AIX introduces Simplified Conditions to Expand SME Access to Capital Markets
Astana International Exchange (AIX or the Exchange) is pleased to announce the successful listing of bonds issued by Time Building 2050 LLP in the first one-year tranche of its three-year Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Bonds Program, with a total program volume of KZT 1.5 billion.
AIX launched the SME Bonds Program in 4Q2023 to support SMEs to access short-term KZT funding through the capital markets. The program features listing requirements and fees tailored to the needs of SMEs, while establishing safeguards to ensure timely debt servicing. Its primary goal is to offer SMEs practical financing sources and support long-term, sustainable growth.
To further encourage SME participation in the capital markets, AIX has introduced a number of enhancements to the program, aimed at broadening access and easing eligibility. Key changes include:
- Extended bond maturity
- Multi-currency issuance
- Program-based structure
- Lower operational history requirements
- Removed sectoral restrictions
These updates reflect AIX’s commitment to developing an inclusive and dynamic capital market ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of SMEs.
Birzhan Astayev, AIX Chief Markets and Products, said:
“Through the SME Bonds Program, we aim to open up capital markets to a broader range of businesses. By streamlining requirements and introducing a more flexible framework, we are creating real meaningful opportunities for SMEs to access funding, strengthen their financial position, and grow with confidence. We encourage more companies to explore this pathway as a strategic route to scale and long-term success.”
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AIX was formed in 2017 within the Astana International Financial Centre development framework. AIX shareholders are AIFC, the Shanghai stock exchange, the Silk Road Fund, and NASDAQ, which also provides the AIX trading platform. The exchange operates within a regulatory environment based on the principles of English Law, thus providing a reliable investment environment. The mission of AIX is to develop an active capital market in Kazakhstan and the region by providing clear and favorable conditions for attracting financing to private and public businesses. AIX develops special segments for mining companies as well as infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative. www.aix.kz
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a leading financial hub in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, designed to connect global capital with the vast opportunities of emerging markets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the AIFC combines international best practices with innovative approaches to create a world-class platform for investment, business, and financial services. Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted over USD 15.9 bln in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Over 4,000 companies from 80+ countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Turkiye, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and others, are registered within the AIFC’s jurisdiction. www.aifc.kz