Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — TBC Bank Uzbekistan (TBC UZ), the country’s largest mobile-only bank, announces today it has secured US$25 million in debt financing from a private debt fund managed by Switzerland-based impact investor BlueOrchard Finance Ltd (BlueOrchard).

These funds will be dedicated to further expanding TBC UZ’s ecosystem. This will contribute to the ongoing growth of the digital bank’s loan portfolio and promote financial inclusion in Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s largest country by population. This funding follows the US$10 million credit line TBC UZ secured from responsAbility Investments AG earlier this year, as the bank continues to diversify its funding base.

TBC UZ is part of TBC Uzbekistan, a leading digital financial ecosystem in Central Asia, which also includes payme, a digital payments app for individuals and small businesses; and payme nasiya (payme instalments), an instalment credit business. TBC Uzbekistan is part of London-listed TBC Bank Group PLC.

Nika Kurdiani, CEO of TBC Group operations in Uzbekistan, commented: "We are thrilled to secure this significant debt financing from BlueOrchard, which will enable us to further diversify our funding base and expand our microlending efforts, helping enhance financial inclusion across Uzbekistan. We are passionate about providing innovative digital financial solutions that increase convenience and improve lives and feel privileged to have BlueOrchard’s support."

Philipp Mueller, CEO of BlueOrchard, said: "We are delighted to partner with TBC Bank Uzbekistan and support its important mission of leveraging modern digital banking to help improve lives and promote financial inclusion in Central Asia. This investment will help TBC UZ reach more individuals with vital financial services, fostering economic resilience and development in the region."