Central Asia’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF Goes Live As Kazakhstan’s Fonte Capital Begins Trading

Kazakhstan has launched Central Asia’s first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) on 13 August 2025. Astana-based investment firm, Fonte Capital, will commence trading today.

This is Central Asia’s first regulated and physically backed Bitcoin ETF. The Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund holds actual Bitcoin in custody rather than using futures contracts. “BETF aims to accurately reflect the price dynamics of bitcoin, striving to achieve this performance before fees and fund obligations,” Fonte Capital said. “The Fund is registered as non-Exempt, making it accessible to a broad range of investors, including retail (non-qualified) participants.”

According to the announcement, the ETF will begin trading under the ticker BETF. It will be quoted in USD on Astana International Exchange (AIX).

Kazakhstan is entering a new era for digital assets.

Fonte Capital has introduced Central Asia’s first spot bitcoin ETF on the Astana International Exchange.

The BETF fund is physically backed by bitcoin, with custody from BitGo Trust.

Through secure, U.S.-regulated cold… pic.twitter.com/CgDjZ6ZDaj

— BitGo (@BitGo) August 13, 2025

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“The BETF fund is physically backed by Bitcoin, with custody from BitGo Trust”

Custody is provided by the US-regulated digital asset custodian BitGo. “Through secure, US-regulated cold storage, BitGo is helping deliver institutional-grade bitcoin access to investors in the region for the first time,” BitGo said in a post on X.

“The listing of BETF on AIX marks an important step in the development of Kazakhstan’s investment infrastructure and provides investors with a regulated and secure way to include Bitcoin in their investment portfolios without the complexities associated with holding and transferring the underlying asset,” Fonte Capital said.

Furthermore, the ETF will operate within the legal and supervisory framework of the Astana International Centre (AIFC).

Explore: Kazakhstan Moves To Create A National Crypto Reserve With Seized Digital Assets

Kazakhstan Moves To Create National Crypto Reserve With Seized Assets

Kazakhstan is preparing to launch a state-run crypto reserve as the National Bank of Kazakhstan confirmed plans to create a national crypto reserve. The fund will likely be made of seized digital assets and government-linked mining operations.

The announcement came from the government news agency Kazinform on 25 June 2025. National Bank Chairman Timur Suleimenov acknowledged the internet volatility and risks associated with crypto. However, he argued that placing the crypto reserve under the control of a centralized institution would ensure proper oversight and mitigate potential dangers.

Importantly, Kazakhstan’s crypto reserve is expected to be managed by a subsidiary of the National Bank specializing in alternative investments.

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Key Takeaways

BETF will be Central Asia first regulated and physically backed Bitcoin ETF.

The BETF launch consolidates Kazakhstan’s leadership within Central Asia by delivering a flagship, regulated spot Bitcoin vehicle ahead of neighbors such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which have taken more cautious approaches.

The post Central Asia’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF Goes Live As Kazakhstan’s Fonte Capital Begins Trading appeared first on 99Bitcoins.

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