Centras Capital is the Kazakhstan leading investment management firm. It was established as a team spin-out from Kazkommertsbank's Group. The investment team was responsible for direct investments and investment banking of the Group and went independent by launching an independent licensed investment advisory boutique in 2004. Since then the businesses have grown up and now extend on private equity, capital markets, and insurance. The Company is now present in Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Guernsey. Centras is the market pioneer in mutual funds, venture capital and buyouts. The Company launched the country's first open-ended mutual fund in 2005 and international private equity fund in 2007. Its private equity fund for control investments and growth equity opportunities was supported by EBRD and CDC Group. Centras also runs two local venture funds – government-private initiatives for innovations and nuclear industry's ventures. Operating in a transition economy, Centras emphasizes the market need for Core Competence and Operating Efficiency and focuses on management-intensive businesses. The firm introduces intellectual capital to local entrepreneurs and seeks to further professionalize businesses. Centras Securities, the brokerage and investment banking arm, is ranked #2 in local equities and one of the largest Kazakhstan Stock Exchange's stakeholders. They are emerging growth equity specialists focusing on junior high-growth businesses. The Company is one of three country's largest mutual fund managers. Two Centras insurance businesses – Centras Insurance (rated B3/Positive Outlook by Moody's) and Kommesk-Omir (B3/Stable) – are market largest independent insurers. They jointly command the #7 market position in property & casualty insurance. Both the companies provide their own nationwide coverage and distribution to individuals and businesses.