The NBU continues to take measures to ensure the banking system’s business continuity under martial law. The NBU and the banks are implementing a reinforced action plan to make sure that the banking system retains business continuity during long-lasting power outages. The bank branches designated as on-duty are being furnished with the necessary equipment, communication channels designed for continuous operation when power is down, as well as additional staff, cash registers, ATMs, and cash. The NBU and the banks have ensured that their contact centers are operating smoothly to inform customers about the location and work schedules of the on-duty bank branches.
In addition, the NBU has asked the banks to introduce the "national ATM roaming," a feature that will put uniform extended limits on and cancel additional fees for ATM withdrawals by the holders of cards issued by other banks. These measures will expand the options through which individuals can promptly and conveniently access their funds. The largest banks have already joined this initiative.
At the same time, as the level of threats to the banking system’s operation has risen amid a scarcity of power supply as russia attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the NBU has tightened some requirements for the banks, including with regard to:
- designating, in each region, a clear list of on-duty branches (at least 35% of all branches) that will provide services to the banks’ clients when electricity is out for a long time, and drawing up their work schedules
- informing clients about the mode of operation of the banks and their standalone units and the list of on-duty branches, their addresses, contact phone numbers, and schedules
- tightening the security of banking transactions, including those with cash.
The changes outlined above were introduced by NBU Board Resolution No. 239 On Amendments to NBU Board Resolution No. 23 On the Operation of the Banking System under Martial Law dated 25 February 2022 dated and effective 5 December 2022, the day of its publication.
The requirements for ensuring business continuity by the banks, including during a special period, are stipulated, in particular, by:
- Regulation No. 265 On Ensuring the Continuous Operation of Information Systems of the National Bank of Ukraine and Banks of Ukraine, approved by NBU Board Resolution No. 265 dated 17 June 2004 (as amended)
- Regulation On Operation of Information Systems of the National Bank of Ukraine and Banks during the Special Period, approved by NBU Board Resolution No. 175 dated 21 April 2004 (as amended)
- Regulation On Operation of the National System of Mass Electronic Payments during the Special Period, approved by NBU Board Resolution No. 175 dated 21 April 2004 (as amended)
- Regulation On Organization of the Risk Management System in Ukrainian Banks and Banking Groups, approved by NBU Board Resolution No. 64 dated 11 June 2018 (as amended).