The management of Trust Bank is actively exploring strategic options for its non-core assets, including the potential sale of Tochka Bank within the current year. At present, five potential investors are reportedly in talks regarding this transaction, signaling strong market interest and competitive bidding. This information comes from statements made by Alexander Sokolov, who serves as the chairman of the board for the financial group involved in the discussion.
Tochka Bank operates as a platform focused on servicing small and medium-sized enterprises. Since 2018, ownership of Tochka has been distributed among several key stakeholders: Otkritie Bank holds a controlling stake of 50 percent plus one share, Qiwi owns 40 percent, and Tochka management holds a 10 percent minus one share via Catalytic People. In mid-2022, Otkritie Bank’s management transferred a controlling stake, approximately 90 percent, of Tochka Bank to a trusted investment vehicle, Tochka Trust. Separately, Baltic Leasing has acquired Tochka Bank’s assets in a deal valued at around 18 billion rubles, marking another milestone in the evolving ownership structure of the business entity.
According to representatives of the Trust Bank leadership, talks are ongoing with several potential buyers, and the parties involved appear ready to advance discussions. The management indicated that a deal could be reached within the year, underscoring a sense of momentum in the negotiations. While Tochka has drawn significant attention, the Trust notes that the pool of interested parties for Baltic Leasing is somewhat smaller than that for Tochka, though there remains active interest in exploring options for the sale of the Baltic Leasing assets as well.
Historical context indicates that in March of 2022, a substantial transfer occurred when Otkritie Bank sold 90 percent of Tochka’s shares to Trust Bank, with the remaining 10 percent retained by Catalytic People Limited. In parallel, the broader banking consolidation landscape saw the Central Bank approving a sale of Otkritie Bank to VTB Bank, culminating in a complete transfer of Otkritie shares to VTB for a sum that reflected the scale of the deal in the ruble economy. These movements illustrate the dynamic shifts in ownership, control, and strategic direction affecting Tochka Bank and related entities, shaping the current posture of Trust Bank as it navigates asset disposition and capital allocation decisions.
As the year progresses, market observers will be watching closely how the slate of potential investors aligns with regulatory approvals, the financial performance of Tochka and the broader corporate strategy of Trust Bank. The ongoing dialogue with interested parties remains the focal point of the process, with management emphasizing readiness to finalize terms that meet shareholder expectations while preserving the operational viability of Tochka and its customer base. This careful balance reflects the broader objectives of Trust Bank to optimize its asset portfolio while maintaining prudent governance and financial discipline across its holdings.
In summary, the sale of Tochka Bank is poised to unfold within the calendar year, driven by active engagement with multiple buyers and a clear appetite from the market. The evolution of the stake distribution, the involvement of Tochka Trust, and the strategic implications for Baltic Leasing are all part of a cohesive narrative that highlights the bank group’s ongoing efforts to realign its assets with future growth opportunities and risk-managed profitability. Stakeholders and industry watchers alike await the next milestones in this multifaceted process, where results will hinge on competitive terms, regulatory clearance, and the ability to sustain value for all parties involved.