AIFC · BANKING & CREDIT
AFSA Licensing — Banking & Credit
Bond Stone advises on AFSA banking and credit licensing pathways within the AIFC — from deposit-taking and credit provision through credit advisory, arranging, and account operation mandates.
Banking and credit activities within the AIFC are among the most capital-intensive and governance-demanding licence categories, reflecting the systemic importance of deposit-taking institutions. The AIFC provides a full English common law banking framework — distinct from Kazakhstani banking law — making it an attractive base for international banks seeking a Central Asian common law platform.
Governed by: AIFC Financial Services Framework Regulations; AFSA Banking Business Rules; AFSA Conduct of Business Rules; AFSA Fees Rules (as amended 1 December 2025). Authority: afsa.aifc.kz
Banking & Credit Regulated Activities
| Activity | Description | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Accepting Deposits | Accepting money from the public on terms that it will be repaid — the core banking activity. Subject to extensive prudential requirements, governance obligations, liquidity ratios, and ongoing AFSA supervision. | Set by AFSA on case-by-case basis |
| Providing Credit | Lending money or extending credit facilities to clients. Covers lending institutions, consumer credit providers, and trade finance companies operating within the AIFC. | Set by AFSA |
| Advising on a Credit Facility | Advising clients on credit facilities — including syndicated loans, trade finance structures, and debt capital market transactions. Lower capital requirement than direct credit provision. | USD 10,000 |
| Arranging a Credit Facility | Making arrangements for credit facilities between lenders and borrowers — including loan syndication, debt placement, and structured finance arrangements. | USD 10,000 |
| Opening & Operating Bank Accounts | Opening and operating bank accounts on behalf of clients. Typically combined with custody or trust services mandates. Requires robust AML/CTF framework and client onboarding procedures. | Set by AFSA |
Note on capital requirements: Banking activity capital requirements within the AIFC are determined by AFSA on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the scope of activities, projected balance sheet size, risk profile, and governance arrangements. Bond Stone advises on the pre-application engagement process with AFSA to establish capital expectations before a formal application is filed.
Why Bond Stone
✦ AIFC RLA — Banking & Finance specialisation
✦ Pre-application AFSA engagement strategy — avoid rejected applications and non-refundable fees through early regulatory dialogue
✦ Ranked Legal 500 EMEA and IFLR1000 — offices in Almaty and Astana
Primary authority: afsa.aifc.kz
Discuss your banking or credit licence
Contact Bond Stone for a confidential discussion about AFSA banking and credit licensing within the AIFC.
📧 info@bondstonelaw.com
📞 +7 (701) 729 76 72
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