Astana International Finance Centre

What Astana International Finance Centre does

Astana International Finance Centre (AIFC) is a sovereign financial ecosystem established in 2017 under Kazakhstan's Constitutional Law and operating since 2018 under an English common law regime, designed to provide Central Asia with internationally-aligned financial infrastructure. Its core institutional stack comprises the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) as independent regulator overseeing 369 regulated entities across 31 activity types, the Astana International Exchange (AIX) as the sole licensed exchange — built on Nasdaq technology with Shanghai Stock Exchange and Silk Road Fund as shareholders — alongside the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre for English-law dispute resolution. Around these pillars, AIFC operates vertical platforms including FinTech Lab (regulatory sandbox with 19 DASP operators and $10.58B in 2025 transaction volume), Junior Mining Platform, Aviation Finance Hub, Carbon Platform, Creative Industries Platform, and the Investment Tax Residency Programme, plus support services such as AIFC Academy, AIFC Insights Analytical Centre, Digital Resident platform, Client Office, Expat Centre, and ASP Marketplace.

AIFC monetizes through transaction-based registration and post-registration service fees (ranging $20-$300 by online/offline and entity type), recurring AFSA supervisory and licensing fees on regulated entities, AIX listing and trading fees, professional services, and space rental within the AIFC complex; pricing is publicly disclosed at aifc.kz. Go-to-market blends direct enterprise sales via the AIFC Client Office, a global channel of authorized Ancillary Service Providers (consulting, legal, compliance firms) via the ASP Marketplace, and event-driven outreach through Astana Finance Days (5,000+ attendees) and the AIFC Connect series in Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai.

The participant base spans 4,954 companies from 91 countries (2025), growing to 5,700+ from 90+ countries by June 2026, with 1,300+ Chinese firms constituting the largest foreign community; cumulative investment attributed to the ecosystem totals $21.8-$25.3 billion. AIFC derives competitive advantage from its English common law jurisdiction, IOSCO-recognized digital asset regulatory framework, Belt and Road geographic positioning, and integration with HKEX, Nasdaq, CICC, and other Tier-1 capital markets infrastructure partners.

Name

Astana International Finance Centre

Legal name

Astana International Financial Centre

Website

https://aifc.kz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Astana International Finance Centre (AIFC) is a sovereign English-common-law financial ecosystem in Astana, Kazakhstan, providing regulated financial services, capital markets infrastructure (AIX), independent oversight (AFSA), and dispute resolution to companies and investors across Central Asia and global markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Financial Centre

NAICS

Securities and Commodity Exchanges (52321), Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage (5231), Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (522320)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Federal & Federally-Sponsored Credit Agencies (6111), Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies (6211)

akta.pro primary industry

International CSDs (ICSDs) (FSAFAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Embedded FX & Cross-Border Treasury (FSAGALAG), Interdealer Bond Broker (IDB) Platforms (FSAFACAF)

Keywords

• International financial centre
• Financial regulatory services
• Capital markets exchange
• Fintech regulatory sandbox
• Investment residency programme

Headquarters

HQ city

Astana

HQ country

Kazakhstan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Registration and Licensing Fees: AIFC generates revenue through company registration fees, post-registration service fees (50 USD for online applications, 100 USD for offline applications), and annual supervisory fees for regulated entities. Companies must register and obtain licenses to conduct regulated activities.
2. Exchange Trading and Capital Markets: Revenue from trading operations through AIX including listing fees, trading fees, and market infrastructure services for equities, bonds, and digital assets.
3. Regulatory and Supervisory Services: AFSA generates revenue through annual supervisory fees, authorization fees, and licensing fees for 369 regulated companies, 177 investment funds, and digital asset service providers.
4. Professional Services and Space Rental: Revenue from Expat Centre services, space rental for offices and coworking, sustainability services, and professional development through AIFC Academy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AIFC operates as an integrated international financial centre ecosystem providing company registration, financial services licensing and supervision, capital markets infrastructure via AIX exchange, English common law-based dispute resolution, and specialized platforms for fintech, mining, aviation, and carbon markets. It serves as the primary gateway for foreign investment into Central Asia with internationally-aligned regulation, tax incentives, and multilingual support across English, Russian, and Kazakh.

