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Akbank
from Wikipedia

Akbank T.A.Ş. is one of the prominent banks in Turkey. Founded in 30 January 1948, As of 2022, Akbank reported a consolidated net profit of TL 60 billion 26 million.[4][circular reference] Listed on the Borsa Istanbul, its largest shareholders are members of the Sabancı family. Akbank serves in the fields of corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, SME banking, consumer banking, payment systems, private banking, investment services and treasury transactions.

Key Information

Akbank has ranked as "The Most Valuable Banking Brand in Turkey" according to the "Brand Finance — Banking 500, 2018" report for the seventh time in a row. Akbank also achieved significant success by ranking as the 126th most valuable banking brand in the report that comprises the most valuable global banking brands.[5]

The bank's market cap significantly declined over a decade, resulting in value of $8.8B in 2025 from $14.9B in 2014.[6]

History

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Akbank was founded in Adana, Turkey in January 1948, originally to provide financing for the cotton producers in the Çukurova region. As the majority of the bank founders were born in the city of Kayseri, the name "Adana-Kayseri Bankası" was chosen, soon to be shortened to its initials AK or Akbank.[7] The founders were Hacı Ömer Sabancı, the industrialist brothers Ahmet Sapmaz and Bekir Sapmaz and the four owners of the Adana textile business Milli Mensucat; Nuh Naci Yazgan, Nuri Has, Mustafa Özgür and Seyit Tekin. This group had an 80% shareholding, with the remaining 20% offered to investors in Adana and Istanbul. Opening with a single branch in a corner of Adana Akbank grew and developed quickly, opening its first branch in Istanbul in the district of Sirkeci on 14 July 1950, and moving its headquarters to Istanbul in 1954. The original founders ran the bank until 1962 when it was taken over by Sabancı family. Rapidly increasing the number of its branches, Akbank automated all banking operations in 1963.

On 9 January 2007, Akbank and Citigroup completed the strategic partnership agreement, according to which Citigroup acquired a 20% equity stake in Akbank for approximately US$3.1 billion (TRL 0.095 per share).

In 2013, Citigroup sold a 10.1 percent% stake in Akbank as part of a move to prepare for the Basel III rule and technical reasons related to Citibank. Following this transaction, Citigroup's stake in Akbank was 9.9% but on 5 March 2015 Citi announced it was selling its remaining shares for $1.15 billion.[8]

Akbank provides services to over 10.8 million active customers through Headquarters in Istanbul, Data and Life Center, 19 Regional Directorates in Türkiye, 711 branches, and more than 12 thousand employees. Apart from the one-to-one service at branches, Akbank continues to create value through Akbank Internet, Akbank Mobile, Call Center, approximately 5900 ATMs, and 734 thousand POS terminals (including virtual POS) for customers. In addition to the foregoing, Akbank has international operations through subsidiary Akbank AG in Germany and a branch in Malta by drawing strength from Akbank’s highly reputable identity in Türkiye.

As of 31 December 2022, Akbank reported a consolidated net profit of TL 60 billion 26 million and total consolidated assets of TL 1 trillion 147 billion. The consolidated capital adequacy ratio of Akbank, standing at approx 23.2%.

Akbank had several system failures in its history. First systemic one was in 2017[9] where its whole infrastructure stopped working. Similar incidents happened, but not limited to, 2021,[10] 2022[11] and in 2024. While it is not common in Turkey, Akbank's frequent system outages caused millions of its customers not being pay at POS terminals or transfer funds.

Awards

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Operations

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Akbank, Etiler branch

As of 2008, Akbank ranked[5] as Turkey's most valuable bank, having the most profitable banking operations among privately owned banks in Turkey. Also, Akbank is one of the largest banks in Turkey in terms of loan volume.[5]

Together with its core banking activities, Akbank offers a wide range of retail, commercial, corporate, private banking and international trade finance services. Non-banking financial services, as well as capital market and investment services, are provided by the Bank's subsidiaries.

