Founded in 1990, VTB Bank is a key player in the Russian financial sector and one of the country's largest universal banks. The Russian government is the majority shareholder, making it a state-controlled institution. VTB Group's business covers a wide spectrum of financial services, including corporate and retail banking, investment banking, asset management, insurance, and pension services. Historically, the bank had a significant international presence, but its global operations have been drastically curtailed due to international sanctions.