Next Generation Partners

Banking, finance and capital markets in Kazakhstan

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited

Led by Azamat Kuatbekov, Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited is focused on high profile cross-border transactions for international businesses operating in Kazakhstan and elsewhere in Central Asia. Alongside this, the firm has been recognised for its work in the aviation finance space. Alexander Korchagin, a counsel in the Almaty office of the firm, is a key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Azamat Kuatbekov


Autres avocats clés:

Alexander Korchagin


Principaux clients

 


 


Principaux dossiers


Centil Law

Centil Law‘s banking and finance practice has been involved in multi-jurisdictional projects, including work concerning both the private sector and multilateral financial institutions. Members of the firm provide a full scope of banking and finance services under Kazakh law, with members such as practice head Dinara Jarmukhanova advising international banks in relation to local and international financing transactions. Dariga Adanbekova and Asror Fayzov are noted from the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dinara Jarmukhanova


Autres avocats clés:

Dariga Adanbekova; Asror Fayzov


Principaux clients

China Development Bank


Eurasian Resources Group


International Finance Corporation


Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch


Barclays Bank PLC


Samsung C&T Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Sberbank of Russia PJSC on the restructuring of multi-jurisdictional facilities for an amount of up to $4.9bn, which included replacement of borrowers, security providers, currency, etc.
  • Instructed by Gazprombank JSC on funding for a $2.2bn acquisition of Kazakh companies that are subsoil users and strategic objects.

Dentons

Experienced in complex cross-border financing and capital markets transactions, Dentons provides a full service to clients within banking, finance and capital markets, covering deals in multiple areas such as syndicated financing, equipment leasing, asset finance, aviation finance, financial institutions regulation and debt capital markets. Managing Partner Abai Shaikenov  advises Kazakh clients in complex and unique transactions, whereas Vassiliy Zenov is recognised for his skills in drafting banking and finance-related statutory amendments. Ali Imanalin is a name to watch for his broad practice involving complex cross-border transactions governed by English law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vassiliy Zenov


Autres avocats clés:

Abai Shaikenov; Ali Imanalin


Les références

‘The team is professional, well-coordinated and has a profound understanding and practical knowledge of the industry. ’

‘Dennis Montgomery, Vasilliy Zenov and Ali Imanalin did a great job under tight deadlines.’

‘The team is professional, always available to address any issues and very well-balanced in terms of skills and areas of expertise. Financial transactions that we work on often require assistance outside of normal business hours and attention to detail (e.g., multiple counterparties and moving terms), and the team is supportive and highly efficient. In our experience, Dentons Kazakhstan has the strongest team in the Kazakh market.’

Principaux clients

EBRD


International Swaps and Derivatives Association


Asian Development Bank


Astana Financial Services Authority


TAV Airports Holding


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting EBRD, the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market in Kazakhstan with the establishment of an effective legal framework for resolving and selling non-performing loans in Kazakhstan.
  • Issuing an “industry netting opinion” for Kazakhstan for the benefit of ISDA and its members on enforceability of the termination, bilateral close-out netting and multibranch netting provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement which would cover the variety of types of Kazakh counterparties.
  • Developing an effective legal framework for cross-border OTC derivatives. The project aims to align Kazakh law with the best international standards such as the UNIDROIT Principles on Close-Out Netting Provisions and the ISDA Model Netting Act.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Led by firm managing partner Aset Shyngyssov, the finance offering at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in Kazakhstan advises corporates, banks, equity funds and sovereign wealth funds across a number of areas including secured financing and cross-border joint ventures. Alongside this, the firm is seen on a number of cross-border transactions in regions including the US, UK, France, UAE and Singapore. Aida Akhmetova  represents clients involved in cross-border investments and commercial transactions in Kazakhstan, whereas Asem Bakenova and Bakhytzhan Kadyrov  are both noted individuals from the firm. Senior Associate Anna Kornilova joined from Kinstellar LLP .

