The Central Bank’s press release dated 12 March 2026 once again identified the expansion of cashless payments and the development of digital payment infrastructure as priority areas.

https://www.cbar.az/press-release-5438/central-bank-continues-efforts-to-expand-digital-payments

While this approach is highly important for the digitalisation of the economy and improving access to financial services, the existing POS commission structure makes it necessary to take the economic dimension of the process into account. In particular, the growth of cashless payments creates additional operating costs for the retail sector, which operates on low profit margins.

To increase the effectiveness of the mechanisms used to promote cashless payments, it is important that the commission model is also aligned with these objectives. In this context, the development of domestic payment solutions such as AZQR, promoted by the Central Bank, is of particular importance. The widespread adoption of local payment instruments could contribute to the formation of a more sustainable and efficient payment ecosystem in the long term.

We continue to facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors in this area.