Uzbekistan Tests Stablecoin Payments with Government-Backed HUMO Pilot

Uzbekistan has launched a pilot project to test payments using a stablecoin called HUMO, which is pegged to the Uzbek som currency. The National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) registered Humo Digital as a participant in a special regime with the central bank.

The pilot will run for 12 months and will integrate participating banks' payment-processing and blockchain infrastructure. Over 20 merchants have agreed to test HUMO payments for goods and services, and Asterium, a licensed crypto exchange, is serving as a project partner.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan will assess the adequacy and safeguarding of the token's collateral, cybersecurity, consumer safeguards, anti-money laundering controls, and risks to financial and price stability. This pilot follows a framework approved in November 2025, which permits stablecoin payment trials under a sandbox environment.