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Central Asia fintech news

Market updates on regulation, banking products, payments, deals and digital services across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

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Uzbekistan Positions Central Asia as an Independent Financial Hub: What It Means for the Market

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the region’s transformation into an independent center of economic growth. For the financial sector, this is a political signal that could be followed by the localization of payment infrastructure.

Uzpromstroybank establishes a dedicated department for neural networks

SQB has announced a search for the head of its AI division. The role will involve managing MLOps infrastructure, generative models, and AI Governance.

Click Integrates AI into Operational Processes to Accelerate Platform Performance

The Uzbek payment service has integrated artificial intelligence into its business processes.

Islamic finance volume in Uzbekistan's MFOs grows eightfold

In the first quarter of 2026, microfinance organizations issued 11.2 billion soums under Sharia rules. This is a starting segment preparing the market for the launch of full-fledged Islamic banking.

Uzbekistan's Fintechs Test Package Subscriptions: Market Awaits Results of Click's Spring Pilot

In May, Click conducted a closed test of a new tariff line. A mass launch is still in preparation, but the pilot itself confirms that payment services are looking for new monetization models.

Uzbekistan to Launch AI-Scoring Business Credit Marketplace

The platform will consolidate offers from various banks. By December 2026, the system will begin assessing borrowers without credit histories using alternative data.

TBC Bank Group Buys OLX in Uzbekistan: Regulator Approves Deal with Conditions

The Competition Committee allowed a TBC entity to acquire 100% of the classifieds service but prohibited it from imposing its own payment services on users.

Umidjon Khakimov becomes Chairman of the Management Board of Ipak Yuli Bank

He replaces Saidabror Saidakhmedov, who led the Uzbek bank for the past eight years.

Ipak Yuli Bank Increases Credit Line from Islamic Corporation ITFC to $75 Million

The Uzbek bank has expanded its partnership with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. The funds will support export-import operations and domestic purchases for small businesses under the Murabaha standard.

Payment service Paynet enters the top five largest taxpayers in Uzbekistan's service sector

The company paid 115 billion soums in taxes in the first quarter. The fintech sector is beginning to compete with telecom and aviation in terms of revenue.

Central Bank of Uzbekistan prepares rules for the installment market

The regulator is discussing new approaches to BNPL service supervision with the Asian Development Bank. The focus is on consumer protection and data exchange with credit bureaus.

Octobank introduces business credit line in Uzbekistan

The bank showcased corporate products with a stated rate starting at 21% and reported donating funds saved on exhibition stand construction to an oncology center.