The document is aimed at eliminating problems, further improving the mechanisms for ensuring protection of consumers’ rights of banking services and increasing the level of financial accessibility, taking into account modern trends in innovative development.

The draft document said that ensuring the accessibility of banking services and protecting the rights of consumers of banking services is one of the main tasks of the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The draft document said that starting from 1 July, commercial banks should create conditions for unhindered access to the customer service area without prior authorization and presentation of documents, to obtain preliminary advice on services, provided from the administrators of primary reception of clients, as well as transparent registration and review of loan applications.

According to the document, before 1 April, banks will introduce a mechanism to withdraw foreign currency cash, purchased by individuals to their international payment cards (within the limits set by banks) in Uzbekistan.

The draft resolution notes that before the end of 2018 the banks will install a minimum of 1045 ATMs. ATMs and other equipment will be exempt from payment of customs payments (except for customs clearance fees) until 2020.

Till 1 April, the banks will implement a system for remote management of individuals’ accounts, providing them with operations for purchase and sale of foreign currency and the transfer of funds from international payment cards to deposits in foreign or national currency.

Till 1 May, Uzbekistan plans to develop a concept of creating a National Bank Processing Center, which provides information and technological cooperation between banks on local and international bank cards.

The center will develop innovative products, including contactless and mobile technologies, primarily in the sphere of social services, transport, trade and catering, especially in the regions.

By July, integration of domestic payment systems with major international payment systems should be completed, which will allow to accept any payment cards in the entire network of payment terminals.

Till 1 November, it is planned to open automated exchange offices operating around the clock, especially in places visited by tourists.

The draft document envisages preparation of amendments to the legislation on issuing microloans, with the introduction of a scoring model in banks to assess the creditworthiness of potential borrowers and shorten the terms for issuing loans (micro-loans) to individuals and small businesses.