Welcome to the AIFCA team
Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to share another update and introduce the newcomers who have recently joined the AIFC Authority.


Please join us in welcoming them to the team and wishing them every success in their new roles.

  • Ilyas Tleukhanov
    Executive Assistant to the Governor

    Ilyas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the German-Kazakh University and has already gained valuable professional experience as an Auditor at Ernst & Young (EY) Kazakhstan 📊. His background reflects strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in finance.

    Outside of work, Ilyas enjoys boxing and snowboarding 🏂, as well as exploring Eastern cuisine 🍽️ and listening to music 🎧 without limiting himself to a specific genre.
    📚 His reading recommendations: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and The Financier by Theodore Dreiser. 🌍 Dream destinations: China, Japan, and the UK.
    ✨ Favorite quote: “The road is mastered by the one who walks it”.
  • Daniyar Sarzhanov
    Senior Manager of the Investments Department

    Daniyar is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Nazarbayev University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University. Studied in the University of South Florida majoring in Electrical engineering🎓 He brings extensive experience across the public and financial sectors, having held positions at including National Information Technologies JSC, Samruk-Kazyna Ondeu LLP, Baiterek National Managing Holding JSC, Industrial Development Fund JSC, KPMG Kazakhstan, and KazakhExport JSC 📊. His professional background reflects strong expertise in investment analysis, asset management, risk management, and finance.

    Outside of work, Daniyar enjoys cycling 🚴 and karaoke 🎤. He is also a fan of Mexican 🌮 and Japanese 🍣 cuisine and enjoys listening to punk rock 🎸 and pop music 🎶.
    📚 Reading recommendations: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 🌍 Dream destination: Japan 🇯🇵
    ✨ Favorite quote: “Results speak louder than words.”
  • Daniyal Kalelov
    Manager of the Investments Department

    Daniyal holds a Master’s degree in Standardization and Certification from Toraighyrov University and a Bachelor’s degree in Transport Organization, Traffic and Transport Operations from Innovative Eurasian University. He brings valuable experience in business valuation, financial analysis, and audit, having built his career at leading firms including Baker Tilly Qazaqstan Advisory, Deloitte, and Crowe Audit KZ 📊

    Outside of work, Daniyal enjoys table tennis 🏓 and chess ♟️. He is a fan of European cuisine 🍽️ and enjoys listening to rock music.
    📚 Book recommendations: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Dune by Frank Herbert. 🌍 Dream destination: Iceland 🇮🇸
    ✨ Favorite quote: “Do it tired.”
  • Dana Kassym
    Manager of the Expat Centre


    Dana holds a Bachelor's degree from Zhubanov University. Prior to joining AIFC Authority, she built her career within the Sheraton hospitality network in Kazakhstan and China, where she gained valuable experience in guest relations, service excellence, and delivering exceptional customer experiences 🌟

    Outside of work, Dana enjoys painting 🎨, a hobby that allows her to express her creativity and unwind. She is a fan of Italian cuisine, with lasagna 🍝 being her favorite dish, and enjoys listening to J-pop 🎶.
    📚 Reading recommendations: The Green Mile by Stephen King and Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. 🌏 Dream destinations: Japan 🇯🇵 and New Zealand 🇳🇿
    ✨ Favorite quote: “Stay curious.”
  • Gulsaya Omirtay
    Manager of the Administrative Department

    Gulsaya holds Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies at SDU University, School of Education and Humanitarian Sciences. Alongside her academic journey, she has gained professional experience as an English Teacher and Freelance Editor, developing strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Her background includes teaching English, conducting speaking clubs, editing and proofreading written materials, and working on publishing projects 🌟.

    Outside of work, Gulsaya enjoys reading books 📚, swimming 🏊‍♀️, and playing chess ♟️. She is a fan of both Italian 🍝 and Japanese 🍣 cuisine and enjoys listening to Kazakh music 🎶.
    📚 Reading recommendations: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Өзбекәлі және Мәдени майдан. 🌏 Dream destination: Japan 🇯🇵
    ✨ Favorite quote: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

Feel free to reach out, say hi, and help them settle in😊