The development of e-hryvnia is ongoing, yet its launch in 2027 remains uncertain.
According to information from Forbes Ukraine, Deputy Head of the National Bank of Ukraine Oleksiy Shaban stated that significant financial resources are needed to initiate digital hryvnia, raising ethical concerns during wartime.
The regulator intends to initiate a pilot project to test the digital currency not only within the NBU but also in real-world conditions — for payments, transfers, or government programs. However, the cost of the pilot is high, and the technical requirements are complex.
"We are making progress, but I cannot assert that 2027 will be the year of e-hryvnia implementation," emphasized Oleksiy Shaban.
It is worth recalling that the concept of e-hryvnia as digital money was presented in November 2022. The primary purpose of the electronic hryvnia is to effectively fulfill all monetary functions, complementing cash and non-cash forms of hryvnia. The use of e-hryvnia should be convenient and accessible to all, including individuals, legal entities, government agencies, banks, and non-banking financial institutions.
In October 2022, the State Enterprise "Ukrainian Institute of Intellectual Property" (UKRPATENT) registered the trademark "e-hryvnia" and e-hryvnia, which belongs to the NBU.