Kazakhstan has taken a major step toward legitimizing its digital economy. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a new law simplifying the circulation of cryptocurrencies and allowing licensed crypto exchanges to operate across the country. The legislation lifts previous restrictions that confined digital asset trading to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
Under the updated framework, unbacked digital assets can now circulate freely nationwide, provided businesses and individuals comply with national regulations. Miners are no longer required to sell the majority of their assets through the AIFC, and cryptocurrency mining is officially recognized as a legal activity for both individuals and companies.
The law also establishes a licensing system for crypto exchanges, creating a new, regulated market for digital asset trading services. These reforms aim to move a significant portion of local investors out of the “grey zone,” where only about 5% currently operate in line with AIFC standards.
In parallel, President Tokayev signed a separate Artificial Intelligence (AI) law, introducing principles of accountability, transparency, data protection, and responsible AI usage. The legislation includes mandatory labeling of AI-generated products, bans on subconscious influence techniques, and legal frameworks for developing and testing AI models on a national platform.
Officials emphasize that these legal changes, alongside previous deals like the $2 billion AI chip memorandum with Nvidia, signal Kazakhstan’s commitment to becoming a hub for digital innovation and blockchain technology.
Implementation: The new regulations will take effect 60 days after official publication.
