U.S. Crypto Reserve Could Add $460 Billion to Bitcoin’s Market Cap, Says Sygnum Bank

Key Takeaways:A U.S. strategic crypto reserve could increase Bitcoin’s market capitalization by 25 percent, or approximately $460 billion, according to Sygnum Bank’s research.The proposed reserve would trigger institutional buying, amplifying price effects through a 20x multiplier impact on Bitcoin’s valuation.Despite Trump’s endorsement, the probability of approval remains low due to congressional hurdles and regulatory uncertainty.March 7’s Crypto Summit may provide more clarity on the administration’s stance, with Bitcoin expected to hold special status in the proposed reserve.How a U.S. Crypto Reserve Could Reshape Bitcoin’s MarketA U.S. government-backed cryptocurrency reserve could significantly impact Bitcoin’s valuation, according to Sygnum Bank’s latest report. The analysis suggests that the move could drive a multibillion-dollar Bitcoin buying spree, leading to a 460 billion market cap increase—a 25 percent surge from current levels."Because the liquid supply of Bitcoin is very small, larger inflows cause upward price shocks," said Katalin Tischhauser, Sygnum’s head of research.Institutional flows already amplify Bitcoin’s price, with every $1 billion in ETF inflows causing a 3-6 percent price move, according to Sygnum. If federal and state governments begin accumulating Bitcoin, this multiplier effect could accelerate, pushing prices higher.Trump’s Vision for a U.S. Crypto ReserveOn March 2, former U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a U.S. crypto stockpile, backing a reserve that could hold Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Cardano (ADA).The initiative follows the BITCOIN Act, introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis in July 2024, advocating for a Bitcoin-only U.S. reserve.More than half of U.S. states have proposed state-level crypto reserves, but five states have already rejected such plans, citing regulatory and economic concerns.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that Bitcoin may hold a special status within the proposed national reserve, differentiating it from other altcoins.Despite Trump’s support, legal and legislative hurdles remain, making the likelihood of a federal Bitcoin stockpile uncertain."[T]he market currently rates the probability [of a national Bitcoin stockpile] relatively low, but any positive surprise would be bullish for Bitcoin," said Tischhauser.Will the U.S. Crypto Reserve Become Reality?Congressional approval remains the biggest obstacle, as previous crypto-related proposals have struggled to gain momentum in Washington.If Trump’s administration pushes forward without Congress, the reserve could function more like a government-backed industry investment rather than a strategic asset reserve.State-level efforts may continue, but federal adoption would take significantly longer due to regulatory and political barriers.The March 7 White House Crypto Summit is expected to clarify the administration’s stance and reveal more details about the initiative.Market Implications and Institutional Adoption- If a U.S. Bitcoin reserve moves forward, institutional investors may front-run the government’s accumulation strategy, driving Bitcoin’s price higher.- If Congress delays approval, Bitcoin’s price impact may be gradual, with long-term accumulation strategies playing a bigger role.- If the reserve concept is abandoned, Bitcoin will continue to trade based on ETF demand, macroeconomic factors, and retail interest.The prospect of a U.S. strategic crypto reserve remains speculative, but even the discussion has broadened Bitcoin’s appeal as a reserve asset. While approval remains uncertain, any confirmation from the March 7 Crypto Summit could act as a catalyst for Bitcoin’s next price move.