ПОРІВНЯЛЬНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ФІНАНСОВОГО ЛІЗИНГУ В УКРАЇНІ ТА ІНШИХ КРАЇНАХ ЄВРОПИ

The article explores the features, development trends, and comparative characteristics of financial leasing in Ukraine and selected European countries, focusing on identifying unique aspects, key challenges, and potential growth opportunities within each market. The research relevance is driven by the increasing demand for alternative financing instruments among Ukrainian enterprises amid persistent limitations in traditional bank lending, the need for technological modernization, and asset renewal in key sectors of the national economy. The methodological framework is based on analytical and comparative approaches, involving a detailed examination of legislative, institutional, and practical differences in the functioning of financial leasing mechanisms across Ukraine and Europe. The study covers regulatory frameworks, market infrastructure, organizational models, and financial instruments used in leasing operations. Particular attention is paid to market dynamics, the composition of leasing service providers, and the structure of leased assets. The results demonstrate that, despite noticeable growth and rising interest from businesses, the Ukrainian financial leasing sector remains underdeveloped compared to leading European markets in terms of market volume, standardization of procedures, risk management practices, and regulatory support. Specific features of the Ukrainian market include a fragmented legislative framework, limited fiscal incentives, domination of vehicle and agricultural machinery leasing, and the active participation of both banking and non-banking institutions with varying levels of expertise and capitalization. In contrast, countries such as Germany, France, and Poland are characterized by mature leasing environments with clear legal regulations, strong state support measures, comprehensive risk management systems, high levels of digitalization, and transparency. Despite ongoing reforms aimed at harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with European standards, the sector still faces critical challenges, including legal uncertainty, low investor confidence, limited government incentives, and insufficient digital infrastructure. The practical value of the article lies in formulating specific recommendations for enhancing the financial leasing market in Ukraine. Proposed measures include further legislative harmonization with EU directives, introduction of targeted tax incentives, implementation of digital platforms for leasing operations, development of state support programs for key industries, and improvement of investor protection mechanisms. These steps are essential for improving the competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises, expanding access to modern production assets, and fostering Ukraine’s integration into European production and financial value chains. The findings will be useful for policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and business entities seeking to develop sustainable strategies for the long-term growth and resilience of the financial leasing sector in Ukraine.