The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is positioning itself as a hub for Chinese capital and technology, moving beyond the traditional focus on natural resources. The center operates under its own legal and regulatory framework, featuring the Astana Financial Services Authority, a dedicated court system with English judges, and the Astana International Exchange.
As of the time of the interview, AIFC had registered over 6,200 companies. The center provides a one-stop Expat Centre offering approximately 120 services, including visa support. AIFC offers various corporate structures, such as partnerships, foundations, and trusts, designed to facilitate international business operations.
AIFC is currently developing new financial products, with a focus on aviation finance, as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan are expected to lease about 300 aircraft over the next four years. Other development areas include green finance, renewable energy certificates, carbon markets, and Islamic finance.
In the technology sector, AIFC is exploring Kazakhstan's role in AI infrastructure, specifically the construction of data centers. The center is also addressing financing gaps in the mining sector through a junior mining platform and is applying similar financial structures to support creative industries.
AIFC views Hong Kong as a source of capital and expertise, while China is seen as a partner for manufacturing and technology transfer. The center aims to serve as a testing ground for Chinese startups looking to scale their operations in the Eurasian market before entering more competitive regions.
