NBU demands removal of Sense Bank supervisory board chairman, entire board at risk of dismissal

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has demanded that Sense Bank's supervisory board chairman, Mykola Hladyshenko, resign, with the possibility of the entire board being dismissed. Hladyshenko was deemed to lack the legally required independence, prompting the NBU to initiate administrative proceedings to evaluate the supervisory board's fitness.

If the proceedings determine the board's unsuitability, Hladyshenko's removal would be permanent rather than temporary. Governor Andriy Pyshnyy revealed that NABU and SAPO have issued suspicion notices to individuals allegedly involved in a scheme to legalize 150 million UAH for bail payments to former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, using Sense Bank and its leadership.

Pyshnyy suggested Hladyshenko's self-removal was merely symbolic, as he reportedly continued to exert influence on the bank's operations, prompting the NBU to initiate its own investigation. The regulator emphasized that the bank's supervisory board has failed to adequately address the issue, raising questions about their ability to oversee the bank properly.

The NBU reiterated its commitment to review all new information and collaborate with law enforcement, as they continue to deliberate on further actions. This case stems from the release of "Mindich tapes" in May 2026, which the NBU used to investigate whether Hladyshenko met the necessary independence criteria. Despite the initial investigation's insufficiency, the NBU proceeded independently, leading to Hladyshenko's voluntary resignation. The Verkhovna Rada requested Pyshnyy's testimony on Thursday regarding the Sense Bank situation.