(2 February 2026 | Source: Open Legal Acts portal)
In Kazakhstan, a draft of a new regulatory document for microfinance organisations (MFOs) has been prepared, which consolidates and replaces five previously existing sets of rules. The document sets out unified requirements for disclosing information about microloans, assessing their suitability for borrowers, and regulating debt management.
NEW RULES FOR MFOS
In Kazakhstan, a draft regulatory document has been published that establishes unified requirements for the activities of microfinance organisations. The document consolidates the provisions of five previously existing regulatory legal acts governing various aspects of MFO interaction with clients.
According to the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM), the draft requires microfinance organisations to disclose information about the financial product at all stages of interaction with the client, including advertising and digital channels. The draft enshrines the principles of fair conduct, as well as requirements for responsible microlending.
A key innovation is the requirement to provide the client with a document setting out the main loan parameters in advance, and to assess how compatible the loan is with the borrower's financial capabilities.
CONTROL OF UNFAIR PRACTICES
The draft separately lists forms of unfair conduct on the part of MFOs and methods for identifying them. It also regulates debt management, including the requirement for mandatory audio and video recording of interactions with borrowers.
Thus, the document aims to increase the transparency and accountability of microfinance organisations, ensure the protection of client rights, and reduce risks when issuing microloans.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The draft document has been posted on the Open Legal Acts portal. The public consultation will last until 16 February, allowing all interested parties to submit proposals and comments.