National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic kept its policy rate unchanged at 11.00 percent. 

On December 29, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held its annual meeting to review the results of 2025. The meeting was attended by the National Bank’s management, heads of commercial banks, and the Association of Legal Entities “Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan”. 

The Chairman of the National Bank, M.J. Turgunbaev noted the stability of the financial system and the record growth of key indicators. He also outlined the key trends of 2025 and development vectors for 2026, including bank recapitalization, digital transformation, strengthening measures to combat the financing of criminal activities and money laundering (CFCA/ML) and cybersecurity, as well as strengthening international cooperation. 

On December 29, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a solemn event to sum up the results of 2025. 

During the event, the employees who distinguished themselves with high professionalism and responsibility and made significant contributions to the development of the banking system were honored. 

The National Bank’s management expressed gratitude to the entire team for their conscientious performance of their duties and emphasized the key role of the National Bank employees in achieving the set goals. 

On December 25, 2025, the Talas Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic organized a meeting with media representatives. 

The results of financial literacy activities conducted in 2025 were discussed during the meeting. Particular attention was paid to the National Bank’s efforts to combat fraudulent transactions, including the self-ban mechanism for lending, and the plan for informational and educational activities for the region’s population for the coming year. 

On December 25, 2025, the Commissioner for Corruption Prevention at the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a lecture on "Combating Corruption in the Kyrgyz Republic”. 

During the lecture, the National Bank employees were familiarized with the requirements of current legislation on combating corruption in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

On December 25, 2025, the employees of the Osh Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a field seminar for employees of the Osh State University Medical Center. 

During the seminar the information on the role and functions of the National Bank, the history of the national currency, the stages of its development and security features, types of loans and deposits, savings, and the expansion of the use of QR codes in settlements was presented. The procedure for activating and removing a self- ban for a loan in the Tunduk application was also demonstrated.  

On December 24, 2025, the meeting of partner organizations was held at the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic to summarize the results of activities to improve financial literacy in 2025. 

The event was attended by the representatives of the Deposit Protection Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic, the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek, the Union of Legal Entities ‘Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan’, Non-State Pension Fund ‘Kyrgyzstan’, OJSC ‘Guarantee Fund’, Public Association ‘Resource Center for the Elderly Ardager’’, commercial banks, microfinance and other financial institutions, and universities. The event also included winners of the online financial literacy quiz and active subscribers to the National Bank’s financial literacy website www.finsabat.kg. 

During the meeting, the quantitative results of information and educational campaigns were presented, and the importance of raising public awareness about improving financial literacy and developing a savings culture as an integral part of achieving the financial well-being of citizens and the country’s financial stability was emphasized. 

Improving the population’s financial literacy will enable responsible personal finance management, encourage savings and planning of expenses, facilitate growth in domestic investment, strengthen credit discipline, and enhance the population’s self-protection from fraud. 

On December 22, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), held a roundtable to discuss key areas for the development of digital financial technologies in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

The event was attended by the representatives of the Union of Legal Entities ‘Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan’, commercial banks, the Association of Virtual Asset Market Participants, the Association of Payment System Operators and Payment Organizations, as well as representatives of IFC and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

The current projects and trends in digital financial technologies, including the development of digital payments and innovative payment solutions, financial market infrastructure, and IFC’s research on QR payments were presented during the roundtable. Participants discussed the practical results of ongoing projects, existing challenges and opportunities for further fintech development, trends in the virtual asset market, and current regulatory issues. 

During the discussion, S.K. Abdygaziev, a Member of the Board of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that the National Bank is consistently creating regulatory and institutional conditions for the implementation of modern financial technologies. He also emphasized the importance of close collaboration among all stakeholders - the regulator, banking and non-banking organizations, fintech companies, the IT community, and academia, and called on participants to join forces to jointly develop regulatory approaches and innovative products and solutions, including infrastructure modernization, the implementation of new standards and technologies, and the development of a Fintech Development Strategy for the near future. 

Following the meeting, the participants noted the importance of regular dialogue and coordination among all stakeholders to consistently build a technologically advanced and sustainable digital financial ecosystem in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

Within the framework of the action plan to improve financial literacy in the regions, the employees of the Naryn Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a lecture on financial literacy for high school students at the Naryn Regional Boarding School named after Academician U. Asanov. 

During the lecture students learned about the importance of savings, ways to preserve them, financial security, and the stages of national currency development. 

On the International Migrants Day, December 18, 2025, the meeting on the presentation of the educational book “Financial Literacy for Migrants and their Families” was held at the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

The event was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the National Bank, A. Kozubekov; the Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, B. Darmankul uulu; the Head of the Office of the International Organization for Migration, B. Moldobaeva; representatives of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Central Asian Youth Council of the International Organization for Migration, private employment agencies, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan, and media representatives. 

In his speech, the Deputy Chairman of the National Bank, A. Kozubekov noted that the National Bank pays special attention to improving financial literacy, considering it as an integral part of achieving financial well-being for citizens and financial stability for the country. He added that the issue of financial literacy remains a sensitive one for migrants and their families.  

