Cryptocurrency has outpaced their own business and real estate in investment attractiveness among Ukrainians. Currently, 44% of investors view crypto-assets as a potential investment tool. That is more than those willing to invest in their own business (32%) or residential real estate (39%).

However, cash remains the main way of preserving funds. These data are provided by the crypto exchange WhiteBIT in its third annual study of investment habits, conducted together with Ipsos.

Investment income grew

Ukrainians continue to build savings despite economic uncertainty. In 2026, 66% of respondents have a stable source of income along with savings or investments. The number of those saving more than UAH 3,000 per month increased from 30% to 35%.

At the same time, the classic salary is losing ground as the main source of income: the share of such respondents decreased from 79% to 73%. Instead, passive income from investments grew from 37% to 41%, and income from their own business rose to 32% (versus 27% in 2025). Meanwhile, food and household goods remain the main expenses for 78% of respondents.

Cash for saving, cryptocurrency for profit

Most Ukrainians (78%) prefer cash in hryvnia for basic preservation of funds. In second place is cash foreign currency (69%). This is followed by bank accounts in hryvnia (67%), deposits (59%), and foreign currency accounts (53%).

However, the purposes for using these instruments differ radically. While bank deposits and residential real estate (45% each) are associated with passive income, Ukrainians expect potential significant capital growth from crypto-assets (44%), their own business (32%), and venture investments (11%).

“Digital assets have already become a noticeable part of Ukraine’s investment landscape, although traditional instruments continue to play a leading role,” WhiteBIT notes.

19% of Ukrainians are ready to use cryptocurrency

General awareness of cryptocurrency in Ukraine increased from 28% in 2025 to 32% in 2026. The number of those ready to use it increased from 17% to 19%.

Today, cryptocurrency is associated not only with trading: 64% of respondents see it as a source of passive income, 54% as a diversification tool, 52% as an innovative method, and 48% as a way to invest with small starting capital.

Although 44% of financially active respondents consider crypto-assets, only 14% actually use them. The main obstacle remains the complexity of the tool: 59% of respondents believe that special knowledge is required for this.

“That is why WhiteBIT pays special attention to educational initiatives. We systematically support the development of education in Ukraine, in particular cooperating with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, investing in the development of modern education,” the company stated.

About the study

The study was conducted by Ipsos commissioned by WhiteBIT in June-July 2026. The survey involved 650 respondents aged 18–65 from cities with a population of more than 100,000, excluding temporarily occupied territories and areas of active hostilities.

The sample covered 300 financially active respondents open to investing in cryptocurrency and 350 respondents who already keep part of their savings in crypto-assets.