Tashkent Financial Hub Adopts New Legal Framework to Draw London Investment

September 22, 2026 - 03:08

Officials in Uzbekistan are moving forward with plans to establish the Tashkent International Financial Centre under its own distinct legal framework, a step designed to bring the hub closer to the standards used in the City of London. The arrangement would allow the centre to operate outside the country's existing regulatory structure, giving foreign firms a familiar set of rules for disputes, contracts and financial transactions.

The effort reflects a broader push by Tashkent to deepen ties with British financial institutions and to position itself as a gateway for investment in Central Asia. Part of the strategy involves encouraging companies to pursue international listings, which would raise the profile of local businesses and open them to a wider pool of investors.

Authorities also want to attract more private capital into the economy, reducing reliance on state spending and lending. Supporters argue that a separate legal regime, combined with closer cooperation with London based advisors and exchanges, could make the centre more credible in the eyes of international banks and funds.

The plan still faces questions about implementation, including how local courts and regulators will interact with the new framework. Even so, the direction is clear: Tashkent is betting that adopting familiar financial rules will help it compete for investment across the region.