Experienced in complex cross-border financing and capital markets transactions, Dentons provides a full service to clients within banking, finance and capital markets, covering deals in multiple areas such as syndicated financing, equipment leasing, asset finance, aviation finance, financial institutions regulation and debt capital markets. Managing Partner Abai Shaikenov  advises Kazakh clients in complex and unique transactions, whereas Vassiliy Zenov is recognised for his skills in drafting banking and finance-related statutory amendments. Ali Imanalin is a name to watch for his broad practice involving complex cross-border transactions governed by English law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is professional, well-coordinated and has a profound understanding and practical knowledge of the industry. ’

  • ‘Dennis Montgomery, Vasilliy Zenov and Ali Imanalin did a great job under tight deadlines.’

  • ‘The team is professional, always available to address any issues and very well-balanced in terms of skills and areas of expertise. Financial transactions that we work on often require assistance outside of normal business hours and attention to detail (e.g., multiple counterparties and moving terms), and the team is supportive and highly efficient. In our experience, Dentons Kazakhstan has the strongest team in the Kazakh market.’

  • ‘Ali Imanalin and Dameli Karakulova are key members of the team. They are professional, creative and reliable.’

  • ‘ Dentons Kazakhstan Banking and Finance Practice has been very efficient and easy to work with and the team are quick to respond to clients' needs. The advice is clear and collaborate well with international clients. ’

  • ‘Vassiliy Zenov has a good understanding of the sophistication of the international banking and finance market, and practices which makes him well equipped to assist in navigating the less developed market in Kazakhstan. He has in-depth knowledge of the local legislative landscape and understands what international clients needs to get comfortable with in order to enter the local market. He is practical and client focused. ’

  • ‘Dentons team supported acquisition and financing workstreams for the Almaty project which has been the pivotal key acquisition/investment for the group. Quite happy with the Dentons team support which enabled direct communication across the team at all times. Fair billing.’

  • ‘Christopher Rose and Anna Booth have been key individuals leading the process as well as Gani Ashimkhan on the local end.’

Key clients

  • EBRD
  • International Swaps and Derivatives Association
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Astana Financial Services Authority
  • TAV Airports Holding

Work highlights

  • Assisting EBRD, the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Agency for Regulation and Development of Financial Market in Kazakhstan with the establishment of an effective legal framework for resolving and selling non-performing loans in Kazakhstan.
  • Issuing an “industry netting opinion” for Kazakhstan for the benefit of ISDA and its members on enforceability of the termination, bilateral close-out netting and multibranch netting provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement which would cover the variety of types of Kazakh counterparties.
  • Developing an effective legal framework for cross-border OTC derivatives. The project aims to align Kazakh law with the best international standards such as the UNIDROIT Principles on Close-Out Netting Provisions and the ISDA Model Netting Act.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vassiliy Zenov

Other key lawyers

Abai Shaikenov, Ali Imanalin