Kazakhstan’s AFSA now allows USD-pegged stablecoin payments for AIFC regulatory fees, with Bybit the inaugural exchange to sign an MMoU enabling fast, low-cost fee settlement in USDT or USDC under AFSA’s eligibility rules.
-
First-in-region rollout
-
Bybit signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MMoU) with AFSA at Astana Finance Days 2025.
-
Stablecoins offer faster, cheaper, and more transparent fee payments versus traditional fiat transfers.
Stablecoin payments Kazakhstan: AFSA accepts USD-pegged stablecoins for AIFC fees — learn eligibility, process and next steps. Read more now.
Crypto exchange Bybit has become the first exchange to enable stablecoin payments for regulatory fees in Kazakhstan’s AIFC after signing an MMoU with AFSA at Astana Finance Days 2025.
What are stablecoin payments for regulatory fees in Kazakhstan’s AIFC?
Stablecoin payments Kazakhstan refers to the AFSA-backed option allowing AIFC members to settle license and supervision fees using USD-pegged stablecoins such as USDT or USDC. The initiative, launched at Astana Finance Days 2025, aims to reduce delays and costs tied to fiat wire transfers.
How did Bybit become the first signatory and what does the MMoU cover?
Bybit signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MMoU) with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) during Astana Finance Days 2025. The MMoU formalizes operational and compliance steps to accept stablecoin fee payments, subject to AFSA’s eligibility criteria and KYC/AML checks.
AFSA CEO Evgeniya Bogdanova and Bybit CEO Mazurka Zeng signed a MMoU on stablecoin fees at the Astana Finance Days 2025. Source: AIFC
Why are stablecoin payments being introduced for regulatory fees?
AFSA introduced stablecoin fee payments to increase payment efficiency and reduce transaction costs. Traditional bank transfers can be slow and expensive for firms with digital-asset treasuries; stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) provide near-instant settlement and transparency on-chain.
Who can participate and what are the eligibility rules?
Participation requires signing the AFSA MMoU and meeting the authority’s eligibility criteria, which include verified corporate identity, compliant treasury practices and adherence to KYC/AML safeguards. AFSA will publish a list of participating providers after MMoU execution, per the regulator’s statement.
How will payments be processed in practice?
AFSA’s pilot will route approved stablecoin transfers through authorized custodial and exchange partners that meet compliance checks. Firms will initiate a stablecoin transfer denominated in USD-pegged tokens; confirmations and ledger records will replace traditional bank receipts for regulatory reconciliation.
What are the immediate implications for businesses and the market?
This framework may lower administrative friction for AIFC members and attract firms with crypto-native treasuries. It also positions the AIFC as an early adopter of regulated digital finance solutions in Central Asia. Official AFSA guidance will clarify technical flow, custody requirements, and reporting standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will AFSA validate stablecoin fee transfers?
AFSA requires participating firms and providers to sign the MMoU and meet KYC/AML and operational standards. Payment confirmations will rely on on-chain receipts and custody attestations from authorized partners.
Will stablecoin fee payments replace fiat payments entirely?
No. Fiat payment channels remain available. Stablecoin payments offer an alternative for eligible AIFC members seeking efficiency and faster settlement in USD-pegged tokens.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory innovation: AFSA now permits USD-pegged stablecoins for AIFC fees, creating a first-of-its-kind regional framework.
- Bybit’s role: Bybit is the inaugural MMoU signatory, partnering with AFSA to operationalize the scheme.
- Practical impact: Eligible firms can expect faster settlement, lower transaction costs, and enhanced payment transparency.
Conclusion
AFSA’s move to accept USD-pegged stablecoins for AIFC regulatory fees marks a notable step in integrating digital assets into regulated public finance processes. Bybit’s MMoU signing at Astana Finance Days 2025 establishes a practical roadmap for eligible members to access faster, cheaper fee settlement. Watch for AFSA’s published eligibility list and technical guidance as the pilot scales.
