National Bank Of Ukraine Research Articles

ROLE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN ENSURING LIQUIDITY AND STABILITY OF THE CURRENCY MARKET OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF MILITARY CONFLICT

In the conditions of military actions, liquidity of the currency market is of critical importance for the financial stability and security of the state, which stipulates significant relevance of the issue of instruments of liquidity provision. The research aims to identify the influence of the instruments of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on the liquidity of the currency market of Ukraine within the context of long-term military conflict.The methods of regression analysis, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance were used in the study to determine the leading factors that influence the liquidity of the currency market in Ukraine in the conditions of military conflict.The study of the liquidity of the currency market through the prism of linear regression reveals the relation between the core economic indicators and the level of liquidity of the currency market during the military conflict. The model with a coefficient of determination 0,774 was found to effectively describe 77,4% of liquidity variability, underlining the significant influence of such factors as central bank policies and macroeconomic conditions. Significant coefficients for central bank interventions (1,7867), regulatory measures (59,8199), volume of international aid (-1,5684) and inflation (-99,9780) indicate their influence on the liquidity of the currency market in the conditions of military conflict. The influence of regulatory measures with a correlation of 0,59 is especially important.The article emphasises the necessity for minimising dependence on external financing and inflation control through monetary measures to ensure price stability. Further study perspectives involve consideration of the influence of digital currency of central banks on the liquidity of the currency market.

STATE REGULATION OF REINSURANCE ACTIVITIES IN UKRAINE DURING THE WAR

This paper examines the evolution of state regulation of reinsurance activities in Ukraine in the period 2022-2024, with a particular focus on the impact of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This paper examines the manner in which the regulatory framework has been adapted to the distinctive challenges posed by the war in order to stabilise the insurance market and ensure effective risk management. The objective of this study is to analyse the regulatory measures and their implications for the insurance and reinsurance sectors, with a particular focus on the changes implemented, their practical results and the broader implications for market stability. The primary objective of this paper is to undertake a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the alterations in state-level regulation of reinsurance in Ukraine between the years 2022 and 2024. The objective is to identify the regulatory changes implemented to address the distinctive challenges posed by wartime conditions, evaluate their impact on the reinsurance industry, and discuss the broader economic implications. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the manner in which the regulatory framework has been adjusted in order to maintain industry stability and ensure effective risk management in an unstable environment. Methodology. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilising a combination of document analysis and expert interviews. The data was gathered from regulatory reports, policy documents, and statements issued by the National Bank of Ukraine and other pertinent authorities. The analysis is centred on a detailed examination of the key regulatory adjustments, the market responses to these changes, and the practical implications of these modifications. Results. The analysis revealed several significant changes in the reinsurance regulation in Ukraine during the reporting period: 1) strengthening of regulatory supervision; 2) revision of coverage requirements; 3) state and international financial support measures and co-operation with international reinsurers to stabilise the market and manage increased risks. The regulatory changes have had several practical implications for the reinsurance sector: increased financial stability through stronger solvency and capital requirements has improved the financial strength of insurers and reinsurers, helping them to manage the increased risks associated with the conflict. Value / Originality. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory adaptations in Ukraine's reinsurance sector during a period of significant political and economic upheaval. The paper offers valuable insights into the effective adjustment of state regulation in response to extraordinary circumstances, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of risk management in conflict-affected regions. The study is of particular relevance in the context of the prevailing geopolitical circumstances and the necessity to comprehend the manner in which extreme circumstances affect financial regulations. The study addresses a gap in the existing literature on crisis management in the financial sector, with a particular focus on the context of war. The originality of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of war and regulatory adaptation, a topic that has been largely overlooked in the existing literature. By analysing the regulatory responses and their outcomes, the paper makes a contribution to the development of strategies for effective crisis management in the financial and insurance sectors.

