What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm has a notable domestic legal practice in Kazakhstan, assisting international clients with local law issues affecting cross-border mandates as well as representing domestic clients in local projects. The law firm is experienced in project financing, construction, corporate and financial restructurings and M&A projects. Aequitas Law Firm's domestic market position makes it a popular choice for many international law firms seeking local law advice in Kazakhstan.

Strengths. "The firm has knowledge of the intricacies of M&A transactions and is customer focused." "Aequitas provides rigorous and professional advice in a short time."

Work highlights. AEQUITAS advised MMC Kaz on a range of legal work, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, antitrust and advertising law issues.

Notable practitioners. Yelena Manayenko (Band 4) heads the firm's M&A practice. She advises on both domestic and cross-border transactions and related due diligence work.

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm is a highly reputed domestic law firm in Kazakhstan, which represents clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contractual and debt recovery cases, as well as domestic enforcement work. The legal practice is also frequently engaged to provide Kazakh law expertise in international arbitrations seated overseas. The law firm regularly handles tax and construction disputes. Aequitas often acts for international and domestic clients from the professional services, construction and consumer goods sectors.

Work highlights. AEQUITAS represented Saipem in resolving employee compensation disputes during the closing of its Kazakhstan branch, negotiating settlements and defending against claims for lifelong annuity payments.

Notable practitioners. Olga Chentsova (Eminent Practitioners) is the firm's managing partner, based in Almaty. She is well-regarded for her expertise in international arbitration and domestic litigation matters.

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm is an established domestic legal practice in Kazakhstan, well versed in subsoil-related regulatory issues. The legal practice also advises international and domestic corporates on regulatory, corporate structuring and transactional mandates. Additionally, the law firm assists with construction projects. Aequitas is often chosen by foreign investment companies on cross-border mandates, where the firm provides valuable due diligence.

Work highlights. Aequitas advised China Huadian Corporation on acquiring two solar power plants in Kazakhstan, providing full legal support including due diligence, regulatory approvals and corporate restructuring.

Strengths. "Aequitas are efficient in preparing answers to questions."

"Aequitas offer high-class specialists with extensive experience in the field of subsoil use."

Notable practitioners. Olga Chentsova (Eminent Practitioners) is based in Almaty and is the managing partner at Aequitas. She has a significant amount of experience in advising on matters related to oil and gas.

Yelena Manayenko - Band 4 - 4 heads the firm's M&A practice. She advises on both domestic and cross-border transactions and related due diligence work.

"Yelena exhibits exceptional expertise in legal due diligence within the corporate & finance markets, adeptly identifying potential risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements."

"Yelena exhibits exceptional professionalism and expertise in their field, consistently delivering high-quality legal services."

Olga Chentsova - Eminent Practitioners - is the firm's managing partner, based in Almaty. She is well-regarded for her expertise in international arbitration and domestic litigation matters.

"Olga is a highly qualified specialist."

Olga Chentsova - Eminent Practitioners - is based in Almaty and is the managing partner at Aequitas. She has a significant amount of experience in advising on matters related to oil and gas.

"Olga exhibits exceptional legal acumen, coupled with a client-centric approach that ensures tailored and effective representation."

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm has a notable domestic legal practice in Kazakhstan, assisting international clients with local law issues affecting cross-border mandates as well as representing domestic clients in local projects. The law firm is experienced in project financing, construction, corporate and financial restructurings and M&A projects. Aequitas Law Firm's domestic market position makes it a popular choice for many international law firms seeking local law advice in Kazakhstan.

Strengths. "Aequitas excels in managing sophisticated transactions, demonstrating a keen understanding of financial markets and the ability to structure deals that meet clients' diverse objectives." "Aequitas has excellent knowledge of corporate law, competition law and other related branches of law and the ability to promptly offer options for legal solutions at the request of the client."

Notable practitioners. Yelena Manayenko (Band 4) heads the firm's M&A practice. She advises on both domestic and cross-border transactions and related due diligence work.

"Yelena exhibits exceptional expertise in legal due diligence within the corporate & finance markets, adeptly identifying potential risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements."

"Yelena exhibits exceptional professionalism and expertise in their field, consistently delivering high-quality legal services."

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm is a highly reputed domestic law firm in Kazakhstan, which represents clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contractual and debt recovery cases, as well as domestic enforcement work. The legal practice is also frequently engaged to provide Kazakh law expertise in international arbitrations seated overseas. The law firm regularly handles tax and construction disputes. Aequitas often acts for international and domestic clients from the professional services, construction and consumer goods sectors.

