AFSA Introduces New FinTech Lab Authorisation Approach
Summary
The Astana Financial Services Authority has introduced a Class Modification Notice establishing a new single-stage assessment approach for FinTech Lab authorisation, replacing the previous two-stage pre-application and application model. The change takes effect on February 16th and consolidates eligibility assessment of business models, proposed candidates, and financial and non-financial resources into one streamlined process. Applicants will no longer undergo policies and procedures assessment at authorisation stage but must submit AML/CFT policy and procedures.
Fintech firms planning to enter the AIFC regulatory sandbox should prepare AML/CFT documentation early and plan for internal control establishment before offering services under supervision. The shift to single-stage assessment may compress application timelines, making it advantageous to submit complete packages initially rather than staged submissions.
What changed
AFSA has replaced the two-stage FinTech Lab authorisation model (pre-application and application) with a streamlined single-stage assessment process effective February 16th. The new approach combines eligibility assessment of business models, proposed candidates, and financial and non-financial resources while removing the requirement for policies and procedures assessment at authorisation. Applicants must still demonstrate an AML/CFT framework and establish internal controls before entering the supervision stage.\n\nFintech firms seeking entry to the AIFC regulatory sandbox should prepare applications under the new single-stage process, prioritising early AML/CFT documentation. The change reduces application complexity but maintains risk-based oversight with internal control requirements before operational launch. Companies already in the pipeline should confirm which assessment framework applies to their application.
What to do next
- Submit AML/CFT policy and procedures to demonstrate framework development
- Establish internal controls to AFSA satisfaction before offering services at supervision stage
Archived snapshot
Apr 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
AFSA changes approach for assessment of potential FinTech Lab Participants
The Astana Financial Services Authority has introduced Class Modification establishing a new FinTech Lab authorisation approach to streamline assessment of potential participants willing to enter regulatory sandbox.
The previous model included two stages – pre-application and application. The first one included eligibility assessment and fitness & propriety checks, while the second one meant assessment of financial and non-financial resources, proposed candidates, review of internal control documents, development and approval of a test plan.
That model led to longer periods of assessment. A new approach will make the application process quicker. From February 16th, the applicants for entering FinTech Lab will be assessed within one stage that will include eligibility assessment of a business model, proposed candidates, financial and non-financial resources.
The applicants will not be required to undergo the assessment of policies and procedures at authorisation stage. However, the applicants will be required to submit AML/CFT policy and procedures to demonstrate that such framework has been developed.
It is important to note that FTL Participants will be allowed to offer services at supervision stage only after relevant internal controls have been established to the AFSA’s satisfaction.
New model of FinTech Lab authorisation will preserve the concept of easy entrance for applicants wishing to test innovations while preserving risk-based approach. The latest changes also demonstrate AFSA’s participant-oriented approach with an emphasis on process efficiency development.
Class Modification Notice is available on https://orderly.myafsa.com/articles/afsa-notice-no.-afsa-atd-not-2026-0007-on-modification
For additional questions about the application process: [email protected]
More info about FinTech Lab: https://afsa.aifc.kz/fintech/authorisation-process/
Reference:
The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which is established in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Astana International Financial Centre” for the purposes of regulating financial services and related activities in the AIFC. AFSA administers the AIFC Regulations and Rules and is responsible for the authorisation, registration, recognition and supervision of financial firms and market institutions in the AIFC. afsa.kz
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. aifc.kz
Public Relations and Communications Division of AFSA, [email protected]
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