Coinbase and HTX Among Six Crypto Platforms Facing Restrictions in Kazakhstan

Coinbase, HTX, and four other crypto platforms are facing access restrictions in Kazakhstan after a court backed the regulator's legal action. Kazakhstan is moving to restrict access to six unlicensed crypto platforms after a court-backed action by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA). On September 15, the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) Court granted AFSA’s claims against the operators of BingX, Bitcoin.com, Huobi Global (HTX), BitMart, Coinbase and WEEX. Crypto Licensing Crackdown The order bars these platforms from providing, offering, or advertising digital asset services within the AIFC without the required license. It also covers the distribution of mobile apps used to offer these services. LBank was initially included in the ruling, but the court removed it on September 18 after its operator independently blocked access to its services in Kazakhstan. The decision also involves Google and Apple, which operate the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Both companies are subject to the court’s order regarding geographic restrictions on access to the named platforms. AFSA said the legal action comes after months of efforts to tackle crypto services operat...