AFSA Introduces Fast-Track Authorisation for Firms Licensed in Acceptable Regulatory Regimes

The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has introduced a fast-track authorisation process for financial firms already licensed and supervised in regulatory regimes recognised by AFSA as acceptable, facilitating their entry into the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). 

The new approach allows AFSA to apply a proportionate and streamlined approach to eligible firms, reducing duplication in the authorisation process while maintaining the regulatory standards required under the AIFC framework. 

Under the fast-track process, AFSA may take into consideration applicant’s regulatory history, track record and current licensing status. Eligible applicants will be able to submit a reduced application package, while certain matters may, where appropriate and on a risk-sensitive basis, be addressed through post-authorisation supervisory engagement. 

The initial list of Acceptable Regulatory Regimes includes the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (HK SFC), Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM FSRA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA). 

AFSA may amend or expand the list of Acceptable Regulatory Regimes over time. In determining whether a regulatory regime is acceptable, AFSA considers factors including the effectiveness of the home regulator’s authorisation, supervisory and enforcement framework, arrangements for supervisory cooperation and information sharing, and adherence to internationally recognised standards. 

Evgeniya Bogdanova, Chief Executive Officer of AFSA, said: “The fast-track authorisation process is designed to facilitate more efficient market entry into the AIFC for established financial firms that are already subject to robust regulation and supervision in their home jurisdictions. By adopting a proportionate approach and, where appropriate, leveraging regulatory cooperation arrangements under memoranda of understanding with other regulators, we can reduce unnecessary duplication of regulatory assessments and requests for information while maintaining the AIFC’s regulatory standards and supervisory safeguards. We expect this approach to make the AIFC more accessible to reputable international financial institutions seeking to establish a presence and conduct business in the region.” 

The fast-track authorisation is available for a range of Regulated Activities, including dealing in investments as principal or agent, managing investments, managing collective investment schemes, fund administration, advising on and arranging investments, custody services, operating a representative office, and advising on or arranging credit facilities. 

Eligible firms may establish their presence in the AIFC through several entry models, including a subsidiary, a branch, or a Representative Office, subject to the applicable requirements and permitted scope of activities. 

The fast-track measures apply to the authorisation process only and do not affect AFSA’s ongoing supervisory or enforcement powers. AFSA retains the discretion, where warranted by risk, to request additional information or documentation, conduct further assessments, or revert an application to the standard authorisation process. 

The full requirements and eligibility criteria are set out in the AFSA Notice on the Fast-Track Authorisation for Firms Having Been Licensed under the Acceptable Regulatory Regimes, available AFSA Notice No. AFSA-ATD-NOT-2026-0018 from 20 August 2026 on the Fast-Track Authorisation for Firm… 

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]