Hanfa and the Astana Financial Services Authority sign Memorandum of Understanding to establish regulatory cooperation
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa) and the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering regulatory cooperation and developing a partnership between the two supervisory authorities. The Memorandum was signed by Jurica Jednačak, Member of Hanfa Board, and Evgeniya Bogdanova, Chief Executive Officer of AFSA.
The Memorandum constitutes a standard bilateral cooperation agreement between financial market regulators. On the occasion of its signing, Jurica Jednačak, Member of Hanfa Board, stated: “In an increasingly interconnected financial environment, international cooperation among regulatory authorities plays a vital role in addressing common challenges and supporting the stability and integrity of financial markets. This Memorandum establishes a valuable framework for cooperation between Hanfa and AFSA, enabling the exchange of knowledge, regulatory expertise and supervisory best practices. Its signing marks a step in the development of a constructive relationship that will contribute to high regulatory standards, effective supervision and the protection of investors’ interests.”
Evgeniya Bogdanova, AFSA’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “Financial markets operate beyond geographical borders, and addressing emerging risks requires close cooperation among regulators. Our partnership with Hanfa provides a solid foundation for sharing regulatory expertise, strengthening cross-border supervisory cooperation and exchanging best practices. AFSA remains committed to enhancing its international regulatory partnerships to promote market integrity, advance investor protection and strengthen confidence in our markets.”
AFSA is the financial services regulator established within the separate jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan, with the objective of attracting foreign investment, modelled on the City of London. The jurisdiction also hosts its own stock exchange, AIX, through which approximately USD 15 billion has been raised for investment in Kazakhstan via equity and debt instruments.
The Memorandum was signed at the Astana International Financial Centre in Kazakhstan during Astana Finance Days 2026, AFSA’s flagship annual financial forum, which brings together regulators, policymakers, financial institutions and industry representatives from Kazakhstan and international markets.
