Kazakhstan is taking a step toward financial innovation by allowing the use of stablecoins for regulatory fee payments at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
New Opportunities for Business
Previously, companies in the AIFC faced challenges with slow and costly wire transfers in dollars or tenge. Now, they can make payments instantly using USD-pegged tokens such as USDT or USDC. This change was announced at the Astana Finance Days 2025 conference.
Clients of the AIFC now have access to more efficient and economically viable solutions.
Industry Reaction
The initiative received support from experts in the financial sector. Bybit CEO Mazurka Zeng called the new proposal a 'game changer' for companies with crypto-based treasuries. Jesse Knutson from Bitfinex Securities also noted, 'Kazakhstan has been one of the first to accept stablecoins for government fees.'
Step Towards Financial Innovation
This measure not only streamlines the payment process but also has the potential to attract numerous fintechs and exchanges to Kazakhstan. The country is actively developing crypto policy and now stands out amid Europe and the U.S., where regulation faces challenges.
The acceptance of stablecoins for regulatory fee payments highlights Kazakhstan's commitment to financial innovation and its ambition to become a leading hub for the crypto industry in Central Asia.
