Belarus has officially approved a list of 26 cryptocurrencies that will be permitted for use by the nation’s new “cryptobanks.” The list, published by the Belarus Hi-Tech Park (HTP), includes the largest digital assets by market capitalization, major stablecoins, and popular meme coins.
According to the regulatory document, the approved coins feature Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as Ripple’s XRP and Binance’s BNB. Fiat-pegged stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) are also on the list, alongside meme coins Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). Notably, Toncoin (TON) was included following a significant price surge after Telegram became the largest validator of the TON network.
Alexander Egorov, Deputy Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB), stated that the initial list is not final and may be expanded or reduced based on asset volatility and market capitalization. Some notable exclusions from the top 20 cryptos by market cap include Zcash (ZEC), Monero (XMR), and Stellar (XLM).
President Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19 in January, authorizing the creation of institutions that can handle both fiat and crypto transactions. The new legal framework allows cryptobanks to offer services such as depositing, transferring, borrowing, staking, and providing custodial solutions, as well as assisting clients in issuing their own tokens. Licensed cryptobanks must be residents of the HTP and be registered with the central bank.
Belarus initially legalized cryptocurrencies in 2018, becoming the first post-Soviet country to embrace decentralized virtual assets. The latest regulation strengthens its position as a regional leader in financial technologies.
