AIFC Spotlight
Each of you at the AIFC deserves the spotlight, and this success would not have been possible without your individual contributions!
We collected a number of behind-the-scenes insights from some of the AFD organising teams.
We collected a number of behind-the-scenes insights from some of the AFD organising teams.
Alfiya Kadyrova, Marketing Teamlead, AFD Project Manager: AFD became the best sales training and teambuilding rolled into one
Fundraising was the most challenging part of AFD. At first we were hoping just to hit the base target - but somehow we pushed all the way to the stretch, doubling the number of partners since 2024. Along the way, everyone became a salesperson: the forum itself lasted two days, but the sponsorship hunt felt like 200.
On top of everything, 2025 brought a number of brand-new components – from the AFD Opening Ceremony and high-profile VIP speakers to the AFD Exhibition Hub. At some point, we couldn’t help but wonder if we had taken on more than we could handle.
Our small team’s days were so tightly packed that Meruyert jokes about the time she asked me for a free slot to talk and I had only 08:30. She also likes to remind me we had 26 chats running in parallel just to keep up.
And sponsorship was just one part of it - on top of that, there was the forum itself to deliver. In between sponsorship calls we spent weeks negotiating with potential suppliers, managing partners, logistics, and a constantly shifting agenda. We had two Chiefs of Content come and go, and by the time AFD approached we had none. Content management itself was half diplomacy, half fortune-telling. To make things even spicier, most sponsors came in as late birds, and at some point the procurement team had to jump in to help us with contract management.
And through all of this, Zhanel was technically still on probation - which turned out to be the most intense induction period anyone could imagine. What kept us sane were the jokes - from daily AFD calls that felt like both FOMO and FOBI, to KPI meaning ‘Keeping Partners Interested.’
I am deeply grateful to the team and the wider AFD family for their relentless efforts, support, and resilience – this achievement belongs to all of us. A special shout-out to the Adm Dept., who probably deserve fitness trackers as a bonus after clocking 30,000 steps a day.
My deepest thanks go to Yelena, whose trust, patience, and unwavering commitment guided us through every challenge. I cannot imagine how anyone could successfully lead such large-scale projects: the Forum, The Museum, PR and Communications in parallel, and yet she made it possible.
In the end, AFD became the best sales training and teambuilding rolled into one.
Fundraising was the most challenging part of AFD. At first we were hoping just to hit the base target - but somehow we pushed all the way to the stretch, doubling the number of partners since 2024. Along the way, everyone became a salesperson: the forum itself lasted two days, but the sponsorship hunt felt like 200.
On top of everything, 2025 brought a number of brand-new components – from the AFD Opening Ceremony and high-profile VIP speakers to the AFD Exhibition Hub. At some point, we couldn’t help but wonder if we had taken on more than we could handle.
Our small team’s days were so tightly packed that Meruyert jokes about the time she asked me for a free slot to talk and I had only 08:30. She also likes to remind me we had 26 chats running in parallel just to keep up.
And sponsorship was just one part of it - on top of that, there was the forum itself to deliver. In between sponsorship calls we spent weeks negotiating with potential suppliers, managing partners, logistics, and a constantly shifting agenda. We had two Chiefs of Content come and go, and by the time AFD approached we had none. Content management itself was half diplomacy, half fortune-telling. To make things even spicier, most sponsors came in as late birds, and at some point the procurement team had to jump in to help us with contract management.
And through all of this, Zhanel was technically still on probation - which turned out to be the most intense induction period anyone could imagine. What kept us sane were the jokes - from daily AFD calls that felt like both FOMO and FOBI, to KPI meaning ‘Keeping Partners Interested.’
I am deeply grateful to the team and the wider AFD family for their relentless efforts, support, and resilience – this achievement belongs to all of us. A special shout-out to the Adm Dept., who probably deserve fitness trackers as a bonus after clocking 30,000 steps a day.
My deepest thanks go to Yelena, whose trust, patience, and unwavering commitment guided us through every challenge. I cannot imagine how anyone could successfully lead such large-scale projects: the Forum, The Museum, PR and Communications in parallel, and yet she made it possible.
In the end, AFD became the best sales training and teambuilding rolled into one.
Dinara Zhakupova, Chief of Staff: I could not be prouder to work with such a dedicated team
I am deeply grateful to International Relations for the outstanding work in welcoming our VIP delegates, while also managing the Jordan King’s visit, AIFC Connect Beijing, and organizing plenary and panel sessions for AFD. My sincere thanks also go to Industry Analysis and Data Analytics, who not only launched three important reports under very tight deadlines but also organized panel sessions and contributed to dinner program.
Procurement did a fantastic job assisting with sponsorship agreements, and the Chancellery ensured a smooth and professional MoU signing ceremony. Each of you went above and beyond, and together you made Astana Finance Days a true success — I could not be prouder to work with such a dedicated team.
Yerzhan Temirgaliyev, Director of Procurement Department: ...procurement was an essential engine behind the scenes
Procurement wasn’t just a support function - it was a critical pillar of the entire operation. Without their precision, speed, and problem-solving under pressure, much of what we delivered simply wouldn’t have been possible. Just like logistics, branding, and security, procurement was an essential engine behind the scenes.
I am deeply grateful to International Relations for the outstanding work in welcoming our VIP delegates, while also managing the Jordan King’s visit, AIFC Connect Beijing, and organizing plenary and panel sessions for AFD. My sincere thanks also go to Industry Analysis and Data Analytics, who not only launched three important reports under very tight deadlines but also organized panel sessions and contributed to dinner program.
Procurement did a fantastic job assisting with sponsorship agreements, and the Chancellery ensured a smooth and professional MoU signing ceremony. Each of you went above and beyond, and together you made Astana Finance Days a true success — I could not be prouder to work with such a dedicated team.
Yerzhan Temirgaliyev, Director of Procurement Department: ...procurement was an essential engine behind the scenes
Procurement wasn’t just a support function - it was a critical pillar of the entire operation. Without their precision, speed, and problem-solving under pressure, much of what we delivered simply wouldn’t have been possible. Just like logistics, branding, and security, procurement was an essential engine behind the scenes.
Assylzat Bolatuly, Director of Administrative Department: The silence of our labor speaks louder than any applause
The successful organisation of Astana Finance Days 2025 was no small feat – it was a complex and demanding process that required unwavering focus, teamwork, and precision. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our team.
Special thanks go to our Administrative Department, whose tireless work behind the scenes ensured the seamless flow of the entire event. From coordinating logistics and preparing venues to managing documentation, hospitality, and countless unforeseen details – your invisible, yet indispensable, efforts formed the backbone of this success.
Your dedication, professionalism, and resilience made what once seemed a challenge not only possible, but truly exceptional. As we often say, “The silence of our labor speaks louder than any applause.”
This event could not have happened without your commitment to excellence. Thank you for making it a success we can all be proud of.
The successful organisation of Astana Finance Days 2025 was no small feat – it was a complex and demanding process that required unwavering focus, teamwork, and precision. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our team.
Special thanks go to our Administrative Department, whose tireless work behind the scenes ensured the seamless flow of the entire event. From coordinating logistics and preparing venues to managing documentation, hospitality, and countless unforeseen details – your invisible, yet indispensable, efforts formed the backbone of this success.
Your dedication, professionalism, and resilience made what once seemed a challenge not only possible, but truly exceptional. As we often say, “The silence of our labor speaks louder than any applause.”
This event could not have happened without your commitment to excellence. Thank you for making it a success we can all be proud of.