Belarus President Signs Decree Legalizing Cryptobanks to Enhance Financial Services
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Decree Signing: On January 16, 2026, Belarusian President Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19, permitting the establishment of cryptobanks aimed at enhancing cryptocurrency services through regulated frameworks, thereby integrating financial services with digital token transactions.
- Dual Regulation: The new decree mandates that cryptobanks register and hold resident status in the High-Tech Park while being subject to dual oversight from the National Bank of Belarus and the Supervisory Board of the park, which is expected to create hybrid financial products and enhance interaction between digital and fiat currencies.
- Industry Impact: The implementation of the decree is anticipated to provide new opportunities for businesses within the High-Tech Park by leveraging specialized regulatory frameworks to foster financial innovation, although no immediate financial allocations are specified, it broadens the scope for regulated Bitcoin and digital token usage.
- Market Outlook: Belarus has maintained a supportive stance towards cryptocurrency since 2017, with Lukashenko emphasizing the push for “innovative financial products,” which may attract increased foreign investment and position Belarus as a pioneer in regulated crypto-banking, aligning with global trends towards embracing digital assets in controlled environments.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
