Crypto banks in Belarus. A bridge between the crypto economy and the traditional financial system

Crypto banks in Belarus. A bridge between the crypto economy and the traditional financial system

The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies in Belarus has reached a new level of development. The country had a strong lead in the CIS in terms of loyalty to digital financial instruments after Presidential Decree No. 8 “On the Development of the Digital Economy” issued in 2018. Meanwhile, traditional banks still have been unable to integrate crypto assets into their operations. Decree No. 19 of the President of Belarus “On Crypto Banks” of January 16, 2026, introduces the concept of a crypto bank as a hybrid institution combining banking operations with digital asset management. This makes the country a pioneer in building an integrated model under the dual supervision of the National Bank and the High-Tech Park (HTP). The authors of the publication analyze the global context, opportunities and risks associated with this hybrid financial institution model, and offer their expert opinions.