In the second quarter of 2026, state banks accounted for 50.3% of the banking system's net assets. At the same time, private institutions continue to grow faster, gradually reducing the share of the state.
According to the results of the second quarter of 2026, the share of state banks in the net assets of the Ukrainian banking sector was 50.3%. Compared to the first quarter, the indicator decreased by 1.4 percentage points, and in a year - on 1.9 p.p.
This is stated in the August survey of the banking sector of the National Bank of Ukraine. (Narodowy Bank Ukrainy)
Despite the gradual reduction of the share, state banks remain the largest group of the banking system. At the same time, their role is particularly noticeable in the market of household funds.
Why is the state's share shrinking?
The NBU explains the decrease in the share of state-owned banks not by the reduction of their assets, but primarily faster growth of other groups of banks.
That is, state institutions continue to increase business, but private banks do it at an even faster pace. Because of this, their share in the total amount of assets is gradually increasing.
This trend is particularly noticeable against the background of the active development of the private banking segment, which increasingly competes with state institutions for the funds of the population and businesses.
State banks have a much larger share of the population
If in terms of net assets, the share of state banks is slightly more than half, then their position is much stronger in the funds of the population.
In the second quarter, state banks concentrated 61.1% of population funds. During the year, this indicator decreased by 1.5 p.p.
Thus, Ukrainians still keep most of their bank funds in state institutions, although private banks are gradually winning back part of this market.
The difference between the two figures — 50.3% of assets versus 61.1% of household funds — shows how important the retail segment remains for state-owned banks.
The assets of the banking system continue to grow
The total assets of Ukrainian banks in the second quarter of 2026 increased by 3.3% for the quarter. In annual terms, the increase was close to 10%.
Growth was recorded by all major groups of banks. However, the greatest dynamics were demonstrated by private institutions.
Their assets for the quarter increased by 7.1%, and compared to the second quarter of 2025 — immediately on 26.1%.
This difference in growth rates is the main explanation for the gradual decrease in the state's share.
The state is gradually losing its dominance
Despite the fact that state-owned banks still control more than half of net assets, the current dynamics indicate a gradual change in the structure of the banking market.
If private institutions continue to increase assets at a faster pace, their share will continue to grow, while that of state-owned banks will continue to decline.
This means for the banking sector itself increased competition. Private banks get more opportunities to expand lending, attract deposits and develop their own digital services.
At the same time, the state remains an extremely large player, so even a gradual reduction in its share does not mean a rapid change in the balance of power.
How many banks operate in Ukraine
In the second quarter, the number of operating banks in Ukraine increased by one institution — up to 59 banks.
In June, he resumed his activities PINbank, which was previously insolvent. The bank returned to the market as a private institution after being acquired by a European fintech company and recapitalized.
Thus, the banking sector is not only growing in terms of assets, but is also gradually becoming more diverse in terms of ownership structure.
State banks are preparing for privatization
The reduction of the state's share also occurs in the context of the long-term policy of reforming state banks.
The Ministry of Finance notes that the reform of the state banking sector involves improving management efficiency, strengthening corporate governance and preparing institutions for more competitive work. (Ministerstwo Finansów Ukrainy)
It is also indicative Sense Bank: in August 2026, its supervisory board created a working group to prepare the bank for privatization and began work on attracting a sales advisor. (Sense Bank)
Therefore, the reduction of the state's share in the banking system may occur not only due to the faster growth of private competitors, but also in the long run due to privatization of individual state institutions.
Banks remain profitable, despite high tax
An important factor for the sector remains its financial performance. In 2026, banks will work at a higher rate of income tax 50%, which affects the final financial result of institutions. The NBU separately notes this rate as one of the challenges for the sector. (Narodowy Bank Ukrainy)
At the same time, the banking system remains stable and continues to increase assets and lending.
What this means for customers
For the population, the strengthening of private banks means first of all greater competition for the depositor.
State-owned banks maintain an advantage due to a large customer base and high trust, while private institutions compete actively with digital services, deposit rates, loan products and service speed.
As a result, the Ukrainian banking market is gradually moving from a situation where the state was undisputedly dominant in most indicators to more balanced model, in which private banks are gradually increasing their weight.
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