AFSA – Astana Financial Services Authority
type: channel
description: Astana Financial Services Authority
date: 2026-06-02T10:40:24Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: AFSA issues Guidance on Application of Annual Supervision Fees
items: AFSA Fines Veritas Group Limited and S1LK PAY Ltd.
items: AFSA Fines Verum Payments Limited
items: AFSA Issues Guidance in relation to Derivatives Trading
items: Alert: Unauthorised Promotion of Investment and Digital Asset Services Using the Name of Unilive Central Asia Ltd.
items: Alert: Impersonation of Jade Capital OEIC Ltd. and Circulation of a Falsified AFSA Licence
items: Phang Hong Lim appointed to the Board of Directors of AFSA
items: AFSA Publishes 2025 Annual Report Detailing Regulatory Developments and Supervisory Outcomes
items: AFSA Warning on Unlicensed Digital Asset Platforms
items: AFSA and Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority sign MoU to enhance cooperation in digital asset regulation

AFSA issues Guidance on Application of Annual Supervision Fees
type: item
creator: Madina Kalimova
date: 2026-06-02T10:40:24Z
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued Guidance on the Application of Annual Supervision Fees to provide clarity on the calculation of annual supervision fees where different licences for Regulated Activities or Market Activities are combined. The Guidance is issued in the context of the annual supervision fee framework under the AIFC Fees Rules […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued Guidance on the Application of Annual Supervision Fees to provide clarity on the calculation of annual supervision fees where different licences for Regulated Activities or Market Activities are combined. The Guidance is issued in the context of the annual supervision fee framework under the AIFC Fees Rules (FEES). FEES 3.1.5(c) and (d) set out the methodology for combination of supervision fees where an Authorised Person carries on more than one Regulated Activity or Market Activity. FEES 3.1.5(e) provides that AFSA may issue guidance specifying the circumstances in which combinations of licenses for Regulated Activities or Market Activities may be considered sufficiently interrelated or overlapping – in which case AIFC Participants will pay only highest applicable fee. The Guidance also includes illustrative non-exhaustive list of examples of commonly associated activity combinations that may be considered sufficiently interrelated or overlapping. The Guidance is available on the AFSA website at https://orderly.myafsa.com/articles/aifc-guidance-on-application-of-annual-supervision-fees. 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 Rela…

AFSA Fines Veritas Group Limited and S1LK PAY Ltd.
type: item
creator: Madina Kalimova
date: 2026-06-01T12:56:25Z
subject: Alerts
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has imposed financial penalties on Veritas Group Limited and S1LK PAY Ltd. (each, a “Company”, and together, the “Companies”, noting that they do not form part of the same group) following regulatory breaches identified as part of investigations conducted by the AFSA and resolved by settlement. The AFSA fined […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has imposed financial penalties on Veritas Group Limited and S1LK PAY Ltd. (each, a “Company”, and together, the “Companies”, noting that they do not form part of the same group) following regulatory breaches identified as part of investigations conducted by the AFSA and resolved by settlement. The AFSA fined Veritas Group Limited in the amount of USD 18,072, and S1LK PAY Ltd. in the amount of USD 19,224 following settlement of the respective breaches. Each Company, acting independently, accepted the AFSA’s findings and agreed to settle their respective matters, accepting the financial penalties as determined by the AFSA. In addition, each Company has taken active steps to implement corrective measures to address the contraventions identified. As a result, the AFSA exercised its discretion to apply a 30% settlement discount to the financial penalties in accordance with paragraph 7.7.1 of the AFSA Enforcement Policy. The financial penalties referenced above incorporate this discount. Summary of misconduct During the relevant period, Veritas Group Limited engaged in activities requiring authorisation under the AIFC regulatory framework without holding the appropriate licence issued by the AFSA, and in doing so, conducted Financial Promotions in contravention of applicable regulatory requirements. In response to the AFSA’s requirement, the Company has ceased all unauthorised activities and withdrawn all related promotional materials. The investigation into S1LK PAY Ltd. identified certain deficiencies in its systems and controls framework relating to ongoing compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and the fundamental principles set out in the Acting Law of the AIFC. S1LK PAY Ltd. has cooperated with the AFSA and developed an action plan to remediate the identified deficiencies. Publication of settlement outcomes At the time these enforcement matters were resolved, the AFSA Enforcement Policy did not mandate the …