It has a domestic distribution network that includes over 800 branches and around 14,000 employees,[12] Akbank operates from its headquarters in Istanbul and 20 regional directorates around Turkey. Akbank provides services not only through its branches, which include "Credit Express" consumer loan only branches and "Big Red House" mortgage loan only branches, but also through Retail and Corporate Internet Branches, the Telephone Banking Center, 4,550 ATM's, 510,000 POS terminals.

Akbank is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) where approx. 51.1% of its shares are publicly traded. Akbank shares constitute 4.9% of the total BIST 100 market capitalization and 16.9% of the total market capitalization of banks listed on BIST as of June 2018.[13]

Akbank has been conducting overseas activities through its subsidiaries in Germany (Akbank A.G.), and a branch in Malta.

Management Board & Group Executive Committee

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Board of Directors Executive Management
Name Since Position Name Since Position
Suzan Sabancı Dinçer 2008 Chairman and Executive Board Member Hakan Binbaşgil 2012 CEO and board member
Erol Sabancı 2008 Honorary Chairman and Consultant to the Board - Board Member Hayri Çulhacı 2010 Vice Chairman & Executive Board Member
Can Paker 2015 Board Member Bülent Oğuz 2011 Executive Vice President - SME Banking
Eyüp Engin 2007 Head of Internal Audit Yaman Törüner 1998 Board Member
Aykut Demiray 2012 Board Member Arif İsfendiyaroğlu 2015 Executive Vice President - Consumer Banking and Payment Systems
Emre Derman 2015 Board Member Levent Çelebioğlu 2015 Executive Vice President - Corporate and Investment Banking
Aydın Günter 2015 Board Member Ege Gültekin 2015 Executive Vice President - Credit Monitoring and Follow Up
Hakan Binbaşgil 2012 Board Member Burcu Civelek Yüce 2014 Executive Vice President - Human Resources and Strategy
Dr. Joseph Ackerman 2013 Chairman's Advisor Tolga Ulutaş 2016 Executive Vice President - Direct Banking
Ahmet Fuat Ayla 2017 Executive Board Member İlker Altıntaş 2017 Executive Vice President - Technology and Operations
Hasan Recai Anbarcı 2017 Executive Vice President - Credit Allocation Mehmet Tugal 2017 Executive Vice President - Commercial Banking
Türker Tunalı 2017 Executive Vice President - CFO Ali Karaali 2017 Executive Vice President - Treasury
Dr. Alp Keler 2018 Executive Vice President - Private Banking and Investment Systems Prof. Dr. Özgür Demirtaş 2017 Board Member
Ahmet Fuat Ayla 2017 Executive Board Member

Principal subsidiaries

[edit]
  • Ak Asset Management
  • Ak Lease
  • Ak Investment
  • Akbank AG

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Akbank T.A.Ş. is a leading Turkish multinational banking and headquartered in , majority-owned by , founded on January 30, 1948, in to finance local producers and support agricultural development. As one of Turkey's largest banks by assets, Akbank operates with approximately 15 million customers, 671 domestic branches, and 6,300 ATMs, while also maintaining an international presence through subsidiaries like Akbank AG in . The bank offers a comprehensive suite of services, including with consumer credits and credit cards, corporate and commercial banking featuring loans and foreign trade financing, small and medium enterprise (SME) solutions, , , services, , , project financing, digital banking and payment solutions including the Juzdan digital wallet, and products through affiliates such as Aksigorta and . Akbank's growth trajectory includes key milestones such as opening its first branch in on July 14, 1950, relocating its headquarters to in 1954, adopting automated banking systems in 1963, launching an (IPO) on the in 1990, and issuing American Depository Receipts (ADRs) for international trading in 1998. Today, under the leadership of CEO Kaan Gür, the bank employs around 12,800 people and reported assets of approximately $75 billion as of 2024, revenues of $18.5 billion, and profits of $1.3 billion for 2024, with a net profit of TL 38.9 billion (approximately $0.92 billion) for the first nine months of 2025 alone. In line with goals, Akbank has committed to providing TRY 800 billion in sustainable loans by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

