New Hampshire Enacts Law to Invest State Treasury in Bitcoin

This decision marks the first instance of a U.S. state adopting a formal strategy for Bitcoin reserves, signaling a potential shift in state-level economic strategies.

The new law allows New Hampshire to allocate up to 5% of its treasury funds in cryptocurrencies. Importantly, investments are restricted to digital assets exceeding a market capitalization of $500 billion. Currently, Bitcoin is the sole cryptocurrency meeting this requirement. Governor Kelly Ayotte, who signed the legislation, affirmed her administration’s pro-technology stance through this action.

New Hampshire has become the first U.S. state to authorize holding Bitcoin in its treasury… The new law allows the state to invest up to 5 percent of its funds in digital assets… Only digital assets with a market capitalization of at least 500 billion dollars qualify for investment. – Kelly Ayotte , Governor of New Hampshire

Under the new law, Bitcoin must be held in a state-controlled multisignature wallet, with management overseen by a regulated U.S. custodian. The state may also invest through Bitcoin ETFs. This positions New Hampshire uniquely in the U.S. financial landscape, being the first to pursue such a policy for its state reserves. As initial responses from institutional or crypto leaders have not yet surfaced, the future impact on market activities and liquidity remains hypothetical.

Financially, this law could attract new discussions about cryptocurrency in public treasuries. Politically, it could initiate similar legislative proposals in other states. Kelly Ayotte’s leadership may set a precedent, though historical data suggests that Bitcoin’s inclusion in public portfolios has not always led to sustained market effects. Governor Ayotte has set a bold path that could prompt others to reconsider Bitcoin’s role in their financial frameworks, potentially influencing wider regulatory perspectives. The move might be reflective of a broader institutional embrace of cryptocurrency.