DIGITAL PLATFORMS AS A FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE FINANCING FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN UZBEKISTAN

This article examines the role of digital platforms in the development of alternative financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uzbekistan. It demonstrates that financial technologies are gradually transforming not only the delivery of traditional financial services but also the mechanisms for raising capital. Particular attention is paid to digital factoring as one of the most prominent trends in the platformization of the financial market. Based on data from the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the article analyzes the dynamics of factoring operations and the development of electronic platforms. It argues that the experience gained in digital factoring can serve as a technological and organizational foundation for the further development of crowdlending and investment crowdfunding.