Spotlight
Altay Slyamov
Corpcomms
Altay, thank you for joining us. To begin, we’d love to hear more about your journey into the AIFC. Where did you study, and how did your career in law and finance begin?
Altay
Thank you – it’s a pleasure to be here. My academic journey began at what is now known as Maksut Narikbayev University (formerly Kazakh Humanities and Law University), where I studied Law. I later completed a Master’s degree in International Finance and Banking Law at the University of Leeds in the UK through the Bolashak scholarship programme.
After my postgraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work for a major international development company. During that period, I was involved in providing legal support for several significant projects, including the Keruen Saray complex in Turkistan and the Rixos Water World Aktau resort. My role focused on the legal aspects of project development and financing – an experience that was pivotal in shaping my professional growth before moving into my current role at the AIFC.
After my postgraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work for a major international development company. During that period, I was involved in providing legal support for several significant projects, including the Keruen Saray complex in Turkistan and the Rixos Water World Aktau resort. My role focused on the legal aspects of project development and financing – an experience that was pivotal in shaping my professional growth before moving into my current role at the AIFC.
That’s an impressive portfolio. You mentioned studying in the UK during the pandemic – what was that experience like?
It was certainly a unique and challenging time. Studying abroad for the first time is already a learning curve, but doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic added a new level of complexity. Universities were closed, libraries were inaccessible, and everything shifted online, which made active engagement more difficult.
One of the most striking cultural differences I noticed was the approach to learning. In the UK, students are expected to take ownership of their education – lecturers serve more as facilitators than traditional instructors. This emphasis on independent thinking made a lasting impression on me and helped me become more self-reliant – an invaluable skill in my current role.
One of the most striking cultural differences I noticed was the approach to learning. In the UK, students are expected to take ownership of their education – lecturers serve more as facilitators than traditional instructors. This emphasis on independent thinking made a lasting impression on me and helped me become more self-reliant – an invaluable skill in my current role.
Before joining the AIFC, you worked on several large-scale legal projects. What were some of the main challenges you encountered?
One of the key challenges was addressing public perception and community engagement. For instance, during and after the Rixos project in Aktau, there were concerns among local residents about the implications of new developments. My legal responsibilities extended into communication – explaining the economic and social benefits of such projects, including increased tourism and job creation. A similar approach was needed in Turkistan. As a result, I developed not only my legal expertise but also my ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
That’s a fascinating intersection of law and public engagement. Let’s turn to your current role. Could you tell us more about your department and its responsibilities within the AIFC?
Certainly. As Acting Director of the FinTech Division, I oversee the operations of companies participating in our regulated sandbox environment. However, the scope of the role extends beyond sandbox entities – it includes supporting the broader development of financial technologies within the AIFC. The division also serves as a key point of contact for third-party stakeholders.
Our mandate includes supervising firms that offer innovative financial services or are testing new solutions. We ensure that they operate within a sound legal and regulatory framework. At the same time, we strive to create an enabling environment for both traditional and innovative financial services to flourish.
Our mandate includes supervising firms that offer innovative financial services or are testing new solutions. We ensure that they operate within a sound legal and regulatory framework. At the same time, we strive to create an enabling environment for both traditional and innovative financial services to flourish.
You’ve clearly progressed through the ranks – from analyst to leading the division. That must come with considerable responsibility. How would you describe the corporate culture at the AIFC?
The corporate culture is one of the AIFC’s strongest assets. We work in a highly professional environment, surrounded by experts with deep knowledge of legal, financial, and regulatory practices – including anti-money laundering frameworks.
Collaboration is central – not just within our division, but across the AFSA. The leadership promotes open communication and upholds strong ethical standards. There’s a culture of integrity and accountability. Regardless of your seniority, your input is valued. I’ve experienced this first-hand, and it makes a meaningful difference to motivation and team cohesion.
Collaboration is central – not just within our division, but across the AFSA. The leadership promotes open communication and upholds strong ethical standards. There’s a culture of integrity and accountability. Regardless of your seniority, your input is valued. I’ve experienced this first-hand, and it makes a meaningful difference to motivation and team cohesion.
That’s encouraging to hear. Since the AFSA’s work involves identifying fraudulent firms and protecting investors, do you have any practical advice for the general public on spotting financial scams?
Absolutely. First and foremost, always check whether a company is licensed by a recognised regulator. This can be done via the official website of the relevant authority.
Second, be wary of unrealistic promises – if someone guarantees returns of 100% or 200% in a short timeframe, that’s a clear red flag.
Third, always read documentation thoroughly before making any commitments. If in doubt, consult a lawyer or someone with legal knowledge. These simple precautions can help protect against fraud – especially with the increasing number of crypto scams and dubious schemes circulating on platforms like Telegram.
Second, be wary of unrealistic promises – if someone guarantees returns of 100% or 200% in a short timeframe, that’s a clear red flag.
Third, always read documentation thoroughly before making any commitments. If in doubt, consult a lawyer or someone with legal knowledge. These simple precautions can help protect against fraud – especially with the increasing number of crypto scams and dubious schemes circulating on platforms like Telegram.
That’s a timely and much-needed warning – thank you. Outside of your professional life, how do you spend your free time? Any hobbies?
My free time is largely devoted to my family. I’m married and have a young child, so weekends are typically spent enjoying family activities – going for walks, visiting play areas, and simply spending quality time together.
In terms of hobbies, I’m an avid sports fan. In fact, I once aspired to become a sports commentator! I even participated in a casting competition at QazSport. I try to attend local sporting events in Astana whenever I can, often with my family in tow.
In terms of hobbies, I’m an avid sports fan. In fact, I once aspired to become a sports commentator! I even participated in a casting competition at QazSport. I try to attend local sporting events in Astana whenever I can, often with my family in tow.
That’s lovely to hear – a great example of maintaining work–life balance. Do you follow any personal principles to achieve that balance?
I do my best, though it’s not always easy. At times, work takes priority, especially when there are urgent matters. But I’ve found time management to be essential.
I try to schedule meetings and calls in the earlier part of the day so that I can focus on core work in the afternoon, and still have the evening free for my family. It’s not a perfect system, but I’m constantly adjusting and improving it.
I try to schedule meetings and calls in the earlier part of the day so that I can focus on core work in the afternoon, and still have the evening free for my family. It’s not a perfect system, but I’m constantly adjusting and improving it.
A valuable takeaway. To conclude, do you have any final thoughts or advice for our readers?
Thank you once again for having me. If I could share one piece of advice, it would be about taking personal responsibility. Regardless of your title or position, if you approach your work with a sense of ownership – as a duty, not just a task – you’ll grow.
That attitude is something I’ve seen consistently across the AIFC, and it’s a key factor in our collective success. Personal responsibility leads to both professional development and broader societal progress.
That attitude is something I’ve seen consistently across the AIFC, and it’s a key factor in our collective success. Personal responsibility leads to both professional development and broader societal progress.
Thank you, Altay. Your insights have been both inspiring and informative – professionally and personally. We wish you continued success at the AIFC.
Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.