The purpose of writing this article is to substantiate the theoretical foundations of financial crises, identify features of their development in Ukraine and the world, determine the effectiveness of anti–crisis policy and analyze the impact of financial crises on socio–economic development. Research methods. In the process of research general methods of scientific knowledge, system approach, method of scientific abstraction were used – to identify the essence of financial crises; historical

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... hod – in the study of the peculiarities of financial crises at different stages of human development. Methods of normative–logical analysis, comparison and statistical method were used to analyze the effects of crises and develop proposals for ways to minimize their consequences. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study are the scientific provisions of modern economic theory, concepts of economic development, theoretical conclusions and generalizations of domestic and foreign economists, contained in monographic, special and periodical literature; normative–legal documents on the researched question. Conclusions. The study makes it possible to understand that the main measures of anti–crisis policy should be: actions to stabilize the financial system; measures for exchange rate stabilization; ensuring the revival of economic activity and preventing economic downturn; measures to restore the controllability of the national economy. These steps should be taken into account the needs of their focus on compensating for or limiting the negative social consequences of the crisis. This is very important for maintaining political and social stability, preserving the labor potential and social capital of the population.