History

Founding and Early Development

Akbank was established as a privately owned in , , on January 30, 1948, following authorization from the Council of Ministers through decision number 3/6710 dated December 12, 1947, which permitted the institution to conduct all types of banking operations. The bank's founding was driven by the need to address financing gaps in 's agricultural sector, particularly in the region, a key area for production. Founded by industrialist alongside local partners, Akbank initially concentrated on supplying seasonal and financing to cotton growers and related businesses, thereby bolstering the regional centered on and . This focus aligned with post-World War II economic priorities in , where private initiative was encouraged to support and export-oriented crops like . The bank's early operations emphasized short-term lending tailored to the cyclical needs of farming and , while also mobilizing deposits from local savers to fund these activities. In 1954, Akbank relocated its headquarters to , shifting its orientation toward wider commercial opportunities and national market integration beyond the area's agricultural base. This strategic move facilitated accelerated growth, with the branch network expanding rapidly across key urban and regional centers during the late 1950s to enhance deposit collection and lending capacity. By the early 1960s, the bank had surpassed 100 branches, solidifying its role in Turkey's burgeoning sector. In 1964, the assumed full control, further steering its foundational trajectory.

Expansion and Key Partnerships

Under the leadership of the , who assumed full control of Akbank in 1964 following its founding by in 1948, the bank pursued aggressive national expansion. This shift enabled rapid branch growth, with the network surpassing 100 locations by the early , alongside diversification into corporate lending to support the family's burgeoning industrial ventures in textiles and . The bank's of all operations by 1963 further facilitated this scaling, positioning Akbank as a key financier for Turkey's post-war economic development. During the and , Akbank introduced innovative retail products such as credit cards and consumer loans, aligning with Turkey's financial liberalization. In 1987, the bank launched its network, enhancing accessibility for individual customers and marking an early adoption of electronic banking in the country. The 1994 financial crisis, triggered by high and currency devaluation, prompted Akbank to undertake significant recapitalization efforts, strengthening its through increased provisions and stricter lending standards to weather the economic contraction. Akbank's transition to public ownership accelerated in 1998 with a secondary on the , following an initial IPO in 1990, which broadened its investor base and supported further growth. A pivotal strategic alliance formed in 2007 when acquired a 20% stake for $3.1 billion from , infusing global expertise, advanced technology, and best practices in and operations. This partnership elevated Akbank's international standards until 's full divestment by March 5, 2015, when it sold its remaining nearly 10% stake for $1.2 billion.

Recent Milestones and Challenges

Following the sale of Citigroup's stake in , Akbank pursued independent growth, leveraging its robust to expand operations amid Turkey's volatile economic environment. By the end of , the bank's total consolidated assets had reached TL 1.147 , reflecting sustained asset accumulation driven by diversified lending and deposit mobilization. That year, Akbank achieved a consolidated net profit of TL 60.026 billion, underscoring its resilience through effective and diversification across retail, corporate, and international segments. In 2018, Akbank was ranked 139th globally in The Banker's Top 1000 World Banks by , positioning it as one of Turkey's leading institutions despite the onset of the country's . The bank navigated the 2018-2023 economic turbulence, characterized by sharp depreciation and recurrent currency pressures, by employing hedging strategies such as and currency swaps, alongside maintaining a strong above regulatory minimums. This approach, combined with reduced reliance on foreign exchange-protected deposits—from 26.2% in early 2023 to 17.7% by year-end—helped mitigate volatility and sustain profitability through diversified streams, including fees from digital services and international funding of USD 5.3 billion. A significant change occurred in October 2023, when Cenk Kaan Gür was appointed CEO, succeeding Hakan Binbaşgil, to steer the bank toward enhanced digital and sustainable growth amid ongoing macroeconomic shifts. Akbank advanced its digital capabilities significantly in the 2020s, with enhancements to its platform including 41 new functions and integrations for seamless cross-channel experiences by 2022. By 2023, the introduction of the AI-powered Akbank Assistant enabled over 200 end-to-end transactions, boosting digital customer engagement to 11 million users and a 33% rise in monthly app logins. In 2024, the bank publicly launched its flagship AI digital assistant, further incorporating retrieval-augmented generation for personalized services. By 2025, Akbank rolled out "Agentic AI" in its , enabling proactive, autonomous solutions such as predictive financial advice and automated transaction handling, which enhanced and . The period from 2023 to 2025 presented ongoing challenges due to Turkey's high inflation, peaking at 64.8% in 2023, and subsequent policy rate adjustments by the Central Bank of Turkey. These pressures strained net interest margins and liquidity, prompting Akbank to bolster liraization efforts and external funding to counter currency risks. Fitch Ratings projected Akbank's operating profit at approximately 4.5% of risk-weighted assets (RWAs) for 2025, with an expected rise above 5% in 2026, contingent on further rate cuts and improved economic stabilization. Despite these headwinds, the bank's focus on digital transformation and risk-hedging measures supported a return on equity of 20.4% through the first nine months of 2025.

