09.09.2025 21:43
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently disclosed that his nation's cryptocurrency transactions have surged to unprecedented levels, with citizens funneling billions of U.S. dollars in digital assets abroad. Addressing the country’s leading financial executives, the president underscored that crypto-based activities are "more active than ever," marking a significant shift in the nation's economic landscape. This revelation comes merely days after his earlier calls for officials to establish a robust regulatory framework for the burgeoning industry, ensuring the country keeps pace with global digital trends.
During a pivotal meeting with top officials from the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) and prominent commercial banks, Lukashenko detailed the astonishing scale of this financial evolution. He reported that in the initial seven months of the current year alone, external payments processed through cryptocurrency exchanges totaled a staggering $1.7 billion. Furthermore, expert projections indicate this figure could escalate dramatically, potentially reaching $3 billion by year's end, signaling a profound and rapidly expanding engagement with the digital currency market.
Lukashenko, seemingly captivated by the potential of digital assets, tasked the banking sector with broadening the practical applications of "digital tokens"—the legal designation for cryptocurrencies under Belarusian law. He emphatically positioned this expansion as a cornerstone of the nation’s digital economic development, highlighting its critical importance. The president articulated that the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in facilitating payments is undeniable, demanding careful integration into the mainstream financial system.
Recognizing the immense scope of this burgeoning market, Lukashenko reiterated his firm conviction that such a substantial segment necessitates unparalleled transparency, effective regulation, and judicious oversight. Echoing sentiments from a prior meeting on the subject, he emphasized the need for a disciplined approach to harness its benefits while mitigating risks. To this end, he confirmed that both the government and the National Bank have received explicit instructions, concluding his address with a direct and unambiguous directive to the banking sector: "Now, act."
