Kraken, the cryptocurrency exchange operated by Payward, has received in-principle approval from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) to establish regulated operations in Kazakhstan’s Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The approval permits Payward Kazakhstan to operate a digital asset trading facility, deal in investments as principal and agent, and provide digital asset custody services.
- Regulatory Body: Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)
- Jurisdiction: Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)
- Services Approved: Digital asset trading, investment dealing, and custody
- Market Access: Global orderbooks across Europe, US, and Asia
The approval enables Kazakh traders to access Kraken‘s global liquidity pools and execution capabilities across major trading regions. The move represents part of the exchange’s broader strategy to build regulated, localized operations in key financial centers worldwide.
The AFSA and AIFC teams have been constructive and rigorous throughout this process, and we appreciate the engagement. We’re looking forward to serving clients in Kazakhstan, and to broadening what we offer them over time.
– Dave Ripley, Co-CEO of Payward and Kraken
By establishing an on-the-ground presence in Kazakhstan, Kraken aims to provide local clients with premium trade execution, deep liquidity, and consistent service standards consistent with its global operations. The AIFC is a regional financial hub offering regulatory frameworks designed to attract digital asset and fintech businesses.
Dave Ripley, Co-CEO of Payward and Kraken. Source: kraken.com
