AFD 2025 Forum Continues in Astana

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) continues to host the region’s largest financial forum, Astana Finance Days 2025, under the slogan “Where Capital Shapes the Future.” This year, the event gathers representatives of companies managing assets worth over $1.5 trillion, with more than 5,000 participants from over 80 countries.

At the conclusion of the first day, the official reception featured the announcement of the AIFC Awards 2025 winners. The awards recognized companies that contributed to the development of the financial center’s ecosystem through innovation, cooperation, and growth. Among the laureates were Al Safi Bank Ltd, Abylai Global Solutions Ltd., Fonte Capital Ltd., ATAIX Eurasia Ltd., RCS Trust and Corporate Services Ltd., Legal Consulting Community Limited, the Kazakhstan branch of Moore, Presight AI Kazakhstan Ltd., Solidcore Resources plc, and Freedom Finance Global PLC.

The second day’s business program began with a plenary session, “The Role of Portfolio Investments in Strengthening Financial Markets in Central Asia,” moderated by AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov. Participants included Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan Timur Suleimenov, Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs Kanat Sharlapaev, Bank of New York Mellon’s Hani Kablawi, Freedom Holding Corp. CEO Timur Turlov, and Goldman Sachs Partner Riad Yusuf. Speakers discussed the importance of portfolio inflows for managing public debt, developing the domestic IPO market, and launching joint instruments with international partners.

The session also featured the listing ceremony of Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited, which conducted a dual IPO on the Hong Kong Exchange and the Astana International Exchange. The company is developing the Boguty tungsten deposit in Almaty Region, one of the world’s largest with reserves estimated at 107.5 million tons of ore. The funds raised will be directed toward expanding production capacities and developing non-ferrous metals projects.

The second day’s program includes panel discussions on data protection in international financial centers, the introduction of supervisory technologies and artificial intelligence into the financial sector, fintech trends, the future of AIFC law, regional development in Kazakhstan as investment hubs, and the prospects of blockchain technologies.

Particular attention was drawn to futurist Brett King’s session, “Toward Bank 5.0 — How AI, Fintech, and Quantum Technologies Are Changing the Future of Banking.” He noted that digital banks and e-wallets have already reshaped the global market, while the introduction of artificial intelligence is shaping the next stage of transformation.

At the session on the prospects of local ETFs, it was announced that the world’s first spot investment fund focused on the digital asset Solana with a staking function was listed. The Fonte Solana Exchange Traded Fund OEIC Plc will allow investors to integrate this digital asset into portfolios without the need for independent management.

An analytical report on Kazakhstan’s mining industry was also presented, emphasizing the potential of copper, uranium, and rare earth elements. The document analyzes trends, infrastructure constraints, and ESG requirements. The AIFC proposed using its instruments for financing and structuring mining projects, including listings on AIX and the development of green finance.

An important feature of this year’s forum is the AFD Exhibition Hub, which brings together participants in capital markets and digital innovation. Exhibitors include the crypto exchange ATAIX, fintech companies AnchorX and LMAX Group, Advanced Payment Solutions, broker Alatau City Invest, Halyk Finance, digital bank Brillink, and the CFA Institute.

The forum is organized by the AIFC with the support of the Astana International Forum. Event partners include Freedom Broker, KAZ Minerals, Solidcore Resources, ITS, MYD Production, ERG, Teniz Capital Investment Banking, Allur, Mastercard, Al Safi Bank, and others.

Do you have news that could become a sensation?
Or do you want to try yourself as an editor?
On altn.news , it's possible!
Share your materials, express your opinion, and test your skills as a journalist or editor.
It’s simple:
✅ Download the app:
       
      

✅ Register on the website.
✅ Create and publish your news.
Who knows, maybe your material will become the next big headline!
Start today on altn.news.