The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has entered into a strategic partnership with blockchain security firm CertiK, signing a Memorandum of Understanding focused on the security and oversight of digital assets and the country's Digital Som initiative.
The agreement creates a framework for the two organizations to exchange expertise and examine potential cooperation in blockchain security, cybersecurity, digital asset risk management and operational resilience.
Sanzhar Abdygaziev, a member of the NBKR's Management Board, said the partnership would support knowledge sharing in areas including blockchain security, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT), as well as the monitoring and analysis of digital asset transactions.
CertiK co-founder and CEO Ronghui Gu said security and risk management need to be incorporated into digital asset infrastructure from its design stage through ongoing operations.
Under the agreement, CertiK is expected to provide technical and strategic expertise covering security assessments, formal verification, cybersecurity and operational resilience. The parties will also explore additional areas of cooperation as the partnership develops.
Covering oversight and compliance
The MoU also extends beyond technical security into regulatory and supervisory matters. Areas under consideration include AML/CFT frameworks, digital asset custody, security standards and licensing requirements.
The NBKR and CertiK will explore the use of CertiK's Supervision and Compliance solutions for ongoing risk monitoring and regulatory oversight. The partnership also includes plans for training and knowledge exchange covering relevant technical and regulatory topics.
The agreement comes as the NBKR continues work on the Digital Som, Kyrgyzstan's central bank digital currency project. The initiative is intended to modernize the country's payment infrastructure and support the development of its digital financial ecosystem.
CertiK has previously participated in digital asset policy and regulatory discussions in several jurisdictions. The company says it has provided technical advisory support to US regulators and responded to consultations from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The partnership with the NBKR places CertiK's blockchain security expertise within a central-bank framework, where security, compliance and operational requirements are central to the development and supervision of digital financial infrastructure.
Dan Burgin
U.Today Editorial Team
