U.S. Embassy comments on issue of PrivatBank
"In 2016 Ukraine’s international partners supported the decision of the government and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to nationalize PrivatBank, at the request of former owners, as the only effective method of protecting the bank’s depositors – the Ukrainian people and businesses – and the stability of the financial system. While this required the injection of about UAH 160 billion in Ukrainian taxpayer funds to restore the bank’s solvency, it secured PrivatBank’s long-term viability, safeguarded the money of millions of Ukrainian citizens, and strengthened the country’s economic health," the U.S. Embassy posted on Facebook.
In light of this, international partners welcome the reform of Privatbank’s corporate governance, led by an independent Supervisory Board, and the transformation of its business model, which has already resulted in stronger performance and sustainability of the entire banking system.
"We continue to support the efforts of the NBU to reform Ukraine’s financial sector, including by introducing prudent corporate governance principles, and the Ministry of Finance’s efforts to reform corporate governance in state-owned banks. It is important that the authorities continue their efforts to recover losses from former owners and related parties of failed banks. Ukraine’s international partners will be closely monitoring developments in this area," the U.S. Embassy added.
As reported, on April 18, 2019, Kyiv's District Administrative Court satisfied businessman Ihor Kolomoisky's claim against the National Bank of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Deposit Guarantee Fund and the National Commission on Securities and the Stock Market regarding the nationalization of PrivatBank. The case, which includes over 50 volumes, was considered from June 2017.
The Finance Ministry is preparing to appeal against the court decision regarding the illegal nationalization of PrivatBank. The National Bank of Ukraine will also submit an appeal against the ruling.
