The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan published an update on organisations conducting microfinance activities, showing continued balance sheet and lending growth through the fourth quarter of 2024 alongside a rise in overdue loans. Sector assets increased 2.1% in the quarter to KZT 3.0 trillion as at 1 January 2025, while the loan portfolio rose 2.0% to KZT 2.8 trillion. Within total assets, microfinance organisations accounted for KZT 1.7 trillion (57.4%), credit partnerships KZT 0.9 trillion (29.6%) and pawnshops KZT 0.4 trillion (13.1%). In the microcredit portfolio, lending to business entities represented 58.9% and lending to households 41.1%; business lending increased 0.1% in the quarter to KZT 1.6 trillion, and household lending increased 4.7% to KZT 1.2 trillion. The share of loans with payments overdue by more than 90 days (NPL90+) stood at 4.5% as at 1 January 2025 (4.0% a year earlier). Liabilities grew 0.5% in the quarter to KZT 2.0 trillion, with borrowed funds making up 69.5% (KZT 1.4 trillion), and equity increased 5.2% to KZT 1.0 trillion, mainly reflecting higher charter capital and retained earnings.