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If you're struggling to meet your loan obligations، ignoring the problem is not an option. Kazakhstan's financial regulators are emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement with lenders to address difficulties. The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) has outlined several mechanisms designed to help borrowers manage their debts.

Communicate with Your Bank Promptly

Should you encounter a missed payment، it's crucial to contact your bank within 30 calendar days. You should submit a formal request to review your loan terms، clearly stating the reasons for your financial difficulties and providing details about your income.

Provide Proof of Financial Hardship

To support your request، you'll need to submit documents that verify your changed financial circumstances. This could include evidence such as a reduction in salary، job loss، or significant medical expenses.

Bank's Response Timeline

Once your application is received، the bank has 15 calendar days to review it. Following their assessment، they will inform you of their decision. If additional documentation is required، you will have five working days to provide it.

Potential Loan Modifications

Borrowers have the right to request changes to their loan agreements. These modifications can include options such as extending the loan term، temporarily reducing the monthly payment amount، or deferring payments for a specified period.

Understanding Penalties and Fees

Legislation prohibits banks from demanding accrued interest، penalties، and commissions on consumer loans for individuals that have been overdue for more than 90 consecutive days. Furthermore، while your restructuring request is under review، the bank cannot demand early repayment of the loan.

Debt Collection Agency Procedures

Starting from October 2024، collection agencies are also obligated to consider borrowers' requests for changes to debt repayment terms. After receiving such a request، the agency must review it and communicate its decision within 15 calendar days. During this review period، enforcement actions will be suspended.

Support for Vulnerable Borrowers

Special provisions are in place for socially vulnerable citizens. If a borrower's income decreases by more than 30%، the bank is required to modify the loan terms for at least three months without charging any commission.

When Collateral May Be Seized

Seizure of collateral is generally a last resort and is typically only carried out if the borrower has not made payments for over 90 days، or if the collateral itself has been damaged or lost.

Escalating Your Case

If a bank rejects your restructuring request or you believe your rights have been violated، you can seek assistance from the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDFM) or the National Bank of Kazakhstan.

It's worth noting that as of the end of December 2025، Kazakhstani banks have tightened regulations for issuing consumer loans، leading to more stringent borrower assessments and potentially limiting access to credit for some individuals.