Nearly 440,000 Uzbeks Voluntarily Restricted Access to Credit in 2025

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  In 2025, nearly 440,000 Uzbek citizens took advantage of the option to voluntarily limit their access to credit, the Credit Information Analytical Center (CIAC) reported.

As of 1 January 2026, a self-imposed credit restriction had been set for 438,322 individuals. Men account for the majority of users — over 292,700, while women make up 145,600. The service is most popular among citizens aged 26–35, representing one-third of all registrations, followed by users aged 36–45 (24%) and under 26 (22%).

The service was launched in June 2025, initially used by 33,100 people. Steady growth was observed in the following months: July — 37,600; August — 37,800; September — 40,800; October — 41,800. Activity surged at the end of the year, with nearly 247,000 self-restrictions registered in November and December alone, including over 153,500 in December.

Individuals can set the restriction through the credit bureau, the State Services Center, or the Unified Interactive Government Services Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan (my.gov.uz), including its mobile app.

The measure stems from the law on credit self-restrictions signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 4 March 2025, amending the Law “On Credit Information Exchange.” It allows individuals to independently limit their ability to enter credit agreements and to lift the restriction at their discretion.

The initiative aims to protect citizens from unauthorized loans taken without their knowledge. Once a request is submitted, the credit bureau records the user in the relevant registry, and banks, microfinance institutions, and other credit organizations must check for the restriction before issuing credit. Violations entail legal liability for the creditor.

Access to the self-restriction registry is free, and the Cabinet of Ministers sets the service procedures. This tool empowers citizens to control their own credit obligations and enhances protection against fraud.