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Kazakhstan Legalizes Digital Assets, Puts Central Bank in Charge of Crypto Trading

The move caps a five-year overhaul to align financial rules with global standards.

Overview

  • The National Bank of Kazakhstan will license crypto exchanges and decide which coins are allowed to trade, including setting operational limits.
  • Digital financial assets are classified into three categories, with fiat‑backed stablecoins subject to issuance and redemption rules set by the central bank.
  • Cryptocurrencies not backed by assets, such as Bitcoin and Ether, can be traded only on licensed platforms that meet risk‑management and investor‑protection standards.
  • Crypto exchanges and related infrastructure are now subject to anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorist financing oversight under the country’s financial monitoring regime.
  • The law recognizes the digital tenge and encourages bank participation in fintech alongside upgrades to open banking, national payment rails, and digital identity systems.