SKN | Bhutan’s Gelephu Partners With 3iQ to Manage Bitcoin Treasury for Digital Asset Hub

• Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) has appointed Canadian digital asset manager 3iQ to oversee a portion of its Bitcoin treasury.
• The partnership supports Gelephu’s ambition to become a regional hub for digital assets and institutional investment.
• 3iQ will establish a long-term presence in Gelephu, invest in local talent and provide blockchain education and training.
• Bhutan previously committed up to 10,000 Bitcoin from its national holdings to support the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) has selected Canadian digital asset investment manager 3iQ to manage a portion of its Bitcoin treasury as the country advances plans to build a global digital asset and financial innovation hub.

The agreement marks a significant step in Bhutan’s strategy to integrate Bitcoin into its long-term economic development while attracting institutional investment to the special administrative region.

Although the size of the mandate has not been disclosed, the partnership represents the next phase of Bhutan’s broader Bitcoin treasury initiative.

Building a Digital Asset Financial Center

The collaboration is intended to support Gelephu’s vision of becoming an international center for digital finance, innovation and sustainable investment.

Beyond portfolio management, 3iQ will establish a permanent presence in Gelephu, helping develop local expertise through education, training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

The company will also contribute to building institutional capabilities as Bhutan expands its digital asset ecosystem.

Officials said additional milestones related to the partnership will be announced as development progresses.

Bitcoin Treasury Supports Long-Term Development

In December 2025, Bhutan announced plans to allocate up to 10,000 Bitcoin from its national holdings to help finance the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.

The latest partnership with 3iQ is designed to provide professional institutional management for part of those holdings while supporting the city’s long-term economic objectives.

Neither Bhutan nor 3iQ disclosed the amount of Bitcoin included in the mandate, custody arrangements or whether the assets may be used in lending, derivatives or other yield-generating strategies.

Institutional Expertise Meets National Bitcoin Strategy

3iQ Chief Executive Officer Pascal St-Jean said the company aims to bring institutional-grade investment discipline to the management of Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserves.

He noted that the focus will be on managing the assets responsibly, transparently and with a long-term investment horizon.

Meanwhile, Gelephu board director Jigdrel Singay described 3iQ as one of the city’s foundational institutional partners, highlighting the importance of experienced asset managers in supporting Bhutan’s digital finance ambitions.

Bhutan Strengthens Its Position in Digital Assets

Bhutan has emerged as one of the few countries actively incorporating Bitcoin into its national economic strategy.

Rather than treating Bitcoin solely as a reserve asset, the country is exploring ways to leverage its holdings to attract investment, support financial innovation and diversify future economic growth.

The Gelephu initiative reflects Bhutan’s broader effort to position itself as a competitive destination for blockchain businesses, institutional investors and digital asset companies.

Outlook

Bhutan’s partnership with 3iQ demonstrates the country’s commitment to integrating Bitcoin into its long-term economic development strategy. By combining a national Bitcoin treasury with professional institutional asset management, Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to establish itself as a leading digital asset and financial innovation hub. As governments increasingly explore strategic roles for digital assets, Bhutan continues to distinguish itself as one of the world’s most active adopters of Bitcoin-backed economic development.