The Association of Banks of Tajikistan held the “Joizai Rushdi Bonkdori — 2026” ceremony (Award for Contribution to Banking Development), recognising achievements in digital banking. Winners were determined by a special commission, while a public vote ran in parallel — clients chose the banks whose services they found most convenient to use.
What the banks were awarded for
Transferring money in a matter of seconds, opening a deposit from your phone, applying for a loan online — we have grown so accustomed to these possibilities that we are now surprised if an ordinary transaction requires a trip to a branch.
Behind everyday convenience lie years of work: developing applications, installing terminals, building payment systems and training specialists. The award was an occasion to recognise the people and organisations thanks to whom banking services are becoming more accessible.
To determine the winners, a special commission and working group examined the results of financial organisations, their statistics and data from the National Bank. Awards were presented in three categories: development of digital infrastructure, development of digital banking services, and education in this field.
The public vote covered ten nominations: digital cards, mobile banking, payment infrastructure, financial innovation, digital savings and deposits, digital lending, government payments, digital banking in the regions, and digital education for bank staff and clients.
Poetry, music and a conversation about the future
The evening opened with rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam in Tajik and Russian. Guests were welcomed by young women in national dress and offered grape juice in piala cups. Poetry about the power of the human mind served as a fitting introduction to a conversation about the knowledge and decisions that are transforming an entire industry.
The ceremony was opened by Junaidulo Sharafov, Chairman of the Association of Banks of Tajikistan, and Gulbakhor Naziri, Deputy Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan. Guests also flew in from abroad: Olga Rudkovskaya, Director of Consulting Services Development at Mastercard for Central Asian countries, and Elena Skvortsova, General Partner of the ceremony and Vice-President of the Association of Banks of Russia.
“Our associations are bound not only by business relations but also by warm friendship, mutual trust and a shared commitment to developing the banking community. We are glad to exchange experience and support each other’s initiatives,” noted Elena Skvortsova.
Digital infrastructure: from cards to QR codes
Who was recognised for developing digital infrastructure?
Dushanbe City Bank received an award for its contribution to the development of digital payments and payment card services.
Alif Bank was recognised for the development of mobile banking.
Humo Bank won in the category of payment infrastructure development and the expansion of the banking payment agent network, including QR codes, ATMs and POS terminals.
Oriyonbank received an award for the use of innovative technologies.
Behind each of these categories lie familiar situations: paying by phone in a shop, withdrawing cash near home, or transferring money to loved ones directly from an app.
Deposits, loans and services in the regions
The second category brought together achievements in the development of specific banking services.
International Bank of Tajikistan received an award for the development of digital savings and deposits.
Bank Eskhata — for the development of digital lending.
Amonatbank — for the development of digital government services.
Imon International — for the development of digital banking in the regions.
The last category is especially important for clients outside Dushanbe: access to modern financial tools should not depend on proximity to the capital.
Who teaches people to use digital capabilities
Even the most user-friendly application requires some familiarisation, and new technologies require trained specialists. Separate awards were therefore dedicated to the training of staff and clients.
Arvand Bank was recognised for training staff of credit organisations on digitalisation.
FINCA received an award for client training and consultation. The ceremony also drew attention to work with women: financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship training and the activities of a women entrepreneurs’ club.
Certificates of appreciation and material incentives in the category “Best Teacher in Digital Banking” were awarded to Sharif Rahimzoda and Bakhrom Sharipov. In the category “Best Book Author in Digital Banking” — to Umed Khikmatov and Salmon Mavlonazarov.
Public vote: recognition from clients
In addition to the commission, banks were also assessed through a public vote. Clients evaluated what they encounter every day: how intuitive the app is, how easy it is to pay for a service, open a deposit or apply for a loan.
Humo Bank received the most votes across the various nominations. The survey results were presented by Lola Salimova, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Banks of Tajikistan. The public vote added an important dimension to the award: behind the figures and technologies always lies the personal experience of a person who entrusts their money to a bank.
The next award — for the Association’s 20th anniversary
In 2027, the Association of Banks of Tajikistan will mark its 20th anniversary. The next award is planned to focus on three areas: the use of artificial intelligence tools, green economy standards and information security in banking.