Petr Aven

Petr Aven, born on March 16, 1955, is a prominent Russian oligarch, economist, and politician who also holds Latvian citizenship. He has made significant contributions to the banking sector, notably as the head of Alfa-Bank, Russia's largest commercial bank, until March 2022. His tenure at Alfa-Bank came to an end amidst rising geopolitical tensions and the threat of sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In 2023, Aven was recognized as the six hundred fifty-ninth richest person in the world, with a net worth estimated at around four point two billion dollars. His wealth and influence have placed him within the inner circle of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he has met regularly, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Aven's position as a significant figure in the Russian oligarchy has not come without controversy. He has been named in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and faced sanctions imposed by the European Union in 2022. In response to these sanctions, Aven has publicly criticized their basis, describing them as spurious and unfounded, and has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit in the European Court of Justice.