On September 5-6, 2024, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) hosted the annual financial conference “Astana Finance Days: Innovate. Invest. Impact”. Since its inception in 2018, Astana Finance Days (AFD) has been the premier platform for uniting top financial experts, investors and business leaders from across the Eurasian region.
This year’s conference gathered over 4000 participants from 69 countries. A total of 186 international and Kazakhstani speakers engaged in 38 panel sessions, covering key themes of “Innovation”, “Investment”, “Impact”, “Women in Arbitration” and “AIFC Community”. Speakers and participants discussed cutting-edge technologies in the financial sector, Kazakhstan’s investment opportunities, and the role of finance in driving sustainable development and positive societal change.
The conference was officially opened by AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov, who delivered a keynote speech during the panel session “Finance, Law, and Development: Shaping the Future of Infrastructure Investment in the Region”. In his remarks, the Governor emphasised that the AIFC has emerged as a key hub for attracting investment into Kazakhstan’s infrastructure projects. This is evidenced by the companies established in the AIFC that are engaged in logistics, including projects related to the Middle Corridor. However, he pointed out the need to attract investment and financing for the transport and logistics sector, green infrastructure for renewable energy production, and to fulfil the country’s commitments to achieving carbon neutrality.
Hussein Ozkhan, Acting Managing Director for Central Asia at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), highlighted the need for at least €17,5 billion in investments for the Middle Corridor, in addition to developing “soft” infrastructure, such as digitalisation, tariff identification and customs control, etc. Moazzam Mekan, Lead for Public-Private Partnerships in South Asia within IFC, emphasised the importance of mobilising private capital for these efforts.
During the event, the Astana International Exchange (AIX) announced the inclusion of I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificates) in its range of responsible finance products. The I-REC certificate confirms that the energy was produced from renewable sources and corresponds to 1 MWh of clean electricity. I-REC represents 99% of the total voluntary market of renewable energy certificates in the world and is recognized in more than 50 countries.
AIFC Governor also announced the launch of the AIFC Business League, a new initiative aimed at uniting top executives, business owners and investors to foster collaboration and implement successful projects both locally and internationally.
A landmark event at AFD 2024 was the adoption of the AIFC Venture Studio Rules, providing a legislative framework for the creation of venture companies. These rules establish legal clarity for financial and non-financial support for startups, facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs and startups in the market.
In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between TechHub Limited (AIFC) and Truleum Venture Studio Limited, a Dubai International Financial Centre-based venture studio, aimed at launching the “Fintech Venture Studio” at the AIFC. A second memorandum was signed between Tech Hub AIFC and White Hill Capital Ltd., focusing on the joint development of digital solutions to support innovative projects.
A practical guide on AI and data protection was also presented at the event, emphasising the AIFC’s commitment to creating a secure and innovative environment for delivering financial services within Kazakhstan and beyond.
It was announced that a regional office for Chengdu and the Western China Financial Centre in Central Asia has been established within the AIFC jurisdiction by CDIC International. This office aims to promote the growth of cross-border investments between Chengdu-based companies and investors and projects in Central Asia. Additionally, TFI Securities and Futures Limited, an investment firm based in Hong Kong, has been accredited as a non-member entity of the AIFC.
Additionally, a country report on Islamic finance, prepared by the AIFC and CSQ Law with support from the Islamic Development Bank, was presented during the panel session. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the landscape, challenges, opportunities and prospects for Islamic financial services in Kazakhstan.
The official launch of the AIFC Islamic Finance and Business Association also took place. The Association is designed to serve as a platform for uniting professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and stakeholders in the Islamic finance and business sector in Kazakhstan.
For the first time in Kazakhstan, the AIFC Court and the AIFC International Arbitration Centre, in collaboration with the global organisation Arbitral Women, hosted a “Women in Arbitration Day” at the conference. Participants also had the opportunity to meet Carolyn Lamm, a Partner at the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm White & Case, globally recognised as an expert in international arbitration.
The AIFC Academy announced the development of unique minor programmes, supported by Freedom Broker and the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Fund. These programmes, to be launched at leading universities in Kazakhstan, will cover 10 specialised areas corresponding to the evolving challenges of today’s financial and economic landscape. The initiative will offer undergraduate and graduate students a deeper understanding of asset management, fintech, financial market analysis and regulation, sustainable development and international commercial dispute resolution.
Additionally, the new Tabys Education app was launched, the educational module, aimed at improving financial literacy among the public. Tabys Education provides users with essential knowledge on managing personal finances and the art of investing.
Reference:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction with a favourable legal and regulatory environment and a developed infrastructure for starting and doing business, attracting investment, creating jobs and developing Kazakhstan’s economy. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Media Relations
Ainur Issabayeva
Press secretary
Phone: +7 701 777 6558, е-mail: pr@aifc.kz
Millie James is an American real estate investor and Adjunct Professor in Entrepreneurship, Emeritus at Business School.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
