Executive-Level
Regulatory Expertise
Our leadership includes former central bank governors and top securities board chairs. With decades of firsthand regulatory experience, we deliver strategies shaped by real-world insights into policymaking and enforcement.
Compliance &
Governance Edge
From licensing to AML and KYC, whether establishing a compliance framework from scratch or enhancing current policies to meet international standards, clients trust us for regulator-ready solutions that withstand scrutiny and scale with ambition. We don’t just meet requirements — we embed excellence into your operating model.
Tech-Driven Efficiency
& Growth
We combine expert advisory with a secure, cloud-based platform that digitizes onboarding, AML, and reporting. Supported by continuous KAIZEN-inspired process improvements across our services, this innovation-led approach empowers your business with greater agility and assurance.
Funding
Preparation
We help organizations prepare for funding negotiations by developing investor-ready financial models, business plans, and regulatory strategies. By aligning each project with the right funding channels, we equip clients with the tools, insights, and positioning needed to engage effectively with private investors, development institutions, and strategic partners.
About Us
Integra Consulting Ltd. is a strategic advisory firm focused on unlocking opportunities for financial institutions and corporates seeking to thrive in regulated markets.
Headquartered in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), we work with both local organizations expanding from the CIS region to global markets and foreign institutions entering the CIS from abroad, guiding them through complex regulatory landscapes and cross-border operational challenges.
Leadership Team
Also explore
Corporate Strategy
Defining long-term goals and crafting competitive strategies for sustainable growth.
Financial Licensing
Navigating regulatory frameworks for securing essential financial licenses.
Financial Strategy
Structuring financial plans to optimize performance and align with business goals.
Market Analysis
Uncovering market trends and customer insights to drive informed decision-making.
Compliance
Building and maintaining systems to meet regulatory and legal standards.
Operations
Streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency across business functions.
Green Finance
Advancing sustainable finance strategies that align profitability with environmental responsibility.
Risk Management
Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure business resilience.
Corporate Governance
Strengthening governance practices to support transparency and accountability.
Coaching
Empowering leaders through tailored coaching for strategic clarity and leadership growth.
People & Organization
Aligning talent, culture, and structure to enable organizational performance.
M&A Strategy
Structuring mergers and acquisitions to unlock value and strategic growth.
OUR CLIENTS
PARTNERSHIPS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Integra Consulting Ltd. and what do you specialize in? Integra Consulting Ltd. is a licensed advisory firm under the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). We specialize in strategic advisory services, including licensing guidance within the AIFC and ARDFM (formerly AFN), AML/CFT compliance, corporate governance assessments, market entry strategies, and capital raising support to help clients achieve sustainable success in the AIFC and regional markets.
Where is Integra Consulting located? Integra Consulting is based in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Astana, Kazakhstan. We operate as a registered advisory firm within the AIFC jurisdiction, working closely with the AIFC Court and the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA).
What sets Integra Consulting apart from other consulting firms? Integra Consulting stands out due to our leadership team’s unique combination of senior regulatory backgrounds and extensive experience in global finance, compliance, and insurance. With former executives from the Central Bank of Kazakhstan, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and leading insurance companies, we bring a level of insight and expertise that positions us as unparalleled in the consulting market. Their expertise spans regulation, investment banking, corporate governance, and involvement in major investment deals and IPOs, enabling us to deliver practical, trusted solutions that help clients meet regulatory standards and reach their financial objectives.
Do you only work with large firms? No – our clients range from early-stage ventures seeking regulatory entry to established institutions pursuing operational optimization, compliance assurance, or strategic transformation.
Do you work with both local and international clients? Yes, we work with both local clients looking to expand globally and international clients entering the Kazakhstani and CIS markets.
What industries do you serve? We work with a broad spectrum of clients across financial services, corporate sectors, and innovative industries such as banking, insurance, FinTech, large corporates, family businesses, and state-owned enterprises. Our expertise allows us to support diverse business needs in both traditional and emerging markets. For the full list of industries we serve, please visit the “Industries” page in the main navigation.
What languages do you provide services in? We provide our services in English, Russian, and Kazakh.
