Central Bank of Azerbaijan to Regulate Pawnshop and Leasing Sectors in 2026

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has completed the drafting of new legislation aimed at regulating the country’s pawnshop and leasing industries, Governor Taleh Kazimov announced at a press conference today. The move signals a major shift toward tightening oversight of non-bank credit providers.

According to Kazimov, the primary objective of the "Law on Pawnshops" is to enhance the protection of consumer rights, a segment that has historically operated with minimal regulatory supervision.

Additionally, a new law on leasing is currently undergoing inter-agency review and is expected to be adopted within the year. These legislative reforms are part of a broader effort by the CBA to formalize informal credit markets and ensure financial stability.