Nine banks in Kyrgyzstan have suspended work with the Russian money transfer system Unistream. Banks’ websites report.
Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) posted an announcement on Tuesday that the work of Unistream money transfer system has been suspended. It promised to report about resumption of the service in the financial institution additionally.
Bakai Bank reported that the issuance and sending of funds through Unistream and Contact money transfer systems in U.S. dollars and euros have been suspended. The restriction does not apply to transfers in rubles.
Capital Bank temporarily suspended all payments and transfers through Unistream money transfer system.
Kompanion Bank, Finca Bank and RSK Bank reported on their official websites that transactions through the system were not available. Kompanion Bank said that this happened due to sanctions restrictions. Finca Bank said it had suspended operations with dollars and euros, while two other banks — only with dollars.
Later, Halyk Bank also announced suspension of transfers, explaining it by technical works. Bank of Asia also announced suspension of transfers through the money transfer system in dollars.
Recall, the U.S. Treasury announced the imposition of sanctions on July 20, 2023. Four Kyrgyz companies have been sanctioned. Restrictions also affected Unistream Bank, which represents the money transfer system. The bank itself said that an infrastructure solution has been developed that allows uninterrupted interaction with partners in the usual mode. It will be implemented as soon as possible.
