NBU simplified business lending: who will be able to get more funds and what has changed

The National Bank of Ukraine has introduced new rules for lending to enterprises, which should facilitate business access to financing in wartime. First of all, the changes concern the defense industry, the energy sector, and companies that have suffered as a result of Russian shelling.

The innovations were approved by the resolution of the Board of the National Bank No. 118 dated October 11, 2026. The document entered into force on October 14.

Defense and energy enterprises will receive more opportunities

One of the key changes was the increase in the liquidity ratio of the collateral of property rights for funds that enterprises should receive under completed contracts from 0.3 to 0.75.

This applies to contracts under which payers are enterprises of the security and defense sector, a guaranteed buyer of electricity, and an operator of the electricity transmission system.

For example, if a company expects to receive UAH 1 million under a completed contract, the bank could previously take UAH 300,000 as collateral. Under the new rules, this amount can increase to UAH 750,000.

Thus, enterprises will be able to attract financing for future revenues without the need to provide traditional collateral in the form of real estate or equipment.

Loans secured by goods: what banks were allowed to do

The National Bank has also relaxed the requirements for lending to enterprises that use goods in circulation or processing as collateral.

Now banks can take into account the actual value of merchandise balances when assessing credit risk for loans with a term of up to 18 months.

This will allow businesses to manage warehouse stocks more flexibly and use them to attract additional financing.

The new rules will be in effect until September 1, 2027.

Access to loans has been made easier for businesses affected by shelling

Some changes apply to enterprises whose property was damaged, destroyed or mined as a result of Russian aggression.

Previously, a special approach to assessing the financial condition of such companies was used mainly in areas near the front. Now it has been extended to affected businesses in other regions of Ukraine.

Banks will be able to take into account not only the current financial condition of the enterprise, but also the forecast indicators of its activity after recovery.

This should help companies that have temporarily lost production capacity or income to receive funds for reconstruction and continuation of work.

It also provides for the possibility of restructuring credit debt, which can reduce the financial burden on affected enterprises.

What will change for the program “Affordable Loans 5–7–9%”

The National Bank has also revised the rules for assessing loans under which the state compensates part of the interest.

In particular, banks will be able to apply simplified mechanisms for assessing credit risk in cases of delay in state compensation.

In addition, financial institutions have been given the opportunity not to initiate procedures for managing problem assets only due to the untimely receipt of the relevant compensation.

The changes apply, in particular, to the state program “Affordable Loans 5–7–9%.

It is expected that this will help avoid interruptions in lending to enterprises due to delays in budget financing.

Will loans become more accessible?

The National Bank notes that the adopted package is the third stage of measures to support lending to the Ukrainian economy in 2026.

Previous decisions were aimed at supporting the agricultural sector, production, trade, and the restoration of critical infrastructure.

At the same time, the new rules do not guarantee automatic approval of loans or a reduction in interest rates. Banks will continue to independently assess the solvency of borrowers, financial risks, and determine lending conditions.

It is expected that the easing of regulatory requirements will allow more enterprises to attract financing for development, the fulfillment of government orders, and recovery from disasters.