Kazakhstan Debuts Central Asia’s First Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund

Kazakhstan has taken a major step in integrating cryptocurrency into its regulated financial markets with the launch of the region’s first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Astana-based Fonte Capital announced that its Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund OEIC (BETF) has started trading on the Astana International Exchange (AIX), The Caspian Post informs per Kazakh media.

Denominated in US dollars and directly backed by physical bitcoin, the ETF provides regulated and secure access to the world’s largest cryptocurrency for both institutional and retail investors.

Custody for the fund is handled by BitGo Trust, a US-regulated custodian offering insurance coverage of up to $250 million. Bitcoins are stored in offline cold wallets and secure vaults, with protections against hacks and counterparty risks, according to AIX.

The ETF is designed to keep fees low and tracking errors minimal, allowing investors-both domestic and international-to purchase BETF shares through AIX without managing private keys or using crypto exchanges.

Operating under the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the fund benefits from a robust legal framework for digital assets. By joining countries such as Canada, Hong Kong, and the US in approving spot bitcoin ETFs, Kazakhstan is solidifying its position as a regional leader in digital finance.