Financial literacy as a mission: OTP BANK teaches Ukrainians to manage their finances with confidence

10/ 11/ 2025

OTP BANK JSC consistently contributes to the development of financial literacy among Ukrainians by implementing its own educational initiatives and supporting partner projects. This was shared by Lesya Syrota, Team Leader of the OTP Bank Helps Ukraine program and Director of the Retail Sales and Branch Network Management Department at OTP BANK, during the FinLit Forum conference organized by the National Bank of Ukraine with the support of Visa. “At OTP BANK, we are convinced that financial literacy is of exceptional importance. These are the skills that help everyone protect their funds from fraudsters, manage them confidently, grow their savings, and use credit opportunities wisely and effectively. We sincerely believe that financial education is a force capable of safeguarding the digital world,” said L. Syrota. She shared the Bank’s experience in implementing its own financial literacy projects. In particular, OTP BANK specialists create original educational content for social media, featuring Baksik, a West Highland White Terrier. With humor and simplicity, Baksik explains the “tricks” of fraudsters, shares a financial safety checklist, and clarifies banking products – loans, deposits, and installments. The communication style is light, friendly, and engaging. Content featuring Baksik has already been viewed by over 25,000 social media users. OTP BANK also supported the UKultura team in creating a series of video lectures on the history of Ukrainian currency. As part of this collaboration, videos were produced about the symbolism of images and historical figures featured on banknotes with denominations from 1 to 1,000 hryvnias, as well as about the evolution of Ukrainian money. The lectures were created with the intellectual support of the Department of History of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA). These materials have been viewed by around 2,000 subscribers on the Bank’s YouTube channel. “This project is more academic – not entertaining but truly deep and meaningful. It’s not just about money. Through the figures depicted on the banknotes, we tell the story of our nation. Each hryvnia is a piece of our identity, a reminder of the strength and continuity of the Ukrainian people,” emphasized Lesya Syrota. Traditionally, the Bank supports initiatives of the National Bank of Ukraine. In 2025, OTP BANK took part in Global Money Week, an international financial education campaign for children and youth. Bank employees conducted educational sessions for over 700 children in 29 localities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Lviv, Stryi, Tyachiv, Pavlohrad, and Chernivtsi. The lessons were designed for different age groups – from kindergarten children to university students. Participants learned to think critically, analyze financial information, and make informed decisions. The FinLit Forum conference brought together representatives of the NBU, banks, insurance companies, and other stakeholders in the payment market.

“At OTP BANK, we are convinced that financial literacy is of exceptional importance. These are the skills that help everyone protect their funds from fraudsters, manage them confidently, grow their savings, and use credit opportunities wisely and effectively. We sincerely believe that financial education is a force capable of safeguarding the digital world,” said L. Syrota.

She shared the Bank’s experience in implementing its own financial literacy projects. In particular, OTP BANK specialists create original educational content for social media, featuring Baksik, a West Highland White Terrier. With humor and simplicity, Baksik explains the “tricks” of fraudsters, shares a financial safety checklist, and clarifies banking products – loans, deposits, and installments. The communication style is light, friendly, and engaging. Content featuring Baksik has already been viewed by over 25,000 social media users.

OTP BANK also supported the UKultura team in creating a series of video lectures on the history of Ukrainian currency. As part of this collaboration, videos were produced about the symbolism of images and historical figures featured on banknotes with denominations from 1 to 1,000 hryvnias, as well as about the evolution of Ukrainian money. The lectures were created with the intellectual support of the Department of History of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA). These materials have been viewed by around 2,000 subscribers on the Bank’s YouTube channel.

“This project is more academic – not entertaining but truly deep and meaningful. It’s not just about money. Through the figures depicted on the banknotes, we tell the story of our nation. Each hryvnia is a piece of our identity, a reminder of the strength and continuity of the Ukrainian people,” emphasized Lesya Syrota.

Traditionally, the Bank supports initiatives of the National Bank of Ukraine. In 2025, OTP BANK took part in Global Money Week, an international financial education campaign for children and youth. Bank employees conducted educational sessions for over 700 children in 29 localities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Lviv, Stryi, Tyachiv, Pavlohrad, and Chernivtsi.

The lessons were designed for different age groups – from kindergarten children to university students. Participants learned to think critically, analyze financial information, and make informed decisions.

The FinLit Forum conference brought together representatives of the NBU, banks, insurance companies, and other stakeholders in the payment market.