Belarusian President’s Cryptic Decree: A Tale of Tokens and Tyranny! 💰📜

by

It is with the utmost solemnity, yet perhaps a touch of absurdity, that we must report the recent actions of His Excellency Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, who has, with all the gravitas of a man arranging a ballroom, signed a decree to establish a “cryptobank” framework. One might speculate whether this is a bid to modernize or merely a desperate attempt to outshine his neighbors in the realm of digital pecuniary ventures.

According to the leader, Decree No. 19-named with the flair of a novel’s chapter-permits the fusion of token operations with traditional banking, payments, and other financial services. A most curious marriage, one might say, akin to pairing a quadrille with a waltz, yet all in pursuit of “technological efficiency.” 🤷♂️

A New Crypto Decree in Belarus

On the 16th of January, Decree No. 19 was enacted, ostensibly to benefit “cryptobanks” or joint-stock companies residing in the High-Tech Park (HTP), a state-run special economic zone. One wonders if the HTP is a sanctuary for innovation or merely a gilded cage for those seeking to exploit the latest buzzword. 🏰

The president’s office, in a statement dripping with bureaucratic eloquence, declared that these entities may now “fuse token operations with traditional banking operations.” A phrase so delightfully vague, one could almost imagine it being used to justify a tea party. ☕

This newfound liberty, however, is subject to the watchful eyes of both HTP authorities and the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus. A dual supervision, one might argue, as if to ensure that even in the digital age, no one is left to their own devices. 🔍

The framework promises “technological efficiency, speed, and convenience,” though one suspects the convenience may be reserved for those with the correct credentials. 🎩

Whether this decree will be welcomed into the market hinges on two conditions, much like a proposal of marriage. The first is that the entity must hold resident status within the HTP, a requirement as essential as a dowry. The second is that it must be listed in the dedicated register of cryptobanks maintained by Belarus’ central bank. A register, one imagines, as exclusive as a society ball. 🎉

Once operations commence, cryptobanks must comply with Belarusian legislation governing non-bank credit and financial organizations. A task as onerous as navigating the intricacies of a courtship, yet with the added thrill of regulatory scrutiny. 📜

They must also heed all decisions issued by the HTP’s supervisory board. One can only hope these decisions are not as contentious as the choice between a quadrille and a waltz at a country assembly. 🎶

In March, Lukashenko had previously mandated the government to develop the national crypto-mining sector, proposing data centers in regions with surplus energy. A plan as bold as it is impractical, much like attempting to host a grand ball in a village with only a single candle. 🕯️

Belarus Restricts Crypto Exchanges

Belarus has demonstrated a commendable commitment to the smooth running of its crypto sector, though one might question whether this is genuine dedication or a mere performance for the benefit of foreign observers. 🎭

In December 2025, the government abruptly restricted access to several major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Bybit, OKX, and Bitget-a move as sudden as a cancelled picnic. This act was carried out under an order from the Ministry of Information and implemented by the state telecom authority BelGIE. A union as unlikely as a romance between a baron and a barmaid. 🤝

Consequently, any user attempting to visit these exchanges from a Belarusian IP address is met with a notice citing the country’s Mass Media Act. A notice, one suspects, as welcome as a letter from a former suitor. 📨

Overall, many governments are stepping up efforts to regulate and secure their crypto sectors. A most noble endeavor, though one wonders if they will succeed or merely create a labyrinth of rules as confounding as a sonnet written in code. 🤖

Read More

2026-01-16 18:48