Kraken Receives In-Principle Approval from AIFC Regulator to Enter Kazakhstan Market

International cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has received in-principle approval from the Astana International Financial Centre's (AIFC) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (AFSA) committee and is preparing to enter the Kazakhstan market. Simultaneously, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signed a cooperation memorandum with Kraken.

These events took place at the international AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Kraken co-CEO David Ripley to discuss prospects for the digital assets market, financial technologies, and opportunities to apply international experience to Kazakhstan's digital economy.

The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development stressed that AFSA's in-principle approval is an important stage in the regulatory procedure but does not yet constitute obtaining a full license: the company must meet the regulator's established requirements before moving to the next stage of operations in the AIFC's regulated jurisdiction.