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Europe · UA

Ukraine

Ukraine licenses online gambling under its 2020 gambling law; the National Bank of Ukraine authorises payment and e-money institutions.

At a glance

Status
EU candidate country
Region
Europe
Regulated sectors
GamingPaymentsInvestment
Authorities
NBU · NSSMC · State Financial Monitoring Service
Licensing routes
3

Overview

The framework

Ukraine legalised and licensed gambling in 2020, including online casino games, sports betting and poker, under a dedicated gambling law. The institutional framework for gambling supervision has since been reorganised, so we confirm the current licensing authority and licence conditions at the start of each engagement.

The National Bank of Ukraine authorises payment institutions and e-money institutions under the Law on Payment Services, which modernised the framework in 2022. Capital markets are supervised by the National Securities and Stock Market Commission.

Authorities

Who regulates what

National Bank of Ukraine (NBU)
Banks, payment and e-money institutions, and payment systems.
National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC)
Capital markets and securities market participants.
State Financial Monitoring Service
Financial intelligence unit; AML/CFT reporting.

Regimes

Licensing routes

  • Online gambling licences

    Licences for online casino games, sports betting and poker under the 2020 gambling law.

    Sectors: Gaming

  • Payment / e-money institution

    NBU authorisation under the Law on Payment Services.

    Sectors: Payments

  • Securities market licences

    NSSMC licences for brokerage and dealing activity.

    Sectors: Investment

Our Regulatory & Licensing practice prepares the applications for these routes and manages them through to the regulator's decision.

Considerations

What to weigh up

  • Plan EU access separately: EU candidate status gives Ukrainian licences no passporting rights.
  • Build operational, security and sanctions assessments into the plan for any Ukraine-facing activity.

This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.

Across jurisdictions

Cross-jurisdiction capabilities

Services we support across the jurisdictions in our directory, described once on their own pages. We deliver each to the requirements that apply locally, coordinating local specialists where local law, registration, representation or professional requirements require it.

Ukraine: the right fit for your business?

We look at your product, target clients and banking needs to see whether this jurisdiction fits or another would serve you better, then send a written proposal with scope, timetable and fee.