Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Advises Kyrgyzstan to Make Bitcoin and BNB Its National Crypto Reserve

Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao has proposed that Bitcoin and Binance Coin (BNB) should be the basis of Kyrgyzstan's planned national crypto

Binance co-founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao has suggested that Bitcoin (BTC) and Binance Coin (BNB) should be included in Kyrgyzstan's national crypto reserve.

In a post via his X (formerly Twitter) account on May 5, Zhao stated that he provided advice to the Kyrgyz government during a recent meeting.

"My suggestion was to also add BNB and BTC as the two starting crypto. Among other things, also gave my advice to make #BNB and #BTC as the two starting crypto for the National Crypto Reserve."

This recommendation follows Zhao's recent collaboration with the National Investment Agency (NIA) of Kyrgyzstan, which he confirmed earlier this year. He is now advising governments on crypto frameworks and blockchain technology, an endeavor that Zhao describes as "extremely meaningful."

Accepting an invitation from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Zhao is also a member of the National Crypto Committee.

One day before Zhao's announcement, Binance signed a memorandum of understanding with the NIA to launch a crypto payments system using Binance Pay.

The partnership also includes a blockchain education program in cooperation with Binance Academy to enhance crypto literacy in the region.

"We're also planning to open a Binance office in Bishkek," Zhao added.

Earlier this year, Binance CEO Richard Teng confirmed that the exchange is providing crypto reserve advisory services to various state administrations.

With global inflation rates at record highs and the growing popularity of digital finance, several nations are exploring crypto reserves as part of their strategic assets.

Kyrgyzstan is among the countries integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial system. In April, President Zhaparov signed legislation establishing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot program.

The new law designates the digital som as legal tender and grants full control of the rollout to the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic. The central bank will manage the testing, usage framework, and public launch, with a pilot version expected in 2025.