Despite the growing adoption of Bitcoin by numerous independent organizations, Christine Lagarde has stated that the European Central Bank (ECB) has no plans to incorporate Bitcoin into its reserves.
The President of the ECB has consistently voiced disapproval of Bitcoin, alleging its use in illicit financial activities and money laundering. Lagarde’s well-documented stance reflects her aversion towards Bitcoin and other virtual assets.
Following the ECB’s recent interest rate announcement, Lagarde emphasized that Bitcoin’s speculative character, limited liquidity, and ambiguous regulatory framework render it inappropriate as a practical reserve asset.
During a press briefing on January 30, Lagarde asserted her “firm belief that Bitcoin will not be included in the reserves of any central bank within the ECB’s Governing Council.”
Lagarde’s comments reinforce her prior declarations and affirm the ECB’s position regarding the discussion of Bitcoin as a reserve asset. Nevertheless, this viewpoint may not be universally shared among all European nations.
Lagarde has maintained a long-standing skepticism towards Bitcoin, remaining unconvinced by its emerging role as a reserve asset for inflation protection.
Financial institutions in Norway and Switzerland have allocated funds to entities such as MicroStrategy, which maintains Bitcoin on its financial record. Although these investments do not equate to direct Bitcoin ownership, they suggest a possible need for Bitcoin and a readiness to integrate the asset into monetary plans.
> The majority of participants in the Governing Council and the General Council concur that reserves must possess liquidity, security, dependability, and should not be associated with money laundering or other unlawful actions.
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> Christine Lagarde, Head of the European Central Bank
