Belarus Registers First Two Crypto Banks Amid Growing Digital Economy
Belarus has taken a significant step in the world of cryptocurrency by registering its first two crypto banks. The move comes after the nation introduced new regulations allowing traditional banking activities to be combined with cryptocurrency operations.
The registration was approved by the Supervisory Board of the Belarus Hi-Tech Park (HTP) at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Alexander Turchin. The new crypto banks will operate within the framework of the IT hub's special legal regime and conduct operations with digital assets.
Anna Ryabova, head of the HTP Supervisory Board's Secretariat, described the development as a 'significant milestone' and highlighted the extensive collaboration with the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) in establishing the necessary regulations. The process is not yet complete, however, as the banks still need to be added to the monetary authority's registry of crypto banks.
The registration of crypto banks is part of a larger effort by Belarus to regulate and develop its digital economy. President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19 'On Crypto Banks and Certain Issues of Control in the Sphere of Digital Tokens' on January 16, 2026. The decree established a comprehensive legal framework for crypto banks, which will be overseen jointly by the HTP and the National Bank.