The Central Bank of Uzbekistan is moving to practically implement its national fintech strategy through 2030. The regulator announced the launch of its own venture fund, the opening of an innovation hub for startups, and preparations to test a national digital currency.
Startup infrastructure
Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov spoke about the new initiatives at the Silk Road Finance & Technology forum in Tashkent. The regulator’s main focus is shifting to direct project support.
The Central Bank is creating an innovation hub that will welcome its first residents in the fourth quarter of 2026. The platform will guide fintech projects through all stages, from incubation and acceleration to regulatory consulting and pre-market testing.
To financially support these projects, the regulator established a specialized venture fund. The Central Bank is currently negotiating with international management companies. The idea is to create a direct corridor: startups undergo testing in the local hub, receive funding, and scale internationally.
Digital som and open banking
During the forum, the Central Bank plans to publish a white paper on its central bank digital currency (CBDC). The document will outline possible use cases for the digital som, its technical architecture options, and its potential impact on the country’s financial system.
Publishing the concept prepares the ground for the experimental phase. The regulator intends to test in practice how a digital currency can support Uzbekistan’s digital economy.
Work on the underlying infrastructure will continue in parallel, including developing payment systems, implementing open banking, and improving the financial sector’s operational resilience. According to the Central Bank head, the regulatory framework and technical architecture for these areas are already in place.
Market talent
The strategy’s third direction is addressing the talent shortage. By 2030, the Central Bank plans to train 5,000 financial technology specialists.
The first group of students will begin training before the end of 2026. The program was developed jointly with Singaporean universities and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN). It will combine an academic foundation with practical skills for the fintech market.
Why it matters
The Central Bank is stepping beyond traditional oversight to act as a market architect, building a full-cycle support system for the industry—from training developers to providing venture financing.