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Kazakhstan Keeps Base Rate at 18%

The National Bank of Kazakhstan's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the base rate at 18.0% per annum with a ±1 percentage point corridor on 6 March 2026. The decision was informed by the forecast round results, updated assessments of key macroeconomic indicators, and the balance of inflation risks. Annual inflation declined to 11.7% in February 2026, down from 12.2% in January, with all components showing moderating price growth.

Kazakhstan 2025 Payment Market: 1.04 Billion Card Transactions

The National Bank of Kazakhstan published its annual review of the 2025 payment services market. In 2025, the interbank card payment system processed over 1.04 billion transactions, with 8 out of 10 transactions conducted via internet and mobile banking (including QR codes). Interbank clearing system volumes grew 21% year-over-year, and the interbank transfer system maintained 99%+ uptime.

VI Scientific-Practical Conference on Economic Policy Almaty

The National Bank of Kazakhstan announces its VI scientific-practical conference, 'Retrospective Analysis of Economic Policy: From Expectations to Decisions', to be held on 30 April 2026 in Almaty. The conference will present research findings across four sessions: inflationary expectations and felt inflation; public finance under macro shocks; credit cycles and financial stability; and Kazakhstani capital from macro and micro perspectives. Registration is required via conference@nationalbank.kz.

AIFC Regulatory Framework Development Plans 2026–2028

The Astana Financial Services Authority announced its regulatory framework development plans for the AIFC for 2026–2028, covering asset management, FinTech, insurance, Islamic finance, tokenisation, and derivatives. The 2026 priorities include targeted amendments, guidance on fee structures, and AML/CFT guidance updates. AFSA is inviting market participants to submit feedback on the planned initiatives and proposals for further regulatory development.

AFSA Introduces New FinTech Lab Authorisation Approach

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.