Kazakhstan banks tighten income checks for loan applicants from August 18
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Kazakhstan banks began applying new income verification rules for loan applicants on August 18, 2026. The National Bank's resolution No. 92 of July 31, 2026 requires lenders to exclude transfers between a borrower's own accounts from income calculations and to factor in all existing debts, including credit card limits. The changes tighten how banks assess debt burden and income stability for consumer loans.
Key Facts
- The new rules took effect on August 18, 2026, under National Bank of Kazakhstan resolution No. 92 dated July 31, 2026.
- Banks must exclude transfers between a borrower's own accounts from income calculations, preventing artificial inflation of declared earnings.
- Average monthly income is calculated over six consecutive months, and the income must be received in at least two of those months.
- The debt burden ratio limit remains 0.5, meaning monthly loan payments cannot exceed 50% of average monthly income.
- Credit card limits, microloans, and credit lines are included in the debt burden calculation alongside traditional loans.
Income Verification Rules
The National Bank of Kazakhstan resolution No. 92 was registered with the Ministry of Justice on August 3 and officially published on August 7, 2026. Banks must verify that a borrower's income has not been artificially inflated by counting the same source multiple times. Transfers between a borrower's own cards, accounts, or deposits cannot be used to increase declared income for loan assessment. Borrowed funds that are moved between a borrower's own accounts and then returned also cannot create the appearance of higher earnings.
Debt Burden Calculation
The debt burden ratio limit remains 0.5, meaning monthly payments on all credit obligations cannot exceed 50% of average monthly income. Banks compare monthly loan payments with average monthly income calculated over the six months preceding the loan application. A borrower with four small installment plans may appear less risky than one with a single large loan, depending on total payment size. Credit card limits, microloans, and credit lines are included in the debt burden calculation, with information obtained from credit bureaus.
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Kazakhstan banks tighten income checks for loan applicants from August 18
