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Kazakhstan Crypto Ban Targets Coinbase and Five Other Unlicensed Platforms
Key points
An AIFC court ruling bars Coinbase, BingX and four other platforms from offering unlicensed digital asset services in Kazakhstan's financial centre.
The Astana International Financial Centre Court of First Instance issued a default judgment on 15 September 2026 that imposes a Kazakhstan crypto ban on six unlicensed platforms. The decision, delivered in Case No. AIFC-C/CFI/2026/0010 by Justice Sir Stephen Richards, restrains BingX, Bitcoin.com, HTX, BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX from providing digital asset services or marketing them to users in the AIFC without authorisation.
Kazakhstan Crypto Ban Details and Costs
The order prohibits the operators from offering, marketing or distributing digital asset services and related mobile applications inside the AIFC or to AIFC-located users. It cites Article 12-1 of the Law on Digital Assets (No. 193-VII of 6 February 2023, as amended). The operators are jointly and severally liable for the claimant’s costs of KZT 1,995,479.95, covering legal fees and court charges. A variation order dated 18 September 2026 removed LBank after its operator took remedial steps, leaving the final list at six platforms.
Notice of the judgment was directed to Google LLC and Apple Inc. to implement regional access restrictions on the affected applications. The claimant, the Astana Financial Services Authority, had previously warned more than 20 platforms. Nine voluntarily restricted app access and seven expressed interest in licensing, prompting AFSA to drop claims against those entities. AFSA CEO Evgeniya Bogdanova stated that the ruling reflects ongoing supervision of unauthorised advertising and services.
Regulatory Framework and Licensed Operators
Crypto activities outside licensed AIFC entities or National Bank of Kazakhstan oversight remain restricted under the 2023 Law on Digital Assets and its 2026 amendments. The legislation limits unsecured digital asset services and requires specific authorisation for platforms serving AIFC users. Licensed operators such as Binance Kazakhstan and certain Bybit entities already operate within the AIFC under AFSA oversight.
The September 2026 judgment builds on earlier enforcement actions, including website blocks against Coinbase in 2023. It targets only unlicensed operations within the AIFC jurisdiction rather than imposing nationwide measures. As of 20 October 2026, no confirmed implementation details for the app-store restrictions have been released. Affected platforms retain the option to apply for licences, while AFSA continues its programme of warnings and compliance monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Which platforms are covered by the Kazakhstan crypto ban?
The final order applies to BingX, Bitcoin.com, HTX, BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX. LBank was removed after it addressed AFSA concerns through a variation order issued on 18 September 2026.
What does the AIFC judgment require from app stores?
The court directed notice to Google and Apple to implement regional access restrictions on the six platforms’ mobile applications for AIFC users. Implementation details remain pending as of mid-October 2026.
How does the 2023 Digital Assets Law affect unlicensed platforms?
The law, as amended, requires authorisation under Article 12-1 for digital asset services offered in the AIFC. Unlicensed operators face injunctions, cost orders and restrictions on marketing and app distribution.
Are any crypto platforms licensed to operate in the AIFC?
Yes. Entities including Binance Kazakhstan and certain Bybit operations hold licences from AFSA and provide services within the regulatory perimeter of the financial centre.
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