Consumer Loans: A banker told about risks to debtors and ways to avoid them

Elena Yermolova, Risk Management Director, Globus Bank board member

Cash loans are most risky among consumer loans, including Credit limits on cards. These are usually small funds that often take on the background of existing financial difficulties. In addition, they have a high cost, and their repayment becomes a difficult task for the family budget. This was told by Elena Yermolova, Director of Risk Management, Board Member of Globus Bank.

In contrast, according to the expert, the least difficulty is associated with loans for a car or real estate. Such decisions are usually considered, and the client first accumulates the first contribution, which already indicates his financial stability.

“Lending is an extremely responsible step that should not be guided by emotions,” Elena Yermolova emphasized.

Before making a decision on credit, she advises:

• ensure that monthly repayment does not threaten basic costs;
• Avoid planning payments based on a possible but not guaranteed increase in profit;
• To give up credit if current income is not enough for a comfortable standard of living.

The expert emphasizes that the following algorithm should be followed to minimize risks:

• Determine the average monthly expenditures over the past year for food, housing, clothing, transport, medicine (excluding entertainment).
• Set aside at least 20% of the average monthly costs.
• Check the probability of maintaining income at least 80% during the year.
• Calculate the amount of monthly payment on the loan.

If there is enough money for regular contributions after all the mandatory expenses, and the risk of loss of income is minimal, the loan is considered safe, the banker notes.

“A loan can improve living conditions, but will not solve all problems. If the funds are not enough even the main thing, it is not necessary to be credited to things of secondary importance,” – summarized Elena Yermolova.

The expert believes that after the war or stabilization of the economy, the level of non -working loans will not increase.

“Banks’ credit portfolio reflects the general state of the state – economic and political. The stability of the country directly affects the quality of loans. Creating legal and economic stability will lead to the accessibility of loans and increase the welfare of citizens,” – added Elena Ermolova.

With reference to the NBU data, she noted that the time of problem loans (NPL) in Ukrainian banks in the first half of 2025 decreased from 30.3% to 27%.

“Despite the fact that the volume of such loans decreased by only 1.6%, the total credit portfolio increased by 10%, which contributed to the reduction of NPL’s share,” Olena Yermolova explained.

According to her, in the corporate sector, the share of NPL is almost three times higher compared to individuals – 35.5% against 14%. “Large enterprises are more likely to face overdue loans, while loans to the population are reliable,” she added.

The Globus Commercial Bank (Globus Bank) joint stock company was established in 2007. As of July 2024, the branch network includes 32 offices, 29 of which operate in Power Banking format, which allows customers even during electricity. Expert Rating.

The main areas of activity of the Bank are financing energy efficient initiatives, mortgage in the primary market, auto -locations, support for small and medium -sized businesses. Globus Bank cooperates with state programs: “Eosel”, “5-7-9”, “Available factoring”, “Available financial leasing 5-7-9”. The Bank is also a partner of the Energy Efficiency Fund under the Energodim and Grindim programs and a member of the National Cashbek program.

On June 25, 2024, the Globus Bank joined a group of 17 leading banks of Ukraine, which signed a memorandum on financing the restoration of energy infrastructure. Bank Chairman Sergey Mammadov holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the Council of Directors of the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine and Vice President of the Association of Ukrainian Banks.

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