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Kazakhstan is set to implement significant changes in its financial sector starting April 26, 2026. New regulations concerning payments and transfers will reshape how banks interact with customers and enhance oversight of digital operations.

Digital Identity and Account Opening

Under the new rules, banks will no longer be able to use their own methods for remote customer identification. Opening a bank account remotely will be exclusively managed through a unified state system, the Exchange Center for Identification Data. This integration directly links customer registration to the national identification registry.

QR Payments and Phone Numbers Standardized

The National Bank has officially recognized QR codes, biometrics, and phone numbers as complete payment details. All interbank operations conducted using these methods will now fall under the "Payments and Payment Systems" law. This move aims to eliminate legislative gaps and ensure mobile transactions are monitored with the same clarity as traditional bank transfers.

Enhanced Bank Statements and Debt Disclosure

Requirements for the content of bank statements are becoming stricter. Certificates confirming account status must now include comprehensive details about any restrictions, such as freezes, pledges, or outstanding enforcement orders. It will no longer be possible to obtain a statement showing a clear balance if there are outstanding debts to the budget or third parties.

Direct Debits for State Authorities

Perhaps the most notable change is the expansion of grounds for banks to debit customer accounts without explicit consent. Banks will be required to promptly execute payment demands from state authorities, streamlining the process for government-initiated financial actions.