Strengths. "Prompt problem solving is one of their main strengths."

Work highlights. Aequitas acted for Quorumdebt Management Group in its dispute with NAC Kazatomprom regarding a services agreement.

Notable practitioners. Olga Chentsova (Eminent Practitioners) is the firm's managing partner, based in Almaty. She is well-regarded for her expertise in international arbitration and domestic litigation matters.

"Olga is a highly qualified specialist."

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm is an established domestic legal practice in Kazakhstan, well versed in subsoil-related regulatory issues. The legal practice also advises international and domestic corporates on regulatory, corporate structuring and transactional mandates. Additionally, the law firm assists with construction projects. Aequitas is often chosen by foreign investment companies on cross-border mandates, where the firm provides valuable due diligence.

Work highlights. Aequitas Law Firm assisted East Star Resources with its acquisition of Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan.

Strengths. "Aequitas demonstrates a keen understanding of business needs and an ability to provide pragmatic legal advice aligned with commercial objectives."

"Aequitas's service level is commendably thorough, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities in the energy sector, coupled with proactive and efficient responsiveness to client needs."

Notable practitioners. Olga Chentsova (Eminent Practitioners) is based in Almaty and is the managing partner at Aequitas. She has a significant amount of experience in advising on matters related to oil and gas.

"Olga exhibits exceptional legal acumen, coupled with a client-centric approach that ensures tailored and effective representation."

Fielding a specialised team in deal structuring and negotiations, as well as in corporate and commercial law, AEQUITAS covers a wide range of work for financial institutions such as World Bank and HSBC. The firm actively cooperates with Magic Circle law firms on cross-border projects, with practice head Yelena Manayenko - Leading Partner - active in advising clients on all aspects of M&A transactions, as well as leading on the drafting and coordination of commercial contracts. Yekaterina Khamidullina - Next Generation Partner - was recently promoted to partner, while Yerbol Almen and Dias Zakirov recently joined the firm.

Olga Chentsova - Hall of Fame

Testimonials

'Very deep understanding of the processes in which they support clients, fantastic cooperation, flexible pricing.' 'You cooperate with them as with an old friend, but they are always courteous, correct and extremely responsive.'

Key clients

Zoser Capital Partners, Noventiq

AEQUITAS handles a range of banking and finance matters, from the issue and placement of shares, to advising clients on local regulations over transactions with securities and the activities of securities market participants. Yelena Manayenko heads the banking and finance team and handles banking legislation and the nuances found in Kazakh law, especially in high-value cross-border transactions. Yekaterina Khamidullina is experienced in project financing and in matters involving the Astana International Financial Centre.

Key clients

Orascom conglomerate in partnership with Zoser Capital Partners (ZCP) fund

Work highlights

Advised Egyptian law firm Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy in connection with a contemplated transaction involving investment in Solva Capital.

AEQUITAS is well regarded for its focus on cross-border litigation and commercial arbitration, with the firm routinely working alongside specialists from their respective jurisdictions on disputes. The team is led by Olga Chentsova, who is experienced in advising oil and mining clients in litigation and arbitration, and has also been active in representing clients in investment arbitrations and disputes under the rules of various arbitral bodies including UNCITRAL, SCC and ICC. Yuliya Chumachenko is another key name, along with Yekaterina Khamidullina, who was promoted to partner in February, and Kristina Mychka.

Testimonials

‘Aequitas is unique for its resolutive approach and high level of professionalism. The team’s qualifications and expertise ensure effective solutions and strong client outcomes. Compared to other firms, their dedication to addressing client needs and their collaborative spirit make them stand out. Overall, our experience working with them has been highly positive.'

‘Individuals I have worked with are notable for their expertise and dedication. They stand out from competitors because of their strong client focus and practical solutions. This has been particularly valuable in our collaboration.’

Key clients

Quorumdebt Management Group

AEQUITAS is focused on handling matters pertaining to subsoil use including business structuring, asset acquisition and privatisation, with the team having a direct impact on amending the Kazakh legislation relating to the natural resources sector, including Olga Chentsova - Hall of Fame, who helped develop the Petroleum Law and Subsoil Law. Practice head Yelena Manayenko specialises in major transactions and projects relating to the production, processing, and transportation of oil and gas and mining production. Yekaterina Khamidullina was promoted to partner in February 2024.

