SIGNUM has substantial experience advising Kazakhstan and international banks, development banks, investment funds, insurance companies, leasing and credit organisations, as well as investors and businesses raising finance in Kazakhstan.
We support clients across a broad range of finance and corporate matters – from structuring and implementing bilateral, syndicated and project financings to the establishment and acquisition of financial institutions, investment transactions, insurance and reinsurance, financial leasing and regulatory matters.
SIGNUM regularly acts as Kazakhstan law counsel to international banks, financial institutions and international law firms on complex cross-border transactions. Our work includes legal due diligence of borrowers and guarantors, assessment of corporate capacity, preparation of legal opinions, review of finance and security documentation and support with satisfaction of financing conditions.
Our experience also covers financial sector regulation, investment funds, insurance, payment systems and financial technology, as well as disputes involving bank guarantees, financial leasing and protection of the rights of financial institutions.
Advised a syndicate of leading international banks on Kazakhstan law matters in connection with a USD 3 billion credit facility provided to the world’s largest independent oil trader. Our work included legal due diligence, legal opinions and review of transaction documentation.
Have advised a major international bank for several years on a USD 300 million revolving credit facility financing the working capital requirements of an international group.
Advised a leading European bank on Kazakhstan law matters in connection with a USD 120 million committed secured syndicated borrowing base facility provided to an international commodities group.
Supported a USD 180 million credit facility provided by a major international oil trader to an oil and gas company, including preparation of a legal memorandum and legal opinion and review of finance documentation.
Advised EBRD on a USD 18.5 million project loan to a Kazakhstan company forming part of an international malt manufacturing group.
Prepared a legal opinion for EBRD in connection with financing provided to a beverage producer in Kazakhstan.
Advised a foreign insurance company on reinsurance matters, including limited recourse provisions.
Advised one of Kazakhstan’s largest banks on insurance and reinsurance matters.
Advised on the establishment of a Kazakhstan subsidiary of an international insurance group, including corporate structuring, tax and regulatory matters.
Structured and assisted with the establishment of a fund for the allocation and distribution of social payments of a major mining company.
Advised a national investment fund on an equity acquisition in a foreign holding company through an increase of its share capital and related financing.
Advised international banks and financial institutions on the corporate capacity of Kazakhstan borrowers, guarantors and other financing parties and prepared related legal opinions.
Advised on securities issuances and corporate matters relating to raising finance in Kazakhstan and international capital markets.
Provided full M&A legal support for the acquisition of a major Kazakhstan bank by a Russian investor, including legal due diligence and transaction and regulatory matters.
Advised a national investment fund on its equity acquisition in a foreign holding company through an increase of the company’s share capital and related financing.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a Kazakhstan technology company providing payment solutions for the banking and retail sectors in connection with a potential investment.
Advised on structuring the acquisition of an approximately USD 50 million asset through an investment fund, including corporate and tax aspects of the transaction.
Advised a Kazakhstan insurance company on taxation of insurance payments.
Advised an international insurance group on tax matters relating to the establishment of an insurance subsidiary in Kazakhstan.
Advised financial and insurance businesses on taxation of cross-border payments, application of double taxation treaties and structuring of their Kazakhstan operations.
Represented a Kazakhstan insurance company in litigation against the regulator concerning withdrawal of its insurance licence.
Represented a major mining company in litigation against one of Kazakhstan’s largest banks concerning enforcement of a bank guarantee. The court ordered the bank to pay the client more than USD 700,000.
Represented a major leasing company in proceedings for the recovery of eight units of specialised equipment with an aggregate value exceeding KZT 450 million that had been seized and arrested in criminal proceedings involving the lessee. The assets were ultimately returned to the client as their lawful owner.
Represented financial and leasing companies in disputes involving unlawful encumbrance, disposal and seizure of leased assets.
Represented a major financial company in disputes involving debtors and private bailiffs.
Advised an international insurance company on regulatory requirements applicable to the establishment and operation of an insurance business in Kazakhstan.
Advised a foreign insurance company on Kazakhstan regulation of reinsurance arrangements.
Advised one of Kazakhstan’s largest banks on regulatory matters relating to insurance and reinsurance.
Advised a Kazakhstan technology start-up on the regulation of payment systems in Kazakhstan.
Advised financial institutions on licensing, corporate approvals and other financial regulatory requirements.
Provided comprehensive legal support to a European insurance company on employment matters and related litigation in Kazakhstan.
Advised financial institutions on employment agreements, internal policies, changes to employment conditions and termination matters.