AIX marks digital finance milestone with first Bitcoin public ETF listing in Central Asia

Astana International Exchange (“AIX” or the “Exchange”) is pleased to announce that Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund OEIC PLC (BETF), the first spot Bitcoin ETF registered in Kazakhstan and Central Asia is admitted to trading.

Managed by Fonte Capital Ltd, the BETF offers investors regulated and transparent access to the price performance of bitcoin without requiring direct ownership of the asset. Structured as a Non-Exempt fund under the AIFC jurisdiction, it is open to a wide range of investors, including retail participants.

Backed by physical bitcoin held with a licensed custodian, BETF provides enhanced security, and operational efficiency.  The fund is designed to closely track the price of bitcoin before fees and charges, with a competitive annual management fee.

The listing supports the AIFC’s broader objective to position Kazakhstan as a leading hub for digital finance and investment in the region.

AIX Chief Markets and Products Birzhan Astayev said: “The debut of Kazakhstan’s first spot Bitcoin ETF marks a new chapter for our capital markets, bringing digital assets into the mainstream investment landscape. It reflects our commitment to connecting global investors with opportunities in Central Asia, supported by strong governance and market integrity. This milestone reaffirms Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a leading hub for regulated digital finance in the region.”

Yerzhan Mussin, Fonte Capital Ltd CEO, noted: "We offer investors a convenient and secure way to include bitcoin in their portfolios without the complexities associated with custody and inheritance of the underlying asset. We are confident that our Fund will become a sought-after instrument for investors aiming to diversify their portfolios and gain access to a new category of financial instruments.”

Reference

AIX was formed in 2017 within the Astana International Financial Centre development framework. AIX shareholders are AIFC, the Shanghai stock exchange, the Silk Road Fund, and NASDAQ, which also provides the AIX trading platform. The exchange operates within a regulatory environment based on the principles of English Law, thus providing a reliable investment environment. The mission of AIX is to develop an active capital market in Kazakhstan and the region by providing clear and favorable conditions for attracting financing to private and public businesses. AIX develops special segments for mining companies as well as infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative. www.aix.kz

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a leading financial hub in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, designed to connect global capital with the vast opportunities of emerging markets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the AIFC combines international best practices with innovative approaches to create a world-class platform for investment, business, and financial services. Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted over USD 15.9 bln in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Over 4,000 companies from 80+ countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Turkiye, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and others, are registered within the AIFC’s jurisdiction. www.aifc.kz 

Photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash

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