- The Astana International Financial Centre Court barred six crypto platforms from providing, offering or advertising digital asset services within the centre without a license.
- The September 15, 2026, decision covers BingX, Bitcoin.com, HTX, BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX.
- Google and Apple must geographically restrict access to the platforms through their app stores.
The Astana International Financial Centre Court on September 15, 2026, banned six crypto platforms from providing, offering or advertising digital asset services within the centre without the required license. The ruling provides for enforced access restrictions and extends to Google and Apple as app store operators.
The court issued the decision following a lawsuit filed by the Financial Services Regulatory Committee, or AFSA. It applies to the operators of BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global, also known as HTX, BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX.
The restrictions require Google Play and the Apple App Store to geographically block access to the relevant services.
LBank was initially included in the case. The court amended its decision on September 18 after the platform independently restricted access to its services in Kazakhstan.
AFSA steps up action against unlicensed platforms
In court, AFSA argued that providing digital asset services without authorization undermines the integrity of the AIFC regulatory system and creates unfair competition for licensed companies. Licensed firms must comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements, conduct customer due diligence and submit to regulatory oversight.
AFSA Chief Executive Yevgeniya Bogdanova said the regulator began taking action against unlicensed crypto platforms in 2025. AFSA sent written warnings to more than 20 platforms to clarify the AIFC’s requirements.
In early 2026, AFSA went to court against platforms that continued operating without a license. According to the regulator, nine crypto platforms voluntarily restricted access to their applications in Kazakhstan through Google Play and the Apple App Store, prompting AFSA to withdraw its lawsuits against them. Another seven platforms said they intended to obtain a license.
The six platforms covered by the September 15 decision remained subject to enforced access restrictions.
AFSA said customers of unlicensed platforms do not receive the protections provided by requirements imposed on licensed participants. Those rules cover asset custody, disclosures, complaint handling and dispute resolution.
Bitget previously added Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to its list of prohibited countries.
Source: Incrypted
