Primorye Bank's controlling stake sold as Darykin couple exits majority ownership
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 asset sales by the Darykin couple, who previously held the majority share. Nine companies and individuals now own 54.1684% of the bank’s shares.
Primorye Bank, which mainly serves clients in the Far Eastern Federal District and other Russian regions, has faced financial struggles in recent years. In 2024, it reported losses of 1.083 billion rubles, followed by a larger shortfall of 3.835 billion rubles in 2025 under Russian Accounting Standards. Despite these challenges, the bank received a national-scale credit rating of B-(RU) with a 'developing' outlook from ACRA in December 2025.
Larisa Belobrova, the wife of Primorsky Krai’s former governor, was previously listed as the beneficial owner of the bank. Though the Darykin couple has begun offloading assets, reports suggest the ex-governor may still retain an indirect interest in the banking business. The sale of the 54.1684% stake was completed earlier this month. The identities of the new investors remain undisclosed, but they include a mix of nine companies and private individuals.
The transaction signals a shift in ownership for Primorye Bank, which continues to operate amid financial difficulties. With the Darykin couple reducing their holdings, the bank’s future direction will now depend on its new shareholders. The ex-governor’s potential lingering influence, however, could still play a role in its operations.