Operations

Core Banking Services

Akbank's core banking services encompass a diverse portfolio tailored to individual and business clients, focusing on retail, corporate, commercial, SME, and private banking segments. In retail banking, the bank offers deposit accounts in various currencies, consumer loans for personal needs, credit cards such as the Axess brand with installment options, and mortgage products for housing finance. Akbank also provides Juzdan, a digital wallet mobile application that enables users to digitize credit and debit cards from any bank, make secure online payments without sharing card details, perform QR code and contactless payments, participate in targeted campaigns to earn rewards such as chip-para and discounts, and access various financial tools including bill payments and card management, with bank-agnostic capabilities and integrated Akbank-specific features like Axess and Wings campaigns. These services are supported by payment systems, including Akbank Direct, which facilitates seamless transactions through mobile and internet platforms. Corporate and investment banking at Akbank provides comprehensive solutions for large enterprises, including syndicated loans for major financing requirements, advisory services for , treasury operations for and currency hedging, and foreign trade financing to support international transactions. These offerings emphasize and capital market access to meet complex corporate demands. For commercial and SME banking, Akbank delivers tailored credit facilities, cash management tools for efficient liquidity handling, and supply chain finance solutions to optimize working capital for mid-sized enterprises. Specialized packages, such as eco-transition loans and women-led SME support, further enhance accessibility for sustainable business growth. Private banking services cater to high-net-worth individuals through strategies, customized portfolios in equities, bonds, and mutual funds, and personalized advisory on and . This segment integrates digital tools for real-time portfolio monitoring and collaborates with affiliates like for advanced options. Complementing these core areas, Akbank extends additional services such as insurance partnerships for , , and coverage, basic for diversified holdings, and omnichannel digital platforms like Akbank Mobile and Banking for integrated access across devices. These elements ensure a holistic approach to client financial needs while prioritizing security and convenience.

Domestic and International Network

Akbank maintains a robust domestic network in , with 671 branches as of September 30, 2025, primarily concentrated in major cities such as , , and Izmir to serve urban and regional customer bases efficiently. The bank employs approximately 12,800 staff members across these operations as of September 30, 2025, supporting a workforce focused on retail, commercial, and corporate services. Complementing the physical infrastructure, Akbank operates approximately 6,300 ATMs and 810,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals, including virtual options, enabling widespread access to cash and payment services nationwide as of September 30, 2025. The bank's digital infrastructure has become a cornerstone of its operations, with 12.5 million active digital customers utilizing online and mobile platforms for seamless 24/7 banking access as of the end of 2024. Akbank's mobile app, a key component of this network, supports over 8 million active users who engage frequently, averaging more than 30 logins per month, reflecting high adoption rates. Enhanced by artificial intelligence, the platform includes a digital assistant launched in 2024 that handles over 200 end-to-end processes, significantly reducing customer query resolution times through personalized support and predictive analytics. This AI integration, powered by tools like Azure OpenAI Service, has improved operational efficiency by enabling faster handling of routine inquiries without escalating to human agents. Internationally, Akbank extends its footprint through subsidiaries and branches focused on supporting cross-border trade and corporate needs. Akbank AG, its German subsidiary, operates as a key hub for European activities, managing €3.7 billion in total assets and providing specialized services to Turkish expatriates and businesses as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, a single branch in facilitates international transactions, with total assets of TL 231,108,262 as of December 31, 2024, emphasizing for multinational corporations engaging with Turkish markets. The bank's global operations prioritize solutions, including syndicated loans and services, to aid corporate clients in navigating international commerce. To bolster support for multinational firms within , Akbank deploys dedicated relationship managers across eight key cities, including six in , one in Izmir, and one in , offering tailored advisory services for foreign investments and operations. This localized expertise ensures seamless integration of domestic and international networks, facilitating efficient handling of cross-border requirements for global enterprises.

