12 March 2026
Digital asset regulation in Kazakhstan: what changed in 2026
A comprehensive review of new AFSA regulations, updated licensing regimes and practical implications for infrastructure operators and large crypto asset holders.
Alexey Petrov
Lead analyst at IDAHA
Introduction
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as one of Eurasia's leading regulated hubs for digital assets. The process of integrating the crypto industry into the traditional financial sector, which began in 2024, received its logical continuation in the 2026 reform package. The new regulatory standards are aimed at increasing transaction transparency, protecting investor rights and reducing systemic risks.
The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) introduced an updated rules framework that significantly changes the operating environment for miners, crypto exchanges and custody services.
Key legislative changes
The 2026 reforms focus on separating client and proprietary funds of trading platforms. AFSA now requires strict multi-party computation (MPC) standards to secure asset custody. In addition, licensed custodians are subject to stricter own-capital adequacy requirements.
“Our goal is to create a predictable and secure ecosystem. The introduction of new AFSA standards in 2026 removes grey areas and opens the way for systematic institutional investment in Kazakhstan's fintech sector.”
— From the official report of the AIFC Regulatory Committee
Kazakhstan's digital asset market in numbers
+47%
Growth in registered transaction volume
156
Authorized companies in the AIFC jurisdiction
$2.3B
Total locked institutional assets (TVL)
New requirements for market participants
To operate legally in the republic, companies must comply with a strict compliance protocol:
Full account segregation: Company operating accounts must be strictly separated from client deposits.
Quarterly independent audit: Certified Proof of Reserves reports must be submitted to AFSA.
Real-time AML/KYC monitoring: Suspicious transactions are automatically blocked using authorized software.
Infrastructure localization: Key client databases must be physically hosted on servers inside Kazakhstan.
Key takeaway
The 2026 AIFC regulation finally turns Kazakhstan from a transit grey zone for mining into a civilized premium financial jurisdiction. For fintech platforms such as EMKA, this means the ability to operate under transparent rules with legal banking gateways.
What comes next?
The regulatory changes will fully come into force by the end of the second quarter of 2026. A wave of new license applications from major Asian and European custody providers is expected to follow. The digital assets association will continue supporting its members at every stage of adapting to the new legal reality.