Demand for loans in Ukraine is growing; banks are planning to ease standards for consumer loans and tighten them for mortgages.

Banks remain optimistic about lending, note an increase in demand for corporate and consumer loans, and predict loan portfolio growth over the next 12 months, according to an NBU survey. According to its results:

1. Demand for corporate loans grew in the fourth quarter of 2024 and throughout the year. In the first quarter of 2025, demand for all business loans, except for short-term loans, is expected to grow.
2. Demand for consumer loans also grew due to better consumer sentiment and higher spending on durable goods. Optimistic prospects for the real estate market and lower interest rates fueled mortgage demand. In early 2025, respondents expect demand for consumer loans to remain unchanged and mortgage demand to decline.

In the first quarter of the year, banks plan to ease credit standards for large enterprises, short-term hryvnia loans, and foreign currency loans, while tightening them for consumer loans, including mortgages.