Alert: Fraudulent Impersonation of Freedom Finance Global PLC and Unauthorised Use of the AFSA Licence

The Astana Financial Services Authority (“AFSA”) hereby issues this public alert concerning an inactive website that operated under the domain: https://nystatebees.com, which appears to be falsely representing itself as, or associated with, Freedom Finance Global PLC (the “Company”).   

Freedom Finance Global PLC (BIN: 200240900095) is a company registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (“AIFC”) and holds an AFSA licence (No. AFSA-A-LA-2020-0019, issued on 14 February 2020) authorising it to carry out the Regulated Activity of Dealing in Investments as Principal; Dealing in Investments as Agent; Managing Investments; Managing a Collective Investment Scheme; Advising on Investments; Arranging Deals in Investments; Providing Custody; and Arranging Custody.  

Suspected Fraudulent Activity and Misuse of the AFSA Licence 

It has come to the AFSA’s attention, the website: 

• Displayed the name “Freedom Finance Global” without Company’s authorisation; 

• Displayed the AFSA name prominently on the website, thereby creating the misleading impression that the website and its operators are authorised and supervised by the AFSA; 

• Displayed a copy of the genuine AFSA licence certificate issued to Freedom Finance Global PLC (Licence No. AFSA-A-LA-2020-0019) without Company’s authorisation; 

• Used the abovementioned details of Freedom Finance Global PLC and AFSA to induce members of the public to believe that the website is operated by, or affiliated with, the licensed entity. 

The unauthorised use of an AFSA licence certificate does not confer any regulatory status or legitimacy on a person, company, website, or platform. 

Warning to the Public 

The AFSA strongly advises members of the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with websites, platforms, or individuals claiming to provide financial services on the basis of an AFSA licence. 

Members of the public should be aware that: 

• Fraudsters may copy genuine regulatory licences, certificates, company names, logos, and registration details to create the false impression of legitimacy; 

• The display of an AFSA licence certificate on a website does not, by itself, confirm that the operator of the website is authorised by the AFSA; 

• Investors should independently verify the identity and regulatory status of any person or entity offering financial services before transferring funds or disclosing personal information and make sure that the internet source is an official source of AIFC Participant. 

Please note that the Company’s official website is www.fbroker.kz . 

Reporting and Further Action 

If you have been approached with such offers, or have concerns regarding suspicious investment activities or promotions, you are encouraged to report the matter promptly to the AFSA via email to [email protected].  

The AFSA warns the public to exercise utmost caution when dealing with entities claiming to provide financial services on the basis of an AFSA licence, and encourages the public to verify the status of any such entity through the Public Register, which contains information on all entities authorised and/or registered by the AFSA. 

Reference:  

The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), 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. afsa.kz  

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and businesses meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. aifc.kz  

Public Relations and Communications Division of AFSA, [email protected]