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Kazakhstan’s Fintech Landscape: A Growing Ecosystem

Astana, Kazakhstan - The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has unveiled a comprehensive concept aimed at developing the country’s financial technology (fintech) market. The initiative aims to create a robust infrastructure for fintech companies and promote innovation in the sector.

Instant Payments and Card Transactions


According to data from 2017, cash withdrawals accounted for 86% of all transactions, while non-cash transactions stood at 54%. However, with the introduction of Kaspi’s Cartomat technology, Kazakhstanis can now receive a personalized Kaspi Gold card in just 60 seconds.

National Payment System and Infrastructure


The NBK has developed an instant payment system, interbank payment card system, interbank clearing system, and real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system to facilitate seamless transactions. Additionally, the bank has launched a digital tenge platform, which utilizes distributed ledger technology for payments and transfers.


The NBK’s open API platform allows fintech companies to access financial services and accounts using third-party applications. The consent management system enables consumers to manage their personal and financial data.

Anti-Fraud Center and Digital Tenge Platform


The anti-fraud center is designed to exchange information on fraudulent transactions, while the digital tenge platform offers a new form of money based on distributed ledger technology.

Key Priorities for Fintech Development


The NBK has identified three key priorities for fintech development in Kazakhstan:

  • Digital Regulator: Establishing a regulatory framework that encourages innovation and minimizes risk.
  • Digital Infrastructure: Developing infrastructure to support fintech companies, including payment systems, financial data exchange, and biometric identification.
  • Live Environment: Creating an environment conducive to fintech growth, with minimal bureaucracy and maximum flexibility.

Success Factors for Fintech Development


Experts have identified several success factors for fintech development in Kazakhstan:

  • Progressive Legal Field: A regulatory framework that encourages innovation and minimizes risk.
  • Mutual Penetration of Financial and Public Services: Seamless integration of financial services with public services, such as government agencies.
  • Emergence of Bank-Centric Ecosystems: The development of bank-centric ecosystems that promote collaboration between banks and fintech companies.

Role of the Data-Focused Management System (DFMS)


The DFMS plays a crucial role in realizing the concept of fintech development in Kazakhstan by:

  • Implementing a data-centric approach to data collection, eliminating duplicate data and increasing analytical potential.
  • Reorganizing data management systems to improve data collection and processing tools.

Four Directions for Fintech Development


The NBK has identified four key directions for fintech development:

  • Informational Support: Providing financial market indicators to business units of the NBK and Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market.
  • Single Window of Interactions Initiative: Creating a single window for interactions between fintech companies, banks, and government agencies.
  • Data Management Reorganization: Improving data management systems to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Improving Data Collection and Processing Tools: Enhancing data collection and processing tools to support fintech innovation.

As Kazakhstan continues to develop its fintech landscape, the NBK’s concept provides a clear roadmap for growth and innovation in the sector. With its emphasis on digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and data management systems, the country is poised to become a major player in the global fintech market.