Central Asia fintech news
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BlackRock ready to channel more capital into Kazakhstan
The fund’s chief investment strategist Ben Powell called pension system and capital market reforms key triggers for investors
Kazakhstan's ARDFM presents six draft resolutions and 4 other stories of the week
Summary: Central Asia’s fintech week in a five-minute read. Key events, decisions, and launches compiled from Finteqstan’s weekly coverage.
Central Bank of Uzbekistan unveils National Fintech Strategy for 2026–2030
The regulator plans to turn the country into a regional financial technology hub. The document covers six priority areas for market development.
MBank complaints, SQB praise: Feedback on Central Asian bank apps
“Feedback” — what users praise and criticize in Central Asian bank apps. We count weekly App Store reviews grouped by bank: ratings, frequent complaints, and praise.
Uzbekistan's Central Bank to update financial sandbox rules
The regulator is introducing three product testing tracks and making cybersecurity a mandatory requirement for participation.
Zhakezhan with Kaspi Gold: How Kaspi.kz turned Jackie Chan into a Kazakhstani
The company launched a campaign with the global star, repeating a 2013 marketing tactic adjusted for its new business model
Islamic banking in Central Asia: Why the niche is becoming a new competitive battleground
Mastercard study: Sharia-compliant financial products in the region could reach $2.5 billion by 2028
Kazakhstan updates AML rules: New biometrics and non-resident risk profile requirements
ARDFM published amendments to AML/CFT rules. The regulator is adjusting automatic risk markers for foreigners while introducing strict authentication via the National Bank’s IDEC for remote and proxy operations.
Anorbank comments on reports of shareholder's wanted status amid recapitalization plan
The bank’s statement follows a Fitch downgrade to CCC+. The agency cited a shareholder injection as a key capital recovery measure, but official details on who will provide the funds remain undisclosed.
Chinese banks and telcos start handing out AI tokens instead of regular cashback
Access to neural networks is becoming a basic consumer commodity. Chinese banks are awarding computing power for card purchases, telecom operators are selling it in data plans, and cafes are handing out tokens alongside Wi-Fi access.
ForteBank changes ForteLeasing buyer, records impairment loss
The deadline for the 16.6 billion tenge deal has been pushed to mid-2027.
Central Bank of Uzbekistan to hand over part of its reserves to external management
The regulator plans to diversify its $72 billion portfolio and bring in international experts.