NBG Grants a Digital Banking license to Hash Bank HSC

NBG Grants a Digital Banking license to Hash Bank HSC

14 November, 2023

The National Bank of Georgia granted a banking license to Hash Bank JSC, based on the principles of digital bank licensing.


In accordance with the decision of NBG on September 20, 2024, under the conditions determined by the written instructions of the National Bank of Georgia, the digital bank has the right to carry out banking activities and/or services related to them under the first paragraph of Article 20 of the Law of Georgia "On commercial bank activities" in a real environment.


The Hash Bank JSC intends to operate as a digital bank, and to provide banking services mainly through electronic channels. The bank aims to guide both conventional and technology-driven customers through transition to a digital strategy.


By developing a digital bank model in Georgia, the National Bank of Georgia promotes innovative business models and diversity of financial products, and encourages the development of a convenient, fast and affordable digital financial ecosystem adapted to the technology infrastructure available to customers. The NBG facilitates the entry of new technology players and helps spark competition in the financial sector.


The principles of digital bank licensing developed by the National Bank of Georgia stipulate that, following the assessment of the applicant's business model and compliance with the requirements established by the law, the banking license is granted with certain restrictions, and the applicant is given an appropriate period for the full operation as the digital bank and the gradual replenishment of the minimum regulatory capital.


JSC "Hash Bank" has been working in test mode for 10 months and 17 days after receiving the banking activity license (03.11.2023) and the implementation of banking activities in the real environment was limited.


The conditions specified in the written instruction of the authority to carry out banking activities in real mode for JSC "Hash Bank" are being changed gradually, based on the fulfilled license requirements and the consent issued by the National Bank of Georgia.


The terms of each phase and the list of permitted activities may change by the decision of the NBG.


Updated 25/09/2024