Uzbekistan Launches Pilot for Government-Backed Digital Currency Payments

Uzbekistan has begun a pilot program testing payments using HUMO, a stablecoin pegged to the national currency and backed by government securities. The National Agency for Prospective Projects registered Humo Digital to participate in the trial, which is being jointly supervised alongside the country’s central bank.

Merchants and Banks Join Early Rollout

More than 20 merchants have signed on to test HUMO for everyday purchases, with the project also integrating payment infrastructure from participating banks. Licensed crypto exchange Asterium is serving as a partner on the initiative.

Regulators to Monitor Risks Closely

The initial trial phase will run for 12 months, with the broader project capped at three years total. Authorities said they will evaluate how well the token’s collateral is safeguarded, along with cybersecurity protections, consumer safety measures, anti-money laundering controls, and any risks the token could pose to financial and price stability. The pilot builds on a regulatory framework approved in late 2025 that also opened the door for tokenized shares and bonds in the country.