Belarus introduces new compliance rules for crypto banks
A new resolution from Belarus’ central bank establishes the legal and prudential framework for registered crypto banking institutions.
Belarus has introduced prudential rules for crypto banks under a new National Bank resolution. Board Resolution No. 167, adopted on 10 July 2026, sets out how crypto banks must comply with prudential requirements after being added to the National Bank’s official crypto-bank register.
The rules implement provisions of Presidential Decree No. 19 on crypto banks and control in the sphere of digital tokens.
The framework defines the minimum banking operations that crypto banks may carry out.
These include opening and maintaining accounts for non-residents, individual entrepreneurs, legal entities, and correspondent banks; foreign-exchange and settlement operations; accepting funds into accounts; and providing cash settlement services.
The list is not closed, and the National Bank may authorise additional operations when a crypto bank is included in the register.
The resolution applies most prudential requirements for banks and non-bank credit and financial institutions to crypto banks, with adjustments depending on the operations they perform.
It sets a minimum regulatory capital requirement of 30 million Belarusian rubles and a leverage ratio of 7%. For crypto banks authorised to place attracted funds on repayment, payment and maturity terms, the thresholds rise to at least 60 million rubles and a leverage ratio of at least 3%.
The rules also define categories of digital tokens, including corporate tokens, tokenised assets, stable cryptocurrencies and other tokens.
Crypto banks will need to account for token-related claims and obligations when calculating prudential ratios, including limits on foreign-exchange risk and additional limits for positions in unreliable tokens.
The resolution also introduces prudential reporting obligations and enters into force on 18 July 2026.
Why does it matter?
Belarus’ new rules show how crypto-related banking is being drawn into prudential supervision, with capital, leverage, reporting and token-risk requirements applied to institutions that handle digital-asset services. The framework could give crypto banks a cleaner legal operating environment, while allowing the National Bank to manage risks linked to liquidity, customer funds, foreign-exchange exposure and unstable tokens.
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