Bhutan Enters the Digital Gold Era
The Kingdom of Bhutan is set to introduce one of the world’s first sovereign-backed gold tokens, positioning the country at the forefront of state-led digital asset innovation as it moves to bridge traditional stores of value with next-generation financial infrastructure.
TER, a token fully backed by physical gold, will launch on 17 December 2025, marking a milestone for Gelephu Mindfulness City’s ambition to become a global hub for responsible digital finance, according to a media release issued on Thursday.
Sovereign Token Anchored in Tradition and Technology
TER – derived from the Dzongkha word for «Treasure» – reflects Bhutan’s intent to preserve cultural heritage while embracing digital transformation. The token forms part of the Kingdom’s broader national strategy to integrate blockchain technology across public and financial systems.
The launch underscores a commitment to creating a values-driven digital economy rooted in sustainable, real-world assets.
GMC Positions Itself as a Global Hub for Mindful Innovation
Issued by Gelephu Mindfulness City, TER aims to establish a new standard for asset-backed digital currencies supported by sovereign trust. The initiative aligns with GMC’s vision to become a centre for mindful innovation, leveraging technology in a way that is transparent, secure, and in harmony with Bhutanese values.
Board Director Jigdrel Singay stated that «the launch of TER marks a foundational step in building a values-driven digital economy rooted in real-world assets and sovereign trust».
Institutional Safeguards Through DK Bank
To ensure robust security and regulated access, DK Bank – Bhutan’s first digital bank – will serve as exclusive distributor and custodian. Regulated by the Royal Monetary Authority and the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, DK Bank provides the infrastructure needed to reassure both domestic and international investors.
Phase 1 distribution will allow users to purchase TER directly through the bank, with tokens held in institutional-grade custody.
Blockchain Infrastructure Built on Solana
TER will be issued on Solana’s enterprise-grade blockchain, chosen for its speed, low transaction costs, and minimal environmental footprint. Solana Foundation president Lily Liu said that the collaboration «showcases how forward-looking nations can leverage Solana’s technology to bring high-quality, asset-backed digital products to a global audience».
The technical foundation reinforces Bhutan’s strategy to deploy efficient, scalable and eco-conscious digital systems.
Tokenization Partner Matrixdock Strengthens Credibility
Matrixdock, a subsidiary of Matrixport and a leader in real-world asset tokenization, has been selected as the technology partner for TER. Matrixport CEO John Ge describes the partnership as a shared commitment to building «the next generation of trusted, transparent, and globally connected financial infrastructure».
The collaboration adds institutional weight and international best practices to Bhutan’s digital asset ambitions.
Digital Gateway for Global Gold Investors
Positioned as a modern, tax-efficient alternative to physical gold, TER offers international investors a secure digital means to access one of the world’s most established safe-haven assets.
The structure is designed to mirror the trusted experience of purchasing physical gold through a major financial institution while improving liquidity, accessibility, and settlement efficiency.
Reinforcing National Leadership in Digital Sovereignty
Bhutan has already built a track record of pioneering digital initiatives. Key milestones include:
- integrating BTC, ETH, BNB, and other digital assets into GMC’s strategic reserves;
- implementing a national digital identity system anchored on the Ethereum blockchain, enabling nearly eight hundred thousand citizens to verify identities and access public services;
- deploying Binance Pay for crypto-based merchant and tourism transactions;
- becoming one of the earliest nations to mine Bitcoin using renewable hydropower, elevating its status as one of the world’s leading sovereign BTC holders.
These achievements illustrate Bhutan’s evolving definition of digital sovereignty and its commitment to blending innovation with sustainability.
Bhutan’s Digital Leap Signals a New Model for State-Backed Assets
By introducing TER, Bhutan demonstrates how a nation can transition from traditional resource security to digital-era asset management while maintaining cultural and regulatory integrity.
As global demand for trusted, gold-backed digital instruments accelerates, Bhutan’s initiative may serve as a blueprint for how countries can bridge heritage and high technology in the formation of modern financial ecosystems.
