Kazakhstan to Launch State Crypto Reserve Using Seized and Mined Assets

On June 30, 2025, National Bank Chairman Timur Suleimenov announced Kazakhstan's ambitious plan to establish a national cryptocurrency reserve, leveraging assets seized in criminal cases and coins mined by state-operated facilities.

Strategic Vision for a State-Managed Crypto Reserve

Kazakhstan’s national cryptocurrency reserve will be overseen by a specialized affiliate of the National Bank, crafted to operate with transparency and meet international sovereign fund standards.

“Kazakhstan will set up a state crypto-reserve,” Chairman Timur Suleimenov declared in response to a deputy’s inquiry, highlighting that the reserve will draw from crypto assets confiscated in criminal investigations and coins mined through state-related operations.

This move builds on Kazakhstan’s deep dive into the crypto sector, where it commands about 13% of the global Bitcoin hashrate, cementing its status as a mining powerhouse. The country tightened its grip on the industry after seizing nearly $200 million in illegal mining rigs in 2022, prompted by power shortages, leading to strict licensing rules for miners.

The reserve will channel state-mined cryptocurrencies into a diversified portfolio, managed by an entity dedicated to innovative investments. By blending secure storage with strategic risk management, the plan aims to tame digital asset volatility while weaving them into the nation’s financial fabric, with regulations in development to align with global best practices.

CryptoCity and Regional Leadership

Beyond the reserve, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a Central Asian crypto hub through initiatives like “CryptoCity,” a pilot zone where businesses can accept cryptocurrency payments. This project underscores the country’s commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining regulatory control.

The nation is also exploring partnerships to enhance its blockchain ecosystem. A notable collaboration with Solana aims to develop advanced blockchain infrastructure, further solidifying Kazakhstan’s role in the global crypto landscape.

These efforts align with the introduction of a Digital Asset Regulatory Sandbox, set to launch later in 2025, which will provide a controlled environment for testing crypto-related innovations.