Expert Team
Klein & Erbulekova
Our Legal Team
Daniel Klein, BSME, JD Law (NY, MA, DC), MBA (LBS)
Partner & Co-Founder KE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Prior to co-founding KE, American attorney Daniel Klein (also a Canadian citizen) was a co-founder of Vasiliev Klein and Usov and Podolsky Vasiliev & Klein. He was formerly a co-founder of the Hellevig, Klein & Usov, Avenir Group.
Daniel is an expert on legal issues relating to Western companies doing business in Central Europe and Western Europe. He has spearheaded the legal and business aspects of numerous company start-ups, venture capital/private equity investments, and geographic expansions.
Among other highlights in Daniel's experience includes his serving as the EMEA MD for the then 2nd largest payment terminal manufacturer in the world: Hypercom (formerly NYSE: HYC; recently purchased by Verifone).
EDUCATION
Daniel holds a Juris Doctorate (New York Law School), an MBA (London Business School) and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degrees (Washington University in St. Louis; with a focus on metallurgy and turbine technologies).
He passed the State Bars of New York, Massachusetts, and passed the United States Patent & Trademark bar.
Meldir Erbulekova
Co-Founder & Partner
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Meldir Erbulekova brings an exceptional combination of international expertise and deep local knowledge to her legal practice. Before co-founding Klein & Erbulekova, Meldir co-founded the Matias Group, a dynamic consortium of companies that includes Matias IP and Matias Accounting, and the law firm Klein & Erbulekova, all three prominent Kazakh enterprises.
Earlier in her distinguished career, Meldir served as a senior attorney for the CIS branch of Gowling WLG, a leading Canadian law firm. With this strong foundation, Meldir has established herself as one of Kazakhstan's foremost corporate lawyers.
EDUCATION
Business Education:
Strasbourg School of Management, Robert Schuman University of Strasbourg (France)
Copyright Studies, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University (USA)
Legal Education:
MGIMO University – Bachelor's Degree, International Trade Law (#1 in CIS)
Moscow State Law University – Master's Degree, Contract Law
National Research University Higher School of Economics – Postgraduate Program in Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law
Laura Kalymbekova
Legal Manager
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Laura Kalymbekova is a legal expert with over a decade of experience advising both foreign and local companies. Her practice encompasses a wide range of areas, including M&A, construction, oil & gas, renewable energy, immigration law (with UK focus), investment, and intellectual property.
Her career began in PwC's M&A department, where she gained significant experience in corporate transactions. More recently, Laura's legal work has focused on the evolving fields of IT and FinTech, as well as IP law and personal data regulations.
Laura has a strong track record of involvement in and leadership of multinational projects across South-East Asia, the ASEAN region, the EU, the UK, the USA, and the CIS region. This experience demonstrates her ability to navigate complex international legal environments.
EDUCATION
Bachelor Degree in International Law, Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
Master Degree in International Law, Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
LLM in Corporate & Commercial Law, the United Kingdom
Joel Adamson
Special American Envoy to Kazakhstan and Head of Astana Ops
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Adamson stands as a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a multifaceted career spanning international consulting, investment management, social impact initiatives, and engineering, all underpinned by a robust academic background. His journey reflects a unique blend of strategic business acumen, a commitment to social responsibility, and a deep understanding of international markets, particularly Kazakhstan.
Mr. Adamson's professional trajectory showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to navigate diverse industries. Currently, he serves as the President & CEO of Kazakhstan Consulting Solutions - InvestШЕШІМ (January 2022 - Present). In this pivotal role, he leverages his understanding of both American and Kazakh business landscapes to facilitate investment opportunities. His firm acts as a crucial bridge, advising American companies seeking to invest in Kazakhstan while also consulting with the Kazakhstan Government to attract specific American investments. This dual perspective highlights his ability to understand and cater to the needs of stakeholders on both sides of international partnerships, demonstrating strong cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills honed by his language acquisition and prior experiences.
