Giving Back Is Part of Our DNA: An Interview with Wallester CEO Sergei Astafjev

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a cornerstone of Wallester’s long-term strategy. We believe growth isn’t measured by financial results alone, but also by the impact we create for people and communities. That’s why Wallester has partnered with Naerata Ometi, supporting their mission to help families and children in need.

In a recent interview, our CEO and co-founder Sergei Astafjev shared why giving back matters to him personally, how the partnership began, and why social responsibility should be part of every company’s culture.

Success Carries Responsibility

When asked about his childhood, Sergei doesn’t talk about hardship or personal struggles. Instead, he recalls a strong sense of community.

“I was born in Lasnamae, at the edge of the district. We were like one big family – everyone visited each other, shared food, and helped each other. My parents worked hard. My father was a police officer in the morning and a security guard at night, and my mother also worked in security. We didn’t have a lot, but it was more than enough.”

That upbringing shaped Astafjev’s outlook on life and business. Today, as the head of one of Estonia’s fastest-growing fintech companies, he believes success carries responsibility.

Building Wallester from the ground up

Astafjev describes his entrepreneurial drive as something natural. “I always wanted to create something new, something meaningful, something for people. I love building things – the feeling that you are creating a new kind of family. People believe in you, and you can care about them. That’s always been a part of me.”

When he launched Wallester, the decision raised eyebrows. “I was financially secure – I didn’t need to start something new. And building from zero is hard and risky. People questioned why I was doing it. Still, I was completely sure it was the right path.”

That confidence paid off. What began with just four people has grown into a team of more than 180, with Wallester reaching profitability in the past two years. “I feel really proud of that,” he says.

For Sergei, business success and social responsibility are inseparable. “If your business is doing well, you should give back – not someday, but now. Helping others shouldn’t be a side activity. It should be part of how a company thinks and works. It should be in the DNA.”

He hopes to see more Estonian businesses follow suit: “Not just with money, but with action, with people, with heart.”

A decade-long partnership with Naerata Ometi

Astafjev’s relationship with the charity Naerata Ometi began more than a decade ago, when he stumbled across their website. “I saw that someone needed support, and I reached out to Kuno, their CEO, to ask how I could get involved.”

For seven years, Astafjev supported the organisation personally before Wallester officially joined as a corporate partner. “It wasn’t only the company – it was me too.”

When asked if a particular story has touched him the most, he resists the idea of singling one out. “Honestly, every story is serious. One family might need a bathroom because their child has a disability. Another needs a car just to get to school or the store. All of these stories stay with me. They all deserve help.”

Why children come first

Although Wallester’s support extends broadly, Astafjev admits one cause feels especially personal. “I care most about children. I have two daughters, so it’s close to my heart. But really, I don’t think you have to choose. If somebody needs help – a family, a child, even an animal – you just help. That’s it.”

A call to action

Astafjev doesn’t see his charitable work as fixing everything, but as making steady progress. “It’s about making things better step by step. I’d like to call on other business leaders and entrepreneurs to join me in this quest.”

And his message to anyone hesitating about giving back? Simple: “Don’t be afraid. If you feel it – do it.”

ABOUT NAERATA OMETI

Naerata Ometi NGO was founded in 2009. The organisation has been a beacon of hope for families and children in need within Estonia. Our commitment knows no borders, and in 2020, we expanded our reach to embrace our neighbours in the Republic of Latvia, reinforcing our dedication to aiding those who live near the Latvian frontier.

We exist to fill the void left by the state for families in need, children with special needs, and individuals grappling with medical challenges. By providing vital assistance, we help those who find themselves stuck between the gears of life, struggling to find support.