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AFSA Launches Pilot to Take USD‑Pegged Stablecoins for Regulatory Fees

Bybit Kazakhstan becomes the first licensed agent, converting on‑chain payments into fiat for AFSA.

Overview

  • AFSA unveiled the pilot at Astana Finance Days, allowing AIFC participants to settle licensing and supervision fees in USD‑pegged stablecoins, which officials describe as a regional first.
  • Participation is limited to AFSA‑licensed Digital Asset Service Providers that sign a memorandum of understanding to act as agents, with approved provider names to be published after eligibility checks.
  • Bybit Kazakhstan is the inaugural agent facilitating on‑chain payments and remitting the fiat equivalent to the regulator’s designated bank account.
  • The initial setup uses a customized Bybit QR Pay solution and a dedicated stablecoin wallet for invoicing and settlements to streamline processing.
  • The initiative builds on AFSA’s January 2024 stablecoin framework and subsequent licensing steps and aligns with Kazakhstan’s digital tenge pilot and broader moves to formalize crypto activity.