- Turkmenistan legalizes crypto mining and trading under new regulations.
- Stricter rules imposed on exchanges, KYC, and anti-money laundering.
- Advertising restrictions aim to protect citizens from unrealistic crypto promises.
Starting January 1, 2026, Turkmenistan will officially legalize cryptocurrency mining and trading, making it one of the latest countries to embrace digital assets under a regulated framework. According to local news reports, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow recently signed legislation that outlines clear guidelines for the issuance, storage, and trading of cryptocurrencies.
Under the new law, Turkmenistan’s citizens will be allowed to mine, store, and trade cryptocurrencies but will still be prohibited from using them as a form of payment. In order to legally mine, individuals must first register with the Central Bank of Turkmenistan. This move ensures that cryptocurrency activities are properly monitored and conducted within a legal structure.
Additionally, cryptocurrency exchanges in Turkmenistan will also need to be registered with the Central Bank. They must comply with strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, creating a safer environment for users. The use of anonymous wallets will be banned to prevent illegal transactions and enhance transparency within the industry.
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Stricter Advertising and Branding Rules
The new legislation also imposes strict regulations on cryptocurrency advertising. Tokens cannot use national symbols or include the name “Turkmenistan” in their branding. Similarly, terms like “state” and other government-related phrases are forbidden. The law further requires that all cryptocurrency-related promotional material include clear warnings about the potential for total loss of investment. Ads cannot promote unrealistic promises of easy profits or luxury lifestyles, and they are prohibited from targeting minors.
A Regional Trend in Central Asia
This move places Turkmenistan in line with its regional neighbors, such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which have already implemented regulations for cryptocurrency mining and trading. While the regulations in these countries are similar, the overarching theme is clear—governments in Central Asia are eager to establish control over the growing cryptocurrency sector.
Although cryptocurrency was never technically illegal in Turkmenistan, the lack of a formal regulatory framework created uncertainty in the market. Now, with clearer rules in place, the country is positioning itself to engage with the global digital economy. This development also aligns Turkmenistan with a broader regional push towards cryptocurrency regulation.
By providing a legal framework for the crypto industry, Turkmenistan is seeking to harness the potential of blockchain technology and digital assets, while minimizing the risks associated with unregulated crypto activities.
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