Suleiman Kerimov & family

$25.66 B

Ranked #93 in World

About Suleiman Kerimov & family

Financial magnate Suleyman Kerimov, born in Dagestan, parlayed his Polytechnic Institute economics degree into a prosperous career, beginning as an Eltav plant economist and ascending to an influential investment figure amidst the Soviet Union’s dissolution. Kerimov's shrewd investments span across sectors, including complete acquisition of Nafta Moskva and substantial stakes in Gazprom, Sberbank, and Polyus Gold. While maintaining a discreet persona, Kerimov faced legal scrutiny yet sustained a dedicated philanthropic and political presence, with significant contributions to religious and educational causes and service in Russia’s Federation Council.

Born

March 12, 1966 in Derbent, Dagestan, USSR

Age

60 years

Source Of Wealth

Gold

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

Russia

Residence

Moscow

Education

Master of Economics, Dagestan State University

Suleyman Kerimov was born on March 12, 1966, in Derbent, Dagestan, a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia. He graduated from the Dagestan Polytechnic Institute in 1989 with a degree in financial accounting and economics. During his university days, he met his wife, Firuza.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Family

Suleyman Kerimov is married to Firuza Kerimova, and they have three children together. He is known for hosting lavish parties with celebrity performances and owns a villa in Cap d'Antibes, France. Previously, he owned the superyacht Ice.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Career Highlights

Kerimov's career began as an economist at the Eltav electrical plant in Makhachkala. He rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director General at Eltav and started investing during the fall of the Soviet Union. In 1993, he was entrusted with managing relations between Eltav and Fedprombank. He went on to lead the banking and trading company Soyuz-Finans in 1995 and acquired a 50% stake in Vnukovo Airlines, followed by taking over Fedprombank in 1997.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Companies

Suleyman Kerimov has been involved with several notable companies throughout his career. He acquired a 55% stake in Nafta Moskva, a former state-oil trader, in late 1999 and restructured the company. Nafta's investments included the Smolensky Passazh business center and AvtoBank. Kerimov also made significant investments in Gazprom and Sberbank, acquiring stakes in both companies. In 2005, he acquired JSC Polymetal, one of Russia's largest gold and silver mining companies, and took it public on the London Stock Exchange in 2007. He later sold his shares in Polymetal in 2008.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Major Achievements

One of Suleyman Kerimov's notable achievements was his role in defending Western banks during the 2008 financial crisis. He invested billions in banks like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank to protect them from short-sellers. During the crisis, he received a call from the United States Treasury urging him not to sell his stakes.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Awards & Achievements

Suleyman Kerimov has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to business and philanthropy.

He was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 4th class, and the Order of Friendship by the Russian government. He is also the recipient of the Golden Fleece Order from Georgia and the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh from the Russian Orthodox Church.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Suleyman Kerimov is known for his private lifestyle and astute investment style. He has been involved in several business controversies and investigations, including disputes over Nafta Moskva and the Hotel Moskva project. He was also accused of tax evasion in France, with charges dismissed and later placed under formal investigation. Kerimov served as a member of the State Duma from 1999 to 2007 and currently serves as a member of the Federation Council, representing the Republic of Dagestan.

Suleiman Kerimov & family: Trivia

Suleyman Kerimov is an avid sports enthusiast and purchased FC Anzhi Makhachkala, his hometown football club, in 2011. He invested heavily in the club with the aim of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. However, he scaled back the club's budget in 2013 and sold international players before selling the club in 2016. Kerimov is also involved in philanthropy through the Suleyman Kerimov Foundation, which supports mosque and church constructions and sends pilgrims to Mecca. He is engaged in educational initiatives and serves as the head of the supervisory board of the Russian Wrestling Federation.

Wealth History

Timeline

March 12, 1966

Suleyman Kerimov is born in Derbent, Dagestan.

1989

Kerimov graduates from Dagestan Polytechnic Institute with a degree in financial accounting and economics.

1993

Kerimov is put in charge of handling relations between Eltav electrical plant and Fedprombank.

1995

Kerimov becomes head of the banking and trading company Soyuz-Finans.