REGULATORY POLICY OF THE NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE: PROBLEMS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE

The article notes that the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) must ensure price stability, high and stable level of economic development and optimal employment. Conceptually agreeing with this approach, the authors prove that the mechanism for its implementation does not ensure the fulfillment of the NBU mission. Analyzing changes in the banking sector of Ukraine over the last 2.5 years, the authors emphasize that due to the implementation of insufficiently balanced NBU regulatory policy, the volume of banks' investments in NBU certificates of deposit increased almost fivefold –– from UAH 95 billion. at the beginning of 2022 to UAH 456 billion at the end of the year. As a result of such an unsuccessful policy and contrary to economic logic, the NBU generated a huge positive liquidity balance in the banking sector, while the real sector of the economy suffers from a lack of funds Undoubtedly, such regulatory actions, which are "unique" in modern economic theory and historical practice, cannot stand criticism and should be rethought and significantly revised. The reasons and consequences of such an ineffective regulatory policy of the NBU are analyzed and important conceptual ideas aimed at improving bank management are suggested. According to the formulated conclusions, it is necessary to create an effective mechanism of credit monitoring in Ukraine. The activity of which should be devoted to assessing economically justified levels of different banking rates and analyzing innovations in the ideology of banking management that are used in other countries where central banks operate very successfully.

THE IMPACT OF WAR ON THE INSURANCE MARKET OF UKRAINE: ANALYSIS OF OBSTACLES AND RESTRUCTURING OF THE FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE

The purpose. The aim is to analyze the condition, structure, and dynamics of the financial sector of Ukraine, identifying key trends. It also involves determining the major problems and growth opportunities for the financial sector as a significant factor affecting the national economy. Method. The study is based on the examination of statistical and empirical data from the National Bank of Ukraine, as well as the analysis of changes in regulatory acts governing financial services. Additionally, the author reviewed expert opinions on market issues related to specific entities. Using a comprehensive approach, the author was able to formulate general trends characteristic of the market as a whole. The results. This research presents the impact of martial law on the structure and dynamics of the financial sector in Ukraine, analyzes the causes of these changes, and identifies factors influencing the financial sector of Ukraine. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the article lies in exploring the relationship between military-political factors and the transformation of Ukraine's financial sector. The proposed study highlights the unique experience of the impact of military-political factors on the country’s financial system, which is relevant and significant for further research and practical applications. Practical significance. The practical significance of this article is that the research results will provide analytical information to financial institutions regarding the needs and opportunities for adapting to military-political risks. This will enable them to develop more effective risk management strategies and maintain stability in conflict conditions. Studying the impact of military-political factors on the stability of Ukraine's financial system can help identify key risks and ways to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions and national infrastructure.

Risks and profitability of business models of insurance companies

Ukrainian insurance companies are steadily moving towards the European development framework, facilitated by the adoption of a series of radical regulatory documents by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) concerning the super­vision of their activities based on a risk-oriented approach. This, in turn, requires insurance compa­nies to make fundamental changes to their risk management processes and substantiate their choice of a viable business model capable of ensu­ring their long-term. The aim of the article is to determine the level of risks and the related profitability of business models of insurance companies of Ukraine, as well as to develop recommendations for their transfor­mation based on proactive risk management. The research is based on the use of a set of such methods as analysis, comparison, grouping, correlation. Various methodical approaches to distinguishing the business models of insurers are revealed and their brief description is given. An analysis of risks for business models of life and non-life insurance was carried out based on the system of selected indicators. An analysis of the correlation relationship between the ratio of insurance payments to insurance premiums (dependent variable) and independent variables was carried out. Proposals aimed at imple­menting innovative business models based on proactive risk management have been deve­loped. Formulated and empirically tested hypo­theses regarding the reduction of the scale of the insurance business under the influence of the unfavorable economic situation, the war in Ukraine and the strengthening of regulatory requirements for insurers; different levels of risks are inherent in the business models of non-life and life insurers; the introduction of innova­tive business models for insurers should be based on the conceptual principles of proactive risk management

Сучасний стан банківського кредитування суб’єктів малого підприємництва сфери оборони в україні

The article examines the current state of bank lending to small businesses in the defense sector in Ukraine. An analysis of the component expenditures of the state budget in 2021–2024 has been carried out; in particular, the share of defense expenditures has been determined. It has been found that defense production requires working capital for the purchase of components, covering the gap between the advance and the need for funds, relocation of enterprises, and provision of uninterrupted/alternative power sources. An analysis of current lending programs for small and medium-sized enterprises managed by Ukrainian banks in 2023 (JSC CB “PrivatBank”, JSC “Oschadbank”, JSC “Sense Bank”, JSC “Ukrgasbank”, JSC OTP BANK, JSC “Taskombank”, JSC “KredoBank”) has been carried out. The structure and volumes of loans issued to entrepreneurs within the framework of the Affordable Loans at 5-7-9% state program during the period of martial law have been studied, and their sectoral structure indicates that the funds have been being directed chiefly to agriculture – 52%, wholesale trade – 17% and food industry – 8%. A range of problems faced by small businesses in the defense sector in the process of bank lending has been outlined, in particular: lack of contracts with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the need for weapon use approval, short-term nature, obtaining permission to export weapons, high interest rates, military risks, lack of collateral property, etc. The priority measures for expanding lending to the defense sector in Ukraine by the National Bank of Ukraine, the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine have been systematized. It has been proposed that preferential state programs for bank lending be introduced to small businesses in the defense sector. Keywords: bank lending, small business, defense sector, support program, state program.

