Kansas Proposes Bitcoin ETF Investment for Retirement Funds

• Kansas bill proposes investing 10% of state retirement funds in Bitcoin ETFs to diversify pensions and increase returns.
• Hong Kong is pushing for stablecoin regulations, requiring issuers to secure high-quality, liquid assets for stability.
• North Dakota introduces crypto ATM regulations to curb scams, limit withdrawals, and require fraud warning notices.

During the 2025 legislative session, Senator Bowser introduced Senate Bill No. 34, which might change how Kansas’ public employee retirement funds are distributed. According to the proposal, up to 10% of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System’s (KPERS) funds might be invested in Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs). By following stringent guidelines intended to protect the fund’s integrity, this amendment seeks to diversify the state’s pension fund investments.

Details of the Proposed Bill

A number of important provisions for the planned Bitcoin investment are outlined in the bill. First, it requires that all employer and employee contributions to the KPERS fund be put into the state treasury. Refunds, administrative expenses, and member benefits will be the only uses of the fund. Additionally, it guarantees that any investment income produced by the fund is put back into the trust, upholding its original intent.

This amendment aims to create a clear framework for Bitcoin investments while safeguarding fiduciary responsibility. The bill introduces regulations to ensure compliance with current pension laws. By allowing Bitcoin-based assets, the state is exploring a new investment avenue that could potentially yield high returns.

Hong Kong Stablecoin Bill Gaining Ground

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong is now debating the proposed stablecoin policy. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) licenses stablecoin issuers, according to the bill, which passed its first reading in December. Additionally, issuers must ensure stablecoins are backed by high-quality, liquid assets.

This regulatory drive supports Hong Kong’s overarching objective of becoming a global center for cryptocurrencies. Major players including Standard Chartered and Animoca Brands are already engaging in the HKMA’s efforts, which include a specialized sandbox for stablecoin issuers.

North Dakota’s Crypto ATM Regulation

North Dakota is also making strides in crypto regulation. The state recently introduced House Bill 1447, which targets crypto ATMs. This bill proposes limiting withdrawals to $1,000 daily and caps transaction fees. Furthermore, crypto ATMs are required to display fraud warning notices.

The action is a reaction to the increase in cryptocurrency fraud. North Dakota residents reported losing $6.5 million due to cryptocurrency in 2023. These steps are intended to shield customers from possible scams as cryptocurrency fraud becomes a bigger worry.