CZ Proposes Bitcoin and BNB for Kyrgyzstan’s National Crypto Reserve

Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has recommended that Kyrgyzstan begin its national crypto reserve with Bitcoin and BNB, according to a post shared today.

The proposal comes amid Zhao’s new advisory role with the country’s National Investment Agency (NIA), where he provides guidance on blockchain and digital asset strategy.

Zhao, who reportedly holds 94 million BNB tokens—roughly 64% of the circulating supply—has been increasingly involved in shaping crypto frameworks for governments. “I find this work extremely meaningful,” he said in an April 3 statement confirming his advisory efforts with various countries.

Just one day before Zhao’s Bitcoin-BNB proposal, Binance signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the NIA to launch Binance Pay in Kyrgyzstan. The initiative will enable crypto transactions within the country and support a broader push for blockchain education, with Binance Academy collaborating with local agencies to develop training programs.

Binance CEO Richard Teng previously revealed the exchange had been advising several governments on structuring national crypto reserves.

On April 17, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov signed legislation authorizing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot and granting legal tender status to the digital version of the national currency.

In addition, the country reportedly plans to introduce a gold-backed stablecoin, dubbed the Gold Dollar (USDKG), pegged to the U.S. dollar and backed by $500 million in gold reserves held by the Ministry of Finance. While details remain unconfirmed, the move would further align Kyrgyzstan with asset-backed digital currency initiatives seen in other emerging markets.

Earlier this year, Zhao suggested that China may adopt a strategic Bitcoin reserve, following a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zhao, who grew up in China, acknowledged the unpredictability of the country’s stance on crypto, citing the government’s lack of transparency. However, he described the establishment of a Bitcoin reserve as “inevitable,” stating, “They have to do it at some point because it’s the only ‘hard’ asset.”