Sure! I’m currently working at AIX as Head of Public Issuers, where I deal mainly with listings. But here's an interesting twist – I never thought I’d end up in capital markets. I studied economics at KIMEP, and back then, the economics faculty was known as one of the toughest and most prestigious. Not everyone could get through it!
We had a subject called Forex, and I remember barely passing it. At the time, I swore to myself: “Never again. I’m never setting foot anywhere near the stock market.”
Famous last words, right?
After graduation, my first job was – ironically – in a brokerage firm as a junior trader. That led to a role in compliance at another brokerage, then a shift into the quasi-public sector, working in an M&A department. Eventually, I returned to brokerage, started in back office, then moved into treasury where I worked as a senior trader managing client liquidity portfolios.
So yes – despite my earlier resistance, I ended up exploring capital markets from all angles: front office, back office, mid-office, working with both clients and corporates, reviewing documents, you name it. And now I’m on the investment banking side – dealing with securities issuance, IPOs, listings, and so on.

Absolutely. At AIX, my department is client-facing – we’re the “front line” of the exchange. We're usually the first point of contact for both prospective and existing clients looking to list.
My role involves meeting clients, consulting, reviewing their documents, promoting our products, and in many cases – helping to design new ones. We also conduct market consultations to understand what the market needs, how we can improve, and how to better serve the ecosystem.
After all, the exchange is infrastructure – we’re a platform. Our department acts as a bridge, connecting external stakeholders with AIX and the broader AIFC framework. Often we’re approached with queries that go beyond listings – even unrelated regulatory matters – and our job is to help connect clients with the right contacts or departments.
We believe in the principle: “The client is always right.” If a client wants something, we’ll do our best to make it happen.

I genuinely love my colleagues. I used to think the most important thing about a job was salary – but actually, it’s the atmosphere. Money is a motivator, yes, but what makes you love your job is the people around you and your emotional state. For me, it’s 50/50 – team and personal fulfilment.
I’m a bit of a romantic at heart. I like to believe that the work I do – helping companies raise capital through listings, whether debt or equity – contributes to something larger. That capital builds factories, creates jobs, fuels the economy. And I get to be a small part of that story.
As for the team – I trust them completely. I can go to any colleague with a question and know I’ll get a thoughtful, professional answer. I also really admire my manager, Birzhan Astayev. I’ve worked under him for two years now, and he’s a role model for me in the financial sector. I’ve learned so much.
Corporate culture at AIX is built around trust and potential. When I joined, I came from a bureaucratic, hierarchical environment. I was used to layers of approvals, formal dress codes, and even penalties for being late! Coming here was a breath of fresh air. My first email here, I asked my manager to approve it. He said, “Have you checked it? Looks good. Just send it.” That kind of trust empowers you to perform better – not out of fear, but from a genuine desire to deliver for the team.

I’ll be honest – becoming a manager was a real learning curve. It’s much easier to be an individual contributor, where you just focus on your tasks. But as a leader, your soft skills are crucial. You have to be empathetic and communicate clearly.
At first, I tried a directive style, thinking it would work. “Just do it” – that sort of thing. But it didn’t suit the culture here. There were a few growing pains, but I was lucky that my team met me halfway. We had open conversations, made adjustments, and now we’re thriving.
Being a good leader means listening. It’s not about imposing control – it’s about mutual respect and collaboration.

One moment that really shaped me was when I worked under a very strong but difficult manager at a brokerage. She was brilliant – a real shark in finance – but her management style was harsh. She’d often criticise me in front of the whole office, and I found it emotionally draining.
I remember thinking, “I never want anyone to feel the way I feel right now.” That experience solidified one of my core values: kindness. Whether with colleagues, clients or friends – I always lead with kindness and offer 100% trust at the beginning. You either maintain that trust or gradually lose it, but it starts full.

Oh, lots! I love running. I’ve done several half-marathons and I’m training for my first full marathon this year. I even hope to one day complete an Ironman. I also go to the gym regularly and I’m part of a book club. Since I’m single, I have more freedom to invest in self-development – recently I even started studying for the CFA.
But I’ve also learned the importance of balance. I once burned out badly – back when I was a trader. The stress of constant market analysis, risk and round-the-clock attention wore me down. I quit, taught English for a while, and slowly recovered.
It was during that time I discovered an opening at AIX. I’d always wanted to work here but had never landed an interview. That time, I applied – and everything aligned. I joined the Public Issuers team, which I later realised was exactly where I belonged.

Thank you – it’s been life-changing. At one point, I weighed 130 kg. Over a year, I lost 60 kg through discipline and daily training. Sport became my energy source – physically, mentally, emotionally.
Now I choose my energy each morning. I choose to be upbeat, focused, and present. We only get one life. Why not live it fully?
We even have a tradition in our office – every morning at 9, we gather for coffee downstairs. It’s our little ritual. And without fail, I always walk in and say, “Good morning, everyone!” Even if someone hasn't had their coffee yet, they know what’s coming from me!

Yes – never stop growing. Growth opens every door. Whether it's technical skills, emotional intelligence, or relationships with family and friends – keep developing.
Growth comes with losses sometimes, and that’s okay. Like a snake shedding its skin, it can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Don’t fear it. Embrace new things. Life is unpredictable and beautiful – and it’s meant to be lived.

Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.