Apply for Authorisation as an Ancillary Services Provider (ASP)

If your firm intends to provide Ancillary Services within or from the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), it must be authorised by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in accordance with the AIFC Framework Regulations and applicable AFSA Rules.

We strongly recommend that you review this page in full before proceeding. Understanding our expectations at an early stage will help you avoid common issues that may delay or jeopardise your application.

You must also read the official Guidance on Ancillary Services Applications to the Registrar of Companies, which outlines in detail the procedural, documentary and legal requirements that apply under AIFC legislation.

WHO NEEDS TO BE AUTHORISED

You must apply for an ASP licence if your firm intends to carry out any of the following services in or from the AIFC. These services are classified as Ancillary Services under the AIFC Framework Regulations:

• Legal Services.
• Audit Services.
• Accountancy Services.

• Consultancy Services, including:

• • compliance, regulatory, due diligence and risk consultancy (including Shari’ah compliance);
  • management and business consultancy related to financial services;
  • tax consultancy;
  • Company Service Provider (CSP) activities.

If you intend to carry out any of the above activities, you are legally required to obtain authorisation from AFSA before you begin operations.

For more detail, refer to the AIFC General Rules and Guidance on Ancillary Services Applications to the Registrar of Companies for clarification on activities that fall under this definition.

BEING READY, WILLING AND WELL-ORGANISED

We expect firms applying for an ASP licence to demonstrate that they are prepared to meet regulatory obligations from the outset. This means being ready to comply with the current legal framework, willing to engage constructively and transparently with AFSA, and organised in their internal arrangements and documentation.

Failure to demonstrate these qualities may lead to delay, withdrawal, or refusal of your application.