News

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) has extended the review period for an application to purchase a controlling stake in Jusan Bank, submitted by Vyacheslav Kim, a co-founder of Kazakhstan’s fintech giant Kaspi.kz, the regulator stated in response to a Kursiv.media inquiry. The initial 50-business-day period stipulated by law expired in April.

According to the ARDFM, it is entitled to extend the review period for a term not exceeding two months, citing the need to «determine factual circumstances of significance for the application review.»

The regulator also noted that the results of the application review...

A female Kazakhstani tourist has died in Sharm el-Sheikh, an Egyptian city on the coastal strip along the Red Sea. The incident occurred in the departure area of the local airport when a billboard fell on passengers awaiting the start of their boarding to a SCAT flight to Astana, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

As a result, one Kazakhstani citizen died on the spot.

According to the press service of the SCAT airline, two more citizens of Kazakhstan have been admitted to the hospital with injuries, and two others are staying at the hotel after...

Kazatomprom, a Kazakhstani producer of uranium, held talks with Romania’s state-owned SN Nuclearelectrica S.A. in a bid to expand its supply of natural uranium for the needs of the Romanian nuclear industry under a 10-year contract. Moreover, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP), a Kazatomprom subsidiary, may begin processing Romanian beryllium, the company said in a statement on its website.

Kazatomprom expects that the contract will strengthen the long-term partnership between the two countries and ensure a reliable supply of raw materials for Romania’s existing and planned nuclear power plants.

The parties also discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in the beryllium...

Kazakhstan’s National Guard, the country’s internal security force, is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to identify psychological issues among its servicemen. A recent meeting at the high command headquarters showcased an AI-driven system for adaptive psychological testing.

Kairat Umbetov, deputy commander-in-chief of the National Guard, emphasized that modern technology is opening up new possibilities for mental health care in Kazakhstan. He noted that the AI system would enable early detection of emotional distress, helping to prevent its escalation.

«We aim to create an effective early warning system, ensuring that every serviceman can receive timely help and...

The Barys Arena in Astana has brought together the world’s top 16 Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams to battle for a $1.25 million prize pool. The first day of playoffs, held in front of a live audience, united fans from around the globe to cheer for their favorites. Kursiv.media reported from the heart of the esports arena.

The entrance to Barys Arena was crowded with fans eager to watch their favorite teams in action.

Sergey from Moscow traveled to Astana with his girlfriend specifically to watch the tournament.

«I’ve been following esports for a long time. I...

Recently, Threads, the social network created by Instagram’s parent company Meta, has been gaining remarkable popularity in Kazakhstan. Kursiv LifeStyle explores the phenomenon behind this Twitter alternative, now known as X, created by Mark Zuckerberg.

Officially launched in July 2023, Threads quickly became a global sensation. Debuting in 100 countries, including Kazakhstan, it set records as the fastest-growing social network, surpassing 100 million users faster than ChatGPT.

Although Kazakhstan is not among the top 10 countries for the number of Threads users, many have observed that Kazakhstanis appear to have taken over feeds worldwide, especially within the Commonwealth of Independent...

Analysts at Halyk Finance reported that real wage growth was lagging behind the gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Q1 2025. Thus, real wages rose by only 1.2% compared to a 6% growth of GDP year-on-year. This is lower than in Q1 2024, when the growth in real terms reached 2.1%.

In their survey, experts pointed to a disproportion in income growth across various economic sectors. For example, telecommunications reported 20% growth in annual terms, while agriculture accounted for only 7.2%. Growth in trade reached 5.9%; in real estate, the figure stood at 4.8%, and in the industrial sector, at...

According to Gaziz Abishev, a Kazakhstani political scientist, relatively small, ideologically charged groups are outperforming the majority of Kazakhstanis. Regular citizens, who prioritize their families, jobs, and universal human values, are at risk of becoming targets as the rifts within society grow.

Abishev believes that social space in Kazakhstan is shaped by four active ideological groups: national patriots, religious fanatics, Eurasians nostalgic for the «good old times» and pro-Western ultra-liberals. Despite being small, all these groups are cohesive; they act within already mobilized networks and are always ready to defend their views, often by attacking others.

The U.S. has granted permanent exemptions for oilfield services linked to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) and Tengizchevroil (TCO), according to the Interfax news agency.

