Bitcoin Reserve Could Strengthen Brazil’s Economy, Says Lula

Brazil might be gearing up to make a bold move about adding Bitcoin to its national reserves. A top official from President Lula’s administration recently called the idea ‘crucial’ for the country’s future, sparking serious debate.

Pedro Giocondo Guerra, chief of staff to Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, dropped the bombshell at a congressional event. Bitcoin could be Brazil’s next financial safeguard, Guerra claimed, comparing it to digital gold—a stable asset that might also speed up overseas money flows. But this wasn’t just talk. His remarks backed a fresh proposal to create a national Bitcoin stockpile, dubbed RESBit.

The bill’s architect, Deputy Eros Biondini, wants Brazil to park a slice of its foreign reserves, up to 5%, in Bitcoin. The Central Bank would keep tabs on the holdings, leaning on blockchain tracking and AI checks. Why? Three big reasons: to bulletproof the economy against shocks, spread Brazil’s financial bets, and prop up its soon-to-launch digital cash, DREX.

Brazil is no stranger to crypto. It was the first in the Americas to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs, and trading volumes have skyrocketed. A Solana ETF was even launched last year. If this bill passes, Brazil could join El Salvador—which famously adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in betting big on crypto.

The bill faces an uphill battle before it even lands on Lula’s desk. It has to clear multiple committees and win approval in both houses. Critics say Bitcoin’s wild price swings and security risks make it too risky for a national reserve. But supporters argue it could protect Brazil from inflation and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, giving the country more financial independence.

Globally, the trend is heating up. The U.S. recently banned selling seized Bitcoin, opting to hoard it as a reserve asset. Venezuela and Colombia are also flirting with crypto integration. For Brazil, a country where 16% of citizens already use crypto, this could be the next logical step.

Will Brazil pull the trigger? If it does, the move could redefine its economy—and send shockwaves through the crypto world. One thing’s certain: all eyes are now on Brazil.