Activity among microfinance organisations (MFOs) and pawnshops in Uzbekistan rose noticeably by the end of the third quarter of 2025, according to a report from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
During this period, both assets and capital of these institutions increased. However, the regulator noted that higher interest rates and rising problem loans also heightened risks. The report shows that 90% of lending, equivalent to 19.2 trln soums ($1.6 bn), was extended to individuals, while loans to businesses grew to 1.2 trln soums ($101 mln) by early October.
In the third quarter, 26 new microfinance institutions and pawnshops opened across the country, bringing the total number of such organisations to 218.
