Islamic Finance and Business Forum
Islamic Finance and Business Forum
Islamic Finance and Business Forum
Islamic Finance and Business Forum
Islamic Finance and Business Forum
May 19-20, 2025
May 19-20, 2025
May 19-20, 2025
Astana
Astana
Astana
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Registration closed
2025

Islamic Finance and
Business Forum

May 19, 2025
Astana, AIFC
Иконка смартфона или бейджа — символ цифровых технологий и мобильного доступа
Клавиша с буквой F — часть надписи FINANCE
Клавиша с буквой I — часть надписи FINANCE
Клавиша с буквой N — часть надписи или декоративный элемент
Иконка банковской карты — символ платежей и цифровых финансов
конка полумесяца — символ исламских финансов и духовных ценностей
конки звезд — декоративные элементы, создающие праздничное настроение
конки звезд — декоративные элементы, создающие праздничное настроение
Клавиша с буквой A — часть надписи FINANCE
Клавиша с буквой N — часть надписи FINANCE
Клавиша с буквой C — часть надписи FINANCE
Клавиша с буквой E — часть надписи FINANCE
Ahead of the Islamic Finance and Business Forum 2025, we conducted a study to better understand consumer attitudes. How do people interpret the concept of halal? What do they trust? What do they expect from Islamic businesses? The responses of nearly 100 participants from different regions of Kazakhstan formed the basis of this analytical report.
Click the button below to explore key insights, respondent quotes, and recommendations for developing the sector.
Opening Trust: A Look into the Future of Halal Consumer Behavior in Kazakhstan

Research

A forum on modern approaches in Islamic economics and finance.

Open to professionals, researchers, and anyone working with Islamic principles in economics and business. The Islamic Finance and Business Forum is organized by the Association of Islamic Finance and Business (AIFB) in partnership with the TIDAM communication agency and with the support of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The forum will bring together over 200 participants from Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the CIS.
The goal is to discuss the development of Islamic economics, share experiences, and build professional connections.
Start time: 09:00

Misson

Economic Development
Building sustainable Islamic financial institutions
Иконка глобуса — развитие исламской экономики
Professional Networking
Cooperation between experts, businesses, and government bodies
Иконка лампочки — совместная работа экспертов и лидеров мнений
Expanding Partnerships
International connections and reliable partners
Иконка двух человек — расширение международных партнёрств
Raising Awareness
Promoting knowledge and tools of Islamic economics
Иконка куба — продвижение знаний об исламской экономике
Knowledge Sharing
Best practices in Islamic finance from around the world
Иконка диалога — обмен опытом
Economic Development
Building sustainable Islamic financial institutions
Professional Networking
Cooperation between experts, businesses, and government bodies
Knowledge Sharing
Best practices in Islamic finance from around the world
Raising
Awareness
Promoting knowledge and tools of Islamic economics
Expanding Partnerships
International connections and reliable partners

Who Might Be Interested in the Forum

Leaders and experts in Islamic banking and business
01
Representatives of Islamic banks and financial institutions
03
Regulators, Shariah boards, and government bodies
05
Academics, lecturers, and students
02
PR, marketing, and communication professionals in the halal sector
04
Anyone interested in the development of Islamic business
06
Leaders and experts in Islamic banking and business
01
Representatives of Islamic banks and financial institutions
03
Anyone interested in the development of Islamic business
06
04
PR, marketing, and communication professionals in the halal sector
Regulators, Shariah boards, and government bodies
05
Academics, lecturers, and students
02

Speakers

Ainura Umaeva

Founder and CEO, TIDAM communications agency
Kazakhstan
Chairperson of the Management Board, Islamic Bank “Zaman-Bank” JSC
Kazakhstan

Gulfairuz Asaeva

Ayrat Kasimov

Founder, HalalGuide
Kazakhstan

Gulanor Atobek

Chairperson of the Board, Alif Bank
Tajikistan

Mirlan Taimurzayev

Chief Executive Officer, Al Safi Bank
Kazakhstan

Olzhas Baigulzhaev

Entrepreneur, Investor, and SME Investment Expert
Kazakhstan

Samat Nurzhanuly

Chief Executive Officer, MUSA – Muslim United SuperApp
Kazakhstan

Timur Mukhtarov

Founder, Ajr Finance
Kazakhstan

Muna Shukurova

Managing Director of Alif Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Assel Alimkhanova

