Kazakhstan regulator outlaws OKX, HTX and Bitget
The AIFC Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued an emergency warning: the operation of a number of the world’s largest crypto exchanges in Kazakhstan is illegal. The list of “violators” included platforms used by thousands of local traders.
The regulator directly pointed to the HTX, Bitget, OKX and MEXC exchanges. Despite their worldwide fame, these platforms do not have a license from the AIFC (Astana International Financial Center), which makes their activities to promote and provide services in Kazakhstan illegal. “The fact that a platform is widely known and convenient does not mean that it has the right to operate in our jurisdiction,” AFSA noted.
Which crypto exchanges are allowed to operate in Kazakhstan
At the moment, only those companies that have passed the licensing procedure and are included in the AFSA register are officially allowed to operate in Kazakhstan. Of the global giants, only Bybit and the Kazakh division of Binance have legal status. In total, there are about 30 companies on the register.
Using unlicensed exchanges carries three critical risks: lack of legal protection in case of theft of funds, the possibility of leakage of personal data, and the risk of involvement in fraudulent schemes. AFSA recommends that all citizens consult the official Public Register before any transactions.
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