Methodology v1
AFSA
A
AFSA
Tier 2

Astana Financial Services Authority

(AFSA)
AgovernmentForex Supervised
Kazakhstan
Astana
Est. 2018
0 licensed entities
200 firms
Max 1:30

Regulatory Snapshot

Enforcement3/5
Transparency3/5
Protection3/5
Complaints3/5
Strictness3/5
Overall3.0/5
Neg. Balance Protection
Segregated Accounts
Min. CapitalUSD 300,000
Description

The Astana Financial Services Authority is the independent financial regulator of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan. Established in 2018, AFSA regulates and supervises financial services and related activities within the AIFC, which operates under its own common law-based legal framework modelled on best international practices, particularly the UK regulatory model.

Key Regulations
Constitutional Statute on the AIFCAFSA Framework RegulationsAIFC Market Rules
Regulatory Scorecard
Enforcement Power3/5
Transparency3/5
Investor Protection3/5
Complaint Resolution3/5
Licensing Strictness3/5
Overall Average3.0/5
Investor Protection
  • Mandatory client fund segregation
  • Risk disclosure and suitability requirements
  • Regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation
  • Comprehensive AML/CFT framework aligned with FATF standards
Licensing Requirements
Minimum CapitalUSD 300,000
Audit FrequencyAnnual
Reporting FrequencyQuarterly
License Timeframe3-6 months
Segregated Accounts
Negative Balance Protection
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Leverage Limits by Instrument
InstrumentRetailProfessional
Major Forex1:301:200
Minor Forex1:201:100
Gold1:201:100
Indices1:201:100
Jurisdiction Coverage
Primary Jurisdiction: Astana International Financial Centre, Kazakhstan

Restricted Countries

IranNorth Korea

AFSA operates within the AIFC, which has its own English common law-based legal framework separate from Kazakhstan domestic law.

Dispute Resolution

Body: AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre

Visit Dispute Resolution

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Licensing and registration requirements for market participants

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