Responsables de la pratique:

Aset Shyngyssov


Autres avocats clés:

Bakhytzhan Kadyrov; Asem Bakenova; Aida Akhmetova


Principaux clients

EBRD


Asian Development Bank


Tiryaki Agro


Freedom Corp.


Compass Group


PSA International Pte Ltd.


Oppenheimer


Astana Group


Bumi Armada


Wabtec Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised EBRD and ADB on secured financing of a project for replacement of coal by natural gas.
  • Instructed by PSA Eagle Pte. Ltd. In connection with a strategic joint venture with Kazakhstan Termir Zholy.
  • Advised Oriental Sunrise Corp. Ltd. in an acquisition of 60% operating interest in large onshore Dunga oil field in Kazakhstan from TotalEnergies EP Danmark A/S.

SIGNUM Law Firm

SIGNUM Law Firm‘s banking and finance practice continues to find its strengths in areas including debt-to-equity, project finance, debt restructuring and PPP finance transitions involving multinational clients. Liza Zhumakhmetova  advises clients on large cross-border transactions, while Sofiya Zhylkaidarova handles transactions for clients in the oil and gas industry. Ulan Stybayev is noted for his experience in transactional and development projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Liza Zhumakhmetova; Sofiya Zhylkaidarova; Abylkhair Nakipov


Autres avocats clés:

Ulan Stybayev


Les références

‘Responsive, efficient, technically strong, an exporter as well as a receiver of work; exemplary.’


Principaux clients

EBRD


CITCO Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised one of Europe’s leading financial services groups on a $750m project finance facility to a major copper producer in Central Asia.
  • Instructed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, acting as the lender, on the implementation of a PPP project in the health care sector of Kazakhstan.
  • Advised on a $50m acquisition finance transaction to secure funding for a buy-side M&A transaction by the third Fortune 500-listed company.

AEQUITAS

AEQUITAS finds its strengths within securities transactions, bank loans, acquisition of assets, shares and commodities. Yelena Manayenko leads the practice, with experience in major transactions and projects, alongside advising clients on the issues of structuring local and international transactions. Yekaterina Khamidullina is noted for her expertise in project finance and anti-corruption compliance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yelena Manayenko


Autres avocats clés:

Yekaterina Khamidullina


Principaux dossiers


GRATA International

GRATA International has experience in PPP deals, including full involvement on such projects in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian jurisdictions. Within capital markets, the team has extensive experience in areas such as IPOs and Eurobonds issuances. Shaimerden Chikanayev co-leads the firm with Marina Kahiani, with Chikanayev experienced in cross-border lending and capital markets alongside project finance, whereas Kahlani has a proven track record in heavyweight deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Shaimerden Chikanayev; Marina Kahlani


Principaux clients

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


China Development Bank


Bank of China (Hong Kong)


International Finance Corporation


Renaissance Capital


Bloomberg


Islamic Development Bank


Sucres & Denrées


DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft


China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited


Asian Development Bank


Mastercard


Principaux dossiers


White & Case Kazakhstan LLP

White & Case Kazakhstan LLP‘s capital markets team is noted for its cross-border practice within Kazakhstan handling areas such as IPO transactions, working with lenders and general transactions, with the firm having the ability to refer and receive multi-jurisdictional work from its US and UK counterparts. Maxim Telemtayev co-leads the firm with Semion Issyk, with Telemtayev experienced in cross-border commercial transactions, while Issyk has expertise in banking, debt finance and equity capital markets.

Responsables de la pratique:

Maxim Telemtayev; Semion Issyk


Les références

‘With a presence in major financial centers worldwide, they offer clients a truly global perspective. This is invaluable for businesses operating across borders or seeking international investments. The firm continually explores innovative legal strategies to optimize financial structures, mitigate risks, and achieve our financial objectives.’

‘The team’s profound understanding of banking and finance regulations is evident. They’ve successfully navigated complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring our compliance and minimizing risks. ’

 

Principaux clients

Nostrum Oil & Gas plc


National Company “KazMunayGas”


IFC


EBRD