The Silk Road Cash & Payments Conference

Almaty, Kazakhstan | 15-17 September 2026

About the Silk Road Cash & Payments Conference

The premier event for industry professionals in Central Asia and beyond to gain valuable insights into the latest technologies and best practices in cash and payments. The conference provides an environment to lay the foundation for closer cooperation and exchange of information between the relevant organisations in the region and provides a platform for discussion, learning, and ideation.

This year’s theme, ‘Unifying the Payments Ecosystem: Balancing Cash and Digital for Inclusive and Resilient Connectivity’, will offer expert-led discussions, best practices, and real-world case studies in a setting that blends tradition with modern progress.

The Silk Road Cash & Payments Conference will be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan | 15-17 September 2026. 

Download the Special Report covering the full 2023 conference!

135+ delegates
66 organizations
19 Central Banks
32 countries

2026 Agenda

Unifying the Payments Ecosystem: Balancing Cash and Digital for Inclusive and Resilient Connectivity

*Times are subject to change.

**Live translation will be available during all conference sessions.

2026 Keynote Speaker

2026 Speakers

Conference Tours

Cultural Tour of Almaty

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 10:00–13:00

Join us for a cultural tour of Almaty, hosted by the National Bank of Kazakhstan, and discover the city’s most notable landmarks and attractions. More details will be shared soon.

This tour is offered free of charge. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate, please select this tour during the registration process.

Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 08:15–12:30

The Banknote Factory of the National Bank of Kazakhstan is pleased to invite delegates from Central Banks to take part in an exclusive guided tour of its facilities.

The tour will include:

  • A visit to the showroom
  • An overview of the banknote production facilities
  • A visit to the plastic and ID production facilities

Tours will be conducted in small groups of 10–12 participants, with a 15-minute interval between groups. The tour will be conducted in Russian, with English interpretation available.

Please note that all participants will be required to present valid identification and sign a non-disclosure agreement in advance of the tour. Further details regarding these requirements, as well as more detailed information about the tour, will be shared in due course.

This tour is offered free of charge and is exclusively available to delegates from Central Banks. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate, please make the appropriate selection during the registration process.

Benefits of Attending

Attendees

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In its inaugural year, Currency Research curated a dynamic program for the Silk Road Cash & Payments Conference, featuring six distinguished keynote speakers and an impressive roster of nearly 50 subject matter experts and thought leaders across both session tracks. The success and impact of these speakers were resounding, and their contributions have already generated substantial interest and anticipation for the next Silk Road Conference.

Networking

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Our commitment to excellence means that we will once again assemble an exceptional lineup of industry leaders who will not only share invaluable insights and knowledge but also set the bar even higher for thought leadership in the cash and payments sector.

Industry Partners

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The conference’s size, focus, and format create abundant networking chances for attendees. You can actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and enjoy one-on-one interactions with speakers, experts, and industry suppliers. It’s the perfect environment for building meaningful connections and gaining insights.

See the rates here and register today!

Central Bank, Commercial Bank, Financial Services & Government Entity

All rates listed above are per person, in USD and exclusive of any tax. 

Central Bank, Commercial Bank, Financial Service & Government Entity rate applies to:
Central Banks, Commercial Banks, Government Entities, Industry Associations, Retailers, CMCs, CiTs and FX providers.

Local Rate

Prime Rate
$900

From 11 September 2026
Late Rate $1,050

This rate applies to the Kazakhstan Central Bank, Commercial Banks, Industry Associations, and Retailers only. 

Register now

International / Financial Services Rate

Prime Rate
$1,500

From 11 September 2026
Late Rate $1,750

This rate applies to all Central Banks, Commercial Banks, Industry Associations, and Retailers, except Kazakhstan.

Financial Services – CMCs, CiTs and FX providers, regardless of location.

Register now

Industry Supplier

All rates listed above are per person, in USD and exclusive of any tax. 

Industry Supplier Category rate applies to:
banknote equipment suppliers, banknote substrate, features, ink suppliers, consulting/legal firms, fintechs, market infrastructure – PMI/FMI, payments service provider, printworks/mint – commercial, printworks/mint – state-owned, other industry-related organisations

Industry Supplier Rate

Prime Rate
$3,250

From 11 September 2026
Late Rate $3,850

A maximum of three delegates per organisation may register under this category.

