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# BAKAI becomes first Central Asian financial institution with banking presence in Hong Kong
- URL: https://economist.kg/en/bakai-first-central-asian-bank-in-hong-kong/
- Published: 2026-11-08T19:37:56.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-08T19:37:56.000Z
- Description: BAKAI has obtained an HKMA banking license and established a presence in Hong Kong to develop international settlements, trade, and financial solutions.
- Author: Economist.KG
- Tags: Новости компаний, PR, #en

**Bishkek, October 5, 2026\. — BAKAI has received a banking license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) in the Restricted Licence Bank category, opening a new chapter in the bank's international development and Kyrgyzstan's financial presence in Asia.**

This milestone brings [BAKAI](https://bakai.kg/blog/news/bakai-news-viUxUs/?utm%5Fsource=economist.kg&utm%5Fmedium=news&utm%5Fcampaign=business%5Fimage%5Fbakai%5Fhong%5Fkong%5F2026%5F10&utm%5Fcontent=bakai%5Fstal%5Fpervym%5Ffinansovym%5Finstitutom%5Fcentralnoi%5Fazii%5Fs%5Fbankovskim%5Fprisutstviem%5Fv%5Fgonkonge) to a new level of international presence and creates a direct financial bridge between Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and the largest markets of the Asia-Pacific region.

Obtaining banking status in Hong Kong is an important step not only in BAKAI's development, but also in expanding opportunities for Kyrgyz businesses in international markets. The new venture will allow BAKAI BANK Hong Kong to develop infrastructure to support cross-border trade, international settlements, and foreign economic activity of companies operating between Central Asia and Asia.

> ***"BAKAI's entry into Hong Kong is a strategic step that opens a completely new level of opportunities for our clients and Kyrgyzstan's business. We want to make international financial infrastructure, modern trade and settlement tools closer and more accessible to entrepreneurs in our country. For us, this is not just an expansion of BAKAI's geography — it is an opportunity to create a new financial bridge between Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and Asia's largest markets," noted Timur Ibragimov, Chairman of the Management Board of BAKAI.***

#### **New financial bridge between Central Asia and Asia**

Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial and trading centers, playing a key role in international capital flows and trade with Asia-Pacific countries.

The presence of [**BAKAI BANK Hong Kong**](https://bakai.kg/blog/news/bakai-news-viUxUs/?utm%5Fsource=economist.kg&utm%5Fmedium=news&utm%5Fcampaign=business%5Fimage%5Fbakai%5Fhong%5Fkong%5F2026%5F10&utm%5Fcontent=bakai%5Fstal%5Fpervym%5Ffinansovym%5Finstitutom%5Fcentralnoi%5Fazii%5Fs%5Fbankovskim%5Fprisutstviem%5Fv%5Fgonkonge) will create opportunities for direct interaction with international banks, financial institutions, and trading and manufacturing companies developing business between Asia and Central Asia.

For companies from Kyrgyzstan, this prospectively means broader access to modern international financial infrastructure and the tools necessary for the development of import, export, and cross-border trade.

Following the commencement of commercial operations, BAKAI BANK Hong Kong will develop solutions in the fields of:

- trade finance and documentary operations;
- international and cross-border settlements;
- letters of credit and foreign trade contract support;
- cash management;
- treasury and foreign exchange operations;
- financing of import and export transactions;
- interaction with international financial institutions and business partners in Asia.

#### **International team and infrastructure**

Preparation of BAKAI BANK Hong Kong for operations is already underway. An international team has been formed, and the necessary technological and operational infrastructure has been created in accordance with the requirements and standards of the international banking market.

> **In the near future, BAKAI BANK Hong Kong will introduce new products and financial solutions for companies engaged in international trade and developing business between Central Asia and Asian markets.**

BAKAI BANK Hong Kong is headed by **Andreas Meletiou**, an international banker with 25 years of experience in major financial markets, including London, Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

The office of BAKAI BANK Hong Kong is located in **One Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay**, one of Hong Kong's key business districts.

#### **New opportunities for Kyrgyzstan**

The development of BAKAI BANK Hong Kong creates the foundation for closer integration of Kyrgyz business with the global financial system and Asian markets.

> For Kyrgyz entrepreneurs working with China, Hong Kong, and other Asia-Pacific countries, this opens up the prospect of obtaining banking and financial solutions tailored directly to the needs of international trade.

For BAKAI BANK Hong Kong, this step is part of its strategy to develop international infrastructure and create new opportunities for clients outside the domestic market.

> **Today,** [**BAKAI BANK Hong Kong**](https://bakai.kg/blog/news/bakai-news-viUxUs/?utm%5Fsource=economist.kg&utm%5Fmedium=news&utm%5Fcampaign=business%5Fimage%5Fbakai%5Fhong%5Fkong%5F2026%5F10&utm%5Fcontent=bakai%5Fstal%5Fpervym%5Ffinansovym%5Finstitutom%5Fcentralnoi%5Fazii%5Fs%5Fbankovskim%5Fprisutstviem%5Fv%5Fgonkonge) **is creating a new point of presence for Kyrgyzstan on the international financial map and forming an additional channel for Central Asia's interaction with Asia's largest markets.**

Currently, the BAKAI BANK Hong Kong team is finalizing preparations to launch commercial operations. In the near future, BAKAI BANK Hong Kong will gradually introduce clients to new international opportunities and solutions for foreign economic activity.