CEO/Director - Business|Fintech|Banking - edu: ✅Sorbonne PhD ✅Oxford PGDip ✅Cambridge MBA (int.exp.)
LIFE
Total years of experience :13 years, 2 Months
Product line: Technologies and Business Management
Manage: project teams
lifein.pro
Life is a company with specialization in technological services and management of companies. Mainly, it concentrates on 2 areas of work: 1) development of software and hardware complexes with interactive equipment and data visualization for business needs; 2) services for companies for development / implementation of technological solutions and management of business.
My Role: I founded the company in November 2022 and presently serve as its CEO and leading expert for all current activities. I launched work in 2 core directions: development of tech solutions and company management. During this period, I have a track record of success cases, confirmed by documents showing the rendering of technological, consulting, and management services.
1-st direction. Ongoing project: ‘LifeIn - software and hardware complex’ with interactive facilities and data visualization for business necessities. The project team performs work on development of this complex and arranges its exploitation for technology-driven improvement of business processes through innovative solutions.
Current activities
Research and development work is performed, together with arranging solution’s the go-to-market process for achieving commercial targets.
🔹 Organizing conduct by the project team of scientific-research work, experimental design activities, and development process;
🔹 Exploring multi-channel monetization on local and global markets of the results of effectuated development of solution;
🔹 Forging partnerships on core directions of potential cooperation with Russian and international organizations working in this field.
2-nd direction. Effectuated project: Provision of services to ExpressDengi MFC LLC from 2022 to 2024 as an Acting CEO staffed by Life LLC for developing and implementing technological solutions, together with managing business according to the Contract for provision of information, consulting, and management services.
Performed works
The technological transformation of ExpressDengi MFC LLC (annual turnover 2 bln. rub. |~$25 mln.|, 120 branches, 300+ employees) led by Life LLC enabled the following changes:
🔹 The company recovered from Y2022 losses of 32 mln. rub. |~$400 thsd.| and reached in Y2023 an annual profit of 80 mln. rub. |~$1 mln.| (2-nd best result for 12 years of company’s existence);
🔹 4 online channels for client acquisition were launched: Context, CPA, API, and Target (providing 5 thsd. new clients / mo., who are collectively borrowing 40 mln. rub. |~$0.5 mln.| / mo.);
🔹 Income flow of ~10 mln. rub. |~$0.1 mln.| / mo. was created from new sources due to the launch of: i) commissions; ii) monetization of traffic from rejected loans; and iii) implementation of insurance.
Managed: 120 branches, 10 dep., 300+ empl.
Product line: Loans & Insurance
экспрессденьги.рф
ExpressMoney is a microfinance company that has been operating since 2012 and has an annual turnover of 2 bln. rub. |~$25 mln.| and 300+ members of staff. Offline business: the network of 120 branches across Russia. Online business: 3 services / trademarks: ЭкспрессДеньги.рф, Займы.рф, and ExpressMoney.com. The company is regulated by the Central Bank of Russia.
My Role: I engaged in crisis management with implementation of new digital technologies, leading to overcoming by the company of losses in Y2022, making at that time 32 mln. rub. |~$400 thsd.|, and achieving in Y2023 an annual profit of 80 mln. rub. |~$1 mln.|, which is the 2-nd highest profit posted by ExpressMoney in its 12 years existence.
Note: services of an Acting CEO were rendered to ExpressMoney on behalf of Life LLC |a company with concentration on services in technological sphere and business management|, following the Agreement for provision of information, consulting, and management services.
Goal: Technological transformation of the company from a single-product credit-providing entity to a financial supermarket with highly profitable modern digital services.