AFSA Fines Verum Payments Limited
type: item
creator: Madina Kalimova
date: 2026-06-01T12:49:08Z
subject: Alerts
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has imposed a financial penalty on Verum Payments Limited (“Company”) following regulatory breaches identified as part of an investigation conducted by the AFSA and resolved by settlement. The AFSA fined Verum Payments Limited in the amount of USD 21,854 following settlement of the breaches. The Company accepted the AFSA’s […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has imposed a financial penalty on Verum Payments Limited (“Company”) following regulatory breaches identified as part of an investigation conducted by the AFSA and resolved by settlement. The AFSA fined Verum Payments Limited in the amount of USD 21,854 following settlement of the breaches. The Company accepted the AFSA’s findings and agreed to settle the matter, accepting the financial penalty as determined by the AFSA. In addition, the Company has taken active steps to implement corrective measures to address the contraventions identified. As a result, the AFSA exercised its discretion to apply a 30% settlement discount to the financial penalty in accordance with paragraph 7.7.1 of the AFSA Enforcement Policy. The financial penalty referenced above incorporates this discount. Summary of misconduct Verum Payments Limited conducted Regulated Activity and made Financial Promotions prior to completing the required post‑authorisation conditions. Following the AFSA’s investigation, Verum Payments Limited developed a comprehensive action plan to address and remediate the identified contraventions. Publication of settlement outcomes At the time these enforcement matters were resolved, the AFSA Enforcement Policy did not mandate the publication of Decision Notices in settlement cases. Subsequently, the AFSA introduced a revised approach, which includes an undertaking to publish all outcomes of enforcement proceedings as part of its enhanced transparency framework. As this case was investigated, settled, and concluded during the transition to the updated publicity regime, it was processed under the previous, non-publication framework. Accordingly, no Decision Notice will be published in respect of this matter. As a result, the AFSA considers this press release to be an appropriate and sufficient means of publicly disclosing its enforcement actions, consistent with internationally recognised standards and practices underpinning…

AFSA Issues Guidance in relation to Derivatives Trading
type: item
creator: Madina Kalimova
date: 2026-05-29T12:15:03Z
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued a new Guidance relating to the Derivatives framework within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The Guidance clarifies margin requirements for Retail Clients under the AIFC Conduct of Business Rules, setting out minimum margin expectations across different categories of underlying assets to ensure consistent application and proportionate […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued a new Guidance relating to the Derivatives framework within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The Guidance clarifies margin requirements for Retail Clients under the AIFC Conduct of Business Rules, setting out minimum margin expectations across different categories of underlying assets to ensure consistent application and proportionate leverage. These updates introduce a risk-based approach aimed at strengthening investor protection, mitigating risks associated with leveraged trading, and promoting market integrity, while maintaining a balanced and proportionate regulatory framework within the AIFC. The Guidance is available via the following link: AIFC Guidance on Margin Requirements for Retail Clients in Relation to Derivatives 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, pr@afsa.kz

Alert: Unauthorised Promotion of Investment and Digital Asset Services Using the Name of Unilive Central Asia Ltd.
type: item
creator: Madina Kalimova
date: 2026-05-28T09:33:50Z
subject: Alerts
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (“AFSA”) hereby issues a public alert regarding the regulatory status of Unilive Central Asia Ltd. (“the Company”) and concerns relating to the promotion of investment and digital asset services in connection with the Company. The Company was registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (“AIFC”) under BIN 260240901514 on 26 […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (“AFSA”) hereby issues a public alert regarding the regulatory status of Unilive Central Asia Ltd. (“the Company”) and concerns relating to the promotion of investment and digital asset services in connection with the Company. The Company was registered in the Astana International Financial Centre (“AIFC”) under BIN 260240901514 on 26 February 2026 as a holding company with the purpose of owning and managing equity interests in group companies. The Company was originally registered under the name “Unimex Exchange Central Asia Ltd.” and changed its name to “Unilive Central Asia Ltd.” on 10 April 2026. The AFSA has identified information indicating that investment‑related activities and promotional materials have been circulating on social media platforms, posted by certain individuals referencing or promoting Unilive Central Asia Ltd., describing and advertising promised returns on funds, including daily returns and the ability to withdraw funds at any time, and referencing activities involving digital assets. The AFSA wishes to clarify that the Company is not licensed or authorised by the AFSA to provide Financial Services, including Regulated Activities in relation to Digital Assets, and is not authorised to make Financial Promotions in relation to such Financial Services within or from the AIFC. Members of the public and potential investors are advised to take note of the above information when dealing with or considering any engagement with the Company. The AFSA strongly advises members of the public to: Exercise extreme caution when approached with offers promising guaranteed or daily investment returns, particularly involving digital assets; Verify the status of any company before engaging with its financial services or products by consulting the AFSA Public Register, which contains up-to-date information on all AIFC Participants authorized and/or registered by the AFSA. If you have been approached with such offers, or ha…

