FinTech Office and Innovation Hub to Open at the Central Bank

Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that starting from 2026, Uzbekistan will implement key initiatives aimed at taking the digital economy to a new stage. According to the President, a dedicated FinTech Office and an innovation hub will be established under the Central Bank. The head of state noted that within the “Digital Startups” program, a new support system now being developed will provide end-to-end assistance to projects—from the moment an initial idea emerges to bringing a finished product to foreign markets. This will open new opportunities for young people and proactive entrepreneurs. It is also planned to allocate interest-free loans for up to five years from the Youth Fund to set up private startup centers. The maximum amount of such loans may reach up to 5 billion soums. Through the new FinTech Office and innovation hub, at least 15–20 startups are expected to enter international markets each year, with total investment attracted projected to reach up to $1 billion. These figures clearly show that a startup ecosystem is taking shape in the country. The President also emphasized the importance of legally safeguarding the rights of all market participants to ensure the sustainable development of venture funds, startups, and the FinTech sector. To this end, parliament and the government were proposed to jointly draft the law “On Alternative Investment Funds.” In short, the FinTech Office and innovation hub under the Central Bank are expected to become a driver not only for startups, but for the entire digital economy. This is a concrete step toward the future. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!