Dentons' practice has experience in advising high-profile local and international financial institutions and large corporations on a wide range of major transactions including syndicated financing, restructurings, and acquisition finance. The group is additionally adept in capital markets issues including debt capital markets, equity capital markets, and securitisation transactions. Vassiliy Zenov advises on a broad spectrum of services including financial regulations and derivatives. Abai Shaikenov is an experienced partner involved in numerous sophisticated transactions, including those with cross-border elements. Alexandra Fasakhova is an experienced advisor on major bank-lending transactions, debt and equity capital markets deals, derivatives and regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This practice is unique in combining deep knowledge of Kazakhstan’s regulatory environment with a strong alignment to international standards. The team’s main strength lies in its ability to deliver clear, practical solutions that balance local realities with global best practices.'
- ‘The individuals we work with stand out for their deep expertise, practical mindset, and ability to translate complex legal issues into clear and actionable advice. Partners such as Vassiliy Zenov are highly valued for their openness, strong leadership, and client-oriented approach.'
- ‘Dentons' Kazakhstan team stands out not only for their exceptional expertise in banking law, but also for their unique contribution to shaping the future of the industry. Their involvement in the drafting and development of the new Banking Law in Kazakhstan demonstrates the depth of their knowledge, influence, and commitment to advancing the legal framework of the sector.'
- ‘We worked closely with Vassiliy Zenov and Ivan Ivanov, whose expertise and dedication set them apart in the Kazakh legal market. Vassiliy is a leading authority in banking law and reforms, offering strategic guidance that shaped our approach, while Ivan combines profound knowledge of legislative drafting with remarkable precision and clarity in his advice.’
- ‘The team is composed of very experienced lawyers, who speak very good English (aside from Russian), and are good communicators. They are also quite knowledgeable about the Kazakhstan legal framework, political economy and financial system.’
- ‘Their individuals are hardworking, diligent, and responsive (Vassiliy Zenov, Alexandra Fasakhova, Ivan Ivanov). They are well aware of gaps in the local legal system and to what extent those gaps can be closed by introducing international standards.’
Key clients
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market
- National Bank of Kazakhstan
- Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan
- ForteBank JSC
- TAV Holding Airports
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (ADCB)
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Solidcore Resources
- Bank of China (Dubai) Branch
- Deutsche Bank AG
Work highlights
Advised the Kazakhstan financial regulator—supported by the EBRD—on a landmark overhaul of the nation’s banking framework.
Advised ForteBank on its debut international Eurobond issuance of US$400 million 7.75% senior unsecured notes due 2030 under Regulation S/Rule 144A — the first Eurobond by a private Kazakh bank in over 12 years.
Advised the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan (AFK) on drafting the first-ever Kazakh law-governed “Model Terms of the Master Financial Agreement for entering into derivative transactions on the unorganised securities market” (the “K-ISDA”).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Abai Shaikenov; Vassiliy Zenov
Other key lawyers
Alexandra Fasakhova; Ivan Ivanov