Alert: Impersonation of Jade Capital OEIC Ltd. and Circulation of a Falsified AFSA Licence
type: item
creator: Yuriy Massanov
date: 2026-05-26T12:52:51Z
subject: Alerts
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (“AFSA”) is issuing this alert following information received regarding individuals falsely presenting themselves as representatives of Jade Capital OEIC Ltd. and circulating a falsified licence purportedly issued by the AFSA. These individuals have been soliciting members of the public with offers of financial services, and have been accepting client funds under the false representation that […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (“AFSA”) is issuing this alert following information received regarding individuals falsely presenting themselves as representatives of Jade Capital OEIC Ltd. and circulating a falsified licence purportedly issued by the AFSA. These individuals have been soliciting members of the public with offers of financial services, and have been accepting client funds under the false representation that they operate as an Authorised Firm within the Astana International Financial Centre (“AIFC”). The AFSA confirms that the licence purportedly issued in its name and circulated by these individuals is falsified and has never been issued by the AFSA. As part of the Collective Investment Scheme structure under the AIFC framework, it is the Fund Manager – not the fund itself – that is required to hold a licence to carry out Regulated Activities. Jade Capital OEIC Ltd. is registered in the AIFC as an investment fund and does not hold a licence in its own right. All Regulated Activities are conducted by its Fund Manager. 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. Below is an example of a falsified license that is illegally presented to the public as issued by AFSA. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-32008" src="https://afsa.aifc.kz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jade-Capital-OEIC-Ltd.250840900839-1.jpg" alt="" width="1753" height="1240" srcset="https://afsa.aifc.kz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jade-Capital-OEIC-Ltd.250840900839-1.jpg 1753w, https://afsa.aifc.kz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jade-Capital-OEIC-Ltd.250840900839-1-300x212.jpg 300w, https://afsa.aifc.kz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jade-Capital-OEIC-Ltd.250840900839-1…

Phang Hong Lim appointed to the Board of Directors of AFSA
type: item
creator: Yuriy Massanov
date: 2026-05-25T05:38:38Z
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: Phang Hong Lim has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), effective 23 May 2026. The corresponding decision was approved by the Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre on May 22nd, 2026. Angela Knight CBE, Chairperson of […]
encoded: Phang Hong Lim has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), effective 23 May 2026. The corresponding decision was approved by the Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre on May 22nd, 2026. Angela Knight CBE, Chairperson of the AFSA Board of Directors, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Lim to the AFSA Board. His career reflects a unique combination of public- and private-sector expertise in financial sector supervision, enterprise risk management, and regional market integration. His appointment further strengthens AFSA’s international perspective and enhances the Board’s geographic diversity, particularly through his deep experience in Singapore – one of the world’s leading financial centres.” Phang Hong Lim is an internationally recognised practitioner in risk management and financial supervision, with over four decades of experience across global financial institutions and regulatory authorities. Mr. Lim brings significant regulatory and supervisory insights from his tenure as Director at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), where he contributed to the strengthening of Singapore’s financial supervisory framework following the Asian financial crisis. Mr. Lim’s extensive risk management experience, including his service as the Chief Risk Officer of CIMB Group and as Managing Director at Deutsche Bank, adds valuable insights towards more effective supervision. Mr. Lim also serves as Senior Director at Toronto Centre, where he supports capacity building for financial sector regulators and supervisors globally, which provides AFSA with valuable perspectives on modern supervisory practices, financial stability, and systemic risk oversight. At the same time, Mukhtar Bubeyev, Non-Executive Director of the Board and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, is stepping down from the Board of Directors of AFSA upon …