Do you provide ongoing support after project completion? Yes! We offer ongoing compliance support post-incorporation, including document filings, annual returns, and regulatory reporting, ensuring your company remains compliant and in good standing.
What is the AIFC and why is it important? The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a financial and legal hub based in Astana, Kazakhstan. It operates under English common law and is designed to attract international financial institutions and professional services firms by offering an internationally recognized regulatory framework and business environment. Integra Consulting provides full support to clients exploring entry or expansion through the AIFC.
What is AFSA and what is its role? The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) is the independent regulator of the AIFC. It authorises, supervises, and, where necessary, enforces against firms and individuals, ensuring that all financial, market, and ancillary service providers meet international standards of prudential soundness, conduct of business, and consumer protection. Integra Consulting helps clients navigate AFSA requirements and expectations.
What are the benefits of establishing a company in the AIFC? Benefits include: - English common law-based jurisdiction with an internationally familiar legal framework - Flexible corporate regulations and multiple legal forms - World-class regulatory standards under AFSA licensing - Ability to redomicile companies into the AIFC - Independent judicial system with international judges and enforceable rulings via the AIFC Court and Arbitration Centre - Access to an emerging capital market via the Astana International Exchange (AIX) - Favorable tax and currency regime (0% Dividend Withholding Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and VAT for authorized companies) - Visa and foreign labor benefits, including 5-year work visas and support from the Expat Centre
What types of companies can be established in the AIFC? In the AIFC, companies can be established in various types, including joint-stock companies, limited liability partnerships, private companies, and branches of foreign entities. The AIFC also enables the establishment of financial institutions, professional service providers, and specialized investment funds, catering to both the financial and non-financial sectors. Integra Consulting advises on the optimal structure based on your objectives.
What types of licenses are available in the AIFC? AFSA issues licences for: 1.Regulated Activities (Asset & Fund Management, Brokerage, Custody, Islamic Finance, Trusts, Banking, Insurance, Trading Facilities, Representative Office) 2.Market Activities 3.FinTech Labs 4.Ancillary Services Integra Consulting guides applicants in selecting the most appropriate licence and satisfying all prudential and conduct requirements.
What are the steps to register a company under the AIFC? The general process includes: 1.Name Reservation – Submit a name reservation request via the AIFC Business Portal. Names with regulated terms (e.g., “bank,” “investment”) require AFSA’s prior consent. 2.Prepare Registration Documents – Gather the necessary constitutional documents (e.g., Articles of Association), identification documents, and due diligence documents for shareholders and directors. 3.Submit Application to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) – Apply through the AIFC Business Portal, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee. 4.Review and Approval – The Registrar reviews the application. You may receive queries requiring clarification or updates. 5.Certificate of Incorporation – Once approved, your company receives its Certificate of Incorporation and becomes a legal entity under AIFC law. 6.Post-Registration Requirements – Set up a registered office in the AIFC, open a local bank account, and complete tax and regulatory registrations if applicable. Integra Consulting provides full support throughout the registration lifecycle—including name clearance, document preparation, portal submissions, and post-registration compliance setup.
How does the authorization process work in the AIFC? Applicants submit a business plan, financial projections, governance and risk frameworks, and fit-and-proper forms through AFSA’s portal. AFSA reviews, may request clarifications, and conducts management interviews. Once satisfied, it issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA); the firm then finalizes incorporation, capitalization, and local office arrangements before receiving a full licence. Integra Consulting supports clients through every stage of the authorisation process.
How long does it take to obtain an authorisation from the AFSA? The actual process times depend on the complexity of the applicant’s proposed operations and the quality of the application itself. In general, the average application processing time, from the time the AFSA receives a materially complete application, is around two to three months. This does not include any time the AFSA is awaiting information or a response from the applicant. On average, materially complete applications for ancillary services take a month.
