As part of the international AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with David Ripley, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the international crypto platform Kraken.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for the development of the digital assets market, the introduction of modern financial technologies, the improvement of regulatory approaches, as well as opportunities to apply international experience in Kazakhstan’s digital economy.
Following the meeting, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kraken signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at developing the digital assets market and introducing blockchain technologies in Kazakhstan.
Another significant milestone was Kraken’s receipt of In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
This approval represents one of the key stages of the licensing process and lays the groundwork for the company to commence operations within the AIFC’s regulated jurisdiction upon fulfillment of the established requirements.
The receipt of In-Principle Approval confirms the interest of one of the world’s largest international crypto platforms in entering the Kazakhstani market and opens up new opportunities for the further development of the country’s digital assets industry.
The signed Memorandum provides for cooperation in improving digital asset regulation, developing the digital finance market, integrating traditional banking infrastructure with the digital assets market, introducing blockchain technologies, as well as implementing educational initiatives and improving financial literacy among the population.
Particular attention will be paid to cooperation with the AIFC to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional crypto hub and create favorable conditions for attracting leading international participants in the digital assets industry.
“The entry of major international players such as Kraken into the Kazakhstani market represents an important step in the development of our domestic digital assets industry. Our objective is to establish a transparent, competitive, and secure environment in which international companies can introduce advanced technological solutions, while citizens and businesses gain access to modern financial services.
The signing of the Memorandum with Kraken creates additional opportunities for exchanging international expertise, advancing blockchain technologies, and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a regional crypto hub,” said Gizzat Baitursynov, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Kazakhstan demonstrates significant potential for the development of the digital assets industry and is creating favorable conditions for international market participants. Obtaining In-Principle Approval from AFSA marks an important milestone toward Payward (Kraken’s parent company) entering the Kazakhstani market.
We highly value the constructive dialogue with government authorities and look forward to continued cooperation in developing a secure, transparent, and innovative digital assets ecosystem,” said David Ripley, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Payward (Kraken).
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan will continue its efforts to establish a favorable regulatory and technological environment for the development of the digital assets industry, attract international market participants, and expand the practical application of blockchain technologies across the national economy.
Background: Kraken is one of the world’s largest international cryptocurrency platforms, founded in the United States in 2011. The company provides digital asset buying, selling, custody, and trading services to retail and institutional clients.
Kraken is operated by the Payward group of companies and operates in markets across North America, Europe, and other regions. The platform supports a wide range of digital assets and fiat currencies and offers professional trading and institutional services.
