Crypto exchange Bybit Kazakhstan signed a cooperation memorandum with AIFC Markets Ltd. on October 14, 2026, covering digital asset investments under the Astana International Financial Centre’s Investment Tax Residency Programme. The agreement matters because it provides a process for verifying and recognizing eligible investments made by program participants through the licensed Bybit Kazakhstan platform.

AIFC Markets Ltd. is the program office for the Investment Tax Residency Programme, or ITRP. The AIFC initiative allows foreign investors to obtain Kazakhstan tax residency and an investor visa, provided they invest through the centre’s infrastructure.

The program previously provided for the recognition of certain digital asset investments made by qualified investors through platforms licensed by the AIFC Financial Services Authority, or AFSA.

Investment verification process

Under the memorandum, digital asset investments that meet ITRP requirements and are made through the licensed Bybit platform in Kazakhstan will be eligible for verification and recognition by the program office. The parties also plan to use an automated, secure mechanism to confirm the investments.

The arrangement should make it easier for international investors to participate in the program, according to the release. Investors will be able to open an account on an AFSA-licensed platform, build a digital asset portfolio and submit qualifying investments for recognition under the ITRP.

Bybit Kazakhstan Country Manager Ablaykhan Aubakir said Kazakhstan was building a regulated environment for digital assets and that the AIFC program demonstrated the practical application of that approach.

“This memorandum means that investors who choose Kazakhstan can build their digital asset portfolio on a licensed platform and be confident that these investments are recognised within the AIFC framework,” he said.

Kazakhstan expands investment infrastructure

AIFC Administration Board Chairman Bakhtiyar Tleubekov called the inclusion of digital assets in the ITRP an important step in developing Kazakhstan’s investment infrastructure. He said the program update expanded the range of tools available to attract international capital and created additional opportunities for investors within the AIFC ecosystem.

The memorandum extends Bybit Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the financial centre. The company has AIFC participant status and holds an AFSA license. The parties also plan to consider other joint initiatives aimed at developing regulated digital asset infrastructure in Kazakhstan.

Detailed terms of the program are available on the official AIFC website.

Source: Incrypted