How do I know whether I need an authorisation or just registration? Certain activities are regulated by the authority AFSA. Authorisation is the process of obtaining a permission (licence) from the AFSA to conduct these kinds of activities in / from the AIFC. Business activities that need to be licensed in the AIFC include: • Regulated Activities: These are financial services activities such as managing investments, broker/dealer activities, banking, and other activities, including operating a representative office. • Market Activities: Activities related to the operation of exchange, clearing house, or crowdfunding platforms. • Ancillary Services: Services supporting financial and market activities, including legal, audit, consulting, and accounting services. The complete list of licenses is available in the AIFC General Rules. Entities intending to engage in non-financial services activities (such as holdings, IT, trading, construction, etc.) only need to undergo registration.
Do I need to register the company before authorization? Not necessarily. Registration can occur after receiving In-Principle approval. However, if your desired name includes regulated terms such as “bank” or “investment,” prior approval from AFSA is required. Integra Consulting manages these requirements to ensure compliance.
Are there specific office or local presence requirements? Yes. You must have a legal presence in Astana, either by: •Setting up a new legal entity within the AIFC, or •Registering a foreign entity as a branch or representative office in the AIFC An AIFC zone office is typically required. In some cases, remote models (e.g., FinTech) may be considered with appropriate justification.
What is ARDFM? The Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) is the national regulator of Kazakhstan’s financial system, operating under the civil law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Integra Consulting helps firms understand ARDFM’s scope and align with its requirements.
What are the key responsibilities of ARDFM? ARDFM oversees licensing and supervision of financial institutions, ensures consumer protection, maintains financial stability, implements AML/CFT measures, and promotes financial literacy and inclusion.
Who needs to be regulated by ARDFM? Any financial institution operating within Kazakhstan’s national financial system (outside the AIFC jurisdiction) must be licensed and regulated by ARDFM. This includes traditional commercial banks, credit partnerships, insurance companies, payment organizations, and microfinance institutions.
What types of companies can be established in the ARDFM? Entities regulated by ARDFM include joint-stock companies (typically used by banks and insurers), limited liability partnerships (common among microfinance and payment firms), representative offices and subsidiaries of foreign firms, as well as specialized financial entities such as investment intermediaries, underwriters, and custodians. Integra Consulting provides support for structuring and legal entity formation, aligned with ARDFM requirements.
What types of licenses are available in the ARDFM? ARDFM offers seven main types of licenses: 1.Banking License 2.Insurance / Reinsurance License 3.Securities Market License 4.Microfinance and Credit Organizations 5.Payment Organizations and E-Money Operators 6.Audit and Actuarial Activity License 7.Investment Firm License Integra Consulting supports the whole licensing process, from feasibility and documentation to submission and post-licensing compliance.
Can foreign nationals or companies establish an ARDFM-regulated entity? Yes. Foreign investors may establish locally incorporated entities or subsidiaries regulated by ARDFM. However, strategic sectors such as banking and insurance may require prior approval and certain thresholds of local presence, governance, or capital. Integra Consulting assists foreign clients with legal structuring, local partner arrangements, and regulatory approvals.
Are there specific office or local presence requirements? Yes. ARDFM typically requires a physical office in Kazakhstan, local management and staffing, and a registered legal entity under Kazakh law. Specific requirements vary by licence type. Integra Consulting helps establish a compliant office infrastructure and secure key personnel locally.
What are the steps to register a company under ARDFM? The general process includes: 1.Preliminary consultation with ARDFM (optional but recommended) 2.Preparation of charter documents and corporate governance policies 3.Submission of a licensing application with financial, operational, and AML/CFT documentation 4.Fit-and-proper checks on shareholders and management 5.Legal incorporation upon receiving the license Integra Consulting manages the full registration lifecycle and coordinates interactions with all relevant government bodies.
How does ARDFM differ from the AIFC? ARDFM is Kazakhstan’s national financial regulator, operating under domestic civil law, and supervises institutions that serve the broader national economy. In contrast, the AIFC is a special jurisdiction in Astana governed by English common law and regulated by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), with a focus on international and cross-border financial services. Integra Consulting assists clients in selecting the most suitable jurisdiction in accordance with their business objectives.
Can a firm be licensed by both ARDFM and AFSA (AIFC)? Generally not under the same legal entity. Firms can establish separate entities regulated under ARDFM and AFSA if they intend to operate in both domestic and international markets. Each entity must meet the specific licensing, capital, and operational criteria of its respective regulator.