Kazakhstan’s Central Bank to Allocate Up to $350 Million for Investments in Cryptocurrency-Related Assets
ALMATY, March 6, 2026 — Kazakhstan’s central bank has announced plans to invest up to $350 million from its gold and foreign exchange reserves into cryptocurrency and related digital financial assets. This initiative marks a significant step by the Kazakhstani monetary authority towards embracing the evolving digital asset landscape.
Timur Suleimanov, Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, revealed during a briefing on interest rates that the investment portfolio under development will encompass a diverse range of instruments connected to cryptocurrencies. “We are currently developing a list of instruments in which we will invest. This includes not only cryptocurrency itself,” he said. The portfolio is expected to include shares of high-tech companies engaged in cryptocurrency and digital asset sectors, index funds, as well as other financial instruments that demonstrate price dynamics similar to those of crypto assets.
Deputy Chair Aliya Moldabekova provided further insights into the timeline and scope of these investments. She stated, “The investments will begin in April-May. We are not talking about any large investment in cryptocurrencies directly. Rather, we are carefully selecting companies involved in cryptocurrency infrastructure and other digital asset-related services.” Moldabekova emphasized the bank’s focus on diversification and risk management by targeting firms that support the crypto ecosystem rather than engaging in direct cryptocurrency purchases.
As of February 1, Kazakhstan’s central bank reported its gold and foreign exchange reserves at $69.40 billion, while the country’s National Fund assets totaled $65.23 billion. Against this backdrop of substantial reserves, the targeted allocation toward crypto-related financial instruments reflects the bank’s strategic move to leverage emerging digital asset opportunities while maintaining prudent investment practices.
This announcement positions Kazakhstan among a growing list of countries and financial institutions exploring regulated exposure to the crypto sector as part of broader efforts to modernize financial strategies and embrace technological advancements.
Reporting by Mariya Gordeyeva; Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Kevin Liffey for Reuters.