Vancouver City Council to discuss proposal exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset today

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The Vancouver City Council will meet today to discuss numerous items, including a proposal from Mayor Ken Sim to explore Bitcoin as a reserve asset for the city, according to the council’s agenda.

The motion, titled “Preserving the City’s Purchasing Power Through Diversification of Financial Reserves – Becoming a Bitcoin Friendly City,” proposes holding a portion of the city’s financial reserves in Bitcoin and exploring options for accepting the digital asset for municipal taxes and fees.

Mayor Sim expects that adopting Bitcoin as part of the city’s financial strategy will help combat inflation and protect its purchasing power. Incorporating Bitcoin could help safeguard traditional currencies from devaluation, according to him.

If approved, city staff will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the initiative, with a detailed report expected by the end of Q1 2025. The study will examine the risks, benefits, and practical considerations of managing Bitcoin as an asset.

The plan includes consultations with financial advisors, crypto experts, and community stakeholders to evaluate the implications of Bitcoin adoption. The initiative follows similar approaches taken by cities like Zug, Switzerland, and El Salvador.

The motion, however, faces opposition from local experts and government officials who cite Bitcoin’s volatility and existing legal restrictions. Under current British Columbia regulations, municipalities are allowed to invest funds in low-risk financial instruments; crypto assets like Bitcoin are not among the approved options.

The discussion comes at a time when Bitcoin has reclaimed the $100,000 level, fueled by expectations of a Fed rate cut following the recent inflation report.

Mayor Sim has expressed his belief in Bitcoin’s transformative potential for financial systems and aims to position Vancouver as a leader in embracing innovative financial strategies.

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