Business Priorities After Regulatory Easing
Following the easing of restrictions by Ukraine's National Bank (NBU) on January 14, 2026, the business community has outlined its key priorities. A third-stage survey by the European Business Association (EBA) reveals that companies are now focusing on repatriating profits and settling debts accumulated in previous years. This shift follows a period of stringent capital controls imposed during the ongoing conflict.
Key Business Demands
The survey indicates that 47% of companies need to pay out dividends accrued before 2023. Meanwhile, the urgency to settle 'old' debts to non-residents has risen to 60%, a 9% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, 70% of respondents are requesting a review of limits on corporate hryvnia payment cards, proposing a new monthly cap ranging from 150,000 to 500,000 hryvnias.
Other critical business needs include:
- 43% of companies highlighted the necessity for permission to transfer penalties and fines related to export contracts disrupted by logistical failures.
- 47% of businesses are calling for an extension of the maximum settlement period for export-import operations to 360 days.
- 80% of firms confirm the need to purchase foreign currency to meet obligations, even when they lack their own funds.
It is worth noting that a daily cash purchase limit of 80 US dollars remains in place. In response, businesses propose:
- Eliminating discriminatory measures against companies that have changed their legal form of ownership;
- Allowing transfers of up to 400,000 hryvnias without documentary proof;
- Lifting the ban on operations to hedge against currency risks.
Thus, Ukrainian businesses continue to adapt to the new conditions, concentrating on resolving financial issues and stabilizing their operations.
These survey results demonstrate that Ukrainian businesses are actively seeking ways to restore and improve financial stability within a volatile economic environment. The calls for changes in currency regulation and financial operations indicate a drive to optimize cash flows and mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations. This could represent a significant step toward rebuilding investor confidence and bolstering Ukraine's economic stability.