Bitcoin and blockchain have recently become the most discussed issue in Ukrainan fintech sector. As government institutions gradually become loyal to cryptotechnologies, local community becomes more active, and more and more merchants at least consider accepting bitcoin, even if they have not started accepting it yet.
Even today, when in Kyiv, you may go to groceries and pay with bitcoins, use bitcoins for a movie ticket, ride a cab for bitcoins, and so on. In Odessa, one may pay to a real estate agency, but some stuff or office stationery from a local show rooms – all for bitcoins. Our readers might recall a recent flash mob #takemybitcoin spreading the news of bitcoin among restaurant owners. Buying bitcoin for cash is not a problem in Ukraine; it is available both via localbitcoins-like services and thousands of iBox terminals.
UKRAINIAN BITCOIN EVANGELISM
Local Bitcoin Foundation (BFU) has played a major role in promotion of cryptotechnologies in Ukraine. The foundation’s members actively interacted with banking organizations and the National Bank of Ukraine for the purpose of integration of blockchain and bitcoin into the country’s economy. BFU acts mostly as a consulting entity and knowledge base for financing institutions interested in modern technology.
Active advocacy deployed by Ukrainian bitcoin enthusiasts resulted in propagation of bitcoin in Ukraine shortly after. NBU’s representatives attended Bitcoin Conference Kiev in September, and Natalia Lapko, head of NBU’s payment system department, spoke of blockchain’s / bitcoin’s potential positively and constructively during her speech. National Bank of Ukraine also published an official letter clarifying the regulator’s official stance towards digital currencies.
