Bankers believe that most business owners and wealthy Ukrainians have returned from Europe to the country
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in the countries of the European Union. Among them were not only ordinary citizens, but also business owners and wealthy Ukrainians who sought to ensure the safety of their families and preserve their assets. However, as the bankers noted during the round table “Premium banking customer service: modern trends and innovations in 2025”, over time, the majority of wealthy Ukrainians decided to return to their homeland, which has a significant impact on the economy and social sphere of Ukraine.
Return of businessmen and wealthy Ukrainians: statistics and trends
For data Ukrainian banks, the majority of wealthy Ukrainians and business owners have already returned to Ukraine, but some of them still remain in the countries of the European Union. At the same time, the number of VIP clients of Ukrainian banks abroad has decreased by three times. For example, Oschadbank notes that at the beginning of the war, about 9% of premium customers paid with cards abroad, and currently this figure has fallen to 3%.
“At the beginning of the war, almost 9% of our premium clients paid with cards abroad. Now this figure has dropped to 3%. Clients are returning and they like Ukrainian banking.” – says Dmytro Solovyov, Head of Department for Work with Premium Clients of Oschadbank.
Olena Komarova, director of the Sense Club private banking department at Sense Bank, notes that many VIP clients of the financial institution have the opportunity to leave and return. She emphasizes that they have returned globally, as their interests are now concentrated in Ukraine, where they spend more time. However, some families or children remained abroad, and they began to travel often.
“Many of our VIP clients have the opportunity to leave and return. That is, we believe that they have returned globally, because now Ukraine is their area of interest. They spend more time here.” – says Olena Komarova.
At the same time, the executive director of Kredobank’s network management department, Oksana Stetskiv, believes that some businessmen have fully returned, and some live or do business in two or more countries. She emphasizes that a small segment of clients, whose life interests are already permanently abroad, stopped being served by the bank, but it is no more than 10%. Many clients are served both in Ukraine and simultaneously abroad, which is a modern trend, and the bank tries to satisfy this request of clients.
“Some of the businessmen have fully returned, and some live or do business in two or more countries. “There are, of course, some businessmen who have fully returned. Now clients need service both in Ukraine and abroad. This is such a trend, and now we are trying to satisfy this client’s request.” – stressed Oksana Stetskiv.
Reasons for return and impact on the economy
The return of wealthy Ukrainians and business owners is due to several factors. First, for effective management of their assets and businesses, they consider it necessary to be present in Ukraine. Oleg Polyak, the first deputy chairman of the board of TAScombank, notes that most of the owners have returned and are engaged in the operational activities of their businesses, and they need a banker who helps with this.
“Most of the owners have returned and engaged in the operational activities of their businesses. And they need a banker to help with this. We tell all clients: “Don’t go to lawyers, to consultants, go to the bank.” Because the role of the banker is now very important.” – said Oleg Polyak
Secondly, the stabilization of the situation in the country and adaptation to new conditions contribute to the return. Marichka Bakuma, who returned to Ukraine after almost 10 years of living in the USA, notes that she decided to return to be useful in her homeland, even without having a job or housing at the time of her return.
The return of wealthy Ukrainians has a positive effect on the country’s economy. They invest in the development of their businesses, create jobs and contribute to the recovery of economic activity. In addition, their experience and knowledge acquired abroad can be used to introduce new technologies and approaches in Ukraine.
Challenges and prospects
Despite the positive trends, there are also challenges. Some Ukrainians, especially young people, may not return because of better living and working conditions abroad. According to the director of the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Yevgeny Holovakha, under the most positive scenario, only up to 50% of Ukrainians who went abroad may return to Ukraine after the end of the war.
To stimulate return, it is necessary to create favorable conditions: ensure security, develop infrastructure, provide opportunities for professional development and entrepreneurship. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes that Ukraine has a plan for the return of Ukrainians from abroad after the end of the war, and appropriate conditions will be created for this.
The return of wealthy Ukrainians and business owners is an important factor for the recovery and development of the Ukrainian economy. They make investments, experience and new ideas that contribute to the modernization of the country. However, in order to ensure a mass return, it is necessary to continue working on improving living and doing business in Ukraine to make it attractive to all citizens, regardless of their social status.
