$BTC Positioning Central Asia at the Heart of the Digital Finance Revolution

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ and founder of Binance, has proposed that Kyrgyzstan adopt BNB and Bitcoin (BTC) as foundational assets for its upcoming National Cryptocurrency Reserve. This bold move is part of CZ’s broader vision to help Kyrgyzstan emerge as a digital finance hub in Central Asia.

CZ’s influence in the region solidified on April 15, when he was appointed to Kyrgyzstan’s National Crypto Committee, tasked with advising on blockchain policy and shaping the country’s Web3 strategy. Earlier in April, CZ also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Investment Agency (NIA), giving him a strategic role in guiding crypto regulations and infrastructure development BNB and BTC: A Dual Vision

CZ’s proposal leverages BNB for its versatility within the Binance ecosystem—ranging from DeFi applications and staking to smart contracts. Meanwhile, BTC would serve as a secure store of value to diversify the nation’s financial reserves.

President Sadyr Zhaparov has expressed strong support for digital innovation. Citing that 30% of Kyrgyzstan’s energy comes from hydroelectric sources, with only a third utilized, he sees immense potential in using the surplus for sustainable crypto mining, aiming to make Kyrgyzstan a green crypto hub.

Digital Som and a Hybrid Future

In December 2024, Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament approved the legal framework for the digital som, the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). The digital som emphasizes centralized control, while CZ’s decentralized $BNB and $BTC reserve proposal offers a hybrid model—blending sovereign oversight with blockchain transparency and innovation.

Further legal amendments in March 2025 granted the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan the authority to issue digital currency and regulate its use. As part of this framework, CZ’s A7A5 stablecoin is also set to be piloted for emerging market applications.

Education, Innovation, and Inclusion

Education remains central to the initiative. According to Kyrylo Khomiakov, Binance’s Regional Head and a member of the Kyrgyzstan Crypto Council, building blockchain skills is essential to fighting digital crime and accelerating crypto adoption. CZ announced that the Binance Academy, in collaboration with the NIA, will offer training programs for government officials, financial institutions, and citizens alike.

Farhat Iminov, Head of the NIA, emphasized the goal of the partnership: creating a robust digital asset framework that boosts financial literacy, modernizes payment systems, and positions Kyrgyzstan at the forefront of fintech innovation.

A Regional Model for Crypto Adoption

Following CZ’s 2024 release from prison for anti-money laundering violations, his advisory role in Kyrgyzstan marks a significant return to global crypto leadership. He has since offered strategic guidance to several Asian nations, including Bhutan, further underscoring his mission to democratize blockchain access.

However, not everyone is on board. Critics on X (formerly Twitter) have raised concerns over the inclusion of BNB in a national reserve, citing the need for transparent governance and strategies capable of withstanding market volatility.

Still, CZ remains optimistic: “Kyrgyzstan’s bold approach will inspire other small economies to rethink how blockchain can drive sustainable growth,” he said. If successful, the nation could become a blueprint for strategic crypto reserve adoption across Asia.

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