Alfa-Bank has established an IT hub at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) Business School, creating a vibrant co-working space that fosters project collaboration and direct business dialogue among students and bank experts. The area, known as the Alfa Space IT zone, features a stylish café where Fintech conversations with Alfa professionals can thrive, seminars can be prepared, and practical problem-solving sessions can take place in a dynamic setting.
“The Higher School of Economics stands out as a premier Russian university, and we see a strong stream of HSE graduates joining Alfa. Our ongoing support for fintech education in Russia is reflected in the collaboration with HSE and the Higher School of Business, which proves how synergy can yield the most valuable technical talent,” stated Vladimir Verkhoshinsky, the General Director of Alfa-Bank. His remarks highlighted the bank’s commitment to nurturing a pipeline of skilled professionals who can drive innovation in the financial sector.
He conveyed confidence that Alfa-Bank’s space would become more than a static office—it could be the birthplace of hundreds of bright ideas with the potential to reshape the future of finance. The new area is designed to be a catalyst for ideation, experimentation, and real-world problem solving, where students can test concepts with industry practitioners and receive guidance from seasoned Alfa experts.
Valery Katkalo, the Director of the Higher School of Business Administration at HSE, noted that the university’s portfolio combines Russia’s leading bachelor’s and master’s programs with MBA offerings and corporate training designed for the country’s business leaders. This integrated approach creates a robust ecosystem that supports both foundational knowledge and strategic leadership in business and technology.
“What makes the Higher School of Business Administration distinctive is the deep engagement of major Russian companies in the educational process and in research initiatives. We are grateful to Alfa-Bank for launching a personalized co-working space on the VSB campus and see it as a clear opportunity to develop ongoing, systematic cooperation with Russia’s largest universal private bank,” Katkalo added. The collaboration aligns with the university’s goal of bridging academic study with practical industry experience, ensuring that students gain exposure to real-world fintech challenges.
Previously, Alfa-Bank and the Higher School of Economics formalized a bilateral agreement focused on advancing education in fintech. This memorandum underscored a shared commitment to expanding curricula, supporting research projects, and offering students avenues for hands-on learning through internships, guest lectures, and cooperative projects. The agreement laid the groundwork for continued collaboration, blending academic rigor with industry relevance to prepare the next generation of financial tech professionals.