This article focuses on analyzing the return on equity (ROE) indicator as a key measure of the efficiency of commercial banks in Uzbekistan. The study examines differences in ROE across four types of bank ownership structures for the period 1999-2023. The findings indicate that banks with indirect state ownership had the highest average ROE, whereas those with direct state ownership showed the lowest capital profitability. Private banks exhibited high volatility, suggesting a higher risk profile in their operations. Meanwhile, foreign banks demonstrated a stable level of capital efficiency, with an improving trend in recent years. This research provides insights into policies and strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of commercial banks in Uzbekistan.
This study investigates the role of ESG-driven innovation as a strategic source of competitive advantage in the banking sector, with a comparative focus on state-owned and private banks across emerging and developed markets. Drawing on the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities theory, it develops a novel ESG Innovation Index that captures the depth and integration of sustainability technologies, such as AI-based ESG analytics, carbon tracking platforms, and digital reporting systems into core banking functions. Using a panel dataset of 68 banks from Central Asia and benchmark economies (2015–2024), the study employs fixed-effects and system GMM models to assess the impact of ESG innovation on profitability (ROA, ROE), operational efficiency, market share, and investor attractiveness. Results reveal that ESG innovation significantly enhances financial and operational performance, while the magnitude of its impact is substantially higher among private banks. The findings highlight that ownership structure moderates the innovation–performance nexus, with private banks leveraging technological agility for greater returns, whereas state-owned banks tend to pursue compliance-oriented sustainability agendas. The research contributes to strategic management and sustainable finance literature by framing ESG innovation as a contingent dynamic capability and offers policy insights for regulators seeking to balance innovation incentives across ownership types.
This study explores the impact of financial metrics, specifically Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), on stock values in Islamic banking in Pakistan. Islamic banking in Pakistan lacks empirical research on how financial indicators like ROA and ROE affect stock values, creating a gap in understanding crucial performance metrics for investors. The study adopts a quantitative method, analyzing secondary statistics from the Pakistan Stock Exchange and Meezan Bank websites for the period 2016–2022. Linear regression in EViews is applied to assesses the relationship between ROA, ROE, and stock prices of the Bank. Results of the study indicates that the stock prices are positively influenced by returns and equity, however, impact of return on asset is statistically significant at 10 percent confidence interval. The study is limited to data from PSB and IMBS, restricting its generalizability to other banks or markets. Study suggests investors should prioritize ROA and ROE metrics when evaluating stocks in Islamic banking, as they are essential for understanding performance and making informed decisions.
The article examines the relationship between banks and the stock market, the role of banks as investors in the stock market, as well as methods of raising capital and managing risks in the stock market. The specific features of banks' activities in the stock market and theoretical approaches to this process are studied in detail.
This article examines the key risks faced by banks in forming green credit portfolios and identifies effective strategies for risk management. Drawing on international experience, the study analyzes the nature of credit, climate, transition, technological, operational, market, and greenwashing risks. The findings demonstrate that green loans possess a more complex risk profile compared to traditional lending and require the implementation of environmental taxonomies, energy-efficiency certification, independent audits, and state-supported financing mechanisms. For Uzbekistan, adopting these tools can improve the quality of bank credit portfolios, reduce environmental risks, and accelerate the country’s green economic transition.
This article is devoted to the analysis of the role of commercial banks of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the development of the national economy, in particular, in financing investment projects, increasing the level of employment, and implementing innovative technologies. It highlights the priority areas for the development of the banking system of such strategic documents as the "New Uzbekistan - 2030" program and the Development Strategy for 2022-2026. Also, an in-depth analysis of the main indicators of the banking system of Uzbekistan (assets, loans, capital, and deposits) was conducted. In particular, the differences between state-owned banks and other banks, their market share, and their impact on economic stability are shown based on statistical data. The analysis revealed that state-owned banks have a dominant position in the market, but other banks can compete almost equally in attracting deposits. Information on the lending activities of commercial banks and the volume of non-performing loans (NPL) was also presented, and the risks and effectiveness in this area were assessed
This article discusses the issue of limited ability to offer personalized services to clients in commercial banks of Uzbekistan due to insufficient analysis of their needs, financial status, and behavior. Banks offer standard services to clients, while personalized services are less widespread, which hinders customer attraction. The CRM system has not been fully implemented, and bank employees' skills in digital services are insufficient. The customer segmentation process is an effective tool for solving these problems and helps provide personalized services to clients. Segmentation helps banks improve services, increase competitiveness, and establish long-term relationships with clients.
