The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued a Class Modification introducing a new authorisation approach for FinTech Lab applicants, replacing the prior two-stage pathway with a single-stage assessment intended to shorten timelines for admission to the regulatory sandbox. Under the previous model, applicants went through a pre-application stage covering eligibility and fitness and propriety checks, followed by an application stage assessing financial and non-financial resources, proposed candidates, internal control documents, and development and approval of a test plan. From 16 February, assessment is conducted in one stage covering eligibility of the business model, proposed candidates, and financial and non-financial resources. Policies and procedures will no longer be assessed at the authorisation stage, although applicants must submit anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies and procedures to demonstrate the framework has been developed, and FinTech Lab participants may offer services at the supervision stage only once internal controls have been established to AFSA’s satisfaction.
Astana Financial Services Authority 2026-02-17
Astana Financial Services Authority shifts FinTech Lab sandbox entry to a single-stage authorisation assessment from 16 February
The Astana Financial Services Authority has introduced a Class Modification for FinTech Lab applicants, moving from a two-stage to a single-stage authorisation process to expedite regulatory sandbox admission. The new approach assesses business model eligibility, proposed candidates, and resources, while requiring submission of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies. Participants can offer services after establishing satisfactory internal controls.