The first crypto-asset exchange licensed by the National Agency of Perspective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UzNEX, today announces a strategic partnership with Lockton Finance, Uzbekistan’s first licensed crypto depository. Together, the two projects will drive the growth and adoption of crypto-assets in Uzbekistan as well as across Central Asia.
The collaboration is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized crypto projects in Central Asia to reach their target markets and audiences effectively. Leveraging UzNEX and Lockton’s robust and fully licensed services, projects can enable their tokens to be accessed, purchased, and traded by native Central Asian users using their local currencies, then securely stored or deposited into interest-bearing savings accounts for reliable yields.
A Collaboration to Grow Uzbekistan’s Digital Economy
Launched as a strategic partnership between the Korea Blockchain Entrepreneurs Association (KOBEA) Group and the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) of Uzbekistan government, UzNEX has been operating under the license of the country’s National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) since 2018. Similarly, Lockton Finance provides encrypted crypto depository services, approved under the license of NAPP since 2023. The joint collaboration between these two market-leading players promises to bring a high-quality, secure crypto- asset experience to users.
Chang Yong (Charles) Lee, the Chairman of UzNEX, comments the following on the partnership: “As the first licensed crypto-asset exchange in Uzbekistan, we are pleased to partner with Lockton, which is the first licensed depository in Uzbekistan. We hope to further foster global connectivity through our collaboration with the international team at Lockton, as part of our vision to serve as Central Asia’s trusted hub for blockchain and financial innovation through global collaborations”.
“The partnership between Lockton Finance and UzNEX, the oldest and leading crypto exchange in Uzbekistan, opens a new chapter for the crypto services market. We are happy to combine our efforts with the professionals from the international KOBEA GROUP team in pushing the blockchain industry towards its mass adoption in the region.” shared
Denis Shipilov, Director of Lockton Hub LLC.
Uzbekistan is among the largest global markets for crypto adoption, ranking #1 in Central Asia and #33 globally. Since 2018, the partnership between UzNEX’s founding entity, KOBEA Group, and the Uzbek government has completely transformed the crypto-asset landscape in Uzbekistan and ushered in an unprecedented era of innovation and growth. Today, Uzbekistan is renowned for its comprehensive crypto-asset regulatory framework that ensures robust protection for consumers while also strongly supporting regional Web3 builders.
There are currently nearly 30 crypto-asset-related projects operating in the country with full compliance, with UzNEX and Lockton standing out as the premier service providers in their respective sectors. The development of Uzbek crypto services is projected to continue growing rapidly in the upcoming years as its government continues to ramp up its efforts to accelerate the industry’s growth through regional initiatives as well as collaborative programs to drive global connectivity.
About UzNEX
The first crypto-asset exchange licensed by the National Agency of Perspective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is operated by KOBEA Group, a blockchain firm focused on developing various solutions for the digital economy, including blockchain. UzNEX is the first exchange in Central Asia using the national currency, credit cards, and US dollars.
UzNEX is committed to its mission to provide a secure, compliant, and accessible crypto-asset trading platform that fosters trust, transparency, and global connectivity while advancing financial innovation across Central Asia. Its vision is to serve as Central Asia’s trusted hub for blockchain and financial innovation, shaping the region’s financial future by enabling seamless access to the global digital economy and fostering international connectivity.
About KOBEA
The Kobea Group operates the Korea Blockchain Entrepreneurs Association, which is licensed by the Ministry of Science and ICT, and was established in 2018. Its mission is to serve as a bridge to connect pioneering Korean blockchain companies with overseas markets for growth opportunities or the formation of international consortia.
KOBEA also operates a global crypto exchange, UZNEX, which is licensed and officially authorized by the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) of Uzbekistan, a government agency responsible for regulating and developing key sectors, including crypto-assets, blockchain technology, capital markets, insurance, e-commerce, etc.
KOBEA website: https://kobea.biz/
About Lockton Finance
Lockton Finance is the first licensed crypto-depository in Uzbekistan and industry leader in RWA tokenization, ITO and crypto-processing solutions. Lockton Finance offers the world's first ITO constructor supporting more than a thousand types of smart contracts that allows businesses to create innovative financial instruments based on blockchain technology. Lockton’s RWA Tokenization engine allows to create a seamless transition between traditional FinTech and Blockchain industry taking the best of both worlds. Lockton offers crypto investments with custodial storage on its platform and depository programs as well.
Lockton Finance Uzbekistan: lockton.uz
Lockton Finance World: lcktn.com
About Lockton Solutions
Lockton Solutions LLC FZ is an international RnD company actively working on the creation and integration of regulated blockchain solutions, as well as providing consulting services for implementing best practices in the Web3 industry. Lockton Solutions headquarters is located in Dubai, UAE.
Lockton Solutions website: lockton.io