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EVENTS

To Be or Not to Be: The Future of the Virtual Assets Market in Ukraine

Participants of the expert discussion held on 29 October 2025 explored ways to develop a transparent and secure virtual assets market that meets international standards and supports the innovative growth of Ukraine’s financial sector.

From the Shadows to Transparent Regulation

The crypto market in Ukraine already exists, yet it largely remains in the “grey zone”. The key task for the state is to establish a clear legal framework for its legalisation and effective regulation. Draft Law No. 10225-d marks an important step towards aligning Ukrainian legislation with European standards, and its adoption will bring the country closer to integration into the global financial system.

 

Over six million Ukrainians already use crypto assets. Therefore, creating clear and transparent rules for this market is not only a matter of economic growth but also one of public and international trust.

Regulation, Taxation and Risks

During the first panel discussion, experts addressed the political, technical, and tax-related aspects of launching the virtual assets market. Ukraine introduced financial monitoring rules for virtual assets back in 2019. However, to avoid being placed on the FATF “grey list”, the regulatory framework must continue to evolve consistently.

 

The crypto market is not only a legislative issue but also a step towards building a new segment of the digital economy. It is essential to establish clear and practical taxation rules that encourage asset declaration and simplify business operations. Another key step in market development would be the creation of a dedicated regulatory authority to ensure stability and coherence.

User and Civil Society Perspectives

The second panel discussion focused on the practical dimension of the crypto market — how it is perceived by users, businesses, and civil society organisations. Participants shared their experiences, challenges, and visions of how to shape an effective regulatory system that ensures the market remains transparent, secure, and competitive.

 

  • The approaches of other countries to the regulation of virtual assets were analysed. The requirements for companies should be balanced and realistic so that legislative standards do not become a barrier to the development of a legal market.
  • Charitable organisations face challenges due to the lack of clear mechanisms for legalising crypto assets, complicating the acceptance and lawful use of crypto donations.
  • Demand for crypto assets in Ukraine remains high, but the absence of clear regulations forces many companies to register abroad to avoid legal uncertainty on the domestic market.
  • State licensing of service providers involved in virtual asset operations remains a key issue, essential for minimising the risks of sanction evasion, terrorist financing, and ensuring transparency across the sector.

The Market of the Future: Secure, Transparent, and Innovative

In conclusion, participants agreed that developing a regulated virtual assets market is not merely a technological issue but also a pillar of financial resilience, national security, and European integration.

 

Ukraine has all the prerequisites to become an example of a balanced regulatory approach — one where the state, business, and civil society work together in the common interest, fostering trust, transparency, and sustainable growth.

 

The expert discussion is jointly organised by the Center for Financial Integrity and the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law with the support of the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation within the joint initiative “Together into the EU”, as well as with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy.

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