Legal regulation of the powers of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine to exercise control in the field of banking activity

Control is explained as a systematic verification of the implementation of laws, directives, resolutions and decrees or as state or public measures for the supervision, inspection, accounting of the activities, behavior of natural and legal persons, i.e. control is an inspection in order to ensure the reliability and legality of the actions specified and the process of tracking the actual implementation of plans. Unfortunately, the legal reference literature and the current legislation of Ukraine do not contain a unified approach to the definition of the legal content of the term «control». The Encyclopedia of Law, for example, defines «control» (French controle – check, from Old French contre-role – a list with a duplicate for verification) – as verification of the implementation of laws, decisions, etc. The article examines the place of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine in the system of bodies exercising control in the sphere of banking activity. It is determined that state control is one of the main functions (forms, methods) of public administration. The degree of efficiency of state control, despite the sphere of its implementation, is mainly determined by the quality of legal support of control activities, a certain level of socio-economic and logistical support of state control bodies, the level of mobility and balance of the system of control bodies. It is the balanced construction of the system of state control bodies that is an important prerequisite for the successful functioning of the entire system of state bodies. Analyzing the variety of laws and by-laws, as well as scientific literature on the issue of subjects of control in the sphere of banking activity, it is determined that control over the activities of banking institutions is a complex system, which has two main directions: external control and internal control. Subjects of banking control can be represented both externally (by state and independent regulatory authorities) and internally. The subjects of banking control by the state include: the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, Control Departments under the Administration of the President of Ukraine, the State Financial Inspection of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, the State Treasury Service of Ukraine, the State Property Fund of Ukraine, state extra-budgetary funds (such as the Pension Fund of Ukraine), the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, law enforcement agencies and others in accordance with the current legislation. Independent audit firms act as subjects of independent control, and the subjects of internal control are the Supervisory Board, the Audit Commission, the Management Board (Board of Directors), functional divisions of the bank, and its internal audit service. The article thoroughly covers the functions of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine of control in the sphere of banking activity, its important role and importance. The article defines the main functions assigned to the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine by the current legislation of Ukraine. On the basis of the study, it is established that in case of violation of the current legislation, material and operational-economic liability is provided for business entities in general, and banks in particular. When writing the article, on the basis of the studied material, it is established that the common type of operational and economic sanctions applied by the authorities are: cancellation of licenses and termination of foreign economic operations. And in case of abuse of monopoly position in the market, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine has the right to adopt a resolution on the forced division of monopoly formations.

Approaches in the monetary policy of the National bank of Ukraine to curb inflation and prevent rapid devaluation of the Hryvnia in wartime conditions

Introduction. Monetary policy serves as a fundamental component of the economic strategy of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), focused on ensuring price stability and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth, development, and increased employment levels within the country. Following the onset of large-scale military occupation in Ukraine, which inflicted significant damages on the national economy and disrupted international trade, the NBU has been compelled to take decisive actions. These measures aim to minimize the severe impacts of military operations on Ukraine’s banking and monetary systems and address multiple emerging challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore the approaches of the NBU's monetary policy aimed at curbing inflation and preventing the rapid devaluation of the hryvnia during wartime conditions. Results. The strategy pursued by the NBU is directed towards securing both price and financial stability, which are essential for macroeconomic stability. The current state of Ukraine’s monetary policy reveals several institutional challenges, including unstable exchange rates, hryvnia devaluation, an expansion of the shadow economy, and a high volume of currency transactions within the country. During the conflict, the monetary and credit policies of the NBU prioritize fulfilling Ukraine’s defense needs, ensuring the functionality of financial markets, maintaining the smooth operation of banking and payment systems, controlling inflation, stabilizing the hryvnia, and safeguarding necessary levels of international reserves. Conclusions. A key mechanism for the NBU’s influence on inflation in Ukraine is the primary interest rate, which determines the rate at which the NBU provides funds to financial institutions. This key rate significantly impacts the interest rates commercial banks offer to individuals and enterprises, which in turn affects the inflation level.

