Forbes Kazakhstan Updates Wealthiest Businessmen List: New Billionaires Emerge

Forbes Kazakhstan has released its updated ranking of the country's wealthiest entrepreneurs. In 2026, the combined wealth of those on the list reached $60.84 billion, showing an increase compared to the previous year.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Ranking

• Expansion of the Billionaires Club: The most significant change this year is the growth in the number of billionaires. Notably, Nurlan Smagulov (founder of Astana Motors, $1.3 billion) and Aidyn Rakhimbayev (shareholder of BI Group, $1.1 billion) joined the global Forbes billionaires list for the first time. Both built their capital in non-commodity sectors—automotive and construction.

• The Leaderboard: For the third consecutive year, Vyacheslav Kim (Kaspi.kz shareholder) leads the list with a fortune estimated at $7.8 billion.

• Top Positions:

• 2nd place: Vladimir Kim (KAZ Minerals) – $5.9 billion.

• 3rd place: Shared by Timur Kulibayev, Dinara Kulibayeva, and Bulat Utemuratov – $5.4 billion each.

• Shifts in Ranking: Timur Turlov, head of Freedom Holding Corp., dropped to 6th place. His current net worth is estimated at $5.2 billion, which is $600 million less than a year ago.

• New Faces: The list includes newcomers such as Shakhmurat Mutalip (the youngest at 35), Vladimir Sytnik, Aigazy Kusainov, Bekzhan Mamyt, Yuri Tskhay, and Bakhtiyar Ospanov.

The ranking was influenced by major deals, such as the transition of Kazakhmys Corporation to the control of Nurlan Artykbaev. Additionally, a process of asset redistribution is underway in the telecommunications and gold mining sectors.

According to experts, the redistribution of capital in Kazakhstan is continuing, and new major deals may be implemented in the near future.