TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. Xalq Banki
plans to expand access to banking services in Uzbekistan’s regions
through digitalization and the development of an agent network.


This was told to Trend’s special correspondent by Murodjon Duliyev,
head of a division at Xalq Banki, on the sidelines of the Silk Road
Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent.


According to Duliyev, Uzbekistan is becoming a regional fintech
development hub, while the digitalization of the banking sector is
helping expand public access to financial services.


"Xalq Banki is currently considered one of the most digitalized
banks. We have created a mobile application through which almost
90% of all transactions are carried out," he said.


He noted that social payments, obtaining certain certificates
and other services that were previously provided mainly at bank
branches have been transferred online.


"Basically, these include social services, payments, obtaining
certain certificates and other transactions. We have moved all of
this to an online system," Duliyev said.


According to him, Xalq Banki is also developing its own academy
and laboratory focused on building digital competencies and
developing new solutions.


Another area will be the creation of an agent network, which
will help expand access to banking services beyond major
cities.







"We want to create an agent network that will serve the
population. Agents will be able to accept payments, carry out
certain banking operations, accept cards, provide cash withdrawals,
as well as offer initial information about our products, loans and
deposits," Duliyev said.


He added that agents will also be able to help attract new
customers to banking products.


"If they sell certain cards or loans, they will refer an already
prepared customer to us. If this customer passes our verification
and takes out the product, we will pay the agent a commission," he
explained.


According to Duliyev, developing the agent network will allow
Xalq Banki to expand its presence across all regions of Uzbekistan
and improve access to financial services for the population.


"We want to gradually reach every corner of our republic so that
people know about banking services and improve their financial
literacy," he said.


Speaking about the possibility of Xalq Banki expanding its
operations to other Central Asian countries, Duliyev said he could
not provide details of any specific plans at this stage, but did
not rule out such a possibility in the future.


"Most likely, yes. At the moment, we are a kind of magnet, and
many people come to us. In the future, if we get through this stage
not only as a bank but also as a country, then most likely we will
definitely enter foreign markets," Duliyev concluded.