Finance

Uzbekistan Establishes Legal Framework for Stablecoin Pilot Program

Uzbekistan has launched a regulated pilot program allowing banks and licensed entities to issue fiat-backed stablecoins under strict oversight from its central bank.

Kazakhstan Secures Direct Foreign Access to Its Stock Market via Euroclear

Kazakhstan has agreed with Euroclear to grant foreign investors direct access to its domestic securities market. This milestone was reached during high-level finance meetings in Washington.

Kazakhstan Secures Direct Foreign Access to Stock Market in Washington Talks

Kazakh Vice Minister of Finance Dauren Kenbeil secured an agreement for direct foreign access to Kazakhstan's stock market during high-level talks at IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington.

Пенсионные счета казахстанцев показали минус из-за укрепления тенге

Uzbekistan Launches Pilot Regime for Regulated Stablecoins

Uzbekistan has established a regulated pilot program allowing stablecoins backed by fiat currency while banning algorithmic tokens and anonymous operations.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Sign Pact to Strengthen Insurance Protection

The guarantee funds of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have signed a cooperation memorandum to strengthen policyholder protection and share best practices in insurance payouts and financial management.

Kazakh MFIs Imposed Paid Deferrals as 'Guarantees', Evading 6.1 Billion Tenge in VAT

Tax authorities in Kazakhstan have exposed microfinance institutions for disguising paid payment deferrals as 'guarantees', leading to 6.1 billion tenge in unpaid VAT from contracts worth 55.9 billion tenge.

Uzbekistan's National Investment Fund Announces Dual IPO in London and Tashkent

Uzbekistan's sovereign wealth fund plans a historic dual IPO in London and Tashkent in May 2026, securing $300 million in anchor investments from major global funds.

IMF Downgrades Global Growth Outlook Amid Middle East Conflict

The International Monetary Fund has cut its global GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1%, citing rising energy prices due to Middle East tensions and warning of potential recession risks.

Kazakh Tax Authorities Identify 72 Billion Tenge in Underreported Blogger Income

Kazakh tax authorities have identified 72 billion tenge in underreported income from over 850 bloggers, with hundreds already paying additional taxes. Seven high-profile cases involving over 10 million tenge each are under active investigation.

Kazakhstan and World Bank Discuss New Infrastructure Projects and Partnership Priorities

Kazakh Deputy PM Serik Zhumangarin met with World Bank VP Antonella Bassani in Washington to discuss new partnership priorities under a 2026-2030 strategy.

Kazakhstan and World Bank Forge New Infrastructure Partnership in Washington Talks

Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin met with World Bank leadership in Washington to discuss a new five-year partnership strategy focusing on major infrastructure projects in transport, energy, digitalization.

Kazakhstan Secures Funding for Major Karaganda-Zhezkazgan Highway

A financing deal signed in Washington paves the way for a new 457-km highway connecting Karaganda and Zhezkazgan, backed by international development banks.

World Bank to Fund Construction of 457-km Karaganda-Zhezkazgan Highway in Kazakhstan

A financing agreement has been signed for a new 457-km highway between Karaganda and Zhezkazgan in Kazakhstan. The project, backed by a 650 billion tenge loan from international banks, aims to boost regional connectivity and economic development.

Kazakhstan's New Pension System: Lifetime Payments Funded by Employers

Kazakhstan has implemented a new mandatory employer-funded pension system (MEPC) that creates an additional lifetime pension for millions of citizens without reducing their current salary.

Kazakhstan's New Pension System: Lifetime Payments Funded by Employers

Kazakhstan has launched a mandatory employer-funded pension system, creating an additional retirement income stream for workers without cutting their pay. Contributions start at 3.5% in 2026 and will rise to 5% by 2028.

IMF Downgrades Global Growth Outlook Amid Middle East Conflict and Energy Price Surge

The International Monetary Fund has cut its global GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1%, citing soaring energy prices driven by Middle East tensions and warning that prolonged supply disruptions could push economies toward recession.

Kazakh Tax Authorities Uncover 72 Billion Tenge in Underreported Blogger Income

Kazakh tax authorities have found that hundreds of bloggers underreported their income by a total of 72 billion tenge. Over six hundred influencers have already filed amended declarations and paid additional taxes.

Stronger Tenge Cuts Kazakhstan's Budget Revenue by 146 Billion

Kazakhstan's state budget missed out on approximately 146 billion tenge due to a stronger-than-expected national currency exchange rate against the dollar last quarter.