Kyrgyzstan Central Bank Taps Certik for CBDC Oversight

Framework for Cooperation

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has entered into a strategic partnership with blockchain security firm Certik to strengthen security protocols for the country’s proposed Digital Som and enhance regulatory oversight of digital assets.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed by both entities, the Kyrgyz central bank and Certik will collaborate on cybersecurity, digital asset custody, anti-money laundering (AML) controls, and the counter-financing of terrorism (CFT). The initiative places Certik inside a central-bank operational framework, establishing a potential model for technical integration within highly regulated state financial institutions.

“The Memorandum of Understanding that we are signing today establishes a framework for further dialogue and cooperation,” said Sanzhar Abdygaziev, a member of the management 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.”

As central banks globally evaluate central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and digital asset frameworks, the agreement focuses on integrating technical security and formal verification measures during the infrastructure design stage rather than post-deployment.

“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 chief executive officer 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.”

Regulatory Tools and Knowledge Transfer

Under the agreement, the NBKR will explore deploying Certik’s supervision and compliance tools to support real-time transaction monitoring, regulatory advisory, and licensing standards. The partnership also includes technical training and knowledge transfer for central bank personnel.

The engagement in Kyrgyzstan builds on Certik’s broader involvement in global regulatory frameworks. The security firm has previously provided technical advisory support to regulators in the United States and contributed to public consultations held by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

The Certik-NBKR agreement comes on the heels of the third meeting of Kyrgyzstan’s National Council for the Development of Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies, chaired by President Sadyr Japarov. At the meeting, the Kyrgyz leader reiterated that building a safe, well-regulated digital asset ecosystem is a priority for state policy.

Japarov also instructed the National Agency for Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies (NAVA) to roll out updated legislative amendments and bylaws within three months to harden the national regulatory framework.