Expert in Strategic Communications in the Oil and Gas Sector

Kazakhstan

Maria Voloshina

Director of the Department of Accounting Regulation, Bank of Russia

Russia

Laura Kuanova

Acting Associate Professor, Head of the Department for Training and Certification of Scientific Personnel, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Kazakhstan

Samara Maitashova

Head of Islamic Financial Products Division, Supervision Methodology Department, National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
Kyrgyzstan

Kibriya Urakova

Head of Islamic Banking Supervision Department, National Bank of Tajikistan
Tajikistan

Dr. Humayon Dar

Director, Cambridge IFA; Leading Practitioner and Scholar in Islamic Finance
United Kingdom

Azat Ötepbay

Founder of the fintech startup Ailat
Kazakhstan

Madina Tukulova

Head of Islamic Finance at the AIFC
Kazakhstan
Managing Director, ITS
Kazakhstan

Alexander Diakovsky

Ayrat Kasimov

Founder, HalalGuide
Kazakhstan

Ainura Umaeva

Founder and CEO, TIDAM communications agency
Kazakhstan

Timur Mukhtarov

Founder, Ajr Finance
Kazakhstan

Samat Nurzhanuly

Chief Executive Officer, MUSA – Muslim United SuperApp
Kazakhstan

Muna Shukurova

Managing Director of Alif Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan

Mirlan Taimurzayev

Chief Executive Officer, Al Safi Bank
Kazakhstan

Kibriya Urakova

Head of Islamic Banking Supervision Department, National Bank of Tajikistan
Tajikistan

Gulanor Atobek

Chairperson of the Board, Alif Bank
Tajikistan

Assel Alimkhanova

Expert in Strategic Communications in the Oil and Gas Sector
Kazakhstan

Dr. Humayon Dar

Director, Cambridge IFA; Leading Practitioner and Scholar in Islamic Finance
United Kingdom
Managing Director, ITS
Kazakhstan

Alexander Diakovsky

Laura Kuanova

Acting Associate Professor, Head of the Department for Training and Certification of Scientific Personnel, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Kazakhstan

Maria Voloshina

Director of the Department of Accounting Regulation, Bank of Russia
Russia

Madina Tukulova

Head of Islamic Finance at the AIFC
Kazakhstan
Chairperson of the Management Board, Islamic Bank “Zaman-Bank” JSC
Kazakhstan

Gulfairuz Asaeva

Samara Maitashova

Head of Islamic Financial Products Division, Supervision Methodology Department, National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
Kyrgyzstan

Olzhas Baigulzhaev

Entrepreneur, Investor, and SME Investment Expert
Kazakhstan

Azat Ötepbay

Founder of the fintech startup Ailat
Kazakhstan
Registration closed

Forum Program — May 19

Ceremonies

05
Recognition and honoring of outstanding women from the CIS and Central Asia in the field of Islamic finance and business
Signing of memorandums supporting the development of Islamic finance and business in Kazakhstan

Panel 2: Finance and Women

The role of women in the industry
Real cases and initiatives
Opportunities and challenges
02

Panel 4: Fintech in the Islamic Economy

Discussion on the industry’s prospects and challenges
Promotion of halal technologies as an integral part of the Islamic industry
04

Panel 3: Marketing in Islamic Economy

03
Promoting Islamic products
Communications in the halal sector
Use of digital platforms

Panel 1: Islamic Finance

01
Current state and prospects in Kazakhstan and the region
Global trends
Integration of Islamic tools into the traditional system

Panel 2: Finance and Women

02
The role of women in the industry
Real cases and initiatives
Opportunities and challenges

Panel 3: Marketing in Islamic Economy

03
Promoting Islamic products
Communications in the halal sector
Use of digital platforms

Panel 4: Fintech in the Islamic Economy

04
Discussion on the industry’s prospects and challenges
Promotion of halal technologies as an integral part of the Islamic industry
Ceremonies
05
Recognition and honoring of outstanding women from the CIS and Central Asia in the field of Islamic finance and business
Signing of memorandums supporting the development of Islamic finance and business in Kazakhstan

