Get All Access for $5/mo

Ukraine Legalizes Cryptocurrency Industry Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new bill which will legalize the industry in the country.

By Emily Rella

Shutterstock

As nations band together to help Ukraine in wake of the country's ongoing conflict with Russia, many are sending aid in the form of donations.

Now, doing so will be even easier (and even more funding will be able to find its way into the country) as a new bill signed by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has now legalized the cryptocurrency industry in the country.

"From now on foreign and Ukrainian cryptocurrencies exchanges will operate legally and banks will open accounts for crypto companies. It is an important step towards the development of the VA market in Ukraine," read a Tweet from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine will regulate the market as crypto will now be accepted as digital currency.

Last month, the country passed a law that formally recognized cryptocurrency as a legal asset, a big step for the country that came in anticipation of a potential Russian invasion.

"The new law is an additional opportunity for business development in our country," said Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, at the time. "Foreign and Ukrainian crypto companies will be able to operate legally, while Ukrainians will have convenient and secure access to the global market for virtual assets."

Coindesk reported that as of March 9, over $60 million worth of crypto spread over 120,000 donations was raised for Ukraine in the days that followed Russia's initial invasion, while Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov estimated that the country received close to $100 million crypto donations in total after accounting for other donations made by "smaller funds."

The new law will allow these donations to be processed and used, opening the gates for crypto traders and owners to donate to Ukraine via their digital wallets.

An estimated 5.5 million Ukrainians own cryptocurrency, while an estimated $8.2 million of crypto was sent by the country from July 2019 to June 2020.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Growing a Business

How to Determine The Ideal Length of Your Marketing Emails Your Customers Will Actually Read

Wondering how long your marketing emails should be? Here's what consumers say — so you can send them exactly what they like.

Leadership

Tech Overload Will Destroy Your Customer Relationships. Are You Guilty of Using Too Much Tech?

Technology's value in our world is undeniable. However, there can be a point where it is ineffective and possibly counterproductive. See where it can negatively impact your product, brand, and business.

Devices

Clean up Your Mac Software with This $12 Family Plan, for One Week Only

Save on a program that can optimize your company's Mac computers.

Management

Most Gen Z Workers Want This One Thing From Their Employer. Are You Providing It?

Millions of college graduates are entering the workforce, and many feel unprepared. Here's the one thing they're looking for from potential employers — and how providing it will benefit you and your business in the long run.

Operations & Logistics

How to Know It's Time to Add an HR Department

HR activities at startups are often reactive in nature instead of proactive. That leaves gaps in the system.