BEIJING, January 17. /Dunyo IA/.  A new article titled “Center for Economic Research and Reforms Ranks Uzbekistan’s Banking Sector” has been published in the Chinese publication “Psearcher”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the publication, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented an updated Bank Ranking based on the results of the Bank Activity Index for Q4 2025. The study covers 35 commercial banks of the republic, including 20 large financial institutions classified by scale and branch network, and 15 banks categorized as small.

“The methodology is based on the analysis of 27 indicators, benchmarked against national averages and international standards, including Basel Committee requirements. The ranking serves as an important tool for enhancing transparency and strengthening trust in the financial system. This approach is consistent with international practice and is used by leading financial institutions worldwide”, - article notes.

The report notes that, during the reporting period, total assets of the banking sector amounted to UZS 892.9 trillion (USD 74.2 billion), while liabilities reached UZS 759.8 trillion (USD 63.1 billion).

Lending increased by 13%, while deposits grew by 31%. The share of foreign-currency transactions declined, indicating strengthening of the national currency.

Net profit reached 13.5 trillion soums ($1.1 billion), which is 57.1% higher than a year earlier. Over the period under review, the share of non-performing loans decreased to 3.5% from 4.3% a year earlier, pointing to improved portfolio quality. At the same time, in some banks this indicator remains above the sector average. Capital adequacy ratios exceed minimum regulatory requirements by more than 1.4 times, confirming the resilience of the banking sector.

The report highlights that the fourth-quarter 2025 show that sector leaders have maintained stable positions, while reshuffling within the ranking remains limited. The most notable progress was demonstrated by “SQB”, which climbed three positions. Positive dynamics were also recorded by “Davr Bank”, “Orient Finance Bank”, “Xalq Bank” and “Ipoteka Bank”, all of which improved their standings in the overall ranking. At the same time, only two large banks showed a decline in activity. “Invest Finance Bank” and “Aloqa Bank” fell by four and three positions in the overall ranking, respectively. Overall, 13 banks retained their positions in the activity ranking, which, amid intensifying competition, reflects the ability of institutions to maintain operational efficiency, adequate liquidity, asset quality and financial stability.

Overall, article notes that 13 banks maintained their positions in the activity index, demonstrating their ability to sustain operational efficiency, adequate liquidity, high asset quality and financial resilience amid increasing competition.

“In the group of small banks, relative stability persists. Leaders have retained their positions. The main changes in this category also occurred in the mid-tier segment, where several banks improved their standings due to growth in financial intermediation and higher profitability”, - “Psearcher” concludes.