During the presentation, it was noted that the educational book, developed with the support of the International Organization for Migration office in Kyrgyzstan as part of the “Labor Migration Program - Central Asia”, includes specialized modules on financial literacy designed for citizens who go abroad for labor migration, covers key topics in financial literacy, and was developed taking into account the characteristics and needs of labor migrants and their families. 

On December 12, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, jointly with the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek, held a round table “Countering Fraud and Ensuring Cybersecurity in the Financial Sector”. The event aimed to develop mechanisms for coordinated interaction to protect citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic from fraud and raise public awareness of cyber literacy.  

The topical issues related to the enforcement of Kyrgyz Republic legislation in the field of cybersecurity and the implementation of legal norms for the financial and credit sector, minimum requirements for anti-fraud systems in commercial banks, payment organizations, and microfinance organizations, as well as the introduction of financial security lessons into school education were discussed during the round table. 

The event was attended by representatives of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic, the State Agency for Personal Data Protection under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the State Financial Intelligence Service under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Association of Legal Entities “Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan,” the Association of Microfinance Organizations, the Association of Telecommunications Operators, CJSC “Interbank Processing Center,” commercial banks, payment organizations, credit bureaus, and telecommunications operators. 

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic informs that fraudsters are distributing a fake document using instant messengers featuring the National Bank’s logo and a forged signature of the National Bank Chairman M. Turgunbaev. This document is not authentic.  

We remind you that the National Bank does not send official documents to citizens via instant messengers, does not request money transfers, and does not provide services to individuals. 

We kindly ask you not to make any payments based on such notifications and to obtain the information only through the National Bank’s official channels.  

If you realize that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact the law enforcement authorities immediately. 

You can also contact the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic through the following channels: 

- Public reception: 0312 61 06 67. 

WhatsApp-channel: 0501 89 00 00. 

On December 8, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as the ‘National Bank’), jointly with the Association of Legal Entities “Association of Exchange Bureaus ‘Alliance’” (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Alliance’), held a seminar for exchange bureau employees on compliance with the key requirements of the National Bank’s regulations and the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the area of ​​combating the financing of crime and the legalization (laundering) of criminal proceeds. 

The representatives of exchange bureaus and the Alliance participated in the event. The key requirements of the National Bank’s regulations and the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, necessary risk mitigation measures, as well as current issues regarding the completion of questionnaires and statistics on the legalization (laundering) of criminal proceeds for exchange bureaus were discussed during the seminar. 

On December 9, 2025, within the framework of the financial literacy program, the employees of the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held guest lectures for the employees of the Ton District State Administration and local governments of Ton district. 

The lecture included the information on self-ban for loans and payments using QR codes. 

PRESS RELEASE  

of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic 

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in order to reflect and popularize the national customs and ceremonies, from December 8, 2025 puts into circulation a silver collection coin «Tushoo Kesuu» of the series «Kyrgyz Customs and Ceremonies». 

«Tushoo Kesuu» (cutting the fetters) is among the most ancient Kyrgyz rituals, which is still popular today. This is ritual is conducted when a child makes its first attempts to walk on its own. Since ancient times, it was believed that parents must perform this ceremony so that the child would stand on its own two feet and its future journey would be happy and successful.  

The main plot of the coin is the image of a child taking its first independent steps with cut fetters on its legs. To the left of it there are its parents, to the right there is a yurt and running children participating in the race dedicated to the ceremony of cutting the fetters. The inscription «Тушоо кесүү» (cutting the fetters) is in the upper part of the coin. The metal alloy (Ag 925) and the weight of the coin (28,28 g) are specified in the left part of the coin. The right part of the coin contains the denomination of the coin «10 som».  

The reverse side of the coin contains the coat of arms of the Kyrgyz Republic framed by the image of fetters (ropes), in the upper part of which there is a stylized image of a spirited boy with a kalpak on his head, standing firmly and confidently on his feet. The coin circumference is provided with an inscription «Кыргыз үрп-адаттары жана ырым-жырымдары» (Kyrgyz customs and ceremonies). The year of coin issue (2025) is depicted in the lower part of the coin.  

The collection coin «Tushoo Kesuu» has the status of the legal tender in the Kyrgyz Republic.  

Specifications of coin 

Each collection coin placed in an acrylic capsule and packed in a separate box with a quality certificate attached. 

The collection coins are sold at the cash desks of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic institutions on working days from 9.00 a.m. till 2.00 p.m., as well as via the website for sale of the numismatic values: www.numizmat.nbkr.kg. The price of collection coin is 6 940,00 Som. 

On December 3, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held an educational event on beneficial ownership, which was attended by representatives of commercial banks and employees of the National Bank.  

The training covered international standards for identifying beneficial owners and included practical exercises. 

The training was conducted with the participation of a World Bank expert. 

On November 27, 2025, the employees of the Osh Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a field lecture for students of the Law Faculty of the Osh State University. 