Solved issues & highlights of accomplishments:
🔹 Entirety of 4 online channels for customer acquisition: Context, CPA, API, and Target were proposed and personally launched (all combined presently generating 5 thsd. new clients / mo., who are altogether borrowing 40 mln. rub. |~$0.5 mln.| / mo.); company overall expenses were reduced by 70% for getting new and returning clients;
🔹 Commercial initiatives were suggested and launched: 1) Commissions earning 4 mln. rub. / mo.; 2) Monetization of traffic from rejected loan applications, bringing 4 mln. rub. / mo.; 3) Insurance providing 2 mln. rub. / mo. (In total, the stable cash flow of extra profits was formed for ~10 mln. rub. |~$0.1 mln.| / mo.);
🔹 Functioning of offline business, the network of 120 branches, was improved, increasing the aggregate amount of loans by 50% from 40 mln. rub. |~$0.5 mln.| to 60 mln. rub. |~$0.7 mln.| / mo. Additionally, working groups were created across business units, as well as Financial Advisors with more responsibilities were introduced;
🔹 Algorithms of work with customers across online channels ЭкспрессДеньги.рф, Займы.рф, and ExpressMoney.com were perfected, resulting in a higher speed of process of filling in and approving applications. Also, CR (conversion rate) was improved, partners’ EPC (earnings per click) got higher, Deep Links (transfer of client forms via links) were implemented, and traffic volumes mounted;
🔹 The company launched on the most popular marketplaces (via offering loans in POS |point of sale| and BNPL |buy now pay later| channels), enabling it to increase brand awareness and build up a share of more conservative clientele in its portfolio. Also, it facilitated access to additional traffic and increase of the number of PDL loans via returning POS / BNPL customers.
Managed: 5 departments, 30 employees
Product line: Mobile App for e-Payments
zazapayiraq.com
ZazaPay is a phone app solution for a cashless society in the Middle East. This company accepts cash via a network of agents regionwide and enables users to pay via mobile for in-store and online purchases, mobile top-up, internet recharge, gift cards, utility bills as well as allows sending and receiving money, paying salaries, and using more e-payment services.
My Role: I worked from day 1 of ZazaPay since August 2020 in the capacity of Acting CEO, being the 1st person hired by the Founder. During the first year of the company’s inception, I managed overall company development and created a solid foundation for the future success of the company in the following ways:
1) Executed $1.5 mln. OpenWay customized product creation (software in Sber, VTB, and many top global banks). I served as the only in-charge person for project administration from ZazaPay from start until completion.
2) Created $1 mln. Datacenter, which was awarded the Dell 2021 Award for the Best Datacenter in the Middle East. I independently designed the architecture, ordered the building of the premises, and purchased all best-in-class equipment of Dell, Vertiv, PaloAlto, and Cisco. Further, I arranged installation and deployed staging environments working with integrator companies of all top-notch software solutions of VMWare, Oracle, Microsoft, Linux, Zendesk and OpenWay.
3) Managed $0.5 mln. budget for the workforce. I hired and directly supervised on a day-to-day basis a team of developers building FrontEnd and BackEnd parts of the App and worked on technical enhancements for OpenWay solution. Along with that, I contributed to the PCI-DSS certification and establishment of 3 CashPoints (local bank-style branches) for the ZazaPay Launch in August 2021.
In situ project management in Erbil, Iraq as the first service starting location was ensured by me, staying 90% of the time in Iraq and 10% in Russia.
🔹 Executed in-person project management: Datacenter, product and labor |$3 mln. budget for the 1st year| in the Middle East - in Erbil, Iraq
🔹 Orchestrated OpenWay customized Mobile Wallet product development: organized backend and frontend works as well as ensured administration in capacity of the only in-charge Project Manager of $1.5 mln. contract with OpenWay, fully completed from Aug. 2020 to Aug. 2021
🔹 Launched Mobile Apps via Apple AppStore and Google Play with preliminary Alpha & Beta testing
🔹 Designed the architecture of a cutting-edge Datacenter while building a premise for it as well as establishing needed infrastructure
🔹 Arranged all hardware of top-notch global producers to be purchased, assembled, and configured
🔹 Executed the purchase and deployment of enterprise-grade software to operate the Datacenter
🔹 Obtained services of system integrators from Russia and the Middle East such as Croc, Softline, Iridium, and SVDS
Managed: 4 departments, 20 employees
Product line: Crypto Mining Platform
https://www.coinfly.cc
CoinFly is a mining ecosystem created to provide a lightweight operating system |CoinFly OS|, free-of-charge miner tool, and a web platform for hardware monitoring which is a centerpiece of solution that creates a comfortable and predictable environment for mining activity. CoinFly solution also includes its own mining pools to foster transparency and profitability.
