Humo, a Tajikistan-based financial institution, has officially attained banking status, capping a 20-year journey from its humble beginnings as a microloan fund. This transformation marks a significant milestone built on strategic vision, innovation, digitalization, and a commitment to social impact.
From microloans to a nationwide network
Founded in 2005 with support from CARE International under the leadership of Mavsuda Vaisoova, Humo issued its first microloan to a female entrepreneur in Yavan district. Back then, the organization had just 15 employees and a loan portfolio of 225,000 somoni.
Over the years, Humo underwent two major transitions: becoming a Microcredit Organization in 2008 and a Microcredit Deposit Organization in 2013. These steps allowed it to expand its services to include deposit-taking, money transfers, and account management in both local and foreign currencies.
A key turning point came in 2014 when Humo attracted its first foreign investor—the Canadian Desjardins Fund for Inclusive Finance—signaling growing confidence in its mission and governance.
Tech-driven growth and innovation
In 2018, Humo launched HumoLab, an in-house tech lab that propelled it to the forefront of Tajikistan's fintech sector. Today, the lab employs over 120 specialists who develop digital financial products and services.
To meet the needs of diverse clients, Humo also launched an Islamic Banking Window, compliant with AAOIFI standards and the guidelines of Tajikistan’s National Bank.
Strategic partnerships and global recognition
Humo’s trajectory gained further momentum in 2021 when Japanese holding group Gojo & Company, Inc. became its majority shareholder. This partnership introduced global best practices in governance, sustainability, and financial inclusion to Tajikistan.
Humo works closely with international partners such as the EBRD, IFC, World Bank, and ADB on green finance initiatives, women's entrepreneurship, and SME support. In recognition of its achievements, Humo received the EBRD Gold Award for Sustainability in 2024 and was also honored for its excellence in green finance.
In 2023, 2024, and 2025, Humo was named the “Best Financial Institution for Serving Women Entrepreneurs” by the National Bank of Tajikistan.
Humo today: a national financial powerhouse
Humo has grown into one of Tajikistan’s largest financial institutions, with: 145 service offices across the country; a team of 2,000 professionals; over 350,000 unique clients; a loan portfolio exceeding 1.8 billion somonis; and a deposit portfolio over 670 million somonis
Investing in people and communities
Humo’s social mission extends beyond banking. The organization operates a Director’s School and a Management School to build internal leadership, while the Humo Academy contributes to national education. In 2024 alone, the Academy conducted over 400 training sessions for staff and students—nearly half of them women—and offered free courses in digital and financial literacy to more than 300 students.
Banking license opens new horizons
Receiving a full banking license marks a pivotal moment in Humo’s evolution, symbolizing maturity, transparency, and financial strength. The license enables Humo to expand its product portfolio, access international financial markets, and strengthen its support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Humo Bank will continue offering a comprehensive range of financial services through its physical offices and digital platforms.
Ranked among the top five financial institutions in Tajikistan, Humo’s strategic development is closely tied to Gojo & Company, a Japanese investment holding that specializes in inclusive financial services. Gojo operates in 13 countries across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Africa, serving over 2.4 million clients and employing more than 10,000 people globally.
Founded in 2014, Gojo is dedicated to expanding financial inclusion worldwide—a mission now carried forward by its Tajik partner, Humo Bank.
