Kazakhstan orders Apple and Google to block six crypto exchanges

Regulator targets app distribution channels in enforcement push against unauthorized digital-asset platforms

By LineZotpaper

Published21 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Kazakhstan's Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) announced on October 20 that it plans to send court orders to Apple and Google, directing them to restrict access to six crypto exchange platforms through their mobile app stores. The enforcement action targets services operating without authorization in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).

The orders apply to the operators of BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX. AFSA issued the original default judgment on September 15 and a variation order on September 18 that removed LBank after the operator reported independently blocking access to its services in Kazakhstan.

The restrictions prohibit providing, offering, or marketing digital-asset services without authorization in the AIFC or to users located there. The orders also specifically bar distributing or making mobile apps available through any platform to provide those unauthorized services. According to AFSA, Apple and Google become bound by the order as if they were parties to the case once notice has been served on them. The order allows the app-store operators to seek a change or have it set aside after acknowledging service.

AFSA noted that nine other platforms voluntarily restricted access to their apps in Kazakhstan through both stores, prompting it to withdraw its claims against them. A further seven platforms indicated they intend to obtain licenses to operate digital-asset trading facilities.

The proceedings follow warnings issued to more than 20 platforms in 2025 and court action that began in early 2026. Coinbase faced access restrictions in Kazakhstan previously in November 2023. AFSA has not confirmed whether service has been effected on the app-store operators. For users of the six platforms, the practical effect depends on the implementation and geographic settings of any restrictions applied.

Analysis

Why This Matters

This enforcement action applies novel pressure on global app-store operators to enforce local financial regulations, potentially creating a new compliance burden for Apple and Google.
For users in Kazakhstan, the ability to access major crypto exchanges now depends on how the app-store operators respond to the court orders.
The strategy could provide a template for other regulators seeking to restrict digital-asset platforms by targeting their distribution channels.

Background

Kazakhstan's Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) operates as a special economic zone with its own legal framework for financial services, including digital assets. AFSA, its regulator, has pursued enforcement against platforms it deems to be operating without authorization. This action follows warnings issued to more than 20 platforms in 2025 and court actions begun in early 2026. Coinbase previously faced access restrictions in the country in November 2023.

Key Perspectives

[AFSA / Kazakh Regulator]: AFSA views the court orders as a necessary step to bring unauthorized digital-asset services under its supervisory framework and to enforce compliance within the AIFC. [Affected Crypto Exchanges]: The six platforms face restricted access to the Kazakhstan market through mobile apps. Some operators may choose to voluntarily comply to have the orders against them withdrawn, as LBank did. [App-Store Intermediaries (Apple and Google)]: The app-store operators must navigate the legal implications of serving the court orders. They retain the ability to seek modifications or to implement geographic restrictions on app availability.

What to Watch

Whether Apple and Google formally acknowledge service and what technical measures they implement.
If any of the remaining six platforms voluntarily restrict access to have the orders removed, as LBank did.
Whether other international regulators adopt similar app-store-focused enforcement strategies against unlicensed financial services.

Sources

Kazakhstan shuts down mobile access to 6 major crypto exchanges · CryptoSlate

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.

Show each claim

Partly supportedKazakhstan has ordered Apple and Google to block six crypto exchanges.CryptoSlate: “AFSA said on Oct. 20 that it plans to send court orders to Apple and Google to restrict access to six crypto platforms”
SupportedThe regulator is targeting app distribution channels in an enforcement push against unauthorized digital-asset platforms.CryptoSlate: “The move targets app distribution as part of the regulator’s enforcement against unauthorized digital-asset services.”
SupportedAFSA announced on October 20 that it plans to send Apple and Google orders directing them to restrict access to six crypto platforms through their app stores.CryptoSlate: “AFSA said on Oct. 20 that it plans to send court orders to Apple and Google to restrict access to six crypto platforms, including Coinbase.”
SupportedThe enforcement action targets services operating without authorization in or to users in the AIFC.CryptoSlate: “The restraints cover providing, offering, or marketing digital-asset services without authorization in the AIFC or to users located there.”
SupportedThe orders cover the operators of BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX.CryptoSlate: “The Sept. 18 variation order covers the operators of BingX , Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global ( HTX ), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX.”
SupportedThe original default judgment was issued on September 15, and the September 18 variation removed LBank after its operator reported independently blocking access in Kazakhstan.CryptoSlate: “AFSA issued the original default judgment on Sept. 15, and the variation removed LBank after its operator reported remedial measures, since AFSA says LBank independently blocked access to its services in Kazakhstan.”
SupportedThe restrictions prohibit providing, offering or marketing unauthorized digital-asset services in the AIFC or to users there.CryptoSlate: “The restraints cover providing, offering, or marketing digital-asset services without authorization in the AIFC or to users located there.”
SupportedThe orders also bar distributing or making apps available through any platform to provide those unauthorized services.CryptoSlate: “They also bar distributing or making mobile apps available through any platform to provide those unauthorized services.”
SupportedApple and Google become bound by the order as if they were parties once notice has been served.CryptoSlate: “Apple and Google become bound by the order as if they were parties to the case once notice has been served on them.”
SupportedAFSA withdrew claims against nine other platforms after they voluntarily restricted access to their apps in Kazakhstan through both stores.CryptoSlate: “The regulator says nine other platforms voluntarily restricted access to their apps in Kazakhstan through both stores, prompting it to withdraw its claims against them.”
SupportedSeven other platforms indicated they intend to obtain licenses to operate digital-asset trading facilities.CryptoSlate: “AFSA also says seven platforms said they intend to obtain licenses to operate digital-asset trading facilities.”
SupportedAFSA has not confirmed whether the app-store operators have been served.CryptoSlate: “AFSA has not confirmed service on the app-store operators or implementation against the six platforms.”