The National Bank has changed the rules for issuing bank cards
17 July 05:53
The National Bank of Ukraine has simplified the procedure for obtaining banking products. Specifically, the regulator has expanded the list of methods banks can use to identify and verify customers. This was reported by the NBU’s press service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The regulator has allowed banks to use additional methods for verifying customers.
Specifically:
- during verification, a document may be presented by an accompanying person or a trusted representative if the customer is physically unable to do so on their own;
- a bank employee may assist the customer in presenting the document;
- consent to be photographed may be confirmed not only by a signature but also via an audio or video recording if the person is unable to provide a handwritten or electronic signature.
The NBU emphasized that these changes take customer needs into account and promote financial inclusion—that is, ensuring equal access to banking services for all citizens.
This decision by the National Bank came after a high-profile incident at a PrivatBank branch, where war veteran Ruslan Knysh, who had lost all his limbs, was denied a new bank card. The reason was a standard procedure requirement: the customer had to hold his ID card himself for photo identification. Due to his amputations, he was unable to comply with this requirement, and bank employees did not allow another person to assist him.
The incident sparked widespread public outcry. Following the scandal, NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy publicly apologized to the veteran and promised to review the procedures to ensure that such situations do not happen again.
