Kyrgyzstan boasts a number of spectacular mountain lakes. It is possible to travel through spectacular mountain scenery and experience the traditional life of the Kyrgyz while staying in yurts. There are also opportunities for spectacular horse treks and hikes throughout. Lake Issyk Kul, which means “hot lake” in the Kyrgyz language, is situated in the northern Tian Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes; hence its name.

The lake’s southern shore is dominated by the ruggedly beautiful Teskey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan mountains. The Kyungey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan runs parallel to the north shore. A number of small towns surround the lake. These fell on hard times after the break-up of the USSR, but now hotel complexes are being refurbished and simple private bed-and-breakfast pensions (guest houses) are being established for a new generation of health and leisure visitors. For those who like a beach holiday, Lake Issyk Kul offers beaches surrounded with beautiful mountains.

Lake Issyk Kul is 182 kilometers long, and up to 60 kilometers, and covers an area of 6,236 square kilometers. Located at an altitude of 1,607 meters, it reaches 668 meters in depth. It is also the site of an ancient city from 2500 years ago, and archaeological excavations are still going on. Over 100 rivers and streams flow into the lake; the largest are the Djyrgalan and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs, and snow melt-off. The lake has no current outlet, but some scientists reckon that, deep underground, lake water filters into the Chu River. Kyrgyzstan can offer adventure travel at its best. This is an unspoilt country where you can still enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. Make the most of it now. In the next few years, the tourism industry will develop, and there will be many more visitors to this beautiful country.

In the last decade, Corporate Finance activity has grown exponentially in the Asia and Asia Pacific region. This is driven by increased regulation, and thus a safer investing climate for global investors. With this, businesses across industries are able to tap onto advisory and capital raising capabilities of the global banks. We even see local banks such as Japan’s Nomura taking international limelight as they took over Lehman’s investment banking business during the recent economic crisis. Many companies in China are also highly under-leveraged and have had organic growth over decades. They are now gradually tapping onto new capital through debt and equity offerings to fund expansion plans.

Most banks serve their clients by working in Sector Teams, which span across Industries. The more common Sector Teams are Healthcare, Media and Telecommunications, Industrial, Commodities, Real Estate and Financial Institutions. In Asia, teams are not so clearly defined and are often segregated into country teams. For example South East Asia Teams, Japan Teams or North Asia Teams. Depending on client needs, the banks offer advisory services, which range from Mergers & Acquisitions to Equity or Debt Financing to share sales. Very often, Bankers get referred to clients through their Wealth Management Division, which handles assets of high net worth individuals, who are also often CEOs and business owners. In countries like India and China, locals take pride in their ancestry and family trees, therefore creating a barrier to entry for less connected banks.

Bankers raising capital belong to the sell side because they sell securities to raise capital for companies. On the other side of the table we see the buy-side, made up of Private Equity Funds, Hedge Funds, Funds of Funds, Other Institutional Buyers and in the case of the public share offering/ Initial public offering, the buyers can be members of the public as well. In between these two sides we may have brokers who underwrite the public shares to mitigate some risk. Playing an important but secondary role are also the rating agencies such as Moody’s and Standard and Poor, whose ratings affect the pricing of the securities sold. In Asia, the definition of funds is less clearly defined and we often see hedge funds taking up private equity products as well.

Asia jobs very rarely pay higher than that of Corporate Finance Bankers. Needless to say, graduates in Asia strive for such a position, especially at international banks. Many pursue their MBA or Chartered Financial Analyst certificates for a chance at an Interview. The typical hierarchy at a Bank is Analyst- Associate – Associate Director – Director – Managing Director. Unlike the US or UK, you do not need an MBA to rise up the ranks, although it is preferred. Many analysts join the bank upon graduation and get promoted without going to business school for an MBA.

Despite the negative sentiment on Wall Street, Investment Banking is still an extremely lucrative industry with huge potential, considering the size of untapped markets and high growth projections in Asia and Asia Pacific.