Panel 1: Islamic Finance

01
Current state and prospects in Kazakhstan and the region
Global trends
Integration of Islamic tools into the traditional system
Иллюстрация с полумесяцем — символ инвестиционных решений
Workshops
Тopic: How to Create an Islamic Investment Fund
May 20, 2025
10:00 - 13:00
AIFC
Russian
A specialized practical workshop for a professional audience
Date
Time
Place
Language
Format
Target Audience
02
Asset managers and investment executives
Representatives of investment and financial companies
Brokers and operators of Islamic platforms
Legal and Shari’ah consultants
Professionals planning to launch Islamic investment funds
Key Topics
Speakers
01
03
The potential and infrastructure of the AIFC for Islamic investment funds and market outlook
Regulatory requirements of the AIFC for fund managers and funds: minimum capital, staffing, internal policies and procedures
Compliance with Shari’ah norms and AAOIFI standards, and their practical application
Madina Tukulova
Head of Islamic Finance at the AIFC
Azat Ötepbay
Founder of the fintech startup Ailat
Adilbek Ryskulov
Shariah scholar and member of Shariah boards of banks and investment companies
55,000 KZT
Price
Иллюстрация с полумесяцем — символ инвестиционных решений
Format
Language
Venue
Time
Date
Russian
AIFC
10:00 – 13:00
May 20, 2025
Fee
15,000 KZT
Topic: Shariah Review and How to Align Shariah Principles with the Legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan
General Practical Workshop
Approaches to adapting Shariah-compliant contracts in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan
01
Overview of Islamic contracts (structure, key terms, and distinctive features)
Shariah Review and its importance in business
Islamic Terms of Trade
Key Topics
Ali Ugai
Sales Director at ADAB Islamic Business Consultants
Abdussalam Davletov
Expert in Islamic Law and Finance at ADAB Islamic Business Consultants
Zhassulan Muzdubayev
Legal Consultant, Managing Director at ADAB Islamic Business Consultants
Makkamzhan Mamedov
Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of ADAB Islamic Business Consultants
03
Speakers
Legal, financial, and Shariah consultants
Professionals from investment and financial companies
Representatives of Islamic banks, charitable foundations and financial organizations
Private investors
Halal brands, online stores, retail and FMCG companies
Startups and entrepreneurs in search of investments
Entrepreneurs and business owners interested in Islamic business principles
02
For whom

The forum is not just a platform, but a community. We are open to partnerships and joint initiatives.

Partnership opportunities range from general to informational sponsorship. We offer a flexible collaboration model, opening new promotion channels and points of contact with the audience, enhancing brand reputation, and strengthening partner positioning in the professional community.
One of the fastest-growing Islamic fintech projects in Central Asia, founded in Tajikistan. Alif is known for its innovative digital products, user-friendly mobile banking, and transparent, Shariah-compliant terms. It combines advanced technologies with spiritual and ethical values in its operations.
ITS is an international liquidity hub that provides investors with access to over 3,000 instruments from leading companies listed in the US and Kazakhstan.
ITS’s strategic mission is to broaden investment opportunities for Kazakhstani and international investors by offering access to a wide range of global securities using innovative trading solutions that are new to the local market.
One of ITS’s key products is the ITS Shariah ETF (ITSS ETF) — the first Shariah-compliant index ETF in Central Asia and the Caucasus. It enables investors to invest in major global companies whose activities align with Islamic principles.
Zaman Bank is an Islamic bank operating on the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. It combines the foundations of Islamic finance with a modern approach, offering clear, convenient, and ethical solutions. At its core are respect for the customer, a focus on values, and a commitment to supporting financial well-being regardless of religion or beliefs.
The first Islamic bank registered within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The bank offers a broad range of Shariah-compliant financial products and services for both individuals and businesses. Al Safi Bank adheres to ethical, fair, and sustainable financing practices, excluding speculative and unfair transactions. As a reliable partner, it contributes to the development of Islamic banking in the region and promotes principles of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in finance.

For questions about participation, registration, or partnership

Registration closed
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