Primorye Bank's controlling stake sold as Darykin family exits troubled asset

A controlling stake in Primorye Bank has been sold to a group of undisclosed buyers. The deal, finalised on 3 April 2026, marks the start of the Darykin family’s asset sell-off. The bank, once linked to the former governor’s wife, has faced significant financial struggles in recent years. Primorye Bank has reported heavy losses under Russian Accounting Standards. In 2024, it lost 1.083 billion rubles, followed by an even larger deficit of 3.835 billion rubles in 2025. Despite these challenges, the bank continues to serve clients across the Far Eastern Federal District and other Russian regions.

The transaction involved a 54.1684% stake, purchased by nine companies and individuals. Their identities remain undisclosed. Before the sale, Larisa Belobrova—the wife of Primorsky Krai’s ex-governor—had been the bank’s beneficial owner. In December 2025, credit agency ACRA assigned Primorye Bank a national-scale rating of B-(RU) with a 'developing' outlook. This assessment came just months before the stake was transferred to new investors.

The sale completes the first step in the Darykin family’s divestment of assets. Primorye Bank now operates under new ownership, though its financial recovery remains uncertain. The bank’s future performance will depend on how the new investors address its ongoing losses.