TIME magazine has published an interview with BAKAI Chairman of the Board Timur Ibragimov, exploring the transformation of Kyrgyzstan’s financial sector and the growth of the bank’s digital ecosystem. The piece ran in the international edition of the magazine - a reflection of the growing global interest in Kyrgyzstan’s financial market and BAKAI’s role in shaping it.

The interview goes deep on BAKAI’s strategy: moving from a traditional banking model toward a full technology platform. At the center of that shift is the BAKAI mobile app, through which clients access financial services and everyday tools around the clock.

TIME also spotlights the BAKAI ecosystem in full - a suite of products that now includes:

• BAKAI Store - a marketplace with installment purchasing
• BAKAI Travel - a dedicated travel service
• BAKAI Islam - Islamic financial products
• BAKAI Insurance - insurance services
• BAKAI Business - a digital platform for entrepreneurs

In his own words, Timur Ibragimov told TIME: "We are building an ecosystem that transforms BAKAI from a conventional bank into a service that accompanies people in their everyday lives. We were among the first in the region to recognize the potential of digitalization - not just for clients, but internally, to make our own processes faster and more efficient. Today, our goal is not simply to grow, but to create lasting value for our clients and for the country's economy. Every key indicator confirms we are moving in the right direction and building the foundation for a sustainable future."

Digitalization gets its own spotlight in the piece. The magazine highlights BAKAI’s early adoption of online services and remote channels as a key driver of scale and client experience, and points to the bank’s strong ESG credentials, international ratings, and the confidence it commands from investors and partners. Ibragimov noted that financial institutions have a central role to play in unlocking Kyrgyzstan's technological potential.

TIME also recognized BAKAI’s investment in human capital, including staff development programs, educational initiatives, and university partnerships aimed at building the next generation of financial sector professionals.

The TIME feature reinforces BAKAI's standing as one of the region’s leading banks and a driving force behind digital transformation in Central Asia.