The Kyrgyz economy now has nearly 34 billion KGS more in cash

The amount of cash in Kyrgyzstan’s economy continues to grow. As of the end of the first quarter of 2026, the total amount of money in circulation reached 280.1 billion KGS—an increase of 33.6 billion KGS, or 15.3%, compared to the previous year.

At the same time, the bulk of cash remains outside the banking system. Of the total amount, 253.1 billion KGS circulate “in the hands” of the population and businesses, while only 27 billion KGS are held in the vaults of commercial banks.

At the same time, cash flows through the banking system are also growing. In January–March 2026, 1 trillion 383 billion KGS entered bank vaults—13% more than a year ago. Disbursements also increased to 1 trillion 378 billion KGS, which is 11% higher than the figures for the same period in 2025.

Cash began returning to the banking system at a faster rate. The cash return rate stood at 100.4% compared to 98.6% a year earlier. In other words, more money is returning to banks than is being withdrawn from them.

The most significant growth in the return rate was recorded:

• in Bishkek—up to 101.4%;
• in the city of Osh—to 100.3%;
• in the Jalal-Abad region—+2.7 percentage points.

At the same time, in the Naryn region, the figure fell to 94.5%, and in the Chui region—to 98.5%.