BANK-SPECIFIC DETERMINANTS OF NON-PERFORMING LOANS IN AN EMERGING BANKING SYSTEM: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN
Non-performing loans (NPLs) represent a major challenge to the stability and resilience of banking systems, particularly in emerging economies undergoing financial sector reforms. This study examines the evolution of NPLs and the influence of bank-specific factors in the banking sector of Uzbekistan during 2017–2025. The research employs comparative and descriptive statistical analyses using data obtained from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan to investigate the relationship between NPLs, outstanding loans, capitalization, profitability and real interest rates. The findings indicate that rapid credit expansion, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, contributed to a substantial increase in NPLs. The study also finds that diversification and stronger capital positions enhance banks’ resilience to credit risk. Besides that, there is an inverse relationship between real interest rate of domestic currency operations and NPLs, supporting moral hazard The results provide practical implications for strengthening credit risk management, improving loan portfolio quality and supporting financial stability in Uzbekistan’s banking sector.