (e.g., short‑dated gilts, central bank money where possible). Set hard internal limits on duration, concentration, and custody providers. Implement same‑day or T+1 redemption for verified customers, with published SLAs, clear cut‑off times, and contingency liquidity lines. Segregate and legally ring‑fence reserves from operating capital, with audited trust or safeguarding arrangements and daily reconciliation. Independent attestation of reserves and control design at frequent intervals; publish plain‑English reserve reports alongside technical attestations. Robust custody for both reserves and user tokens: multi‑sig or MPC policies, segregation by client, and documented key‑management procedures. Operational resilience: incident response, disaster recovery, and tested failover for mints/burns and redemption portals. AML/CFT and Travel Rule compliance integrated into issuance/redemption and wallet transfers, including sanctions screening and suspicious activity reporting. Consumer communications that avoid cash‑equivalence claims; present risks (depegs, smart‑contract risks, redemption delays during stress) clearly. Wind‑down and resolution playbooks, including triggers for halting new issuance, partial redemptions from liquidity sleeves, and regulator notifications. Pro tip: Design your treasury as if you will be systemic one day. If the product succeeds, you will not have time to re‑platform your reserve and reporting stack. For payment firms and merchants: should you integrate stablecoins? Stablecoins may lower acceptance costs, enable instant settlement, and simplify reconciliation. But under a stricter UK regime, integration choices matter. Use this due‑diligence lens: Token design: Is the coin fiat‑backed with transparent, high‑quality reserves? Algorithmic or mixed‑collateral designs are unlikely to be payments‑eligible. Issuer accountability: Is there a UK‑regulated counterparty with enforceable redemption rights and a UK complaints pathway? Redemption reliability: Check historic uptime, published SLAs, redemption windows, and any past gating events. On/off‑ramps: Which UK banks and payment systems (FPS, CHAPS, cards) support loading/unloading? What are cut‑off times and fees? FX implications: For USD tokens used in the UK, who bears FX risk, and how is conversion priced? Smart‑contract risk: Is the token contract upgradeable? Who controls admin keys? What is the bug‑bounty and audit cadence? Compliance load: Assess Travel Rule tooling, screening, and record‑keeping. Will you need additional licensing to distribute or redeem? Customer support: Escalation paths for failed transfers, stuck redemptions, or blocked wallets should be contractually clear. Pro tip: Run a tabletop exercise for a depeg scenario. Map how you would pause acceptance, notify customers, and unwind balances while meeting UK consumer‑protection duties. The risks of over‑tightening Well‑calibrated limits can support trust in digital money. But if rules are too tight or ambiguous, three risks loom: Offshore leakage: UK users may shift to unregulated offshore tokens and venues, undermining policy goals. Liquidity fragmentation: Caps or currency‑specific frictions could split liquidity across multiple tokens, widening spreads and increasing settlement risk. Innovation flight: Startups might base issuance and treasury operations elsewhere, even if they still serve UK users indirectly. Regulators are acutely aware of these trade‑offs. That is why consultation papers emphasise proportionality, transitional arrangements, and close coordination across authorities. A proportionate path forward What would a balanced UK regime look like in practice? Phased entry: Start with clear reserve and redemption standards for non‑systemic issuers; layer on BoE requirements as volumes and interconnectedness increase. Transparency first: Frequent, standardised reserve disclosures, including look‑through to custody and repo, so markets can self‑discipline weak designs. Domestic rails: Encourage sterling‑based settlement for UK retail flows without banning foreign‑currency tokens outright; make higher‑risk uses conditional rather than prohibited. Central bank money where it matters: For systemic tokens, prioritise central bank deposits and very high‑quality liquid assets to minimise bank‑run externalities. Interoperability and portability: Avoid locking merchants into single issuers; promote common messaging and token standards to enable switching during stress. Cross‑border coordination: Seek pragmatic alignment with MiCA and major jurisdictions to reduce duplicative compliance for global issuers. Pro tip: If you rely on USD stablecoins for treasury or settlement, model a UK scenario where retail acceptance is nudged toward GBP tokens. Build automated FX and routing logic now. How UK rules may differ from the EU and US Although the UK is informed by MiCA and US practice, it is carving out its own approach: Functional perimeter: The UK is prioritising tokens used “as a means of payment,” whereas MiCA creates comprehensive categories covering broader token types. Systemic oversight: The BoE’s role over systemic payment systems using stablecoins is more akin to its oversight of critical financial market infrastructures, potentially yielding bank‑like resilience requirements for very large tokens. Reserve detail vs. hard caps: Expect the UK to lean more on reserve‑quality constraints and redemption SLAs than on blunt transaction caps, though currency‑substitution safeguards remain possible. Location policy: The UK may be firmer in requiring an on‑shore accountable entity for tokens used in UK payments, compared with some US state‑level regimes that allow more operational dispersion. For firms operating across regions, that means building a compliance spine that can flex between EU, UK, and US expectations without maintaining three completely separate products. What this means for crypto platforms Exchanges, brokerages, and lending platforms will need to distinguish between stablecoins used for trading collateral and those embedded in customer payments. Even if you do not issue a token, distributing or facilitating redemptions in UK payment chains could bring you into scope. Collateral management: If a token used as collateral faces tighter redemption SLAs or reserve constraints, your liquidity stress testing needs to reflect those design changes. Wallet labelling: Consider flagging which stablecoins are “payments‑eligible” under UK rules (once finalised) versus “trading‑only” to avoid consumer confusion. Consumer duty: The UK Consumer Duty raises the bar for fair value and clear communications—especially