The Times of Central Asia proudly presents special coverage of Astana Finance Days 2026, taking place on September 9–10 at the Astana International Financial Centre. Held under the theme “Delivering Impact. Capital in Action,” the ninth edition will bring together investors, regulators, policymakers, financial institutions, technology firms, and business leaders from across Eurasia. Discussions will focus on capital markets, investment products, market confidence, institutional innovation, financing the real economy, and cross-border capital cooperation. Hosted by the AIFC, an independent jurisdiction based on English common-law principles, the forum aims to turn dialogue into investment, transactions, strategic partnerships, and business opportunities for Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region.
Overview AIFC
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Astana Finance Days in Numbers
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Investment Mobilized
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A Global Business Hub
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Capital Markets
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Funds and Asset Management
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Digital Finance
2026
Astana Finance Days 2025 drew more than 5,500 participants from 82 countries. Its two-day program included 160 speakers, more than 40 business events, four new listings on the Astana International Exchange, and seven agreements.
By June 2026, the AIFC reported that it had facilitated $25.3 billion in cumulative investment into Kazakhstan since its establishment.
By June 2026, more than 5,800 companies from 90 countries were registered within the AIFC ecosystem.
As of June 30, 2026, the Astana International Exchange had 398 securities listed by 196 issuers and had raised $15 billion in debt and equity capital since its inception. More than 2.3 million retail investor accounts were held through AIX member brokers.
In 2025, assets under management within the AIFC exceeded $5.4 billion. The ecosystem included 177 investment funds managed by 71 fund and asset managers, spanning private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and other specialized structures.
In 2025, digital asset service providers operating under AFSA supervision within the AIFC recorded $10.58 billion in transaction volume and served approximately 215,000 users. Nine operated under the full regulatory framework, while 19 were supervised through the FinTech Lab.
AIFC Interview: Central Asia Investment, Middle Corridor and ESG
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) positions itself as a platform for international investment in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer at the AIFC Authority, discussed competition for investment, financing for the Middle Corridor, investor protection, ESG, and currency risks. Kakishev said the AIFC ecosystem has attracted $26.3 billion in inv...
Kazakhstan Strengthens Position as Central Asia’s Investment Hub, AIFC Head Says
Central Asia is moving beyond its traditional role as a transit corridor and emerging as an investment destination in its own right, according to Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre. He said investors increasingly value transparent institutions, predictable law and capital protection alongside geography and natural resources. Bekturov noted that Kazakhstan remains the European Union’s largest partner in Cen...
Kazakhstan Turns to China and Hong Kong for Deals, Yuan Debt, and Market Access
Kazakhstan has opened a new phase in its economic ties with China, with a large package of Hong Kong and mainland Chinese agreements arriving alongside Kazakhstan’s first sovereign borrowing in China’s domestic bond market. The two steps show Astana is moving beyond trade growth into finance, listings, yuan debt, and China-linked capital for infrastructure and industry. On June 2, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik...
EBRD Invests $125 Million in Kazakhstan Railway Operator Eurobond
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is investing up to $125 million in a Eurobond issue by Kazakhstan’s national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). The bond, with a total value of up to $1 billion, was listed on the London Stock Exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, and Astana International Exchange. The EBRD’s investment will help modernize passenger stations across Kazakhstan, supporting improvements in safety...
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Astana Finance Days in Numbers
2026Astana Finance Days 2025 drew more than 5,500 participants from 82 countries. Its two-day program included 160 speakers, more than 40 business events, four new listings on the Astana International Exchange, and seven agreements.
-
Investment Mobilized
2026By June 2026, the AIFC reported that it had facilitated $25.3 billion in cumulative investment into Kazakhstan since its establishment.
-
A Global Business Hub
2026By June 2026, more than 5,800 companies from 90 countries were registered within the AIFC ecosystem.
-
Capital Markets
2026As of June 30, 2026, the Astana International Exchange had 398 securities listed by 196 issuers and had raised $15 billion in debt and equity capital since its inception. More than 2.3 million retail investor accounts were held through AIX member brokers.
-
Funds and Asset Management
2026In 2025, assets under management within the AIFC exceeded $5.4 billion. The ecosystem included 177 investment funds managed by 71 fund and asset managers, spanning private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and other specialized structures.
-
Digital Finance
2026In 2025, digital asset service providers operating under AFSA supervision within the AIFC recorded $10.58 billion in transaction volume and served approximately 215,000 users. Nine operated under the full regulatory framework, while 19 were supervised through the FinTech Lab.
