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Individual deposits in novel banking institutions to face limitations imposed

Olzhas Kizatov, Deputy Chair of the Agency for the Regulation and Development of Kazakhstan's Financial Market (ARFRM), addressed the Senate on May 5, 2025, discussing proposed modifications to the fresh banking law concerning deposits, according to our news site.

Individual deposits in novel banking institutions to face limitations imposed

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Proposed Banking Measures to Enhance Depositor Protection

Oljaz Kizatov has put forth a plan to safeguard depositors from potential risks associated with banks drawing deposits. This new move won't affect universal license-holding banks, i.e., all banks currently in operation.

Instead, the restrictions will be imposed on a fresh type of bank - those carrying a so-called basic license. These banks will have a modest capital base, limited operational capabilities, but lighter regulatory demands.

In a past announcement, he outlined the novelties of the new law "On Banks and the Banking System." He maintains that the document intends to fortify the banking sector's stability, promote innovation, and stimulate banks' role in financing the real sector of the economy.

Low-Risk Banks with Basic License

Banks opting for a basic license will typically be smaller institutions or digital banks offering essential banking services without engaging in complex or high-risk activities.

New Regulations for Basic License Banks

  • Restricted Operations: These banks might be barred from high-risk operations such as large-scale interbank lending or foreign exchange transactions.
  • Limited Capital Requirements: Compared to full-license banks, basic license banks could face reduced capital requirements with certain limits on asset size or portfolio concentration.
  • Operational Limitations: Limitations could be imposed on the range of services, such as a prohibition on derivatives trading or issuance of complex financial instruments.

A More Secure, Innovative, and Growth-Driven Banking Sector

Greater Stability

  • Minimizing Systemic Failures: By prohibiting high-risk activities for basic license banks, the law lessens the risk of systemic failures originating from smaller, less diversified institutions.
  • Isolating High-Risk Activities: The licensing tiers help separate speculative banking activities from core retail and small business banking, thus reducing contagion risk.
  • Improved Supervision: The legislation allows for targeted regulatory measures, facilitating better monitoring and early intervention.

Encouraging Innovation

  • New Opportunities for Fintech Firms: The basic license paves the way for fintech startups and new banks to enter the market, introducing fresh banking products and services.
  • Focus on Digital Banking: Basic license banks can emphasize digital banking innovations and customer-centric improvements.
  • Spurring Traditional Banks to Innovate: Increased competition could compel traditional banks to innovate and boost operational efficiency.

Supporting the Real Economy

  • Servicing the Broad Market: Basic license banks are expected to focus on retail banking, SME lending, and core banking services.
  • Targeting Underserved Markets: These banks could concentrate on rural, low-income areas and other niches currently underserved by full-license banks.
  • Preventing Risky Lending: The restrictions encourage prudent lending practices, fostering sustainable economic growth.

In summary, basic license banks will be smaller, low-risk institutions offering essential banking services while facing lighter operational constraints and capital requirements. New regulations aim to enhance banking sector stability, encourage innovation, and ensure banks play a constructive role in supporting the real economy.

I, as a depositor, can feel more confident in my investments with the introduction of basic license banks, which will be low-risk institutions offering essential banking services with lighter operational constraints and reduced capital requirements. These banks are expected to focus on retail banking, SME lending, and core banking services, ultimately playing a significant role in financing the real sector of the economy, thus promoting growth in the economy.

Deposit regulations in Kazakhstan's banking sector may undergo changes, as stated by Olzhas Kiazotov, deputy chair of the Financial Market Regulation and Development Agency (ARDMF), during a Senate meeting on May 5, 2025. This information was reported by our journalist.

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