Between July 24 and 31, 2026, mobile banking apps in Central Asia and the Caucasus received nearly 30 updates. Developers focused on integrating national payment systems, rolling out subscriptions, and advancing Open Banking mechanisms.
Trend of the Week: Unified QR and Access Management
Banks are tackling infrastructure challenges in sync. In Kazakhstan, lenders are connecting en masse to a unified interbank QR, erasing boundaries between different acquirers’ terminals. In the Caucasus, the focus is shifting to data transparency as banks introduce interfaces to manage consents granted to third-party services.
Banks are transitioning from basic transactional tools to unified control hubs. Customers can now manage not just their money, but their digital footprints, subscriptions, and account access.
Update of the Week ⭐: Open Banking and Digital Onboarding in Azerbaijan
UBank (Unibank) officially confirmed the launch of branchless cash loan issuance. The document signing process integrates with the state digital signature SİMA. Simultaneously, according to release notes on Google Play, the bank rolled out Open Banking features. Users can now view and revoke account access consents granted to other financial institutions in a single click.
Kazakhstan
Three banks confirmed integration with the unified interbank QR code in their release notes. The feature appeared in the Eurasian Bank and ForteBank apps. In the Bereke Bank app, unified QR payments arrived alongside an expanded list of banks for phone number transfers and a new rating system for support chats. The bank consistently updates its payment features, maintaining a high app store rating (4.89).
Bank CenterCredit split its updates by segment. The retail app bcc.kz officially confirmed discounts for UnionPay QR payments and improved communication regarding card blocks. The iOS version also updated the “Precious Metals” section, adding portfolio analytics. The corporate app BCC Business 2.0 introduced a role-based model with cashier access and transit account top-ups. Finteqstan previously reported that the bank is actively developing B2B niches, and this update continues that strategy.
Freedom Business officially announced the addition of partial early withdrawal from deposits for entrepreneurs.
Uzbekistan
TBC Bank Uzbekistan automated term deposit renewals and added partial withdrawal options. The app maintains one of the highest ratings in the region (4.82 with nearly 100,000 reviews).
Uzum Bank focused on seasonal lifestyle features, announcing up to 10% cashback for card payments at water parks and restaurants in its release notes. Islamic fintech Iman released its fourth update in July, improving its investment calculator and QR payments.
Kyrgyzstan
MBank integrated an installment service (MInstallment) and cash register receipt displays within the MPay section.
State-owned Eldik Bank officially confirmed UX improvements in its credit section. Users can now download offers and view full card details (PAN, CVV) directly in the app. Kompanion limited itself to a technical release without detailing new features.
Tajikistan
Alif rolled out a massive ecosystem update. The bank officially launched the Alif Plus subscription, integrated travel eSIM purchases through Alif Sayohat, and added cashback for payments via the national UzQR. It also introduced a 10-day installment plan for QR payments within its partner network. The transfer interface now features smart routing: entering a phone number automatically displays available transfer options (to an Alif card or linked wallets).
Azerbaijan
Alongside UBank, several other players released product updates. Leobank officially expanded its payment menu, adding new options in the sports and entertainment categories. The Birbank app now displays earned bonuses directly in the transaction history.
ABB mobile added interactive guides to its updates section. This continues the bank’s strategy to improve customer experience following its recent introduction of AI managers. Fintech service m10 confirmed technical optimizations to its wallet, aimed at improving speed and interface stability.