AIFC · DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AIFC Court — Proceedings & Enforcement
Bond Stone holds automatic right of audience before the AIFC Court as an AIFC Registered Legal Adviser with Dispute Resolution as a confirmed specialisation — a procedural advantage unavailable to non-RLA counsel. Bond Stone manages AIFC Court filings, IAC arbitration, and enforcement of AIFC Court judgments within Kazakhstan and internationally.
The AIFC Court operates independently from Kazakhstan’s national judiciary. It applies AIFC regulations based on English common law principles, conducts proceedings in English, and its judges are appointed from among internationally recognised jurists. AIFC Court judgments are enforceable in Kazakhstan through a direct enforcement mechanism via the Supreme Court — without the need for a separate exequatur proceeding in most cases.
Governed by: AIFC Court Regulations 2017; AIFC Court Rules 2018 (as amended); Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Astana International Financial Centre.” Authority: court.aifc.kz
AIFC Court — Jurisdiction & Access
Who can bring claims before the AIFC Court
AIFC-registered entities have automatic access to the AIFC Court. Non-AIFC entities may access the AIFC Court by contractual opt-in — by including an AIFC governing law and jurisdiction clause in any commercial contract. Bond Stone drafts AIFC jurisdiction clauses for all international contracts where the AIFC Court is the preferred forum.
Right of audience — Bond Stone
AIFC Registered Legal Advisers have automatic right of audience before the AIFC Court. Non-RLA lawyers may only appear with special permission granted by the Court — making Bond Stone’s RLA status a direct procedural advantage in AIFC Court litigation that most law firms in Kazakhstan cannot match.
Contractual claims under AIFC law
The AIFC Court applies the AIFC Implied Terms in Contracts and Unfair Terms Regulations 2017 alongside AIFC Contract Regulations 2017 — providing a robust contractual enforcement framework based on English common law. Claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and payment disputes are resolved under these regulations.
Enforcement of AIFC Court judgments
AIFC Court judgments are enforceable in Kazakhstan through the Supreme Court enforcement mechanism. Enforcement arrangements also exist with Kyrgyzstan under bilateral judicial cooperation agreements. For international enforcement, AIFC Court judgments may be recognised in jurisdictions that apply bilateral treaties or common law comity principles.
IAC — International Arbitration Centre
The AIFC International Arbitration Centre (IAC) provides an alternative to AIFC Court litigation for parties that prefer confidential arbitral proceedings. IAC awards are enforceable under the New York Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958) in 170+ contracting states — providing broader international enforcement reach than AIFC Court judgments alone.
Bond Stone advises on IAC arbitration procedure and rules, drafts IAC arbitration clauses for commercial contracts, and represents clients in IAC proceedings. For cross-border disputes where international enforceability is the primary concern, an IAC arbitration clause is frequently the preferred option.
When to Choose the AIFC Court
| Scenario | Recommended Forum | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Dispute with an AIFC-registered counterparty | AIFC Court | Automatic jurisdiction, English law, direct enforcement in Kazakhstan |
| Dispute with an AFSA-licensed entity (non-payment) | AIFC Court | Regulatory visibility of proceedings provides implicit collection leverage |
| International commercial dispute requiring confidentiality | IAC Arbitration | Confidential proceedings, New York Convention enforcement in 170+ states |
| Enforcement of foreign judgment in Kazakhstan | AIFC Court / Supreme Court | AIFC Court has established enforcement pathway through the Supreme Court mechanism |
Selected AIFC Court Experience
Bond Stone has appeared before the AIFC Court in commercial disputes and fee recovery proceedings. Client confidentiality is maintained across all matters.
AFSA-Licensed Digital Asset Provider — Commercial Dispute
AIFC Court · Digital Assets · 2026
Bond Stone engaged as litigation counsel in AIFC Court proceedings on behalf of an AFSA-licensed digital asset service provider. Bond Stone’s right of audience as an AIFC Registered Legal Adviser applied directly — no separate court application required.
Why Bond Stone for AIFC Court Matters
✦ Automatic right of audience before the AIFC Court as an AIFC Registered Legal Adviser — unavailable to non-RLA counsel. Most law firms in Kazakhstan must apply for special permission to appear.
✦ AIFC jurisdiction clauses drafted into all Bond Stone Engagement Letters — maximum enforcement reach from the outset of every mandate
✦ Active AIFC Court litigation experience — commercial disputes and fee recovery proceedings under the AIFC Implied Terms Regulations 2017
✦ Ranked Legal 500 EMEA and IFLR1000 — offices in Almaty and Astana with direct proximity to the AIFC Court
Primary authority: court.aifc.kz · aifc.kz
Discuss your AIFC Court matter
Contact Bond Stone for a confidential discussion about AIFC Court proceedings, IAC arbitration, or enforcement of AIFC judgments.
📧 info@bondstonelaw.com
📞 +7 (701) 729 76 72
Request a Confidential Consultation
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