Billionaire Profile
Timur Kulibayev
Global Rank
#783

Image: Foreign and Commonwealth Office | OGL v1.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Timur Kulibayev

CEO, Banking
KAZAKHSTAN
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.357B
Estimated based on Banking stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.25% (24h)
Age
59
Source
Banking
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
KAZAKHSTAN

Biography

Timur Kulibayev is a prominent Kazakhstani businessman, with an estimated net worth of $6.3 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his investments in banking and finance. Kulibayev's career has spanned various key roles within Kazakhstan's economic landscape, including leadership positions in state-owned enterprises and the Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund. He is known as the son-in-law of former Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kulibayev has also been involved in philanthropic initiatives, including contributions to education, social welfare, and sports development. He is known as the "oil prince" due to his connections to Kazakh political elites and Kazakh state-owned energy companies.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Timur Askaruly Kulibayev was born on September 10, 1966, in Almaty, Kazakh SSR, USSR. He attended a specialized school focused on mathematics and physics. He studied economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University, graduating in 1988. Kulibayev later earned a PhD in economics from the same university.

Rise to Success

Kulibayev's career began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to a research institution and advisory roles within development funds. He entered the banking sector with Altyn-Alma Group and later helped establish Almaty Trade and Finance Bank. His career progressed through significant roles in the oil and gas industry, including leading KazMunayGas. He also served as the head of Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund. Kulibayev has been involved in the creation and development of various public organizations, including for sports.

Key Business Strategies

Kulibayev's business strategies have focused on strategic asset management, attracting investments, and fostering international energy partnerships. His activities in the company have led to an increase in recoverable oil reserves, the expansion and diversification of transport routes for hydrocarbons, and an increase in oil refining capacity. He also emphasized the importance of transparent guidelines for both commercial entities and governmental bodies.

Philanthropy

Kulibayev is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Halyk Charitable Foundation. The foundation supports social protection, healthcare, sports, and cultural development. He has contributed to initiatives such as housing assistance for low-income families, the reconstruction of essential facilities, and the provision of medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kulibayev has supported the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation's initiatives, with the team achieving significant international recognition.

Career Milestones

1988

Graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University

Obtained a degree in National Economic Planning.

1999

Earned a PhD in Economics

Defended a dissertation on improving enterprise management in market conditions.

2001-2002

Headed CJSC National Oil and Gas Transport Company

Led the company that was formed on the basis of KazTransOil and KazTransGas.

2002-2005

First Vice President of JSC National Company KazMunayGas

Held the position in the company that united Kazakhoil and the Oil and Gas Transport Company.

2008-2011

Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna

Oversaw the sovereign wealth fund of Kazakhstan.

2009-2024

Headed the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation

Led the federation, during which time the Kazakh boxing team won several Olympic medals.

2011-2022

Board of Directors of Gazprom

Served on the board of the Russian energy giant.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Welfare

Halyk Charitable Foundation

$103M

Received from him and his companies since 2016, with a focus on providing targeted assistance to citizens and supporting various social causes.

Disaster Relief

Support for Arys Reconstruction

Unknown

Funded the reconstruction of essential facilities, including a kindergarten and school, after a military base explosion.

Housing

Housing Assistance

Unknown

Supported the construction of a residential complex for low-income and large families in Almaty.

Healthcare

COVID-19 Relief

Unknown

Contributed to relief efforts, including the procurement of medical equipment and protective supplies.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Mr. Kulibayev is a patriot, dedicated to the sustainable development and future success of Kazakhstan through extensive in-country investment, job-creation, and philanthropy"

Leadership Principles

Strategic Asset Management

Focusing on optimizing the value of assets and investments.

Fostering International Partnerships

Building relationships to advance energy and economic initiatives.

Promoting Transparency

Establishing clear guidelines for commercial entities and governmental bodies.

Controversies & Challenges

2010

Swiss Investigation

Target of an investigation by the Swiss Federal Attorney General into money laundering.

2020

Financial Improprieties Allegations

Involved in schemes to skim tens of millions of dollars from contracts that the Kazakhstani state made on pipeline construction.

2025

Negotiating a payout to state

Is negotiating a deal that is part of an investigation into wealth accumulated during his father-in-law's rule, with the potential to make a $1 billion payout