Warning Notice: Misrepresentation Regarding Regulatory Influence
We would like to draw your attention to the following important matter regarding the conduct of any registration, licensing, supervisory, enforcement, or disciplinary action by the Astana Financial Services Authority (the “AFSA”).
Please be aware that AFSA does not offer, endorse, or permit any form of “fast-track,” accelerated, or preferential treatment services in relation to any AFSA decision including, but not limited to, the review, processing, or approval of the following applications:
- registration of a legal entity;
- licensing of Authorised Persons and Ancillary Service Providers;
- post-licensing approvals, including appointments of Approved Individuals, Principal Representatives, Controllers, and similar roles;
- waivers and modifications of the legal and regulatory requirements; or
- any other regulatory or enforcement decision-making process under the AIFC Acts.
All requests and applications are assessed in accordance with established regulatory procedures, and on the basis of their merits, completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements specified in the AIFC Acts. The review process is conducted independently and impartially by authorised officials only.
If any individual or third-party service provider claims to have the ability to accelerate or influence the outcome of your request or application in exchange for payment or other benefits, such claims are false and fraudulent. This may include but is not limited to:
- Offers to “fast-track” your request or application;
- Claims of having special influence over, or privileged access to, decision-makers at AFSA; and
- Assurances of guaranteed or expedited approval.
We urge all applicants to be vigilant and cautious. Engaging with such individuals or entities may expose you to fraud, corruption, financial loss, reputational damage, or other serious risks.
We would like to remind you that the list of authorised Ancillary Service Providers is available on the AFSA website. You can access the official Public Register here: https://publicreg.myafsa.com/ancillary/.
AFSA’s official fees and charges for registration and authorisation are published in the AIFC Fees Rules available at the following link: https://orderly.myafsa.com/articles/feesrules.
Before submitting your applications, you may contact the Participant Support & Sales team of the AIFC Authority, who are at hand to support and guide organisations through the processes of authorisation and registration. They can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at +7 7172 959 000.
If you are approached by anyone offering services mentioned above — or if you believe you may have been a victim of such a scheme — please notify us immediately by submitting a complaint through our website: https://afsa.aifc.kz/afsa-hotline-services/ or https://afsa.aifc.kz/consumers/complaints/. Any such report will be treated confidentially.
Reference:
The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which is established in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Astana International Financial Centre” for the purposes of regulating financial services and related activities in the AIFC. AFSA administers the AIFC Regulations and Rules and is responsible for the authorisation, registration, recognition and supervision of financial firms and market institutions in the AIFC.
Over 3,700 firms from 85 countries are registered in the AIFC. These firms provide banking, insurance, investment, professional and other services. The range of financial services offered at the AIFC is comparable to the list of services available in long-established financial centers of the world, such as London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and others. www.afsa.kz
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction with a favourable legal and regulatory environment and a developed infrastructure for starting and doing business, attracting investment, creating jobs and developing Kazakhstan’s economy. https://aifc.kz/
Contact information:
Public Relations and Communications Division of AFSA: +7 (717) 264 73 43; +7 7172 61-37-45 email: [email protected]