Ukrainian Banking Summit 2025: financial community shapes new banking architecture in Ukraine

More than 300 guests took part in a strategic dialogue on the transformation of the banking system, adaptation to global challenges, and the role of the Ukrainian financial sector in rebuilding the country.
The format of the summit included a series of informative panel discussions, speeches and dialogues covering key areas of the industry's development. The focus was on the future of Ukraine's financial sector, with discussions on post-war stabilization scenarios, investor expectations, and the role of the government in supporting bank resilience.

The prospects of the insurance market were one of the main focuses of the discussion, particularly in the context of military risks. Sergey Avdeev, Chairman of the Board of Arsenal Insurance, emphasized:

“Today the market is moving forward. Reinsurance is already in place. Some reinsurers accept war risks, albeit with great restrictions.” This confirms the complexity of the current challenges, but at the same time shows the sector's readiness to adapt.

A separate keynote speech by Vladyslav Rashkovan, Ukraine's representative to the IMF, focused on the strategic prospects of banking in the global and local contexts.

A panel discussion on corporate governance brought together heads of supervisory boards, state funds and banks to discuss new challenges to transparency, ethical decisions and the adaptation of international governance standards. The Legal Fireside chat touched upon practical issues of legal support for banking activities, the work of compliance departments and changes in the regulatory environment.

The digital transformation of banking was discussed in a separate format: representatives of Visa, Oschadbank, MTIBU and izibank shared examples of the implementation of digital products, approaches to open banking and customer services of the future.

Operational efficiency was the topic of another discussion, in which top managers of leading banks talked about cost management, digitalization of processes, and internal resilience in an unstable environment. Moderating the panel, Anton Kaminsky, Director of Winner Leasing LLC, accurately outlined the meaning of current challenges:

“As always, there are 2 sides in business, one is the client who needs convenience, speed and access to the product... On the other hand, there are banks that create these products.” This contrast is the point of tension and, at the same time, the impetus for innovation, automation, and rethinking the role of the bank in customer interaction.

The discussion about retail banking focused on innovations in consumer services, changed customer expectations, and competition between banks for loyalty.

An important part of the program was a dialog on corporate banking. The panelists discussed the future of large clients, the role of the public sector in business financing, and the need to rethink bank-business partnerships. In this context, Armen Khachaturyan, Asters' Senior Partner, emphasized the strategic importance of forward thinking:

“Corporate governance has not yet fully reached the absolute standards of the West, but it is very close to that. But when it reaches 100%, it may already be outdated. And we need to think about the future and adjust it according to the challenges we will receive in six months, a year and beyond.”

A special place in the program was given to topics that go beyond finance. The fireside chat “The Art of Supporting” discussed the social role of banks. Representatives of government agencies, the banking community, and veteran writer Serhiy Zhadan joined the conversation.

The participants discussed the responsibility of business to society, support for veterans' initiatives, and the role of the financial sector in the country's sustainable recovery. Throughout the summit, funds were raised to support the Charter Brigade, which is performing combat missions in the most difficult areas of the frontline.

The event was organized by the Ukrainian Association of Fintech and Innovative Companies, which creates open professional platforms for the exchange of ideas, experience and strategic approaches.

Ukrainian Banking Summit 2025 was held with the support of partners: Arsenal Insurance, Porsche brand in Ukraine, Odgers Berndtson, Ukrainian Corporate Governance Academy, RENOME SMART, TRIIINITY by SEVEN HILLS, Wines of the World, Winner Leasing and Asters law firm.

“The Summit has become an important platform for everyone who wants to not only understand the challenges of digital transformation, but also realize their contribution to the future of the Ukrainian banking sector. We have brought together leading experts and leaders to create a space for deep reflection and constructive dialog. This event provided an opportunity to take a fresh look at the development of operational efficiency, corporate and retail banking, which should become the foundation for strengthening Ukraine's position in the global financial arena,” said Rostyslav Dyuk, Summit organizer.

The Ukrainian Banking Summit 2025 has become not just another event in the calendar, but a point of focus for common meanings, challenges, and answers. In the midst of instability and change, the ability of the industry to come together to not only analyze the present but also shape the contours of the future remains important. The banking sector, as a coordinate system, needs coordinated vectors rather than loud gestures. And Ukrainian Banking Summit 2025 managed to accumulate them.