Official Position of the National Bank of Ukraine Board on Statements by Parliamentary Committee Chairman Mr. Hetmantsev
The Board of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has released an official statement addressing remarks made by Mr. Hetmantsev, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy. The document refutes the accusations leveled against the regulator and provides details on its supervisory actions concerning Sense Bank, along with the volume of inquiries processed.
According to the statement, the NBU responded to all 119 parliamentary requests submitted by Mr. Hetmantsev during the full-scale war. Between 2023 and 2026, the central bank also sent 13 referrals to law enforcement agencies and the State Tax Service of Ukraine. These figures underscore the regulator’s proactive stance in overseeing financial institutions.
Additionally, the NBU forwarded four letters to the State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine based on audits conducted at Sense Bank. However, the central bank notes that its mandate does not extend to verifying tax compliance by bank clients or confirming instances of criminal money laundering.
Ethical Standards in the Conduct of People's Deputies
In its explanation, the National Bank also emphasizes the importance of ethical norms in the activities of people's deputies. It highlights that
“it is unacceptable for a people’s deputy to use their parliamentary mandate in a manner contrary to universally recognized moral standards, human and civil rights and freedoms, and the legitimate interests of society and the state”
as stipulated in Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine on the Status of People's Deputies.
Thus, the official stance of the National Bank of Ukraine underscores its openness to cooperation with lawmakers while defending its actions and authority in the realm of financial monitoring.
This situation highlights the critical importance of interaction between financial regulators and legislative authorities in Ukraine, especially amid the ongoing challenges posed by war and economic instability. The statements and actions of both parties can influence investor and consumer confidence in the financial system, as well as the overall investment climate. It is essential that such communications remain transparent and avoid political speculation, which could otherwise undermine economic stability.
In light of the ongoing developments surrounding Sense Bank, it is essential to understand the implications of its recent nationalization by the National Bank of Ukraine. This action, driven by a significant capital drop, raises questions about the stability of financial institutions in the country. For a deeper insight into the circumstances that led to this critical decision, explore our detailed coverage of the nationalization of Sense Bank.