Belarus has taken a major step toward digital finance after President Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19 on January 16, 2026, establishing a legal framework for cryptocurrency banks.

The move allows citizens to earn, stake and spend cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin through regulated institutions. Belarusians will soon be able to pay with crypto at stores and borrow fiat money using digital assets as collateral.

Crypto banks must be registered within Belarus's High-Tech Park and will be overseen by both the National Bank and the High-Tech Park authority to ensure financial stability and innovation. The first crypto banking institution is expected to launch in 2026.

Belarus is now the world's first country to officially introduce crypto banks to its national financial system. $BTC $ETH