Kazakhstan (AIFC) – Crypto Exchange & Digital Asset Hub
How to Obtain a Crypto Exchange / VASP License in Kazakhstan (AIFC)
Kazakhstan now allows regulated cryptocurrency exchange and digital-asset trading services — but only within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). Through an AIFC-regulated structure, global project founders can run a compliant crypto exchange, custody platform or VASP with full regulatory backing from the local authority.
Requirements to Obtain a Crypto Exchange / VASP License in Kazakhstan (AIFC)
-
Legal entity registered in AIFC (company)
-
Disclosed UBO/shareholders, licensing application with full documentation
-
Local compliance framework and resident compliance officers/admins
Corporate Requirements
-
AML/CFT program, KYC/EDD, transaction monitoring, record-keeping
-
Robust wallet or custody infrastructure if storing client assets
-
Internal controls, audit readiness, incident response, data security, and compliance protocols
Compliance Requirements
-
Depending on license type: proof of sufficient capital and liquidity per business model (exchange, custody, settlement).
-
Minimum operational infrastructure: secure servers, compliance staff, banking/payment integration, legal & compliance framework
Capital & Operational Requirements
Process
Our Process for Launching a Crypto Exchange / VASP in Kazakhstan (AIFC)
.png)
Step 1 – Business Model & Compliance Fit
-
Define intended services (exchange, custody, fiat on/off-ramp, tokenization)
-
Assess licensing requirements under AIFC regime and compliance obligations
-
Draft business plan, compliance policy, technical/operational structure
.png)
Step 2 – Company & License Application
-
Incorporate company under AIFC and prepare legal documentation
-
Submit license application to AFSA with detailed business plan, compliance framework, security documentation
.png)
Step 3 – Infrastructure & Banking Setup
-
Set up banking / payment provider relationships for fiat flows
-
Implement wallet/custody infrastructure (if custody offered)
-
Implement AML/KYC, compliance, transaction monitoring and reporting systems
.png)
Step 4 – Compliance & Launch
-
Final audit and regulator review
-
Receive license approval from AFSA (if all conditions met) — note that licensing timeline may vary depending on scope and complexity.
-
Launch operations under compliance regime with ongoing monitoring and regulatory reporting
One-Time Setup Costs
-
License application & registration fees: USD 50,000 – 70,000 (standard “Digital Asset Trading Facility” license)
-
Legal entity formation & documentation: $2,000–$3,000
-
Compliance & security setup (AML/KYC systems, IT infrastructure, wallet/custody) — $5,000–$15,000, depending on complexity
-
Banking/payment provider onboarding & integration: $3,000–$7,000
Annual Recurring Costs
-
License renewal / regulatory compliance: $20,000–$35,000 (depending on license and volume)
-
Compliance, audit, reporting & security maintenance: $5,000–$10,000+
-
Banking/payment processing & fiat-rail fees: variable, depending on volume and providers
Summary
-
Estimated total setup cost: $60,000–$95,000+
-
Estimated annual operating cost: $25,000–$50,000+ (varies heavily with volume & business model)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06
Related Articles
Trusted by Millions across Globe
.png)
Licensed Corporate Service Provider
.webp)
5 Star Google Reviews
.webp)
Presence in more than 50 countries
Crypto-to-Crypto & Crypto-to-Fiat Exchange Services
Allows your platform to match and execute digital asset trades for users under AIFC-regulated AML/KYC standards.
Custodial Wallet & Digital Asset Custody Services
Enables you to securely store client assets and operate regulated wallet infrastructure under AFSA supervision.
Issuance, Management or Exchange of Digital Assets / Tokenized Products
Allows the creation, listing, and exchange of digital or tokenized assets when approved within your licensed service scope.
Other Virtual Asset Services Permitted Under License Scope
Offer related services under license scope (e.g. brokerage, tokenization, asset management within AIFC)
Pros
Why Kazakhstan (AIFC) for a Crypto Exchange or VASP
Fully Regulated Digital-Asset License under AIFC
Licensed exchanges, custodians and trading platforms operate under AFSA supervision — ensuring legal clarity and stability.
Broad License Scope for Crypto Services
AIFC license allows exchange, custody, wallet services, tokenization, and other digital-asset operations under one regulatory umbrella.
Competitive Cost & Tax / Jurisdiction Advantages
The AIFC regime offers favorable conditions compared with many European or Western jurisdictions — making it more accessible to startups and mid-sized exchanges.
Access to Local Banking & Payment Infrastructure + Regulatory Sandbox Potential
Through licensed banks/payment providers and the AIFC’s adaptive regulatory environment, fiat/crypto on-off ramps, custody, and global transfers are feasible under compliance standards.
Structure
Typical Structure for a Georgian Crypto Exchange / VASP
AIFC-licensed Legal Entity
-
Company incorporated under AIFC jurisdiction, registered with AFSA.
-
Holds official “Digital Asset Trading Facility / VASP” license.
-
Full compliance with regulatory, reporting and audit requirements.
Compliance & Operations Hub
-
AML/KYC compliance infrastructure, record-keeping and transaction monitoring.
-
Custody and wallet security standards, if offering custody.
-
Internal controls, risk management, fraud prevention, and regulator reporting.
Banking & Payment / Fiat On–Off Ramps
-
Integration with local or international banks/payment providers for fiat-to-crypto flows.
-
Onboarding fiat conversion, settlements, payment processing through licensed institutions.
-
Proper KYC/AML for fiat clients and compliance checks for payment flows.