On May 15, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a general license authorizing all transactions related to the CPC and TCO projects. The previous license with similar provisions is set to expire on June 28, 2025.

In January, the U.S. banned its companies from providing oil production services in Russia, including both exports and re-exports. These restrictions on American companies operating in Russia took effect on Feb...

Eleven rare earth metal sites have been recently discovered in Kazakhstan, as reported by Khabar.kz, citing data from the Ministry of Industry and Construction presented at Mining Congress Qazaqstan, an international congress and exhibition held in Astana for the third time.

Confirmation of the reserves’ value will pave the way for Kazakhstan to emerge into the top 10 countries with the largest rare earth metal reserves. Seventeen rare earth elements, including lithium, lanthanides, tellurides and neodymium, have been discovered on those 11 sites.  

According to Margulan Baibatyrov, deputy chair of the geology committee under the Ministry of Industry and...

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development has denied imposing a ban on using ChatGPT for civil servants, despite reports from some media outlets suggesting otherwise.

The ministry clarified that in 2024, it approved a guiding document outlining recommendations for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector.

«The document does not impose a ban on using foreign AI services, including ChatGPT, but warns of potential risks, especially when handling personal data, proprietary information or classified materials,» the ministry said.

The agency also advised all Kazakhstani citizens to avoid entering sensitive information, specifically personal or official data...

Kazakhstan is preparing to implement new legislation aimed at enhancing oversight of individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha, the government plans to impose lifelong monitoring of such offenders.

Currently, individuals convicted of pedophilia are placed under administrative probation for eight years following the expiration of their sentence. The new initiative proposes eliminating the time limit on this probation, potentially making it indefinite.

Lepekha stated that law enforcement officials would be authorized to petition the courts to extend probation periods if there is a perceived risk of reoffending.

The Park Live Almaty international music festival, set to take place in Almaty for the second time, has announced its second wave of performers. Belgian artist Apashe, performing with Brass Orchestra, and Elderbrook, a prominent voice in new-school electronic music, have joined the event’s lineup. They will share the stage with previously announced rock legend Marilyn Manson, the Röyksopp duo and DJ Alan Walker.

Apashe, whose music features in Netflix shows and international brand advertisements, will take the stage on Sept. 5, while Grammy nominee Elderbrook is set to perform on Sept. 7.

The festival will take place in Almaty...

A resident of Aktobe tried to sell one of his internal organs for 15 million tenge (approximately $29,500). However, the deal was cut short by the organized crime enforcement task force after the Aktobe region prosecutor’s office initiated the prosecution.

According to the agency, they had identified the information about an illegal attempt to sell an internal organ during routine monitoring of social networks.

Once the data was received, prosecutors immediately notified the local police department, and on April 30, the suspect was detained. According to investigators, the man was looking for a buyer for an organ he planned to...

Tajikistan has sustained strong economic momentum in the post-COVID period. Between 2021 and 2024, the country’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of 8.5%. Although some international organizations predict a slowdown in Tajikistan’s economic growth, data from the first quarter of 2025 suggests that real GDP growth may again surpass 8%.

Tajikistan’s GDP

Inflation rate in Tajikistan

Public money and its impact on Tajikistan’s economy

Tajikistan’s external sector

Tajikistan’s GDP

In 2024, Tajikistan’s economy grew by 8.4%, marking one of the highest growth rates among post-Soviet states and Central Asian countries. In dollar terms...

Kazakhstani Samruk-Energy and Qatari UCC Holding have established a joint venture called Kyzylorda Energy. Samruk-Energy obtained a 30% stake, while UCC Qazaqstan 3, another subsidiary of PIH, owns the remaining 70%, as Samruk-Energy reported in a statement on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) website.

According to Kompra.kz, a business information service, Kyzylorda Energy was established on Apr. 30, 2025, providing jobs for just a few people.

In late February, Samruk-Energy reported signing a shareholders’ agreement with UCC Holding, a leading construction conglomerate in Qatar involved in various infrastructure projects worldwide, to implement a 1,100-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant...

Freedom Holding Corp. (FRHC), owned by Kazakhstani billionaire Timur Turlov, reported a 2.56% increase in its share price (+$4.19), reaching $167.80 per share during a trading session on Nasdaq on May 14. Since the beginning of the year, the company’s shares have gained over 25%, and its market capitalization has surpassed $10 billion.

