An important step was the improvement of customer service standards. The introduction of a "cooling-off period" mechanism was just the first stage. The next step was the implementation of a self-ban on lending, which allows citizens to set a ban on obtaining loans in their name for free through the electronic services portal “Tunduk.” This provides an opportunity to protect against fraudulent actions and control one’s own financial obligations. In 2025, about 114,000 people took advantage of this option.
Legislation has also established clear principles for responsible lending. Borrowers are now required to receive complete information about all loan terms, including interest rates and fees, in advance. It is prohibited to impose additional paid services that are not specified in the contract. Clients have the right to refuse the loan before receiving funds without penalties and can repay debts early under equal conditions.
A significant innovation was the final abolition of fees for transfers between accounts in different banks, which simplified cashless payments and provided a strong impetus for the digitalization of financial operations: the number of transactions through the ELQR system increased by 54.5 times, and the total volume of payments increased almost 85 times. In the first half of 2025, 274.9 billion soms were processed through QR codes — this is 20 times more compared to the same period last year. Fees for opening and maintaining loan accounts, as well as for early repayment of debts, have also been abolished.
Starting this year, banks are required to publish tariffs and service conditions in advance — at least 10 working days before changes. This promotes transparency and eliminates sudden changes in terms without the client's consent.
To enhance the resilience of the financial system, the National Bank has tightened capital requirements. A minimum threshold of 3 billion soms has been set for new banks, while existing banks will see a phased increase by 2030. For systemically important banks, a higher threshold of 8 billion soms has been established, which must be reached by 2027. These measures are aimed at strengthening the banking sector and protecting the interests of depositors.
Moreover, the year 2025 was marked by the legislative introduction of the digital som — the third form of national currency alongside cash and non-cash. The exclusive right to issue it belongs to the National Bank, which will ensure fast and secure transactions, expand access to financial services in the regions, and serve as a basis for new digital services.
All the steps taken are aimed at ensuring that every citizen of Kyrgyzstan feels confident and secure in the financial sphere.
