U.S. Treasury to Add Seized Bitcoin to National Digital Asset Reserve, Says Scott Bessent

Speaking in Davos, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that seized Bitcoin will be incorporated into the country’s digital asset reserve under the newly enacted Genius Act for stablecoins.

BTC

Summary

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on January 20, 2026, during a press briefing in Davos, that the administration intends to add seized Bitcoin to the national digital asset reserve. Bessent also referred to the recent enactment of the Genius Act, a law governing the regulation and oversight of stablecoins (cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional assets). The move underscores a policy shift toward integrating digital assets into national financial management and treasury operations.

Terms & Concepts
  • Stablecoin: A type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a fiat currency or other assets.
  • Digital Asset Reserve: A government or institutional reserve that includes cryptocurrencies or blockchain-based assets as part of its holdings.
  • Genius Act: A legislative framework aimed at regulating stablecoins to ensure transparency, stability, and compliance within the U.S. digital asset sector.