For a second consecutive year, Denis Osin, who leads Alfa-Bank’s Small and Micro Business division, secured the top spot in the SME management leaders ranking published by Banking Review. The bank’s communications team confirmed the result, underscoring a strong performance across the sector in North America and beyond, where many readers follow industry benchmarks closely (citation: Banking Review, 2024).
The ranking, produced annually by Banking Review in collaboration with the BusinessDrom analytical center, highlights a select group of leaders. Only about three dozen senior managers make it into this esteemed list, reflecting a high bar for leadership in small and medium enterprise banking (citation: Banking Review, 2024).
In assessing candidates, the evaluators examined a range of factors. Length of service in financial services, depth of experience within the banking market and the SME segment, and documented results were weighed alongside professional visibility, participation in industry associations, and contributions to public discourse. Growth in the client base and the volume of loans issued also played a critical role. Each metric was quantified, combined, and scored to determine the final ranking (citation: Banking Review, 2024).
According to the bank, the past year featured several notable initiatives. A Large Business Fund with a capital of 100 million rubles was launched to support larger clients, while networking events for Alfa-Confa entrepreneurs broadened nationwide engagement. Enhancements to the loyalty program were introduced, and the institution reported a standout increase in the processing of payments in international rankings. A new program aimed at helping entrepreneurs run their operations more efficiently was rolled out, alongside a broad portfolio of services designed to streamline every phase of business activity. Osin noted the emphasis on practical support, expanded service access, and continued investment in customer-centric solutions (citation: Banking Review, 2024).