Kyrgyzstan moves toward digital currency with new CBDC legislation

Kyrgyzstan has officially authorized the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) following the passage of new legislation signed by President Sadyr Zhaparov, granting legal tender status to a future “digital som.”

The constitutional law, signed April 17, gives the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic the sole authority to issue and regulate a digital version of the national currency.

It also empowers the central bank to manage the platform that would support its circulation and ensure operational oversight.

Under review until 2026

Although the legal groundwork has been laid, Kyrgyz officials have not yet committed to a full-scale launch. A decision on whether to implement the digital som is expected by late 2026.

In the meantime, the central bank is preparing to initiate testing of the system later this year.

Should the digital currency move forward, Kyrgyz authorities will be required to introduce safeguards, including encryption protocols, to prevent misuse and ensure transaction integrity.

Kyrgyzstan now joins more than 100 countries exploring CBDCs, though only a handful, including the Bahamas, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica, have officially launched state-backed digital currencies, according to public data on global CBDC development.

Strategic push

The move follows a series of digital asset initiatives in Kyrgyzstan. Earlier in April, the country signed a cooperation agreement with former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, who will advise officials on blockchain regulation and crypto-sector growth.

President Zhaparov described the partnership as a step toward boosting economic resilience and expanding digital opportunities.

Kyrgyzstan also has unique appeal for crypto-related infrastructure due to its abundant hydroelectric capacity. While over 30% of the country’s energy already comes from hydropower, the International Energy Agency estimates that much of this potential remains untapped, a factor that could support energy-intensive blockchain operations in the future.

Despite growing interest from governments, CBDCs remain controversial among privacy advocates who warn of risks related to surveillance and centralized control. Kyrgyz officials maintain that any digital currency framework will prioritize financial stability, innovation, and long-term benefits for both businesses and citizens.