My Role: Upon joining the project as the Acting CEO, within the first two months of work I finalized a protracted 2-year development of the CoinFly mining solution. To enhance growth and operations, I executed the preparation of White Paper and led CoinFly RoadShow at launch via participation at international blockchain events. Along with that, I arranged promotional PR and marketing activities.
🔹 Managed development of the CoinFly Platform - a latest enterprise-grade crypto mining solution
🔹 Orchestrated business development activities and identified unique strategic growth opportunities
🔹 Reached agreements with investment / venture capital funds and kept existing investor relations
🔹 Inspired relationship building and management with key corporate clients with high MW capacities
🔹 Expanded CoinFly's market overseas via launch and development of the Regional Partners Program
🔹 Ran marketing campaigns across various channels via online |i.e. FB, TG, BT| and offline resources
🔹 Organized IFRS accounting, led financial planning as well as preparation of valuations and forecasts
Managed: 7 departments, 100 employees
Product line: Blockchain Services
1) Service - Buy Crypto with Credit Card; 2) Crypto Exchange; 3) Crypto-backed Loans Platform; 4) Blockchain Advisory
http://www.tugush.com
Tugush Blockchain Capital is a company providing an ecosystem of blockchain solutions designed for crypto-banking and crypto-investing. There are two levels of crypto-access organized for the customers: 1) Buy Crypto with Credit Card - an entry level tool to get cryptocurrencies; 2) Crypto- Exchange Platform - a fully-fledged solution enabling users to access crypto trading / investments.
My Role: I oversaw all business processes in the company, having led to the creation of a standalone service - Buy Crypto with Credit Card, and Onytrex Crypto Exchange. I simultaneously facilitated the launch of a Crypto-Backed Loans Platform that enabled investors to keep their crypto-positions while maintaining access to fiat money. In parallel, I arranged blockchain advisory.
🔹 Designed Strategic Development Roadmaps, Business Plans, and Activity Maps for business growth
🔹 Managed 100 employees in 7 departments: Technical, Marketing, PR, Design, Event, Legal, Support
🔹 Orchestrated efforts of entire skilled teams to launch and promote new blockchain-based products
🔹 Oversaw B2B/B2C sales of blockchain-based financial products to company’s target market clients
🔹 Developed trustworthy relationships with corporate and individual customers, as well as partners
🔹 Operated a Roadshow in key geographies, arranged events for clientele and the crypto-community
🔹 Participated on behalf of the company in main blockchain events: forums, exhibitions, conferences
Product line: ICO Projects Advisory
https://hashcib.com
QIWI Blockchain Technologies (QBT) is a part of the global QIWI Group (NASDAQ-traded e-payment company, ticker: QIWI). Main services provided by QBT are related to the development of turnkey blockchain and various distributed-ledger technology solutions. Advisory services and technical assistance for blockchain projects are also substantial rendered by QBT services.
My Role: Acting as a Research Director, I performed analytical and consultant work within the QBT advisory business by offering services to surging blockchain-based projects in 2018. I ensured complex solutions for blockchain companies that were provided together with implementation advice and practical assistance.
🔹 Developed ICO Strategies from an analysis of concepts to streamlining step-by-step Action Plans
🔹 Effectuated a Market Feasibility Study for ICOs with the assessment of global expansion potential
🔹 Audited ongoing ICOs: review of general concept, blockchain ecosystem, and marketing strategy
🔹 Effectuated focused research on specific agendas in the field of emerging blockchain technologies
🔹 Provided consulting to ICO teams on practical issues at preparatory phases and during ICO rounds
🔹 Produced concise and detailed presentation materials covering all essential aspects of ICO projects
🔹 Directed technology selections: blockchain architecture, smart contracts, and programming stacks
Product line: Private Banking
http://www.in-bank.ru
Inbank is a financial boutique that specializes in Private Banking |spin-off of Nomos Bank appeared during its transformation into Otkrytie Bank|. As a purely Private Banking institution, it focuses on exceptional premium products and services provided to its customers, all of which have more than $1 mln. net worth. All team members of Inbank address Private Banking needs.
