Kazakhstan Moves to Launch National Credit Ratings Agency to Cut Reliance on Foreign Firms
Kazakhstan plans to establish its own credit ratings agency, a move that would give authorities greater control over how companies are assessed by investors and reduce reliance on foreign firms that dominate global markets. Madina Abylkassymova, chair of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM), said the proposed agency would be set up with participation from the National Bank of Kazakhstan, an international ratings firm, and local financial institutions. At present, Kazakhstan does not have a fully domestic ratings system. Creditworthiness is assessed primarily by the “big three” global agencies — Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch — as well as by Expert RA and ACRA, which are accredited for prudential regulation. The ARDFM has drafted legislation to create a national ratings framework and regulate agencies operating in the market. The Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, approved the bill in its first reading on April 15. “It is planned to establish a Kazakh rating agency as an independent institution for national credit assessment,” Abylkassymova said. “Its shareholders will include the National Bank, an international rating agency, and financial institutions.” Officials say the National Bank’s involvement will help underpin financial stability and build confidence among market participants. At the same time, the draft law introduces safeguards intended to preserve independence. Analysts’ remuneration will not be tied to clients’ financial performance, and restrictions will be placed on affiliations, including a ban on holding financial instruments issued by rated entities. The legislation also limits any single shareholder’s stake in the agency to 10% and requires at least half of the board of directors to be independent. The agency’s authorized capital is expected to reach about $21 million. Authorities say the new system should make it easier for companies — particularly small and medium-sized enterprises — to access capital markets. Abylkassymova said the reform would help reduce borrowing costs, improve transparency, and expand investment opportunities for institutional investors such as banks, pension funds, and insurers. Alongside the new agency, both domestic and foreign rating firms will be allowed to operate in Kazakhstan, subject to regulatory oversight. The ARDFM will have the authority to recognize agencies, monitor their activities, conduct inspections, and revoke their status if necessary. To enter the market, international and foreign agencies will need to meet qualification standards, including at least five years of operational experience, sufficient capital, a verified methodology, and institutional independence. All agencies will also be required to publish their methodologies, pricing policies, and any potential conflicts of interest. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that S&P Global Ratings confirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term sovereign rating in March while forecasting a slowdown in GDP growth in 2026.
