Georgia’s Microfinance Organizations Association expects stricter consumer lending rules to increase demand for pawn loans, where regulatory requirements are less restrictive.
Association Chair Nino Devdariani said the changes are likely to affect microbank customers more heavily than commercial bank borrowers, making it harder for some niche borrowers to access credit. She expects demand to shift toward pawn lending, accelerating growth in that segment.
From February 1, 2027, the 25% payment-to-income (PTI) limit will apply to borrowers earning up to GEL2,000 per month, up from the current GEL1,500 threshold. From September 1, 2027, the income threshold will rise to GEL2,500.
