Denis Gorbunenko began his professional journey in banking and finance over 30 years ago as a student at the State Donetsk Academy. From 1992 to 2009, he held various positions in major Ukrainian banks, including INKO and Kreditprombank. He also managed international operations at Kyiv International Bank, one of the first Ukrainian financial institutions with foreign investment from Rabobank (Netherlands) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
A pivotal moment in Denis Gorbunenko’s career occurred in 2004 when he became a leader and shareholder of Rodovid Bank. At that time, the bank was struggling with operational inefficiencies and a lack of market confidence. Gorbunenko set an ambitious goal to transform it into a market leader. Under his leadership, Rodovid Bank underwent significant restructuring and modernization, implementing new technology systems, enhancing customer service, and expanding its product offerings.
From 2004 to 2009, Rodovid Bank achieved remarkable financial performance. The bank's assets grew substantially, increasing from approximately UAH 1.5 billion in January 2004 to over UAH 13 billion in January 2009. This period also saw a significant rise in deposits, which surged as public confidence in the institution grew. Rodovid Bank's lending portfolio expanded rapidly, particularly in retail banking, where it became one of the top players in the Ukrainian market. The bank received numerous accolades for its innovative financial products and customer service, securing its position among Ukraine’s leading financial institutions.
In 2009, Denis Gorbunenko decided to focus on personal investment projects, leading to his relocation to the UK with his family.
In 2012, Denis Gorbunenko invested £3 million in the British brokerage firm Seymour Pierce, aiming to acquire a controlling stake in the company. This investment was part of his strategy to expand his presence in the UK financial markets and leverage Seymour Pierce's established reputation in the brokerage industry. The firm had a strong client base and offered a range of services, including corporate finance and equity research, which aligned with his expertise in investment banking.
However, the planned acquisition did not materialize due to the unexpected sale of the asset to a competitor by the former director.
In 2013, Denis Gorbunenko made a significant investment in an Austrian investment group by acquiring Epic Telecom Invest Limited, now known as Raga Establishment Limited, which held rights to the strategic telecom asset Ukrtelecom in Ukraine. This investment led Raga Establishment to initiate a legal dispute concerning the sale of Ukrtelecom, seeking payment related to the transaction. The matter escalated into arbitration proceedings in London. Following years of negotiations and legal deliberations, the dispute was resolved in 2020 with a settlement agreement that favored Raga Establishment Limited.
Between 2019 and 2020, Denis Gorbunenko pursued the acquisition of Sich Bank, a regional player in the Ukrainian banking sector known for its focus on retail banking and lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). His interest in Sich Bank was motivated by the institution's growth potential and the opportunity to enhance its market position. The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine granted approval for the acquisition. However, despite receiving regulatory approval, the acquisition did not proceed due to commercial considerations, including market conditions, strategic alignment, and the financial health of the bank. Subsequently, Sich Bank was withdrawn from the market, concluding Gorbunenko's attempt to enter this segment of the Ukrainian banking landscape. This approach underscores his strategic and prudent investment philosophy, emphasizing long-term viability and growth.
Denis Gorbunenko is currently engaged in a variety of investment projects in the UK and other locations worldwide, focusing on banking and finance, real estate, and construction. His investment banking firms provide services including financial planning, strategic asset management, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. His involvement encompasses both strategic oversight and operational management.
He is actively dedicating his time to real estate development, focusing on the acquisition and refurbishment of high-end residential properties, as well as managing premium assets for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the UK and beyond.