Proposed Changes
Starting from March 31, 2026, the following minimum capital requirements will be introduced for newly opened exchange offices, as well as for additional and seasonal exchange points:- 2.5 million soms (for exchange offices located outside Bishkek and Osh);
- 5 million soms - for those located in Bishkek and Osh;
- 1 million soms - for seasonal exchange offices, regardless of their location.
1) For exchange offices located outside Bishkek and Osh:
- by March 31, 2026 - at least 1 million soms;
- by March 31, 2028 - at least 2 million soms;
- by March 31, 2030 - at least 3 million soms.
- by March 31, 2026 - at least 2 million soms;
- by March 31, 2028 - at least 3 million soms;
- by March 31, 2030 - at least 5 million soms.
Reasons for Changes
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic emphasizes that with the increase in currency operations in the country, there is a need to revise the regulation of exchange offices. The increase in financial risks, cases of unfair practices, and the demand for transparency in operations require strengthening the regulatory conditions for exchange points.The draft resolution "On the Minimum Amount of Working Capital for Exchange Offices" provides measures to create the necessary conditions for the development of this system and to improve the requirements for their functioning. In light of the growth in transaction volumes, a phased increase in capital requirements for existing exchange offices is proposed to give them time to adapt.
Currently, the minimum amount of working capital for exchange offices in Kyrgyzstan is 1 million soms for legal entities opening exchange offices in Bishkek and Osh. For regional points, the minimum amount is 500,000 soms, and for seasonal exchange offices, it is also starting from 500,000 soms.
