“THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF UZBEKISTAN’S BANKING SECTOR”
pdf

Keywords

digital transformation, banking sector, financial inclusion, financial technologies, fintech, digital banking services, mobile banking, digital payments, remote banking services, digital lending, Open Banking, API technologies, digital infrastructure, financial literacy, digital financial literacy, cybersecurity, digital fraud, bank–fintech cooperation, digital economy, Uzbekistan’s banking system.

Abstract

This article comprehensively examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the digital transformation of Uzbekistan’s banking sector in the context of the rapid development of financial technologies, as well as its role in promoting financial inclusion. The study analyzes the impact of modern trends such as digital banking services, fintech technologies, mobile banking, digital payment systems, remote banking services, digital lending, and Open Banking on the development of the banking system. Particular attention is paid to the importance of digital technologies in expanding access to financial services, improving the speed and convenience of banking services, reducing transaction costs, and expanding the geographical coverage of banking services.

At the same time, the study identifies the uneven development of digital infrastructure across regions, disparities in the levels of digital and financial literacy among the population, cybersecurity and digital fraud risks, personal data protection, and integration issues between banking and fintech platforms as the main challenges in the digital transformation process. To address these challenges and accelerate the digital transformation of Uzbekistan’s banking sector, the article develops scientific and practical recommendations aimed at improving digital infrastructure, strengthening bank–fintech cooperation, expanding the use of Open Banking and API technologies, enhancing cybersecurity mechanisms, and increasing the population’s digital financial literacy. The findings of the study make it possible to assess digital transformation as one of the key factors in ensuring financial inclusion and the long-term sustainable development of the banking sector.

pdf

References

Republic of Uzbekistan. “On the Strategy of Uzbekistan – 2030.” Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-158, September 11, 2023.

Republic of Uzbekistan. “On the Strategy for Reforming the Banking System of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020–2025.” Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-5992, May 12, 2020.

Republic of Uzbekistan. “On Approval of the Digital Uzbekistan – 2030 Strategy and Measures for Its Effective Implementation.” Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-6079, October 5, 2020.

Republic of Uzbekistan. Law “On Payments and Payment Systems.” No. O‘RQ-578, November 1, 2019.

Republic of Uzbekistan. Law “On Banks and Banking Activities.” No. O‘RQ-580, November 5, 2019.

Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Annual Report 2025. Tashkent, 2026. Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan

World Bank. The Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2022.

Demirgüç-Kunt, A., Klapper, L., Singer, D., & Ansar, S. The Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2022.

Sahay, R., Allmen, U. E. von, Lahreche, A., Khera, P., Ogawa, S., Bazarbash, M., & Beaton, K. The Promise of Fintech: Financial Inclusion in the Post-COVID-19 Era. IMF Departmental Paper No. 2020/009. International Monetary Fund, 2020.

Arner, D. W., Barberis, J., & Buckley, R. P. The Evolution of FinTech: A New Post-Crisis Paradigm? Georgetown Journal of International Law, 2016, 47(4), pp. 1271–1319.

Gomber, P., Koch, J. A., & Siering, M. Digital Finance and FinTech: Current Research and Future Research Directions. Journal of Business Economics, 2017, 87, pp. 537–580.

Ozili, P. K. Impact of Digital Finance on Financial Inclusion and Stability. Borsa Istanbul Review, 2018, 18(4), pp. 329–340.

Manyika, J., Lund, S., Singer, M., White, O., & Berry, C. Digital Finance for All: Powering Inclusive Growth in Emerging Economies. McKinsey Global Institute, 2016.

Zavolokina, L., Dolata, M., & Schwabe, G. The FinTech Phenomenon: Antecedents of Financial Innovation Perceived by the Popular Press. Financial Innovation, 2016, 2(1).

Eshtemirova, M. A. Digital Transformation of the Banking Sector and Financial Inclusion in Uzbekistan. Agrobusiness, Science and Technology, 2026, 4(7).

Kuvatova, O. S., & Ergashov, A. Open Banking as a Driver of Financial Innovation and Inclusion in Uzbekistan’s Banking Sector. Green Economy and Development, 2026.

International Monetary Fund (IMF). Fintech and Financial Inclusion in the Post-COVID-19 World. Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.

PwC. Global FinTech Report. PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Digital Banking in Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Challenges. Boston Consulting Group.

World Bank. Financial Inclusion and Digital Financial Services..