AIFC Community: 2025 Business Wrap-Up annual final meeting held in the AIFC 

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) held its annual business community meeting AIFC Community: 2025 Business Wrap-Up. Participants reviewed the key results achieved throughout the year and discussed the main areas of ecosystem development planned for 2026. 

AIFC Community: 2025 Business Wrap-Up brought together more than 150 representatives of companies forming the core of the financial centre’s ecosystem, including financial, investment, consulting, and other organizations. 

“2025 has been a successful year for the AIFC ecosystem. We strengthened the Centre’s position as the region’s leading financial hub, expanded international cooperation, and launched new financial products for businesses and investors. In 2026, we will continue working to enhance the attractiveness of our jurisdiction, develop infrastructure, and create conditions for the sustainable growth of AIFC participant companies,” – said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the AIFC. 

During the event, experts presented the key priorities for financial sector development in 2026. 

“We are developing the AIFC as an integrated digital ecosystem and a fully-fledged “one-stop-shop” model that provides every participant with high-quality services, efficient tools, and access to platform-based solutions. Our objective is to ensure that the AIFC functions not only as a regulatory jurisdiction, but also as an environment where businesses can operate with ease, scale their activities, and integrate seamlessly into global markets,” – noted Chairman of the Management Board of the AIFC Administration, Bakhtiyar Tleubekov. 

Baurzhan Kankin, Chief Client Officer of the AIFC Authority, outlined the AIFC participant support strategy aimed at supporting business and developing the financial centre’s ecosystem. 

“AIFC Community has proven to be an important platform for feedback, knowledge sharing, and strengthening professional networks. We will continue to develop this initiative to ensure that every company operating within the AIFC jurisdiction feels real support and has access to new opportunities,” emphasized Baurzhan Kankin.  

During the meeting, Jean-Paul Yan Tkachev, Chief Legal Counsel at ASP Capital, shared insights on AIFC licensing practices and upcoming regulatory changes expected in 2026. Aspandiyar Faizullin, Director of Business Development and Investments at Atlas Capital, presented approaches to structuring investment funds within the AIFC and highlighted the advantages of the AIFC international standards for attracting capital. Speakers also showcased successful cases of companies already operating in the market and outlined new opportunities for ecosystem participants. 

The event featured the introduction of a new AIFC initiative, the AIFC Ambassadors Institute, which brings together representatives of participant companies promoting the jurisdiction’s opportunities in Kazakhstan and internationally. Yelena Pak, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of the AIFC Authority, emphasized that the participants’ community plays a key role in the financial centre’s development: “The success of our participants is the success of the AIFC. Thanks to their business activity, the AIFC ecosystem continues to develop qualitatively and strengthens its competitive advantages on a global scale.” 

Representatives of the AIFC Exchange also discussed AIX Registrar services and brokerage operations on the AIX. 

Nikolaus Gagua, Managing Director of the AFSA Policy Office, highlighted the Regulator’s strategic priorities for 2026. 

The final part of the program featured an open dialogue with the AIFC leadership. Participants had the opportunity to discuss initiatives directly and ask questions to AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov, AFSA CEO Evgenia Bogdanova, and Chairman of the AIFC Authority Management Board Bakhtiyar Tleubekov. 

Reference: 

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a leading financial hub in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, designed to connect global capital with the vast opportunities of emerging markets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the AIFC combines international best practices with innovative approaches to create a world-class platform for investment, business, and financial services. Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted over USD 19 bln in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Over 4800 companies from 90 countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Turkiye, UAE, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and others, are registered within the AIFC’s jurisdiction.  www.aifc.kz  

AIFC Press Office  

Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary 

phone: +7 701 777 65 58 

E-mail: [email protected]