Інституціоналізація довіри до монетарної політики як інструмент залучення інвестицій для відновлення економіки України

One of the economic tasks of the Ukrainian government is to attract external foreign investments to rebuild the economy and expand its own national production, which entails other positive socio-economic effects. This study analyzes how monetary policy becomes an important tool for promoting the attraction of foreign investments through the institutionalization of trust in the National Bank of Ukraine (hereinafter – the NBU). The study identifies the main political and economic contradictions inherent in the instruments of monetary policy, due to which the importance of increasing trust in the NBU by ensuring its institutional independence is substantiated, in particular, via introducing high-quality corporate governance. It has been proven that institutionalized trust via the predictability of the use of monetary policy instruments, has a positive effect on Ukraine’s investment attractiveness, which increases the potential for this country’s economic recovery.

UKRAINE’S MONETARY POLICY UNDER MARTIAL LAW

The relevance of the research is due to the change in the monetary policy regime of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), which consists in the transition from inflation targeting with a floating exchange rate to a fixed exchange rate as the nominal anchor of monetary policy under martial law. Such a plan to change the monetary policy regime was carefully calculated and outlined in the NBU's Monetary Policy Guidelines for the Duration of Martial Law. The timeliness and effectiveness of the NBU's monetary policy decisions enabled it to mitigate the impact of the military shock on the macro-financial stability of the national economy. The purpose of the article is to consider the theoretical and practical aspects of the NBU's monetary policy under martial law. Methodology. The study uses a systematic method of cognition to determine the sequence of application of monetary policy instruments to smooth out monetary shocks of the wartime period; an abstract-logical method to understand the future monetary policy strategy based on the abandonment of the fixed exchange rate regime and a gradual return to inflation targeting; and a statistical method to analyse the dynamics of monetary indicators of the national economy. Results. The paper presents the main principles of the NBU's monetary policy under martial law. The first shock from the war led to changes in the conduct of monetary policy and a shift to unconventional instruments of its regulation. The gradual adaptation of the economy to the new conditions determined the NBU's further steps to ease monetary policy and move to greater exchange rate flexibility. Practical implications. The practical significance of the research results is to assess the conditions for the transition from the key policy rate-based inflation targeting regime as the main monetary policy instrument to the use of foreign exchange interventions as the main operation in the foreign exchange market under martial law. Value / Originality. The originality of the article is due to the need to identify the prerequisites for the transition to a new monetary policy strategy in a wartime economy. Conclusions. The NBU's timely response to the negative phenomena associated with deteriorating inflation expectations, multiple exchange rates and pressure on international reserves helped prevent the development of a currency and financial crisis in Ukraine. Despite the active hostilities, the NBU is trying to find options that will allow it to conduct an effective monetary policy in the face of a full-scale invasion and unprecedented internal and external shocks. Internationally, Ukraine has exceeded expectations and the NBU has shown a high degree of responsibility, professionalism and creativity in the conduct of monetary policy. Increased confidence in the central bank is a valuable resource in times of martial law.

PROGRAMMATIC SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES THAT HAVE MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS

Since ancient times, people have used various types of monetary units to perform various trade transactions.A large amount of money is stored in certain computer systems. Accounting for such units is no less important thanaccounting for physical money, and because of this, banks are developing client applications. However, almost all clientbanks have one significant drawback for business users, namely the lack of a centralized place to track information onall their accounts in different banks. To make sure that a large number of people need to view accounts in different banks,it is enough to look at the statistics of the NBU (National Bank of Ukraine) and UkrStat (State Statistics Service). It is notuncommon for entrepreneurs to open not only several accounts, but also in different banks. Which makes it difficult tokeep records without some kind of system where you can see all transactions in one place. This work is devoted to thedevelopment of a software solution for a business that has several accounts. Also, this development can be used byindividuals who have several accounts in different banks. This work covers some of the practical challenges that abusiness may face and offers one of the solutions to them by creating a desktop application that allows you to monitormultiple bank accounts in one place, providing vital data such as transaction history and recent balances, allowing youto add personal notes

