The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved amendments to the credit risk management rules for banks and non-bank credit institutions that add new controls for remote consumer lending. The changes allow individuals to place voluntary restrictions on entering remote consumer credit agreements and on increases to credit limits, while also introducing mandatory waiting periods before funds are disbursed under remotely concluded consumer credit contracts. Under the new framework, individuals will be able to use the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau platform Findoc.az to place a request that blocks all credit institutions from arranging remote credit in their name. They will also be able to apply directly to a credit institution to impose a restriction only on that institution. Before granting a remote loan, credit institutions must check whether such a restriction is in place and may lend only if no restriction has been set. Separately, disbursement of funds under remote consumer credit contracts will be delayed by 2 hours for loans of up to twice the minimum wage and by 24 hours for loans above that threshold. The amendments enter into force on Oct. 1, 2026.
Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan2026-06-25
Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan approves remote consumer credit safeguards including borrower opt out blocks and payout waiting periods
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has amended credit risk management rules for banks and non-bank credit institutions to tighten safeguards for remote consumer lending. Individuals will be able to block remote borrowing through the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau or at a single lender, and firms must check those restrictions before lending. Remote consumer loans will also be subject to a 2 hour or 24 hour disbursement delay depending on whether the amount is up to or above twice the minimum wage.