AIFC Awards 2026 winners announced
The awards recognised companies and professionals for their significant contributions to the development of the AIFC’s financial, investment and legal ecosystem and to strengthening the Centre’s international partnerships.
The AIFC Awards 2026 ceremony was held as part of the 9th Astana Finance Days 2026: Delivering Impact. Capital in Action forum.
This year’s ceremony covered three forms of recognition: the AIFC Awards, presented to AIFC Participants for their achievements and contributions to the development, strengthening and promotion of the Centre’s ecosystem; the AIFC Legal Awards, presented to members of the legal community for professional achievements and contributions to the development and practical application of AIFC law; and AIFC Special Recognition, presented to organisations that have supported the AIFC’s international initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Eight companies received awards as part of the AIFC Awards 2026. The Leading Asset Manager award went to OQAM Finance Ltd. OQAM Finance is an authorised investment which provides asset management, brokerage and investment services. The company was recognised for the exceptional growth of its assets under management and the strengthening of its position in the AIFC’s asset management sector.
International Trading System Limited (ITS) received the Financial Market Development Leader award. ITS is an authorised firm licensed to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility and a Clearing House. It has continued to broaden access to global investment opportunities by expanding the range of securities and investment products available for trading, including new ETF solutions, while strengthening connectivity between investors and international capital markets.
MIZAN Islamic Finance Ltd. was named the winner of the Excellence in Islamic Finance award. MIZAN Islamic Finance is an authorised firm providing Shariah-compliant financing solutions. The company was recognised for expanding the practical use of Islamic finance instruments, including Musharaka and Murabaha financing, and for supporting access to alternative financing solutions for businesses.
The AIFC Business Establishment Pioneer award went to Consult Engineering Group Limited. The company provides end-to-end support to businesses establishing themselves in the AIFC, from company incorporation to navigating regulatory procedures and obtaining the necessary authorisations. This support helps clients navigate the key stages of establishing and further developing their businesses within the AIFC jurisdiction.
Global ESG Partnership NPIO received the Sustainable Finance & ESG Leadership award. The organisation implements initiatives in ESG education, environmental assessment, green finance and digital solutions for sustainable development. Since its registration in the AIFC in 2023, more than 300 professionals and students have completed training at the ESG School and through programmes delivered in partnership with L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The organisation has also supported projects including KazAzot GreenToken, which is linked to industrial wastewater treatment and CO₂ utilisation.
Ailat AI Ltd. was named the winner of the Best Digital Customer Experience award. The company developed an AI-powered platform that simplifies the screening of securities for Shariah compliance for individual and institutional users. Its solutions combine a mobile application with an API for corporate clients, providing more convenient and efficient access to investment information.
Fonte Capital Ltd. received the Best Global Promotion of the AIFC Ecosystem award.The company was recognised for its sustained promotion of the AIFC among international audiences through media outreach, digital communications and participation in key initiatives of the Centre. This work has helped strengthen the AIFC’s international visibility and expand the global reach of its financial and investment ecosystem.
Abylai Global Solutions Ltd. was named the winner of the Best Local Promotion of the AIFC Ecosystem award. The company was recognised for its active engagement with Kazakhstani businesses and investors through events, educational and media projects, and joint initiatives with the AIFC. These activities have helped raise awareness of the opportunities offered by the Centre and generate practical interest in its ecosystem.
The AIFC Legal Awards 2026, presented by the AIFC Legal Services Board, recognize professional achievements and contributions to the development, practical application, and promotion of AIFC law. They also highlight the role of the legal community in strengthening the Centre’s legal environment and its effective use by businesses.
The Law Firm of the Year award went to Sayat Zholshy Law Firm Limited. The firm was recognised for consistently providing legal advice of the highest standard across diverse practice areas, mentoring students, fostering an ethical and inclusive corporate culture, and disseminating knowledge of the Acting Law of the AIFC through professional forums and conferences.
The Lawyer of the Year award went to Mr Maxim Burak. He was recognised for his professional handling of complex transactions, adherence to high standards of professional ethics and integrity, academic contributions, mentorship of junior lawyers, and significant role in promoting the Acting Law of the AIFC.
AIFC Special Recognition was presented to organisations whose support has made a significant contribution to the international promotion of the AIFC, the implementation of cross-border initiatives, and the development of the Center’s strategic interactions with international partners.
The AIFC–China Capital Markets Cooperation recognition was presented to Shanghai Stock Exchange. The exchange was recognised for its partnership in delivering AIFC Connect in Shanghai, which brought together financial institutions, investors and market participants from both countries and created new opportunities for professional dialogue.
China International Capital Corporation (CICC) received recognition for AIFC–China Business Engagement. The company supported AIFC investor-engagement initiatives, including AIFC Connect in Hong Kong, and helped strengthen the Centre’s ties with the Chinese investment community.
The Kazakhstan–UAE Business Cooperation recognition was presented to The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Embassy has consistently supported the AIFC’s international initiatives, including the UAE–Kazakhstan Business Forum and AIFC Connect, helping foster engagement between the business and investment communities of Kazakhstan and the UAE.
The International Business Engagement recognition was presented to GulfLink Ltd. The company was recognised for supporting AIFC’s international activities, including initiatives involving international business delegations and events held abroad, which helped strengthen the Centre’s global business ties.
The AIFC Awards reflect the diversity of the Centre’s ecosystem and recognise the practical achievements of its Participants and partners across asset management, capital-market development, Islamic finance, digital solutions, ESG, legal practice and international cooperation.
Astana Finance Days 2026 is taking place on 9–10 September. The forum has brought together more than 5,500 participants from over 80 countries, including investors, representatives of the financial and technology sectors, regulators, public and quasi-public institutions, and international businesses.
Reference:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office,
Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary
E-mail: [email protected]
