- Kazakhstan secured a court ruling targeting Coinbase and five other platforms operating without licenses.
- The Astana Financial Services Authority brought the case to enforce crypto platform licensing requirements.
- The original ruling came down on Sept. 15, followed by an amended order on Sept. 18.
Kazakhstan is cracking down harder on crypto platforms running without the required license. On October 20, reports laid out a court ruling aimed at Coinbase and five other crypto platforms, with Apple and Google also getting dragged into efforts to block access to their mobile apps.
The five other platforms still covered by the injunction are BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, and WEEX. LBank was on the list at first but was removed after its operator moved to restrict access in Kazakhstan.
The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), which oversees financial services in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), brought the case. Per the official court order, the original ruling came down on September 15, followed by an amended order on September 18.
Why Are the Platforms Being Targeted?
The court told the six operators they can’t provide, offer, or advertise digital asset services in the AIFC (or to users there) without the proper license.
Additionally, the order covers distributing or offering mobile apps that deliver unauthorized services. Apple and Google were notified under the order so geographic restrictions can be enforced through their app stores.
AFSA warns that unlicensed platforms can leave customers without the protections regulated providers must offer, such as safeguards for asset custody, disclosures, complaints, and dispute resolution. The regulator also pointed out serious safety concerns regarding weak security, poor anti-money laundering checks, and potential misuse of personal account data.
This decision comes after a long-running effort by regulators to enforce local laws.
The AFSA noted that throughout 2025, it cautioned over 20 platforms that they needed proper AIFC licenses to operate. Following these warnings, nine platforms voluntarily blocked local access to their apps, causing regulators to drop action against them. Another seven expressed interest in applying for licenses.
The action follows bigger changes to Kazakhstan’s crypto rules. On May 1, 2026, a major new set of regulations kicked in, giving government watchdogs much tighter control over crypto exchanges and companies offering digital asset services.
Related: Kazakhstan Central Bank Taps Tether for Tenge Stablecoin Pilot
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