Uzbekistan to Legalize Stablecoins Starting 2026

Uzbekistan will recognize stablecoins as legal tender beginning January 1, 2026, under a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation establishes a regulatory sandbox and a dedicated trading platform for blockchain-based payments and tokenized securities. This MOVE positions Uzbekistan as a regional leader in digital finance adoption.

The National Agency for Perspective Projects and the Central Bank will jointly oversee implementation. Licensed firms will gain access to the trading platform, enabling exploration of digital securities like tokenized shares and bonds. Uzbekistan has already piloted the HUMO stablecoin, backed by government bonds and integrated with its national payment infrastructure.

Central Asia emerges as an unlikely hotspot for crypto innovation, with neighboring Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan pursuing similar regulatory frameworks. The region's progressive stance contrasts with the cautious approaches seen in many Western markets.