Corporate Governance

Board of Directors

The of Akbank serves as the primary oversight body, responsible for setting the bank's strategic direction, ensuring effective , and upholding standards. As of 2025, the board comprises 10 members, reflecting a balanced composition of executive, non-executive, and independent directors to promote objective and alignment with interests. Suzan Sabancı Dinçer has chaired the board since March 2008, guiding Akbank's strategic initiatives while maintaining strong ties to , where she also serves as a board member; her leadership emphasizes sustainable growth and integration within the broader Sabancı ecosystem. Hakan Binbaşgil, appointed as vice chairman and executive board member in October 2023 following his tenure as CEO from 2012 to 2023, oversees the banking and financial services group, leveraging his extensive experience in and operational leadership. Other key members include Cenk Kaan Gür, who joined as CEO and board member in October 2023, bringing over 35 years of banking expertise in commercial and corporate sectors; Ahmet Fuat Ayla, an focused on since 2017; and the independent director Mehmet Tuğrul Belli, a governance expert appointed in 2020, alongside non-executive directors with finance and law expertise such as Yaman Törüner (former central banker) and Levent Demirag (legal advisor). The board's structure includes three (Gür, Binbaşgil, and Ayla), seven non-executives, and one independent member, ensuring a mix that supports impartial oversight. Specialized committees enhance governance effectiveness, including the (chaired by Eyüp Engin, with Levent Demirag as member), the Compensation Committee (chaired by Hakan Binbaşgil), and the Corporate Governance Committee (also chaired by Binbaşgil), which address risk, remuneration, and nomination matters. Akbank's practices fully comply with the Turkish Agency (BRSA) standards, mandating at least one and regular evaluations of board performance. The board prioritizes diversity—evidenced by policies promoting gender balance and inclusion, with Sabancı Dinçer as a prominent leader—and , through codes of conduct that foster transparency and anti-corruption measures across operations.

Executive Management Team

The executive management team at Akbank, led by CEO Cenk Kaan Gür since October 2023, oversees the bank's day-to-day operations, strategic direction, and performance across core banking functions. Gür, with over 35 years of experience in the financial sector, who rejoined Akbank as CEO in October 2023 after serving as CEO of another major Turkish bank from 2017 to 2023, having first joined Akbank in 2011; in his current role, he is responsible for overall strategy, including revenue expansion and initiatives. Key executives supporting Gür include Türker Tunalı, who has served as Chief Financial Officer since October 2017 after joining the bank in 2008, managing financial coordination, reporting, and investor relations. Gökhan Gökçay has been Executive Vice President for Technology since January 2023, bringing more than 30 years of expertise in IT and digital infrastructure to drive technological advancements. Emre Çift, who joined Akbank in 2012, assumed the role of Executive Vice President for Consumer Banking in October 2025, focusing on retail products, customer experience, and digital marketing. Alper Bektaş, with Akbank since 2006, became Executive Vice President for SME Banking in May 2025, leading small and medium enterprise lending and support services. The team comprises approximately 14 Executive Vice Presidents, covering specialized areas such as , digital strategy, and credits. Notable members include Sebnem Muratoglu, Executive Vice President for and Financial Institutions since May 2025, who has been with Akbank since 1995 and previously held the position; and Şebnem Dağ Güven, who rejoined as Executive Vice President for Digital Solutions and in November 2025 after earlier stints at the bank starting in 2010, emphasizing payment systems and innovation. Other roles encompass corporate and commercial credits (Zeynep Öztürk, since May 2025), commercial banking (Özlem Atik Kaptanoğlu, since May 2025), and (Dalya Kohen, since May 2023), ensuring comprehensive oversight of Akbank's operational pillars. Under Gür's leadership, the executive team has prioritized growth and , achieving 44.35% year-over-year increase to TRY 47.35 billion in Q3 2025, driven by strong expansion and gains in digital channels. This focus aligns with broader goals of sustainable performance and technological integration to enhance customer services and market competitiveness.

