The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine has engaged N. M. Rothschild & Sons Limited and the Ukrainian firm FinPoint as financial advisers to prepare the privatisation of Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank. The relevant agreements were signed by the Ministry of Finance, both financial institutions and N. M. Rothschild & Sons Limited; the adviser will work jointly with FinPoint.
Signed agreements and scope of advisers’ work
The advisers are to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the banks’ operations, help determine the initial sale price of the state’s share packages, prepare materials for potential buyers and attract international investors. They will also support the organisation of the sales tender.
Rothschild & Co was selected following a competitive tender. Engaging a financial adviser is one of the stages of privatising state banks provided for by law; the aim of the process is to reduce the state’s share in the banking sector and ensure a transparent and competitive sale of assets.
FinPoint’s track record in key deals
FinPoint has been active in the Ukrainian market since 2003 and specialises in supporting mergers and acquisitions, debt restructurings, capital raising and financial advisory. According to the company, it has advised on more than 60 transactions in both the private and public sectors.
- Sale of Idea Bank — 2025 year, FinPoint was co-adviser; deal value $37m.
- Acquisition of 51% of the Shell petrol station network in Ukraine — 2025 year, advising Ukrnafta.
- Restructuring of Naftogaz's debts — 2026 year, co-adviser in the restructuring of eurobonds worth €1,2bn.
- Transaction regarding Bank Lviv — 2026 year, advising the shareholders; the transaction is listed in the portfolio as ongoing.
FinPoint and Rothschild & Co have cooperated in the Ukrainian market since 2009; the combination of local expertise and international contacts is expected to be used in preparing the sale of Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank.
Condition of the banks and next preparatory steps
Engaging an adviser does not mean an immediate sale of the banks or a change of ownership. The next stages will include analysis of the institutions’ financial condition, preparation of information for investors and running the tender.
Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank emphasise that both institutions continue to operate as normal and are meeting obligations to customers, including deposits, and will inform about further steps on their official websites. The information does not include any assessment of the impact of this operation on the hryvnia exchange rate, cash exchange, card operations or savings.