Simultaneously, Mr. Adamson is the Founder, CEO of Real-Impact Capital Management, LLC (September 2023 - Present) in Austin, Texas. This venture into the financial sector as a fund manager for a registered hedge fund in Delaware and Texas underscores his financial acumen and entrepreneurial drive. Owning Real-Impact Capital Management, LLC further solidifies his position as a seasoned business leader capable of managing investments and navigating the complexities of the financial markets.
Before his current ventures, Mr. Adamson demonstrated a strong commitment to social impact as the Founder and Executive Director of Kitsap Homes of Compassion (KHOC) (June 2017 - December 2021) in Bremerton, Washington. This 501c3 non-profit organization focused on creating affordable, permanent supportive housing and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness through shared housing models. His leadership in this sector highlights his dedication to addressing societal challenges and leveraging innovative solutions for community benefit. This period showcases his ability to build and lead organizations with a strong social mission, requiring skills in fundraising, stakeholder management, and the development of sustainable solutions.
Earlier in his entrepreneurial journey, Mr. Adamson was the Founder/Owner/General Contractor of Kitsap Kozy Homes - Tiny Home General Contractor (2015 - June 2017) in Bremerton, WA. This venture into the construction industry, specializing in tiny homes, demonstrates his versatility and willingness to explore emerging trends in housing and sustainable living. It also underscores his practical skills in project management and business ownership.
Mr. Adamson's professional experience also includes significant roles in the energy sector, with a notable connection to Kazakhstan. He served as the Executive Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at Spectral Capital Corporation (March 2011 - August 2011), indicating his expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape within environmentally sensitive industries. Prior to this, he held various roles at ExxonMobil (1999 - 2004), where he was based in Kazakhstan for several years and seconded to Chevron and TCO in Atyrau. His roles included Engineer & Regulatory Affairs Manager, demonstrating his technical background applied to the energy industry and his understanding of regulatory frameworks in an international context. Further highlighting his experience in Kazakhstan's energy sector, he served as an HSE Regulatory Affairs Coordinator at Tengizchevroil (2000 - 2003). These experiences in Kazakhstan not only provided him with invaluable insights into the local business culture and government relations but also likely fueled his later entrepreneurial pursuits focused on facilitating investment in the region.
In summation, Mr. Adamson's career trajectory is characterized by a unique synthesis of technical expertise, a commitment to environmental responsibility, entrepreneurial ventures, and a significant dedication to social impact. His deep and sustained engagement with Kazakhstan positions him as a key facilitator of international business and investment in the region.
EDUCATION
His academic journey began with a strong foundation in engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UC Irvine (1984-1987), providing him with a rigorous analytical framework and problem-solving skills essential for his subsequent endeavors. This technical grounding was further enhanced by a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering & Science from Caltech (1987-1988), demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and a nuanced understanding of complex systems. This advanced degree likely equipped him with the knowledge and insights crucial for his later roles in the energy sector, where environmental and regulatory considerations are paramount. Recognizing the importance of cultural fluency in international business, Mr. Adamson also pursued a Non-Degree Kazakh Language Program at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. This proactive step underscores his dedication to engaging meaningfully with the Kazakh market and its people, laying the groundwork for his future professional pursuits in the country.
Erjan Qabdykarim
Special Astana Counsel
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Speciality IT LAW
Member of Kazakhstan Bar Association
7+ years of legal support for IT projects
20+ years of experience as an in-house lawyer and external consultant gained within public and private areas, such as Construction, Manufacturing, Public Administration, Consulting
Core Competencies:
Legal support for launch of FinTech, e-commerce, ICT projects
Corporate governance and structuring of business models
M&A deals, capital & loan investments
Due diligence
EDUCATION
LL.M. Nottingham Law School Graduate
Bachelor Degree "Adilet" Law School
Zhanna Khamitova
Attorney
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Zhanna is a lawyer with over 15 years of practical experience in the legal field, specializing in intellectual property disputes, family law, and contract law.