Testimonials

‘The team has solid knowledge of Kazakhstani laws and we regularly seek their advice if a transaction involves a Kazakhstani element.’

Key clients

East Star Resources

AEQUITAS advises clients engaged with the construction of industrial and social facilities, as well as residential complexes across Kazakhstan. Other services covered by the firm include construction-related disputes as well as representing foreign investors in matters relating to transactions over land plots, buildings and administrative compounds. Olga Chentsova has advised global oil and mining companies on issues relating to environmental legislation. Olga Chentsova leads the practice alongside Yelena Manayenko, Yuliya Chumachenko and Yekaterina Khamidullina, who was promoted to partner in February 2024.

Key clients

EBRD, IsDB

AEQUITAS covers general tax advisory services, and represents clients before the courts and tax authorities, as well as aiding non-residents with tax registration when opening bank accounts in Kazakhstan. Yuliya Chumachenko - Leading Partner - co-leads the practice alongside Yelena Manayenko, and Anton Alexeyev is also a key name.

Key clients

FieldCore, MMC Kaz

AEQUITAS services clients in a variety of industry sectors including international cellular, landline and postal operators and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on matters related to TMT projects, such as the use of modern information technologies and equipment, and on M&A transactions relating to companies providing IT services. Yelena Manayenko co-leads the practice with Yuliya Chumachenko, experienced in personal data protection. Kirill Greshnikov - Leading Associates is focused on assisting clients with fintech projects facing issues of regulation of the digital economy and data management.

Testimonials

‘The services are always provided at a high level, with the team at Aequitas more than qualified and experienced from different sides.’

‘High-level legal expertise, deep analysis of the requests and wide pool of professionalism.’

Key clients

MMC Kaz, Teva Pharmaceuticals

AEQUITAS remains a top-tier choice for local counsel, specialising in banking and finance, labour and employment, M&A, natural resources and environmental law. The firm has been expanding in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, gaining recognition for specialist areas such as insurance, media and customs, while also venturing into bitcoin and cryptocurrency. Managing partner Olga Chentsova is a key contact. The firm welcomed Bernar Alikhan as an associate in October 2024, strengthening its corporate law and dispute resolution practices. In December 2024, associate Zhandaulet Sholanov departed the firm, where he had focused on banking and finance, energy, natural resources and competition matters.

Jurisdictional Award – Kazakhstan Firm of the Year Client Choice Award – Honourable Mention (Kazakhstan): Kirill Greshnikov

Work highlights. Advised SAP Kazakhstan on comprehensive labour relations matters as local counsel, including analysis of leased labour procedures and external personnel engagement structures. The firm provided strategic guidance on employee termination processes, staff reduction procedures and conflict resolution, while supporting the establishment of employee representation mechanisms and bonus payment obligations. The detailed analysis culminated in a comprehensive memorandum addressing complex labour compliance requirements in Kazakhstan.

Key clients. Aristo Pharma, AVATR Technology (Chongqing) Co, Saipem, SCM Group

Client feedback. "They are very commercial, have hands-on transactional experience, provide great client service and are generally very pleasant to deal with. The quality of advice is consistent and of very high standard – timely, accurate and commercial." – Corporate and M&A

• Labour and employment - Yuliya Chumachenko - Notable practitioner

• Corporate and M&A - Kirill Greshnikov - Rising Star

Olga Chentsova - Elite practitioner Yelena Manayenko - Notable practitioner

Kazakhstan: Firm of the Year

Olga Chentsova - Thought Leader

Olga Chentsova - Global Elite Thought Leader

Olga Chentsova - Thought Leader

Olga Chentsova - Thought Leader

Olga Chentsova - Global Elite Thought Leader Yelena Manayenko - Recommended

Yuliya Chumachenko - Recommended

Olga Chentsova - Recommended

Nurlan Sholanov - Recommended

AEQUITAS is recommended in M&A, Capital Markets, Banking & Finance and Project Development and is recognized as a leading domestic law firm.

Managing Partner Olga Chentsova was named Highly regarded Lawyer in the field of Energy & Infrastructure and Project development, and was included into the IFLR1000 Women Leaders elite ranking.

Yelena Manayenko, Partner and Head of M&A, was noted as Highly regarded Lawyer in Banking and M&A practices.

Kirill Greshnikov, AEQUITAS Senior Associate, was also noted as Rising Star in M&A.

