New Decree Establishes Legal Framework for Cryptobanks
On January 16, 2026, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19, officially titled 'On Cryptobanks and Certain Issues of Control in the Sphere of Digital Tokens,' establishing a legal framework for the operation of cryptobanks within the country. This landmark legislation aims to position Belarus as a leader in financial IT technologies and to integrate digital assets into its mainstream financial infrastructure.
The decree is expected to open new opportunities for cross-border payments, an area where Belarusians have increasingly utilized digital coins due to sanctions limiting access to traditional fiat channels.
Hybrid Financial Services and Regulatory Oversight
Under the new regulations, cryptobanks will function as joint-stock companies authorized to combine traditional banking activities, such as banking and payment services, with operations involving 'digital tokens' (cryptocurrencies). These institutions will operate with a unified balance sheet, making no distinction between fiat money and cryptocurrency.
Key services and features offered by these new entities include:
- Allowing self-employed citizens to receive remuneration in cryptocurrency, provided it is transferred through a cryptobank.
- Issuing bank cards directly linked to crypto accounts.
- Enabling customers to borrow using digital coins as collateral.
- Developing hybrid financial products, such as crypto-backed lending.
To ensure a regulated and secure environment, cryptobanks will be subject to a dual oversight model. They must obtain resident status in the High-Tech Park (HTP) and be registered in a special registry maintained by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB). The NBRB will provide financial regulation, while the HTP will oversee innovation and technology standards.
Requirements and Implementation Timeline
Prospective cryptobanks must adhere to stringent requirements to operate. These include a minimum capital requirement of 20 million Belarusian rubles (approximately $7 million USD) and an additional 10 million rubles deposit with the National Bank. Furthermore, they are mandated to disclose investment risks and are prohibited from using the word 'bank' in their names to differentiate them from traditional banking institutions.
Alexander Egorov (also referred to as Yegorov), First Deputy Chairman of the NBRB Board, indicated that a Belarusian cryptobank could be established within the next few months. He stated that a six-month period has been set to align existing legislation with the new decree, with the expectation that the first cryptobanks will emerge 'almost immediately after the legislation is drafted.'
This move builds upon Belarus's earlier efforts to regulate the digital economy, which began with Decree No. 8 'On the Development of Digital Economy' signed in December 2017. This previous decree legalized cryptocurrency transactions and made crypto activities tax-free for individuals, fostering a conducive environment for digital asset innovation within the country.
5 Comments
Leonardo
Crypto is too volatile for mainstream banking. This will end in tears for many users, mark my words.
Raphael
Just another way for an authoritarian regime to evade sanctions and control digital assets. Don't be fooled.
Donatello
This move could indeed attract foreign investment and tech talent to Belarus, yet the country's broader political instability and lack of democratic freedoms could deter many from trusting these new financial institutions.
Raphael
Allowing self-employed to receive crypto remuneration is a progressive step for financial inclusion. However, the requirement for cryptobanks to be joint-stock companies with high capital might limit competition and favor established players.
Donatello
The idea of hybrid financial products with crypto as collateral is intriguing for financial diversification. Still, the inherent volatility of digital tokens poses significant risks that could destabilize the nascent system if not managed extremely carefully.