– Developing a Sharia-compliant fintech platform, from checking fees and exchange rates to sending money through an AI chatbot
– Global Startup Commercialization Support Program supports app development and investor networking as HANAFI prepares a regulatory sandbox application
HANAFI, led by CEO Sharipov Azizbek, who is in his 11th year of living in South Korea, is developing a blockchain and AI fintech platform for migrant workers in the country.
Azizbek came up with the business idea while using banks and international money transfer apps to receive living expenses from his parents as an international student. Using a bank required visits to a branch and various documents. Later, even with money transfer apps, he found it difficult to clearly identify the actual fees and differences in exchange rates. Language barriers added to these difficulties, leading him to start HANAFI to provide financial services that would be easier for foreign nationals to use.
Sharipov Azizbek, CEO of HANAFI.
◇ Clearer fees and exchange rates, with international transfers through an AI chatbot
HANAFI uses blockchain features to help users see fees and exchange rates more transparently. It also offers a feature that lets users send money to their home country by chatting with an AI chatbot.
The company presents compliance with Sharia principles in Islamic finance as a main point of difference. Azizbek said existing fintech services have not adequately addressed this need.
◇ Development and investor outreach through the Global Startup Commercialization Support Program
HANAFI is participating in the Global Startup Commercialization Support Program as it develops its product and works to enter South Korea.
Azizbek identified commercialization funding as the program’s first contribution. He said the funding has helped the company work toward completing the fintech app it is currently developing.
The program has also expanded opportunities to network with investors. Azizbek said it enabled him to meet several investors and present the platform HANAFI is developing. Being selected for a government support program also helps build credibility when explaining the business to investors, he said.
Azizbek said the next step is to finish developing the app with the program’s support, then apply to a regulatory sandbox to obtain temporary authorization.
HANAFI receiving ‘TIER 2’ recognition at the IFC 2026 Awards Ceremony.
◇ Expansion from South Korea into Central Asia and Southeast Asia
HANAFI plans to complete regulatory procedures and validate its service in South Korea before expanding into Central Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Its long-term goal is to grow into an Islamic fintech brand that starts in South Korea and expands globally.
Company name: HANAFI
Contact name: SHARIPOV AZIZBEK HAKIMJON UGLI
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://hanafi.humblebee.ai/
Country: Uzbekistan