Uzbekistan Establishes the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC): A New Era for International Investment

On 11 July 2026, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed the Constitutional Law “On the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC)”, formally establishing the country’s first international financial centre operating under a special legal regime.

The establishment of the TIFC marks one of the most significant legal and institutional reforms in Uzbekistan in recent years. The initiative is intended to strengthen the country’s position as a regional financial hub and attract international investors by creating a legal environment aligned with internationally recognised standards. The framework reflects approaches used by leading international financial centres, including the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Key Features of the New Legal Framework

The Constitutional Law introduces a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the operation of the TIFC, including:

• the direct application of the common law of England and Wales and the principles of equity, subject to exceptions set out in the Constitutional Law and the TIFC’s regulatory acts;
• the establishment of the Tashkent International Commercial Court to resolve commercial disputes;
• the creation of an independent financial regulator responsible for licensing and supervising financial market participants;
• the establishment of an International Arbitration Centre for dispute resolution;
• a preferential tax and visa regime, free movement and repatriation of capital, and other benefits for TIFC participants;
• a modern regulatory framework for banking, capital markets, insurance, fintech, digital assets, Islamic finance and sustainable finance.

Why Does It Matter?

The launch of the TIFC represents a major step toward enhancing investor confidence in Uzbekistan. International investors typically seek transparent regulation, an independent dispute resolution system and a predictable legal framework. The introduction of English common law principles and internationally recognized judicial institutions is expected to significantly improve the country's investment climate.

According to official estimates  , by 2030 the TIFC could attract an additional USD 20–25 billion into the economy, contribute up to 1% of additional annual GDP growth, create up to 15,000 highly skilled jobs and support the training of 10,000 specialists.

Enlawyer's View

The establishment of the TIFC goes beyond the creation of a conventional special economic zone. It represents the development of a modern legal and financial ecosystem designed to facilitate cross-border investment, international finance and sophisticated commercial transactions.

Enlawyer Law Firm welcomes this landmark reform and stands ready to advise local and international clients on market entry, corporate structuring, investment projects, financial regulation, licensing, dispute resolution and all legal matters relating to the Tashkent International Financial Centre.