Kazakhstan to allow digital tenge payments for goods and services

September 15, 2026 at 10:24 AM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The National Bank of Kazakhstan announced plans to allow licensed providers to use digital tenge for payments for goods and services, export-import operations, and cross-border transfers. The measures follow a presidential decree on digital assets issued on July 7, 2026. The bank will also launch tokenization projects for Iconic Tower and Birlik logistics center by the end of 2026.

Key Facts

The National Bank of Kazakhstan will allow licensed providers to use digital tenge for payments for goods and services, export-import operations, and cross-border transfers.
The measures implement a presidential decree on digital assets issued on July 7, 2026.
Tokenization of the Iconic Tower complex is planned for up to $50 million and the Birlik logistics center for up to $10 million by the end of 2026.
A Committee on Digital Assets and Payment Systems will be formed under the National Bank.

Digital Tenge Payments

The National Bank of Kazakhstan announced measures to expand the use of digital tenge for payments for goods and services, export-import operations, and cross-border transfers. The initiative follows a presidential decree on digital assets issued on July 7, 2026. Licensed providers will be able to use stablecoins issued in Kazakhstan for these transactions. The bank expects the move to accelerate settlements and reduce business costs.

Tokenization Projects

Tokenization of the Iconic Tower complex is planned for up to $50 million by the end of 2026. The Birlik logistics center tokenization is planned for up to $10 million. Both projects will be implemented through the National Bank's regulatory sandbox and KASE infrastructure.

Regulatory Framework

A Committee on Digital Assets and Payment Systems will be formed under the National Bank. The government plans to create a special tax regime for digital asset operations. The measures aim to bring operations into a regulated framework and strengthen investor protection.