Key Takeaways:
- Kazakhstan’s central bank is considering investing parts of its sovereign wealth fund, gold, and FX reserves into crypto-related instruments.
- A national crypto asset reserve may be funded partly by seized digital assets, reflecting a broader shift in reserve allocation strategy.
- Despite infrastructure developments and a new CBDC, Kazakhstan’s retail crypto adoption remains limited, ranking 57th globally.
Kazakhstan is considering allocating part of its sovereign wealth fund, gold, and foreign exchange reserves to crypto-related investments, according to a report from local outlet Kursiv.
National Bank head Timur Suleimenov said the central bank is exploring “aggressive strategies” to boost investment income, which may include direct investments in cryptocurrencies, crypto ETFs, and shares of crypto-focused companies.
Kazakhstan may invest a portion of its gold and foreign currency reserves, along with assets from its National Fund, in crypto assets, according to National Bank Chairman Timur Suleimenov.#Kazakhstan #Cryptocurrencyhttps://t.co/C4lBxDDRSq
— Kursiv News (@NewsKursiv) July 14, 2025
He cited global models from Norway, the U.S., and the Middle East as reference points.
Kazakhstan also plans to create a national crypto asset reserve, partially funded by seized digital assets.
This initiative expands on earlier proposals for a state-backed crypto reserve.
Alongside these developments, the country is enhancing its digital infrastructure, with a new pilot zone supporting crypto payments and the ongoing rollout of its central bank digital currency, the digital Tenge.
While Kazakhstan positions itself as a regional crypto hub, broader public adoption lags.
The country ranked 57th in Chainalysis’ 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index, reflecting modest usage among everyday users.
Still, officials remain committed to advancing institutional crypto exposure and improving Kazakhstan’s role in the global digital asset economy.