On October 30, the Association of Ukrainian Banks held a Round Table on "Social Integration and Adaptation of Veterans: The Role of the Banking Sector." The event gathered over 40 participants, including representatives from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the Public Council under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the National Defense University of Ukraine, and leading banks and non-banking financial institutions. The Round Table provided a platform to discuss crucial issues regarding the social and economic adaptation of veterans through financial tools and support from the banking sector.
In his opening remarks, Andriy Dubas, President of the Association of Ukrainian Banks, emphasized the importance of consolidating the financial sector's efforts to support veterans of the Russia-Ukraine war. He highlighted that veterans should receive not only social but also financial assistance through specialized products and services tailored to their needs. Dubas noted that developing loyalty programs, increasing access to banking services, and supporting veteran businesses are key areas to ensure veterans’ financial independence.
Ukrainian MP and member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights, Taras Tarasenko, presented the National Veteran Policy Strategy. He focused on significant legislative steps in veteran support, including the first reading of a bill on veteran entrepreneurship, which aims to create conditions for veterans to develop businesses, facilitating their social and economic adaptation. Tarasenko also stressed the need for systemic solutions at the national level to ensure veterans have equal access to services and support across all regions.
Arsen Makarchuk, Director of Strategy and Development at the National Bank of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of financial inclusion for veterans. He noted that the NBU is working to expand veterans' access to financial services, especially in frontline regions. Makarchuk reported that the NBU has developed a set of methodological guidelines for banks aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and barrier-free financial services for veterans and people with limited mobility. He also underscored the significance of veteran retraining programs in the financial sector and plans to expand these initiatives in cooperation with international financial organizations.
Bank representatives shared practical examples of veteran support. They discussed the launch of specialized loan programs aimed at developing veteran entrepreneurship, as well as creating tailored financial products that consider the needs of military personnel returning to civilian life. Banks are actively working to ensure barrier-free access to their services, including implementing inclusive solutions for people with disabilities. Additionally, financial institutions' representatives highlighted the importance of social initiatives and corporate responsibility during the war, focusing on supporting veterans and their families.
In particular, Serhii Mamedov, Chairman of the Board of Globus Bank and Vice President of the Association of Ukrainian Banks, emphasized the bank’s plans to expand loan programs for veterans in 2025. He noted that these initiatives are aimed at supporting veteran entrepreneurship, providing veterans with access to financing on preferential terms. Mamedov also highlighted the importance of creating specialized financial products for veterans to help them not only adapt to civilian life but also grow their own businesses, thereby contributing to Ukraine’s economic stability.
The Round Table, organized by the Association of Ukrainian Banks, on "Social Integration and Adaptation of Veterans: The Role of the Banking Sector" was a significant event, demonstrating the financial sector's readiness to actively participate in veterans' social integration and economic adaptation. Bank and non-bank institutions showcased various initiatives aimed at supporting veterans in financial and business aspects. The event concluded with an agreement to continue collaboration and create new products and programs for veterans, helping them successfully reintegrate into civilian life, socialize, find employment, or develop their own businesses.