ОБЛІКОВА СТАВКА НБУ: НАСЛІДКИ ТА ДОЦІЛЬНІСТЬ ПОДАЛЬШОГО ЗНИЖЕННЯ

Introduction. The purpose of the latest increase in the key rate from 10% to 25% in June 2022 is the following: protection of savings and income of individuals in national currency; increasing attractiveness of hryvnia-denominated assets; easing the pressure of excess liquidity on the foreign exchange market; strengthening the ability of the NBU to ensure exchange rate stability and streamline inflationary processes during the war. The increase in the key rate was also supposed to increase the yield on domestic government loan bonds and deposit certificates of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), rates on line deposits in the national currency, and the cost of servicing hryvnia loans for legal entities and individuals. Over a period of up to 15 months, the key rate remained at the same level of 25%. As the dynamics of inflation faded, the regulator started a cycle of gradual easing of monetary policy. allows to analyze the intermediate results of such a reduction. Reporting of the financial and external sectors of the economy published by the NBU and supervisory statistics as of December 1, 2023 allow to analyze the intermediate results of the reduction. Problem Statement. Determining the preliminary consequences and justifying the expediency of further gradual reduction of the NBU key rate aimed at overcoming the main problems of the monetary and credit system of Ukraine in the conditions of martial law. The purpose is the analysis of the main intermediate results of the gradual reduction of the key rate in Ukraine, which directly affect the performance of its key functions by the monetary and credit system of Ukraine, and justification of the most urgent state measures aimed at overcoming the current negative trends in the monetary sphere. Methods. General scientific and special methods are used: analysis, synthesis, grouping, description, comparison, theoretical generalization and abstract-logical. Results. The key preliminary consequences of the gradual reduction of the key rate in Ukraine are analyzed, in particular: the dynamics of refinancing attracted by banks, bank investments in NBU deposit certificates, investments of the regulator and banks in domestic government loan bonds (OVDPs), corporate and retail lending, bank deposits of households and corporations by terms and currencies, individual indicators of the foreign exchange market. Conclusions. The key positive consequences of the key rate reduction are: gradual recovery of banks' credit activity; reorientation of banks' investments from the purchase of NBU deposit certificates to increasing investments in OVDPs, which made it possible to stop emission financing of the budget deficit by the NBU; maintaining a positive yield on term deposits in the national currency, which stimulates the population to further increase the volume of bank deposits. Instead, the practice of sterilizing the "excess" liquidity of banking institutions through their purchase of overnight and three-month deposit certificates of the NBU continues and and provokes a further increase in the volume of excess liquidity of the banking system due to a fairly high level of profitability of this instrument. Expected conservation of moderate rates of inflation in the short term determines the expediency of a further gradual decrease in the level of the key rate, provided that the positive return on time deposits of the population in the national currency is maintained. To overcome the current negative trends in the monetary sphere it is advisable: to consider the possibility of reducing the yield of NBU deposit certificates to a level comparable to the yield of “short “ OVDPs; to ensure the synchronization of the yield of “new” time deposits of the population in the national currency by terms at the level of five state banks; to consider the expediency of resuming the practice of compulsory sale of part of the foreign currency earnings of exporters at the level of at least 50% during the period of martial law; to intensify the use of non-monetary methods and anti-inflation policy measures, taking into account the joint responsibility of the government and regulator for anti-inflation policy.

Creation and Legal Status of a Specially Authorized Body of Non-Banking Financial Services

