The development of the e-hryvnia is ongoing, but its introduction in 2027 remains uncertain.
According to the Deputy Head of the National Bank of Ukraine, Oleksiy Shaban, launching the digital hryvnia will require substantial financial resources, which may be considered unethical during wartime.
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-world conditions — for payments, transfers, and government programs. However, the cost of the pilot is high, and the technical requirements are complex.
"We are making progress, but I cannot say that 2027 will be the year of the e-hryvnia's implementation," said Oleksiy Shaban.
Recall that the regulator presented the concept of the e-hryvnia as digital money in November 2022. The key purpose of the e-hryvnia is to effectively perform all the functions of money, complementing both cash and non-cash forms of the hryvnia. The use of the e-hryvnia should be convenient and accessible for all segments of the population, legal entities, government bodies, banks, and non-bank financial institutions.
In October 2022, the State Enterprise "Ukrainian Intellectual Property Institute" (UKRPATENT) registered the trademark "e-hryvnia" and e-hryvnia, which belongs to the NBU.