Vyacheslav Kim

Vyacheslav Kim, born on June 12, 1969, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is an accomplished finance professional. He graduated from the Republican Physics and Mathematics School in 1996 before obtaining a degree in Financial Economist from the Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University in 1998 and a degree in Financier from the Russian-Kazakh Modern Humanitarian University in 2002.

Kim's early career involved establishing the Konovalov's Ophthalmology Clinic and engaging in the retail and electronic equipment distribution sector. He co-founded and owned the Planet of Electronics Network of Stores, one of Kazakhstan's largest retailers, from 1993 to 2005. He also served in various positions such as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Kazakhstan Association of Manufacturers and Equipment, President of Asia Technics Group JSC, and Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Budget Planning of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kim's most notable achievement is his role in transforming Kaspi.kz into the largest fintech company in Kazakhstan. He established the Planet of Electronics Store in 1993, eventually partnering with the local Bank Kaspiyskiy in 2002 to increase sales through loan offerings. The collaboration with the Baring Vostok Fund led to Mikheil Lomtadze joining the management team, further propelling the company's growth. In October 2020, Kaspi.kz conducted its IPO on the London Stock Exchange, valuing Kim's stake at an estimated $1.9 billion. He has been actively involved in discussions with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to promote digital service development, e-commerce growth, and support for small businesses.

Aside from Kaspi.kz, Kim has been involved in various projects, including co-ownership of Kolesa Group and the Alseco Company. He has also held positions in Allur JSC, the Magnum Retail Chain, and the National Welfare Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC as an Independent Director on the Board of Directors.

Kim's success and wealth have earned him a prominent position in the Forbes rankings. He has consistently been ranked among the richest individuals in Kazakhstan, rising from No. 24 in 2012 to No. 2 in 2021, with an estimated wealth of $4,200 million. In addition, he was recognized as the 5th most influential businessman in Kazakhstan in 2021 and entered the global list of billionaires, ranked 925th.

Besides his professional endeavors, Kim actively participates in social activities and charitable initiatives. He has served as the President of the Kazakhstan Kendo and Iaido Federation and the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation, supporting athletes and securing funding for both organizations. He is also involved in various boards and foundations, including the Fizmat Endowment Fund Public Foundation, the Republican School of Physics and Mathematics, the Almaty Triathlon Federation, and the Kazakhstan National Geographic Society. Furthermore, Kim has been dedicated to charitable causes, supporting projects such as the "Breathe, Baby" Project, the Mercy Voluntary Society, the "We Will Win Autism" Project, and the "Build Your Business" Project in partnership with the Saby Charitable Foundation.

Recognized for his contributions, Kim has received several awards, including the Order of Kurmet in 2007, the Order of Parasat in 2016, and the "Enbegi Ushin" Badge and the title "A Citizen of Honour" Almaty in 2019. He was also named the joint winner of the Businessman of the Year award by Forbes Kazakhstan in 2020, alongside Mikheil Lomtadze.