AIX Becomes First Exchange in Central Asia to Launch Exchange-Based Carbon Credit Trading
The new instrument provides voluntary carbon market participants with access to exchange infrastructure featuring transparent trading rules and market-based price discovery.
On 10 September 2026, Astana International Exchange (AIX) launched trading in voluntary carbon credits verified under the international Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).
The official launch took place during the 9th Astana Finance Days 2026: Delivering Impact. Capital in Action forum. AIX became the first exchange in Central Asia to provide its own infrastructure for trading voluntary carbon credits.
The first supplier of carbon credits on AIX was London-based trading firm Valor Carbon. Transactions are facilitated by Standard International Market, an AIX broker and Trading Member.
The Verified Carbon Standard is the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas crediting programme and is administered by the international non-profit organisation Verra. Carbon credits are admitted to trading only after the associated greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals have been independently verified and the credits have been recorded in the Verra Registry.
Carbon credits are the second environmental instrument in AIX’s product offering, following I-REC renewable energy certificates, trading in which was previously launched on the Exchange.
“Carbon projects are increasingly emerging in Central Asia, and attracting financing remains a key issue for their development. The AIFC’s role is to build infrastructure that gives such projects access to capital. The launch of exchange-based carbon credit trading is a practical step in this direction and further strengthens the AIFC’s position as a regional centre for carbon finance,” said Bakhtiyar Tleubekov, Chairman of the Management Board of the AIFC Authority.
The exchange-based trading model establishes uniform and transparent rules for transactions and facilitates the formation of a market price for carbon credits. Their purchase and sale are conducted through brokers participating in AIX trading.
“Carbon credits are the Exchange’s second environmental product, following I-REC certificates. AIX aims to become the leading carbon trading hub in Central Asia. Our efforts will focus on further market development, attracting sellers and buyers, and increasing trading volumes,” emphasisedAssel Mukazhanova, CEO of AIX.
The launch of trading opens up additional opportunities for climate project developers in Central Asia who require transparent market mechanisms for the sale of issued carbon units. For investors and companies, the new instrument expands access to environmental products that meet international verification standards.
“Valor Carbon is already developing a number of projects in Central Asia and sees considerable potential in the region. The AIFC provides a favourable environment for implementing carbon initiatives and building the capabilities of local project developers. Establishing exchange infrastructure for carbon credit trading within the region is an important step in advancing climate finance in Central Asia,” added Nurzhan Aspandiyar, regional director of Valor Carbon.
The launch of the new instrument further expands the infrastructure of the AIFC Carbon Platform, which brings together climate project developers, investors and other market participants. Information on projects across the region and their implementation progress is available on the AIFC Carbon Platform website.
Reference:
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. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office,
Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary
E-mail: [email protected]
