Almaty to Host Central Asian Microfinance Forum in September 2026
The Central Asian Microfinance Forum will take place in Almaty on 21 September 2026, gathering up to 400 financial sector leaders.
Almaty is set to host the Central Asian Microfinance Forum in September 2026.
Scheduled for September 21, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Almaty, the Central Asian Microfinance Forum will gather financial sector professionals from Central Asia, Europe, and other global regions, as announced by the event organizers.
The forum anticipates an attendance of 350 to 400 individuals, comprising executives from microfinance entities, financial regulatory bodies, commercial banks, international financial institutions, investors, and fintech firms.
Discussions will primarily focus on the growth of the microfinance market and enhancing financial inclusion throughout Central Asia. Key subjects slated for discussion include regulatory advancements, diverse funding avenues, the digital transformation of microfinance institutions, strategies for preventing cyber fraud, safeguarding consumers, and ethical financing practices.
Confirmed attendees include Asem Bolatzhan, advisor to Kazakhstan's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and head of Women in Tech Kazakhstan; Shalkar Zhusupov, chairman of the board of KMF Bank; Erbol Omarkhanov, board chairman of the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan; Mirat Ahmetsadykov, CEO of MOST Finance; and Yury Li, founder of the Financial Culture of Kazakhstan Public Foundation.
Also participating will be representatives from the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, the Microfinance Centre, and the Banking Association for Central and Eastern Europe. Regulatory and oversight bodies such as the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, the Agency of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, and the Financial Monitoring Agency of Kazakhstan will also be present.
A highlight of the forum will be an awards ceremony recognizing microfinance organizations for their contributions to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, upholding strong corporate governance, and protecting client rights.
Following the panel discussions, participants intend to endorse the Almaty Declaration, a document outlining principles and guidelines for the advancement of the Central Asian microfinance market.
The event is a collaborative effort between the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan and the Coordination Council of Microfinance Associations of Central Asian Countries.