Published
08/01/2025, 16:13The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has amended several important rules governing the operations of banks. These changes relate to how banks assess risks when working with businesses, particularly in international trade.
Banks can now reassess liabilities that are not directly reflected in their accounts, known as off-balance sheet items. These include guarantees, letters of credit and loan commitments.
If such liabilities relate to the supply of goods or services in foreign trade and comply with international standards, banks can consider them less risky.
This means that lower risk weights will apply to such transactions, which will ultimately allow banks to hold fewer reserves and support business more actively.
The changes also affect banks operating under Islamic principles — similar rules have been updated for them so that all market participants have a uniform approach.
The amendments were necessary to simplify banks' work with foreign trade transactions, to support businesses involved in import and export, and to make the rules clearer, more predictable and in line with international practice.
Most of the changes will take effect on 1 January 2026. However, some provisions will come into force immediately after the official publication of the document.
