During the Binance Crypto-Powered Tour, Cointelegraph visited Thimphu and Paro to assess how much traction crypto payments have gained. Just a few months after launch, locals and tourists alike are using digital assets for everything from hotel bookings to street food.

From Temples to Tokens: A Nation Transforms

On May 7, Binance Pay and DK Bank announced a partnership allowing users to pay with Bitcoin, BNB, USDT, and other assets for flights, hotels, visas, and even snacks.

DK Bank president Ugy Gelephuin stated that nearly 1,000 merchants have already signed up to accept crypto. Local tour guide Kuenley Dorjee told Cointelegraph that the technology is still new to many, but enthusiasm is growing: “It’s easier to use and the fees are better.”

You Might Be Interested In: Elon Musk Talks About the Name of a New Memecoin!

Bhutan’s progressive stance stems largely from its monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck—nicknamed the “Dragon King.” Under his rule, the country has implemented hydro-powered Bitcoin mining since 2019, accumulating over 12,000 BTC when prices were around $5,000.

In January, Bhutan‘s Gelephu region unveiled plans to develop a strategic crypto reserve, showing long-term commitment to digital assets.

Internet Challenges Persist, But Hope Is on the Horizon

Despite excitement, the country faces ongoing internet instability. Cointelegraph encountered inconsistent Wi-Fi in Paro and Thimphu, with Reddit users describing connections as “horrendously slow.”

The recent arrival of Starlink, however, could be a game-changer. Officially launched on February 17, Starlink promises speeds between 100–200 Mbps—enough to support real-time crypto transactions.

DK Bank’s Gelephuin remains optimistic: “We’re not quite there yet, but we’re on the right track.”

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post Bhutan Embraces Crypto in the Mountains, Despite Internet Gaps appeared first on Coin Engineer.

CZ and His Role in Kyrgyzstan 

CZ joined the National Crypto Committee as an advisor at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov. The committee is working to develop the country’s crypto ecosystem. In a post shared on the X platform on May 5, 2025, Changpeng Zhao stated that BNB and BTC would be ideal starting points for the reserve. Additionally, an agreement signed between Binance and the Kyrgyzstan National Investment Agency supports crypto payments and blockchain education. 

Not my car, but the plate. Kyrgyzstan

Among other things, also gave my advice to make #BNB and #BTC as the two starting crypto for the National Crypto Reserve. https://t.co/ZhbGs2pWQu pic.twitter.com/ZewpPqZdQc

— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) May 5, 2025

Kyrgyzstan’s Crypto Initiatives 

Kyrgyzstan is taking pioneering steps in digital transformation. In April 2025, a pilot project for the “Digital Som,” a central bank digital currency (CBDC), was launched. With Binance’s support, infrastructure for crypto payments is being established in the country. Binance Academy offers free blockchain education programs for government employees and citizens. These initiatives aim to position Kyrgyzstan as a crypto hub in Central Asia. 

Why Is the Crypto Market Falling Today? May 2025 Analysis

Global Crypto Reserve Trend 

Changpeng Zhao’s proposal aligns with the global trend of creating crypto reserves. Inspired by the U.S.’s 200,000 BTC reserve, countries are adding digital assets to their portfolios. Kyrgyzstan’s move with BNB and BTC is seen as a strategic step toward economic diversification and financial innovation. 

CZ’s leadership and Binance’s expertise are shaping Kyrgyzstan’s crypto future. The country plans to enhance financial inclusion through blockchain technology and integrate into the global Web3 economy. 

In conclusion, CZ’s suggestion to include BTC and BNB in national crypto reserves could reshape the financial system. As crypto adoption grows, governments may take this vision seriously. National crypto reserves are no longer theoretical but a real possibility. 

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post CZ Proposes Crypto Reserve Plan for Kyrgyzstan! appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Standard Chartered: Bitcoin Could Reach $500,000 Due to Trump’s Crypto Policies

Standard Chartered has suggested that Bitcoin’s value could increase to $500,000 within just three years, driven by the maturation of America’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the pro-crypto policies of the Trump administration.

The bank’s Head of Digital Asset Research, Geoff Kendrick, stated in a research note, “We expect Bitcoin to reach $200,000 by the end of 2025, $300,000 by the end of 2026, $400,000 by the end of 2027, and $500,000 by the end of 2028. We expect it to stay at this level until the end of 2029.”

Standard Chartered also pointed out that the current conditions will “drive Bitcoin to $500,000 before Trump leaves office.”

Trump’s Crypto Reserve and Bitcoin’s Potential

Kendrick emphasized that institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs is expected to continue growing, especially with the impact of President Donald Trump’s crypto-friendly policies. In January, the Trump administration unveiled an executive order aimed at providing regulatory clarity and encouraging investment in the crypto sector.

Furthermore, with more retail interest in Bitcoin under Trump’s administration, the market’s liquidity could increase, and Bitcoin’s wider acceptance could trigger an upward price movement.

Last year, Trump’s presidential campaign included a pledge to build a crypto reserve. He later announced that the U.S. would include Bitcoin, Ether, XRP (Ripple), Solana, and Cardano in this reserve. However, the inclusion of non-Bitcoin assets has raised concerns within the crypto community.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes that having only Bitcoin in the reserve would be sufficient: “Just Bitcoin might be the best option,” he said.

One of the figures who has speculated on Bitcoin’s future is Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman at Strategy. Saylor suggested that Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, could soon reach a $200 trillion market cap.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post Standard Chartered Updates Bitcoin Target Following Crypto Reserve Proposal appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Trump’s Presidency and Impact on Crypto Markets

This new Bitcoin high came just hours before Donald Trump was to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at 4:00 pm UTC. Trump’s victory on November 6 triggered a massive crypto rally, pushing Bitcoin above $100,000 for the first time in early December 2024.

You Might Be Interested In: Elon Musk Shared, That Memecoin Flew: Up 500%!

Optimism surrounding Trump’s presidency in the crypto community largely stems from his crypto-friendly plans, which include a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the U.S. and anticipated crypto deregulation.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Speculation

Bitcoin’s latest all-time high coincided with increased speculation that Trump would establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve within the first 100 days of his presidency. Data from crypto prediction platform Polymarket showed that the odds of this happening surged to 69% just minutes before BTC’s price spike.Trump began selling his newly launched Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin on January 18. Released on January 17, the TRUMP token saw record-breaking growth, potentially multiplying Trump’s net worth by five times.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration appeared first on Coin Engineer.