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of state regulation in the market of non-banking financial services. At the same time, attention was paid to the creation of a specially authorized state body in the form of the National Commission for Control of the Market of Non-Banking Financial Services. The purpose of the article is to reveal the legal status, the order of formation, and clarify the main principles of the National Commission's activity. Achieving the outlined goal became possible thanks to the use of a complex of methods of scientific knowledge, in particular, the dialectical method (for comprehensive knowledge of the nature of the National Commission for Control over the Market of Non-Banking Financial Services), the formal-legal method (for establishing the content of legal norms), the formal-logical method (for identification of shortcomings in national legal regulation), comparative legal method (for studying the experience of other countries and determining the prospects for implementing their principles of activity in the national legal field). It has been studied that the special status of the commission is that it ensures the stability of the entire non-banking financial system of Ukraine, establishing the requirements that such institutions must meet, namely requirements for: liquidity, solvency, capital, asset quality, risk level of operations, profitability. The work examines the relationship between the commission and the National Bank of Ukraine, their cooperation in the market, which consists in the development of regulatory and legal acts and their approval. The need for the National Bank of Ukraine to delegate its powers to the National Commission for Control of Non-Banking Financial Services in relation to: registration of market participants, licensing of non-bank financial institutions, determining the procedure for issuing and canceling a license, approving the terms of operation of such institutions. In view of this, a new model of state regulation on the market of non-banking financial services was proposed in the form of concentration of all control functions on the market in a single operationally independent regulator - the National Commission for Control of Non-Banking Financial Services, which is in close cooperation with the National Bank of Ukraine and by the National Securities and Stock Market Commission. Also, the article emphasizes that regulation by the National Commission for Control of the Market of Non-Banking Financial Services should be complemented by a system of self-regulating participants in the market, which are an additional tool to state regulation.

LONG-TERM LENDING FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS: OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS

The article is devoted to the topical issues of long-term lending to public-private partnership projects in the context of a permanent shortage of budget funds and the financial instability of business entities. The purpose of the study is to highlight the problems of attracting long-term credit resources by partners in the process of implementing joint projects and to outline areas for their solution. To achieve this goal, general scientific research methods and analytical data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and the National Bank of Ukraine were used.The article reveals the main problems in the development of the debt financial instruments market, which make partnership projects between the state and business unattractive for investors. It is argued that the possibility of providing long-term loans depends not only on the actions of the bank, but also on the monetary policy of the NBU, which should ensure the introduction of preferential reserve requirements for banks, the provision of irrevocable deposits, the NBU's approval to refinance banks for the implementation of PPP projects, and the introduction of preferential lending by banks to PPP projects. The authors emphasize the priority importance of the state policy on the development of programs for the availability of long-term loans in the process of implementing partnership projects. Given the underdevelopment of financial instruments for public-private partnerships, the author substantiates the need to use innovative instruments – credit derivatives, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by international experience. The article offers a list of the most effective financial instruments that should be used at each stage of the project life cycle.It is concluded that the recommendations provided will ensure that the partners attract the necessary amount of financial resources in the process of long-term project implementation and will allow them to obtain a synergistic effect from such cooperation.

Subjects of financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation in Ukraine and their powers: financial and legal aspect

The article proves the relevance of studying the subjects of financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation in Ukraine and their powers. Based on the analysis of scientific developments on the outlined issues, the author substantiates the absence of systematic scientific developments on the outlined issues.
 The purpose of the article is to substantiate proposals for clarifying the subjects of financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation in Ukraine and their powers.
 The author clarifies the classification of subjects of financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation. According to the first criterion, «level of financial monitoring», the law distinguishes between subjects of general monitoring (the State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the National Bank of Ukraine, the National Securities and Stock Market Commission) and internal monitoring (banks, insurance and other financial institutions, exchanges and other participants in the virtual asset market, and individuals).
 According to the second criterion, «time of conduct», financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation is divided into preliminary, current and subsequent, and the subjects of these types of financial monitoring are identified accordingly.
 Based on the results of the study, the author suggests that the Law of Ukraine «On Prevention and Counteraction to Legalisation (Laundering) of Proceeds of Crime, Terrorist Financing and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction» should be amended to provide for the division of subjects of financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation not by types of virtual assets, but by levels of such monitoring (general, internal), and also depending on the time of its conduct (preliminary, current, subsequent). When improving this Law, it is advisable to: define the mechanism for financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation, which should cover the entirety of the specified types of virtual assets; specify the powers of the subjects of each type of financial monitoring.
 The author concludes that, taking into account the novelties of legislation and the author’s own proposals, it is advisable to include a separate set of such entities as subjects of financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation in Ukraine, which is the scientific novelty of this study. At the same time, as a direction for further research, it is necessary to note the development of a model for financial monitoring of cryptocurrency circulation, taking into account important developments of the European experience in this context.

