It’s my pleasure, thank you for inviting me. My journey began at the Business Law Faculty of KazGUU (MNU) in Almaty, where I earned both a law degree and a master’s in International Law. Later, I pursued a second master’s in Public Policy at University College London. These experiences shaped my interest in governance and international law.

My main career began in trade negotiations, where I contributed to Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organisation and to raising the status of participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. During this time I developed a strong interest in corporate governance, which eventually led me to the role of Company Secretary at the Astana International Exchange. Prior to joining the AIFC, I worked as a legal consultant at EY Kazakhstan for a number of years. I joined AIFC in October 2018 and am currently in my seventh year. I am also proud to be the only Kazakh Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.

Of course. I work in the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) division, where we investigate cases related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions circumvention. It’s a field that requires constant vigilance and creativity because financial crime is ever-evolving.

Before this, I worked in the legal department, where I had the opportunity to participate in some of AFSA’s first court cases. It was a steep learning curve, particularly during oral hearings, which felt almost like stepping into a legal drama - though the stakes were very real.

When I first joined, many institutions within the AIFC felt like start-ups - dynamic but still finding their footing. Now, these entities have matured into well-established organisations, but the focus on development remains strong.

One of the things I appreciate most is the sense of shared purpose. At AFSA, we see ourselves as guardians of law and order within the financial centre, ensuring transparency and investor confidence. That shared mission creates a strong team spirit.

It’s an exciting challenge. The role isn’t about enforcing compliance - our employees already adhere to high ethical standards. Instead, it’s about embedding these values into our daily work culture and finding ways to inspire others.

One idea we’re exploring is creating a team mascot for ethics, similar to ‘Connie’, a character designed by Wellcome Trust from UK, and which already earned multiple awards for breakthrough innovation in the field of ethics and compliance. It’s a fun and engaging way to make ethical principles relatable.

It’s a balancing act, but it helps that I enjoy both my work and family life. I’m raising two children, and they keep me on my toes with their creative and musical pursuits. We often attend concerts together or practice instruments at home - it’s a wonderful way to bond. I often improvise. Like it was said in a movie The Wild Robot no mother has a ready programme to become a parent, so we learn to improvise.

I’m also on the advisory board at their school, where I’ve been advocating for the introduction of corporate governance principles into the governance of a public school. It’s an opportunity to merge my professional expertise with my role as a parent.

I’m an avid reader. Science fiction, in particular, fascinates me - writers like Isaac Asimov, Clifford Simak, and the Strugatsky brothers.
Their works explore timeless themes like ethics, artificial intelligence, and societal challenges. Despite being written decades ago, their insights feel incredibly relevant today.

For me, ethics are central. Living an ethical life isn’t just about following rules - it’s about how we treat others and the decisions we make. I also believe in pursuing work you’re passionate about. When you align your work with your values, it becomes not just a job but a meaningful endeavour.

Thank you. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.