KorumLegal Consultant: Aigerima Kanabekova discusses how ALSPs offer flexibility, cross-border exposure, and innovation.

This month, our KorumLegal Consultant is Aigerima Kanabekova who is a Legal Counsel with 12 years of expertise. She has participated as an expert from Kazakhstan in the annual World Bank Group survey – B-READY 2025 Financial Services Questionnaires – Electronic Payments and Planning and Commercial Lending. Aigerima has also completed training at the Cyber Law School, gaining expertise in AML/CFT, electronic payments and transfers, regulation of artificial intelligence in China and Kazakhstan, and the legal aspects of operating online platforms. She has 5 years of professional experience in banks and financial institutions and is proficient in Civil Law, Contractual Work, Civil Procedure, Payment Systems Law, Currency Regulation, and Regulatory Decrees of the National Bank.

1. Hi Aigerima! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing and have been doing?

Recently, I   supported a client with a legal and regulatory review for their planned operations. My work included a detailed legal analysis of the licensing regime, AML requirements, and regulatory risks for cross-border payments, based on local legislation. I prepared a written legal opinion outlining key considerations and strategic recommendations. It was a great example of aligning regulatory compliance with business scalability.

2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSP's? And why is it a good fit for you?

NewLaw and ALSPs offer flexibility, cross-border exposure, and innovation, things I deeply value as someone passionate about fintech and startup ecosystems. With over 12 years in legal practice, and having worked in fintech since 2020, I find this model a natural fit. It allows me to work at the intersection of law and business, supporting fast-evolving companies as they adapt to changing legal landscapes. 

3. What's the most rewarding assignment you've ever had and why?

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was helping launch an embedded travel solution within a mobile banking app. I spent nearly four years with the team, supporting every legal aspect from contracts and licensing to digital interfaces and user terms. I gained deep insights into mobile tech, online travel services, and digital banking.

Additionally, I’m proud of contributing to the 2024 World Bank Doing Business project, where we developed legal recommendations to improve the investment climate in Kazakhstan. It was an honour to support economic reform at that level. 

4. As an experienced NewLaw/ ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ ALSPs fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?

NewLaw and ALSPs are becoming essential partners for international businesses needing agility, especially in fintech. Over the past few years, I’ve seen a shift toward “plug-and-play” legal solutions modular legal services that integrate with product development. There's also an increasing demand for digitalisation and LegalTech platforms. 

5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?

• Stricter fintech regulations, particularly regarding AML and cross-border transfers.
• Broader use of AI in legal risk analysis, contract review, and compliance.
• Rising importance of data localisation requirements, even for foreign providers. 

6. Your favourite tune? And why? 

“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. It’s powerful, intense, and speaks to transformation and resilience—qualities that I think define both personal growth and legal innovation today.