She began her legal career after obtaining her law degree in 2008. Since 2010, she has been practicing independently, focusing not only on deep knowledge of legislation but also on comprehensive legal analysis, risk assessment, and the development of effective strategies to protect her clients' interests.
Expertise and Key Areas:
Intellectual Property Disputes - Her practical experience includes the protection of copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
Family Law - She has significant experience in handling divorce proceedings, property division, alimony obligations, and child custody disputes.
Contract Law - Her extensive practice in contract law includes drafting, analyzing, and overseeing civil and commercial agreements, assessing risks, and resolving disputes that arise during contract execution.
EDUCATION
West Kazakhstan Agricultural Institute (Kazakhstan) — Economics and Organization of Agriculture (Graduation: 1991)
West Kazakhstan State University named after M. Utemisov (Kazakhstan) — Jurisprudence (Graduation: 2018)
Alexander Litvinov
Special CIS Counsel, Klein & Erbulekova
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Alexander, who was Magna Cum Laude and Valedictorian of his class, has a 10+ year history working as an in-house lawyer at many well-known international brands like Inditex (Zara, Pull & Bear etc), Clarence, Kiko Milano, Solvay and several Western retailers.
Additionally, Alexander has contributed to academia by teaching a course at a leading Masters in Law programme at the prestigious Higher School of Economics.
Areas of Competency:
Real Estate & Retail Leases – Advised on over 85 retail leases
Intellectual Property
Corporate Law – Extensive coverage of most areas
Dispute Resolution – Litigation, Arbitration and MKAS's Arbitrators Association
EDUCATION
Alexander holds a law degree from Peoples Friendship University and a master's in law.
He has completed over 5 years of coursework at a language academy (English & French).
Daniel Klein, BSME, JD Law (NY, MA, DC), MBA (LBS)
Partner & Co-Founder KE
Professional Background
Prior to co-founding KE, American attorney Daniel Klein (also a Canadian citizen) was a co-founder of Vasiliev Klein and Usov and Podolsky Vasiliev & Klein. He was formerly a co-founder of the Hellevig, Klein & Usov, Avenir Group (some Avenir companies are now referred to as Awara). Prior to founding Podolsky Vasiliev & Klein, Daniel worked at Marks & Sokolov which was the successor firm to Egorov, Puginsky, Afanasiev & Marks. From 2009 till 2012 Daniel served as a member of the board of directors of some subsidaries of PPF’s/Generali’s Eldorado Electronics, NSK, Sibzavod, etc. Daniel was also Marketing Director for Sprandi sportswear.
Legal Expertise & Corporate Leadership
Daniel is an expert on legal issues relating to Western companies doing business in Central Europe and Western Europe. Daniel also served on the boards of many companies including: Actis Software, Skate Financial News to name a few. He has spearheaded the legal and business aspects of numerous company start-ups, venture capital/private equity investments, and geographic expansions of companies through acquisition and organic growth. Among other highlights in Daniel’s experience includes his serving as the EMEA MD for the then 2nd largest payment terminal manufacturer in the world: Hypercom (formerly NYSE: HYC; recently purchased by Verifone). As head of EMEA he managed offices in Dubai, Moscow, Budapest, Paris & England.
International Business & Legal Practice
Daniel also was a filtration officer for the Vienna-based Siemen’s Red-Stars.com which purchased many internet e-tailing start-ups across Eastern Europe. Daniel also has extensive experience in the areas of real estate, franchising, mortgages, financial leasing, company structures, and contract law. He is a seasoned intellectual property attorney, experienced in litigating and prosecuting patents, trademarks & copyrights, especially pertaining to counterfeit goods. He has also practiced at the Paris-based firm Bouju Derambure Bugnon and New York-based Pennie & Edmonds (later partially merged with Jones Day).
