Time: 16:00 - 17:00 (Bishkek time)
Lecturer: Nurgul Akimova, Economist, Digital Transformation Expert
Language: English
Format: online
Registration link: https://forms.gle/Z7T2SjVhk4y3LQx1A

Description

This presentation presents the results of an in-depth policy study on the prospects for introducing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) - the Digital Som - in the Kyrgyz Republic. In a context of low financial inclusion, high informality, and the urgent need for greater transparency in public finance, the digital som is positioned as a transformative solution to modernize the national financial system.
The presentation will cover:
• a comparative review of global CBDC initiatives (e.g., China, the EU, Nigeria);
• current strengths and weaknesses of Kyrgyzstan’s digital financial infrastructure;
• potential benefits and key risks of CBDC implementation;
• regulatory, technical, and institutional recommendations for the National Bank and the Government.
Special attention will be paid to the implementation roadmap, cybersecurity requirements, privacy concerns, and cross-border interoperability.

BIO

Nurgul Akimova is an economist and policy analyst specializing in digital transformation, institutional development, and evaluation of economic reforms. She is the author of the policy paper “Introduction of a National Digital Currency: The Digital Som in the Kyrgyz Republic,” prepared with the support of the OSCE Academy.

She currently serves as Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the World Bank’s Digital CASA project and has provided policy advisory services to the Eurasian Economic Commission, the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament). Her expertise spans investment climate analysis, strategic governance, and legal-economic reforms.