Uzbekistan to Host Silk Road Finance & Tech Forum 2026

Uzbekistan Gears Up for Silk Road Finance & Tech Forum

Uzbekistan is set to host the inaugural Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent from August 24-26, 2026. Organized by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU) and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), this event aims to be a primary platform for finance, technology, innovation, and policy discussions.

The forum will gather government officials, regulators, investors, and industry representatives from Central Asia and beyond, emphasizing Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding its financial technology sector.

Key Initiatives and Sector Growth

Uzbekistan’s fintech drive is supported by a young population, with nearly 70% digital adoption. The country has set ambitious targets for 2030, including:

• Attracting $1 billion in foreign investment.
• Training over 5,000 specialists.
• Licensing more than 200 market participants.
• Piloting digital currencies.

To foster innovation, the Central Bank has launched a globally accessible Regulatory Sandbox 2.0, the QFinex Quantum Test Bed, and a $50 million venture fund. Regulatory frameworks are also under development for areas like open banking, digital assets, and cyber resilience.

Forum Focus and Global Collaboration

The forum will explore five key thematic areas:

• Open banking
• Digital assets and stablecoins
• Cross-border payments
• Islamic finance
• Innovation and investment

Co-hosted with Ant International, the event joins GFTN’s network of international fintech gatherings. The chosen theme, ‘Al-Jabr,’ references the origins of algebra, symbolizing the forum’s goal of uniting stakeholders to shape the future of financial systems and digital innovation.

GFTN, a Singapore-based non-profit established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2024, provides a global platform for financial technology, policy, and investment, offering advisory services to governments on financial innovation and inclusion.