AFSA introduces amendments to the AIFC Fees Rules
Following public consultation conducted from 2 October to 2 November 2025, the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has introduced amendments to the AIFC Fees Rules, with the majority of them taking effect from 1 December 2025 and some subject to deferred commencement dates.
Since their initial approval in December 2017, the AIFC Fees Rules have undergone a series of targeted updates to reflect evolving regulatory regime and market developments. Notwithstanding these amendments, the original fee levels have largely remained unchanged until these new amendments. Previous adjustments have been introduced only in a limited and proportionate manner, primarily in relation to supervision and registration fees.
Considering that the AIFC ecosystem has reached a more advanced stage of development, the new amendments introduce a substantially broader revision, affecting almost all fee categories. The growth of financial institutions and the increasing sophistication of their activities require AFSA to provide more comprehensive and technologically advanced regulatory and supervisory services, including the enhanced use of SupTech, artificial intelligence, and data-driven tools to strengthen supervisory capacity and improve the overall quality of regulation.
The updated AIFC Fees Rules aim to ensure that AFSA can continue to uphold high regulatory standards while supporting the sustainable development of the AIFC ecosystem.
On 2 October 2025, AFSA issued for public consultation a number of policy proposals on amendments to the AIFC Fees Rules. A substantial volume of feedback was received from a wide range of market participants, who generally recognised the need for an increase while also raising certain concerns and seeking clarification on some proposals. AFSA carefully reviewed and considered all comments received.
Since their initial approval in December 2017, the AIFC Fees Rules have undergone a series of targeted updates to reflect evolving regulatory regime and market developments. Notwithstanding these amendments, the original fee levels have largely remained unchanged until these new amendments. Previous adjustments have been introduced only in a limited and proportionate manner, primarily in relation to supervision and registration fees.
Considering that the AIFC ecosystem has reached a more advanced stage of development, the new amendments introduce a substantially broader revision, affecting almost all fee categories. The growth of financial institutions and the increasing sophistication of their activities require AFSA to provide more comprehensive and technologically advanced regulatory and supervisory services, including the enhanced use of SupTech, artificial intelligence, and data-driven tools to strengthen supervisory capacity and improve the overall quality of regulation.
The updated AIFC Fees Rules aim to ensure that AFSA can continue to uphold high regulatory standards while supporting the sustainable development of the AIFC ecosystem.
On 2 October 2025, AFSA issued for public consultation a number of policy proposals on amendments to the AIFC Fees Rules. A substantial volume of feedback was received from a wide range of market participants, who generally recognised the need for an increase while also raising certain concerns and seeking clarification on some proposals. AFSA carefully reviewed and considered all comments received.
The majority of the initial proposals have been retained, as they were confirmed during the review to be proportionate and justified, and in many cases had already addressed a number of concerns raised through the public consultation. However, in light of certain comments and the practical realities faced by regulated entities, AFSA introduced targeted adjustments to a number of proposals.