Business Models of Ukrainian Banks: the Impact of the Revolution of Dignity, the COVID–19 Pandemic, and Russia’s Military Aggression

The purpose of the article is to identify key banking activity models in Ukraine and show how they changed under the influence of the Revolution of Dignity, the COVID–19 pandemic, and the imposition of martial law. The proposed method uses cluster analysis of the main indicators for banking activity (concerning assets, liabilities and income) based on Ward’s agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm and the Tau index in the NbClust package as the criterion for evaluating the optimal number of clusters. The research covers all Ukrainian banks, spanning the period 2013–2022. In 2014 (after the Revolution of Dignity), the actions of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) had a positive impact on the models of Ukrainian banks: there was no opaque model of banks and banking models became more transparent and more resilient to financial shocks. Between 2021 and 2022, five banking models were identified: universal banks, wholesale funding banks, corporate‑investment banks, retail banks, and commission banks. The negative impact of COVID–19 on the Ukrainian economy was reflected in all banking models by the following: (1) a significant increase in the role of securities in assets, which was caused by a decrease in lending due to an increase in their riskiness; (2) the use of central bank funds to liabilities management, which was evidence of a deterioration in financing conditions in the deposit market. The following main changes in Ukraine’s banking system at the end of 2022 (during the war) were identified: (1) a decrease in the number of banks that mainly use funds from the NBU to support their activities; (2) the closure of only four banks by the NBU (including two with majority shareholders from Russia) during the year; (3) an increase in the share of the non‑government debt securities portfolio in banks’ assets; (4) declines in ROE and ROA for all banking models during the war, and three banking models became unprofitable; (5) the significantly higher share of non‑performing loans in the credit portfolio for all banking models, especially for the retail banking model. The value‑added of this research is the analysis of how banking models in Ukraine have changed at the micro level (reflected in the financial statements) inter alia in wartime.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ ВАЛЮТНОГО РИНКУ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ НЕВИЗНАЧЕНОСТІ

In the era of globalization and the advancement of information technology, Ukraine’s foreign exchange market encounters economic uncertainty, particularly amid efforts to overcome the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges posed by a full-scale armed invasion by Russia. This situation introduces a range of short-term and long-term obstacles, notably disrupting established trade routes and supply chains, impacting the balance of imports and exports, and placing significant strain on the foreign exchange market among other areas. This article aims to analyze the current peculiarities of the domestic foreign exchange market’s operation amidst economic uncertainty, focusing on the impact of governmental and regulatory actions on its dynamics, especially throughout 2022-2023. It delves into the regulatory measures enacted to stabilize the foreign exchange market under martial law conditions. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has implemented several countermeasures in response to these challenges, including covering 37% of the currency supply, which resulted in a reduction in daily transactions and an enhanced role in market equilibrium. The measures also include restrictions on capital transactions and the facilitation of international assistance to satisfy foreign exchange demands. The future outlook of the foreign exchange market is contingent upon economic recuperation, foreign investments, macroeconomic policies, geopolitical risks, and regulatory frameworks. The significance of domestic reforms and international support is underscored as pivotal. It is also noted that global economic tendencies will influence Ukraine’s foreign exchange market in the aftermath of the conflict. This study is aimed at providing insights for professional analysts of the foreign exchange market, governmental bodies, and international financial institutions. Future investigations will explore the implications of the NBU’s policies on the foreign exchange market and their potential to foster economic recovery in Ukraine amidst prevailing challenges and threats.

How to conduct monetary policies. The ECB in the past, present and future

We study the evolving operating procedures used by the ECB since its creation. During the period up to 2015, bank reserves were scarce and the ECB, like other central banks, used a corridor system in which the money market rate could fluctuate within the bounds set by the lending and the deposit rates. With the start of Quantitative Easing (QE) the operating procedure evolved into a regime of reserve abundance. This regime has become problematic since the inflation surge forced the central banks to raise the policy rate. The result has been a massive transfer of central banks’ profits (and more) to the banks. We propose a two-tier system of reserve requirements that would only remunerate the reserves in excess of the minimum required. This would drastically reduce the giveaways to banks, allow the central banks to maintain their current operating procedures and make monetary policies more effective in fighting inflation.This paper was presented at the ECB@25 Symposium at Erasmus University, Rotterdam on 16th January 2024. We are grateful to Mary Pieterse-Bloem, Sylvester Eijffinger, Casper de Vries, Charles Goodhart and other participants in the Symposium for comments and suggestions. We also profited from comments and suggestions of an anonymous referee.Previous versions of this paper (De Grauwe and Ji, 2023a, 2023b) profited from comments by Ignazio Angeloni, Peter Bofinger, Robert Holzmann, Pablo Rovira Kaltwasser, Karel Lannoo, Vivien Lévy-Garboua, Anna Lozmann, David Marsh, Wim Moesen, Joachim Nagel, Theo Peeters, Stefan Schmitz, Miklos Vari, and by participants in seminars and presentations at the London School of Economics, King’s College (London), the Bundesbank, the Central Bank of Luxembourg, OMFIF, Sciences Po (Paris), the Austrian National Bank, SUERF, the Polish National Bank and the National Bank of Ukraine.

