Investment Growth of $2.6 Billion documented in AIFC's Mid-Year Report
Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Continues to Thrive in 2025
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has witnessed a remarkable growth in investments and expansion in the first half of 2025, attracting a total of $2.6 billion, bringing the total investment volume to over $16.9 billion since its inception[1][2].
Investment Boom at AIFC
This growth was accompanied by the registration of 567 new companies, expanding the AIFC ecosystem to over 4,030 companies from 85 countries[1][2]. Key reasons for this investment growth in 2025 include an attractive legal and regulatory environment, international connectivity and strategic partnerships, business ecosystem expansion, capital market maturity, and global entrepreneurial interest[2][4].
Key Achievements in 2025
- Bank CenterCredit became the first Kazakh bank to purchase I-REC certificates through the AIX[5].
- A total of 301 securities from 165 issuers are now listed on the AIX[6].
- Capital raised on AIX reached $8.9 billion since its launch, including $1.9 billion in the first half of 2025[6].
- Ten global custodians hold sub-accounts with the AIX Central Securities Depository[7].
- The Aktobe Social-Entrepreneurship Corporation received a Second-Party Opinion from the AIFC Green Finance Centre for its upcoming social bond, which is the first ESG-themed bond to be issued by a social enterprise in Kazakhstan[8].
Judicial and Arbitration Developments
The AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre had resolved 3,961 cases, including 189 court judgments, 3,772 arbitration awards, and 1,800 mediated agreements. The court now includes 789 registered lawyers from 39 jurisdictions[9].
Global Recognition and Accreditation
The AIX became one of only nine exchanges globally accredited to trade International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC)[10]. This accreditation further solidifies AIFC's position as a global player in the renewable energy sector.
Financial Market Maturity
Trading turnover on AIX reached $729 million in H1 2025, a 3.2% increase over the previous year, with nearly double new listings compared to 2024[1][2][3]. This growth indicates a maturing financial market at AIFC.
Future Prospects
Future prospects for the AIFC are promising, with continued focus on diversifying financial products, expanding international partnerships, promoting digital infrastructure, and leveraging its growing reputation to attract further global business[2][3][4]. Additionally, AIFC’s experience is being shared with emerging financial centres like Ho Chi Minh City, signaling a role in regional financial development and cooperation[4].
In summary, the increase in investments at AIFC in 2025 is driven by a favorable business climate, innovative capital market developments, and international engagement, with positive fiscal impacts and strong prospects for sustained growth as a key financial hub in the region.
[1] AIFC Media Centre. (2025). AIFC's Investment Volume Exceeds $16.9 Billion. Retrieved from https://aifc.kz/en/news/aifcs-investment-volume-exceeds-16-9-billion/
[2] AIFC Media Centre. (2025). AIFC's First Half of 2025: Key Achievements and Developments. Retrieved from https://aifc.kz/en/news/aifcs-first-half-2025-key-achievements-and-developments/
[3] AIX Media Centre. (2025). AIX H1 2025: Record Trading Turnover and New Listings. Retrieved from https://aix.kz/en/news/aix-h1-2025-record-trading-turnover-and-new-listings/
[4] AIFC Media Centre. (2025). AIFC's Role in Regional Financial Development and Cooperation. Retrieved from https://aifc.kz/en/news/aifcs-role-in-regional-financial-development-and-cooperation/
[5] AIX Media Centre. (2025). Bank CenterCredit Purchases I-REC Certificates through AIX. Retrieved from https://aix.kz/en/news/bank-centercredit-purchases-irec-certificates-through-aix/
[6] AIFC Media Centre. (2025). AIFC's Capital Raised on AIX Reaches $8.9 Billion. Retrieved from https://aifc.kz/en/news/aifcs-capital-raised-on-aix-reaches-8-9-billion/
[7] AIX Media Centre. (2025). Ten Global Custodians Hold Sub-Accounts with AIX Central Securities Depository. Retrieved from https://aix.kz/en/news/ten-global-custodians-hold-sub-accounts-with-aix-central-securities-depository/
[8] AIFC Media Centre. (2025). Aktobe Social-Entrepreneurship Corporation Receives Second-Party Opinion for ESG-Themed Bond. Retrieved from https://aifc.kz/en/news/aktobe-social-entrepreneurship-corporation-receives-second-party-opinion-for-esg-themed-bond/
[9] AIFC Media Centre. (2025). AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre Resolves 3,961 Cases in H1 2025. Retrieved from https://aifc.kz/en/news/aifc-court-and-international-arbitration-centre-resolves-3-961-cases-in-h1-2025/
[10] AIX Media Centre. (2025). AIX Accredited to Trade International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC). Retrieved from https://aix.kz/en/news/aix-accredited-to-trade-international-renewable-energy-certificates-irec/
Harnessing Technology for FinanceThe growth in investments at AIFC in 2025 can be attributed in part to the strategic promotion of digital infrastructure, attracting tech-savvy investors and companies.
Tech Companies Flourishing in AIFCThe expansion of the AIFC ecosystem to over 4,030 companies from 85 countries in 2025 reflects the increasing interest of tech businesses in leveraging the AIFC's advanced digital environment.
