Kyrgyzstan Announces Crypto Custody Plans for Banks

TLDR

• Kyrgyzstan plans to hold Bitcoin and stablecoins in banks.
• KGST stablecoin is pegged 1:1 to the local som.
• Binance collaborates on Kyrgyzstan’s digital asset strategy.

Kyrgyzstan’s Crypto Custody Announcement

Kyrgyzstan has outlined plans for its banking sector to hold Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This move is part of a larger digital asset and blockchain strategy spearheaded by President Sadyr Japarov. The announcement also included the introduction of the KGST stablecoin, pegged 1:1 to the local som and deployed on the BNB Chain.

Significant progress is underway as Kyrgyzstan aims to integrate digital currencies into its financial system. The strategy involves direct involvement from key figures, including President Japarov and Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, who serves as a strategic advisor to Kyrgyzstan’s crypto committee.

Key Figures and Legislative Changes

President Japarov is actively leading the national crypto policy, emphasizing digital asset regulation. He chaired the National Council for the Development of Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies, driving reforms forward and accelerating digital asset legislation and pilots for a national digital currency.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), formerly the CEO of Binance, is working closely with Kyrgyzstan as a strategic adviser. He has attended high-level meetings and supports educational initiatives through the Binance Academy, partnering with ten universities to advance blockchain education.

Path to Crypto Integration in Banks

Farhat Iminov, Head of the Secretariat for Virtual Assets, has played a pivotal role in executing legislative changes. These adjustments allow commercial banks to handle digital assets, creating a regulatory sandbox for new initiatives. The impact of this shift in regulations is expected to be significant, though no specific financial figures have been released for the banking sector’s crypto custody program.

The national crypto reserve will include Binance Coin (BNB) and potentially other major cryptocurrencies. As the state begins listing KGST on international platforms, institutions are encouraged to explore new blockchain opportunities and enhance their involvement in digital finance.

Institutional Collaborations and Impact

Binance’s strategic partnership with Kyrgyzstan exemplifies the cooperative approach in advancing digital asset use. The collaboration includes educational partnerships through Binance Academy and local fintech firm Build Block TECH, co-developing the central bank digital currency (CBDC).

While Bitcoin is expected to be centrally custodied as part of the national reserve, Binance Coin features prominently due to its involvement with the national crypto reserve. The recent launch of KGST, the Kyrgyz stablecoin, marks a significant milestone. For more details, see the overview of Kyrgyzstan’s KGST Stablecoin.

Regulatory Sandbox and Future Prospects

The establishment of a regulatory sandbox mirrors similar initiatives in Kazakhstan and Dubai, providing a controlled environment for crypto innovation. By fostering a supportive landscape for digital assets, Kyrgyzstan positions itself for increased institutional inflows and enhanced cross-border payment experimentation.

No direct on-chain data has been cited, but Kyrgyzstan processed $10 billion in on-chain transactions in the first half of 2025, showcasing significant liquidity interactions with domestic platforms. The legislative changes explicitly define stablecoins and potentially open the door to further integration of real-world asset tokens.