- Bybit Kazakhstan and Alatau City Authority signed a cooperation memorandum at the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, held in Astana from October 1 to 3.
- The parties will explore asset tokenization, digital asset payments and cross-border transfers as Alatau develops as a smart city and potential financial and innovation hub.
- The memorandum records an intention to cooperate and does not announce the launch of products or services.
Kazakhstan-based platform Bybit Kazakhstan and special management organization Alatau City Authority signed a memorandum to explore the use of digital assets in Alatau, according to a company press release shared with Incrypted. They signed the document at the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum in Astana, held from October 1 to 3, as the city develops under a separate legal regime that includes rules for digital asset activities.
The memorandum outlines cooperation on digital asset-based solutions as part of plans to develop Alatau as a new smart city and potential financial and innovation hub in Kazakhstan.
Three areas of cooperation
The parties will examine models for real-world asset tokenization, including the issuance, accounting and circulation of tokenized assets. They will also consider whether such assets could be admitted to trading where applicable.
For digital asset payments, Bybit Kazakhstan and Alatau City Authority plan to explore payment solutions for the city’s residents, businesses and visitors.
The parties will also assess opportunities to use digital assets for cross-border money transfers and settlements.
The memorandum lays the groundwork for further discussions as Alatau’s regulatory environment takes shape, the press release said. It records the parties’ intention to cooperate rather than announcing ready-made products or services.
“Alatau is a rare opportunity to integrate digital finance into a city from the ground up within a clear legal environment,” said Ablaykhan Aubakir, regional director of Bybit Kazakhstan.
Aubakir said tokenization, payments and cross-border settlements are areas in which digital assets can provide practical value to people and businesses. Bybit Kazakhstan is also prepared to share its experience in building regulated infrastructure as the city develops its legal framework.
Bybit Kazakhstan said the memorandum continues its work to develop regulated digital asset infrastructure in Kazakhstan. The platform operates as a participant of the Astana International Financial Centre and holds a license from the Astana Financial Services Authority.
Source: Incrypted
