Journal of Islamic Contemporary Accounting and Business
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): JICAB (Article in Press)

Unlocking Islamic Finance Potential in Uzbekistan and Central Asia: A Forward-Looking Perspective

Ugli, Jalilov Mehroj Erkin (Unknown)
Nugraha, Nugraha (Unknown)
Umarova, Zulayho (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jan 2026

Abstract

The development of Islamic finance in Uzbekistan and Central Asia faces significant challenges and barriers despite the growing interest in the region. Islamic finance, which financial system operates in compliance with Shariah principles, offers an alternative to conventional financial systems, emphasizing risk-sharing, ethical investments, and financial inclusion. However, in Central Asia, the sector's growth is hindered by several factors, including limited awareness and understanding of Islamic financial products, lack of regulatory frameworks, and insufficient infrastructure to support such systems. Additionally, the region's predominantly secular legal and financial systems present a challenge to integrating Shariah-compliant instruments. Cultural perceptions, a lack of trained professionals, and political resistance also complicate the establishment of Islamic finance in the region. This paper explores these barriers, the potential for growth, and the steps needed to create an enabling environment for Islamic finance to thrive in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jicab

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

The Journal of Islamic Contemporary Accounting and Business is published by the Sharia Accounting program at the Institut Agama Islam Tazkia. To ensure the quality of the papers published, the journal employs a double-blind review process, where the identities of both the authors and reviewers are ...