Turkmenistan to Legalize Crypto Trading Under Heavy State Oversight From 2026

Turkmenistan will legalize cryptocurrency trading and mining starting January 1, 2026, marking a significant policy shift for the Central Asian nation. The move aligns the country with regional neighbors while maintaining strict government control over digital assets.

The new framework establishes a tightly regulated environment where the government reserves sweeping powers—including the ability to halt token issuances or mandate refunds. The Central Bank of Turkmenistan will oversee all blockchain infrastructure and must approve distributed ledger implementations.

All exchanges and custodial services face stringent licensing requirements from the central bank, including robust KYC/AML protocols and mandatory cold storage of customer assets. Notably, traditional credit institutions are barred from offering crypto services, creating a deliberate separation from conventional finance.

Mining operations must register through a central electronic system, with both individuals and corporate entities permitted to participate. The legislation explicitly prohibits covert mining activities.