During the lectures, the information on the role and functions of the National Bank, the history of the national currency, the stages of its development and security features, types of loans and deposits, savings, and the expanded use of QR codes in payments was presented. The procedure for activating and removing a self-ban on loans in the “Tunduk” application was also demonstrated. 

On November 26, 2025, within the framework of the action plan to improve financial literacy in the regions, the Naryn Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a lecture on financial literacy for students of Secondary School No.1 named after T. Satylganov in Naryn city. Also the exhibition of numismatic valuables of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic was organized. 

During this event, the information on family budgets, payment systems, QR codes, financial fraud, and numismatic valuables was presented, and the procedure for activating and removing self-ban on obtaining credit in the “Tunduk” application was demonstrated. 

National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic increased the policy rate to 11.00 percent. 

On November 21, 2025, with the purposes to improve financial literacy among the population, the Representative Office of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken Oblast held a field seminar for employees of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken Oblast. 

During the seminar, the information on the history of the national currency, careful use of money, financial planning, setting financial goals, and the expanded use of QR codes for payments was presented. Participants were also shown the procedure for activating and removing the self-ban on loans in the “Tunduk” application.  

In addition, the participants were informed about cybersecurity rules, ways to protect against cyberthreats, and precautions against fraudulent activities. 

The International Monetary Fund Mission Visited Kyrgyzstan 

From November 12 to 19, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Dmitry Gershenson, visited the Kyrgyz Republic. 

The purpose of the IMF mission was to conduct an interim review of the macroeconomic situation in the Kyrgyz Republic in preparation for the upcoming Article IV consultations of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, scheduled for spring 2026. 

The Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, M. J. Turgunbaev, held meetings with the IMF team. During the meetings, the parties discussed the monetary policy pursued by the National Bank, issues related to the development of the country’s financial sector, as well as measures to ensure macroeconomic stability against the backdrop of external challenges. 

On November 14, 2025, Melis Turgunbaev, the Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, took part in the 29th meeting of the Advisory Council on Monetary Policy of the Central (National) Banks of the EAEU Member States, which was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

During the meeting, the participants discussed the current economic situation and the implementation of monetary policy in the EAEU member states, as well as the issues related to the regulation of digital financial assets and virtual assets (cryptocurrencies) in the EAEU member states. 

On November 14, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic showed a video entitled “The 30th Anniversary of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic” to third-year students of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University and held lectures on the role and functions of the National Bank. 

During the event, students learned about the history of the National Bank, its key areas of activity, including monetary policy, supervision of financial and credit institutions, development of payment systems in the regions of the Republic, consumer protection, etc.  

In addition, the basic principles of financial literacy were covered, and participants were given the opportunity to ask questions that interested them. 

On November 14, 2025, Melis Turgunbaev, the Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, took part in the XIII Kazakhstan Financial Congress. 

During the Congress, the head of the NBRK, jointly with the heads of the central banks of the EAEU member states, spoke at a panel discussion entitled “The Development of Financial Systems in Conditions of Economic Turbulence and Digital Transformation”. In his speech, M. Turgunbaev focused on the monetary policy being pursued, the development of payment systems, and the prospects for the introduction of the digital som. 

The head of the NBKR noted that economic activity in the Kyrgyz Republic continues to grow at a steady pace. However, such economic growth is inevitably accompanied by persistent inflationary pressure, which is why the regulator adheres to relatively tight monetary conditions to ensure price stability in the medium term. 

Speaking about the digital transformation of the financial system, the Chairman of the NBKR outlined the main stages of the work being done to introduce the digital som and emphasized that digital currency has significant potential to reduce costs, shorten settlement times, and increase the transparency of financial transactions. 

On November 11, 2025, the Jalal-Abad Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a scheduled field lecture on financial literacy for civil servants in Tash-Kumyr town of Jalal-Abad oblast.  

During the lecture, the representatives of the National Bank spoke about the wise use and spending of money, protecting finances from possible risks, measures to develop QR codes in the Kyrgyz Republic, national QR standards, rules for making payments using two-dimensional barcode symbols (QR codes), digital financial services, and tools.  

In addition, the brief information was presented on the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic on Credit Information Exchange and Self-Ban on Concluding Credit Transactions” dated July 30, 2025 No. 167, which came into force on November 1, 2025. Also, the step-by-step instructions were demonstrated on how to activate a self-ban on obtaining a loan and remove restrictions on the “Tunduk” platform.  

The Chairman of the National Bank, Melis Turgunbaev, Gave an Interview to the International Publication Gulf News 

The Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, Melis Turgunbaev, gave an interview to the international publication Gulf News, in which he answered in detail current questions related to the regulator’s key areas of activity. 

Melis Turgunbaev spoke about the National Bank’s measures to ensure price stability in the country, minimize the impact of external risks on the inflation rate in the Kyrgyz Republic, ensure the stability of the banking and payment systems, as well as the digitalization of financial services and key achievements in these areas. 

