Set Up a Licensed Brokerage at the AIFC in Kazakhstan with Zitadelle AG

Zitadelle AG offers full-service consultancy for financial institutions looking to establish a regulated presence at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)—Central Asia’s premier financial hub. Whether you're launching a brokerage firm, multilateral trading facility (MTF), or investment advisory business, the AIFC provides a modern legal framework and access to regional markets with regulatory clarity.

AIFC Brokerage & MTF Licensing Overview

The AIFC currently licenses two types of brokerage structures:

• STP Broker (Straight Through Processing/Agency model)

• Market Maker (Dealing on Own Account)

At Zitadelle AG, we specialize in obtaining the STP Broker License, which allows you to provide online brokerage services to both local and international clients from Kazakhstan.

Why Choose the AIFC?

• English common-law based legal system

• 0% corporate tax for AIFC participants

• International-grade regulatory oversight by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA)

• Growing demand for online investment services in Central Asia and CIS markets

Licensing Process & Timeline

Establishing a regulated brokerage at the AIFC takes approximately 6–9 months. Our end-to-end service ensures a smooth and efficient application process.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Select AIFC Residency Option:

   • Incorporate a new Kazakh entity (preferred)

   • Accredit a representative office of a foreign company

2. Prepare Core Documentation:

   • Detailed business plan

   • AML/CTF policies

   • Compliance & risk frameworks

   • Investment strategy and operating model

3. Application Submission:

   • File for In-Principle Approval with AFSA

   • Incorporate legal entity and submit remaining documents

   • Secure final approval and obtain license

Key Staffing Requirements

• Senior Executive Officer (preferably a Kazakh resident)

• Finance Officer

• Compliance Officer

• Director

• AML Officer (must be a Kazakh resident)

KYC & Supporting Documents Checklist

To support your application, the following documents may be required:

• Certificate of Incorporation (Parent Company)

• Board Resolutions

• CVs of Directors & Controllers

• Latest Audited Financials (if available)

• Ownership & Shareholding Charts

• Organizational Chart

• Proof of Funds (Startups)

• Client Agreements & Policy Documents

• Kazakhstani ID/Passport Copies (as applicable)

• Regulatory Licenses (if applicable)

Why Work With Zitadelle AG?

With proven expertise in regulatory licensing across emerging financial hubs, Zitadelle AG provides a one-stop solution—from documentation to strategic structuring—for firms entering the AIFC. We help you navigate legal, compliance, HR, and infrastructure matters so you can focus on business growth.