Bhutan’s GMC offers quick licenses, bank accounts to lure crypto firms
Gelephu Mindfulness City launches regulated crypto ecosystem
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan is positioning itself as a crypto-friendly hub by offering a faster licensing track, banking services, and zero-tax incentives to attract regulated cryptocurrency firms for long-term operations.
Key initiatives and partnerships
- OxPay Financial Limited has secured a license in Bhutan to launch a regulated crypto payment platform in Gelephu Mindfulness City, targeting B2B services by 2026.
- Bhutan has signed a strategic partnership with Cumberland DRW to support Bitcoin reserve management in the GMC, enhancing its digital asset infrastructure.
- The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) launched TER, a physical gold-backed digital token with sovereign backing from the Kingdom of Bhutan, on the Solana blockchain, marking a milestone in asset-backed digital currencies.
- DK Bank has become Bhutan’s first bank to accept Bitcoin as collateral, signaling growing acceptance of digital assets in the financial system.
- Binance Pay is now accepted at over 1,000 local shops through a partnership with DK Bank, enabling tourists to use crypto wallets for cashless transactions.
Regulatory and economic context
Bhutan does not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender but treats them as regulated assets with specific restrictions. The country is promoting digital payments through partnerships with financial institutions and the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA).
The government has committed up to 10,000 Bitcoin to support the long-term development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, highlighting its ambition to become a global crypto hub.
來源：https://cointelegraph.com/news/bhutans-gelephu-offers-quick-licences-bank-accounts-crypto-firms