Fintech refers to financial technologies used in banking and financial services, including mobile payments, money transfers, loans, and asset management. Fintech startups offer fast, innovative, and convenient services that either compete with or collaborate with traditional banks. In recent years, investments in Fintech have grown rapidly due to its wide applicability. These technologies improve service quality, enhance customer experience, and transform traditional financial systems. Fintech plays a vital role in modern banking by offering digital solutions for both individuals and businesses. This article explores the significance of Fintech and the mutual benefits of bank-Fintech cooperation.
This article examines the drivers of non-performing loans (NPLs) in Uzbekistan’s commercial banks by combining macroeconomic determinants with bank-specific factors and assesses the effectiveness of early warning systems (EWS) in mitigating the procyclicality of asset-quality deterioration. The empirical narrative relies on official Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan indicators for NPLs and loan portfolios, complemented by recent empirical studies on NPL determinants in transforming banking systems. Particular attention is paid to ownership-related heterogeneity (state-owned vs. other banks), comparability issues between regulatory NPL metrics and IFRS 9-based measures, and the role of loan restructuring practices. The paper derives policy-oriented recommendations aimed at improving disclosure of asset quality, integrating IFRS 9 indicators into supervisory monitoring, and standardizing EWS triggers for timely detection of borrower credit deterioration.
This article examines the impact of “Islamic windows” a key segment of the alternative finance market, on the financial sectors of various countries. The study explores the concept of “Islamic windows” their economic efficiency within traditional banks, their role in enhancing financial inclusion, and their capacity to meet market demand by offering services compliant with Sharia principles. The paper also analyzes the effect of this mechanism on banking sector stability and the attraction of foreign investments in developing countries. Combining empirical findings and theoretical approaches, the article highlights the prospects of “Islamic windows” in the global financial market.
This research examines ways to improve asset performance through bank transformation processes. Banks need to implement transformation processes in order to adapt to economic changes and maintain their competitiveness. The study analyzes the relationship between transformation processes of banks, their efficiency and financial indicators.
This article analyzes the performance of Uzbek banks during 2013-2023, focusing on the impact of credit and liquidity risks on financial stability. The results show that an increase in credit risks is a key factor reducing financial stability. Moreover, banks with higher liquid assets are found to be more stable. The study provides scientific foundations and practical recommendations for improving risk management systems in banks.
This article analyzes the reforms being implemented in the banking system of Uzbekistan, strategies for ensuring financial stability and attracting resources. It is shown that the country's economic stability should be increased through modernization of the banking system, new financial instruments and innovative approaches. The article discusses the main problems of the banking system of Uzbekistan, modern methods for their elimination, as well as opportunities for attracting resources based on international experience and their significance for the country's economy. At the same time, it recommends ways to increase the efficiency of banks and financial institutions through reforms and have a positive impact on the state economy.
This article examines the level of customer satisfaction with banking services and the improvement of its calculation. A high level of customer satisfaction with banking services makes it possible to establish long-term relationships with them and ensure the bank's sustainable development in the long term. In this regard, the issues of studying the level of satisfaction with banking services, a competent assessment of the results of such monitoring and their use to improve the quality of customer service and increase their satisfaction are of great importance for modern banks interested in business success.
This article analyzes the role of bank loans in financing investment projects and the possibilities of increasing their effectiveness. Currently, banks serve as one of the main financial sources in financing investment projects. However, various problems in the financial system, difficulties in assessing risks, high collateral requirements and lack of long-term resources hinder the effective use of bank loans. The article analyzes the sources of financing of investment projects, changes in investments in fixed capital by sources of financing, the dynamics of bank loans within the framework of family entrepreneurship development programs, and the share of loans allocated to entrepreneurial activity through comparative tables. According to the results of the study, scientific proposals and recommendations were developed to expand the participation of bank loans in the investment process and increase the role of bank loans in financing investment projects.
In international banking practice, ensuring the profitability of commercial banks is of great importance, which not only serves to maintain their financial stability, but also to increase their competitiveness in market conditions. Banks with a high level of profitability perform their financial intermediary function more effectively, which leads to the strengthening of their place and role in the economy. Therefore, in the practice of developed Western countries of the world, the issues of increasing the profitability and ensuring the stability of commercial banks are considered one of the most priority and urgent areas of strengthening their competitiveness in the financial market. They pay great attention to increasing profitability in order to ensure the effective operation of banks, the provision of high-quality services to customers, and a worthy contribution to economic development. The article develops scientific proposals aimed at ensuring the profitability of loans of commercial banks of the country.
