According to officials cited in Kyiv, Yuriy Draganchuk, the Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Finance, indicated that Ukraine plans to divest two state-owned banks to foreign investors. The banks in question are Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank, both seen as potential candidates for private ownership. This information comes from a report by Kommersant.
Draganchuk noted that interest from foreign investors in Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank has been evident since the previous autumn. As a result, these banks are actively preparing for a sale, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to streamline the banking sector and attract international capital.
The Deputy Minister stated that the Ministry of Finance intends to appoint financial advisors for these banks in the near term. He emphasized that the Ukrainian government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is working on legislative measures to ensure that the sales process is transparent and aligned with international best practices. The objective is to create a clear, predictable framework that fosters investor confidence and safeguards national financial stability.
Additionally, Draganchuk did not close the door on future options, mentioning that PrivatBank could be considered for privatization at an undetermined time if conditions are favorable. He reiterated the government’s commitment to a steady reduction of state participation in the banking sector, which remains a core element of Ukraine’s economic reform program.
The evolution of Ukraine’s banking landscape has already seen significant steps. Earlier reports indicated that First Investment Bank, operating within the Ukrainian market, had come under state control as part of consolidation and supervision efforts aimed at strengthening financial resilience.
From a policy perspective, the government has communicated a clear intent to enhance transparency and reduce public exposure in the financial services industry. This includes ongoing cooperation with international partners and institutions to align reform measures with global standards and to attract durable, long-term investment that supports economic diversification and stability. The discussion around privatization reflects a broader shift toward market-driven strategies designed to improve efficiency, risk management, and competitiveness across Ukraine’s financial sector.
Observers note that the pace and scope of privatization will depend on continued macroeconomic stabilization, adequate legal safeguards, and the successful implementation of governance improvements within the banks themselves. As reforms progress, stakeholders will be watching to see how these moves influence credit conditions, investor sentiment, and the overall health of Ukraine’s financial system. The underlying aim remains to reduce state involvement while maintaining a robust regulatory environment that protects savers and lenders alike, all within a framework that encourages responsible foreign participation and sustained growth.