ABOUT BOND STONE \u00a0\u00b7\u00a0 CLIENT ENGAGEMENT<\/p>\n
Bond Stone is an internationally ranked law firm in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan \u2014 ranked Legal 500 EMEA and IFLR1000, holding AIFC Registered Legal Adviser status. This page explains our client engagement process: how an inquiry becomes an instruction, how we structure engagements, and what clients can expect throughout a matter.<\/p>\n
Our engagement model is designed for international investors and multinational corporations who need commercially focused legal advice in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the AIFC \u2014 not generic process. Every Bond Stone engagement is partner-led from the first call through delivery. There are no handoffs to junior associates on substantive matters.<\/p>\n
All communications with Bond Stone are treated as confidential from the moment of first contact \u2014 whether by email, website inquiry, referral, or direct introduction. No obligation arises on either side from an initial inquiry. Clients are not required to share confidential information at the inquiry stage; a brief description of the jurisdiction and nature of the matter is sufficient for us to assess fit and identify the right team.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone responds to all substantive inquiries within one business day. For matters that are time-critical, we are reachable by WhatsApp at +7 701 729 7672. We do not offer free consultations \u2014 but we do not charge for an initial assessment of whether we can assist.<\/p>\n
Before accepting any instruction, Bond Stone conducts an internal conflict of interest check against its existing and former client base. This is a standard requirement of professional practice and protects both prospective and existing clients. The conflict check is conducted promptly \u2014 typically within 24 hours of receiving sufficient identifying information about the counterparties. Where a conflict is identified, we advise the prospective client immediately and, where appropriate, suggest alternative counsel.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone is subject to AML\/CFT compliance obligations as a regulated professional services organisation. Before commencing substantive work, we are required to conduct Know Your Client (KYC) verification \u2014 identifying the client entity, its beneficial owners, and the source of funds where relevant to the matter. This is not bureaucratic formality: it protects Bond Stone’s professional standing and, ultimately, protects the client’s confidentiality by ensuring we are not unwittingly assisting an adverse party.<\/p>\n
Standard KYC documentation for a corporate client includes: certificate of incorporation or state registration; extract from the state register (current, not older than 3 months); constitutional documents; identification documents of directors and beneficial owners holding 10% or more of the entity; and confirmation of the legal authority of the instructing individual. For individual clients, passport and proof of residential address are required.<\/p>\n
KYC documents are handled in strict compliance with the Law on Personal Data No. 94-V (Kazakhstan) and stored securely. Physical copies of identity documents are not retained \u2014 consistent with the 2024 amendments to Kazakhstan’s Personal Data Law. All KYC information is used solely for the purpose of client onboarding and AML compliance.<\/p>\n
Before substantive legal advice is provided, Bond Stone issues a Personal Data Notice (PDN) \u2014 a signed document that formally establishes the terms on which client data is processed, and that triggers attorney-client privilege protection for all subsequent communications.<\/p>\n
The PDN is issued and signed personally by the supervising partner as AIFC Registered Legal Adviser. It is sent to the client as a signed PDF for counter-signature and return. Privilege protection operates from the moment of delivery \u2014 a deemed-receipt mechanism applies where the client receives the PDN but does not return a counter-signed copy.<\/p>\n
All subsequent substantive communications are marked “PRIVILEGED & CONFIDENTIAL” and protected by attorney-client privilege under both Kazakhstan law and, where applicable, the AIFC Contract Regulations 2017 and the professional confidentiality obligations of Bond Stone as an AIFC Registered Legal Adviser. Clients are asked to maintain the same confidentiality designation on their replies.<\/p>\n
Once the conflict check is clear and KYC is in progress, Bond Stone works with the client to define the scope of the engagement \u2014 the specific legal services to be provided, the jurisdictions engaged (Kazakhstan, AIFC, Uzbekistan, or cross-border), the applicable legal framework (Kazakhstani law, AIFC\/English common law, or both), and the commercial and legal objectives.<\/p>\n
Where Bond Stone holds AIFC RLA status \u2014 which covers advice on AIFC law and English common law \u2014 this is deployed as part of the mandate where it adds value: structuring investments through AIFC entities, advising on AIFC Court jurisdiction clauses, or applying AIFC Contract Regulations to a cross-border transaction. This dual capability \u2014 Kazakhstani law and AIFC\/English law on a single mandate \u2014 is one of Bond Stone’s distinguishing features.<\/p>\n
For complex matters, Bond Stone prepares a written scope summary before the engagement letter is issued. This ensures that the client has a clear understanding of what is included, what is excluded, and what assumptions underlie the fee estimate.<\/p>\n
No substantive legal work begins until an Engagement Letter is signed by both parties. The Engagement Letter sets out: the scope of services; the fee structure and payment terms; confidentiality and privilege provisions; data protection obligations; limitation of liability provisions; and governing law \u2014 which for international, AIFC-adjacent, cross-border, and fintech matters is the Acting Law of the Astana International Financial Centre, including the AIFC Contract Regulations 2017 and the AIFC Implied Terms in Contracts and Unfair Terms Regulations 2017.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone offers three fee structures depending on the nature of the matter and client preference. All fees are presented as open to discussion \u2014 Bond Stone does not apply a rigid rate card.<\/p>\n
Option A \u2014 Fixed Fee<\/p>\n
A fixed fee agreed in advance for a defined scope of work. Preferred for transactional matters with a clear deliverable \u2014 company formation, due diligence reports, contract drafting, regulatory filings. Payment is typically structured as a percentage upfront with the balance on delivery. Fixed fees provide cost certainty for the client and align Bond Stone’s incentive with efficient delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Option B \u2014 Monthly Retainer<\/p>\n
