Firdavs Tolibzoda

Firdavs Tolibzoda (; born 11 March 1980) is a Tajik economist and banker who has served as the Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan since January 2024. He is the eighth person to hold the position since the bank's establishment in 1991. Tolibzoda has spent his entire professional career at the National Bank, joining in 2003 and rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chairman in 2021, First Deputy Chairman in 2022, and Chairman in 2024.

Early life and education Firdavs Tolibzoda was born on 11 March 1980 in the Tajik SSR, Soviet Union. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Banking and Finance from the Eastern Mediterranean University in Northern Cyprus, Turkey, in 2003. In 2009–2010 he enrolled in the Master's degree program at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan, graduating with a Master of Arts in Public Administration (Transition Economy Program).

Career Tolibzoda began his career at the National Bank of Tajikistan in 2003, shortly after completing his higher education. To regulate the money supply and reduce inflationary pressures, the bank conducted 110 auctions of securities sales totaling 63.6 billion somoni (approximately $6.7 billion). He has highlighted the rapid growth in users of electronic payment instruments and e-wallets, and the expansion of cashless payments across the country. Tolibzoda has emphasized the growing importance of sustainable financing and the need to strengthen climate risk management mechanisms for economic stability. In October 2025, three Tajik banks; Dushanbe City Bank, Spitamen Bank, and Kommertsbank of Tajikistan were placed on the European Union sanctions list under the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia, which took effect on 12 November 2025. Tolibzoda established a special working group and held several meetings with EU representatives to negotiate the lifting of the restrictions.

Central Bank of the UAE: In December 2024, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to strengthen bilateral cooperation in banking supervision, payment systems, anti-money laundering, and digital currencies.

Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO): He has held multiple meetings with SECO representatives to discuss financial sector development, digital services, financial inclusion, and banking supervision.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD): He has met with EBRD officials, including Vice President Mark Bowman and Director Georgiy Orlov, to discuss financial sector projects, support for SMEs, women entrepreneurs, green economy development, and the insurance market.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC): He has held meetings with ICBC management on the sidelines of IMF and World Bank meetings to discuss cash services, asset management, correspondent accounts, and bilateral cooperation.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-COMCEC): He participated in and delivered a speech at the 7th meeting of the Forum of Central Banks of the OIC Standing Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation in Istanbul.

Central Bank of Turkey: He met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey during a working visit to Turkey.

Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI): He co-hosted AFI Working Group meetings in Dushanbe and emphasized the importance of expanding access to digital financial services and strengthening inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystems.

Awards and honours Badge of Honor "Excellent Worker of National Bank of Tajikistan" Badge of Honor "Excellent Worker of Financial Service of the Republic of Tajikistan"