Sports & Entertainment Law
While working at Pennie & Edmonds in New York he was the lead trademark attorney for some of the firm’s sport clients including Australian Rules Football, the NBA and also worked on many NFL trademark matters. His main function was to oversea global trademark filings and prosecutions, product licensing matters, new sport franchising (Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves), as well as to pursue counterfeiters around the world.
Education
Daniel holds a Juris Doctorate (New York Law School), an MBA (London Business School) and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degrees (Washington University in St. Louis; with a focus on metallurgy and turbine technologies). He passed the State Bars of New York, Massachusetts, and passed the United States Patent & Trademark bar.
Media & Academic Contributions
Daniel used to run the first and only English-language monthly legal column referred to as “Daniel Klein’s Legal Line” in Passport Magazine (www.passportmagazine.ru). Daniel also used to teach Securities Regulations at Moscow’s Pericles Law School. Daniel is also a lecturer at Skolkovo’s start-up academy. Daniel has co-produced a TV program for Carlton TV (the UK), appeared as a guest on SkyNews program which he organized and produced (“The Cash Point Ghost”), Daniel is a citizen of the US and also a citizen of Canada and speaks English (mother tongue), French, Russian, Czech and Spanish.
Meldir Erbulekova, Co-Founder & Partner
A Unique Blend of Global Expertise and Local Insight “Best Consulting Firm 2024”
Meldir Erbulekova brings an exceptional combination of international expertise and deep local knowledge to her legal practice. Before co-founding Klein & Erbulekova, Meldir co-founded the Matias Group, a dynamic consortium of companies that includes Matias IP and Matias Accounting, and the law firm Klein & Erbulekova, all three prominent Kazakh enterprises.
Earlier in her distinguished career, Meldir served as a senior attorney for the CIS branch of Gowling WLG, a leading Canadian law firm. With this strong foundation, Meldir has established herself as one of Kazakhstan’s foremost corporate lawyers.
Global Experience, Local Solutions
Meldir’s unique advantage lies in her extensive international experience, which provides her with a deep understanding of Western best practices. This knowledge is particularly valuable for Western clients navigating the complexities of doing business in Kazakhstan. Her exposure to American culture, gained through her education at a U.S. high school (where she earned a U.S. High School Diploma), complements her Western-oriented legal approach.
Academic Credentials
Business Education:
Strasbourg School of Management, Robert Schuman University of Strasbourg (France)
Copyright Studies, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University (USA)
Legal Education:
MGIMO University (Russia) – Bachelor’s Degree, International Trade Law (#1 in CIS)
Moscow State Law University (Russia) – Master’s Degree, Contract Law
National Research University Higher School of Economics (Russia) – Postgraduate Program in Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law
Entrepreneurship and Client-Focused Service
Meldir’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her co-founding of several accounting and law service companies. This experience gives her a business-practical approach that prioritizes actionable solutions over theoretical or overly complex legal advice. Her dedication is to maximizing shareholder value for her clients, not inflating fees with unnecessary legal work.
Guidance in a Challenging Business Landscape
Kazakhstan’s business environment can be complex and challenging. Meldir’s unique blend of Western training and Kazakh insight equips her to help clients navigate these obstacles seamlessly. Her extensive experience ensures she delivers effective, practical, and culturally informed advice that empowers clients to succeed in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Laura Kalymbekova, Legal Manager
Laura Kalymbekova is a legal expert with over a decade of experience advising both foreign and local companies. Her practice encompasses a wide range of areas, including M&A, construction, oil & gas, renewable energy, immigration law (with UK focus), investment, and intellectual property.
Career Highlights
- Her career began in PwC’s M&A department, where she gained significant experience in corporate transactions.
- More recently, Laura’s legal work has focused on the evolving fields of IT and FinTech, as well as IP law and personal data regulations.
- Laura has a strong track record of involvement in and leadership of multinational projects across South-East Asia, the ASEAN region, the EU, the UK, the USA, and the CIS region. This experience demonstrates her ability to navigate complex international legal environments.
- Currently at Investbanq, she manages daily legal matters and spearheads innovative legal problem-solving and strategic legal project management. Her role at Investbanq, located in the Almaty office, highlights her commitment to providing high-level legal counsel.
- Her prior experience includes positions at PwC, a Korean law firm, and various IT, oil & gas, and developer companies.
- Notably, Laura also led her own legal practice, showcasing her capacity for independent legal work.
Education
- Bachelor Degree in International Law, Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
- Master Degree in International Law, Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
- LLM in Corporate & Commercial Law, the United Kingdom
Professional Skills and Experience
- Laura’s expertise includes advising on legal strategy and business structures, drafting legal documents, managing M&A transactions, working with FIDIC contracts, and conducting legal due diligence.
- She is also skilled in feasibility studies, IP rights registration, and advising on the law of the AIFC and the law of England and Wales.
- Her experience extends to mentoring, client acquisition, business negotiations, and representing clients in civil and administrative court cases, including international arbitration.
- Laura also advises on cryptocurrency regulations, neobanking, and financial institution regulations.
- She has assisted foreign investors with establishing a legal presence in various countries, including the UK, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, and Singapore, as well as in Kazakhstan.
- She is experienced in providing legal support for state-private partnership projects and collaborating with state authorities.
Joel Adamson
Special American Envoy to Kazakhstan and Head of Astana Ops
Mr. Adamson stands as a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a multifaceted career spanning international consulting, investment management, social impact initiatives, and engineering, all underpinned by a robust academic background. His journey reflects a unique blend of strategic business acumen, a commitment to social responsibility, and a deep understanding of international markets, particularly Kazakhstan.
Career Highlights
- President & CEO, Kazakhstan Consulting Solutions – InvestШЕШІМ (Jan 2022 – Present): Leverages deep understanding of US and Kazakh markets to advise American companies on investing in Kazakhstan and consults with the Kazakhstan Government to attract targeted US investment.
- Founder & CEO, Real-Impact Capital Management, LLC (Sep 2023 – Present): Manages a registered hedge fund based in Austin, Texas, demonstrating financial acumen and investment management expertise.
- Founder & Executive Director, Kitsap Homes of Compassion (KHOC) (Jun 2017 – Dec 2021): Led a 501c3 non-profit focused on creating innovative, affordable, permanent supportive housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness in Bremerton, Washington.
- Extensive Kazakhstan Experience (Energy Sector): Held key roles including Engineer & Regulatory Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil (based in Kazakhstan, seconded to Chevron/TCO in Atyrau, 1999-2004), HSE Regulatory Affairs Coordinator at Tengizchevroil (2000-2003), and EVP Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at Spectral Capital Corporation (2011), gaining significant insights into the local business culture, government relations, and regulatory landscape.
- Early Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founded and operated Kitsap Kozy Homes (Tiny Home General Contractor, 2015 – Jun 2017), showcasing versatility in project management and construction.
- Overall: A dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a unique blend of strategic business acumen, engineering background, international market expertise (especially US-Kazakhstan relations), financial management skills, and a strong commitment to social impact.
Education
- Master of Science (M.S.), Environmental Engineering & Science – California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (1987-1988)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Civil Engineering – University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) (1984-1987)
- Non-Degree Kazakh Language Program – Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Professional Skills and Experience
- International Consulting & Business Development: Expertise in facilitating cross-border investments, particularly between the USA and Kazakhstan. Skilled in advising companies on market entry, navigating local business landscapes, and understanding stakeholder needs in international partnerships.
- Investment & Financial Management: Proven ability in the financial sector as founder and CEO of a registered hedge fund, managing investments and understanding complex financial markets.
- Social Impact & Non-Profit Leadership: Demonstrated success in founding and leading a non-profit organization (KHOC), focusing on affordable housing solutions. Skills include fundraising, stakeholder management, developing sustainable social programs, and community engagement.
- Energy Sector Expertise (Kazakhstan Focus): In-depth experience within Kazakhstan’s energy sector (ExxonMobil, Tengizchevroil, Spectral Capital), covering engineering, environmental affairs, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks (HSE). Strong understanding of government relations within Kazakhstan.
- Engineering & Project Management: Solid foundation in Civil and Environmental Engineering (UC Irvine, Caltech) applied to roles in the energy sector and construction (Kitsap Kozy Homes). Practical skills in general contracting and project management.
- Regulatory Affairs: Significant experience managing environmental and regulatory affairs within the energy sector, both domestically and internationally (Kazakhstan).
- Cross-Cultural Fluency: Enhanced ability to operate effectively in international environments, specifically demonstrated through sustained engagement and language study related to Kazakhstan.
Alexander Litvinov
Special CIS Counsel, Klein & Erbulekova
Alexander, who was Magna Cum Laude and Valedictorian of his class, has a 10+ year history working as an in-house lawyer at many well-known foreign brands operating in Russia like Inditex (Zara, Pull & Bear etc), Clarence, Kiko Milano, Solvay and several Western retailers.
Education
Alexander holds a law degree from Moscow’s Peoples Friendship University and a master’s in law. He has completed over 5 years of coursework at a language academy (English & French). Additionally, Alexander has contributed to academia by teaching a course at Russia’s leading Masters in Law programme at the prestigious Higher School of Economics.
Areas of Competency
Real Estate & Retail Leases – Advised on over 85 retail leases
Intellectual Property
Corporate Law – Extensive coverage of most areas
Dispute Resolution – Litigation, Arbitration and MKAS’s Arbitrators Association
Erjan Qabdykarim
Speciality IT LAW
LL.M. Nottingham Law School Grad
Bachelor Degree “Adilet” Law School
Member of Kazakhstan Bar Association
7+ years of legal support for IT projects
20+ years of experience as an in-house lawyer and external consultant gained within public and private areas, such as Construction, Manufacturing, Public Administration, Consulting
Core Competencies:
- Legal support for launch of FinTech, e-commerce,, ICT projects
- Corporate governance and structuring of business models
- M&A deals, capital & loan investments
- Due diligence
Experience with projects such as:
Senim, Aitupay, Instant Payment System, 1C Kazakhstan, Eventum One, Ticketon, Documentolog, Clockster, Easybus, Sabaq Online, Garson, 1Fit, Edge Apps, Qcloudy, Devart, Network Energy, Tempojob
Legal Support for Tech Startups
- Assisting startups at all stages – from ideation to scaling, including:
- Legal structuring for mobile apps, web services, fintech solutions and marketplaces
- Drafting public offers, software development and maintenance agreements
- Copyright and trademark registration, licensing agreements and SLAs
- Joining Astana Hub residency
- Structuring agreements for payment services, e-money, data protection
orge Murvanidze focuses on advisory services on international capital markets transactions, initial public offerings (IPOs) and secondary public offerings (SPOs), also providing compliance matters (SOX, FCPA, UKBA); cross-border mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures and general corporate and commercial matters. Special attention on matters with HNWI (high net-worth individuals), compliance, AML, worldwide taxation, residential programs, assistance with banking in various jurisdictions, mainly Cyprus, BVI, UK, US, Georgia, including enforcement of foreign court awards.
He worked for different U.S. and English law firms, and represented world’s largest legal database LexisNexis in Caucasus. George attended Tulane University Law School and Cambridge Academy of Transport. Major fields of his expertise are Admiralty & International Maritime Law, UKBA/FCPA compliance; Mergers & Acquisitions, Oil & Gas, Real Estate & Development, International Arbitration, Corporate Law, IT & Telecommunications, Investments & Financial transactions. George maintains personal contacts with the world’s famous experts and authors of textbooks in International and Maritime law. George is Honorary Citizen of New Orleans and member at London Maritime Arbitrators Association.
He started his legal career 30 years ago at Georgian Shipping Company, soon achieving position of a department chief at Georgian Maritime Administration. His another major corporate field was IT/Telecoms: George served for the U.S. MIG (Nasdaq: MTRM), telecom joint venture in CIS. George delivers tailored, strategic counsel designed to meet his clients’ specific goals, all with an emphasis on efficiency, precision, and solutions that work in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Areas of Expertise
- International Capital Markets
- IPOs and SPOs
- Compliance (SOX, FCPA, UKBA)
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Maritime Law
- Real Estate & Development
- International Arbitration
- Corporate Law
- IT & Telecommunications
- Banking & Finance
- Oil & Gas
- Cross-border Transactions
Michael Wagner
Head of Tax & International Advisory
- Over 25 years of experience in international tax, corporate structuring, and cross-border transactions in the energy, natural resources, and industrial sectors.
- Proven record of advising multinational investors, negotiating with governments, and managing complex tax and fiscal regimes across Kazakhstan, Russia, UK, EU, and the U.S.
Specialized expertise in oil & gas, M&A structuring, risk management, and PSA/PSC fiscal regimes.- Dual background in Big 4 advisory and in-house leadership at global energy companies.
- General Director – Nostrum Services Central Asia (Almaty, Kazakhstan) – Leading finance and tax advisory functions, with focus on oil & gas operations and investment planning.
- Head of Branch (Part-Time) – Zhaikmunai LLP (Oral, Kazakhstan) – Strategic oversight of operations, governance, and fiscal compliance.
- Independent Consultant – Advising foreign investors on entry strategies, corporate structuring, and tax optimization in Central Asia.
- Group Head of Tax – Nostrum Oil & Gas PLC (London & Kazakhstan)
- Restructured group entities to reduce tax leakages and optimize funding.
- Managed cross-border compliance (UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Russia, Kazakhstan).
- Negotiated directly with the Republic of Kazakhstan to uphold PSC stability.
- Secured ~$100 million VAT refunds, boosting annual revenues by ~$10 millio
- Tax Manager – Chevron Eurasia Business Unit (Almaty, Kazakhstan)
- Represented Chevron in major JVs (CPC, TCO, BTC, AIOC, KPO).
- Successfully negotiated amendments to Kazakhstan’s tax framework, mitigating $1+ billion in tax exposure.
- Advocated with EURASEC to secure favorable tax positions and resolve cross-border disputes.
- Tax Manager – Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO)
- Key negotiator in 2012 Settlement Agreement with the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Designed emergency tax planning measures avoiding ~$80 million in VAT losses.
- Preserved export rights through successful Eurasian Economic Union lobbying.
- Tax Senior Manager – PwC (Oil & Gas clients, 2002–2005)
- Financial Controller / General Director – Prettl Group (Hungary & Ukraine)
- Investment Officer – WNISEF (Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova) – structured SME financing in banking, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Early career in international tax with Deloitte and PwC Ukraine (established tax practice in 1995).
- Education
- MBA – Thunderbird School of Global Management (1993) – International finance & multinational enterprise management.
- B.A. Economics – Arizona State University (1992)
- Core Competencies
- International Tax Strategy & Risk Management
- Oil & Gas Fiscal Regimes (PSA/PSC)
- Mergers & Acquisitions (structuring, due diligence, negotiations)
- Government Relations & Regulatory Advocacy
- Cross-Border Tax Dispute Resolution
- IFRS Compliance & Financial Oversight
- Languages: English, Russian
Important links
© 2024 Klein & Erbulekova (KE). All Rights Reserved.
Head Office
- Samal-2 Office 4/3 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- +995597026856
- [email protected]
We value this tradition and see in it a reinvention of the well-known principle of carpe diem and a symbol of the fact that from now on the partner is entrusted with the clients’ time.
We value this tradition and see in it a reinvention of the well-known principle of carpe diem and a symbol of the fact that from now on the partner is entrusted with the clients’ time.
Important links
Head Office
© 2024 Klein & Erbulekova (KE). All Rights Reserved.