Product overview

The AIFC operates as an integrated financial ecosystem rather than a single unified product. At its core, the ecosystem is anchored by the Astana International Exchange (AIX) — the licensed exchange operator providing capital markets infrastructure — and the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) — the independent financial regulator. Around these pillars, AIFC organises its offerings into distinct business verticals: Financial Business (covering banking, asset management, insurance, and Islamic finance), FinTech Business (including the FinTech Lab regulatory sandbox and Digital Asset Service Providers), Non-Financial Business, and Professional Services. The ecosystem is further augmented by specialised platforms including the Junior Mining Platform (for early-stage geological exploration investment), Carbon Platform (environmental instruments trading), Aviation Finance Hub, Creative Industries Platform, Investment Tax Residency Programme, and an ASP Marketplace connecting participants with service providers. Supporting infrastructure includes the AIFC Academy (educational programmes), Digital Resident (online registration and reporting portal), Client Office, Expat Centre, Space Rental, AIFC Insights Analytical Centre, AIFC Court (English common law-based dispute resolution), and the International Arbitration Centre. The AIFC Court operates under English common law principles, providing an independent judicial framework distinct from Kazakhstan's domestic legal system. Sustainability Services cover green finance, ESG consulting, and green bond assessments. The AIFC also hosts annual flagship events including Astana Finance Days (AFD), a major Eurasian financial forum attracting over 5,000 participants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AIFC Connect: Series of outreach events in major financial hubs showcasing Kazakhstan's investment potential
• Astana Finance Days (AFD)
• FinTech Lab
• Digital Resident
• AIFC Client Portal
• Data Marketplace
• Carbon Platform
• Aviation Finance Hub
• Junior Mining Platform
• Creative Industries Platform
• Investment Tax Residency Programme
• Securities Registrar
• AIFC Academy
• AIFC Insights
• AIFC Community
• ASP Marketplace

Products and services

• Astana International Exchange (AIX) The licensed exchange operator within AIFC providing capital markets infrastructure for listing, trading, and clearing of equities, bonds, and digital assets. Achieved market capitalisation of US$81.5 billion, trading turnover of US$2.1 billion in 2025, with 215 new listings and 3,200+ tradable instruments on the International Trading System. Targets corporate issuers, investment funds, and institutional investors.
• Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)

Quantifiable outcome

• US$25.3 billion in cumulative investments attracted since AIFC launch
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Henley & PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026International consulting firm partnering with Government of Kazakhstan and AIFC for development of Investment Residency Programme at AIFC. Henley & Partners is a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment programs.
• Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026MoU signed for cross-border capital market cooperation including dual listing of equities and bonds, joint initiatives, and market expertise exchange. Supports positioning AIX as regional capital markets hub connecting Central Asia with Asian financial centers.
• South China Morning Post (SCMP)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 June 2026MoU for strengthening business ties and developing economic cooperation between Kazakhstan, China, and Hong Kong. SCMP is a leading English-language media platform based in Hong Kong with 122+ years of coverage. Joint China Conference: Central Asia 2026 planned for September in Astana.
• Invest Hong KongmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 June 2026Partnership under HKEX Chief Executive John Lee's Kazakhstan visit MoU umbrella for investment promotion and business development between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
• Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 June 2026Partnership under HKEX Chief Executive John Lee's Kazakhstan visit MoU umbrella for trade development and business matching.
• Belt and Road Initiative Office, Hong Kong SAR GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Partnership under Kazakhstan-Hong Kong cooperation framework supporting Belt and Road investment projects through AIFC.
• China International Capital Corporation (CICC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJointly organized AIFC-CICC Investors Day in Astana, bringing together investment communities from Kazakhstan, China, and Hong Kong. CICC serves as lead bookrunner and underwriter for Kazakhstan issuances including panda bonds. CICC founded in 1995, headquartered in Beijing with 200+ offices in China and subsidiaries in Hong Kong, New York, London, Singapore, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dubai.
• Moore Kazakhstan LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship of AIFC Community: ASP in Focus event, supporting professional collaboration among AIFC participants and consulting firms.
• BIG InvestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestment platform of BI Group supporting AIFC Connect: Singapore 2025, providing access to real assets investment opportunities.
• OD ConsultingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate services provider supporting AIFC Connect: Singapore 2025, offering company registration, licensing, and AIX listing services.
• NASDAQcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partner providing trading platform technology for Astana International Exchange (AIX). AIX shareholders include AIFC, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Silk Road Fund, and NASDAQ.
• Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)coreTechnology or IntegrationShareholder of Astana International Exchange (AIX) providing exchange infrastructure support and market development expertise.
• China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement signed between AFSA and CSRC for financial markets regulation and development, signed February 2018.
• EuroclearmajorTechnology or IntegrationMoU with Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, AIX, and Euroclear for settlement infrastructure development, signed January 2018.
• Oliver WymanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for exchange development and market strategy, signed November 2017.
• Thomson ReutersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint panel discussion at World Economic Forum 2018 on financial market development.
• Institute for Advanced International Studies of Uzbekistan (IAIS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint study with AIFC Insights on investment potential of Central Asia as unified investment space, presented June 2026.
• Singapore FinTech FestivalmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAIFC Connect: Singapore 2025 held within Insights Forum, a closed-door platform at Singapore FinTech Festival for strategic discussions in finance, technology, and policy.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint publication of Bond Market Guide for Kazakhstan under ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum initiative. ADB provides secretariat for ABMF forum. Kazakhstan joined as official observer in 2025.

