Published
03/04/2026, 11:25The total volume of transactions in the national QR payment system ELQR exceeded 1 trillion KGS. This result was achieved six years after the launch of the project, which has now become one of the key elements of Kyrgyzstan's digital payment infrastructure.
Just a few years ago, QR code payments were perceived in the country as more of a technological experiment. However, today this method of payment has become commonplace — it is used by both large retail chains and small shops, services, and service companies.
The development of the system began in 2019, when the National Bank began to form the legal and technological basis for a unified QR payment standard. At that time, the market took an important step towards unification: digital payment solutions began to operate according to uniform rules.
In February 2020, ZAO Interbank Processing Center, the operator of the Elkart national payment system, received the status of an operator for QR payments. This made it possible to unite banks, payment services, and mobile applications into a single payment space.
The practical application of the technology began in May 2022, when the ELQR system was launched in Kyrgyzstan — a unified space for QR payments without being tied to a specific bank or application. Users were able to pay for purchases and transfer funds regardless of which financial institution they used.
In the summer of the same year, QR payments began to be actively used in the mass market. The versatility of the system became a key factor in its growth. Businesses no longer needed to implement several different solutions, and customers no longer needed to install multiple applications.
In 2023, the system entered a scaling phase. Most financial market participants connected to it, which ensured full inter-system compatibility. QR payments have effectively become the common standard for cashless payments within the country.
In 2024, the system's functionality was expanded. Inter-system transfers via QR code appeared, clearing processes were optimized, and the regulatory framework was strengthened.
By the end of 2025, ELQR had finally established itself as the main tool for QR payments in Kyrgyzstan. Twenty commercial banks and 21 payment organizations are integrated into the infrastructure, and users have access to more than 100 mobile payment applications and services.
Today, the system continues to develop beyond the national market. Work is underway on international integration, including interaction with Alipay+, which opens up opportunities for cross-border payments and accepting payments through foreign applications.