AFSA Publishes 2025 Annual Report Detailing Regulatory Developments and Supervisory Outcomes
type: item
creator: Yuriy Massanov
date: 2026-05-21T11:14:30Z
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has published its 2025 Annual Report, setting out key regulatory developments, supervisory outcomes, and institutional achievements during the year. The Report outlines AFSA’s continued focus on maintaining market integrity, investor protection, and financial stability within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), while supporting responsible market growth through a transparent, risk‑based, and internationally aligned regulatory framework. Evgeniya […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has published its 2025 Annual Report, setting out key regulatory developments, supervisory outcomes, and institutional achievements during the year. The Report outlines AFSA’s continued focus on maintaining market integrity, investor protection, and financial stability within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), while supporting responsible market growth through a transparent, risk‑based, and internationally aligned regulatory framework. Evgeniya Bogdanova, Chief Executive Officer of AFSA, said: “2025 was for us a year of consolidation, institutional strengthening, and growing international confidence in AFSA and our markets. As we look ahead, AFSA remains committed to earning and maintaining trust through strong regulation, effective supervision, and open engagement. We enter the next phase of the AIFC’s development with confidence, responsibility, and a clear sense of purpose.” The Report provides a comprehensive overview of AFSA’s activities across market sectors (capital markets, asset management, digital assets, banking, and insurance) and regulatory functions (registration, authorisation, supervision, enforcement, regulatory framework development, and international cooperation), reflecting the Authority’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a transparent, predictable, and robust regulatory environment. Registration In 2025, AFSA registered 1,467 new companies, representing a 25% increase compared to 2024. As a result, the total number of AIFC Participants reached 4,954 companies from 91 countries, reflecting continued international diversification of the Centre. On average, 28 companies per week were registered in 2025, highlighting sustained demand for the AIFC jurisdiction. Authorisation and Financial Sector Growth The number of financial ecosystem participants continued to expand, reaching 510 entities, including financial service firms, investment vehicles, recognised institutions and FinTech Lab pa…

AFSA Warning on Unlicensed Digital Asset Platforms
type: item
creator: Yuriy Massanov
date: 2026-04-28T11:17:52Z
subject: Alerts
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) reminds that, in accordance with Article 11(5) of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Digital Assets in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, the organisation of circulation of digital assets within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan is prohibited without an appropriate licence or authorisation issued under the applicable law of the Astana International […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) reminds that, in accordance with Article 11(5) of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Digital Assets in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, the organisation of circulation of digital assets within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan is prohibited without an appropriate licence or authorisation issued under the applicable law of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) or the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Accordingly, AFSA warns market participants of the risks associated with the use of unlicensed platforms for trading crypto or digital assets that advertise or promote their services to citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan without the appropriate authorisation, licence or recognition under the applicable regulatory framework of the AIFC and the Republic of Kazakhstan. This warning relates, in particular, to platforms publicly known under the following names, brands or trademarks*: OKX HTX Bitget MEXC AFSA reminds that only entities licensed by AFSA are permitted to lawfully carry on regulated activities in or from the AIFC, including activities related to digital assets and associated services. Key Risks for Consumers The use of unlicensed digital asset platforms may expose consumers to the following risks: absence of legal mechanisms to protect their rights and interests due to the lack of regulatory oversight over unlicensed platforms; risk of involvement of bona fide investors in fraudulent schemes and illicit circulation of digital assets due to insufficient anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) measures on such platforms; increased risk of financial loss where investment decisions are made based on misleading or aggressive advertising, including online promotions, bonus schemes and referral campaigns that do not comply with regulatory requirements; increased risk of personal data breaches and loss of assets, including reduced traceability, resulting from failu…

AFSA and Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority sign MoU to enhance cooperation in digital asset regulation
type: item
creator: Madina Kalimova
date: 2026-04-09T04:39:45Z
subject: News
subject: AFSA
description: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) and the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation, mutual assistance and the exchange of information in relation to digital and virtual asset activities in their respective jurisdictions. The MoU establishes a formal framework for cooperation between two authorities […]
encoded: The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) and the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation, mutual assistance and the exchange of information in relation to digital and virtual asset activities in their respective jurisdictions. The MoU establishes a formal framework for cooperation between two authorities in matters relating to licensing, supervision, enforcement and compliance concerning covered digital and virtual asset activities. The document reflects the shared commitment of AFSA and VARA to promote effective cross-border regulatory cooperation in an evolving area of financial services. It is intended to support supervisory coordination, facilitate the exchange of regulatory experience and best practices, and contribute to the integrity, transparency, and resilience of digital asset markets. Evgeniya Bogdanova, Chief Executive Officer of AFSA, commented: “We are building a more connected and coherent regulatory landscape for digital assets. Our partnership with VARA will help reduce fragmentation and enable smoother cross-border activity, fostering greater trust in the market. Such collaboration not only enhances regulatory effectiveness, but also promotes innovation by providing market participants with greater clarity and consistency across jurisdictions.” 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. afsa.kz The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an ind…