Review. Aequitas is a full-service law firm with an office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, founded in 1993. The firm is experienced in corporate law and project development. In banking and finance it advises the financing side on ISDA agreements, derivative purchases, direct financing, project financing and provides regulatory advice. In project development it advises investors and contractors on projects in construction and mining.

AEQUITAS remains a top tier choice for local counsel. It specialises in banking and finance, labour and employment, M&A, natural resources and environmental law. The firm has been expanding in the areas of healthcare and pharmaceuticals and has developed recognition in the market for specialist areas such as insurance, media and customs. It is also foraying into the bitcoin and cryptocurrency space with recent work representations. Managing partner Olga Chentsova is a key contact.

Advising Coinhub on matters related to cryptocurrency exchanges and applicable regulations in the Kazakhstan territory.

Assisting a global project in the restructuring of a German business, involving preparation of the reorganisation plan and spin-off of the mining business, transfer of assets, re-registration of ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions Kazakhstan, and registration of a branch of ThhyssenKrupp Mining Technologies.

Yuliya Chumachenko

Olga Chentsova

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm has a notable domestic legal practice in Kazakhstan, assisting international clients with local law issues affecting cross-border mandates as well as representing domestic clients in local projects. The law firm is experienced in project financing, construction, corporate and financial restructurings and M&A projects. Aequitas Law Firm's domestic market position makes it a popular choice for many international law firms seeking local law advice in Kazakhstan.

Work highlights. Aequitas provided legal advice to Elements Group and its subsidiary Convexity, specialising in blockchain, on engagement of freelance programmers and software engineers in Kazakhstan.

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm is a highly reputed domestic law firm in Kazakhstan, which represents clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contractual and debt recovery cases, as well as domestic enforcement work. The legal practice is also frequently engaged to provide Kazakh law expertise in international arbitrations seated overseas. The law firm regularly handles tax and construction disputes. Aequitas often acts for international and domestic clients from the professional services, construction and consumer goods sectors.

Strengths. "Their lawyers demonstrate strong analytical skills and have a comprehensive and complex approach."

"Their lawyers have strong intellectual strength and the ability to find logical solutions."

Work highlights. Aequitas advised NATUSANA on litigation against Kazakhstan customs authorities regarding the classification of its pharmaceuticals.

What the team is known for. AEQUITAS Law Firm is an established domestic legal practice in Kazakhstan, well versed in subsoil-related regulatory issues. The legal practice also advises international and domestic corporates on regulatory, corporate structuring and transactional mandates. Additionally, the law firm assists with construction projects. Aequitas is often chosen by foreign investment companies on cross-border mandates, where the firm provides valuable due diligence.

Strengths. "Aequitas Law Firm is flexible in its approach and understands the legal and commercial needs of the client."

"The local team was well aware of the environment our client operated in and was able to tailor its advice and diligence accordingly."

Yelena Manayenko Band 4 heads the firm's M&A practice. She advises on both domestic and cross-border transactions and related due diligence work.

Olga Chentsova Eminent Practitioners is the firm's managing partner, based in Almaty. She is well regarded for her expertise in international arbitration and domestic litigation matters.

Ardak Idayatova Band 4 is a partner in Almaty who advises major international clients on a range of disputes, including tax, construction and bankruptcy. She is regarded for her expertise in civil cases concerning Kazakh law.

"Ardak is technically a very good lawyer."

"Ardak is a great lawyer, who is highly professional and business-oriented."

Olga Chentsova Eminent Practitioners is based in Almaty and is the managing partner at AEQUITAS. She has a significant amount of experience in advising on matters related to oil and gas.

AEQUITAS finds its strengths within securities transactions, bank loans, acquisition of assets, shares and commodities. Yelena Manayenko Recommended leads the practice, with experience in major transactions and projects, alongside advising clients on the issues of structuring local and international transactions. Yekaterina Khamidullina - Recommended - is noted for her expertise in project finance and anti-corruption compliance matters.

Olga Chentsova - Hall of Fame

Lead by Almaty-based corporate and commercial law experts Yelena Manayenko Leading Individual and Yuliya Chumachenko Recommended, AEQUITAS features expertise in deal structuring and negotiations, applications before Kazakhstan’s competition regulator and in the development of Kazakhstan’s corporate legislation. The firm handles matters for a range of high profile clients such as Deutsche Bank and Johnson & Johnson, alongside cooperating with prestigious law firms around the world. Olga Chentsova has been advising major global oil and mining companies on issues pertaining to corporate legislation, while Yekaterina Khamidullina Rising star is another notable name.

