Kyrgyzstan has taken a significant step toward launching its own central bank digital currency (CBDC) after President Sadyr Zhaparov signed a new law authorizing the creation and legal recognition of the “digital som.”
Digital Som Given Legal Tender Status
On April 17, Kyrgyzstan’s presidential office confirmed that President Zhaparov had signed a constitutional law granting the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic exclusive authority to issue the digital som. This new form of the national currency will carry legal tender status, allowing it to be used for payments alongside traditional banknotes and coins.
The law also empowers the central bank to:
- Define rules for issuing and circulating the digital som
- Operate and manage the platform on which the digital currency will function
While the platform is expected to undergo testing later this year, the final decision on whether to fully adopt the CBDC is not anticipated until the end of 2026, according to local media outlet Trend News Agency.
If approved, the central bank will need to implement robust cryptographic protections to prevent fraud and ensure the currency’s security.
CBDC Push Amid Global Debate and Local Innovation
President Zhaparov signed the law nearly one month after Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approved the amendment on March 18. While this marks a forward-thinking step for Kyrgyzstan, the global conversation around CBDCs remains divided.
Many in the crypto community express concerns over potential privacy violations and increased government control tied to digital currencies. Despite these criticisms, interest continues to grow. As of now, 115 countries have initiated CBDC projects, but only four have fully launched: the Bahamas’ Sand Dollar, Nigeria’s e-Naira, Zimbabwe’s ZiG, and Jamaica’s JAM-DEX, according to cbdctracker.org.
Kyrgyzstan Embraces Blockchain Development
This legislative milestone follows another major move by Kyrgyzstan. Earlier this month, former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao announced a new advisory role to help the country craft blockchain and crypto regulations. The agreement came through a memorandum of understanding signed with Kyrgyzstan’s foreign investment agency.
President Zhaparov noted that the initiative would boost economic growth, protect digital assets, and create new opportunities for both businesses and society.
Kyrgyzstan is especially well-positioned for crypto mining thanks to its abundant renewable energy, much of which remains untapped. Over 30% of the country’s energy comes from hydropower, yet only 10% of its full hydroelectric potential has been developed, according to the International Energy Agency.
