Ukrainian banks have agreed to limit card transfers. Find out how the limits for individuals and sole proprietors will change, who will be affected by risk profile checks, and what you need to do to avoid inconveniences

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Recently, Ukraine's largest banks signed a memorandum “On Ensuring Transparency of the Banking Payment Services Market,” which introduces new restrictions on card transfers. They are aimed at increasing the transparency of financial transactions and minimizing the risks of illegal money trafficking. These changes have already sparked lively discussions among Ukrainians.

Main provisions of the memorandum

The document was signed by the country's leading banks, such as Oschadbank, PrivatBank, Raiffeisen Bank, Universal Bank, and banking associations, such as the Independent Association of Ukrainian Banks and the Association of Ukrainian Banks. The Memorandum remains open for other financial institutions to join.

Limits on transfers

The innovations provide for the establishment of the following limits on card transfers:

- For high-risk customers: up to UAH 50 thousand per month.

- For customers with medium and low risk: up to UAH 50 thousand per month:

From February 1, 2025 - up to UAH 150 thousand per month.

From June 1, 2025 - up to UAH 100 thousand per month.

These restrictions do not apply to clients with documented sources of income, including salaried clients and volunteers.

Other restrictions

Banks will also limit the number of accounts that can be opened in the same currency for clients without confirmed sources of income. Now it is no more than three accounts. However, this rule does not affect deposit and credit accounts, as well as accounts opened for government programs such as eVodnovlennya or National Cashback.

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Documentary proof of income

To withdraw the limits, customers must provide documentary evidence of income, in particular:

- Certificates OK5 and OK7.

- Tax return.

- Salary statements.

- Confirmation of enrollment from government agencies.

- Documents confirming the income of family members or volunteer activities.

When establishing or reviewing business relationships, customers who plan to make transfers in excess of the limits must provide the above documents. If they are submitted, banks may cancel or adjust the restrictions in accordance with the client's financial capacity.

How will this affect Ukrainians?

The changes may create some inconvenience for customers who are used to making large transfers without documentary evidence. At the same time, these restrictions are aimed at combating illegal financial schemes and ensuring transparency of cash flows.

Those planning to conduct significant transactions should prepare the necessary documentation in advance to avoid problems with the execution of transactions.

Risk groups: new approaches to clients

The introduction of a risk-based approach to banking services requires a thorough analysis of customers' financial transactions, taking into account their risk profile. Separate verification measures have been developed for each risk group to ensure transparency and prevent financial fraud.

For high-risk customers

Banks will apply enhanced due diligence measures. This includes a detailed analysis of financial transactions, the origin of funds and the purpose of their use. In particular:

- When establishing business relations, it is mandatory to study the sources of the client's income.

- Regular monitoring of transactions is conducted with a focus on atypical or suspicious transactions.

- If risks are identified, banks have the right to temporarily restrict access to accounts until all circumstances are clarified.

For low-risk customers

Low-risk customers can benefit from simplified verification procedures. Main provisions:

- No requirements for documentary proof of income for transactions up to the established limits (up to UAH 150 thousand from February 2025 and UAH 100 thousand from June 2025).

- Minimal bank interference in standard financial transactions of the client.

- Simplified verification, which depends on the nature of the transactions.

Peculiarities of checking individual entrepreneurs (IEs)

Special attention is paid to individual entrepreneurs, especially newly established ones. Depending on the taxation system and risk group, banks will set individual requirements for such clients.

Newly established sole proprietorships

For sole proprietorships that have been in existence for less than six months and belong to the high-risk category, the following is provided:

- Detailed business analysis, including the scale, nature and type of activity.

- In-depth monitoring of financial transactions in accordance with the planned income indicators.

- Control of the volume of transactions within the limits corresponding to the declared income.

Individual entrepreneurs on the general or simplified taxation system (groups 2-3)

For these entrepreneurs, banks will carry out inspections depending on their own risk management policies. The main focus will be on:

- Compliance with legal regulations on tax discipline.

- Regularity and volume of financial transactions.

- Compliance of the client's activities with the declared data.

What does this mean for business?

The new rules will be a challenge for entrepreneurs who are not used to extended scrutiny of their finances. To avoid problems with banking transactions, sole proprietors should:

- Maintain transparent financial statements.

- Ensure that declared income corresponds to actual financial transactions.

- Provide requested documents to confirm sources of income in a timely manner.

The introduction of new restrictions on card transfers and enhanced customer due diligence is part of a global trend to combat financial crime. For Ukrainians, this means that they need to take a more responsible approach to managing their finances, and for businesses, they need to adapt to the new environment. At the same time, these measures will help increase confidence in the banking system and ensure its stability.

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