According to the latest issue of the prestigious Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 40), Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, climbed 8 positions to secure 57th place with a score of 702 points. On the global list, it sits between New Delhi and Munich, Forbes.kz reported.
Kazakhstan's capital also reaffirmed its standing as the leading financial hub in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Meanwhile, Almaty demonstrated positive momentum, rising 7 spots to rank 92nd.
Furthermore, GFCI experts categorized Astana as a "Global Contender." This classification underscores the city’s broad international reach, active integration into global networks, and the continuous expansion of its financial ecosystem.
Major global metropolises—New York, London, and Hong Kong—continue to lead the rankings. Against this backdrop, the consistently positive trajectory of Kazakhstani cities clearly highlights their growing competitiveness.
The steady rise of Astana and Almaty holds strategic importance for Kazakhstan's economy. It demonstrates the high operational efficiency of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) as an institutional bridge between East and West.
Strengthening its position in the GFCI index directly enhances the country's investment attractiveness. This helps draw foreign direct investment, solidifying Kazakhstan's status as Central Asia's primary financial and technological hub.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 17, 2026