By Felix, PANews

Timur Suleimanov, governor of the Central Bank of Kazakhstan, said on March 6 that the central bank plans to use some of its gold and foreign exchange reserves to invest up to $350 million in the crypto asset sector.

Although the specific asset classes and timelines for the investments have not yet been disclosed, according to Aliya Moldabekova, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kazakhstan, the investments will begin in April or May.

The initial allocation during the trial period accounted for 0.5% of the reserves.

Despite its high-profile announcements of purchases, Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated a cautious approach to its national reserve program for crypto assets.

The process of even considering its launch took six months. As early as July last year, Central Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov stated that he was considering investing some of the foreign exchange reserves and national fund assets in crypto assets, emphasizing that this was a complex issue that required caution, as such assets, while potentially offering high returns, also exhibited high volatility.

It wasn't until January of this year that Timur Suleimenov announced that an initial $350 million had been allocated to the special fund. This funding will utilize a portion of foreign exchange and gold reserves.

Furthermore, the investment approach is quite diversified. Suleimanov stated at an interest rate briefing: "We are currently developing an investment list that includes not only cryptocurrencies themselves, but also, and more importantly, stocks of high-tech companies related to cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets, index funds, and other instruments with similar dynamic characteristics to crypto assets."

Vice President Aliya Moldabekova emphasized, "We are not making large-scale investments in cryptocurrencies. We are currently screening companies engaged in digital asset businesses, such as those involved in building cryptocurrency infrastructure. We are conducting screening work on such companies."

At the same time, the allocation of $350 million reflects a "prudent" approach, representing only 0.5% of the country's total reserves. As of February 1, the National Bank of Kazakhstan's gold and foreign exchange reserves totaled $69.4 billion, and the National Fund's total assets amounted to $65.23 billion.

Relaxing crypto regulations and incorporating law enforcement seizures into crypto funds

It is worth noting that the reserves of crypto assets are not all from purchases; proceeds from law enforcement also constitute a portion of the source.

In January of this year, the National Investment Corporation (NIC), the investment arm of the Central Bank of Kazakhstan, announced plans to use cryptocurrencies seized by law enforcement agencies, along with foreign exchange and gold reserves, to strengthen the country's crypto reserves.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev revealed that law enforcement has shut down 130 illegal exchanges and seized assets worth over $5 million in a crackdown on illegal mining operations. These seized crypto assets, including Bitcoin, will no longer be used merely as evidence but will be incorporated into the National Crypto Fund.

According to Bitcoin Treasuries data, Kazakhstan currently ranks eighth in terms of cryptocurrency reserves (including those seized by law enforcement), holding 3,544 Bitcoins.

 Governments and countries ranked by Bitcoin holdings

Kazakhstan relaxed cryptocurrency regulations in January of this year, explicitly including digital financial assets (DFAs) as a new asset class under its regulation and allowing their circulation within the country. It also permitted the establishment of cryptocurrency exchanges licensed by the central bank. Furthermore, the central bank will develop a list of permitted cryptocurrencies and impose certain restrictions on cryptocurrency trading activities.

Against the backdrop of the current crypto bear market, Kazakhstan's investment of up to $350 million from its reserves in crypto assets not only reflects the sovereign nation's growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies but also, to some extent, boosts the market. PANews will continue to monitor the specific allocation of these funds.

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