Kyrgyzstan’s central bank taps CertiK for digital som security and oversight

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) and CertiK have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to support the security of the country’s digital som and strengthen oversight of digital assets.

Under a memorandum of understanding announced on Monday, the parties will exchange expertise and explore cooperation on security assessments, formal verification, cybersecurity and digital asset risk management. CertiK will provide technical and strategic support based on its experience in digital asset security and risk management.

“The Memorandum of Understanding that we are signing today establishes a framework for further dialogue and cooperation,” said Mr. Sanzhar Abdygaziev, Member of the Board of the NBKR. “We see particular value in exchanging experience and expertise in blockchain and digital asset security, cybersecurity, AML/CFT, and the analysis and monitoring of digital asset transactions.”

The organizations will also explore regulatory advisory work covering AML/CFT, digital asset custody, security standards and licensing requirements. They may deploy CertiK’s Supervision and Compliance solutions to support ongoing risk monitoring and regulatory oversight, while also conducting training and knowledge transfer.

“Digital asset infrastructure requires security and risk management to be considered from the earliest stages of design through ongoing operation,” said Ronghui Gu, co-founder and CEO of CertiK. “We look forward to bringing CertiK’s expertise and experience to our long-term cooperation with the NBKR, supporting the secure development of the country’s digital asset ecosystem.”

Kyrgyzstan plans to overhaul parts of its crypto rules and launch testing of a digital som as it expands its blockchain strategy. Authorities will also build a unified platform for virtual asset licensing and supervision, with pilot testing expected from Jan. 1, 2027.

The National Bank is tasked with completing initial digital som pilot testing by the end of 2026, with real-world testing expected to begin in 2027.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.