National Bank of Ukraine sets minimum leverage ratio of 3% for banks

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has set a minimum leverage ratio of 3% for banks from September 2025, and for banking groups from April 2026, Ukrainian media reported, quoting the regulator's website.

The minimum leverage ratio of 3% is based on an analysis of trial calculations that banks began to conduct in April this year, as well as the NBU's own calibration.

Compliance will become mandatory for banks from September 1, 2025, and for banking groups from April 1, 2026.

To better prepare for the new requirements, the test calculation period has been extended until the end of August 2025, with the mandatory daily calculation of the indicator.

The new requirements will enhance the financial strength of banks, strengthen the banking sector as a whole and closer align Ukrainian regulatory standards with EU standards.

The leverage ratio is an additional Tier 1 capital adequacy risk ratio to cover risks for asset transactions, but it does not reflect asset exposure, which is usually determined through risk weights.

The applicability of this ratio in Ukraine has been verified by test calculations. If the minimum level is set at 3%, this ratio will be restrictive for approximately 40% of banks. If the minimum ratio is increased, the share of banks affected by it will grow disproportionately.