The post Belarus Moves to Regulate Crypto Banking Through Licensed Institutions appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Regulations Belarus has formally moved to integrate digital assets into its regulated financial system by establishing a legal framework for so-called cryptobanks. The new rules place crypto-related banking activity firmly under state supervision, signaling a controlled but deliberate expansion of digital finance within the country. Key takeaways: Belarus has created a legal framework for “cryptobanks” under direct state oversight Cryptobanks will combine traditional banking services with token-based operations Participation is limited to licensed joint-stock companies registered with authorities Firms must operate within Belarus’s Hi-Tech Park and central bank registry On Friday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19, which defines how cryptobanks may be created, licensed, and operated. Rather than treating crypto as a parallel financial sector, the decree embeds token-based activity into the existing banking and regulatory architecture. Under the framework, cryptobanks will operate as joint-stock companies authorized to combine traditional banking services — such as payments and settlements — with token-based transactions. Participation is tightly regulated: institutions must obtain resident status within Belarus’s Hi-Tech Park, a state-backed technology zone, and be listed in a special register maintained by the country’s central bank. Dual oversight by financial and technology authorities The decree introduces a layered supervision model. Cryptobanks must comply with rules governing non-bank credit and financial institutions, while also adhering to decisions issued by the supervisory board of the Hi-Tech Park. This effectively places crypto-enabled banking under both financial and technological oversight. According to the government, the structure is designed to allow innovation without loosening control. By channeling crypto services through licensed entities already embedded in the financial system, Belarus aims to offer token-based efficiencies while minimizing systemic risk. In practice, only firms willing to operate fully within state-defined boundaries will be able to participate. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen Belarus’s positioning as a…

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Filed under: News - @ January 16, 2026 4:21 pm