Reference: Gulf News is one of the largest English-language business daily publications in the United Arab Emirates. The international publication covers political, economic, cultural, and international events and is distributed throughout the Persian Gulf and Asian countries. 

On November 5-6, 2025, the National Bank, jointly with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, held four seminars on the basics of financial literacy in Karakol city, Issyk-Kul oblast, for the students of the College of the Issyk-Kul State University named after K. Tynystanov, Medical College named after I.K. Akhunbaev, Karakol Pedagogical College named after I. Biybosunov, and State Music College named after Y. Tumanov of Karakol. 

More than 100 students, as well as college directors and teachers, participated in the events. 

During the seminars, participants learned the basics of financial literacy in an interactive format, worked in groups, participated in discussions, and received answers to their questions. 

The college administration, teachers, and students highly praised the practical value of the knowledge gained and expressed gratitude to the organizers. 

Upon completion of the event, all participants received certificates. These seminars were the final part of the second stage of regional events seminars planned for this year. 

From October 28 to October 31, 2025, the representatives of the Talas Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, within the framework of the events dedicated to the World Savings Day 2025, held field lectures to senior students of the Secondary School named after K. Nanaev in Aral village, Talas district, Secondary School named after A. Umarbekov in Kara-Buura village, Aitmatov district, Secondary School named after B. Satybekov in Boo-Terek village, Bakai-Ata district, and Jiyden Secondary School in Jiyde village, Manas district, Talas oblast. 

The information on the history of the national currency, the Kyrgyz som, the need and importance of financial planning and improving financial literacy, the development of payments and transfers using QR codes, and precautions against telephone fraud was presented during the lecture. 

From October 27 to 30, 2025, within the framework the “World Savings Day 2025” event, the employees of the Osh Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held field lectures. 

The lectures were attended by students from the Humanities and Technology College of the Osh Technological University named after M.M. Adyshev, students from the Secondary School named after Tajibai of Nookat district, students from Secondary School No. 14 named after A. Tanatarov and Secondary School No. 49 named after Toktogul in Kurshab village, Uzgen District, and students from Secondary School No. 49 named after E. Telman and Secondary School No. 112 named after Manas in Kara-Suu district. 

The lectures covered the following topics of practical importance: 

- stages of development of the national currency; 

- security features of the national currency; 

- making payments using QR codes; 

- loan; 

- deposit; 

- savings; 

- measures to prevent youth involvement in financial fraud.  

In total, more than 600 people participated in World Savings Day 2025. 

On October 31, 2025, the annual financial literacy campaign “World Savings Day” was held at the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic named after A. Osmonov. 

Representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Deposit Protection Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Association of Legal Entities “Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan”, the Non-State Pension Fund “Kyrgyzstan”, OJSC “Guarantee Fund”, PF “Resource Center for the Elderly”, commercial banks, microfinance organizations, and other financial institutions participated in the event.  

The National Bank, in coordination with partner organizations, organized a financial fair and presentations by speakers on topics such as savings behavior, deposit protection systems, and ensuring personal financial security.  

During the financial fair, participants were provided with the information on basic banking services – deposit product terms, opening accounts, and payment cards with commercial banks. The consultations on issues of interest were also given. 

Interactive games, contests, and quizzes were also held. Active participants of the fair, as well as winners of competitions and quizzes, were awarded special prizes. 

Approximately 400 people attended the financial fair. 

From October 27 to 29, 2025, within the framework of the “World Savings Day 2025” event, the representatives of the Naryn Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held lectures on financial literacy for employees of medical institutions in Kochkor and Jumgal districts and for senior students of the Secondary School named after E. Ibraev in the city of Naryn. 

During the lecture, the employees of medical institutions and students were provided with the information on family budgets, savings methods, preserving and increasing existing savings, the use of QR codes, and the stages of national currency development.  

On October 30, 2025, within the framework of the “World Savings Day 2025” event, the employees of the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held field lectures for senior classes of the Secondary School named after J. Abdrakhmanov in Ananyevo village, Issyk-Kul district, Issyk-Kul oblast. 

During the lecture, the students learned about the importance of savings and ways to preserve and increase them.  

In addition, the attendees were provided with the information about the history of the national currency, the Kyrgyz som, payments using QR codes, and the financial pyramid. 

From October 27 to 30, 2025, within the framework of the World Savings Day 2025, the employees of the Jalal-Abad Regional Department of the National Bank held field lectures for senior students of Innovative School-Lyceum No. 14 named after S. Davletov, Secondary General School No. 5 named after B. Osmonov, and second-, third-, and fourth-year students of the International University named after K.Sh. Toktomamatov and Jalal-Abad State University named after B. Osmonov, located in the city of Manas. 

During the lecture, the National Bank representatives discussed the importance of savings, various ways to preserve and increase existing savings, the activities of the National Bank, the stages of development of the national currency, the som, and the rules for exchanging worn out banknotes for good ones.  

