The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan published an update on a joint meeting between its Chair, Madina Abylkasymova, the Chair of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Timur Suleimenov, and a delegation from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Discussions focused on expanding investment partnership and cooperation to develop Islamic finance, with the parties agreeing to further strengthen cooperation to broaden prospects for Kazakhstan’s financial sector development. FAB was formed in 2017 through the merger of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank. The bank reported total assets of USD 356bn, an “AA-” rating, and market capitalisation of USD 34.7bn, and it provides corporate, investment and retail banking services globally.