According to the press service of the financial institution, Alexey Shashkin, who serves as the Director of the Small and Micro Business Department at Sberbank, earned second place in a prestigious ranking of bank managers who work with small and medium-sized enterprises. This recognition highlights his leadership within the SME segment and signals the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across Russia.
The annual ranking is compiled by the business publication Banking Review and the analytical center BusinessDrom, bringing together industry insights and performance metrics from the sector. The process is designed to identify leaders who demonstrate strategic vision, operational excellence, and a strong track record of enabling SME growth.
In this year’s evaluation, 28 senior managers from Russian banks were included in the final standings. Shashkin received 97 points, reflecting a combination of experience, results, and influence within the SME market. The scoring framework weighed multiple dimensions, including tenure in the field, success with new product launches, and the ability to drive customer growth and increase the volume of issued loans. The panel also considered the managers’ visibility in the media and their participation in committees, working groups, and public associations focused on developing small and medium-sized businesses in Russia.
Organizers noted that SME pathfinders in banks should possess digital literacy, craft flexible and scalable solutions, and demonstrate innovation. Strong communication skills and a proactive stance in helping entrepreneurs improve financial literacy were cited as essential traits for those overseeing SME portfolios. The emphasis is on practical leadership that translates into tangible benefits for business owners and the broader economy.
Shashkin publicly thanked the rating organizers for recognizing his team’s efforts, stressing that the achievement reflects the collective work of the entire Sber team. He highlighted the bank’s ongoing emphasis on empowering entrepreneurs through practical tools and integrated solutions that streamline daily operations and financial management.
In a recent statement, Shashkin noted that Sber has already assisted more than 250 thousand entrepreneurs by automating their business processes through industry-specific solutions. He described a comprehensive suite of capabilities delivered in a single-window format tailored for professionals in real estate, transport, wholesale and retail trade, housing and communal services, and various other sectors. This approach aims to reduce friction and accelerate decision-making for business owners across the country.
Moreover, Shashkin pointed to a significant improvement in loan processing times. What used to be a ten-day workflow for loan issuance has been condensed to a three-minute approval in the SberBusiness Internet bank, marking a notable leap in efficiency. This advancement underscores the bank’s commitment to delivering fast, reliable financial services that help SMEs seize opportunities quickly and stay competitive in a dynamic market.