My Role: In a small team of 3 private bankers supported by ~100 specialists, I have built new Private Banking relationships and maintained business with existing clients of the bank. Unique solutions were designed and implemented for the Private Banking customers’ needs. In parallel, I organized diverse solutions for off-track matters aligning with wealth management.
🔹 Developed valuable customer relationships among existing Private Banking clientele of the bank
🔹 Attracted new U/HNWIs clientele including onboarding help and creation of investment portfolios
🔹 Conducted complex financial transactions with various instruments across multiple geographies
🔹 Provided tax assistance ensuring accurate calculation and proper tax payments in Russia / abroad
🔹 Conducted legal consulting on updated currency-related laws and other new financial regulations
🔹 Assisted in implementation of optimal strategic and tactical private capital management solutions
🔹 Provided solutions to a full specter of lifestyle matters of customers and all their affiliated persons
Product line: Investment Advisory
https://bcs.ru
BCS Premier Investment Bank is one of the leading investment entities of Russia, operating since 1990s and having more than 100k customers, hundreds of financial advisors, as well as dozens of private/premium-level offices across the country with the major ones in Moscow. It specializes in serving Private and Premium Banking clients with a desire to partake in trading and investments.
My Role: I worked as a Senior Financial Advisor whose responsibilities included the acquisition of customers and the origination of investment business. I provided a full scope of investment solutions for customers ranging from brokerage services (covering global selections of stocks, bonds, ETFs, etc.), mutual funds, and life insurance to complex structured investment solutions.
🔹 Organized investments into Discretionary Management Funds existing in Russia and global markets
🔹 Aided the placement of capital in common investment schemes: diversified dynamic Mutual Funds
🔹 Arranged investments in hedge funds of stocks / bonds having top notch administration and audit
🔹 Placed capital into off-shore financial instruments in territories such as Cyprus or Cayman Islands
🔹 Arranged brokerage via stock | commodities | currency exchanges of Russia, USA, Europe, & Asia
🔹 Provided Direct Market Access to a pool of stock exchanges: MOEX, NYSE, AMEX, NASDAQ, & LSE
🔹 Oversaw allocation of funds to asset classes: stocks, bonds, Eurobonds, FLB, A/GDR, ETF, and REIT
Product line: Equity Trading
https://gerchik.com
AE is a company specialized in proprietary trading on 2 major USA stock exchanges, NYSE and NASDAQ via direct market access. A group of ~40 intraday traders work US business hours to implement diverse intra-day strategies designed and approved by the company with the risk-manager and executive director supervising proper risk / money management.
My Role: As a Trader-Analyst, I analyzed the stock market in the US and selected instruments for watch-lists and intra-day trading. My work included both intra-day trading and short/medium-term stock portfolio management by combining technical and fundamental analysis. Additionally, I produced innovative trading ideas that were collectively reviewed and implemented once accepted.
🔹 Executed intraday high-frequency proprietary equity trading via USA exchanges: NYSE & NASDAQ
🔹 Performed medium-term portfolio management and carried out risk-exposure control procedures
🔹 Gathered and analyzed market data from a variety of economic/business sectors and geographies
🔹 Performed technical and fundamental analysis to pick stocks for short and medium-term trading
🔹 Generated investment ideas and presented potential transactions to main internal stakeholders
🔹 Developed and implemented trading strategies to maximize profits from identified opportunities
🔹 Conducted reports of trading activities and explored statistics of efficiency of current transactions
Product line: Corporate and Investment Banking
citi.com
Citibank is a top global bank with 200+ years of experience since 1812. Citi has a ~$10 bln. net income, ~$80 bln. in revenues, ~$2.4 trln. in assets, and ~$110 bln. market cap. Citi has 240k employees in 2600 offices in 160 countries and provides services for 200+ mln. clients. Citi’s corporate and investment banking embraces services for institutional clients worldwide.
My Role: I worked as a Management Associate in a two-year global flagship development program for individuals with management potential. After passing Citi’s initial induction and trainings, I completed rotations across all major bank departments. I performed corporate lending of $1-50 mln., management of a $100+ mln. portfolio of trade finance, and secured corporate and investment deals.
