Why is this important
Three new MFOs are expanding the micro-lending market for small businesses and the population. The owners are experienced businessmen from the leasing and agricultural sectors who know the needs of clients. Fincom Invest is owned by Stanislav Kim, who controls three leasing companies and a textile firm. Vafo Finance is affiliated with Wafa Leasing. Qanot Finans — with agribusiness. Synergy with leasing will allow offering comprehensive financial products.
What happened
- The Central Bank issued licenses to three MFOs: Fincom Invest, Vafo Moliya, Qanot Finans;
- Authorized capital — 2-2.2 billion soums;
- Fincom Invest is owned by Stanislav Kim (leasing, textiles);
- Vafo Finance — Firuza Artykova (Wafa Leasing);
- Qanot Finans — 70% Bogibek Matmurodov, 30% Dilmurod Matmuradov (Agribusiness).
Context
- Microfinancing in Uzbekistan: grows by 30-40% annually due to demand from small businesses, farmers, and the population. MFOs issue loans of 5-50 million soums for short terms (3-12 months) at 30-50% per annum.
- Authorized capital of 2-2.2 billion: minimum requirement of the Central Bank for the issuance of a MFO license. This is enough to issue loans of 10-20 billion soums (credit leverage 1:5-1:10).
- Synergy with leasing: owners of Fincom Invest and Vafo Finance control leasing companies, which will allow them to offer MFO clients comprehensive products: microcredit for working capital and equipment leasing.
- Agribusiness: Qanot Finance through Dilmurod Agrofirm specializes in lending to farmers — a scarce segment with high demand for microcredits for crops.