relevant if you market stablecoin payment features to retail users. Outsourcing governance: Where you rely on third‑party issuers or custodians, you will need documented oversight, exit plans, and resilience testing. If you want ongoing coverage as secondary legislation lands, you can follow updates at Crypto Daily . Frequently Asked Questions When will the UK’s stablecoin rules take effect? Authorities have indicated a phased rollout following consultations and secondary legislation. Timelines are subject to change, but firms should plan now for authorisation, reserve, and redemption obligations to come into force in stages. Will USD stablecoins be capped for UK users? No specific caps have been finalised at the time of writing. However, policymakers are considering tools to manage currency‑substitution risks. That could mean additional conditions for using foreign‑currency tokens in UK retail payments compared to sterling‑denominated options. Are algorithmic stablecoins allowed in UK payments? The policy focus is on fiat‑backed tokens with full, liquid reserves and par redemption. Algorithmic designs are unlikely to qualify as permitted payment instruments under the initial regime. What counts as “fiat‑backed” under the proposals? While final criteria are pending, expect backing assets to be high‑quality, liquid instruments (e.g., short‑dated government securities and central bank money) that support immediate par redemption. Mixed or illiquid collateral will face hurdles. How will systemic stablecoins be treated? If usage or interconnectedness crosses systemic thresholds, the Bank of England would apply stricter requirements similar to those for critical financial market infrastructures, including enhanced liquidity, operational resilience, and resolution planning. Will wallets and exchanges need FCA permissions? Firms that issue, distribute, or facilitate redemption of fiat‑backed stablecoins in UK payment chains may require FCA authorisation and will have to meet conduct and consumer‑protection standards. The exact perimeter will depend on final rules. What should merchants ask before accepting a stablecoin? Confirm reserve quality, issuer accountability in the UK, redemption SLAs, on/off‑ramp partners, fees, smart‑contract controls, and how the provider will handle a depeg or outage. These checks reduce operational and consumer risks. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
22 May 2026, 10:38
New Bitcoin Reserve Bill: US Could Buy 1,000,000 Bitcoin for Strategic Reserve Over 5 Years
Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, has introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act, a bill that would place the proposed U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve into federal law and authorize the Treasury Department to acquire up to 1 million Bitcoin over five years. The legislation , known as ARMA, builds on Begich’s earlier Bitcoin reserve proposal and seeks to codify President Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. By moving the reserve from executive action into statute, the bill would make the policy harder for a future administration to reverse without congressional action. Bill Would Authorize Treasury Bitcoin Purchases Under the proposal, the Treasury Department could buy up to 200,000 Bitcoin per year for five years. The target would be about 1 million BTC, equal to roughly 5% of Bitcoin’s fixed supply. The bill would require reserve Bitcoin to be held for at least 20 years, with limited disposal allowed only under specific conditions, including possible use to reduce federal debt. Begich told FOX Business that Bitcoin has emerged as the leading store-of-value asset within the crypto market, comparing its role in digital assets to gold’s role among precious metals. He said the Federal Reserve balance sheet should have flexibility as views on durable reserve assets change over time. The bill would classify Bitcoin as a “Tier 1” strategic reserve asset, according to descriptions of the measure. Other federally held digital assets would be placed in a separate stockpile rather than mixed with the Bitcoin reserve. Seized Bitcoin Would Move Into Federal Reserve Structure ARMA would also change how the federal government manages Bitcoin obtained through seizures. Instead of routine auctions or sales, seized Bitcoin would be transferred into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Existing government Bitcoin holdings, described in bill materials as more than 328,000 BTC, would be consolidated under a single management structure. Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said the government already holds billions of dollars in seized Bitcoin without a clear management plan. He said that approach should be replaced with a more organized reserve policy. The bill calls for stronger custody standards, including air-gapped storage, distributed private-key management, multi-signature approval and preparation for quantum-resistant cryptographic tools. It also includes quarterly proof-of-reserves reporting, third-party audits and congressional oversight. ARMA Adds Digital Asset Rules and Funding Plan The measure includes protections for Americans’ rights to own, transfer and self-custody digital assets. It also creates a separate federal stockpile for non-Bitcoin digital assets already held by the government. Funding for Bitcoin purchases would be required to remain budget neutral. One proposed method would revalue Federal Reserve gold certificates from the long-standing statutory price of $42.22 per ounce to current market levels. Supporters say that accounting change could create room for Bitcoin purchases without new taxpayer debt. The bill has bipartisan support and more than a dozen original co-sponsors, including Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va. Moore said America’s reserve assets should evolve with the global economy and described Bitcoin and other digital assets as part of future financial infrastructure. The proposal arrives as Congress continues work on broader crypto market legislation. The Senate Banking Committee recently advanced the Clarity Act with bipartisan support, sending the measure toward the Senate floor. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., has said a vote could come by mid-June, though she described that timing as optimistic. If passed, ARMA would give the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve a permanent statutory basis, create federal custody and audit rules for Bitcoin holdings, and shift seized Bitcoin away from liquidation toward long-term reserve management.
