Central Asia’s Initial Spot Bitcoin ETF Launches as Kazakhstan’s Fonte Capital Commences Trading

On 13 August 2025, Kazakhstan debuted Central Asia’s inaugural spot BTC exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Astana-based investment company, Fonte Capital, is set to initiate trading today.

This represents Central Asia’s first regulated Bitcoin ETF that is physically backed. The Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund actually holds BTC in custody rather than relying on futures contracts. “BETF is designed to closely mirror the price movements of BTC, aiming to achieve this performance prior to fees and fund liabilities,” Fonte Capital remarked. “The Fund is listed as non-Exempt, allowing a diverse range of investors, including retail (non-qualified) participants.”

As per the announcement, the ETF will start trading under the ticker BETF. It will be priced in USD on the Astana International Trading protocol (AIX).

Kazakhstan is embarking on a new chapter for digital assets.

Fonte Capital has rolled out Central Asia’s first spot BTC ETF on the Astana International Trading network.

The BETF fund is supported by actual Bitcoin, with custody managed by BitGo Trust.

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

— BitGo (@BitGo) August 13, 2025

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

Custody is handled by the U.S.-regulated digital asset custodian BitGo. “Through secure, U.S.-regulated cold storage, BitGo is facilitating institutional-level BTC access for investors in the area for the first time,” BitGo stated in a post on X.

“The inclusion of BETF on AIX is a significant advancement in Kazakhstan’s investment framework, providing investors with a regulated and safe method to integrate BTC into their investment strategies without the complications of holding and transferring the underlying asset,” remarked Fonte Capital.

Moreover, the ETF will function within the legal and regulatory framework of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).

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

Kazakhstan Moves To Establish National Crypto Reserve With Seized Assets

Kazakhstan is gearing up to establish a state-operated crypto reserve as the National Bank of Kazakhstan has confirmed plans for a national crypto reserve. This fund is expected to consist of seized digital assets and government-associated block rewards activities.

This announcement was made by the government news outlet Kazinform on 25 June 2025. National Bank Chairman Timur Suleimenov acknowledged the market fluctuation and risks connected to crypto asset. However, he asserted that centralizing control over the crypto reserve would ensure appropriate supervision and reduce potential risks.

Notably, Kazakhstan’s crypto reserve will likely be overseen by a subsidiary of the National Bank that focuses on alternative investments.

Explore: Top 20 Crypto to Buy in August 2025

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