Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited‘s banking and finance practice group focuses on high-end cross border transactions for a vast range of international clients, and has a particular specialism in aviation finance matters. The practice is the sole central Asian member of the Aviation Working Group’s (AWG) Legal Advisory Panel. Azamat Kuatbekov leads the practice, and has experience advising major clients on dispute resolution, acquisitions, and financing. Igor Kolupayev covers M&A and tax matters, while Alexander Korchagin handles matters pertaining to banking, M&A, and capital markets issues.

Centil Law provides a full service within banking and finance for major and ground-breaking projects, ranging from drafting, negotiating and/or advice in respect of the terms of credit facilities, drafting and negotiating security documents and providing legal opinions; this includes China Development Bank’s financing of an international financial organization headquartered in Kazakhstan. Dinara Jarmukhanova leads the firm’s banking and financing practice, advising creditors and borrowers on cross-border loans, advises major securities firms and financial institutions, and represents clients in major transaction and finance projects.

Dentons' practice has experience in advising high-profile local and international financial institutions and large corporations on a wide range of major transactions including syndicated financing, restructurings, and acquisition finance. The group is additionally adept in capital markets issues including debt capital markets, equity capital markets, and securitisation transactions.  Vassiliy Zenov advises on a broad spectrum of services including financial regulations and derivatives. Abai Shaikenov is an experienced partner involved in numerous sophisticated transactions, including those with cross-border elements. Alexandra Fasakhova is an experienced advisor on major bank-lending transactions, debt and equity capital markets deals, derivatives and regulatory matters.

Kinstellar LLP advises clients, including major financing institutions and state agencies, on a diverse array of complex transactions. The team also advises on matters of regulatory compliance, as well as on capital markets issues. Cross-border finance transactions are a notable area of strength for the department, including PPPs. Joel Benjamin continues to advise clients on a range of matters in practice, both on a domestic and regional scale (Central-Asia). Adlet Yerkinbayev advises clients from the banking market on acquisitions and capital markets issues. Pavel Kornilov assists both private clients and state entities. Yerlan Akhmetov specialises in licensing, with niche aptitude acting for digital and fintech banking institutions. Aigerim Raikhanova is one to watch.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s banking and finance practice offers expertise in Kazak law, AIPAC and foreign law to assist local and international clients on cross-boarder transactions, including assisting in high value financing matters. The department is active in a range of sectors including energy, telecoms, infrastructure, and agriculture. Aset Shyngyssov leads the firm’s practice, with experience in infrastructure projects, joint ventures and capital market transactions. Asem B. Bakenova is active for both domestic and international clients in an array of matters, with aptitude in the industrial and infrastructure sectors.

SIGNUM Law Firm‘s practice has broad sector coverage, with particular strength in evolving industries such as renewable energy and biotech. The group provides broad expertise in the practice area, advising on financing and regulatory issues relating to a range of corporate activities, including acquisitions, investments, project development. Liza Zhumakhmetova leads the practice, and has strength in the energy and telecommunications sectors. Ulan Stybayev has expertise in cross-border projects, and is active for both lenders and borrowers.

AEQUITAS provides a range of services, including advising on derivatives transactions and a range of financing matters. The group is adept in issues relating to securities markets, providing guidance to clients on shares and commodities. The head of the practice is Yelena Manayenko, who advises clients on the structuring of local and international transactions, the drafting and coordination of commercial contracts, and a range of other agreements. Yekaterina Khamidullina is experienced in financing matters and offers expertise in AIFC law. Zhandaulet Sholanov has left the firm.

GRATA International assists lenders and borrowers, including major banks and private investors, in a number of matters including project finance transactions, cross border lending, and regulatory advice, and specialises in PPP projects, including energy and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan and the wider Centra-Asia region. Co-head Shaimerden Chikanayev offers services in cross-border lending matters and capital markets transactions. Fellow co-head Marina Kahiani is experienced in advising foreign and international banks and financial institutions in cross-border project finance and PPP matters.

White & Case Kazakhstan LLP‘s practice offers its expertise in project finance across a variety of sectors, particularly the mining and energy industries. The practice also advises on cross-border transactions, with expertise in both Kazakh and English law, as well as leveraging the firm’s other offices. Maxim Telemtayev heads the practice, and advises clients in the infrastructure, renewable energy, and financial sectors, among others.