A fixed monthly fee providing a defined number of partner hours and agreed response-time commitments. Preferred for ongoing advisory relationships \u2014 companies with regular Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan legal needs who require a dedicated senior adviser on call. Retainer arrangements are billed monthly in advance and reviewed quarterly. Hourly rates applicable above the retainer threshold are disclosed in the Engagement Letter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Option C \u2014 Time-billed (Arrears)<\/p>\n
Billing based on time recorded against the matter, invoiced monthly in arrears. Preferred for matters where scope is difficult to define in advance \u2014 complex litigation, multi-phase transactions, or regulatory proceedings with uncertain timelines. Hourly rates are disclosed in the Engagement Letter for Options B and C. Estimates are provided at the outset and updated where the scope materially changes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Once the Engagement Letter is signed and any required upfront payment received, Bond Stone proceeds with execution of the agreed scope. Every matter is overseen by a designated partner who is accountable for quality and delivery. Associates and specialists support partners on specific tasks \u2014 document production, local filings, notarisation coordination \u2014 but the substantive legal analysis, advice, and client communication remain at partner level.<\/p>\n
For matters involving multiple jurisdictions \u2014 for example, a Kazakhstan acquisition with an AIFC holding structure and an Uzbekistan operating subsidiary \u2014 Bond Stone coordinates across its offices as part of a single mandate. Where specialist external counsel is required in a jurisdiction outside Bond Stone’s coverage, we identify and brief appropriate local counsel and maintain coordination responsibility.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone represents clients in negotiations with counterparties, discussions with regulatory authorities, banks, notaries, and state agencies \u2014 in person, by video conference, or through written correspondence \u2014 in accordance with agreed instructions and the scope of the mandate.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone operates across Almaty, Astana, Tashkent, Bishkek, Kyiv, and Chicago \u2014 and is responsive across time zones. Substantive client queries receive a response within one business day as a minimum standard; urgent matters are addressed the same day. For ongoing matters, Bond Stone provides status updates at agreed intervals \u2014 or immediately where a material development occurs. Clients are not left waiting for answers. All substantive communications are marked “PRIVILEGED & CONFIDENTIAL” and sent from the matter partner’s direct email address.<\/p>\n
On completion of a matter, Bond Stone delivers all agreed work product in a clear, usable format \u2014 executed documents, legal opinions, due diligence reports, regulatory filings, or closing summaries as applicable. For transactional matters, Bond Stone prepares a closing checklist confirming all deliverables and their status. Documents executed by Bond Stone carry the partner’s signature block as pre-executed instruments \u2014 the client’s signature block is left for counter-signature at the agreed time.<\/p>\n
Many clients continue working with Bond Stone after completion of an initial matter \u2014 on a retainer basis or through subsequent transactional instructions. Bond Stone provides post-engagement support including ongoing regulatory compliance advisory, contract updates and renewals, annual corporate maintenance, and legal input for subsequent transactions. For clients who engage Bond Stone under a monthly retainer, continuity of advice across multiple matters is built into the arrangement. Bond Stone’s goal is a long-term professional relationship \u2014 not a one-off transaction.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone applies common law principles in all professional engagements, including as codified under the Acting Law of the Astana International Financial Centre. Any legal services rendered by Bond Stone at a client’s request \u2014 whether or not a formal Engagement Letter has been executed at the time \u2014 may give rise to a reasonable fee obligation under common law quantum meruit and the AIFC Implied Terms in Contracts and Unfair Terms Regulations 2017. Clients who request substantive services before an Engagement Letter is signed acknowledge that a fee obligation may arise for services rendered. This is not a punitive provision \u2014 it is a statement of the applicable legal position under AIFC law, which Bond Stone’s AIFC RLA status gives it the standing to invoke.<\/p>\n
Bond Stone \u2014 Engagement at a Glance<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0All inquiries treated as confidential from first contact \u2014 no obligation at inquiry stage<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0Conflict check within 24 hours \u2014 independence protected<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0KYC onboarding \u2014 secure, efficient, compliant with Kazakhstan and AIFC data protection requirements<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0Personal Data Notice \u2014 privilege established before substantive advice is given<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0Engagement Letter \u2014 fixed, retainer, or time-billed; AIFC governing law clause standard<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0Partner-led execution \u2014 no handoffs; one business day response as minimum standard<\/p>\n
\u2726 \u00a0Ranked Legal 500 EMEA and IFLR1000 \u2014 AIFC Registered Legal Adviser<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
To initiate an inquiry or discuss how Bond Stone can assist with your Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or AIFC legal matter, contact us directly. All initial communications are confidential.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udce7 info@bondstonelaw.com<\/a> Request a Confidential Consultation<\/a> ABOUT BOND STONE \u00a0\u00b7\u00a0 CLIENT ENGAGEMENT How We Work With Clients Bond Stone is an internationally ranked law firm in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan \u2014 ranked Legal 500 EMEA and IFLR1000, holding AIFC Registered Legal Adviser status. This page explains our client engagement process: how an inquiry becomes an instruction, how we structure engagements, and what […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4296","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.3","language":"ru","enabled_languages":["en","ru"],"languages":{"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"ru":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4296"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4296\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4835,"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4296\/revisions\/4835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bondstonelaw.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\ud83d\udcde +7 (701) 729 76 72<\/a><\/p>\n
\nBond Stone in Kazakhstan \u2192<\/a>
\nBond Stone in Uzbekistan \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"