Belarus Authorizes Establishment of "Crypto Bank" Framework, Integrating Token Business with Traditional Banking Services

Odaily News Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19 on January 16, establishing a framework for "crypto banks." According to a statement from the Belarusian Presidential Office, the decree allows joint-stock companies located in the state-owned High-Tech Park (HTP) economic zone to combine token business with traditional banking, payment, and other financial services. It defines a crypto bank as a joint-stock company authorized to conduct such combined business, subject to dual supervision by the HTP and the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus. Entities must possess resident status in the High-Tech Park and be listed in a special crypto bank register maintained by the country's central bank. (The Block)