Register now

Hotel & Travel

The Rixos Almaty Hotel is a luxurious and elegant five-star hotel in Central Asia, in a perfect location on the corner of the Kabanbai Batyr and Seifullin streets in the heart of leafy Almaty. A spectacular city, although no longer the capital of Kazakhstan, it is clear that the cultural and heritage centre of the country is here. Museums, parks, coffee shops, and restaurants are all plentiful. The city is a haven for those seeking a cultural holiday against the backdrop of stunning scenery and fabulous architecture. The Rixos Almaty Hotel is a unique combination of cosy accommodations with perfect service, traditional hospitality, and individual attention to every guest. With 235 elegantly furnished rooms, Rixos Almaty is the ideal home for both leisure and business travellers.

RIXOS ALMATY
506/99, Seifullin Avenue
KAZAKHSTAN, ALMATY

Tel: +7 727 300 33 00

Hotel Reservations

Currency Research was pleased to offer conference delegates the following special room rates at the Rixos Almaty Hotel:

Deluxe King Room: Single Occupancy – 95 000 KZT including 16% VAT, per night.

Deluxe King Room: Double Occupancy – 110 000 KZT including 16% VAT, per night.

The above rate included the following:
  • VAT (16%) and government taxes.
  • Daily international breakfast buffet.
  • Complimentary wifi/internet access.
  • Entrance to The SPA at The Rixos Almaty Hotel.
Important Terms and Conditions:
  • Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. (A copy of a valid passport is mandatory)
  • Reservations are non-refundable in the event of no-shows/ cancellations or changes to the duration of stay after 13 August 2026.
  • Reservations at this special rate expire on 13 August 2026. Please contact the hotel directly, as an extension of this rate is at their discretion, based on availability.
  • The Rixos has communicated that September is a high-demand/busy period, and space is limited. We urge you to make your reservation well in advance to secure a room at the conference hotel and avoid disappointment.

Important to Note: Companies posing as third-party Currency Research housing providers offering hotel reservation services for this or any Currency Research event have not been authorised to contact you. Making a reservation through one of these organisations may result in you not having a room reservation and fraudulent charges on your credit card. If you need to book hotel rooms, please book them only through this website or by contacting the hotel directly. Please report any suspicious and unsolicited offers to Currency Research.

Please note: The Rixos Almaty Hotel is now fully booked for the conference dates, and the special conference rate is no longer available. Delegates who still require accommodation may contact the hotel directly to check whether any rooms become available due to cancellations.

Hotel Check-In/Out Information

Check-in from 3:00 PM, Check-out before 12:00 noon. Individual check-in prior to the hotel’s published check-in times is subject to availability. The hotel will arrange to check in baggage on a complimentary basis for event participants arriving before check-in time for which guest rooms are not available and for event participants attending the meeting on their day of departure.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural capital, offers visitors a distinctive mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Framed by the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, the city is known for its leafy boulevards, lively cafés, upscale restaurants and modern shopping districts. Visitors can explore attractions such as Panfilov Park, the colourful Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum and the bustling Green Bazaar, while the nearby Kok-Tobe hill provides panoramic views over the city.

Almaty is also a gateway to exceptional outdoor experiences, including hiking in the Tian Shan foothills, skiing at Shymbulak Resort and day trips to Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake. Almaty’s greatest appeal is the combination of a modern, walkable city and dramatic mountain landscapes that can be reached within an hour of downtown – something few destinations can offer.

WHAT TO DO IN ALMATY…

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A visa may be required to enter Kazakhstan. Before making any travel arrangements to visit Kazakhstan, please consult a Kazakhstan Embassy or Consulate in your country to find out whether you require a Visa for your passport of origin.

Some helpful resources below, to be used as a guideline only. Please be sure to make the necessary enquiries with your nearest Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information, as online information may be outdated.

CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS

KAZAKHSTAN VISA PORTAL

Participating organisations

  • Afghanistan International Bank

  • Alatau City Bank

  • Authentix
  • Azerbaijan Banks Association
  • Bank of Mongolia

  • Bank of Indonesia

  • Banknote Factory of Kazakhstan
  • Banknote Industry News
  • Banque de France
  • Bereke Bank
  • Cash & Payment News

  • CenterCredit Bank

  • Central Bank of Azerbaijan
  • Central Bank of Egypt
  • Central Bank of Montenegro
  • Central Bank of Oman

  • Central Bank of Republic of Uzbekistan

  • Central Bank of UAE

  • Coin & Mint News
  • CPS
  • Crane Currency
  • Currency News
  • Currency Research

  • De La Rue

  • Ebixcash World Money Limited
  • ECM
  • Eurasian Bank
  • Fintech Armenia
  • Fintech Association Usbekistan

  • Forte Bank

  • Giesecke+Devrient

  • Halyk Bank

  • Hueck Folien

  • IFAD

  • IOTA

  • Jura

  • Kazakhstan Mint of the National Bank of Kazakhstan
  • Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA
  • KZI Bank
  • Landqart AG
  • LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG

  • LM Exchange LLC

  • Moneycorp

  • N1broker

  • National Bank of Georgia
  • National Bank of Kazakhstan

  • National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic

  • National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan
  • Numismabank
  • Nurbank

  • Oberthur Fiduciaire

  • Otbasy Bank
  • PARVIS

  • Paul Merchants

  • Payments Consulting Network
  • Poongsan Corporation
  • Reconnaissance International
  • Reserve Bank of India
  • Royal Dutch Kusters Engineering
  • Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan
  • Sargent & Greenleaf

  • Saudi Central Bank

  • Sender Odeme Hizmetleri

  • South African Reserve Bank
  • Swiss National Bank
  • The Fintech Foundation
  • TODEB
  • Travelex
  • TURKFIN
  • UPT Ödeme Hizmetleri Ve Elektronik Para AŞ

  • ZEISER

  • Ziraat International Bank

Countries Represented

Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Oman, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan.

Testimonials

“It was outstanding – the subjects selected and the way it was organized, structured, and managed throughout the course.”

National Bank of Georgia

“It was an enlightening experience. I was able to realize the availability of multiple options and alternatives in terms of currency designs, circulation and processing.”

Bank Negara Malaysia

“Everything was organized on an outstanding level, brilliant panel sessions, great speakers, took in many insights to consider. Representation from the private sector allowed to have excellent networking opportunities.”

National Bank of Kazakhstan

“My congratulations on the excellent Conference that the Currency Research team organized. It was rich in content and valuable in creating a better understanding of the issues that were discussed. We are grateful that you asked us to join and support. “

The Bank of Mongolia

“Wonderful experience. We had the chance to meet familiar faces from all over the world, and also meet new people. The content was rich, people were excited to attend and the environment was welcoming to all.”

ProgressSoft

“I was very impressed with the level of future thinking and vision in the region. It was a great learning experience.“

Standard Bank of South Africa

General FAQs

Business casual for conference sessions. Smart casual for evening receptions and dinners.

Your registration confirmation email contains a link to review or modify your details. Please ensure your name, job title, and organisation are correct, as this information is used for your badge and the event app.

Badges can be collected from the Conference Desk at the venue during published opening hours.

Yes. Your badge is required for entry to all sessions, exhibition areas, and evening events. Badge sharing is strictly prohibited.

Yes. All delegates are required to download the new Currency Research Events App.

Search “Currency Research Events” on the Google Play / Apple App Store.

Detailed instructions and login credentials will be provided to all registered delegates prior to the conference.

Access the agenda, participate in live audience QA and polls, receive announcements & live event updates, connect with delegates, view speakers and sponsors, and plan your schedule.

Yes. Invitation or registration confirmation letters are available upon request.

Yandex Go and inDrive are the most commonly used taxi apps in Almaty and are generally the easiest way to get around the city. Official taxis are also available, including at the airport. Almaty also has a reliable public transportation network, including buses, trolleybuses, and a metro system.

Approved presentations will be available to download after the conference, following completion of the Delegate Feedback Survey.

Yes. Certificates can be downloaded after the event via the link provided in post-event communications.

Your feedback helps improve future events. Completing the survey unlocks access to downloadable presentations.

We’re excited to enhance your experience at our event with the latest AI technology!

This innovative platform allows you to automatically receive photos of yourself taken during the event directly on your mobile phone using facial recognition — no more searching for your photos.

To get started, simply scan the QR code provided in your registration email, set up your profile, and upload a selfie. Once registered, the system will recognise you in event photos and deliver them straight to your phone — it’s that easy!

Please visit the Conference Desk during event hours — the Currency Research team will be happy to assist.

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