The National Bank of Ukraine published its second-quarter Bank Lending Survey, finding that banks expect business and household loan portfolios to grow over the next 12 months as demand increases across all loan types. However, net response balances for expected changes in lending volumes were the lowest since the second quarter of 2023. Corporate lending standards were broadly unchanged, although banks plan to ease standards for small and medium-sized enterprises in the third quarter. Standards for mortgages and consumer loans eased slightly and are expected to loosen further, while approval rates rose and interest rates declined. Credit, foreign exchange and liquidity risks increased during the second quarter, with banks expecting credit and foreign exchange risks to rise further in the next quarter. The survey covered 25 financial institutions representing 96% of banking system assets. Its findings reflect respondents’ views rather than National Bank of Ukraine assessments or forecasts.
National Bank of Ukraine2026-07-29
National Bank of Ukraine survey finds banks expect further loan growth and rising credit risks
The National Bank of Ukraine’s second-quarter survey found that banks expect further growth in business and household lending, although expectations were the weakest since the second quarter of 2023. Banks plan further easing for SME and household loans but anticipate higher credit and foreign exchange risks.