The Central Asian Microfinance Forum, dedicated to the prospects for sector development in the region, will be held in Almaty on September 21, 2026. The event will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Almaty hotel and is expected to gather about 400 financial sector participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other countries.
Participants in the forum will include heads of microfinance organizations, representatives of state regulators, banks, international financial institutions, investment companies, development funds, fintech companies, credit bureaus, anti-fraud platforms, and professional associations.
The main theme of the event will be 'The Future of Microfinance in Central Asia.' Participants plan to discuss issues such as regulatory transformation, digitalization of financial services, finding new sources of financing, the application of artificial intelligence, combating cyber fraud, consumer protection, and the development of responsible finance.
The forum program includes seven panel discussions, thematic parallel sessions, a masterclass, keynote speeches, and opportunities for professional networking.
Among the announced speakers are Yerbol Omarkhanov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan; Mirat Akhmetsadykov, Co-founder of the MOST ecosystem and CEO of MOST Finance; Asem Bolatzhan, Advisor to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and Head of Women in Tech Kazakhstan; and Shalkar Zhusupov, Chairman of the Board of JSC 'KMF Bank'; in addition to them, leaders of microfinance organizations and representatives of regulators, international financial, investment, and technology companies from Central Asian countries will speak.
Separate sessions will be dedicated to increasing business transparency, managing financial risks, interaction with foreign capital, implementing banking infrastructure and digital solutions, developing anti-fraud systems, and using artificial intelligence in the financial sector.
The forum is organized by the Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan and the Coordinating Council of Microfinance Organizations Associations of Central Asian Countries. The business program will conclude with an awards ceremony for sector representatives and the adoption of the Almaty Declaration, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and the sustainable development of the Central Asian microfinance market. A Gala Dinner will follow the forum for speakers, partners, and participants.