Selbin Alakbarova: "Fintech should serve people, not just reports"
On April 17, 2025, at the Banks & Business Expo 2025 in Tashkent, Selbin Alakbarova, Chief Product Officer at Simbrella, delivered a keynote presentation titled “Fintech as a Driver of Inclusive Economic Growth.”
Her speech went beyond technology—it focused on people. On the real stories behind the numbers. On those who remain invisible to the traditional banking system. Selbin addressed how fintech can create real, measurable impact by improving financial access and inclusion—especially in underserved communities.
Key ideas from her talk included:
- Financial access is not a privilege—it’s a basic need
- Traditional lending models often fail to serve those who need help the most
- Technology can assess creditworthiness based on behavior, not bureaucracy
Introducing SalaryNOW
One of the solutions Selbin highlighted was SalaryNOW, a new service being prepared for launch in Uzbekistan. It allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday—without interest, debt, or predatory lending.
SalaryNOW is designed to give people better control over their own money—especially during unexpected life events. The service is being developed in partnership with several local banks and has already generated strong interest from both employers and employees.
“We’re not offering loans. We’re giving people access to what they’ve already earned—on their own terms,” said Selbin Alakbarova.
This approach is especially relevant amid growing demand for halal and ethically sound financial services that support people without creating dependency.
Proven Impact
Selbin also shared the results of Simbrella’s broader platform, which to date has:
- Delivered over 1 billion loans
- Disbursed more than $3.5 billion USD
- Reached 240 million users
- Operated in 15+ countries
This is more than technology—it’s a global solution that works.
Fintech with a human face
Selbin concluded by emphasizing that inclusive growth requires tools that adapt to real life—not rigid financial rules.
“We don’t just build products. We help people feel more secure, confident, and in control of their everyday lives,” she said