Belarus is expanding crypto use to boost external payments: President Alexander Lukashenko directed banks to scale cryptocurrency transactions and digital payment systems, saying crypto-based external payments could rise from $1.7B to an estimated $3B by year-end.
Belarus aims to expand crypto-based external payments to roughly $3 billion by year-end.
President Lukashenko instructed banks to adopt QR-code payments, biometric ID and an instant payment system.
Statista projects crypto user penetration in Belarus may reach 9.57% by 2026 (≈855,000 users).
Belarus crypto payments set to double to $3B by year-end — read how banks will expand crypto use and digital payments. Stay informed with COINOTAG.
‘,
‘
🚀 Advanced Trading Tools Await You!
Maximize your potential. Join now and start trading!
‘,
‘
📈 Professional Trading Platform
Leverage advanced tools and a wide range of coins to boost your investments. Sign up now!
‘
];
var adplace = document.getElementById(“ads-bitget”);
if (adplace) {
var sessperindex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(“adsindexBitget”));
var adsindex = isNaN(sessperindex) ? Math.floor(Math.random() * adscodesBitget.length) : sessperindex;
adplace.innerHTML = adscodesBitget[adsindex];
sessperindex = adsindex === adscodesBitget.length – 1 ? 0 : adsindex + 1;
sessionStorage.setItem(“adsindexBitget”, sessperindex);
}
})();
What is Belarus planning for crypto-based external payments?
Belarus plans to increase the role of cryptocurrency exchanges and digital payment tools to grow external payments via crypto. President Alexander Lukashenko said the volume of crypto-based external payments rose to $1.7 billion in seven months and could reach about $3 billion by year-end.
He delivered instructions to central and commercial bank leaders to expand token use and digital payment systems to offset sanctions-driven trade friction.
How did Lukashenko direct banks to expand crypto and digital payments?
Lukashenko instructed banking leaders to: adopt QR-code payment solutions, deploy an instant payments system before year-end, prioritize biometric identification and create a domestic IT company to reduce external provider reliance. He framed digitalization as a tool for measurable economic results, not a goal in itself.
Why does Belarus emphasize crypto expansion now?
Front-loaded answer: Sanctions-related export declines have pushed Belarus to explore crypto and digital payments as alternative channels for international transactions. Officials say anonymous, decentralized tokens can facilitate cross-border trade where conventional banking faces restrictions.
‘,
‘
🔒 Secure and Fast Transactions
Diversify your investments with a wide range of coins. Join now!
‘,
‘
💎 The Easiest Way to Invest in Crypto
Dont wait to get started. Click now and discover the advantages!
‘
];
var adplace = document.getElementById(“ads-binance”);
if (adplace) {
var sessperindex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(“adsindexBinance”));
var adsindex = isNaN(sessperindex) ? Math.floor(Math.random() * adscodesBinance.length) : sessperindex;
adplace.innerHTML = adscodesBinance[adsindex];
sessperindex = adsindex === adscodesBinance.length – 1 ? 0 : adsindex + 1;
sessionStorage.setItem(“adsindexBinance”, sessperindex);
}
})();
Belarusian authorities have a mixed regulatory history: the country legalized crypto transactions in 2018, later moved to restrict peer-to-peer trades, and in 2024 banned individuals from buying or selling crypto off domestic exchanges.
Statista projects Belarus could have more than 855,000 crypto users by 2026, reaching roughly 9.57% penetration of a 9.1 million population. Lukashenko cited domestic exchange activity reaching $1.7 billion in seven months and referenced expert estimates suggesting up to $3 billion by year-end.
Belarus currently requires individuals to trade on domestic exchanges after 2024 legislation limited off-exchange buys and sells. Exchanges operating inside Belarus must comply with national rules and banking directives.
‘
];
var adplace = document.getElementById(“ads-htx”);
if (adplace) {
var sessperindex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(“adsindexHtx”));
var adsindex = isNaN(sessperindex) ? Math.floor(Math.random() * adscodesHtx.length) : sessperindex;
adplace.innerHTML = adscodesHtx[adsindex];
sessperindex = adsindex === adscodesHtx.length – 1 ? 0 : adsindex + 1;
sessionStorage.setItem(“adsindexHtx”, sessperindex);
}
})();