This article examines the issues of implementing financial technologies in the activities of commercial banks. It analyzes the areas of banking in which modern financial technologies are used. Based on the research conducted, practical proposals and scientific recommendations were developed.
Modern mechanisms for financing projects in the banking sector are a complex and multifaceted process, playing an important role in implementing innovative and effective investments in various sectors of the economy. These mechanisms are aimed not only at allocating financial resources, but also at managing risks, ensuring project sustainability, and building trust between clients and investors. Banks are radically improving the process of financing projects by widely using digital technologies, advanced credit assessment systems, collateral mechanisms, cooperation platforms, and the principles of sustainable financing in their activities.
In recent years, the intensification of global financial instability has posed significant challenges to banking markets. In response, commercial banks have placed particular emphasis on enhancing their resilience to economic fluctuations. According to expert forecasts, activity in the global banking sector is expected to increase substantially in 2025–2026. Notably, inflation in the Eurozone in 2024 is projected to be around 2.3% instead of the previously forecast 2.7%. Financial stability, however, remains tied to moderate growth prospects. Various models typically chosen or approved by regulators are used to assess banks’ stability. Contemporary research focuses on improving existing methodologies and financial stability indicators in light of changes in the global macroeconomic environment, raising capital adequacy requirements for banks, and enhancing tools for forecasting their future performance. At the same time, the adoption of new technologies and financial instruments is accelerating banks’ digital transformation and the automation of their business processes. This article offers a comprehensive study of the means and mechanisms for ensuring the financial stability of commercial banks in Uzbekistan. Its primary objective is to analyze the state of the banking sector and identify ways to strengthen its resilience, drawing on global best practices and national specificities. To achieve this, both scientific-pedagogical methods (historical-comparative analysis, structural-logical research) and empirical approaches (statistics from regulatory documents and bank reports, expert surveys) are employed.
The article identifies and evaluates the emergence of financial stability in banks and its specific characteristics. Scientific studies by local and foreign scholars on this category have been examined and systematized. The perspectives of scholars regarding indicators such as capital adequacy and liquidity in ensuring financial stability have been analyzed. Based on the research, scientific conclusions and recommendations have been developed.
The paper examines the economic essence and theoretical evolution of digital governance in joint-stock companies, with a focus on joint-stock banks, under transformation. It argues that digital governance goes beyond IT adoption by reducing information asymmetry as well as agency and transaction costs, strengthening control and accountability, and enabling early risk identification. Using comparative and content analysis, the study contrasts key concepts, proposes an evolutionary model and a factor system, and formulates an author’s definition of digital governance. The results provide conceptual implications for improving governance architecture in banking organizations
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of ways to increase the efficiency of the resource base of commercial banks, its economic significance in ensuring the stability of banking activities, and its role in enhancing the efficient use of financial resources. The study examines the structural composition of the bank resource base and its importance in liquidity management, expansion of lending capacity, and minimization of financial risks from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Particular attention is paid to improving mechanisms for attracting idle funds of households and business entities to the bank resource base, diversifying deposit and non-deposit funding sources, optimizing the cost of resources, and increasing the competitiveness of banks. The research findings contribute to identifying opportunities to strengthen the financial stability of the banking system and support economic development through improving the efficiency of the resource base of commercial banks
This research examines the influence of environmental risk management (ERM) on the credit portfolio stability of commercial banks in Uzbekistan, utilising secondary data from sustainability reports, regulatory publications, and international financial institutions. The results show that banks with more advanced ERM frameworks, which include environmental screening, green lending, and sustainability governance, have lower non-performing loan (NPL) ratios and better asset quality. On the other hand, banks that don’t use ERM as much are still more vulnerable to environmental and credit risks. The study finds that integrating environmental risks into the banking system in Uzbekistan is necessary to make it more financially stable and in line with global standards for sustainable finance
This article presents the scientific and theoretical aspects of enhancing the accessibility of banking services in the process of bank transformation through the development of digital technologies, as well as the transition of banks from traditional to digital service formats. In the analytical section, the activities of existing digital banks, mobile applications, and payment systems in our country are examined and analyzed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and digital banking. In the conclusion, proposals and recommendations were developed regarding the advancement of digital technologies in the process of bank transformation.