Kazakhstan has established itself as the leading fintech and digital assets jurisdiction in Central Asia, anchored by the Astana International Financial Centre and its dedicated regulatory framework administered by the AIFC Financial Services Authority. The AIFC operates under English common law principles, providing international investors with a familiar and enforceable legal environment distinct from the broader Kazakhstani legal system.
Bond Stone is one of the few Central Asian firms with deep transactional and regulatory experience across the full spectrum of AIFC-regulated financial services — including digital asset custody, exchange platforms, payment processing, brokerage licensing, and blockchain infrastructure. Sanat Ablakov holds personal AIFC Registered Legal Adviser status with specialisations covering Digital Assets & Blockchain, Corporate & M&A, Banking & Finance, and Regulatory & Compliance.
The AFSA licensing framework covers Digital Asset Trading Facilities, Custodians of Digital Assets, and related ancillary services. Navigating the application process, satisfying AFSA’s fitness and propriety requirements, and structuring the underlying corporate vehicle correctly requires counsel with direct regulatory experience.
Our FinTech & Digital Assets practice covers: AFSA licence applications and regulatory strategy; AIFC company formation and governance structuring; digital asset platform compliance; payment institution licensing; cross-border fintech M&A; token issuance advisory; and AIFC Court proceedings for fee recovery and commercial disputes.
