The crypto gold rush

Express Tribune

13-04-2025

Last month, President Donald Trump announced the creation of a strategic reserve of five major cryptocurrencies — Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) — for the United States, sending shockwaves through global financial markets and causing the prices of the digital tokens to soar.
'A U.S. Crypto Reserve will elevate this critical industry after years of corrupt attacks by the Biden Administration, which is why my Executive Order on Digital Assets directed the Presidential Working Group to move forward on a Crypto Strategic Reserve that includes XRP, SOL, and ADA,' he said in a post on Truth Social on March 2. 'I will make sure the US is the Crypto Capital of the World. We are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'
This unprecedented move marks a significant departure from traditional monetary policies, signalling a bold embrace of digital assets as a core component of the US financial system. By integrating cryptocurrencies into national reserves, the US government acknowledges the growing influence of decentralised finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology, further legitimising digital currencies as valuable assets alongside traditional reserves like gold and foreign currencies.
The decision has sparked intense debates across political, financial, and technological circles. Supporters argue that incorporating cryptocurrencies into national reserves could enhance financial stability, hedge against inflation, and position the US as a leader in the digital economy.
Given Bitcoin's status as "digital gold," its inclusion could serve as a store of value, while Ethereum's smart contract functionality opens avenues for blockchain-driven government initiatives. XRP's focus on cross-border payments, Solana's high-speed transactions, and Cardano's emphasis on sustainability add further strategic value to the selection.
However, critics warn of potential risks, including the volatility of cryptocurrencies, regulatory challenges, and security concerns related to hacking and cyber threats. The move also raises questions about the broader implications for the global financial system, especially regarding the dominance of the US dollar.
As the world watches closely, this historic policy shift could redefine the role of digital assets in mainstream economies and set a precedent for other nations considering similar initiatives. Markets responded with an immediate surge in cryptocurrency prices as investors absorbed the news. Bitcoin spiked by over 10 per cent, briefly surpassing the $93,000 mark before stabilising at around $90,000. Ethereum recorded a 12 per cent surge, further strengthening its position in the market, while XRP experienced an 18 per cent increase, peaking at $2.63 before settling at $2.47. Solana gained 13 per cent, reaching $159.75, and Cardano surged by an astonishing 48 per cent, climbing to $0.96.
However, the volatility of the crypto market remained evident as prices fluctuated following the initial surge, reflecting investor uncertainty about the long-term implications of this bold policy shift.
Governments worldwide have long been sceptical about cryptocurrencies due to their volatility and association with illegal activities. Trump's decision marks a significant departure from traditional US financial policy and could be driven by multiple factors.
One key motivation is hedging against inflation; unlike fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies have a limited supply, making them an attractive safeguard against inflationary pressures. Another major factor is competition with China, which has aggressively promoted its own digital currency, the digital Yuan, to gain dominance in global trade. The US may be looking to counter this by integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial strategy. Additionally, blockchain technology has the potential to modernise financial systems, and Trump's move could position the US as a global leader in digital finance.
While crypto enthusiasts have welcomed this development, the move presents significant risks and challenges. Regulatory uncertainty looms large, as the US government has struggled to regulate cryptocurrencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has frequently cracked down on crypto firms, leading to legal battles and market instability.
Cybersecurity threats also pose a major concern, with cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets being prime targets for hackers — over $3.8 billion was stolen from crypto platforms in 2022 alone. Furthermore, the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies makes them riskier than traditional reserve assets such as gold or foreign currencies.
Trump's decision has sparked diverse reactions worldwide. El Salvador, which previously made Bitcoin legal tender, has welcomed the US decision, seeing it as validation of its own crypto-friendly policies. The European Union, however, has expressed concerns, warning that adding crypto to national reserves could destabilise the economy and lead to financial uncertainties.
Meanwhile, China has harshly criticised the move, calling it "reckless" and accusing the US of attempting to undermine the digital Yuan's influence in global markets.
For Pakistan, this policy shift could have significant implications for cryptocurrency regulation and adoption. A growing number of Pakistanis actively trade cryptocurrencies through peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms and offshore exchanges. If international acceptance of digital assets accelerates, Pakistani investors and businesses could benefit from a more open regulatory environment.
A well-regulated crypto market could attract foreign investments, facilitate remittances, and provide new avenues for wealth generation, particularly for freelancers and tech entrepreneurs who rely on digital payments.
As the global financial landscape evolves, Pakistan may need to introduce a structured legal framework to govern cryptocurrency transactions. This could include licensing crypto exchanges, implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols, and ensuring compliance with international financial regulations.
A balanced regulatory approach could help Pakistan curb illicit financial activities while enabling innovation in fintech and blockchain applications.
While cryptocurrency adoption offers economic opportunities, it also introduces risks. Cryptocurrencies can be exploited for illicit activities such as money laundering, terror financing, and cybercrimes. If Pakistan decides to embrace digital assets, the government would need to implement strict oversight measures, including blockchain monitoring, cybersecurity enhancements, and collaboration with international agencies to track suspicious transactions.
Trump's decision to integrate cryptocurrencies into national reserves marks a significant shift in financial policy that could reshape the global economy. While this move has the potential to position the US as a leader in digital financial innovation, concerns about regulation, security, and volatility remain substantial obstacles. Regardless of whether Trump's initiative turns out to be a brilliant financial strategy or a risky experiment, one thing is clear: cryptocurrencies are no longer a niche asset; they are becoming an integral part of mainstream finance.
Ayaz Hussain Abbasi is a researcher and PhD scholar in the field cyber security and cybercrime
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer