BancTrust & Co. and Ak Investment have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding their footprint across the Eurasian region, targeting countries in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe. The alliance will focus on investment banking, debt capital markets, asset management, and advisory services for infrastructure, energy, and ESG-compliant projects.
By combining BancTrust’s global expertise in emerging markets and Ak Investment’s strong presence in Turkey, the two firms aim to build a robust platform for channeling capital into fast-growing but underserved economies throughout Eurasia.
Company Profiles
BancTrust & Co. is a London-based investment firm known for its focus on emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. It is active in sovereign and corporate bond issuance, capital advisory, and institutional portfolio management.
Ak Investment, a subsidiary of Akbank, is one of Turkey’s leading brokerage and investment services firms. Since 1996, it has been involved in securities trading, IPOs, research, and financial advisory. In recent years, Ak Investment has pursued international partnerships to expand into the Middle East and Asia.
Goals of the Strategic Partnership
The core objective of the alliance is to increase access to global capital for governments and businesses in Eurasia. Key focus areas include:
- Structuring and distributing local-currency bond issuances
- Supporting IPOs and private placements
- Advising on mergers & acquisitions and corporate restructuring
- Offering ESG consulting and sustainability-linked investment tools
- Launching green, social, and sustainable bonds
The partnership also aims to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects in sectors such as energy, transport, and telecommunications.
Priority Markets
The joint initiative will initially focus on countries with economic reform momentum, infrastructure investment needs, and investor interest. These include:
Central Asia
- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
- Strong growth outlook and government support for capital markets
- Opportunities for sovereign and municipal bond programs
The Caucasus
- Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
- Active private sector growth and increasing foreign investor activity
- Demand for diversified financing options for SMEs
Eastern Europe
- Ukraine, Moldova, Western Balkans
- Infrastructure upgrades, energy transition, and digital development
- High potential for cross-border investment vehicles
Additional markets under observation include parts of the Middle East and North Africa for future expansion.
Products and Services
The partnership will offer:
- International bond issuance advisory, including Eurobonds and sukuk
- ESG advisory services tailored to regional markets
- Global investor roadshows and marketing for Eurasian issuers
- Support for companies listing on global exchanges, including London, Warsaw, Dubai, and Astana
- Development of blended finance structures for public-private projects
Plans also include launching a regional investment fund to allow local and foreign investors to participate in curated, impact-driven portfolios managed by BancTrust and Ak Investment.
Ongoing Projects and Initiatives
- Tashkent Municipal Bonds: Designing Uzbekistan’s first €120M municipal bond issuance to fund transport modernization.
- Georgia Green Finance Framework: Advising the Ministry of Finance on ESG-linked debt.
- Azerbaijan M&A Advisory: Supporting a strategic acquisition in the energy services sector.
- Venture Capital Initiative in Moldova: Creating a tech-focused investment vehicle for agri-tech and fintech startups.
Executive Commentary
Alexis Lagos, Director of EMEA Markets at BancTrust, commented:
“Eurasia holds enormous untapped potential. With Ak Investment, we’re bridging local markets with global capital in ways that are both innovative and sustainable.”
Mehmet Halit Güven, CEO of Ak Investment, added:
“This partnership strengthens our ability to offer world-class solutions in frontier markets. We believe in Eurasia’s future and are committed to delivering financing that supports long-term growth.”
Future Plans and Expansion
The firms plan to open regional offices in Tbilisi and Almaty, with a Kyiv branch slated for 2026. Discussions are also underway to launch a joint training academy focused on capital markets and ESG analytics for young professionals in the region.
BancTrust and Ak Investment are also preparing to host an annual Eurasian Investment Forum, aimed at connecting governments, issuers, and investors around sustainable development goals and market innovation.
Conclusion
The BancTrust and Ak Investment alliance marks a significant step toward building financial bridges across Eurasia. By combining expertise, resources, and regional insight, the partnership will offer high-impact financial solutions to public and private sector clients alike.
Their joint efforts aim not only to unlock capital for growth but also to raise standards for transparency, governance, and environmental responsibility in frontier markets.
