Finance
Kazakhstan central bank to invest up $350 million in crypto assets
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 6, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 6, 2026
Quick Summary
Kazakhstan’s central bank has allocated up to $350 million from its gold and foreign exchange reserves to build a crypto-focused investment portfolio—covering not just cryptocurrencies but also crypto-related equities, index funds, and infrastructure-linked assets, with investments set to begin Apri
Kazakhstan Central Bank Allocates $350 Million for Crypto Asset Investment
Kazakhstan Central Bank's Strategic Move into Crypto Assets
ALMATY, March 6 (Reuters) - Kazakhstan's central bank has formed a portfolio of up to $350 million from gold and foreign exchange reserves for investment in cryptocurrency assets, governor Timur Suleimanov said on Friday.
Development of Investment Instruments
At a briefing on interest rates, Suleimanov said: "We are currently developing a list of instruments in which we will invest. This includes not only cryptocurrency itself."
Diversification Beyond Cryptocurrencies
"These include shares of high-tech companies related to cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets, index funds and other instruments that exhibit similar dynamics to crypto assets."
Timeline and Selection Process
According to Central Bank Deputy Chair Aliya Moldabekova, the investments will begin in April-May.
Focus on Digital Asset Companies
"We are not talking about any large investment in cryptocurrencies. We are currently selecting companies that deal with digital assets. For example, those involved in cryptocurrency infrastructure. We are currently in the process of selecting such companies," she said.
Current Reserve Status
Gold and Foreign Exchange Reserves
As of February 1, central bank gold and foreign exchange reserves stood at $69.40 billion, and the assets of the Kazakhstan national fund amounted to $65.23 billion.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Mariya Gordeyeva, Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Key Takeaways
- •The National Bank is forming a digital‑asset alternative portfolio capped at $350 million from its gold and FX reserves, part of a cautious diversification strategy.
- •Investments will span cryptocurrencies, high‑tech equities tied to digital assets, crypto infrastructure firms, and index‑type instruments—not direct crypto only.
- •This initiative follows prior plans for a $300 million crypto reserve and a larger $500 million‑$1 billion sovereign crypto fund by early 2026, reflecting Kazakhstan’s expanding digital finance ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kazakhstan central bank to invest up $350 million in crypto assets
1How much does Kazakhstan's central bank plan to invest in crypto assets?
Kazakhstan's central bank has formed a portfolio of up to $350 million for investment in cryptocurrency assets.
2When will the central bank's crypto investments begin?
According to the deputy chair, investments will start in April or May.
3What types of assets will the central bank invest in?
The bank will invest in cryptocurrencies, shares of high-tech companies related to digital assets, index funds, and similar instruments.
4How large are Kazakhstan's central bank reserves?
As of February 1, gold and foreign exchange reserves stood at $69.40 billion.
5Are the investments limited to cryptocurrencies only?
No, the investment portfolio will also include companies and funds related to the digital asset industry.
