This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, referencing the Deputy Head of the NBU Oleksii Shaban. The information is also provided by Kontrakty.UA.
Shaban noted that the e-hryvnia is intended to complement cash and funds held in accounts. It will not replace them but will serve as an additional option for users.
"However, as of now, a decision on a large-scale issuance of the e-hryvnia has not yet been made," - stated the Deputy Head of the NBU.
According to him, a pilot project, which is already in preparation, could assist in making such a decision. It is planned to be conducted based on DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) in an open environment, meaning with real users and payment service providers. This will allow verification of whether the e-hryvnia can fulfill the functions of money, meet user needs, and demonstrate effective programmability.
What is e-hryvnia
Shaban mentioned that the e-hryvnia is a digital currency of the NBU, an electronic form of the monetary unit of Ukraine, issued by the National Bank. This definition is included in the law of Ukraine "On Payment Services".
"In other words, it is the same hryvnia, just in digital form. Like physical (cash) money, it is a liability of the central bank," - explained the Deputy Head of the NBU.
If a decision is made to implement it, the e-hryvnia will be a legal means of payment in Ukraine and will exist only in a cashless form - as a complement to cash and non-cash forms of money. It is expected to perform all the functions of money, making it accessible for all user categories without exception.
It is anticipated that users will be able to carry out all possible types of payment transactions in Ukraine using e-hryvnia, including:
- transfers between individuals (wallet-to-wallet transfers);
- payments for goods and services;
- payments to the state;
- charitable donations;
- receiving salaries and other income, social benefits.
As a reminder, as of January 1, 2025, 2.6 billion banknotes are in circulation amounting to 814.3 billion hryvnias, along with 14.8 billion coins (excluding commemorative and investment coins) totaling 7.96 billion hryvnias.
At the beginning of this year, there were an average of: 63 banknotes and 186 payment change and circulation coins per resident of Ukraine.