The National Bank of Kazakhstan is preparing to take a new investment step towards the cryptocurrency and digital asset ecosystem. The bank plans to invest in crypto-related assets through a portfolio created with funds allocated from gold and foreign exchange reserves, which could reach up to $350 million in size. According to information reported by Reuters, this investment program will not involve direct large-scale cryptocurrency purchases. Instead, it will focus on technology companies operating in the digital asset sector, crypto-related financial products, and index funds.
Kazakhstan National Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov stated at an interest rate meeting in Almaty that work is underway to determine the investment instruments. Suleimenov emphasized that the portfolio will not consist solely of cryptocurrencies, and that financial instruments covering a broader segment of the digital asset ecosystem are being evaluated.
The central bank prefers an indirect investment model in crypto
Among the options being considered by the central bank are shares of high-tech companies operating in the crypto and digital finance sector, index funds that exhibit movements similar to the crypto market, and other financial instruments. This approach indicates that the bank prefers to pursue an indirect investment strategy in the crypto sector. The target timeframe for the start of the investments is quite near. Central Bank Deputy Governor Aliya Moldabekova announced that the investment program is planned to be launched in April or May. Moldabekova specifically emphasized that the bank does not intend to make large-scale direct investments in cryptocurrencies. The official stated that an evaluation process is currently underway to identify companies operating in the digital asset infrastructure field. This includes technology companies developing cryptocurrency infrastructure, blockchain-based financial service providers, and platforms supporting the digital asset ecosystem.
Kazakhstan is among the countries aiming to take a more active role in the crypto and blockchain field in recent years. In particular, the spread of crypto mining activities in the country has shaped the government's policies towards the digital asset sector.
Last June, the government brought up a plan to create a national crypto reserve to be financed with seized digital assets and coins obtained from state-backed mining activities. This plan is considered part of the country's strategy to strengthen its role in the digital asset ecosystem.
In November, officials discussed the establishment of a separate crypto reserve fund that could reach a size of between $500 million and $1 billion. This fund is also planned to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and crypto-focused companies, rather than directly investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
The current reserve size of the National Bank of Kazakhstan also shows that the country has the capacity to support such investment programs. As of February 1, the total value of the bank's gold and foreign exchange reserves is $69.4 billion. The total size of the country's national wealth fund is stated as $65.2 billion.
