Mikhail Alekseev, Chairman of the Management Board, UniCredit Bank, was awarded the Silver Badge of the Association of Banks of Russia as recognition of his contribution to the Russian banking system development and the Association’s operation. The award ceremony was held as part of XVII International Banking Forum Banks of Russia – XXI Century taking place in Sochi on 11–14 September.

“I appreciate the trust and recognition from such a reputable professional community,” commented Mikhail Alekseev. “I have high hopes that our joint efforts will serve to the further development and transformation of the banking system, first of all, to the benefit of our clients.”

The Silver Badge of the Association of Banks of Russia is awarded to chief executives and employees of credit, scientific and non-governmental organisations, executive and legislative bodies, and mass media for achievements in the Russian banking system development and contribution to the Association’s operation. The Silver Badge is awarded jointly with the Silver Diploma. The decision on awarding is taken by the Association’s Council upon nomination by its Management Board.

Association of Banks of Russia is the first federal banking union that over the years has rallied the ranks of Russian bankers, built relationships between the banking business and the government, effectively pursued the policy of banks interests protection, resolves regional problems at the federal level, actively promotes formation of the legislative and regulatory framework of Russian credit institutions activities. Today the Association of Banks of Russia unites more than 300 members, including large backbone credit institutions of national scale, banks with foreign capital participation, as well as small and medium-sized regional banks providing access to financial services throughout Russia, non-banking organizations providing services to financial and banking organizations, and also including public organizations, mass media. Due to the variety of membership, the Association of Banks of Russia expresses the opinion of a significant part of the country's banking system. And its activities are aimed at the development of the entire financial services market.