🔹 Managed lending of $1-50 mln. corporate loans to local firms and subsidiaries of global customers
🔹 Oversaw a $100+ mln. portfolio of trade finance: purpose loans, letters of credit, and guarantees
🔹 Supported ongoing transactions with debt / equity capital, and mergers & acquisitions transactions
🔹 Ensured cross-selling of banking products such as cards, cash management, and treasury solutions
🔹 Conducted financial assessment of geographic expansion strategy and launched 4 new rep. offices
🔹 Executed economic surveys on high-profile topics for business such as sectors, markets, and deals
🔹 Compiled statistical databases to facilitate decision-making on strategic activities for market sizing
Managed: 1 department, 10 employees
Product line: Project Management
https://abecorp.kz
ABE Corporation is a holding specializing in complex EPCM projects (Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Maintenance). The company’s main contracts are performed for oil and gas companies operating around the Caspian Sea. Complex contracts are also effectuated in partnership with major international petroleum companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, ENI, etc.
My Role: I worked in the corporate development team as a strategist in charge of overseeing strategic partnerships and the design of strategic action plans. I performed economic valuations of $10-100 mln. projects and facilitated the submission of tender bids as well as completion of project management tasks. I managed a team of 10 employees.
🔹 Performed economic valuation for projects of $10-100 mln. and prepared tender bids for execution
🔹 Conducted project management work overseeing the usage of funds and the completion of works
🔹 Established international relationships with prospective business partners and clients worldwide
🔹 Created long/short-term strategies to advise top management of possible development pathways
🔹 Instilled confidence and excellence into a team of 10 specialists, built business culture and skill set
🔹 Oversaw arranging key large-scale marketing activities and orchestrating of brand management
🔹 Guided the implementation & external certification of the Quality Management System, ISO 9001
INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING AND RESEARCH
CONSULTANT of BIG DATA PROJECT https://www.parisnanterre.fr
|Nov. 2016 - Jul. 2017| Location: Paris, France
🔵 Data Research - Finance
Analysis of performance metrics of companies of Europe using large datasets available in Orbis Bureau van Dijk database and SPSS software package instruments
🔹 Analyzed big data of the top EU companies incorporated in France and also in the United Kingdom
🔹 Designed configuration of financial metrics for all-rounded evaluation of companies’ performance
🔹 Performed data-mining using methods designed for Orbis Bureau van Dijk database environment
🔹 Tested datasets with SPSS software package tools to determine data appropriateness for analysis
🔹 Effectuated logic and error checks in data arrays to ensure consistency of basic points in data pool
🔹 Considered corporate structure of multi-unit organizations covered within performed exploration
🔹 Ran comprehensive on-topic data analysis for particular complex matters of research agenda
CONSULTANT of AVIVA INVESTORS https://www.avivainvestors.com
|Feb. 2010 - Mar. 2010| Location: London, United Kingdom
🔵 Global Consulting Project of Cambridge Advisors on investing in Public Private Partnerships: attractive segments, competitive landscape, and devising entry strategy
CONSULTANT of ESCENT |backed by L’Oréal| https://www.escent.ai
|Oct. 2009 - Dec. 2009| Location: London, United Kingdom
🔵 Venture Consulting Project of Cambridge Advisors on financial evaluation of the market potential of launching production of a wearable innovative high-tech device
CONSULTANT of CAA ENTERPRISE FUND https://www.us-caef.americancouncilsnetwork.org
|Feb. 2003 - Mar. 2003| Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
🔵 Facilitation to development of small and medium-sized private enterprises via direct investments, micro-credits and technical assistance
SORBONNE PHD IN ECONOMICS
|awarded Nov. 30, 2017 French Degree: Docteur en Sciences Économiques| Location: Paris, France
🟦 Thesis: “Capital concentration and petroleum abundance in economies of Eurasia - Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan: microeconomic performance and macroeconomic dynamics”
Articles in international journals: Journal of Perspectives of Innovation in Economics and Business, Journal of Business and Economic Horizons, as well as Social Science Research Network (SSRN)
Fintech & Blockchain Certification Center | 2021 ... | Expert
APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES
ERP | Enterprise Resource Planning | systems
CRM | Customer Relationship Management | systems
OpenWay - Banking and Wallet software
Datacenter building, setting up and configuring
NETWORK
Member of Cambridge Alumni in Business