Financial and legal status of the european central bank in the institutional structure of the european banking system

The paper deals with the problem of determining the financial and legal status of the European Central Bank (hereinafter referred to as the ECB), analyzing scientific approaches to the essence of the concept of "financial and legal status of the central bank", as well as the constituent elements that determine this status. Particular attention is paid to the correlation between the financial and legal status of the ECB and the National Bank of Ukraine (hereinafter - the NBU), namely: in powers, independence, profit sharing, and functions. The European Central Bank is an organization with a special status. Only the ECB has the exclusive right to authorize the issuance of banknotes on the territory of the community. It should be especially emphasized that banknotes issued by the ECB and national central banks are the only banknotes that have the status of legal tender in the EU. Also, its importance is emphasized by the fact that each of the member states had to ensure, at the latest - before the date of creation of the ESCB, compliance with the Treaty on the European Community and the Statute of the ESCB and the ECB, including the Regulation on the national central bank. The European Central Bank is an organization with a special status. Only the ECB has the exclusive right to authorize the issuance of banknotes on the territory of the community. It should be especially emphasized that banknotes issued by the ECB and national central banks are the only banknotes that have the status of legal tender in the EU. The financial and legal status of central banks is based on the general legal status, therefore, first of all, the general provisions on the legal nature of central banks contained in the laws on these banks are analyzed. The financial and legal status of the ECB in the institutional structure of European banking is defined in the financial and legal functions and powers, namely: in the implementation of foreign exchange operations, management and maintenance of foreign exchange reserves and ensuring the smooth functioning of the payment system, support the general economic policy of the union, and also contribute to the implementation of measures to strengthen the stability of the financial system.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ІНФЛЯЦІЙНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ В УКРАЇНІ: ПРОБЛЕМИ І ПРИЧИНИ

Research objective. The main purpose of this article is to examine the evolution and dynamics of inflationary processes in Ukraine during 1991–2023 on the basis of historical and systemic analysis, methods of dynamic analysis, structural analysis, and comparative analysis. Separate goals are to reveal and theoretically substantiates the main regularities of inflationary processes influence on the economic development and to analyze the features of anti-inflation regulation in the economy of Ukraine. Research methodology. In the paper, the authors examined inflationary processes with the aim of identifying their consequences for the economy of Ukraine. A review of publications has shown varying studies of the inflationary process. The paper describes the chronology of inflationary processes, the dynamics of the consumer price index, the socio-economic consequences and causes of inflation in Ukraine. Attention is focused on the need for state regulation of inflationary processes. The effectiveness of the anti-inflationary policy was determined. In line with the findings of the study, the prospects for the implementation of an effective monetary anti-inflationary policy aimed at effective regulation of inflationary processes are outlined. Conclusions. The authors conclude that the study of inflationary processes is important because inflation affects the exchange rate, economic growth and welfare. Economic agents always adjust financial risks, taking into account that inflation has historically been one of the most acute problems of Ukraine, which has uneven constant development. This study is aimed at determining the essence and causes of inflation in Ukraine during the period of restoration of its independence, as well as the possibility of its regulation by monetary methods. Inflation in Ukraine has specific features related to pricing, purchasing power, money circulation, anti-inflationary and anti-cyclical policies. Practical implications. The results of this study are of interest to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, as well as the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union, whereas the processes of European integration contribute to reducing inflation in the future. Originality/value. This study highlights the discussion on inflationary process in the transition economy of Ukraine. The authors emphasize that inflation in Ukraine has a permanent character and requires constant regulation to achieve significant progress in its reducing. The authors discoveredthat authorities should focus on the medium-term horizon of inflation control to ensure a reduction in inflation, as well as a level of inflation appropriate for price stability.