Financial institutions in Kazakhstan, including banks, pawnshops, and money exchanges, undergo transformations
In a bid to protect the health and safety of Kazakhstan citizens and curb the spread of the Coronavirus Infection, the National Bank of Kazakhstan (BNU) and the Financial Market Regulation and Development Agency have jointly issued an order affecting various financial entities. The order, which came into effect upon signing and remains in force until the cancellation of restrictive measures, encompasses second-tier banks, insurance organisations, mortgage organisations, payment organisations, collection agencies, and legal entities conducting activities exclusively through exchange offices.
The order mandates that these financial entities ensure operational continuity while minimising physical presence at workplaces. The remote work requirements vary depending on the epidemiological zones, with the following guidelines:
- **Red Zone (High Risk)**: Collection agencies must ensure that at least 60% of employees work remotely, with at least 40% remaining in branches if production necessity requires. Other financial entities are expected to follow suit, maximising remote work where possible. - **Orange Zone (Moderate Risk)**: Financial entities must ensure that at least 50% of employees work remotely, with at least 30% remaining in branches if production necessity requires. - **Yellow Zone (Low Risk)**: Financial entities may allow increased on-site presence, but continued hygiene and social distancing measures must be maintained. - **Green Zone (Minimal Risk)**: Near-normal operations are allowed, with standard health precautions in place.
Collection agencies are also instructed to comply with enhanced sanitary and disinfection measures when serving the public. Second-tier banks and legal entities whose exclusive activity is cash-in-transit are required to ensure continuous provision of cash to economic entities and the public.
The BNU is tasked with ensuring the organisation of services that process client operations and maintain uninterrupted operation of ATMs, terminals, internet banking, mobile banking, and other remote banking systems.
The joint order also includes guidelines for health safety protocols when on-site presence is unavoidable, and possible restrictions or flexibility in working hours to reduce crowding. For more precise and current specifics of the joint order, consulting official Kazakhstan government publications or their official websites dated around 2025 would be necessary.
- In alignment with the guidelines, science and health-and-wellness precautions are to be implemented in the workplace to enhance remote work safety, including enhanced sanitary and disinfection measures for collection agencies.
- To mitigate the financial impact on businesses, the National Bank of Kazakhstan is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of ATMs, terminals, internet banking, mobile banking, and other remote banking systems, thus providing a continuity in financial services during the pandemic.
