Astana International Financial Centre for Global Investors
Astana International Financial Centre for Global Investors
What is the AIFC?
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a special jurisdiction established in Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan, launched in 2018 as a strategic hub for international finance, fintech, Islamic finance, and capital markets.
It operates under a common law legal system based on English law and is governed by independent regulatory and dispute resolution bodies, including the AIFC Court and the International Arbitration Centre (IAC).
Why Investors Choose the AIFC
1. Independent Legal System Based on English Common Law
- The AIFC has its own civil and commercial legal framework separate from Kazakhstan’s national law.
- Disputes are resolved by the AIFC Court, chaired by Lord Woolf and other UK-qualified judges.
2. Zero Tax Regime (Until 2066)
- Exemption from corporate income tax, VAT, and property tax for AIFC participants.
- Valid until January 1, 2066 under Kazakhstan legislation.
3. 100% Foreign Ownership and Profit Repatriation
- No requirement for local partners
- Free movement of capital, full access to international banking and payment systems
4. Regulatory Sandbox for Fintech Projects
- The AIFC’s Fintech Lab enables crypto, DeFi, tokenization, neobanking, and other digital innovation companies to test products in a controlled environment.
5. Strategic Location: Eurasian Gateway
- AIFC connects European, Chinese, Russian, and Middle Eastern markets, providing access to over 500 million consumers.
AIFC Core Services and Institutions
AIFC Court
- Independent from Kazakhstan’s national judiciary
- Applies AIFC Regulations based on English common law principles
AIFC Authority
- Regulates company registration, licensing, compliance, and residency of foreign firms
Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)
- Acts as the independent regulator of financial services
- Grants licenses to banks, investment firms, crypto companies, insurance providers
AIFC International Arbitration Centre (IAC)
- Neutral platform for resolving commercial disputes
- Flexible, enforceable awards under New York Convention
Protection for Foreign Investors
- Full protection under bilateral investment treaties (BITs)
- Rule of law guaranteed by an English-style independent judiciary
- Disputes resolved in a neutral, transparent, and enforceable environment
- Enforcement of judgments internationally under applicable conventions
Business Climate in the AIFC
- Over 2,000 registered participants from 80+ countries
- Leading sectors: fintech, crypto, asset management, law, consulting, investment funds
- Official working language: English
- Simple e-registration for Special Purpose Companies (SPCs) and holding structures
- Full access to Kazakhstan’s double tax treaties network (50+ countries)
Bond Stone Law Firm: Your Legal Partner in the AIFC
As a licensed legal consultant in the AIFC, Bond Stone Law Firm offers:
AIFC Corporate Services
- Incorporation of AIFC legal entities (SPVs, holding companies, fintech startups)
- Drafting of charters, shareholder agreements, board resolutions
Licensing & Regulatory Support
- Preparation of applications to AFSA for regulated financial and crypto activities
- Fintech Lab sandbox guidance
- AML/CTF compliance frameworks
Legal Representation & Dispute Resolution
- Representation before the AIFC Court and IAC
- Cross-border dispute management
- Enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards
Tax and Structuring
- Tax optimization and international structuring using AIFC entities
- Analysis of DTT benefits
- Advice on transfer pricing and substance requirements
Why Choose Bond Stone?
- Offices in Astana, Almaty, Tashkent, and Bishkek
- Multilingual team (English, Russian, Kazakh)
- Deep expertise in crypto, fintech, and venture law
- Real-time support, practical advice, global outlook
📞 Ready to Register in the AIFC?
Bond Stone is here to guide you from registration to licensing—and beyond.