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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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 is experienced in cross-border commercial transactions. Since publication, Semion Issyk left the firm.