Transformation of Ukrainian exports and new approaches to financing: key insights from Business Wisdom Summit 2026
At the Business Wisdom Summit held in Kyiv on April 15, during the panel “Transformation of Ukrainian Exports in the Global Economic Space,” Larysa Bondarieva, Deputy Chair of the Management Board of Raiffeisen Bank, outlined key shifts in approaches to export development and business financing.
According to her, Ukrainian businesses are currently undergoing a transformation from operational resilience to sustainable growth and competition in global markets. Entering new markets requires not only a competitive product but also a well-structured financial architecture — from understanding foreign currency regulations and properly structuring contracts to effectively managing FX risks and ensuring sufficient working capital.
As a result, the role of banks is evolving beyond traditional lending. Financing is increasingly combined with expertise and comprehensive solutions, including FX advisory, trade finance instruments, guarantees, export insurance, and partnerships with international financial institutions. This approach enables businesses not only to access funding but also to mitigate risks and ensure reliable contract execution.
Particular attention is required for sectors with high export potential and longer investment cycles, including agri-processing, the food industry, and energy. At the same time, companies producing higher value-added goods — from packaging and furniture to automotive components — are gaining increasing importance.
As Larysa Bondarieva noted, banks now assess exporters much more broadly than before. The focus includes business models, adaptability, market diversification, logistics quality, availability of a contract base, and the experience of the management team. An important factor is also a company’s ability to operate under multiple scenarios in a volatile environment.
Despite the challenging conditions, banks are ready to expand export financing, while taking a structured approach — with clear risk assessment, confirmed sales markets, and well-designed financial models for transactions.
“Global markets do not offer discounts based on country of origin — they value supply reliability, quality of management, and the ability to fulfill contracts under any circumstances. That is why this is not a time of easy money, but of well-structured financing, where the bank acts not only as a lender, but as a partner in business growth,” emphasized Larysa Bondarieva.
Ukrainian companies are increasingly perceived as real competitors in global markets. The shared goal is to help them not only enter these markets, but also establish a strong presence, scale up, and grow in higher value-added segments.
