Binance founder CZ proposes $BNB and $BTC for Kyrgyzstan’s National Crypto Reserve

Changpeng Zhao, aka CZ, founder of Binance, has proposed that Kyrgyzstan adopt $BNB and $BTC as starting assets for the National Cryptocurrency Reserve. CZ was appointed recently to Kyrgyzstan’s National Crypto Committee to shape the nation’s blockchain and digital assets policies.  

In April, the founder of Binance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Investment Agency (NIA). The MoU gave CZ the power to advise on blockchain infrastructure and cryptocurrency regulations.  

CZ’s partnership with Kyrgyzstan seeks to create a Central Asian Hub for digital assets 

CZ revealed that the proposal for a $BNB and $BTC reserve is his vision for tapping into $BNB innovativeness within the Binance ecosystem for DeFi, stacking, and smart contracts. He added that incorporating $BTC as a store of value into the crypto reserve could diversify Kyrgyzstan’s assets.

Not my car, but ❤️ the plate. Kyrgyzstan🇰🇬🙏

Among other things, also gave my advice to make #BNB and #BTC as the two starting crypto for the National Crypto Reserve. https://t.co/ZhbGs2pWQu pic.twitter.com/ZewpPqZdQc

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) May 5, 2025

President Zhaparov formed the partnership for long-term technological integration to make Kyrgyzstan a regional leader in digital innovation. Zhaparov said that the country generates 30% of its energy from hydroelectric power, yet only 10% is utilized. He believes the remaining power could be used to sustainably mine crypto and generate revenue, as well as position the country as a green crypto hub.

In December 2024, the Kyrgyzstan Parliament approved the digital som’s legal framework, with testing scheduled for 2025 and a rollout decision by 2026. According to the law, The Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) prioritized centralized control. $BNB and $BTC, on the other hand, provided a decentralized nature to improve payments and financial inclusion in the country

President Japarov signed amendments to the constitutional law in March, giving legal tender status to the digital som. The changes allow the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan to issue digital currency, create rules for its use, and provide oversight to the platform.

CZ believes his advisory role facilitates interoperability, creating hybrid state-backed and decentralized assets. The legal framework passed by the Parliament revealed that the country will use CZ’s A7A5 stablecoin to target emerging markets and diversify Kyrgyzstan’s digital portfolio.

The partnership looks to improve blockchain skills and literacy

According to Kyrylo Khomiakov, Regional Head at Binance and one of the Kyrgyzstan crypto council members, enabling education is one of the central pillars of fighting digital crime and creating a $BNB/$BTC reserve in the goal to boost blockchain skills and literacy in Kyrgyzstan. CZ said that through the Binance Academy, the NIA will launch programs training officials, financial institutions, and citizens in blockchain and virtual asset management. 

According to Farhat Iminov, Head of the National Agency for Investments (NIA), the goal is to create a framework that supports digital asset development, enhances financial literacy, and facilitates a modern payment system.

CZ’s role in the country reveals his increased impact as a global crypto advisor since his release from prison in 2024 for anti-money laundering violations. CZ has consulted for several Asian countries, such as Bhutan the recent one offering free guidance on blockchain adoption. 

CZ believes the success will inspire other Asian nations to redefine how small economies can use blockchain to their advantage. He added that Kyrgyzstan’s adoption positions them at the forefront of a global shift toward crypto reserve. 

Critics on X have questioned CZ’s proposal to introduce $BNB into the National Crypto Reserve. Critics believe a crypto reserve requires transparent governance and strategies that can navigate market volatility. 

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