Astana Finance Days 2025 – the Region’s Leading Financial Forum Continues in Astana

On 5 September, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) continues to host the region’s largest financial forum – Astana Finance Days 2025, under the theme “Where Capital Shapes the Future”. This year’s event brings together representatives of asset managers overseeing a combined total of USD 1.5 trillion in assets. The forum boasts over 5,000 participants from more than 80 countries.

At the end of the forum’s first day on 4 September, during the official AIFC reception, the winners of the AIFC Awards 2025 were announced. The awards recognise companies that have made a significant contribution to the development of the financial centre’s ecosystem through innovation, collaboration, growth, and impact. The awards were presented in the following categories:

• Best Shariah‑Compliant Financial Institution – Al Safi Bank Ltd.
• Innovation in Fund Structuring – Abylai Global Solutions Ltd. and Fonte Capital Ltd.
• Outstanding Contribution in Digital Asset Services – ATAIX Eurasia Ltd.
• Visionary in Alternative Financial Solutions – RCS Trust and Corporate Services Ltd.
• Best Advisory & Structuring Partner – Legal Consulting Community Limited
• Excellence in Audit Services – Moore Kazakhstan branch at AIFC
• Best AI‑Driven Company – Presight AI Kazakhstan Ltd.
• Regional Business Expansion through AIFC – Solidcore Resources plc
• Tech for Finance Excellence – Freedom Finance Global PLC.

The business agenda for the forum’s second day opens with a plenary session titled “The Power of Portfolio Investments: Strengthening Financial Markets in Central Asia” (09:30–10:40, AIX Trading Hall C3.4). This strategic session is set to examine the role of portfolio investments in accelerating the development of Kazakhstan’s financial market and diversifying its economy. The session, moderated by AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov, features an expert line-up of expected speakers: Timur Suleimenov, Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan; Kanat Sharlapaev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Economic Affairs; Hani Kablawi, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of International, BNY; Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.; and Ryad Yousuf, Partner at Goldman Sachs.

Participants are expected to discuss how the growth of portfolio flows can support sovereign debt management, the development of a domestic IPO pipeline, and the launch of co-investment instruments with international partners. The session will also address regulatory reforms, clearing and settlement infrastructure, and capital market positioning strategies to enhance Kazakhstan’s appeal to long-term global investors.

At the end of the plenary session, a listing ceremony is scheduled to take place for Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited, a mining company that has simultaneously launched its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) and the Astana International Exchange (AIX). The company is developing the Boguty tungsten deposit in the Almaty Region through its subsidiary, Zhetysu Wolfram LLP. This deposit ranks among the world’s largest in terms of tungsten oxide reserves, with 107.5 million tonnes of ore. Proceeds from the IPO are expected to be used to expand production capacity, build advanced processing facilities, and develop new non-ferrous metals projects across Central Asia.

Later in the day, panel sessions will bring together financial market experts, government representatives, and business leaders to discuss a wide range of topics: data protection in international financial centres, the impact of regtech and AI on financial markets, fintech trends and outlooks, Kazakhstan’s economic prospects, the future of AIFC law, the potential of Kazakhstan’s regions as investment growth hubs, blockchain-driven economies, the role of crypto technologies in financial services, the prospects for local ETFs in Kazakhstan, and strategies for capital attraction to the mining sector, among others.

A keynote address is scheduled to be delivered by Brett King, a renowned futurist, entrepreneur, and international bestselling author, during the session titled “Towards Bank 5.0 – How AI, Fintech and Quantum are reshaping the future of Banking” (15:00–15:30, AIX Trading Hall C3.4).

In his speech, King is expected to explore how technology is transforming the banking industry. Fintech companies, e-wallets, and digital banks are already reshaping customer expectations and financial ecosystems worldwide. Today, the world’s top 20 retail fintechs serve over 4 billion clients, compared to 2.7 billion for the top 20 traditional retail banks. Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as the next transformative force, suggesting that the banks of the 2040s and 2050s may bear little resemblance to today’s institutions beyond their core functions.

During the session “Developing local ETFs in Kazakhstan: opportunities for market expansion” (14:00–14:50, AIX Trading Hall C3.4), an announcement is expected on the listing of the world’s first spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) fully dedicated to the digital asset Solana (SOL), featuring staking functionality – Fonte Solana Exchange Traded Fund OEIC Plc. The fund enables investors to gain exposure to Solana without the need to directly acquire, store, or manage the digital asset.

The session “Unlocking Capital for Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector: Financing, Legal Clarity, and Future Growth” (15:00–16:00, Aiteke Bi Hall C3.1) includes the presentation of a comprehensive analytical report on Kazakhstan’s mining industry. The report, prompted by the growing global demand for critical minerals, highlights the country’s significant reserves of copper, uranium, and rare earth elements, along with its strategic position at the crossroads of Eurasian transport corridors.

The report highlights key trends, investment potential, and the sector’s comparative advantages, while also addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, limited access to capital, and ESG compliance. It underscores the importance of applying ESG standards from the earliest stages of project development. The AIFC serves as a conduit between global investors and Kazakhstan’s mineral wealth, providing a robust, modern platform for financing and structuring mining projects – including AIX listings, joint ventures, and the advancement of green finance.

A major feature of this year’s forum is the AFD Exhibition Hub – a central exhibition platform of Astana Finance Days. It brings together companies working in capital markets and digital innovation, providing a space to showcase solutions, strengthen market positioning, and forge strategic partnerships. Exhibitors in 2025 include: crypto exchange ATAIX, fintech companies AnchorX and LMAX Group, Advanced Payment Solutions, broker Alatau City Invest, investment firm Halyk Finance, digital bank Brillink, and CFA Institute, a non-profit organisation providing financial education to investment professionals.

The forum is organised by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the leading financial hub in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, according to the Global Financial Centres Index, with the support of the Astana International Forum. Astana Finance Days 2025 is being held with the support of Gold Partners: Freedom Broker and KAZ Minerals; Silver Partners: Solidcore Resources, ITS, and MYD Production; Bronze Partners: ERG, LMAX Group, and Teniz Capital Investment Banking; Industry Partner: Allur; Fintech Partner: Mastercard; Partner: Al Safi Bank; and others.

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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. www.aifc.kz        

AIFC Press Office

Ainur Issabayeva, Press Secretary

Phone: +7 701 777 65 58

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