As a result, the holding’s value has exceeded that of Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, which has a market cap of $9.4 billion.

Over the past five trading sessions alone, FRHC’s shares have risen by 10.89%. In a five-year period, the holding’s share price has increased...

Artyom Antropov of Kazakhstan secured a silver medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, China.

The 25-year-old Karaganda native, who claimed the world championship title in 2024 in the 102-kilogram weight category, lifted 386 kilograms (165 in the snatch and 221 in the clean and jerk). The gold medal went to 2023 world champion and Paris 2024 Olympian Liu Huanhua of China, who posted a combined 410 kilograms (180+230).

Notably, Antropov’s hypothetical gold-medal performance — 400 kilograms (170+230) — at the ongoing World Championships would not have been enough to top Liu’s performance.

Davranbek Hasanbayev of Turkmenistan finished third...

Kazakhstan has gradually become a more popular destination for Chinese travelers. Over the past five years, the influx of tourists from this country has risen ninefold, making the Chinese the second-biggest group of foreigners staying in Kazakhstan’s hotels, as reported by Kazakh Tourism.

In 2024, more than 650,000 guests from China visited Kazakhstan, while local hotels and other accommodation facilities reported a 66% increase in the number of Chinese customers (174,000), compared to 2023.

Kazakhstan strives to attract as many Chinese tourists as possible. For instance, the country took part in the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2025), presenting classic...

Timur Turlov, head of Freedom Holding Corp. (FRHC), has surpassed Vyacheslav Kim, co-owner of Kaspi.kz and the former richest person in Kazakhstan, to become the country’s wealthiest individual, according to Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List.

Currently, Turlov’s fortune is valued at $7.2 billion vs. Kim’s $7.1 billion. Notably, just several days ago, the fortune of the FRHC CEO was evaluated at $5.8 billion.

As a result, the top six richest Kazakhstanis occupy the following positions in the global ranking: Timur Turlov (471st) with $7.2 billion, Vyacheslav Kim (474th) with $7.1 billion, Vladimir Kim (628th) with $5.7 billion, Dinara Kulibayeva (676th...

Today, on March 14, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon signed a law revoking criminal liability for likes and reactions on social media, as reported by the government’s press service.

The new law eliminates penalties for social media posts previously considered by the Tajik authorities to support extremism.

Prior to the introduction of the new law, likes and reposts of prohibited content could be regarded as public justification of terrorism, carrying a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

The penalization of internet activity had long been criticized by human rights activists, who viewed it as a violation of freedom of...

After negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Kanat Bozumbayev, representatives of the World Bank announced their readiness to support the implementation of a national project to upgrade the country’s energy and utility sectors, as reported by Primeminister.kz. The national project was adopted in late 2024 and includes 15.1 trillion tenge (approximately $29.7 billion at the current exchange rate) in investments planned between 2025 and 2029.

«Kanat Bozumbayev discussed the implementation of the national project to modernize the energy and utility sectors with the World Bank’s board… During the talks, representatives of the World Bank expressed...

Between January and April 2025, Kazakhstan’s major oil refineries produced 2.082 million tons of gasoline, marking a 25% increase year-on-year (YoY), according to Reuters, citing data from the Situational Analytical Center of the Fuel and Energy Complex of Kazakhstan (SAC). However, gasoline output in April declined by 7% month-on-month (MoM) due to a surplus of motor fuel in the domestic market.

Notably, in the first four months of 2025, diesel fuel production rose by 19%, reaching 1.921 million tons, while jet fuel output increased by 5% to 0.255 million tons.

Despite the reduction in gasoline production in April due to...

Chevron Direct Investment Fund Ltd. (CDIF) will invest $10 million in BioOperations, a Kazakhstani company engaged in the production of bioethanol and the supply of this fuel to the European market. The investment will support the expansion of BioOperations’ manufacturing capacity and the creation of new jobs.

BioOperations is part of KazFoodProducts, a holding controlled by Yerlan Baymuratov, who ranks 68th on the list of the richest people in Kazakhstan, with a fortune of $108 million.

BioOperations is the only company in Central Asia engaged in the deep processing of wheat. Its plant, located in the small town of Tayinsha...