The development of the digital hryvnia is ongoing, but its implementation in 2027 is uncertain.
According to Forbes Ukraine, Deputy Head of the National Bank of Ukraine Oleksii Shaban stated that launching the e-hryvnia will require significant financial resources, and using them during wartime may be ethically questionable.
It is noted that the regulator plans a pilot project that will allow testing the digital currency not only within the NBU but also in real-life scenarios — for payments, transfers, and government programs. However, the cost of the pilot is high, and the technical requirements are complex.
"We are moving forward, but I cannot say that 2027 will be the year for the e-hryvnia launch," emphasized Oleksii Shaban.
Recall that the regulator presented the concept project of the e-hryvnia as digital money in November 2022. The primary purpose of the electronic hryvnia is to effectively perform all the functions of money while complementing cash and cashless forms of hryvnia. The use of e-hryvnia should be convenient and accessible to all segments of the population, legal entities, government bodies, banks, and non-bank financial institutions.
In October 2022, the State Enterprise "Ukrainian Institute of Intellectual Property" (UKRPATENT) registered the trademark "e-hryvnia" and e-hryvnia, owned by the NBU.