Abstract
This study explores the potential for the development of mutual funds in Kazakhstan by analyzing external factors such as regulatory policies, market conditions, and geopolitical events. The increasing household savings rate in Kazakhstan and growing foreign investment in mutual funds suggest a positive outlook for the industry. The aim of this study is to explore and analyze the external factors influencing the development of mutual funds in Kazakhstan and their potential implications for investors and the broader financial market. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the factors that influence investors' behavior in selecting mutual funds over other investment vehicles such as bank deposits. The study also seeks to develop and test hypotheses regarding the impact of external factors, such as time horizon, investment knowledge, and risk capacity, on the development of mutual funds in Kazakhstan. The research is based on a survey of professionals from the finance and banking industry in Kazakhstan, and the results indicate that consistent past performance, size of funds, and cost of transaction are the most important factors for mutual fund selection. The study concludes that the growth in mutual funds in Kazakhstan presents significant opportunities for investors, fund managers, and policymakers, but also highlights the need for continued research into the factors influencing mutual fund performance.