Article 4. The banking system of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the Law on Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic Kazakhstan
1. The Republic of Kazakhstan has a two-tier banking system.
The National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the central bank of the state and represents the upper (first) level of the banking system of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
All other banks represent the lower (second) level of the banking system of the Republic of Kazakhstan and are second-tier banks, with the exception of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, which has a special legal status established by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Development Bank of Kazakhstan". Branches of non–resident banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan are also part of the lower (second) tier of the banking system of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. The purpose, objectives, principles of operation, legal status and powers of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan are determined by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan", other laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan and acts of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan regulates, controls and supervises certain banking issues within its competence and promotes the creation of general conditions for the functioning of banks, branches of non–resident banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as organizations engaged in certain types of banking operations.
The regulatory, control and supervisory functions of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan within its competence in relation to banks, branches of non–resident banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as organizations engaged in certain types of banking operations, are aimed at maintaining the stability of the monetary system of the Republic of Kazakhstan, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of depositors, other creditors and customers of banks, branches non–resident banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as organizations engaged in certain types of banking operations.
3. No person who does not have the appropriate license of the authorized body or the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan may:
1) to carry out banking operations as the main or additional activity.
Banking operations carried out on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan without a license from an authorized body or the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan are void, with the exception of banking operations carried out by a state body, the National Postal Operator, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, international financial organizations, as well as other persons within the powers established by this Law and (or) other laws of the Republic Kazakhstan;
2) use in its name, documents, announcements and (or) advertisements the word "bank" or a word (expression) derived from it that creates the impression that it carries out banking operations, with the exception of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, international financial organizations and representative offices of banks.
4. The establishment of specialized branch banks in the Republic of Kazakhstan with the participation of the state, with the exception of the housing construction savings bank, which has the status of a national development institute, is not allowed.
A housing construction savings bank with the status of a national development institute is a second–tier bank with a special legal status defined by this Law and the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan On Housing Construction Savings in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
5. The establishment or operation of shell banks is prohibited in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 16, 2026 No. 258-VIII SAM.
President
Republic of Kazakhstan
© 2012. RSE na PHB "Institute of Legislation and Legal Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan" of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated August 31, 1995 No. 2444. On banks and banking activities, with the introduction of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 16, 2026 No. 258-VIII, the SAM has lost its legal force.
Article 4. Banking legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the Law on Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan
1. The banking legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, consists of this Law and other regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. If an international treaty ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan establishes rules other than those provided for by this Law, the rules of the international treaty shall apply.
The footnote. Article 4 as amended by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/11/2009 N 185-IV (effective from 08/30/2009); as amended by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 07/05/2012 No. 30-V (effective after ten calendar days after its first official publication).
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated August 31, 1995 No. 2444.
President
Republic of Kazakhstan
© 2012. RSE na PHB "Institute of Legislation and Legal Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan" of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Constitution Law Code Standard Decree Order Decision Resolution Lawyer Almaty Lawyer Legal service Legal advice Civil Criminal Administrative cases Disputes Defense Arbitration Law Company Kazakhstan Law Firm Court Cases
