AIX Introduces Optimised Fee Framework for Islamic Securities

Astana International Exchange (“AIX” or “the Exchange”) is pleased to announce a new fee framework for public Islamic debt and structured products issued on AIX reinforcing its commitment to supporting the development of Islamic finance markets in Kazakhstan.

The initiative is aligned with AIX’s dedicated Islamic Finance Roadmap and aims to facilitate access to capital markets through Islamic financial instruments.

Under the new arrangements, the following fees will apply to eligible securities issued between 1 January and 31 December 2027:

• Initial listing fee: fully waived;
• Initial admission to trading fee: fully waived;
• Annual admission to trading fee: reduced to USD 2,000 per year for each standalone issue or tranche under a programme.

The reduced annual fee will remain in effect throughout the entire circulation period of the relevant securities, provided they are issued no later than 31 December 2027.

Since 2023, AIX has also been offering fee incentives to support ESG bond issuances, including waivers of initial listing and admission fees. These incentives will remain in place in 2027, with the annual admission to trading fee set at USD2,000. This reflects the Exchange’s continued commitment to supporting the development of sustainable finance in Kazakhstan.

Assel Mukazhanova, AIX CEO, said:

“The development of a diversified capital market requires more than infrastructure alone. It also depends on creating the right conditions for issuers to access funding and for investors to gain exposure to a broader range of financial instruments. Through these fee arrangements, AIX seeks to lower the barriers to issuing ESG and Islamic finance instruments, making the issuance process more accessible and cost efficient. These measures form part of our broader commitment to supporting sustainable finance and advancing Kazakhstan’s Islamic capital market, while providing issuers with additional opportunities to access investors through AIX”.

Through these measures, AIX seeks to encourage a wider range of issuers to consider ESG and Islamic financial instruments as part of their funding strategies and contribute to the continued diversification of Kazakhstan’s capital market.

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. www.aixkz.com

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. aifc.kz