On April 30, 2025, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 92, known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill. This bill allows the state to invest in Bitcoin-related financial products like mutual funds and ETFs instead of buying Bitcoin directly. It also lets state employees invest part of their pension funds in cryptocurrencies.
Supporters believe this could help improve the state’s finances, especially with a $16 billion pension deficit. Investing in digital assets could diversify the state’s portfolio and possibly increase returns.
Before it becomes law, the bill still needs to be approved by the North Carolina Senate. If passed, North Carolina would join other states exploring the use of cryptocurrencies in public finance.
Arizona Led the Way with a State Bitcoin Reserve
Earlier in 2025, Arizona became the first U.S. state to create a Bitcoin reserve, planning to invest 10% of its $31.5 billion in assets into cryptocurrencies. This move shows a growing interest from governments in using digital assets to diversify investments and protect against inflation.
Federal Government Takes Action
In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This includes digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, mostly gathered from legal seizures. The reserve uses existing assets and doesn’t require new taxpayer money.
The goal is to strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting cryptocurrency and making the country a leader in the digital financial world.
A Growing Global Trend
The efforts by North Carolina, Arizona, and the federal government reflect a bigger shift: cryptocurrencies are becoming more accepted in public finance. What was once seen as risky is now viewed by many as a smart investment strategy.
This trend is global—El Salvador, for example, has made Bitcoin legal tender, and other countries are exploring similar ideas. More regulation and the rise of Bitcoin ETFs are helping build trust in digital assets.
What This Means for the Future
If managed well, adding digital currencies to government investments could bring better returns and diversified portfolios. But since crypto markets are still volatile, careful planning and oversight are necessary.
Other states will be watching closely. If Arizona and North Carolina succeed, more states might follow, leading to wider adoption of crypto in government finance.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s move with House Bill 92 is a big step toward using cryptocurrencies in public investment. Along with federal efforts and Arizona’s example, it shows that digital assets are becoming part of modern finance. Going forward, the key will be balancing innovation with safety and smart regulation.