In addition, the students were provided with the information on the development of payment systems in the Republic’s regions and the main directions of the National Bank’s monetary policy.  

On October 30, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a press conference on the topic “Mechanism of the self-ban on loans”. The event was attended by the Minister of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies Azamat Jamangulov, Deputy Chairman of the National Bank Bektur Aliev, Chairman of the Board of OJSC “Tunduk” Adilet Jumaeva, Head of the Banking Supervision Department of NBKR Elizat Japarova, and representatives of credit bureaus. 

The step-by-step instructions for activating the self-ban on loans, starting with the selection of a service on the Tunduk platform and ending with the confirmation of the request, the setting, and the removal of the restriction were demonstrated at the press conference. 

It should be noted that the self-ban on loans is a voluntary refusal by a citizen to receive loans and credits in his/her own name in order to increase protection against financial fraud associated with loans issued without his/her knowledge.  

The law on the self-ban for making a loan deal will come into force on November 1, 2025.  

On October 29, 2025, within the framework of the “World Savings Day 2025” event, the Representative Office of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken oblast held a field lecture for junior students of the V.I. Lenin Secondary School in Batken. 

During the lecture, the students learned about the importance of savings and ways to preserve and increase them. 

In addition, the information on the activities of the National Bank, the history of the development of the national currency, the features of security elements, careful handling of money, as well as the rules for exchanging old banknotes for valid ones was presented. 

On October 28, 2025, within the framework of the “World Savings Day 2025” event the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a numismatic exhibition of collectible coins issued by the National Bank for residents of Karakol. 

At the exhibition, the employees of the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the National Bank discussed the history of the national currency, the stages of its development and its security features, as well as the numismatic values of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic.  

The Opening Ceremony of the New Building of the National Bank was Held with the Participation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic 

On October 28, 2025, the opening ceremony of the new building of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as the “National Bank”) was held in Bishkek with the participation of the President Sadyr Japarov. Speaking to the staff of the National Bank, the President noted that this event opens a new page in the financial history of Kyrgyzstan. 

“Ensuring the stability of the som is the main task of the National Bank. This is a responsible mission that directly impacts the life of every citizen and the well-being of every family. Therefore, public trust in the som is an indicator of the strength of the state,” Sadyr Japarov said.  

The President also emphasized that the National Bank now has the largest vault, which meets high international standards and can store up to a thousand tons of gold. 

Alongside with that, the President set a number of tasks for the financial regulator to modernize the banking sector, develop innovation, ensure cybersecurity, and improve financial literacy. 

The President thanked the bank’s employees for their many years of conscientious work, high professionalism, dedication to the Motherland, and significant contribution to the country’s development.  

The Chairman of the National Bank Melis Turgunbaev, in turn, noted that the building, which had been under construction for nearly 30 years, was completed thanks to the initiative of the President Sadyr Japarov. He also added that, under the President’s leadership, the National Bank has achieved significant results in developing the Republic’s financial system in recent years. 

“I am confident that today’s event will contribute to the National Bank’s future successes. The National Bank will continue its activities aimed at increasing the transparency and security of the banking environment in line with international requirements,” Melis Turgunbaev said. 

The opening ceremony of the new building was also attended by former chairmen, veterans of the National Bank, the president of the Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan, and the executive director of the Association of Microfinance Organizations. 

On October 28, 2025, within the framework of the World Savings Day events, the Representative Office of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken Oblast held a seminar for residents of Batken.  

During the seminar, the information on the history of the national currency, careful use and saving of money, the culture of saving, rational use of finances, financial planning, setting financial goals, drawing up family and personal budgets was presented. The participants also learned how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.  

National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic increased its policy rate up to 10.00 percent. 

World Savings Day – 2025 in Kyrgyzstan 

On October 27, 2025, the World Savings Day campaign will begin in Kyrgyzstan. This large-scale campaign has been held in Kyrgyzstan since 2015, coordinated by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic and supported by government agencies, financial institutions, the Deposit Protection Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic, and other participants. 

The main objective of the World Savings Day is to improve the financial literacy of the population, foster a culture of saving, and encourage the rational use of financial resources. 

Within the frames of the World Savings Day, various events will be held in Bishkek and other regions from October 27 to 31 in cooperation with government agencies, commercial banks, insurance companies, and educational institutions, including open classes, lectures, interactive games, excursions, open houses, contests, and quizzes. The events will provide the information on the importance of saving and various ways to preserve and increase existing savings. 

More detailed information about the events is available on the Finsabat information and education portal: https://finsabat.kg/ in the “News” section. 

The Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic took part in the Annual Meetings of Governors of the IMF and the World Bank 

Melis Turgunbaev, the Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, in his capacity as a Governor of the Kyrgyz Republic to the International Monetary Fund, took part in the Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group, which were held in Washington, D.C. (USA) from October 13 to 18, 2025. 

As part of the events, Melis Turgunbaev participated in a meeting of the Swiss Group of countries at the IMF, where key global issues were discussed, including global economic development, inflation risks, and areas for deepening cooperation between the group’s member countries. 

