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Kazakhstan: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

AIFC digital asset licensing regime effective 2026; AFSA oversight

Lead regulator:
Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)
Key law:
AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities (2025/2026)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital asset operations under the AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities. This regime, with amendments adopted in December 2025, becomes effective on 1 January 2026, creating a licensed environment for digital asset service providers within the AIFC jurisdiction.

Regulation extends to the banking sector, with AFSA issuing specific rules and guidance governing the interaction between authorized digital asset entities and second-tier banks. These measures mandate strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) controls, requiring banks to perform rigorous risk assessments before providing settlement services.

The regulatory approach focuses on integrating digital asset activities into the formal financial system through strict banking relationships and compliance obligations. This framework aims to provide legal certainty for operators while ensuring robust oversight of financial flows and counterparty risks.

Who regulates

  • Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)

    Primary regulator for the AIFC, overseeing digital asset licensing, banking cooperation rules, and AML/CFT compliance for digital asset service providers.

    [1][2][3]

Core laws & rules

  • AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities (2025 (effective 2026))

    Establishes the comprehensive regulatory framework for digital asset operations within the AIFC, incorporating amendments adopted on 7 December 2025.

    [1]

  • AIFC Rules on Cooperation of Unbacked Digital Asset Exchanges with Second-Tier Banks (2023)

    Regulates the interaction between authorized Digital Asset Service Providers and second-tier banks, mandating strict AML/CFT controls.

    [2]

  • Guidance for AIFC Banks conducting settlement for Digital Asset Trading Facility Operators and Digital Asset Service Providers (2023)

    Provides regulatory guidance for banks managing banking relationships and settlement services for digital asset entities, emphasizing risk assessments.

    [3]

Licensing & registration

  • Digital Asset Service Provider / Digital Asset Trading Facility Operator

    Entities must be authorized under the AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities to operate. The framework is designed to license and supervise digital asset operations within the AIFC. Timeline: Effective 1 January 2026

    [1]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Banks must perform rigorous risk assessments and enhance AML/CFT controls when providing settlement services to digital asset entities. Interaction between unbacked digital asset exchanges and second-tier banks is strictly regulated.

    [2][3]

Direction of travel

  • The regulatory environment is moving towards formalization and integration with the traditional banking sector, with new rules taking effect in 2026 to provide a structured framework for digital asset activities.

    [1]

Sources

  1. AIFC Rules on Digital Asset Activities · 2024-06-23
  2. AIFC Rules on Cooperation of Unbacked Digital Asset Exchanges with Second-Tier Banks · 2023-12-28
  3. Guidance for AIFC Banks conducting settlement for Digital Asset Trading Facility Operators and Digital Asset Service Providers · 2023-11-22

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This guide is compiled automatically from 3 primary-source documents published by Kazakhstan's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.