Arystan Moldabekov, an alumnus of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and the U.S.-Central Asia Education Foundation’s Enterprise Student Fellowship Program (U.S.-CAEF), has been honored as the Best Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Year by the Kazakhstan Growth Forum. Mr. Moldabekov has served as the CFO of Citibank Kazakhstan since 2022, and his achievements were celebrated at the CFO Summit 2024, a gathering of Kazakhstan’s leading financiers and economists.
Mr. Moldabekov’s international education journey began in 2006 with his participation in the FLEX program during high school, where he experienced life in the United States. This experience spurred his pursuit of higher education, leading him to explore opportunities upon his return to Kazakhstan. In 2007, Mr. Moldabekov joined the inaugural cohort of the U.S.-CAEF program, founded and sponsored by the U.S. Central Asia Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to outstanding students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and formerly Turkmenistan.
U.S.-CAEF enabled him to pursue higher studies at KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, an institution renowned for its Western educational model and influential alumni network. During his second year of studies, Mr. Moldabekov gained his initial exposure to the finance sector through a summer internship tailored for U.S.-CAEF fellows at a government investment promotion agency. Reflecting on this period, Mr. Moldabekov believes it equipped him with the essential professional skills and knowledge needed for his career. In appreciation for his experience in the program, Mr. Moldabekov later facilitated internships for U.S.-CAEF fellows at his workplaces, assuming the role of mentor to students navigating paths akin to his own.
After graduating from KIMEP University, Mr.Moldabekov began pursuing development opportunities within the financial field, exploring careers at consulting firms, banking institutions, and investment companies. These positions eventually led him to the role of CFO at Citibank Kazakhstan, where he received recognition as “The Best CFO of the Year” in Kazakhstan.
Mr. Moldabekov attributes much of his growth and achievement to his education, underscoring the pivotal role of these experiences in personal and professional development. He emphasizes the significance of initiatives like FLEX and U.S.-CAEF in making higher education accessible and catalyzing individual growth.
Aligned with American Councils’ commitment to international education, Mr. Moldabekov recognizes its importance in fostering a global perspective essential for business professionals. “International education is crucial for business professions as it provides broader perspective on global markets and diverse business practices adopted worldwide,” he said. “This is especially important for emerging markets, including Central Asia, where knowledgeable talents are expected to become a new generation of change-makers to promote the economic growth and prosperity in their countries.”
In advising students interested in finance careers, Mr. Moldabekov underscores the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity, urging students to ask unconventional questions, seek answers, and engage with experts. Highlighting the dynamic nature of finance, he stresses the need to stay updated with innovations and changes while advocating for ongoing investments in education.
Featured Alumnus:
Arystan Moldabekov ’07 (Almaty, Kazakhstan, placed by ASSE in Topeka, KS)
