The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a project initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create the leading financial centre in the region (Central Asia, the Caucasus, EAEU, Western China, Mongolia and Eastern Europe). The AIFC focuses on enhancing growth through its main strategic pillars, including capital markets, asset management, financial technology (fintech), Islamic finance, banking and insurance.
The AIFC consists of two interrelated sub-ecosystems. Sub-ecosystem 1 comprises traditional financial sector players, such as commercial banks, private banks, investment banks and insurance companies. Their main objective is to provide financial products and services to the economy and society at large. Sub-ecosystem 2 (AIFC Tech) comprises start-ups, tech entrepreneurs, R&D centres, and other technology companies that focus on the crucial technology aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), such as blockchain, the internet of things (IoT), cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Professional services firms operate at the intersection of the two sub-ecosystems, alongside VC firms and training providers. Successful AIFC Tech companies eventually become financial sector players or help transform traditional financial sector players to disrupt their business model. These two reinforcing sub-ecosystems make it a dynamic and innovative financial sector ecosystem ready to compete in the 4IR.
The AIFC Bureau for Continuing Professional Development provides professional programmes based on international certifications in the fields of investment management, risk management, accounting & auditing, human resources, ICT management, cybersecurity and corporate governance. The Training Centre will provide up to 100 programs in 16 areas for financial sector professionals.
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