In particular, the volume of incoming payments for legal entities amounted to 165 million, which in turn led to a total of 159.2 billion soms, increasing 5 to 6 times compared to 2024.
The National Bank reminded that in 2019, a national standard was adopted in Kyrgyzstan to ensure intersystem integration of banking and payment systems, allowing payments and transfers via QR codes. This system enables transactions using bank accounts, cards, electronic money, and mobile applications. After the standard was approved on December 31, 2022, all participants in the payment systems successfully connected to the ELQR system.
“A unified approach to the architecture of payments in the country allows clients to make interbank and intersystem payments via QR code from any bank's mobile application. Kyrgyzstan is currently the only country in Central Asia that provides intersystem integration of various payment systems using national QR codes. The ELQR system has been joined by 20 commercial banks and 14 payment organizations, making this system one of the first and unique achievements of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia and the EAEU,” noted representatives of the NB KR.
It is also worth mentioning that starting from January 1, 2026, a fine was introduced for using personal QR codes in business, which caused dissatisfaction among entrepreneurs. As a result, the tax service suspended inspections and control purchases from small and medium-sized business entities until the end of 2026, including inspections related to QR codes.
Residents of Kyrgyzstan also expressed dissatisfaction regarding the blocking of their accounts by commercial banks. The National Bank commented on these cases.
“Since the QR code serves as a tool for accessing bank accounts and electronic wallets, banks or payment organizations may impose restrictions on payment amounts based on the client's risk assessment and internal control. Additionally, the bank has the right to request documents from the client that confirm the legality and appropriateness of transactions, especially if they do not align with the client's usual practices,” added the National Bank.
