Today economists and scientists constantly talk about adaptation of banks and adaptation of the banking system in common. However, the essence of this concept, the main aspects of adaptation, its forms, types, methods, principles, functions, and the actual process have not been studied. In this connection the purpose of the article is to theoretically and methodologically substantiate the main aspects of adaptation of the banking system to the appropriate conditions of financial-economic space with distinguishing the types of adaptation, which will be most appropriate for a particular state of the economy. While writing the article the following methods were used: comparison (for forming own determination of concept), systematization (in determining the methods, principles and instruments of adaptation), logical-structural method (in constructing structural-logic circuit for disclosure the essence of the concept of «adaptation of the banking system»), method of classification (for determining signs of classification and distribution types of adaptation in accordance with signs), detailization (in the forming of ways of adaptation in accordance with each form). Thus, in the result of research it was determined that certain types of adaptation of the banking system can be used in any economic conditions, at the same time there are a number of those that are advisable to use in exceptional cases (during growth or recessions). It was found that adaptation should be considered not only in terms of «survival» but also as «development», that is important in modern conditions of reforming the banking system. We considered forms of adaptation (parametric, structural, functional and mixed) that are implemented through appropriate ways at the central bank and commercial banks. It was determined that the efficiency of adaptation of the banking system depends on choosing the appropriate form, way, method, observance of principles of adaptation and optimality in developing of measures, taking account the existing leverages, the level of adaptability of the system, peculiarities of the financial-economic space and risk of non-adaptation. Construction of the mechanism of the banking system adaptation to the peculiarities of financial-economic space and allotment of its factors, which carry out the most significant impact on the adaptation process, will be considered in details in following research. 

adaptation of banking system, types, forms and ways of adaptation, methods of adaptation, state of economy, financial-economic space