Six unlicensed crypto exchanges banned from operating in Kazakhstan

The court of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has banned six cryptocurrency exchanges operating without a license from offering services in Kazakhstan. The ruling covers BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX. It also bars them from advertising digital-asset services and distributing mobile apps through any platform within AIFC jurisdiction, according to the Financial Services Regulatory Committee (AFSA), as reported by Kapital.kz.

The court said unlicensed activity weakens AFSA's regulatory system and creates unfair competition for firms that comply with anti-money laundering rules. LBank was initially included but voluntarily blocked its service for users in Kazakhstan. Google Play and Apple App Store operators have been notified to block the services. AFSA warned that unlicensed platforms fall outside its supervision, so their clients have no legal protection.

Restrictions began in 2025, when AFSA sent warnings to more than 20 platforms. Nine platforms later blocked their own apps, and seven applied for licenses.