SPIEF 2012: Interview with Alexandre Bykov, Ipreo

Alexandre Bykov, Russia & CIS director at Ipreo, a global provider of market intelligence, discussed SPIEF and Russia’s short term future with Modern Russia.

What are your impressions of SPIEF 2012? What are the key messages that came out of the event?

It was the third time I was invited to SPIEF. As with previous editions, the forum was organized to high standards and the program reflected many business and political issues. Moreover, this year was especially interesting as President Putin presented his vision for the country’s development over the next few years. It was great to hear that the government is aiming to diversify the economy and to make Russia more attractive for business – and especially for foreign investors.

Can you give us an idea of what sort of market intelligence you provide your clients with?

Ipreo has been helping Russian companies with a range of services focusing on attracting investors to the Russian Federation. Many of Ipreo’s clients benefit from our investor relations workflow solution, “BD Corporate”, that offers an accurate and comprehensive database of institutional investors and market intelligence as well as support during pre-post IPO, road shows, and Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. Ipreo provides regular updates that are available free of charge on Capital flows, IPOs, Fixed Income Data and sector reports.

What do you think the market’s prospects are for the coming years?

I believe it is inevitable that Russia will play a major part in the global economy for obvious reasons: natural resources, geography and political influence. At the same time, the country will move forward with plans for privatization and diversification. This will help Russia sustain its development and growth during the crisis.

Where do Russia’s strengths and weaknesses lie at the moment? Are there any particular sectors that investors should pay close attention to in the near future?

It is a well-known fact that Russian companies are undervalued; thus, long term investors can expect good returns if the country continues its development to meet the best international standards that would lead to improved valuations and ratings.

Ipreo is a global provider of market intelligence, deal execution platforms and investor communication tools to investment banks and corporations around the world. Ipreo has more than 600 employees worldwide with operations throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.