As of 2025, firms that have CFD brokerage license in Kazakhstan are offered a two-track environment: a modern, rules-based framework within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) under the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) and a more general regime outside the AIFC governed primarily by currency and financial legislation. A regulated architecture for this activity must be navigated by entities interested in foreign exchange brokerage or in any related intermediary service, which, on one hand, provides clear reference points, while on the other remains unsettled. In this article, a systematic review is presented, giving details pertaining to Kazakhstan forex broker license.
Kazakhstan Forex License in 2025: Regulations
A key regulator relevant for operations in the capital region is the AFSA, operating in the domain of the special financial hub in Astana. It provides a framework aligned with global standards for trading- and dealing-middleman systems.
At the same time, beyond that special zone, multiple sources note that for pure services there is no exhaustive licensing scheme in the broader territory: what is issued is more a “permission / accreditation” rather than a fully codified Kazakhstan forex license.
The general scope refers to underlying transactions in currency, which partakes in a general law. The law of 1996 defines the currency regulation itself, residents and non-residents, authorised banks’ performance of foreign currency operations, and monitoring by the central bank.
Besides, the official portals define the general procedure for a securities broker firm, providing a proxy of what could be expected from a foreign-exchange intermediary: joint-stock structure, business plans, hardware & software, and internal controls.
This means that one is obliged to act in light of the legislation in force regarding transactions in currency, trade in the special financial center on this alternative, operate according to international standards for sound operations, and adequate disclosure.
Why Kazakhstan for Forex Licensing?
There are several practical benefits to obtaining a forex broker license in Kazakhstan. Firstly, this gives the firm a clear market position and credibility with counterparties since prospective clients, banks, and technology providers will take the business more seriously if it is an authorized firm.
Secondly, it is said that the regulatory framework in the designated Astana zone is modern and globally oriented, thus it will make further partnerships more accessible.
Third, this may mean that for firms setting up in the appropriate zone, the regulatory burden will be lighter compared to the most intense regulation seen in other jurisdictions, with less rigidity on promotional activities.
Fourth, this will bring tax and operational timing benefits as electronic submission and shorter approval times are normal.
Thus, an entity that obtains proper authorisation can operate with reasonable flexibility, gain counterparty confidence, and leverage a jurisdiction that blends emerging-market growth with a defined legal structure.
Requirements for Getting a Forex License in Kazakhstan
To qualify for formal approval, the following core demands apply:
- Establish a legal entity and define internal governance, including boards, executive officers, risk and audit oversight.
- Prepare a business plan covering objectives, financial projections, and sources of financing, ensuring operational infrastructure and software readiness.
- Demonstrate legitimacy of capital contributions — the source of funds must be documented and transparent.
- Open a bank account capable of holding own and client funds, particularly if operating through the financial centre.
- Develop internal policies on AML, KYC, risk management, client fund segregation, and complaint handling.
- Meet minimum capital thresholds, often around USD 50,000 for intermediary models and up to USD 500,000 for market-making structures.
- Adhere to local currency-law obligations if engaging in foreign currency dealings through authorised banks.
Steps to Get an Official Permit
The procedural roadmap can be summarised as follows:
- Choose the operational route — either within the Astana financial zone under AFSA supervision or in the general domestic framework.
- Incorporate the entity, prepare constitutional papers, appoint key administration, and define governance structure.
- Compile a business plan, financial model, operational blueprint, and internal control documentation.
- Open a banking account to ensure fund management and payment operations readiness.
- Submit the complete set of documents to the pertinent authority, including corporate papers, ownership details, capital evidence, and compliance manuals.
- Upon receiving approval, implement trading infrastructure, establish audit functions, and ensure client protection systems are operational.
- Maintain ongoing reporting, audits, transparency obligations, and adherence to AML/KYC standards.
Taxation of Firms with Kazakhstan (FSP) Forex license
The determination of the taxation of a particular entity will therefore be dependent on whether it is inside or outside the special financial zone. In a financial hub like Astana, entities to benefit from preferential tax regimes or exemptions might reduce the effective burden on corporations, hence enhancing profit retention. The rules governing general corporate taxation apply outside the zone, which normally include, among others, income tax, VAT where relevant, and audit requirements. In each case, the requirement is very clear that proper accounting books are updated and proper reports are maintained in time—businesses liable for continued bookkeeping, external audits, and probably withholding obligations.
Kazakhstan Forex Brokerage Licence: Important Considerations
There are several aspects that require particular attention:
- The regulatory scopes of legislation remain non-standardized outside, which may lead to an unclear interpretation or enforcement.
- A major challenge in setting up a bank account for an intermediary is that institutions will put the documentation and operational risk under further scrutiny.
- Pre-approval should be obtained for the minimum capital thresholds, as changes can occur depending on the model of the firm and its risk exposure.
- What is required are strong internal systems leading to protection of the interest of clients and basic fund segregation. There is a growing insistence of the regulators toward transparency and risk management.
- Although the special zone gave the flexibility in marketing practices, the general consumer protection and financial services obligations have not been relaxed.
- Firms must ensure substance: local presence, real operations, and personnel. Paper entities risk reputational damage or scrutiny.
- It is obligatory to carry out audits at regular intervals, maintain accurate accounting records, and file taxes correctly to ensure good standing.
Our Services
Eternity Law International provides full-cycle support for clients seeking authorisation. Our expertise spans legal, corporate, accounting, and tax domains, allowing clients to manage the entire process with a single advisory partner.
Our core services include:
- Legal entity formation and structural advice for optimal ownership and governance setup.
- Preparation of documentation and representation during the authorisation process.
- Bank account opening assistance and coordination with financial institutions.
- Accounting, audit, and tax advisory, ensuring conformity with local obligations.
- Risk and compliance framework development, covering AML, KYC, and operational integrity.
- Strategic advice on scaling operations, investment structuring, and mergers or acquisitions.
- Representation in legal or arbitration matters where necessary.
Our goal is to provide clients with an integrated and practical framework for entering the market efficiently and maintaining ongoing stability.
Apart from that, you can take a look at ready-made licenses for sale.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan—particularly the AIFC—offers a pragmatic route to regulated forex operations. With robust governance, adequate capital, and disciplined compliance, firms can establish a credible and scalable presence. This enables organizations to create a sustainable presence within the financial sector with the attainment of long-term credibility achieved through maintaining strong internal controls, being adequately capitalized, having a real operational substance. With proper planning, according to local legislation requirements and consistent reporting discipline, companies can position themselves effectively in both a dynamic and evolving marketplace.
FAQ
Is forex legal in Kazakhstan?
Yes, legislation in the state does make provision for trading in this field, to provide brokerage or intermediary offerings in this respect within the ambit of the country’s legal framework. The optimal setting for these transactions is at the AIFC, where the AFSA is the competent authority for granting a licence to fiscal intermediaries.
Operations outside this area are also possible, given that the broader legal system allows this.
How do I get a forex license?
A forex license Kazakhstan is attainable, allowing offerings to be provided after the creation of a firm and meeting some initial requirements through the regulator. This includes having a full firm’s strategy, competent administration, and a source of funds and internal risk, and opening a local bank account while compliance policies are set up. A request can then be lodged with the relevant authority, in most cases the AFSA, with supporting documentation. Following review and approval, the firm can begin working under an obligation of continuous reporting, audit, and AML requirements.