Belarus Establishes Legal Rules To Launch Regulated Crypto Banks

Belarus approves a new decree establishing licensing, oversight, and entry rules for crypto banks, creating a regulated framework for digital asset services.

Areeba Rashid
January 16, 2026
9:26 pm

Areeba Rashid

Areeba Rashid is a dedicated crypto news writer with a passion for making complex topics accessible to everyone. She covers the latest developments in the crypto world, including in-depth price analysis, helping readers stay informed and make sense of market trends.

Belarus approves a decree creating a regulated framework for licensed crypto banks.
Crypto banks must register with the National Bank and hold High-Tech Park residency.
New rules enable supervised token services integrated with traditional financial products.

Belarus has taken a formal step toward regulated digital asset integration as President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree creating a legal structure for crypto banks. The measure outlines licensing rules, operational standards, and supervisory oversight to shape how digital token services operate within the country.

Belarusian state agency BELTA reported that Lukashenko approved Decree No. 19 on January 16. The document is titled “On Crypto Banks and Certain Issues of Control in the Sphere of Digital Tokens.” Officials say the decree sets out clear rules for digital asset-linked financial institutions.

The decree defines a crypto bank as a joint-stock company permitted to combine operations involving digital tokens with standard banking, payment, and financial services. This classification places crypto banks inside the country’s regulated financial environment. It also provides authorities a structured method to supervise token-related activities.

Belarus Sets Core Entry Rules For Crypto Banks

Under the rules, crypto banks may integrate blockchain instruments with conventional financial products. They can handle digital asset transactions while maintaining access to established service channels. This approach aims to create a model where token-based operations and traditional financial services function together under formal regulation.

Any institution wishing to operate as a crypto bank must hold resident status inside the High-Tech Park (HTP). The HTP is a designated economic zone built to attract technology-driven companies. Its regulatory incentives are designed to support innovation while enforcing compliance obligations.

Eligible entities must also enter a crypto bank registry managed by the National Bank of Belarus. This registry confirms which companies meet the decree’s standards. It also allows regulators to track authorized institutions. BELTA reported that the National Bank will monitor registration, compliance, and procedural requirements.

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The decree introduces dual oversight for crypto banks. Institutions must follow the laws applied to non-bank credit and financial organizations. They must also comply with decisions issued by the Supervisory Board of the High-Tech Park. Authorities believe this layered system strengthens governance across digital asset services.

Crypto Banks Act As Bridges Between Finance And Digital Assets

Officials stated that the model aims to provide clients with a combination of classical banking stability and the rapid settlement features of tokenized transactions. The framework permits crypto banks to operate as intermediaries between traditional financial channels and the growing digital asset sector.

The action is in line with one of the long-running initiatives of Belarus to grow its financial technology industry. The government has been supporting the development of blockchain by offering tax incentives and special legislation since the establishment of the High-Tech Park. The new rules redirect these efforts from exploratory phases into a formalized structure.

The order comes after Lukashenko’s recent stance on cryptomining. He expressed his views on mining in November, in a national energy policy meeting, as a strategic utilization of extra power resources. He considered the production of digital assets as a means of enhancing financial alternatives against the changing trends in the world.

Local reports indicated that, at that meeting, Lukashenko discounted the volatility issues. He defined digital resources as an international trend of diversified financial instruments. The new decree pursues that strategy by subjecting token-related matters to controlled expertise.