Key clients Elements Group AG

AEQUITAS focuses on cross-border litigation and commercial arbitration, frequently working with firms from other jurisdictions on cross-border disputes. The team is prevalent across multiple areas across dispute resolution, including contract, construction, patent and copyright, banking and liquidation.

Testimonials

‘The company works with knowledge of the case and clear approaches. All issues of the court case were resolved promptly and on time.’ ‘I liked that the lawyers of AEQUITAS were extremely client-oriented, worked with an individual approach to each emerging issue.’

Key clients

Dr. Theiss Naturwaren GmbH, PRONAR Sp. z o.o.

Led by Yelena Manayenko - Recommended, AEQUITAS specialise on a range of issues across its subsoil use practice, having advised clients on business structuring, asset acquisition and privatisation. The team has participated in negotiations on mineral-exploration and production contracts between investors and the Kazakh government, alongside assisting in international arbitrations and Kazakh courts to settle disputes over matters related to the activities of mining and processing companies. Almagul Agadil - Recommended advises major transnational companies in transactions involving oil and gas companies, whereas Zhandaulet Sholanov Rising Star is experienced in projects dealing with subsoil use, energy issues and renewable energy.

Testimonials

‘Aequitas is very knowledgeable, proactive and has been very helpful in understanding local requirements. The team is flexible and efficient.’ ‘Yelena Manayenko is very knowledgeable and was very helpful in dealing with local requirements involving a large cross-border transaction. She has demonstrated flexibility and efficiency throughout the mandate.’

AEQUITAS provides legal support to the construction of infrastructure projects. The team was led by Ardak Idayatova, who specialised in all-round support to major projects, including representing foreign investors, international development banks and foreign contractors.

Testimonials

‘We appreciate AEQUITAS customer focus, efficiency, individual approach and high level of the provided services.’ ‘AEQUITAS lawyers are very professional, they have a great experience which they use day by day. They are very convenient to contact, because they always stayed in touch and gave prompt feedback on all requests.’

AEQUITAS provides general tax law consultations, including client representation in court in connection with major tax disputes, drafting IFRS-compliant accounting tax policies for resident and non-resident legal entities, alongside providing tax registration of non-residents when opening bank accounts in Kazakhstan. Yuliya Chumachenko Leading Individuals is noted for her advisory work in the pharmaceutical sector. Kristina Mychka Recommended is another key contact.

Other key lawyers

Larissa Yemelyanova; Alexandr Chumachenko; Anton Alexeyev

Testimonials

‘We appreciate AEQUITAS customer focus, efficiency, individual approach and high level of the provided services. ’ ‘Kristina Mychka and Anton Alexeyev accompany our business related to tax issues. They have proven themselves as experienced professionals who in time can analyze the situation and offer the most advantageous solutions.’

Led by Yelena Manayenko Recommended, AEQUITAS advises on local law issues across the TMT spectrum, including data processing, lease of communication channels and cryptographic information protection, with the team regularly providing and preparing articles and guides on the cryptocurrency, digital assets and other principles relating to TMT. Kirill Greshnikov Rising Star specialises in digital, corporate and commercial law with a focus on TMT within the financial sector.

Key clients

Elements Group AG

Kazakhstan: Firm of the Year

Olga Chentsova - Thought Leader

Olga Chentsova - Global Elite Thought Leader Natalya Braynina - Recommended Yelena Manayenko - Recommended

Yuliya Chumachenko - Recommended

Olga Chentsova - Recommended Natalya Braynina - Recommended

Nurlan Sholanov - Recommended

AEQUITAS is recommended in M&A - Tier 2, Capital Markets - Tier 3, Banking & Finance - Tier 3 and Project Development - Tier 3 and is recognized as a leading domestic law firm.

Managing Partner Olga Chentsova was named Highly regarded Lawyer in the field of Energy & Infrastructure and Project development, and was included into the IFLR1000 Women Leaders elite ranking.

Yelena Manayenko, Partner and Head of M&A, was also noted as Highly regarded Lawyer in Banking and M&A practices.

Review. Aequitas is a full-service law firm with an office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, founded in 1993.

The firm is experienced in corporate law and project development. In banking and finance it advises the financing side on ISDA agreements, derivative purchases, direct financing, project financing and provides regulatory advice.

In project development it advises investors and contractors on projects in construction and mining.