Scale indicators30 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): DIFC is a mature international financial centre in the Middle East operating under English common law with its own regulator (DFSA), court system, and exchange. It is the most direct comparable to AIFC in terms of operating model (special legal jurisdiction + regulator + exchange + court), though it serves a more established MENA corridor and has a longer track record since 2004.
• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): ADGM is another GCC-based international financial centre operating under English common law with FSRA as independent regulator and ADGM Courts. Similar to AIFC in jurisdictional model, with comparable focus on asset management, fintech, and capital markets infrastructure development.
• Qatar Financial Centre (QFC): QFC is a regional financial centre in Doha operating under English common law with its own regulator (QFCA) and tax-incentivized jurisdiction. Comparable to AIFC's emerging market IFC model with similar focus on attracting international financial institutions and offering common-law dispute resolution.

Direct peers

• Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE): KASE is Kazakhstan's domestic exchange serving the Almaty-based market with equities, bonds, and derivatives. It is the closest direct peer to AIX (AIFC's exchange) given shared national market, with AIX positioned as the international/English common law alternative for cross-border listings.
• Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX): HKEX is a core strategic partner of AIFC/AIX (signed MoU June 2026 for dual listings and cross-border cooperation) and serves as a model for international exchange operations. Direct peer in capital markets infrastructure and a partner-competitor for high-quality Central Asian listings.

Emerging players

• Nairobi International Financial Centre: Nairobi IFC is another emerging-market international financial centre operating under similar model (special legal regime, English common law, independent regulator). Comparable to AIFC in serving as a regional hub for East Africa with similar focus on financial sector development and FDI attraction.
• Bahrain FinTech Bay: Bahrain FinTech Bay operates as a regulatory sandbox and fintech ecosystem in the MENA region under theCBB's regulatory framework. Comparable to AIFC's FinTech Lab and DASP regulatory regime, with similar focus on digital asset regulation and crypto-friendly jurisdiction positioning.
• Gibraltar Financial Services Commission: Gibraltar has positioned itself as a digital asset and DLT regulatory hub with English common law framework. Comparable to AIFC's FinTech Lab and DASP licensing regime, both targeting fintech and crypto businesses seeking regulated international jurisdictions outside major hubs.

Regional players

• Moscow Exchange (MOEX): MOEX is the primary exchange serving the CIS region including some cross-border Russian-Eurasian Economic Union listings. While currently constrained by sanctions, it remains a regional peer to AIX for CIS-issuer listings and historically competed for similar issuer pools.

Others

• Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB is a strategic partner (joint Bond Market Guide for Kazakhstan publication under ASEAN+3 initiative, Kazakhstan joined as observer in 2025). Comparable as an enabler/ecosystem participant providing capital markets development support, training, and infrastructure rather than direct exchange competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aifckz
• Xx.com/AIFC_KZ

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Astana International Finance Centre