The National Bank of Kazakhstan has announced the launch of a new project to implement crypto cards within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). With these cards, users will be able to pay for goods and services using digital assets integrated into the country’s payment infrastructure.
This is reported by Business • Media
Innovations in Kazakhstan’s Financial Sector
The crypto cards will be linked to wallets on European cryptocurrency exchanges that hold AIFC licenses. During payment, digital assets will be instantly converted into fiat currency, and the received funds will be credited to the user’s card. This will allow the use of cryptocurrency for everyday transactions, while the actual transaction will occur in conventional currency.
“This solution provides a secure and convenient integration of digital asset circulation into the existing payment infrastructure,” emphasized the National Bank.
This system will be implemented through integration with the banking sector and specialized payment gateways of the AIFC, ensuring the speed and security of transactions. Representatives of the National Bank highlight that the new mechanism will contribute to the development of modern banking infrastructure and enhance the legality of using crypto assets.
Plans for 2025: Asset Tokenization and Stablecoins
In addition to launching crypto cards, Kazakhstan plans to introduce stablecoins pegged to the national currency—tenge—in 2025 to facilitate convenient crypto transactions. There are also plans to implement pilot projects for asset tokenization, including real estate and the issuance of tokens equivalent to securities. Services for accounting equipment for digital objects and platforms for exchanging and storing crypto assets are being developed.
It is noted that all these initiatives are aimed at developing Kazakhstan’s economy and expanding the legal space for innovative crypto services in the country.
Earlier, the Kazakh authorities announced the creation of an experimental zone called CryptoCity, where digital asset transactions will be allowed in various sectors. Additionally, international cooperation in this field is actively developing: recently, Solana and Jupiter announced a partnership with the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange.