Kazakhstan Introduces New Payment Card Restrictions for Non-Residents

The Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDF) has implemented new rules that limit the validity of payment cards issued to non-residents to one year.

Exceptions are made for businessmen, investors, and diplomats, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

The changes are intended to reduce risks associated with drug trafficking and digital asset transactions. The ARDF clarified that the new restrictions do not apply to payment cards already in use.

Under the updated regulations, banks are required to closely monitor transactions linked to drug trafficking; transfers to digital asset exchanges not affiliated with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC); and payments to electronic or online casinos. Banks must also scrutinize customers holding more than five cards at a single bank or three cards at three different banks.

The new measures include stricter verification requirements for beneficial owners (BO): individuals who ultimately benefit from a company or assets, even if these are registered under another name. Financial institutions are now mandated to use all available tools, including official documents and public records, to identify the actual owners of assets. Previously, beneficial ownership was determined based solely on a person holding 25% or more of a company’s authorized capital.

These reforms aim to enhance the transparency of financial transactions and prevent illegal activities, including fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.