On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings, the Governor of the National Bank also served as the lead speaker at the events organized by the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, attended by regional central bank governors and IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li. During his speeches, he outlined the key challenges facing the Kyrgyz Republic’s economy amid external turbulence, as well as the steps the National Bank is taking in the face of global uncertainty. Particular attention was paid to price and financial stability. 

During his visit, Melis Turgunbaev also held meetings with the heads of the central banks of Switzerland and Bahrain, during which they discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the financial and banking sector. 

For reference: The Kyrgyz Republic has been a member of the International Monetary Fund since 1992 and has been part of the Swiss Voting Group since 1993. The group includes countries such as Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. 

On September 30, 2025, the Recommendations for Implementation of Unified API Standards, including the Payment Initiation API Standard and the Open API Standard for the Exchange and Access to Information on Banking and Payment Services were approved by Resolution of the Payment System Committee of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 2025-ЗСД-КОМ-КПС-16/6.  

The standards are posted in the “Bank Functions”/”Payment System”/”Main Directions of Payment System Development” subsection on the official website of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

On October 3, 2025, within the framework of the implementation of the Recommendations for Implementation of Unified API Standards, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the assistance of the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, held a practical workshop for payment system participants on implementation of unified API standards and the selection of cases for testing to develop fintech services in the country. 

On September 29, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a regular meeting of the Interbank Council on the Payment System with the participation of commercial banks. 

During the meeting, the following issues were discussed:  

- provision of a full range of state and municipal services through mobile applications, terminals, and electronic wallets by integrating with state systems, as well as the introduction of alternative channels for public access to financial and state services; 

- spread of payments using QR codes in compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, including the Tax Code of the Kyrgyz Republic;  

- creation of a friendly acquiring network for accepting payments for goods and services in the Kyrgyz Republic;  

- introduction of uniform Open API and ISO 20022 standards into payment systems;  

- as well as the possibility of making voluntary donations to the election fund via mobile applications.  

On September 29, 2025, within the framework of the financial literacy program, the employees of the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held field lectures for senior classes at the A. Kurmanbekov Secondary School in Jon-Bulak village of Jeti-Oguz District, Issyk-Kul Oblast. 

During the lecture, the information on the history of the establishment of the national currency, the Kyrgyz som, and on making payments using QR codes was provided. 

The Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic Took Part in the 7th Meeting of Central Banks within the framework of the Forum of the Standing Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation “OIC-COMCEC Central Banks Forum” on September 28-29, 2025, Istanbul, Turkey 

At the meeting of central banks organized within the framework of the Forum of the Standing Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-COMCEC Central Banks Forum), Melis Turgunbaev, the Chairman of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, delivered a report on the development of payment services and cross-border payments at the invitation of the Turkish side. 

In his speech, M. Turgunbaev presented the successful experience of the Kyrgyz Republic in implementing a unified approach to payment solutions architecture. Thanks to this system, users of any mobile banking application can easily and quickly make interbank and intersystem payments and transfers using a QR code. 

The head of NBKR noted that today the Kyrgyz Republic is the only country in Central Asia providing intersystem integration of various payment systems using national standard QR codes. 

A separate section of the report was devoted to the topic of the central bank’s digital currency. It was emphasized that the introduction of the digital som is intended not only to solve national objectives related to the development of the payment system and increasing financial accessibility, but also to create the conditions for the full participation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the global financial ecosystem of the new generation, where central banks play a key role in modernizing cross-border payments.  

Within the framework of the forum, M. Turgunbaev met with Fatih Karahan, the Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkey. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and prospects for integrating national payment systems, including cross-border payments and transfers using QR codes.  

On September 24, 2025, the Jalal-Abad Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a scheduled field lecture on financial literacy for employees of local organizations in Ala-Buka village of Ala-Buka District, Jalal-Abad Oblast. 

During the lecture, the representatives of the National Bank spoke about the functions and activities of the National Bank, as well as the numismatic valuables and gold bars issued by the National Bank. 

In addition, the information on the state of the Kyrgyz Republic’s payment system for the second half of 2025, measures to develop QR codes in the Kyrgyz Republic, national QR standards, and rules for making payments using two-dimensional barcode symbols (QR codes) was provided. 

On September 26, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic hosted a meeting of partner organizations to discuss the launch of a large-scale information and education campaign in Kyrgyzstan called “World Savings Day – 2025”. 

The mission of this large-scale campaign is to draw public attention to the importance of improving financial literacy, developing a culture of saving, and providing information on the basics of financial literacy, financial security, money management skills, and making sound financial decisions. 

Various events are planned within the frames of the World Savings Day: a financial fair, open lessons, lectures, interactive games, excursions to financial institutions and open days, competitions and quizzes. A full list of events will be posted on the official website of the National Bank and on the financial literacy website www.finsabat.kg  

For reference: World Savings Day 2025 is being held in Kyrgyzstan jointly with the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as international organizations and financial and credit institutions in the country. 

