Services
How can we help you?
Licensing & Institution Setup
We provide comprehensive legal and advisory support for the establishment and licensing of financial institutions in Kazakhstan, ensuring full compliance with local regulatory requirements and best practices. Our services are tailored for both domestic clients and international investors entering the Kazakh market.
🔹 1. Licensing Support under the ARDFM
We assist clients in obtaining all required licenses from the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where applicable, including but not limited to the following types of financial institutions:
– Second-tier banks (STBs)
– Insurance and reinsurance companies
– Payment organizations
– Leasing companies
– Investment portfolio managers
– Currency exchange offices and other regulated entities
We ensure proper preparation of all licensing documentation, including internal policies, AML/CFT procedures, financial models, and corporate governance frameworks, in accordance with ARDFM regulations.
🔹 2. Conversion of MFOs into Banks
Our team has practical experience in supporting the transformation of microfinance organizations (MFOs) into full-fledged second-tier banks. We guide clients through the full process, including:
– Legal and regulatory gap analysis
– Capitalization and compliance planning
– Preparation of licensing packages for ARDFM
– Transition planning, including risk, IT, and HR restructuring
🔹 3. Turnkey Licensing for Financial Institutions
We offer end-to-end assistance in obtaining licenses for all types of financial institutions in Kazakhstan, including:
– Legal entity registration
– Preparation of charter and internal policies
– Corporate governance structure development
– Liaison with regulators at all stages of the licensing process
🔹 4. Services for Foreign Investors
For international clients entering the Kazakh market, we act as a local guide through the legal and regulatory landscape. We provide:
– Comprehensive legal and tax structuring
– Regulatory pathway design
– Representation before state bodies
– Localization strategy and operational launch support
🔹 5. Company Formation and Operational Setup
We assist in launching new financial companies in Kazakhstan on a turnkey basis, including but not limited to leasing companies, payment firms, and investment structures. Our support covers:
– Company registration and tax setup
– Recruitment and HR strategy
– Preparation of business plans and operational models
– Drafting of internal regulations and process manuals
– IT infrastructure planning and implementation
– Setting up internal control, compliance, and risk management systems
🔹 6. Our Expertise
Our team of consultants, lawyers, and financial professionals has deep expertise in Kazakh financial regulation, including ARDFM, AIFC (AFSA), and other frameworks. We ensure:
– Fast-track execution within regulatory timelines
– High-quality documentation in line with international standards
– Risk-sensitive and business-oriented advice
🔹 7. Additional Capabilities
We also offer:
– Post-licensing support and regulatory reporting setup
– Ongoing legal and compliance advisory
– Corporate secretary and internal audit services
– Support in entering financial markets (e.g., IPO or bond issuance)
AIFC Compliance & Structuring
We offer comprehensive consulting services for legal structuring, licensing, and compliance within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) — a unique jurisdiction based on common law principles and governed by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA). Our team guides clients through every stage of entry into the AIFC ecosystem, ensuring full compliance with regulatory, legal, and operational requirements.
🔹 1. Legal Entity Registration in AIFC
We assist clients in establishing companies within the AIFC jurisdiction, including:
– Advising on optimal legal form (e.g., Private Company, LLP, Branch)
– Preparation and filing of incorporation documents through AFSA’s Participant Portal
– Coordination with AIFC Business Connect and AFSA
– Obtaining a Business Identification Number (BIN) and regulatory approvals
We ensure that all corporate structures comply with AIFC Companies Regulations and related rules.
🔹 2. Licensing Support from AFSA
We provide full support for obtaining regulatory licenses from AFSA for activities such as:
– Asset management
– Investment advisory
– Custodian and brokerage services
– Digital assets and fintech operations
– Insurance/reinsurance and takaful
– Fund management (Exempt Fund, Expert Fund, etc.)
Our services include:
– Licensing strategy and eligibility assessment
– Drafting and review of required policies and documents
– Submission of license application packages via AFSA Regulatory Portal
– Communication with AFSA’s Licensing Division throughout the process
🔹 3. Development of Internal Governance and Policies
We assist in drafting internal documentation in line with AIFC standards, including:
– Corporate governance frameworks
– Compliance manuals and internal control procedures
– Anti-money laundering (AML/CFT) and risk management policies
– Business continuity plans
– Outsourcing and data protection frameworks
All documentation is prepared in accordance with AIFC Conduct of Business Rules, AML Rules, and Prudential Rules, as applicable.
