About us

Valor Capital – a leading asset management company built on the principles of disciplined value investing.

We identify high-quality investment opportunities in global equity and bond markets – combining a fundamental approach with data-driven analytics to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.

Beyond asset management – we provide hands-on financial support for professionals and organizations, as well as strategic advisory – helping clients navigate uncertainty with confidence.

At Valor Capital, we don’t just follow the markets – we help shape a sustainable financial future with care, confidence, and deep responsibility to those we serve. Integrity, transparency, and intellectual rigor form the foundation of everything we do – ensuring that every decision, whether in investment, support, or consulting, aligns with long-term client goals and creates lasting value.

Our Story

Built on Value. Driven by Insight.

The story of Valor Capital began with a genuine interest in financial markets – not out of a thirst for profit, but from a desire to understand how lasting value is created. Even before the company was founded – we, its future founders – were deeply immersed in investments, finance, and strategic decision-making. What started as a professional interest became a lifelong mission.

We were shaped by key moments in global financial history – from the dot-com crash to the global crisis. We realized: the market is not just a source of returns – it is a complex system where opportunities open to those who think strategically and act with discipline. Our experience in central banks, major institutions, and regulation proved how vital discipline, a fundamental approach, and inner integrity truly are.

We did not rush to create the company. We waited for the moment when ideas, experience, and market needs would converge. Today, that moment has arrived. The world is changing – and investors need more than products – they need partners they can trust. It was with this purpose that Valor Capital was founded – to deliver solutions grounded in principles, responsibility, and a clear understanding that real value is built step by step.

Values

Responsible Management

We manage capital with care and responsibility – always focusing on creating long-term value

Integrity Above All

We act with honesty, accountability, and fairness – in every decision, big or small

Disciplined Thinking

We rely on logic, evidence, and long-term fundamentals – not on market sentiment or speculation

Client-Centric Approach

We work as true partners – placing our clients’ goals and peace of mind at the heart of what we do

Intellectual Rigor

We challenge assumptions and think critically

Transparency in Practice

We communicate openly and clearly – so our clients always understand our logic and approach

Sustainable Development

We strive for constant improvement – adopting the best ideas and practices to keep pace with change while staying true to our principles

Board of Directors

Azamat Utenov

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Independent Non-Executive Director

Over 20 years of experience in finance. Began his career in the Treasury of Bank Turan Alem, worked in the Fixed Income department at Nomura International (Hong Kong). Held the position of Treasury Director at Halyk Finance JSC, Kazkommertsbank JSC, and Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC. Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Halyk Global Markets JSC.

Alina Aldambergen

Member of the Board of Directors, Independent Non-Executive Director

Over 25 years of experience in the financial sector. Worked in the London office of ABN AMRO in the Global Markets division, led ABN AMRO Asset Management in Kazakhstan, and held senior positions in financial regulatory agencies. Served as CEO of Samruk-Kazyna Finance and Deputy Chairman of the Baiterek holding. From 2016 to 2025 – Chairwoman of the Management Board of the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE). Currently serves on the boards of directors of financial institutions and professional associations.

Talgat Ayupov, CFA

Member of the Board of Directors

Over 17 years of experience in finance. Served as Chairman of the Management Board at Tenge Bank JSCB (Uzbekistan) and Halyk Finance JSC, and as a Board Member of KASE. Previously led the Treasury at Halyk Bank JSC and Altyn Bank JSC. Holds an MSc in Mathematical Trading and Finance (Cass Business School, London) and is a CFA charterholder.

Our Team

Talgat Ayupov, CFA

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Over 17 years of experience in finance. Served as Chairman of the Management Board at Tenge Bank JSCB (Uzbekistan) and Halyk Finance JSC, and as a Board Member of KASE. Previously led the Treasury at Halyk Bank JSC and Altyn Bank JSC. Holds an MSc in Mathematical Trading and Finance (Cass Business School, London) and is a CFA charterholder.

Kadyrzhan Damitov

Advisor to the CEO on Strategic Affairs

Over 30 years of experience in the financial sector. Served as Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, held positions as Deputy Governor of the National Bank, Vice Minister 
of Economy and Trade, and Adviser to the Prime Minister and the President. Led the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange and was a member of the Boards of Directors of the Unified Pension Fund (ENPF) and KASE. Held senior positions in leading banks and the quasi-public sector. Holds a PhD in Economics and completed postgraduate studies at the Moscow Financial Institute. Recipient of state orders and medals for contributions to the development of Kazakhstan’s financial system.

Vitaliy Khon, CFA, FRM

Advisor to the CEO on Investment Activities

Has held senior positions at some of Kazakhstan’s largest financial institutions, including Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, Halyk Finance JSC, Altyn Bank JSC, Royal Bank of Scotland (Kazakhstan), and Halyk Insurance Company JSC, specializing in risk management and investment strategies. Has over 20 years of leadership experience in the banking, insurance, and investment sectors. Graduate of IE Business School and KIMEP University, and holds the CFA and FRM designations.

Zhanibek Kubessov, CFA

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Finance executive with 13 years of experience in corporate finance, asset management, and capital raising. Held leadership and advisory roles across Sturgeon Capital, Eastcomtrans, Freedom Finance, and SB Capital. Specializes in fundraising, financial reporting, budgeting, valuation, and investor relations. Graduate of the University of Arizona and CFA Charterholder. At Valor Capital, responsible for finance, accounting, and reporting.

Rustam Tairov

Head of Asset Management Division

20+ years of experience in investments and business development. Has been a Director of the Asset Management department and a member of the Investment Committee at Halyk Finance. Held various executive positions in the private equity and venture capital funds. Has an MBA degree (Finance and Strategy) from Vanderbilt University (USA), previous study includes Narkhoz University and The University of Arizona (USA).