Kyrgyzstan Sets Higher Capital Requirements for Banks

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has approved new minimum capital requirements for commercial banks, including foreign bank branches, which will come into effect in January 2026.

Under the revised rules, the minimum authorized capital for banks must reach $34.5 million by 2030, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

The central bank said the increase aims to strengthen the resilience and stability of the banking sector.

To ease the impact on existing financial institutions, the capital thresholds will be raised gradually over the coming years.

According to the schedule, commercial banks must raise their authorized capital to:

• $9 million by July 1, 2026
• $11.5 million by July 2026
• $17.1 million by July 2027
• $23 million by July 1, 2028
• $28.6 million by July 1, 2029
• $34.5 million by July 2030

Systemically important banks, defined as the largest players in the market, will face stricter standards. These institutions must raise their authorized capital to $91.5 million. If designated as systemically important, a bank will have one year to meet the authorized capital requirement and three months to bring its regulatory capital in line, according to the NBKR.

Previously, the minimum authorized capital for commercial banks stood at $9.1 million, and $22.8 million for systemically important institutions. The NBKR said the revised requirements reflect the growth of both the national economy and the banking sector.

The banking industry in Kyrgyzstan is expanding rapidly. As of the end of October 2025, the sector’s total assets reached $12.8 billion, an increase of 38% since the beginning of the year. Customer deposits climbed to $9.1 billion, marking a 35% rise. The growth is largely attributed to higher interest income from loans.

There are currently 21 commercial banks and 306 branches operating across the country.