Irina Belysheva: From Global Vision to Local Impact – The Financial Strategist Behind WILCO’s Rise

Irina Belysheva is leading WILCO into a new chapter as Armenia’s next-generation wealth management firm, reshaping how private capital is preserved, grown, and passed on. With over 15+ years in global finance and private banking, her journey reflects a thoughtful blend of strategic leadership and entrepreneurial drive—now focused on developing a more personal, forward-looking approach to wealth management.

Table of Contents: 

• WILCO and the Armenian Financial Renaissance (2024–2025)
• Wealth IQ and TT Advisory: Expanding Her Entrepreneurial Edge (2022–2024)
• Belysheva Irina: A Leader in Private Banking Excellence (2012–2021)
• International Business and Export Management (2007–2010)
• The Analyst Years: A Strategic Foundation (2006–2007)
• Academic Distinction and Cultural Depth (1985–2007)

WILCO and the Armenian Financial Renaissance (2024–2025)

In February 2024, Irina Vladimirovna Belysheva relocated to Armenia after accepting an offer to collaborate on a project with Evocabank, a leading digital financial institution. Initially expected to assist in developing the bank’s private banking direction, her role soon evolved. The strategy pivoted toward forming a broader financial group, which resulted in the acquisition of the wealth management company WILCO. By early 2025, Belysheva stepped into the role of CEO.

With a strong focus on the Armenian diaspora and ultra-high-net-worth clients (UHNW), WILCO is becoming a launchpad for global wealth strategy rooted in Armenian values. Her leadership has introduced:

• Family Governance systems promoting business continuity
• Financial literacy initiatives for younger generations
• Comprehensive family office services including M&A preparation

Wealth IQ and TT Advisory: Expanding Her Entrepreneurial Edge (2022–2024)

Before WILCO, Belysheva  Irina Vladimirovna enhanced her entrepreneurial credentials at two emerging advisory firms. At Wealth IQ Solutions, where she helped shape investment strategies and risk consulting for UHNW clients, she traveled between Armenia, Georgia, UAE, and Switzerland, building sophisticated legal and financial structures.

At TT Advisory in Tbilisi, she advised on asset management, securities, and cross-jurisdictional tax planning, further refining her ability to create bespoke wealth solutions for global clientele. Both ventures sharpened her capacity to build teams, forge international partnerships, and manage complex wealth portfolios.

Belysheva Irina: A Leader in Private Banking Excellence (2012–2021)

Irina Belysheva’s private banking career began at Citibank, where she quickly made her mark as a relationship manager, specializing in brokerage and investment products. With her FSFR 1.0 certification, she established credibility in managing structured bonds, equities, and insurance solutions.

Her transition to VTB 24 Private Banking in 2015 marked a step up, managing over $30M in annual capital inflow and advising UHNW clients on global asset strategies across Austria, France, Guernsey, and Singapore.

From 2016, she joined Alfa-Bank, advancing from Senior Financial Advisor to manager of a team handling trust management, tax consulting, and credit structuring. Here, her client network grew through word-of-mouth referrals from senior leadership and UHNW clients themselves.

Her most impactful years were at Sber Private Banking, where she served as Team Leader managing two banking groups and client assets that grew from 150 to 500 billion rubles. She orchestrated transactions through Sber’s Cyprus unit, built cross-departmental collaboration systems, and established high-touch service channels for Family Offices.

International Business and Export Management (2007–2010)

After graduating with honors from the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Irina Belysheva began her international career at CHETRA – Components and Spare Parts, becoming Director of the Client Development Center at just 22. She managed export operations, represented the company abroad (Argentina, Italy, Chile, Greece), and built a global distribution network.

At John Deere Rus, she later coordinated the launch of a new factory, developing reporting systems and interdepartmental communications.

The Analyst Years: A Strategic Foundation (2006–2007)

While still at university, Irina began her career at Investsberbank, where her analytical skills led to a promotion to Senior Specialist. She helped launch the Visa Instant Issue card concept, a pioneering approach to customer engagement at retail locations. This early exposure to finance and product innovation laid the groundwork for her later achievements.

Academic Distinction and Cultural Depth (1985–2007)

Born in Cheboksary, Irina was recognized for her discipline, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. She:

• Studied piano for eight years, winning second place in a composers’ competition
• Showcased drawings in school exhibitions
• Graduated with a gold medal for academic excellence 

Accepted into the prestigious Higher School of Economics as an Olympiad winner, she selected Spanish as a second language and spent a semester at Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, Spain. She also took part in the Work and Travel USA program in California, adding early international exposure to her academic journey.

This is a contributed article, its content does not necessarily represent the views of BNO News.