1997

Kerimov builds a 50% stake in Vnukovo Airlines and takes over Fedprombank.

Late 1999

Kerimov buys a 55% stake in Nafta Moskva, a former state-oil trader.

2000

Kerimov increases his stake in Nafta Moskva to 100% and restructures the company.

2003

Kerimov secures a $43 million loan from Vnesheconombank and invests in Gazprom.

2004

Kerimov receives a $3.2 billion loan from Sberbank, which is later repaid.

November 2005

Kerimov acquires JSC Polymetal, one of Russia's largest gold and silver mining companies.

2007

Kerimov takes Polymetal public on the London Stock Exchange.

2008

Kerimov sells 70% of his shares in Polymetal.

2008

Kerimov sells control over Polymetal.

2009

Kerimov buys a 37% stake in OAO Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold producer.

2009

Kerimov buys a 25% stake in PIK Group, a Russian construction giant.

2010

Kerimov acquires a 53% stake in Uralkali, a Russian potash giant.

2011

Kerimov purchases FC Anzhi Makhachkala, his hometown football club.

2012

Kerimov increases his stake in Polyus Gold to 40.2% and holds an IPO on the London Stock Exchange.

2013

Kerimov scales back FC Anzhi Makhachkala's budget and sells international players.

2015

Kerimov transfers his share in Polyus Gold to his son, Said.

2016

Kerimov sells FC Anzhi Makhachkala.

Suleiman Kerimov & family : FAQs

What is Suleiman Kerimov's current net worth?

Suleiman Kerimov's current net worth is $25.66 billion.

What is Suleiman Kerimov's current global rank among billionaires?

Suleiman Kerimov holds the 93rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Suleiman Kerimov's current ranking within the Russia?

Suleiman Kerimov holds the 5th position in Russia.

What was the change in Suleiman Kerimov's net worth compared to the previous year?

Suleiman Kerimov's net worth increased by 9.23 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 16.43 billion dollars.

What are Suleiman Kerimov's main sources of wealth?

Suleiman Kerimov's main source of income comes from Gold.

In which industry does Suleiman Kerimov primarily operate?

Suleiman Kerimov is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Suleiman Kerimov educational background?

Suleiman Kerimov holds a Master of Economics from Dagestan State University.

How old is Suleiman Kerimov?

Suleiman Kerimov is 60 years old.

How many children does Suleiman Kerimov have?

Suleiman Kerimov has 3 children.

Who is Suleyman Kerimov and what is his background?

Suleyman Kerimov, born on March 12, 1966, in Derbent, Dagestan, is a well-known Russian businessman and politician. He graduated with a degree in financial accounting and economics from Dagestan Polytechnic Institute in 1989 and has built a significant career in various industries including banking, oil trading, and mining.

What were the key events in Suleyman Kerimov's investment history with Gazprom and Sberbank?

Suleyman Kerimov made notable investments in Gazprom and Sberbank, starting with a $43 million loan in 2003 to invest in Gazprom, which doubled in value within a year. By 2008, he had accumulated a 5% stake in Gazprom and a 6% stake in Sberbank, both major Russian companies.

How did Suleyman Kerimov impact the gold mining industry through his involvement with Polyus Gold?

Suleyman Kerimov significantly impacted the gold mining industry by purchasing a 37% stake in OAO Polyus Gold in 2009, Russia's largest gold producer. He later increased his stake and held an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, before transferring his shares to his son in 2015.

What role did Suleyman Kerimov play in the 2008 financial crisis and how did it affect his investments?

During the 2008 financial crisis, Suleyman Kerimov invested billions in Western banks such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to protect them from short-sellers. The U.S. Treasury called him during the crisis to urge him not to sell his stakes, highlighting his influence and the significance of his investments.

What controversies has Suleyman Kerimov faced in his business career and what is his current political role?

Suleyman Kerimov has encountered controversies including disputes over Nafta Moskva and the Hotel Moskva project, as well as accusations of tax evasion in France, although charges were dismissed. Politically, he has served as a State Duma member from 1999 to 2007 and now represents the Republic of Dagestan in the Federation Council.