Uzbekistan’s Central Bank to Launch National Payment “Switch”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Central Bank of Uzbekistan will create a national payment “switch” to process all transactions in the national currency.

This new infrastructure will serve as the mandatory single gateway for both domestic and international payment operators, according to a presidential decree on fintech development signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 27 November.

Under the 2025–2026 program, Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov is tasked with launching the payment switch system to enhance the security and resilience of cashless transactions.

By January 2026, the regulator will study international practices for similar systems and prepare technical specifications. By March, legal and regulatory acts will be developed to require all payment system operators, including electronic money companies, to interact exclusively through the Central Bank’s gateway.

The decree also expands the functionality of the Instant Payments System. By 1 February 2026, individuals will be able to make real-time transfers directly between their bank accounts using mobile phone numbers, and payment service providers will gain P2P access through OpenAPI, enabling new services and fostering competition in the market.