The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan published a consumer guide for individuals considering taking out a loan, focusing on assessing affordability, comparing loan terms, and reviewing all documentation before applying. The guidance sets out how to calculate the Debt Burden Ratio (PPP) as the ratio of total monthly loan payments to total monthly income multiplied by 100%, and notes that Kazakhstan has a legislative restriction under which a borrower’s PPP must not exceed 50% to obtain a loan. It also advises consumers to compare offers across banks using the annual effective interest rate (REIT), which reflects the full cost of a loan including commissions and insurance and indicates the monthly payment, and to verify expected monthly payments using calculators available on banks’ websites. The note further recommends checking credit history before applying, explaining that payment delays can affect lending decisions and loan terms, and indicates that credit history reports can be obtained via eGov.kz or the First Credit Bureau, with requests submitted for correction if errors or repaid debts appear.