Turkmenistan Takes Major Step: Cryptocurrency Mining and Trading Now Officially Permitted

probably_nothing_anon · 2026-01-04T18:37:39+00:00

Turkmenistan's President has legalized cryptocurrency mining and trading, integrating it into existing law while maintaining strict limitations. Digital currencies won't be legal tender and will be regulated by the central bank, reflecting a shift toward economic diversification.

probably_nothing_anon

2026-01-04 18:37:39

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In a notable policy shift, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has enacted new legislation that opens the door to cryptocurrency mining and trading activities within the country. This represents a significant departure from previous restrictions on digital asset operations in the nation.

Framework and Regulatory Structure

The newly signed decree integrates virtual assets into Turkmenistan’s existing civil law framework, establishing a comprehensive regulatory approach. A licensing system for cryptocurrency exchanges has been implemented, with oversight responsibilities assigned to the central bank. This centralized regulatory model suggests the government intends to maintain control over digital asset operations while allowing the sector to develop under defined parameters.

Important Limitations and Clarifications

Despite the legalization of mining and trading activities, Turkmenistan has explicitly stated that digital currencies will not hold the status of legal tender, means of payment, or securities within its borders. This distinction is crucial—while trading and mining are now permitted, cryptocurrencies remain excluded from traditional financial classifications.

The country’s stringent internet governance policies continue to operate independently of this crypto legalization, maintaining existing controls over digital infrastructure and information flow.

Economic Context and Broader Implications

As a nation whose economy is heavily built on natural gas exports, Turkmenistan’s embrace of cryptocurrency operations reflects evolving attitudes toward digital finance and blockchain technology among resource-dependent economies. Whether this move signals a broader pivot toward economic diversification or represents a strategic positioning in the global digital asset landscape remains to be seen. The licensing requirement through the central bank indicates the government’s commitment to monitoring and regulating the sector closely, even as it removes previous barriers to entry.

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