The Turkmenistan Parliament has passed a law legalizing cryptocurrency mining and the operation of crypto exchanges under strict state control. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the “Law on Virtual Assets,” and starting January 1, 2026, mining and trading digital assets will become official activities. Virtual assets are recognized as objects of civil law but do not acquire the status of national currency, means of payment, or securities. FinancialMediaGuide notes that this is a step toward creating a formal legal framework for the country’s crypto sector.
Mining is permitted for both companies and individual entrepreneurs, with mandatory registration of equipment and crypto wallets through the Central Bank of Turkmenistan (CBT). Using someone else’s computing power without consent is prohibited. Exchanges and service providers must obtain a CBT license, and wallet operations and transfers are allowed only after client identification (KYC) and compliance with AML standards. Anonymous wallets and opaque transactions are excluded. FinancialMediaGuide observes that these measures increase transparency and protect market participants.
New rules for advertising and branding create strict boundaries for crypto companies: the use of state symbols or words like “Turkmenistan,” “state,” or “national” is prohibited; advertising must include risk warnings, cannot promise profits or easy wealth, and must not target minors. The state disclaims responsibility for the devaluation of digital assets. Financial Media Guide predicts that these restrictions may deter unscrupulous projects but also limit marketing and PR flexibility.
Experts believe the law establishes a basic framework for a formal crypto market and attracts legitimate investors. At the same time, high centralization of control, bans on anonymity, and strict regulatory requirements reduce appeal for supporters of decentralization. In the short term, the market is expected to develop gradually, and the medium-term success of the initiative depends on whether the state can balance strict oversight with economic incentives, creating a transparent and sustainable platform for digital asset growth.
