Bitfinex Securities Seeks Full AIFC Licence at Astana Forum

Bitfinex Securities’ application to exit the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) regulatory sandbox represents a critical step in the company’s evolution toward full regulatory compliance. This transition signals the platform’s readiness to operate under a mature compliance framework, having demonstrated its operational capabilities and risk management protocols during the sandbox phase. The move positions Bitfinex Securities as one of the first digital asset platforms to graduate from the AIFC’s innovative regulatory environment, setting a precedent for other fintech companies seeking to establish regulated operations in Central Asia.

Concurrent with this regulatory advancement, Bitfinex Securities disclosed impressive growth metrics, reaching nearly $250 million in assets under management (AUM) on its platform. This milestone underscores the platform’s expanding role in the tokenised securities sector and reflects growing institutional and retail investor confidence in digital asset offerings. The $250 million AUM figure represents tangible progress in scaling regulated digital asset markets, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical implementation and market adoption.

Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at Bitfinex Securities, emphasized the strategic importance of Kazakhstan’s AIFC as the firm’s first regulatory home during panel discussions at Astana Finance Days. The favorable regulatory environment at AIFC motivated the company to establish operations there before expanding into El Salvador, where they became the first licensed digital asset entity. This dual-jurisdiction approach demonstrates Bitfinex Securities’ commitment to operating within compliant frameworks while accessing diverse market opportunities.

The platform’s product evolution reflects the maturation of the tokenised securities market. Early offerings have included the Blockstream Mining Note and tokenised U.S. Treasuries, providing investors with exposure to Bitcoin mining and traditional fixed-income products through blockchain technology. Knutson noted that while initial offerings leaned toward fixed-income products, the coming wave of equity-based tokens will encourage greater trading activity and broaden investor engagement. This progression from debt to equity instruments indicates the sector’s development toward more complex and diverse financial products.

The participation of major global institutions such as BlackRock and Schroders in digital asset discussions, as highlighted by Knutson, validates the long-term vision that initially faced skepticism. This institutional engagement signals broader market acceptance and suggests that tokenised securities are gaining traction as a serious component of modern finance, moving from niche innovation to mainstream financial infrastructure.

Bitfinex Securities’ advancements at Astana Finance Days reflect broader transformations occurring within global financial markets. The company’s networking event during the forum brought together industry leaders, regulators, and investors, facilitating relationship-building that could accelerate the adoption of tokenised securities across Central Asia and beyond. This collaborative approach positions Bitfinex Securities as a bridge between innovation and institutional adoption, helping to shape the regulatory and operational frameworks for digital assets.

The momentum generated in Astana highlights how tokenisation and blockchain technology are increasingly central to the global financial conversation. For Bitfinex Securities, the nearly $250 million in AUM and regulatory progress represent both an achievement and an opportunity to continue pioneering infrastructure for a more open and efficient financial future. As regulators, investors, and innovators converge to shape the next era of digital assets, platforms that successfully navigate compliance requirements while delivering innovative products will likely lead the transformation of traditional finance through blockchain technology.