Bhutan’s Gelephu City Hands Bitcoin Treasury to 3iQ

Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City is turning a new page in digital‑asset stewardship.

Strategic Partnership: 3iQ’s Mandate

Canadian digital‑asset manager 3iQ will oversee a portion of Gelephu’s Bitcoin treasury. The firm will set up a long‑term asset‑management office, invest in local talent, and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Gelephu’s Digital‑Asset Vision

■10,000 Bitcoin are earmarked from the nation’s reserves for the project.

■The city aims to become a "digital offshore financial centre" focused on innovation, sustainability, and institutional asset management.

■3iQ’s involvement is meant to bring institutional discipline and transparency to Bhutan’s crypto ecosystem.

The Unknowns: Size, Custody and Risk

■The exact amount under management and custody arrangements remain undisclosed.

■It is unclear whether the mandate permits lending, derivatives, or other yield‑generation strategies.

■Pascal St‑Jean, CEO of 3iQ, stresses that the capital will be deployed responsibly and for the long term.

Market Ripples and Regional Impact

■Crypto investors view Bhutan’s move as a fresh source of liquidity.

■Asia‑Pacific digital‑asset regulations will be tested by Gelephu’s fast‑track licensing and banking services.

■Growing competition may spur other small economies to launch similar digital‑asset hubs.

Cem Talu – Crypto and blockchain researcher: This partnership is a cornerstone of Bhutan’s strategy to diversify sovereign reserves, and 3iQ’s institutional asset‑management expertise could invigorate regional liquidity flows. However, the lack of transparency and potential mandate‑related risks will likely keep investors cautious.