In Kyrgyzstan, currency exchange offices will verify the origin of their customers' money, including that of foreigners

On December 19, 2025, the National Bank's Board approved new regulations establishing minimum requirements for internal control in currency exchange offices. The document aims to combat money laundering and the financing of illegal activities and brings the National Bank's rules into line with updated legislation and international standards.

Simply put, the state is tightening control over how and with what money exchange offices work so that funds linked to crimes do not pass through them.

The new rules were necessary because in 2025, Kyrgyzstan updated its anti-money laundering laws and the Cabinet of Ministers adopted new decisions.

The country is guided by the standards of the FATF, an international organization that sets rules for combating dirty money and financial crimes.

Thus, the new requirements for exchange offices are part of a general policy to increase the transparency of the financial market and reduce the risks of using cash in illegal schemes.

According to the new regulations, exchange offices must:

• implement an internal control system and appoint a responsible employee;
• verify customers, their documents, and, if necessary, the source of the money;
• pay special attention to large and unusual transactions;
• identify suspicious transactions and report them to the competent authorities;
• keep records of transactions and customers for at least five years;
• apply stricter controls to high-risk transactions.

If an exchange office has reasonable grounds for suspicion, it is obliged to suspend the transaction and report it to the financial intelligence authorities.

For most customers, currency exchange will continue as usual. However, for large amounts or non-standard transactions, exchange office staff may request additional documents.

The resolution will come into force 15 days after its official publication. Given that the document was published on December 30, the new requirements will take effect on January 14 — immediately after the New Year holidays.