3iQ, a Toronto-based crypto asset manager owned by Japan’s Coincheck, will oversee a portion of the Bitcoin treasury linked to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), marking a significant step in the country’s push into digital finance. The BTC under management stems from the 10,000 coins pledged by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during his December 2025 National Day address.
Building Bhutan’s Digital Hub
In a newly announced partnership, 3iQ is set to become the first official manager of the sovereign Bitcoin holdings designated for the GMC, a special economic zone aimed at creating a digital offshore financial center. The firm will not only handle asset management but also train Bhutanese staff and establish a permanent local office, fostering knowledge transfer and local expertise development. Pascal St-Jean, 3iQ’s CEO, emphasized the firm’s commitment to responsible and transparent capital deployment with long-term goals aligned to Bhutan’s vision.
Strategic Significance for Bhutan’s Crypto Ambitions
Jigdrel Singay, a board director at GMC, described the agreement as a key early move in shaping the city’s digital asset ecosystem. The partnership comes amid a broader trend of Bhutan monetizing parts of its Bitcoin reserves, making 3iQ’s role key for turning the country’s crypto promise into practical infrastructure. This arrangement could position Gelephu Mindfulness City as a notable player in the growing field of crypto-driven economic zones.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
