Belarus Says "Hello, World Bank 2.0" With First Two Crypto Banks 🏦

Belarus registered its first two crypto banks as residents of the country's High-Tech Park, advancing the implementation of a digital asset framework signed by President Alexander Lukashenko in January. The additions were announced at a supervisory board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, marking the next stage of Belarus' crypto banking rollout.

The two institutions have not been identified. Dmitry Kalechits, a senior High-Tech Park official, said both already operate in the crypto market, have established expert teams, and completed technical and legal checks prior to registration. "The applicants established expert teams and readiness of their technological systems," Kalechits said.

Under the framework, every crypto bank must hold High-Tech Park resident status and register in the National Bank's official crypto bank registry. Each institution is required to be a joint-stock company, and the model allows firms to offer digital token services alongside traditional banking and payment services. Both newly registered crypto banks must still receive National Bank accreditation before they can begin offering regulated services, combining High-Tech Park oversight with central bank supervision.