Kazakhstan-UAE Talks on Digital Assets and FinTech Collaboration
A high-level delegation from the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on March 26-27 to enhance cooperation in financial markets, digital assets, and investment partnerships.
The delegation held discussions with key UAE financial authorities, including H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE); H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, CEO of the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA); and H.E. Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). Meetings also took place with Mubadala, UAE’s sovereign investment fund, and representatives from leading financial centers, banking institutions, and fintech companies.
Strengthening Financial Cooperation
During the meeting with the Central Bank of the UAE, both sides exchanged views on macroeconomic conditions, financial flow management, and digital financial assets regulation. A significant outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate collaboration in financial market development, FinTech innovation, cybersecurity, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
Advancing Stock Market and Blockchain Technologies
The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Kazakh regulators discussed stock market cooperation, particularly the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) leveraging the Tabadul digital exchange platform in the UAE. Additionally, discussions with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) focused on the development of blockchain technologies and digital asset regulation.
Meetings with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) explored regulatory frameworks for financial centers and cross-border transactions, aiming to streamline financial operations between Kazakhstan and the UAE.
Capital Markets and Investment Prospects
During the discussions with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), both parties emphasized the importance of capital market infrastructure and improving trading liquidity.
Kazakhstan’s delegation also engaged with Mubadala Investment Holding and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) to explore expanding investment partnerships. Moreover, discussions with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Microsoft focused on developing AI-driven infrastructure in Kazakhstan’s financial sector.
A Step Forward in Financial Collaboration
The visit underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE in finance, FinTech, and investment. The agreements and discussions pave the way for greater regulatory alignment, enhanced stock market collaboration, and cutting-edge technological advancements in digital finance.
As Kazakhstan continues to develop its financial sector, partnerships with UAE institutions will play a key role in fostering innovation, investment, and regulatory best practices.
