Kazakhstan to Fund National Crypto Reserve Using Seized Digital Assets
Kazakhstan is taking a bold step toward integrating cryptocurrency into its national reserves. The National Investment Corporation (NIC), operating under the central bank, will manage a new crypto reserve funded partly by digital assets seized from criminal operations. This initiative diversifies Kazakhstan's reserve portfolio beyond traditional assets like gold and foreign currency.
The NIC has already allocated $350 million in foreign currency and gold to seed the reserve. Rather than direct cryptocurrency purchases, the corporation will invest through hedge funds and venture capital vehicles—a measured approach to crypto exposure.
Timur Suleimenov, Chairman of the National Bank, confirmed the plan while emphasizing its strategic nature. The MOVE coincides with Kazakhstan's development of CryptoCity, a smart urban hub designed to support crypto payments and blockchain-based technologies.