The National Bank held a Seminar 

for Journalists from the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken oblasts 

On September 26, 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a seminar in Osh for media representatives from Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken oblasts, titled “The Activities of the National Bank in the Context of Modern Challenges”. 

The journalists were provided with the information on the National Bank’s activities, including its monetary policy, supervision of financial institutions, the development of payment systems in the Republic’s regions, consumer protection, and other topics. 

The seminar focused on the National Bank’s efforts to combat fraudulent transactions, including the self-prohibition mechanism for lending. 

During the event, media representatives asked questions that interested them and received detailed answers. 

Within the frames of the action plan to raise financial awareness among the population in the regions, the employees of the Naryn Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a guest lecture to senior students at the M. Subakozhoev Lyceum in Naryn, during which they presented general information on financial literacy.  

Additionally, to teach students how to choose the most effective type of savings depending on their specific financial goals, a game called “Savings” was played among the students. 

On September 24, 2025, within the frames of the action plan to improve financial literacy of the population in the regions, the Talas Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a lecture on financial literacy and organized an exhibition of numismatic valuables from the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic for students of the College of Information Technology, Engineering, and Economics at Talas State University.  

During the event, the information on the role and functions of the National Bank, the history of the national currency, its stages of development and security features, types of loans and deposits, and numismatic valuables was presented. 

On September 19, 2025, the Osh Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a scheduled field lecture on financial literacy for residents and employees of aiyl okmotu (village administration) of Jazy aiyl aimak in Uzgen District of Osh oblast. 

The information on the role and functions of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, the history of the national currency, its development stages, and its security features was provided during the lecture. 

In addition, the audience learned about various types of loans and deposits, electronic financial services, as well as issues of financial security, consumer protection, the use of QR codes, wise use of funds, saving behavior, financial planning, setting financial goals, including drawing up family and personal budgets. 

On September 19, 2025, a banking round table organized by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic was held in Bosteri village, Issyk-Kul oblast of the Kyrgyz Republic.  

The round table was attended by the management of the National Bank, representatives of the Association of Legal Entities “Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan”, CJSC “Interbank Processing Center”, OJSC “Guarantee Fund”, and heads of commercial banks. 

The participants discussed important issues related to the development of banking regulation, including increasing transparency in setting of interest rates on loans to individuals and businesses, improving measures to combat fraud in the banking sector, creating a regulated environment for transactions with virtual assets, the prospects for the development of Islamic finance principles, and the upcoming assessment of the Kyrgyz Republic’s national system for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. 

The banking round table is a traditional event ensuring an open dialogue between the regulator and the banking sector to develop strategic decisions on the development of the banking sector of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

On September 18, 2025, the employees of the Representative Office of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in Batken oblast held a guest lecture for senior students of the V.I. Lenin Secondary School as part of efforts to improve the financial literacy of the population. 

During the lecture, the representatives of the National Bank told about the wise use and spending of money, financial planning, setting financial goals, drawing up family and personal budgets, protecting finances from possible risks, and provided case studies on various financial issues.  

In addition, the information was presented on activities to develop QR codes in the Kyrgyz Republic, national QR standards, and rules for making payments using two-dimensional barcode symbols (QR codes), as well as measures to prevent fraud. 

On the Results of the 13th Meeting of the Advisory Council on Audit Activities of Central (National) Banks 

The 13th meeting of the Advisory Council on Audit Activities of Central (National) Banks of the Eurasian Economic Union member states, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held from September 10 to 12, 2025, in Bosteri village, Issyk-Kul oblast, Kyrgyz Republic.  

The participants of the Advisory Council discussed issues related to improving the conduct of internal audits and exchanged experiences in the areas of information security, construction, asset quality assessment and supervisory stress testing of the banking system, planning, issuance and distribution of commemorative coins made of precious and non-precious metals, organization of a system to ensure the continuity of operations and functioning of crisis management bodies, quality control and assessment of internal audit activities, and new international internal audit standards.  

Following the meeting, a protocol was signed and a decision was made to continue improving internal audits and exchanging experiences on current issues.  

Holding meetings on audit activities opens up broad opportunities for the development of internal auditors and central (national) banks. Participants gain access to uniform methodological materials and best practices, which contributes to their professional growth. A network of professional contacts is formed and platforms for the exchange of experience and knowledge are created, where current practical situations are discussed. This, in turn, strengthens the role and status of internal audit, making the conclusions and recommendations of auditors more influential for management. Finally, participation in joint international projects and working groups broadens career prospects and opens up new opportunities for professional development through international cooperation. 

From June to September 2025, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, jointly with the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic and the State Tax Service, conducted field monitoring of trade and service enterprises (hereinafter referred to as “TSEs”) and markets throughout the Republic in order to fully implement and use QR codes of the national standard for cashless payment for goods and services. According to the results of the inspection, 499 out of 568 facilities are equipped with QR codes.  

