The future of microfinance in Central Asia will be discussed in Almaty.
On September 21, a forum will be held in Almaty with representatives of microfinance organizations, regulators, banks, and investors from Central Asia and other countries.
The upcoming Central Asian Microfinance Forum, scheduled for September 21, 2026, in Almaty, will bring together key financial sector players from Central Asia, Europe, and other regions to discuss the future of microfinance.
Organizers estimate that the event, which will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Almaty, will attract 350 to 400 participants. These participants will include executives of microfinance organizations, representatives of regulatory bodies, banks, international financial institutions, investors, and fintech companies.
The forum will provide a platform for discussing the development of the microfinance market and increasing financial inclusion in Central Asia.
The business program will cover topics such as regulatory changes, finding new funding sources, digitalization of microfinance organizations, combating cyberfraud, consumer protection, and developing responsible finance principles.
Confirmed participants include Assem Bolatzhan, Advisor to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and Head of Women in Tech Kazakhstan; Shalkar Zhusupov, Chairman of the Management Board of KMF Bank; Yerbol Omarkhanov, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan; Mirat Akhmetsadykov, CEO of MOST Finance; and Yuri Li, founder of the Financial Culture of Kazakhstan Public Foundation.
Representatives of 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 will also participate in the forum. Representatives of the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan, the Agency of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, and the Agency of Kazakhstan for Financial Monitoring are also expected to attend.
The organizers hope that the participation of government agencies, international financial institutions, and business representatives will allow for a comprehensive examination of current microfinance issues from the perspectives of regulators, financial organizations, investors, and international experts.
The forum will also feature an awards ceremony honoring microfinance organizations for their achievements and best practices. Separate nominations will focus on supporting entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized businesses, corporate governance, and protecting the rights and interests of clients.
Following the discussions, the adoption of the Almaty Declaration is planned, which will outline the key principles and directions for the further development of the Central Asian microfinance market, as developed by the forum participants.
The event is organized by the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan and the Coordinating Council of Associations of Microfinance Organizations of Central Asian Countries.