AFSA Pursues Court-Backed App Store Restrictions Against Six Unauthorized Crypto Platforms

Key Points

• The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in Kazakhstan intends to deliver court orders to Apple and Google aimed at blocking access to six cryptocurrency platforms.
• Targeted platforms include BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase, and WEEX.
• Once formally notified, Apple and Google must comply with the court directives as if they were original defendants.
• A separate group of nine platforms voluntarily blocked their applications in Kazakhstan, leading AFSA to drop proceedings against them.
• AFSA has not yet disclosed whether the tech companies have received formal service or implemented any app blocks.

Kazakhstan’s financial regulatory body is preparing to deliver court-issued directives to Apple and Google that would limit mobile app access to six cryptocurrency platforms, with Coinbase among them. This approach draws major app distribution channels directly into the regulatory enforcement framework alongside the digital-asset providers themselves.

The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) disclosed its intentions on Oct. 20. The initiative forms part of a broader crackdown on digital-asset operators functioning without proper regulatory approval.

These directives apply to services either provided within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)—a distinct financial jurisdiction in Kazakhstan—or accessed by individuals physically located in the country.

Platforms Subject to Enforcement

The court directives specifically identify the companies operating BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase, and WEEX.

AFSA secured the initial default judgment on Sept. 15. Such judgments are granted when a defendant fails to appear or respond during legal proceedings. A subsequent variation order was issued on Sept. 18.

The variation excluded LBank after its operator demonstrated corrective action. According to AFSA, LBank proactively restricted access to its platform for users in Kazakhstan.

The enforcement measures prohibit the provision, promotion, or marketing of digital-asset services without authorization within the AIFC or to residents of that jurisdiction. They further prohibit the distribution of mobile applications through any channel for delivering those unauthorized services.

Implications for Tech Platform Operators

Once Apple and Google receive official notice, they become legally obligated to comply with the directive as though they were original defendants in the case. The order also permits both corporations to petition for modifications or request that the directive be vacated after acknowledging receipt.

AFSA’s public statement indicates the orders “will be sent” to the entities controlling the Google Play and Apple App Store. The authority has not yet verified that formal delivery has occurred.

Regarding the six platforms still covered, AFSA stated it will implement access limitations through these injunctions. Blocking app availability would eliminate one primary channel users rely on to access these cryptocurrency services.

The directive does not specify what technical measures the app store operators must implement. It also remains unclear whether restrictions would apply only in Kazakhstan or potentially extend to other regions.

Nine additional platforms took voluntary action to block their applications in Kazakhstan across both distribution platforms. As a consequence, AFSA discontinued its legal actions against this group.

These nine operators represent a distinct category from the six companies still subject to active enforcement orders.

AFSA noted that seven platforms have expressed plans to pursue licenses for operating digital-asset trading facilities under proper authorization.

The regulator explained that these legal proceedings followed warning notices dispatched to more than 20 platforms during 2025. Formal court proceedings commenced in early 2026.

Coinbase encountered previous access limitations in Kazakhstan back in November 2023. The current enforcement strategy introduces an additional mechanism centered on application distribution channels.

For individuals using the six affected platforms, the tangible impact will depend on whether service has been completed and how implementation unfolds. This includes determining the geographical parameters of any app store restrictions that may be imposed.