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Aron SheymanSoviet statesman
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Political Activism
- Financial Diplomacy and Bank Establishment
- Soviet Official and Deputy Commissar
- Establishment of the State Bank
- Redenomination and Economic Reforms
- Departure from the USSR
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and Political Activism
Alexander Lvovich Sheinman was born into a merchant family in Russia. In 1903, he joined the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP). After the February Revolution of 1917, Sheinman was elected Chairman of the Helsinki City Council.
Financial Diplomacy and Bank Establishment
In July 1918, Sheinman became the Soviet government's financial attaché in Stockholm. He engaged in commercial translations between Soviet Russia and Sweden. Together with Swedish banker and socialist sympathizer Olof Aschberg, he founded a bank to facilitate these transactions.
Soviet Official and Deputy Commissar
In January 1919, Sheinman was expelled from Sweden. He was appointed to the board of the People's Commissariat of Food of the RSFSR. A year later, he became Deputy Commissar of Trade and Industry.
Establishment of the State Bank
On October 4, 1921, the Soviet of People's Commissars (Sovnarkom) passed the decree establishing the State Bank of the RSFSR. Six days later, Sheinman was appointed Chairman of the Board of the State Bank.
Redenomination and Economic Reforms
In 1922, at Sheinman's initiative, the State Bank issued new banknotes known as chervonets. In 1923, he was appointed People's Commissar of Internal Trade. In November 1925, he became Deputy Commissar of Foreign and Domestic Trade of the USSR.
Departure from the USSR
In 1928, Sheinman went on vacation to Germany and chose not to return to the USSR. He held positions as Chairman of Amtorg and head of the Intourist office in London. In 1939, he acquired British citizenship.
Later Life and Legacy
Alexander Lvovich Sheinman died in London on May 22, 1944. He made significant contributions to the early financial system of the Soviet Union, including the establishment of the State Bank and the issuance of new banknotes.
