KIEV, Dec. 31 – The total amount of loans issued by Ukrainian banks to companies and individuals from the beginning of 2013 to December 30, 2013, grew by 12.3%, or almost UAH 95 billion, the National Bank of Ukraine reported on Tuesday.

In particular, loans issued to companies rose by UAH 89 billion.

The major growth was registered in the latter half of the year: from UAH 9.5 billion in August to UAH 23.2 billion in December. Of the amount, 90% was lent in the national currency.