KIEV, July 30 – The decision of the International Monetary Fund to grant Ukraine a $15.15 billion Stand-By Arrangement will be a positive signal for portfolio investors that could help prop up the hryvnia exchange rate, bankers polled by Interfax-Ukraine said.

"When the IMF issues a loan to a country, it means there is a certain credibility, and tougher monitoring from the side of the IMF over the state of the country’s budget and economy. This decision is a positive signal for investors, as in this situation investment could significantly strengthen the hyvnia exchange rate," said Bank Finance and Credit (Kiev) Deputy Board Chairman Serhiy Borysov.

According to Borysov, the hryvnia exchange rate will not significantly change by the end of the year.