Kazakhstan’s Game-Changing Move: USD-Stablecoin Now Accepted for Regulatory Fees in Landmark Pilot

Kazakhstan just flipped the script on government payments—regulatory fees now payable in USD-backed stablecoins.

The Digital Tenge Takes Charge

No more traditional banking delays or international wire fees. This pilot program cuts payment processing times from days to seconds while providing full transparency on blockchain.

Why This Shakes Up Finance

Governments typically move at glacial speed when it comes to crypto adoption—yet here's a nation literally collecting its own fees in digital dollars. Makes you wonder why Wall Street still charges 2% for currency conversions.

Future-Proofing Payments

This isn't just testing technology—it's stress-testing an entire financial paradigm. If successful, expect more governments to bypass traditional banking channels entirely.

One small step for regulatory payments, one giant leap for crypto legitimacy—while traditional finance still debates whether crypto is 'real money,' governments are already collecting it.

TLDR

• Kazakhstan’s AFSA begins pilot accepting USD-pegged stablecoins for fees.

• Bybit is the first crypto exchange to facilitate stablecoin payments for regulatory fees.

• The pilot program aims to simplify and reduce costs for crypto firms in Kazakhstan.

• Eligible firms must meet AFSA’s criteria to participate in the stablecoin payment system.

Kazakhstan’s financial regulators have introduced a pilot program allowing firms in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to pay regulatory fees using USD-pegged stablecoins. The initiative was unveiled during the Astana Finance Days 2025 event and represents a key step in Kazakhstan’s efforts to modernize its financial infrastructure and promote digital finance.

The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MMoU) with the global crypto exchange Bybit, which has become the first licensed digital asset service provider to facilitate the on-chain payment system for regulatory fees. The move underscores Kazakhstan’s ambition to position the AIFC as a hub for digital finance and further integrate stablecoins into its regulatory framework.

Participation and Eligibility Criteria for the Pilot Program

The pilot program is open to a select group of firms that meet AFSA’s eligibility criteria. Firms participating in the program must hold an AFSA license for providing money services related to digital assets or operate a trading facility within the AIFC. Bybit Kazakhstan, as the inaugural agent in the project, will provide a customized QR Pay solution and a dedicated stablecoin wallet system for participating firms.

The stablecoin payment option, available through Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC, is designed to offer a faster, more cost-efficient, and transparent method for settling regulatory fees.

According to Bybit, this new payment method addresses the limitations of traditional payment methods, which often involve delays, high transaction costs, and limited flexibility, particularly for firms whose treasury is held in digital assets.

Benefits of Stablecoin Payments for Kazakhstan Crypto Sector

Stablecoins are increasingly seen as a vital tool for simplifying cross-border payments and enhancing financial inclusion. The AFSA’s MOVE to accept stablecoins for regulatory fees reflects the growing recognition of digital assets in traditional financial systems.

AFSA CEO Evgeniya Bogdanova emphasized that this initiative will make the AIFC more open and efficient, providing a modern and reliable payment system for firms within the jurisdiction.

“Stablecoins are reshaping global finance, and by accepting regulatory fees in USD-pegged stablecoins, we make the AIFC faster, more open, and firmly connected to the future,” Bogdanova said. The program offers a forward-looking approach to payments and is aligned with the global trend of integrating digital currencies into traditional financial infrastructures.

Kazakhstan’s Broader Strategy for Digital Asset Integration

This stablecoin pilot is part of a broader strategy by Kazakhstan’s government to modernize its financial systems and create a more favorable environment for digital asset businesses. In 2024, AFSA introduced a dedicated regulatory framework for stablecoins, making it one of the first regions in Central Asia to do so. Later that year, Kazakhstan issued its first fiat-backed stablecoin license to AnchorX.KZ Limited.

Kazakhstan’s central bank is also pursuing its own digital currency initiative, with the digital tenge pilot already underway. The full rollout of the digital tenge is expected in 2025. These efforts illustrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing a regulated ecosystem for digital assets, positioning itself as a leader in the region.

By accepting USD-pegged stablecoins for regulatory fees, Kazakhstan is signaling its openness to innovation and its intent to build a digital finance hub. This move could pave the way for other countries in Central Asia and beyond to explore similar initiatives, making Kazakhstan an important player in the global crypto landscape.