Central Asia fintech news
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International Bank of Azerbaijan announces stake purchase in Uzbekistan's Davr Bank
Azerbaijan’s largest state bank enters the Uzbek financial market: the agreement was signed at the interstate level, with settlements ahead.
Uzbek crypto project Asterium prepares UAE expansion
The fintech startup has started hiring a team in the Emirates to scale its ecosystem beyond its home market.
Central Bank of Uzbekistan to explain Islamic finance law rules to banks
The regulator and market participants are preparing to launch Sharia-compliant products, from a dual banking model to the legalization of six types of contracts.
ARDFM approves criteria for systemic risks and bank viability assessment
New rules define the regulator’s response to deteriorating bank finances and introduce strict controls over non-market transactions.
Market signals: August 20–23 week
Key events in the Central Asian fintech market for August 20–23
Notification Procedure: Uzbekistan Requires Marketplaces and Streaming Services to Report Operations to NAPP
E-commerce platforms and order aggregators must submit data via the agency’s system using OneID. The regulator will compile a public registry of legal operators.
Foreign Banks Get Green Light to Open Branches in Enterprise Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will allow foreign banks to establish a physical presence within its new special economic zone.
Only 4% of Uzbekistanis Use Bank Deposits to Save Money
Despite broad access to banking services, the culture of saving through deposits remains low in Uzbekistan.
Weekly Updates: Central Asian Bank Apps, August 14–21, 2026
Apple Pay integration, QR payment expansion, and cross-border transfers in the latest app update roundup.
Kazakhstan introduces 14-day cooling-off period for loans and insurance
Starting October 2026, borrowers can cancel unsecured loans and bundled services without penalties. Banks are banned from using pre-checked boxes in apps.
Payment company Paynet opens physical crypto store Voluto in Tashkent
The new project allows citizens and foreigners to buy and sell USDT for cash after mandatory identity verification.
Market Signals: August 18–21
Key events in the Central Asian fintech market: debt rotation and new KASE listings