TBC Uzbekistan launches AI assistant Lola in banking app

By Aarav Garg

TBC Uzbekistan has launched an AI-powered assistant, Lola, as part of its broader push to build an AI-led digital banking model, marking a step toward more conversational and automated customer engagement.

The assistant, now being rolled out across the TBC Bank mobile app after an initial soft launch in late 2025, is designed to handle routine customer interactions, including navigation queries and product information, while allowing escalation to human agents when required. The move reflects a wider trend in FinTech, where banks are embedding AI into customer journeys to improve responsiveness and reduce service costs.

Nika Kurdiani, CEO of TBC Uzbekistan, said, “We are investing heavily in our proprietary AI technology and infrastructure, embarking on one of Central Asia’s most ambitious projects to date. Our work in developing locally tailored LLMs and Speech Tech underscores our position as the leading innovator across Uzbekistan’s banking sector, and with the launch of Lola, we are now pioneering an AI-native customer experience. By the end of 2026, we predict that AI will be able to independently resolve up to 30% of customer enquiries, allowing us to continue our rapid growth while improving the customer experience.”

Lola operates on TBC Uzbekistan’s proprietary infrastructure, supported by one of the country’s largest GPU clusters. The bank said this approach allows it to retain control over model development and data handling, aligning with regulatory requirements and security standards.

Initially focused on answering frequently asked questions, the assistant is expected to evolve into a more advanced financial tool. Planned features include access to loan information such as balances, repayment schedules and upcoming payments. Over time, the bank aims to expand capabilities into areas such as budgeting, spending analysis and payments, positioning Lola as a digital financial assistant.

TBC Uzbekistan, part of the London-listed TBC Bank Group, is one of the largest digital banking platforms in Central Asia. The launch of Lola highlights how banks in emerging markets are investing in proprietary AI infrastructure to differentiate services, improve customer experience and scale operations efficiently in increasingly competitive digital banking environments.