by Dauren Akshalov and Veronika Mukhametova
Birth of an idea: how it all began
Compliance in Kazakhstan began its development in 2010 with the adoption of the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT), which laid the foundations for financial transparency and control. An additional impetus came with the entry of international companies into the market that were required to comply with extraterritorial laws such as FCPA, UKBA and GDPR. These requirements forced local businesses to take into account global standards.
On October 6, 2020, amendments to the legislation signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made the creation of anti-corruption compliance services mandatory for the quasi-public sector, which strengthened the legal basis for the fight against corruption. Initially, compliance specialists worked in isolation, and there was no single platform for exchanging experiences and developing practices. In 2021, a group of like-minded individuals came together to create the Compliance and Business Ethics Association, which aims to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in Kazakhstan.
“Our mission is simple but ambitious: to build a community that helps businesses cope with the challenges of the modern world, be it anti-corruption, sanctions compliance, AML/CFT, or sustainable development,” says Dauren Akshalov, one of the founders of the Association.
Expanding opportunities through education
For a long time, Kazakhstan did not have higher education programs specializing in compliance risks. Most experts studied abroad and were certified by organizations such as ICA or ACAMS. However, for many companies and professionals, this is still an expensive option, making it difficult to maintain high standards.
One of the key achievements of the Compliance and Business Ethics Association in Kazakhstan was the introduction of local educational solutions. Together with Narxoz University, a master’s course in compliance was launched – the first of its kind in the region. This step has become a significant contribution to the development of the professional community, allowing us to train world-class specialists within the country.
In addition, the Association has developed a national certification program for Chief Compliance Officers in three main modules: anti-corruption compliance, sanctions compliance and corporate risk management, which helps specialists improve their skills and comply with international and local requirements. These initiatives make quality education more accessible and contribute to the creation of a sustainable compliance ecosystem.
Negotiations are currently underway with the International Compliance Association (ICA), which opens up new prospects for local specialists, providing them with access to the best global practices and knowledge.
Marketing + compliance = the key to success
Today, every professional must be a marketer. In a situation where public attention is becoming a valuable resource, compliance is not only about following the rules, but also about how to properly “sell” the idea of being intolerant of corruption. The Association used this approach, making its events and initiatives as attractive as possible for business.
“Compliance cannot be imposed. Compliance must be made part of the corporate culture. This requires communication skills, marketing and audience engagement,” the Association notes.
Social Media
In the era of digitalization, social media and online platforms have become an integral part of life, and our Association actively harnesses their potential. We are building a strong presence on key platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, while also launching a Telegram-channel and YouTube-channel to connect with the professional community and share timely information.
We were the first in Kazakhstan to create a professional news channel dedicated to compliance. Our regular publications include:
Each publication undergoes thorough fact-checking to ensure our audience receives only verified and high-quality information. Our channels serve as a platform for professional growth, knowledge exchange, and discussions about key challenges in the industry.
The Courage to Innovate: How We Created the Compliance Talks Podcast
Creating the “Compliance Talks” podcast was a bold step into uncharted territory for us. We sought a new format that would allow us to discuss complex professional topics in an informal and accessible manner. The podcast has become a space where experts not only share their knowledge and experience in compliance but also reveal personal stories, career challenges, and triumphs. This approach helped us build an informal connection with our audience and make compliance relatable to every listener.
One of the main goals of the Association has been to give Kazakhstan’s compliance sector a “human face.” In many companies, even international ones, compliance is still perceived merely as a hotline for complaints—a formal tool disconnected from the real corporate culture. We aimed to change that. The podcast, along with forums and webinars, has demonstrated that compliance is driven by real people who create safe, transparent, and ethical business processes.
Our willingness to experiment with formats has paid off: the podcast has become a popular platform where professionals learn, find inspiration, and receive support.
Compliance Forum: The Event of the Year
Every year, the Association hosts a large-scale Compliance Forum in Astana and Almaty, gathering over 500 experts and speakers in an offline format. This forum serves as a platform to discuss pressing topics such as sanctions compliance, anti-corruption measures, AML/CFT, ESG and sustainable development, and other professional issues that concern corporate compliance specialists.
In 2024, the Association launched the Compliance Person of the Year Award, inspired by the ICA Awards, which one of our founders won in 2023.
