Belarus Establishes Legal Framework for Crypto Banks

On January 16, 2026, President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus signed Decree No. 19, officially establishing the legal framework for “crypto banks” within the country. This action provides these institutions a clear legal status under dual oversight.

The decree authorizes qualified high-tech firms to offer digital token services alongside traditional financial operations. The National Bank and the High-Tech Park will jointly oversee these crypto banks to ensure compliance and functionality.

Experts anticipate immediate effects on Belarus’s economic and technological sectors, bolstering its position in the financial IT landscape. The decree is set to enhance tech innovation within the region, driving interest in the cryptocurrency market.

The initiative highlights the country’s strategic efforts to regulate and integrate cryptocurrency operations more holistically. Political and market implications are expected as Belarus positions itself amidst global crypto advancements.

This development echoes Belarus’s ongoing controlled crypto strategy, reflecting its proactive stance on digital finance. Local industries may experience shifts through new financial products aiming at both domestic and international markets.

Insights suggest potential outcomes in financial and regulatory frameworks. Historical trends indicate this move may attract global IT talents and investments, shaping Belarus into a central hub for digital finance innovations and technology growth.

Aliaksandr Yahorau, First Deputy Chairman, National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, stated, “The first cryptobanks could operate within six months, enabling crypto-secured loans, token-linked cards, and token salaries for self-employed.”