The NBU Will Inspect Banks for Inclusivity Starting in 2026

The NBU Will Inspect Banks for Inclusivity Starting in 2026: How to Prepare a Branch for Inspection

Starting in 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine will begin assessing banks for the level of inclusivity and accessibility of financial services. This was announced by NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy. This new supervisory practice means that the accessibility of bank branches for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility will become subject to official regulatory inspections.

For banks, this means the need for a comprehensive assessment of branch accessibility, internal procedures, products, and staff training. That is why the issue of bank branch inclusivity is becoming one of the key factors in meeting regulatory requirements.

Why the NBU Is Introducing Inclusivity Inspections for Banks

The catalyst for increased attention to this issue was an incident involving a veteran who encountered difficulties while receiving banking services. The National Bank emphasizes that this is not a problem of a single bank, but rather a challenge for the entire financial system. After reviewing the current regulatory framework, the NBU concluded that banks already have a sufficient legal basis to ensure accessibility; however, in many cases, these requirements are implemented only formally or partially. For this reason, the assessment of accessibility of financial services has been incorporated into the inspection supervision framework.

What the NBU Will Inspect During Bank Examinations

During inspections, NBU examiners will evaluate banks across several key areas.

1. Bank Strategy

Whether inclusivity is incorporated into the bank’s strategic development plans.

2. Internal Processes

How the bank’s operations are organized from the standpoint of accessibility and barrier-free service.

3. Banking Products

Whether services are adapted for persons with disabilities and veterans.

4. Bank Personnel

Whether employees receive specialized training on serving customers with disabilities. Accordingly, the inspection will concern not only the bank building itself, but the institution’s entire operating system.

Accessibility Requirements for Bank Branches

In order to comply with inclusivity requirements, banking institutions must ensure:

• barrier-free access to the building
• accessible entrances and ramps
• convenient customer service areas
• tactile navigation for persons with visual impairments
• accessible sanitary facilities
• a clear internal wayfinding system

The following are also important:

• adaptation of documents
• alternative methods of customer identification
• staff training

All of this forms a comprehensive bank inclusivity system.

Accessibility Audit of a Bank Branch

The first stage of preparation for inspections is an accessibility audit of the facility. Such an audit includes:

• analysis of the building’s compliance with accessibility requirements
• inspection of entrances and circulation routes
• assessment of customer service areas
• review of navigation and informational elements
• analysis of compliance with building code requirements

Based on the audit results, a list of non-conformities and recommendations for remediation is prepared.

What to Do If a Bank Branch Does Not Meet the Requirements

In most cases, branches require:

• a technical accessibility audit
• preparation of recommendations for barrier removal
• development of technical solutions
• performance of installation and construction works
• staff training
• development of an internal inclusivity policy

Only after that is it possible to obtain an accessibility compliance opinion for the premises.

Comprehensive Inclusivity Services for Banks

The company GlobalBud Ukraine provides comprehensive services to prepare banking institutions for inclusivity requirements. Our services include: Accessibility Audit

• inspection of bank branches
• analysis of compliance with legislation and building regulations
• identification of non-conformities

Development of Solutions

• recommendations for barrier removal
• preparation of technical solutions
• design services

Implementation of Works

• installation of tactile elements
• construction works
• adaptation of premises

Documentary Support

• preparation of documentation
• obtaining an accessibility compliance opinion

Training and Policies

• staff training
• development of a bank inclusivity policy

We work with bank branches throughout Ukraine and apply an individual approach to each client. Our team supports projects from the audit stage to full compliance of facilities with regulatory requirements.

Why It Is Important for Banks to Prepare Now

Starting in 2026, inclusivity will become part of the NBU’s supervisory framework. Banks that prepare in advance will be able to:

• avoid issues during inspections
• improve the quality of customer service
• meet modern accessibility standards
• strengthen their reputation as socially responsible institutions

FAQ

Is inclusivity mandatory for bank branches?

Yes. Accessibility of services for persons with disabilities is part of the state barrier-free policy and is monitored by the regulator.

Will the NBU inspect branch accessibility?

Yes. Starting in 2026, accessibility assessment will become part of inspection examinations.

What is a bank accessibility audit?

It is a comprehensive assessment of the bank’s premises and processes aimed at determining compliance with accessibility requirements.

Preparing a Bank for an NBU Inspection

If your bank plans to prepare its branches for inspections or conduct an accessibility audit, the team at GlobalBud Ukraine is ready to assist. We provide:

• accessibility audits
• development of technical solutions
• performance of installation and construction works
• documentary support
• staff training
• development of an inclusivity policy

We operate throughout the territory of Ukraine and support clients from the audit stage to full compliance with regulatory requirements.