Advisor on investment attraction and business development of fintech company Activitis
Микола Волков
Mykola Volkov is an advisor on investment attraction and business development at the fintech company Activitis with over 25 years of experience in corporate banking, fintech and SME financing.
He has proven expertise in the development of digital financial solutions, embedded finance, risk management and corporate lending. He is noted for the successful implementation of partnership programs with international financial corporations (IFC), the introduction of innovations in financial products and digital transformation in the banking sector and agrifinance.
Key expertise:
• Digital finance and embedded solutions - participation in the development of strategy and implementation of digital lending platforms and embedded finance solutions for SMEs.
• Corporate banking and SME lending - significant experience in credit risk management, structured finance and fintech lending models.
• Strategic Partnership Development – led collaboration with IFC, banks, and agribusiness to implement innovative financial solutions.
• Regulatory and Policy Consulting – participated in working groups of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the implementation of the land market, reform of agrifinance, and state support programs.
• Commodity Loans and BNPL Innovations – participated in the implementation of the “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) model for B2B, contributing to the development of alternative SME financing in Ukraine.
Current role:
Advisor on investment attraction and business development at fintech company Activitis.
March 2025 – present
Mykola Volkov transforms SME financing through digital innovations, embedded finance, and commodity lending ecosystems. Drawing on years of experience in banking, fintech, and regulatory policy, he contributes to expanding access to finance, reforming the regulatory environment, and developing sustainable financial models to support Ukrainian SMEs.
Key career achievements:
Access to Finance Consultant | USAID AGRO Program, Chemonics International 2020 – 2025
Developed digital solutions for SME financing, including online lending platforms and commodity credit ecosystems. Launched BNPL for B2B, which was recognized as the “Best Fintech Startup in Ukraine 2024”. Participated in the creation of an online land verification tool, which won 1st place at the SID-Washington 2021 Innovation Competition.
Head of Corporate Projects and Partnerships | Raiffeisen Bank Aval
2015 – 2020
Developed partnership programs for agricultural financing, providing 70% of the promissory note financing market. Led cooperation with the IFC on risk coverage and portfolio guarantees. Participated in the development of land market financing policy and reforms of state support for the agricultural sector.
Head of Corporate Business | Raiffeisen Bank Aval
2012 – 2015
Managed a network of 24 regional corporate offices, managed financing for SMEs and corporate clients. Developed structural financing models for agribusiness and equipment suppliers.
Various management positions | Raiffeisen Bank Aval
2000 – 2011
Headed SME credit risk management, was the chairman of the credit committee and developed credit policy. Implemented KPI systems and improved the efficiency of credit processes.
Education and Certifications:
• MBA, 2017 – International Institute of Management MIM-KYIV
• Master of Accounting and Auditing, 2000 – Lviv Commercial Academy
Sports:
• Swimming — 50 km, Voznesensk Pentamarathon, 2021
• Running — 42 km, Wizz Air Kyiv City Marathon, 2019
• 100 km walk without food or sleep, 2019