In those TSEs where QR codes were absent, explanatory measures were carried out on the need to comply with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 869 as of December 23, 2015 “On measures to protect consumer rights,” according to which cashless payments are mandatory, including those using the national standard QR code. These activities will be continued until the end of 2025. 

On September 9, 2025, within the frames of the financial literacy program, the employees of the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held field lectures for employees of the Ton district State Administration and senior classes of the secondary school named after J. Bokonbaev in Bokonvaevo village, Issyk-Kul oblast.  

During the lecture, the information was provided on the history of the formation of the national currency - the Kyrgyz som and on making payments using QR codes. 

On September 4, 2025, the employees of the Talas Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, within the framework of the program to improve the financial literacy of the population, held a field lecture for residents of Kyrgyzstan village of Manas district, Talas oblast.  

During the lecture, the participants were provided with the information on the family budget, savings, borrowing, protection of the rights of consumers of financial services and the increasing cases of financial fraud using modern technologies. 

On the Volume of the International Reserves of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic 

As of 3 September 2025, the gross international reserves of the Kyrgyz Republic reached a new high of USD 7,021.21 million (≈ USD 7.02 billion), an increase of USD 1,933.1 million or 38.0% since the beginning of 2025. During 2024, gross international reserves rose from USD 3,236.5 million to USD 5,088.1 million. 

The current level of international reserves covers approximately 5.7 months of prospective imports of goods and services, which is consistent with recommended international benchmarks for reserve adequacy. 

This year’s growth in reserves has been supported by inflows from operations in domestic and external markets, as well as favorable conditions in the global precious-metals market. At the same time, the National Bank continues to follow a conservative reserve-management strategy focused on the safety and liquidity of reserve assets. 

International reserves are used to support the purchasing power of the national currency, price stability, and the financial stability of the Kyrgyz Republic, and they enable the country to service its international obligations on time. 

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic will continue to pursue policies aimed at maintaining an adequate level of international reserves, taking into account domestic and external economic conditions, in order to achieve and maintain price stability through appropriate monetary policy. 

PRESS RELEASE  

of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic 

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic in order to recognize the merits and role of the outstanding personalities in formation and development of modern Kyrgyz statehood, from September 1, 2025 puts into circulation a silver collection coin «The Founding Fathers of Modern Kyrgyz Statehood» of the «Historical events» series. 

By decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, representatives of the political elite – national leaders: Abdykerim Sydykov, Imanaly Aidarbekov, Zhusup Abdrakhmanov, Abdykadyr Orozbekov, Ishenaly Arabaev were awarded the title of “Founding Fathers of Modern Kyrgyz Statehood” for their services to the country. They stood at the origins of the new statehood in the twentieth century, convincingly and reasonably proving that the Kyrgyz people, with their language, culture and history, had fool power and authority to establish their own state on an equal footing with the other peoples of Central Asia.  

The portraits of the fathers-founders of modern Kyrgyz statehood: Abdykerim Sydykov, Imanaly Aidarbekov, Zhusup Abdrakhmanov, Abdykadyr Orozbekov, Ishenaly Arabaev are depicted on the obverse side of the coin around the national flag of the Kyrgyz Republic. There is an inscription: «Азыркы Кыргыз мамлекеттүүлүгүн түптөгөн аталар» (The Founding Fathers of Modern Kyrgyz Statehood) around the circumference of the coin. The denomination of the coin (10) and the graphical sign of som (C) are stated at the bottom of the coin.  

The coat of arms of the Kyrgyz Republic against the background of tunduk framed by a stylized image of kerege (lattice folding walls of the yurt) is depicted on the reverse side of the coin. There is an inscription: «Кыргыз Республикасынын Улуттук банкы/ Национальный банк Кыргызской Республики» (National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic) in the upper and lower part of the coin. The weight of the coin (33 g) and the metal alloy (Ag 925) are shown in the upper part of the coin. The year of the coin issue «2025» is indicated in the lower part of the coin. 

The collection coin «The Founding Fathers of Modern Kyrgyz Statehood» has the status of legal tender in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

Specifications of coin 

Each collection coin placed in an acrylic capsule and packed in a separate box with a quality certificate attached. 

The collection coins are sold at the cash desks of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic institutions on working days from 9.00 a.m. till 2.00 p.m., as well as via the website for sale of the numismatic values: www.numizmat.nbkr.kg. The price of collection coin is 10 540,00 Som. 

On August 26, 2025, the Osh Regional Department of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held a scheduled field lecture on financial literacy for residents and employees of aiyl okmotu of Tilektesh aiyl aimak of Alay district, Osh oblast.  

The information on the role and functions of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, the history of the origin of the national currency, the stages of its development and protection features was provided during the lecture. In addition, the audience got acquainted with the types of loans and deposits, electronic financial services. Topics on financial security and consumer protection, as well as QR codes, rational use of funds, savings behavior, financial planning, setting financial goals, drawing up family and personal budgets were discussed. 

National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic kept its policy rate unchanged at 9.25 percent.