This paper documents a strong connection between payment system and credit supply. The dual role of deposits as financing instruments for banks and means of payment for bank customers implies spillover effects of bank lending. After a bank finances loans with new deposits, the deposit holders'...

Limited access to finance and its high cost have contributed to relatively low levels of private investment and subpar growth in the Kyrgyz Republic. Interest rate spreads have moderated in recent years, but remain high from both a regional and global perspective. At the same time, collateral...