Kazakhstan crypto injunctions now cover six platform operators, including Coinbase and Huobi Global (HTX), after the Astana International Financial Centre Court prohibited them from providing or advertising digital asset services within the AIFC without authorization. The Astana Financial Services Authority announced the action on October 20, 2026. The ruling concerns the financial centre’s jurisdiction, rather than establishing a nationwide ban on trading through the platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Coinbase, HTX, BingX, Bitcoin.com, BitMart and WEEX remain subject to the injunctions.
- LBank was removed after independently blocking access to its services in Kazakhstan.
- Orders will be sent to Google Play and the Apple App Store to restrict access geographically.
Table of Contents
- What the Kazakhstan crypto injunctions cover
- Warnings led to court proceedings
- What authorization means for customers
- Conclusion
What the Kazakhstan crypto injunctions cover
AFSA’s announcement of the court injunctions describes restrictions on providing, offering or advertising digital asset-related services within the AIFC without the appropriate licence. The restrictions also cover distributing or making mobile applications available to deliver those services.
The court initially named seven platform operators in its September 15, 2026 judgment. It amended the order three days later to remove LBank after that operator independently restricted access in Kazakhstan, leaving six operators subject to the injunctions.
The distinction between jurisdiction and implementation matters: the prohibition addresses unauthorized activity within the AIFC, while app-store restrictions are a means of enforcing it. AFSA said the relevant orders would be sent to Google Play and the Apple App Store; its announcement does not confirm that those restrictions have already been implemented.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial judgment | September 15, 2026: injunctions issued against seven platform operators. |
| Amended order | September 18, 2026: LBank removed after independently blocking access in Kazakhstan. |
| Public announcement | October 20, 2026: AFSA announced the action against the six remaining operators. |
| App-store enforcement | Orders to be sent to Google Play and the Apple App Store; implementation not confirmed. |
Warnings led to court proceedings
AFSA Chief Executive Evgeniya Bogdanova said the enforcement campaign began in 2025 with written warnings to more than 20 crypto platforms explaining the AIFC’s requirements. The regulator initiated court proceedings in early 2026 against operators that continued providing services without a licence.
Nine platforms voluntarily restricted access to their applications in Kazakhstan, prompting AFSA to withdraw its claims against them. Another seven expressed an intention to obtain authorization to operate digital asset trading facilities. Those expressions of interest are not licence approvals.
Bogdanova said AFSA had also been working closely with the National Bank of Kazakhstan on digital asset oversight since May 2026.
What authorization means for customers
The court said unauthorized services undermine the AIFC regulatory framework and create unfair competition for licensed businesses. Authorized firms bear compliance obligations covering anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, customer due diligence and ongoing supervision.
AFSA warned that clients of unlicensed platforms do not benefit from the protections required of licensed firms, including asset safeguarding, information disclosure, complaints handling and dispute resolution. The announcement does not establish that the affected platforms’ global operations are prohibited or that customer assets have been frozen.
Conclusion
The Kazakhstan crypto injunctions move AFSA’s licensing enforcement from warnings to court-backed restrictions. The next stated step is sending the orders to the app-store operators; the announcement gives no implementation deadline.
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Disclaimer
This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.
