Uzbekistan’s financial landscape is undergoing a digital transformation as two prominent private banks, Kapital Bank and Ravnaq Bank, secure the green light from the National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP) to participate in the realm of cryptocurrency regulation through the digital sandbox initiative.
A significant development unveiled on August 14th, NAPP’s approval was extended to Ravnaq Bank, thus welcoming them to partake in the pilot program.
This followed the Agency’s announcement in May 2023 confirming Kapital Bank’s involvement in issuing its own crypto card.
Branded as “UzNEX,” the forthcoming Uzbeki crypto card is set to revolutionize the financial sector by synergizing traditional banking services with access to a crypto exchange and an automated exchange mechanism.
Bolstering this innovative venture is a partnership with Mastercard, a global frontrunner in payment systems.
Both Kapital Bank and Ravnaq Bank are diligently working towards a shared goal, aiming to roll out their crypto card offerings to the general public by the close of December 2023.
Notably, they stand as two of the esteemed trio of registered participants within the nation’s digital sandbox experiment.
In a pivotal move commencing from 2023, Uzbekistan’s administration has mandated that only licensed cryptocurrency entities are permitted to offer crypto-related services.
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This regulatory pivot comes on the heels of the issuance of the inaugural licenses to local crypto enterprises in November 2022.
Preceding this, the country had barred access to several international crypto exchanges of repute, including Binance, FTX, and Huobi, citing allegations of unauthorized activities.
The nation’s meticulous approach to cryptocurrency oversight was instigated by a presidential decree in 2022 that heralded the inception of NAPP, entrusted with the responsibility of supervising the burgeoning digital assets sector.
Furthermore, the decree not only set the wheels in motion for regulatory clarity but also intricately delineated the legal framework encompassing cryptocurrency mining endeavors within the confines of Uzbekistan.
As these private banks join hands with cutting-edge technology and renowned financial giants, they are poised to shape a pioneering era in Uzbekistan’s financial landscape.
With their sights set on the imminent launch of the UzNEX crypto card and the overarching vision of advancing secure and regulated cryptocurrency services, these institutions are indelibly etching their mark in the digital evolution of finance.
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