Ukraine taps Rothschild and FinPoint to ready two state banks for sale

Ukraine's Finance Ministry entered into advisory agreements with Rothschild & Co and the local investment bank FinPoint to prepare the state-owned lenders Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank for possible privatisation. The firms will perform detailed assessments, determine starting price points for the government's stakes, assemble data packages for interested buyers and help structure a transparent, competitive bidding process.

Rothschild secured the mandate through a competitive tender and will work alongside FinPoint, which has advised on more than 60 deals in Ukraine since 2009, including the sale of Idea Bank and Ukrnafta's stake in Shell's fuel retail operation. The move reflects Kyiv's strategy to reduce its presence in the banking sector and attract private capital, but officials stress that the appointments do not guarantee an imminent transaction. Both banks will continue normal operations and uphold obligations to customers and depositors.