Cash held by Kyrgyzstan's population grows to 286 billion soms

The amount of cash circulating outside Kyrgyzstan's banking system has surged, reaching 286 billion soms as of July 1, 2026. This represents a substantial increase of 33.26 billion soms, or 13.2 percent, compared to the same period last year, according to a report by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.

Overall, the total money supply in circulation stood at 317 billion soms. Of this, 31 billion soms were held within commercial bank cash desks, while the vast majority, 286 billion soms, remained outside formal banking channels. This trend highlights a growing reliance on physical currency among the population.

Commercial banks experienced a significant uptick in cash turnover during the second quarter of 2026. Cash receipts at bank cash desks rose by 36.9 percent year-on-year, totaling 1,841.6 trillion soms. Similarly, cash withdrawals increased by 35.9 percent, reaching 1,880.3 trillion soms. These figures indicate heightened activity in cash-based transactions.

The republic's overall cash return rate to commercial bank cash desks stood at 97.9 percent in the second quarter of 2026, a slight increase of 0.7 percent from the previous year. However, regional disparities exist. Bishkek reported a high return rate of 99.2 percent, while regions like Naryn saw a decrease to 91.6 percent. Other regions like Batken and Chui reported return rates exceeding 100 percent, suggesting more cash entered these areas than was returned to banks.