Together with more than 70 financial institutions worldwide, Ipak Yuli Bank is supporting a global campaign dedicated to financial inclusion.
Despite the availability of banking services, many individuals and entrepreneurs remain outside the financial system due to eligibility requirements, service costs and terms that do not reflect their actual circumstances and needs.
Having a bank account does not necessarily mean being fully included in economic life. True financial inclusion means that people can do more than access banking services: they can save money, obtain financing, develop their businesses and plan for the future with greater confidence.
This is the focus of the global Faces of Inclusion campaign, held as part of Banking on Values Day 2026, an annual initiative of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV). This year, banks and financial institutions worldwide are drawing attention to different forms of financial exclusion and sharing solutions that make financial services more accessible and better suited to the needs of individuals, businesses and communities.
In 2026, Ipak Yuli Bank joined GABV, becoming the first bank from Uzbekistan to join this international alliance. The bank is also supporting Banking on Values Day 2026 and shares the principle that financial inclusion is not limited to access to banking products; it also means ensuring that these products are available on terms that meet people’s needs.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
One of Ipak Yuli Bank’s key areas of focus is expanding women’s access to financial opportunities and supporting women’s entrepreneurship. By the end of 2025, the bank had financed a total of 7,937 projects led by women entrepreneurs, providing 4.5 trillion UZS in financing.
In addition to financing, the bank organises free training sessions, seminars and practical workshops for women developing their own businesses. Ipak Yuli Bank also participates in the We-Finance Code initiative and implements the She’s Next programme in Uzbekistan in partnership with Visa.
One example is the story of Nigorakhon Kodirova from Fergana. She is developing a modern footwear brand for people with orthopaedic conditions and specific needs. The project combines comfort, accessibility and contemporary design.
As part of the first She’s Next Empowered by Visa programme in Uzbekistan, implemented with the support of Ipak Yuli Bank, Nigorakhon took second place in the “Established Business” category and received a grant of USD 4,000. The funding enabled her to purchase equipment and materials and expand production.
Green Financing for Sustainable Businesses
Another important area of the bank’s work is financing projects that help businesses adopt energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Since 2019, Ipak Yuli Bank has attracted USD 46 million to support such projects through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) GEFF programme.
During this period, the bank financed more than 300 projects worth a total of USD 40 million. The current programme portfolio amounts to USD 33 million and comprises 276 projects. The estimated annual reduction in CO₂ emissions resulting from the projects implemented reaches 16,936 tonnes. Among the businesses that have received financing are 30 women-led enterprises.
One practical example is the business operated by Mukambar Usmonova in Tashkent. Her company runs two cafés at the “Urikzor” market. Power outages and restrictions on gas use had created challenges for the cafés’ operations.
With support from Ipak Yuli Bank under the GEFF programme, a 40 kW solar power system was installed on the roof of the cafés. Refrigeration units, kitchen equipment and lighting can now operate without interruptions, helping prevent food spoilage and maintain consistent food quality. The system is expected to save approximately 668 GJ of energy and reduce CO₂ emissions by 27.6 tonnes annually. This reduction is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by more than 450 trees in a year.
What GABV’s Research Shows
Ipak Yuli Bank’s experience demonstrates one approach to addressing financial exclusion. However, the issue remains relevant to financial institutions worldwide. This is also reflected in the findings of a GABV survey conducted among its members.
Between July and September 2026, 66 financial institutions from 45 countries participated in the survey, representing 89% of GABV’s membership network. The most frequently reported barrier was collateral requirements and lending eligibility criteria (62%). Other barriers included limited financial literacy (42%), a lack of required documents or official identification (38%), the high cost of financial services (29%) and products that are not adapted to clients’ needs (27%).
According to survey participants, the groups most affected by financial exclusion are low-income individuals and families (53%), migrants and refugees (45%), residents of rural and remote areas (41%), women (29%) and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (24%).
Among the most effective approaches to addressing financial exclusion, financial institutions highlighted personalised service and long-term client relationships (52%), products tailored to the needs of different groups (50%) and financial literacy programmes (41%). These approaches are consistent with Ipak Yuli Bank’s initiatives to expand women’s financial opportunities and support entrepreneurship.
About GABV
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is an international network of independent banks and credit unions that use finance to support sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
The alliance comprises 74 financial institutions from 48 countries. Together, they serve more than 50 million clients and manage total assets exceeding USD 290 billion.
Learn more about Banking on Values Day 2026 and the Faces of Inclusion campaign: www.bankingonvaluesday.com