Each year, we expand our expertise and introduce new speakers, allowing them to share their perspectives, experiences, and research. In the beginning, finding skilled speakers who could comfortably present complex cases on stage was challenging. Our PR specialist invested significant effort in preparing them for public speaking. Now, specialists proactively approach us with proposals, preparing high-quality speeches and even mini-performances. For example, one speaker created an animated video featuring an AI assistant as a co-narrator to highlight issues surrounding personal data in the age of artificial intelligence. The Forum audience was thrilled!
We continually broaden the range of topics discussed at the Forum, moving beyond strictly compliance-related issues. For instance, the program now includes topics such as professional burnout, effective communication, public speaking, automation of routine tasks, tax risks, best practices in HR and project management, and time management. These subjects help compliance specialists in Kazakhstan learn new skills and remain competitive on the global market.
“We aim not just to discuss problems but also to help specialists find solutions and enhance their skills,” shares Veronika Mukhametova, PR Director of the Association.
Free Webinars: Compliance for Everyone
The Association’s team organizes free monthly webinars covering a wide range of topics—from the basics of compliance to skills for thriving in a corporate environment. These webinars have become a vital tool for engaging the audience and raising awareness about the role of compliance in business.
The online format allows us to invite speakers from anywhere in the world. Best practices and networking opportunities enable participants not only to learn but also to share their unique experiences with other countries.
Over the past three years, we have held more than 30 webinars, taking only short breaks. Today, our webinars attract compliance specialists from Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Translating Books: A Step Toward the Future
One of our ambitious goals for next year is to begin translating a book by international compliance expert Vera Cherepanova into Kazakh. This project is more than just a translation—it is a contribution to shaping a national culture of compliance.
The compliance function in Kazakhstan has only started to develop in the past 5–10 years, and there is a significant demand for specialized literature. In 2024, members of the Expert Council of the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics contributed to a section on “Compliance Functions” in the book Corporate Governance: A Guide for Directors, edited by KPMG.
Our ambitious plans also include writing our own book, where we will chronicle our journey and share insights from our work.
Legislative Work and Compliance Standards: Steps Toward Professionalism
Experts from the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics actively contribute to shaping Kazakhstan’s legislative framework. In 2022, with the Association’s involvement, amendments were made to anti-corruption legislation to secure the independence of compliance functions. The Association’s experts also participate in working groups in the Senate and Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, proposing key legislative initiatives related to compliance and anti-corruption policies.
Another significant achievement was the inclusion of qualification characteristics and job responsibilities for anti-corruption compliance specialists in Kazakhstan’s National Qualification Framework. These standards establish unified requirements for compliance professionals and enhance their professional qualifications. The full list of responsibilities and qualification criteria is available in official documents, making the profession more transparent and regulated.
The Association continues its work to advance compliance in Kazakhstan by fostering professional growth and refining legislative mechanisms.
Tips for Building a Professional Community
Establishing the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics came with challenges. Attracting resources and business interest was one of the primary difficulties. However, several key strategies helped overcome these obstacles:
Why Compliance is the Future of Business
In the era of globalization and increasing regulatory requirements, compliance has evolved from a mandatory function to a strategic tool for gaining a competitive edge. ESG, sustainable development, and anti-corruption initiatives are now at the forefront of the business agenda.
The Association of Compliance and Business Ethics in Kazakhstan has proven that it is possible to create a successful community even under challenging conditions. By uniting compliance specialists from various fields, the Association helps businesses not only meet regulatory requirements but also become better.
Connecting Compliance Across the Globe
As part of our development strategy, the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics aims to grow from a reputable regional organization into an international one. This is an ambitious goal, but we have already begun its implementation. We now have representatives in the European Union, Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and other geographies, strengthening our presence on the international stage.
We are committed to bringing together compliance professionals from different countries and building a global community of experts. Having presence at both emerging markets and countries where compliance standards are developed we are building the global compliance bridge. If you are interested in joining our mission, we are open to various forms of collaboration.
Do you want to learn more? You’re always welcome to reach out to us at support@compliance.org.kz or via LinkedIn – Dauren Akshalov and Timur Khasanov-Batirov, our Co-Chairs of the International Council.
Let’s connect compliance across the globe together!
Conclusion
The story of the Association of Compliance and Business Ethics in Kazakhstan is an inspiration for those who strive to make the business world more transparent and ethical. It demonstrates that even a small group of like-minded individuals can achieve great things when they have a clear vision and a strong commitment to transforming reality.
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