14/09/2022
In 2010, I announced my decision to pass the bulk of my wealth to charitable causes. It was an absolutely deliberate move: I have always believed that a person should share his achievements, his success with society.
With this very purpose I created a charitable foundation, which for almost a quarter of a century has become one of the leaders of systemic charity in Russia, a pioneer in the development of a number of programs aimed at supporting education, science, culture, civil society institutions, and it has made a significant contribution to the development of endowment funds.
Over the years, tens of thousands of professionals, active and caring people have partaken in the foundation’s programs and projects becoming its participants, experts and friends. Thus, the foundation has established itself as a reliable charitable organization with an impeccable reputation, a highly professional management team and a whole community of like-minded people. I think it's time to take the next step.
Interros has begun the process of transferring up to 50 percent of Rosbank's shares to the Potanin Charitable Foundation's endowment. The fund's target capital will reach the planned amount of 100 billion rubles, which will ensure the financial stability and long-term nature of its charitable programs. In turn, the foundation becomes an independent charitable organization with independent governing bodies.
I am certain that the foundation team will successfully continue its systematic support of innovative educational, cultural and sports projects, and will develop philanthropy further. And the community of experts that has developed around the fund will help it to maintain high standards of efficiency and transparency.
I am convinced that entrepreneurs should not just allocate funds to charity, but make public benefit a part of their business models. This position is reflected in our investment projects and is embedded in the mission of Interros. The most complete embodiment of this idea is what we internally at Interros refer to as "people's capitalism” - the transformation of company’s employees into its beneficiaries. Modern digital technologies and new legislation on digital financial assets (DFA) make this idea realistic.
For its implementation, Interros transfers up to 10 percent of its shares in Rosbank to an incentive program for Rosbank employees. The program will be implemented digitally: employees will receive DFA on the bank's shares, which will make them beneficiaries of its business.
These steps will strengthen the independent status of Rosbank, in which the main role will be played by it's independent Board of Directors.
These decisions are not my first and not my last step in transferring capital for socially beneficial purposes. It is important for me that my business works for the benefit of people.