🔹 4. Post-Registration and Operational Support
Our support continues after registration and licensing:
– Drafting and filing Annual Return and other regulatory submissions
– Ongoing compliance monitoring and gap assessments
– Internal audit and regulatory reporting
– Assistance with operational setup and IT systems aligned with AFSA expectations
– Training and onboarding of compliance officers and directors
🔹 5. Foreign and Local Client Support
We work with both local firms and international investors setting up presence in the AIFC. For foreign clients, we offer:
– Structuring advice for cross-border investments through AIFC
– Regulatory interpretation and compliance mapping
– KYC onboarding framework design for local and international clients
Capital Markets & IPO
We provide end-to-end advisory services for companies planning to raise capital through public or private offerings in Kazakhstan or abroad. Our expertise covers all stages of the process — from strategic preparation and regulatory alignment to investor relations and post-issuance compliance. We work with both established companies and emerging businesses aiming to enter the capital markets for the first time.
🔹 1. Capital Raising Strategy and Market Readiness
We assist clients in developing a tailored capital raising strategy that aligns with their corporate goals, financial structure, and regulatory obligations. Our services include:
– Assessment of IPO or placement feasibility (IPO-readiness diagnostics)
– Analysis of local and international listing options (KASE, AIX, LSE, etc.)
– Corporate restructuring and governance alignment
– Financial audit coordination in accordance with IFRS and Kazakhstan listing rules
We help prepare your business for scrutiny by investors, regulators, and exchanges.
🔹 2. Regulatory Support in Kazakhstan
We provide full support in navigating the legal and regulatory environment for securities issuance, in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Securities Market”, including:
– Coordination with the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM)
– Preparation of documentation for registration of securities issuance
– Compliance with prospectus requirements and disclosure standards
– Drafting of internal corporate resolutions and approvals
We also support dual listings and foreign issuer recognition if needed.
🔹 3. KASE and AIX Listing Process
We guide clients through the listing procedures of both local platforms:
Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE):
– Selection of market sector (main, alternative, etc.)
– Compliance with listing requirements and free float rules
– Preparation of listing application and agreements
– Interaction with KASE Listing Committee
Astana International Exchange (AIX):
– Structuring under AIFC law and rules
– Coordination with AIX Markets Team and AFSA, if applicable
– Selection of listing sponsor and legal advisors
– Support for Exempt and Expert Market access
🔹 4. Offering Documentation and Investor Materials
We assist in drafting and reviewing all core offering documentation:
– Investment memoranda and prospectuses
– Legal opinions and issuer due diligence reports
– Corporate presentation decks and financial highlights
– Investor Q&A, roadshow materials, and marketing packages
We ensure your documentation complies with Kazakh, AIFC, and, where applicable, international disclosure standards (IOSCO, LSE).
🔹 5. Deal Execution and Stakeholder Coordination
We provide project management and strategic support throughout the offering, including:
– Coordination with underwriters, legal counsel, and auditors
– Participation in negotiation and pricing discussions
– Organization of roadshows and investor engagement campaigns
– Liaison with state bodies (ARDFM, tax authorities, Ministry of Finance if necessary)
🔹 6. Post-Listing Support
Our services extend beyond the listing day. We offer:
– Assistance with regulatory reporting and ongoing disclosure
– Corporate governance updates and board committee formation
– Investor relations strategy development
– Secondary offerings and debt issuance support
Regulatory Frameworks We Work Within
Looking to Enter the Kazakh Financial Market?
We’re ready to help you turn your vision into a fully operational and compliant financial institution. Let’s discuss how we can structure, license, and scale your business in Kazakhstan — from concept to launch.
From idea to institution — let’s shape your success
You don’t have to navigate the complexities of financial business growth alone. We stand beside you at every step — from structuring and licensing to scaling operations — turning your vision into a fully functional, compliant organization.