Mikhail Fridman

Mikhail Fridman, born on April 21, 1964, is a prominent Ukrainian-born Russian-Israeli entrepreneur and banker, recognized as one of the leading figures in the world of finance and business. He co-founded Alfa-Group, a multinational conglomerate, and played a pivotal role in establishing Alfa-Bank, one of Russia's largest private banks, in 1991. His business acumen led him to serve as CEO of TNK-BP, a significant joint venture, for nine years before selling his stake in 2013 and co-founding the international investment company LetterOne.

Fridman's influence in the business world was underscored by his ranking as the second-richest Russian in 2013, with a net worth of sixteen point five billion dollars, and later as the ninth-richest in 2023, with twelve point six billion dollars. His financial prowess continued to be recognized, as he was listed among the wealthiest individuals globally, with a net worth of thirteen point three billion dollars as of February 2025.

Despite his success, Fridman's career has not been without controversy. In 2022, he faced sanctions from the European Union due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which he vehemently denied. In response to these allegations, he stepped down from various boards to protect his businesses from further sanctions. His legal battles against these sanctions have been notable, with multiple lawsuits filed in 2022.

In December 2022, Fridman was arrested in London on serious charges, although he was later released on bail, and the investigation was subsequently closed in September 2023. As of October 2023, he announced his intention to return to Russia, marking a significant chapter in his complex and multifaceted career.