Kazakhstan debuts first spot Bitcoin ETF with BitGo as custodian

Kazakhstan has launched its first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), selecting BitGo, a US-regulated crypto custodian, to keep the fund’s BTC assets in cold storage. This move could pave the way for increased institutional and retail participation in the country’s digital asset market. On August 13, 2025, the Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (BETF), managed by AIFC-registered Fonte Capital, began trading on the Astana International Exchange (AIX), becoming Central Asia’s first regulated product of its sort.

The physically backed ETF offers direct, regulated Bitcoin exposure to investors, with all BTC assets kept by BitGo Trust, a US-based subsidiary known for providing custody services to prominent US Bitcoin ETF issuers such as ARK Invest and 21Shares. BitGo described the launch as ushering in a “new era” for Kazakhstan’s digital assets, emphasizing the security of its US-regulated cold storage system.

Bitcoin maintains advances as Kazakhstan’s ETF listing boosts regional optimism.

AIX, created in 2017 and backed by the Astana International Financial Centre, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Silk Road Fund, and Nasdaq, processes approximately $130 million in monthly trading. While tiny in comparison to worldwide market leaders, the exchange’s listing of the BETF is regarded as a significant milestone in broadening access to regulated Bitcoin products for regional investors, many of whom have previously been excluded from such opportunities. At press time, Bitcoin was trading near $109,500, retaining recent gains despite weak global ETF inflows, with traders keeping a close eye on whether Kazakhstan’s new listing would fuel more regional demand and contribute to BTC price stability.