Apply for Authorisation as an Ancillary Services Provider
Apply for Authorisation as an Ancillary Services Provider
Apply for Authorisation as an Ancillary Services Provider
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 compromise your application.
Please 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:
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- 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 details, please 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
Firms applying for an ASP licence are expected 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.
You must demonstrate that your firm is operationally prepared before submitting an application. This includes reviewing AFSA’s guidance in full and ensuring that all requirements are clearly understood and addressed.
We expect you to submit only final versions of all documents — properly reviewed, approved internally, and signed off. Drafts or placeholder documents will not be accepted for assessment.
Firms are also expected to proactively seek professional advice, where appropriate, and to be able to explain how they intend to comply with applicable AIFC legislation and AFSA rules.
Your conduct during the application process is an essential indicator of your firm’s compliance culture.
We assess how you respond to information requests, how promptly and clearly you engage with us, and whether you demonstrate openness in your dealings. You are expected to make key staff available, provide full responses within deadlines, and cooperate throughout.
While we recognise that some elements may evolve during the review process, this does not replace the need to be properly prepared from the beginning. Submitting an incomplete or low-quality application and relying on AFSA to identify and resolve deficiencies will not be accepted as evidence of genuine willingness.
You must have the necessary arrangements in place to comply with regulatory obligations from the date of authorisation.
We will assess whether your firm’s internal structure, documentation, staffing, systems, and governance are sufficient to support the activities you are applying for. We will also consider the timing and context of your application — including whether you would be capable of carrying out your proposed activities immediately, if authorised.
If significant elements remain outstanding, this may indicate that your firm is not yet ready to be licensed.