Well, I joined AIFC right after graduation. In 2020, I earned my degree from the International Law Faculty of Moscow State Institute of International Relations, followed by another degree in International Relations from the same university in 2022. Upon graduating, I started as an intern at the AIFC’s subsidiary then, specifically in the AIFC Law Academy. Our role was to design educational courses for finance and legal experts, as AIFC law was - and still is - relatively unknown in Kazakhstan. Since our country predominantly follows the continental law system, learning about the Anglo-Saxon-based AIFC law has been a unique challenge for experts here.

Oh, definitely. One thing that often caught people by surprise was the fact that I spoke Russian fluently. In Russia, I was frequently mistaken for a Tatar or assumed to be a local citizen. Additionally, whenever I traveled abroad, I found myself explaining Kazakhstan’s unique linguistic culture. The concept of being bilingual - fluent in both Kazakh and Russian - was fascinating to my international friends. They were amazed by the idea that we could speak two languages natively and still strive to learn more.

Since last year, I’ve been working in the Authorisations Division of AFSA. Our department is responsible for licensing financial services. I like to think of us as the heart of AIFC because we ensure businesses operate transparently, creating an environment that protects both companies and their clients from fraud. Essentially, we evaluate the internal control systems of future brokers, banks, and investment consultants to ensure they are ready to offer trustworthy services.

I truly love my department. We have a young and dynamic team - not just in age, but in mindset. Everyone is open to communication and eager to share knowledge. We value collaboration, often stepping in to support one another. What I appreciate most is the strong emphasis on ethics; there’s no room for toxicity. If misunderstandings arise, we address them immediately to avoid conflicts. Across the broader AIFC ecosystem, I’ve noticed a shared trait - high levels of emotional intelligence and professionalism. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds, we work together seamlessly, driven by mutual respect and a shared goal to excel.

Honestly, I prioritize sleep - something not enough people talk about! Proper rest is vital for mental and physical health. I also try to maintain a disciplined schedule, including regular exercise, even if I don’t always enjoy it. It’s a great way to release stress and refocus.
Beyond that, I love learning. I’ve always been a bit of a nerd, especially with languages. I studied Chinese as a child and am now learning Arabic. At university, I mastered English and German.

It’s a mix of talent, diligence, and patience. Personally, I have a knack for memorizing and studying for long hours, but that might not work for everyone. I believe bilingualism at a young age helps a lot, as it builds cognitive flexibility. For adults, good nutrition, adequate rest, and regular exercise can boost brain plasticity, making it easier to absorb and retain new information.

If I were to share anything, it’s this: Always strive to remain human in every situation. The end does not always justify the means. Behind every task or job, there’s a person with their own struggles. Treating others with empathy and understanding goes a long way.

Thank you for having me! It’s initiatives like this that bring us closer as colleagues. Good luck with your endeavors, and I hope this platform continues to thrive!