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Belarus Issues Decree Regulating Crypto Banks and Digital Tokens

Belarus Issues Decree Regulating Crypto Banks and Digital Tokens

Belarus’s new crypto banking framework, signed by President Lukashenko, aims to strengthen fintech growth, attract global investment, and integrate digital assets into the national economy.

Fact Check
The evidence strongly and consistently supports the statement. Multiple independent and credible sources confirm that the government of Belarus established a legal framework for its digital economy, including cryptocurrencies, through a specific government act. A highly authoritative news agency, Interfax, and a relevant Belarusian IT news site, Spex.by, both explicitly identify 'Decree No. 8' as the legal instrument for this regulation. Another source provides the historical context that this decree was enacted in 2018. Furthermore, evidence from a crypto industry publication shows that these regulations are not just historical but are actively being expanded, which presupposes their existence. The lower-authority sources are either irrelevant or provide no contradictory information. The combined weight of the high-quality, corroborating evidence makes the statement highly likely to be true.
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Summary

On January 16, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19 establishing a regulatory framework that enables licensed joint-stock companies within the High-Tech Park (HTP) to operate crypto banks combining token operations with traditional banking services. These institutions will be jointly regulated by the HTP administration and the National Bank of Belarus, with licensing and compliance measures designed to ensure transparent and secure digital asset operations. The integration of crypto banks is expected to bolster the country’s fintech sector, draw global investment, and enhance Belarus’s digital economy.

Terms & Concepts
  • Crypto Bank: A financial institution offering services for cryptocurrencies, such as deposits, lending, and exchange, typically under specific regulatory oversight.
  • Digital Tokens: Blockchain-based assets representing value or rights, which can be used for various applications such as payments or investments.
  • High-Tech Park (HTP): A special economic zone in Belarus that offers regulatory and tax benefits for technology companies, including those working with blockchain and cryptocurrencies.