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From Analyst to CEO — The Journey of a Visionary Leader Bridging Global Finance and Family Governance
Irina Belysheva’s name is synonymous with excellence in private banking and wealth management. With over 15 years of distinguished experience, she has risen through the ranks of major financial institutions to become the CEO of WILCO, a pioneering wealth management company based in Armenia. Her career reflects a unique blend of expertise in real economy operations, sophisticated financial planning, and innovative Family Governance solutions tailored for high-net-worth individuals with international assets.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Global Mindset
Born on May 27, 1985, in Cheboksary, Russia, Irina’s early years were marked by academic distinction and cultural breadth. Her schooling emphasized English language and literature, fostering a global outlook from a young age. Despite financial constraints that prevented participation in an early U.S. exchange program, Irina embraced every learning opportunity. She excelled not only academically but artistically, winning accolades in piano and displaying her paintings at exhibitions.
In 2002, Irina enrolled at the prestigious Higher School of Economics, majoring in World Economy and World Politics. Her passion for languages flourished as she continued studying English and added Spanish to her repertoire. During her studies, she gained valuable international experience through programs like Work and Travel USA and a six-month internship in Seville, Spain. Graduating with top marks in 2007, she laid a solid foundation for her future career.
Career Beginnings: From Analyst to International Business Developer
Irina’s professional journey began in 2006 at Investsberbank, where she quickly made her mark by contributing to the development of the Visa Instant Issue card program. Following her graduation, she ventured into roles that blended international business development with client relations, including leadership at a subsidiary of Tractor Plants Group and a brief stint at John Deere Rus. These experiences enriched her understanding of global markets and client engagement.
Pivot to Banking: Building Expertise in Private Wealth
In 2012, Irina made a decisive shift to the financial sector, joining Citibank as a client relationship manager in private banking. Here, she honed her skills in portfolio management, personal financial planning, and brokerage services, catering to premium clients. Her commitment to excellence earned her the FSFR 1.0 certification, underscoring her professional credibility.
Irina’s subsequent roles at VTB 24 Private Banking and Alfa Bank saw her expand her influence, managing ultra-high-net-worth clients and incorporating complex, cross-border investment strategies. At Alfa Bank, she championed digital innovation and nurtured a client-centric culture, mentoring teams to deliver bespoke wealth management solutions.
Her tenure at Sberbank Private Banking from 2019 further solidified her leadership credentials. She introduced a groundbreaking “single service window” approach, streamlining client interactions across multiple jurisdictions and enhancing the client experience. Under her guidance, her unit became a model for integrated, personalized financial service.
Entrepreneurial Vision: Leading WILCO to New Heights
In 2022, Irina embraced a new challenge with Wealth IQ Solutions, where she played a pivotal role in delivering tailored wealth management and investment advisory services. She was instrumental in securing the company’s investment advisory license in early 2023 and expanded its reach across Armenia and beyond.
Her move to Armenia in 2024 to collaborate with Evocabank marked a significant chapter. By 2025, Irina took the helm as CEO of WILCO, a brokerage and wealth management firm positioned to serve the Armenian diaspora and affluent clients with assets exceeding $2 million. Under her leadership, WILCO adopts a “co-pilot” model, guiding clients through complex financial landscapes with bespoke solutions spanning traditional investments to alternative assets.
Irina’s focus on generational wealth transfer and Family Governance addresses the unique challenges faced by Armenian business families, ensuring continuity and harmony. The international team she assembled delivers seamless services through a proprietary technological platform that offers comprehensive asset visibility and management.
Beyond the Office: Family and Passions
Irina is not only a formidable professional but also a devoted mother of three children, who share her love for languages and education at the Cambridge International School in Yerevan. Outside work, she enjoys swimming, horseback riding, and tennis, with a personal dream of owning a vineyard someday—reflecting her appreciation for life’s finer, more grounded pleasures.
Irina Belysheva’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and vision in navigating the evolving world of finance. Her leadership continues to inspire and shape the future of wealth management across borders, blending innovation with a deep commitment to client-centric, ethical service. As CEO of WILCO, she stands at the forefront of a new era in private banking—one that honors tradition while embracing global opportunities.
Key Highlights:
Born in 1985 in Cheboksary, Russia, with strong early education in languages and arts.
Graduated from the Higher School of Economics in 2007 with a major in World Economy and World Politics.
Progressed through roles at Investsberbank, Citibank, VTB 24, Alfa Bank, and Sberbank Private Banking.
Led Wealth IQ Solutions in wealth management advisory and licensing achievements.
Moved to Armenia in 2024, became CEO of WILCO in 2025, focusing on high-net-worth clients and family governance.
Balances a demanding career with family life and personal interests in sports and the arts.
Irina Belysheva exemplifies the modern financial leader: globally minded, deeply knowledgeable, and committed to creating lasting impact for her clients and community.
