How Did Alisher Usmanov Make His Money?

Alisher Usmanov’s Profile Summary

Company	USM Holdings
Position	Founder and major shareholder
Source of wealth	Metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology investments
Also known as	Russian-Uzbek businessman
Age	72
Education	Moscow State Institute of International Relations
Citizenship	Uzbekistan, Russia
Residence	Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Family	Married; no children
Website, Social Media	https://usm-group.com

Biography

Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov, born on September 9, 1953, in Chust, Uzbekistan, is a prominent Uzbek-Russian businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) with a degree in international law. Usmanov began his career working at the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the Soviet Union before transitioning to private business ventures during the 1990s.

His first significant business success came from producing plastic bags, a scarce commodity in the Soviet Union, which provided the foundation for his future enterprises. In the early 2000s, Usmanov co-founded Metalloinvest, a leading Russian industrial conglomerate specializing in metallurgy and mining. He acquired controlling stakes in Lebedinsky GOK and other metallurgical plants, expanding his influence in the metals sector.

Usmanov diversified his investments across various industries, including telecommunications, media, and technology. He acquired a significant stake in MegaFon, Russia’s second-largest mobile operator, and Kommersant, a major publishing house. Additionally, he invested in international technology companies, such as Xiaomi.

Beyond business, Usmanov has been actively involved in sports administration, serving as the president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) from 2008 to 2022. In 2024, he was re-elected as FIE president during its congress in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He is also well-known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in Russia and Uzbekistan, contributing to cultural, educational, and sports initiatives.

As of January 2025, Usmanov’s net worth is estimated at $14.7 billion, reflecting his diverse business interests and strategic investments.

In 2025, Alisher Usmanov's wealth increased significantly reaching up to $17.5 billion according to Bloomberg and TASS reports. He remains founder and major shareholder of USM Holdings, with key assets including Metalloinvest, MegaFon, and Udokan Copper.

How did Alisher Usmanov make money?
Alisher Usmanov’s rise to billionaire status is a result of his strategic investments across multiple industries. His business journey began in the late Soviet era when he founded a plastic bag production company during a time when such products were in short supply. This venture provided his initial capital and paved the way for future business endeavors.

In the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Usmanov capitalized on the privatization wave in Russia. He acquired assets in the metals and mining sectors, co-founding Metalloinvest, a major industrial conglomerate. By 2005, Metalloinvest controlled Lebedinsky GOK, Russia’s third-largest iron ore producer, along with other metallurgical plants.

Recognizing the potential of telecommunications, Usmanov acquired significant stakes in MegaFon, Russia’s second-largest mobile operator. He also invested heavily in media, acquiring Kommersant, one of Russia’s largest publishing houses.

In addition to his Russian investments, Usmanov expanded his portfolio globally, acquiring stakes in technology companies such as Xiaomi. His strategic diversification helped him weather market fluctuations and maintain a steady flow of income.

Through calculated investments and acquisitions, Usmanov built a vast business empire spanning metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology. His ability to capitalize on market opportunities has established him as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
What is Alisher Usmanov net worth?

As of 2026, Alisher Usmanov’s net worth is estimated to be $17.5B.

What is Alisher Usmanov also known as?

Alisher Usmanov is widely recognized as a Russian-Uzbek businessman and investor with significant holdings in metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology. He is also known for his philanthropic contributions and leadership in international sports organizations.

Prominent achievements

Alisher Usmanov founded Metalloinvest, one of Russia’s leading industrial conglomerates, and made significant investments in telecommunications and technology. He served as president of the International Fencing Federation for several years and is known for his philanthropic contributions in the areas of culture, education, and sports.

Usmanov’s net worth increased by over $3 billion early in 2025, climbing to 125th place on Forbes global billionaire list.

What are Alisher Usmanov’s key insights?

Alisher Usmanov believes in strategic diversification and seizing market opportunities. His business philosophy focuses on investing in industries with long-term growth potential and maintaining a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.

Personal life

Alisher Usmanov is married to Irina Viner, a renowned rhythmic gymnastics coach. The couple does not have children. Viner has been a significant influence in Russian gymnastics, coaching numerous Olympic champions and promoting the sport at a global level.