Kyrgyzstan Endorses CBDC Pilot, Confers Legal Tender Status on Digital Som

Kyrgyzstan has made a significant move towards adopting digital currency, with President Sadyr Zhaparov signing a constitutional law that permits a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot project.

This initiative officially bestows legal tender status on the “digital som,” which is a virtual rendition of the nation’s official currency.

Announced by the presidential office on April 17, 2025, the legislation empowers the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic with comprehensive authority over the production, distribution, and regulatory structure of the digital som.

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Kyrgyzstan’s Central Bank To Manage Digital Som Framework

The central bank is set to manage the infrastructure used for the cryptocurrency. Although testing is slated to commence this year, a conclusive decision on full-scale implementation is not expected until late 2026, as reported by Trend News Agency.

If fully realized, the digital som would necessitate a strong set of cryptographic measures to protect against fraud and illicit transactions.

This pilot is unfolding against a backdrop of rising global fascination with CBDCs, although detractors continue to express apprehensions regarding financial surveillance and governmental overreach.

Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, endorsed the constitutional amendment on March 18, clearing the path for Zhaparov’s approval.

I’ve been busy these past few days with the Central Asia–EU Summit, but today I finally had the chance to read through the comments. I’m really glad to see such lively interest in Kyrgyzstan!
Some people mentioned in the comments that someone allegedly promised a building for… https://t.co/Dd6aK2lLiW

— Sadyr Zhaparov (@sadyrzhaparovkg) April 7, 2025

The nation now joins more than 115 countries exploring the concept of CBDCs, although only four — the Bahamas, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe — have officially launched theirs, according to information from cbdctracker.org. Most initiatives are still in research or testing stages.

In another development, former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao signed an agreement with Kyrgyzstan’s foreign investment agency earlier this month, agreeing to provide advice on blockchain and digital currency compliance.

President Zhaparov mentioned that these initiatives are aimed at propelling economic development, protecting digital assets, and uncovering new opportunities for innovation.

Kyrgyzstan’s renewable energy resources might further bolster its aspirations in the digital finance sector.

Over 30% of the nation’s energy is derived from hydroelectric sources, yet only 10% of its hydropower potential has been harnessed. This makes it an appealing site for block rewards and distributed record innovation.

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Belarus Plans Digital Ruble Launch for 2026, Eyes Cross-Border Cooperation With Russia

In a related update, Belarus is gearing up to launch its central bank crypto asset (CBDC), the digital ruble, anticipated to debut in the latter half of 2026, with expected full circulation for businesses that year and wider public adoption in 2027.

As per National Bank head Roman Golovchenko, the venture is a key priority, emphasizing transaction traceability and protection of funds.

Golovchenko elaborated on three critical objectives: outlining the protocol architecture, developing domestic software, and creating a regulatory framework.

The digital ruble also has potential as a means for cross-border transactions, with Belarus collaborating closely with Russia, which is following a similar CBDC path. However, Russia has recently postponed its full rollout.

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