Group Structure

Principal Subsidiaries

Ak Investment serves as Akbank's primary securities brokerage and investment advisory arm, offering comprehensive services including pre-IPO structuring, valuation, and execution of initial offerings (IPOs), as well as portfolio management for institutional and individual clients. It facilitates access to domestic and international markets through trading in , futures, forex, and mutual funds, contributing to Akbank's diversified financial offerings by enabling participation and wealth accumulation strategies. Ak , operating under the brand Ak Portföy, specializes in fund management with a focus on mutual funds and pension funds, managing exceeding TL 1,320 billion as of October 2025. This subsidiary plays a key role in the Akbank Group by providing innovative investment vehicles, such as equity-intensive funds and participation funds, supporting long-term savings and for a broad client base in . Ak Lease, known as AK Finansal Kiralama A.Ş., delivers leasing services for equipment, machinery, and vehicles, primarily targeting corporate clients to finance capital investments and operational needs. With net receivables of approximately 27.5 billion as of June 2025, it supports business expansion and sustainability initiatives, including green financing for projects, thereby enhancing Akbank's non-banking financial solutions and contributing to in sectors like and transportation. Akbank AG, based in , , functions as a full-service in , with core operations in corporate banking, , and retail banking services tailored to Turkish expatriates and international clients. It provides specialized products such as letters of credit, factoring, and / financing, strengthening Akbank's global presence by facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting European market expansion for Turkish businesses.

Ownership and Affiliations

Akbank's ownership is dominated by the Sabancı family through Hacı Ömer Sabancı Holding A.Ş., which directly holds 40.75% of the bank's shares as of the first quarter of 2025, while affiliated Sabancı entities and individuals collectively control approximately 47.8% of the equity, providing strategic oversight within the group's financial pillar. The remaining roughly 52% of shares constitute the public float, traded on the Borsa Istanbul under the ticker AKBNK, ensuring broad market participation and liquidity under the regulatory framework of the Turkish Capital Markets Board. As a core component of the Sabancı Group ecosystem, Akbank maintains close affiliations with sister companies across diversified sectors, including through Aksigorta (a with ) for integrated offerings and energy via Enerjisa for synergies in sustainable financing initiatives. Following Citigroup's complete divestment of its nearly 10% stake in , Akbank has no significant foreign blocks, with institutional investors like and holding minority positions under 4% each, aligning with Turkey's Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) guidelines on shareholder transparency. Akbank pursues equity participations in select ventures to bolster its , including investments in payment and innovation platforms, though these remain ancillary to its core operations. BRSA filings indicate no material changes to the ownership structure or these participations during 2024-2025, reflecting stability amid economic volatility. In 2025, Akbank commands a of approximately $7.6 billion, solidifying its rank among Turkey's leading private banks by assets and , second only to a handful of state-backed institutions.

Awards and Recognition

Historical Achievements

Akbank's historical achievements in awards and recognitions from its founding through 2017 reflect its sustained leadership in the Turkish banking sector, particularly during periods of economic transformation and innovation. In the , amid 's and opening to global markets, Akbank was awarded "Best Bank in " by Euromoney magazine in 1992, 1993, and 1998, acknowledging its robust growth, expanded services, and resilience in a rapidly evolving financial . Throughout the , Akbank continued to garner international acclaim, including selections as 's Best Bank by Global , which highlighted its strengths in and comprehensive banking operations during a of economic recovery and integration into global trade networks. Prior to 2018, Akbank earned multiple Stevie Awards for excellence in and within , such as a Gold Stevie Award for Akbank Call Center and Affluent Remote Center in , demonstrating its pioneering approaches to client engagement and service delivery. From 2012 to 2018, Akbank was consistently ranked as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in by Brand Finance for seven consecutive years, with its brand value exceeding $2.5 billion by 2015, underscoring the bank's enduring reputation and market dominance built over decades.

Recent Honors (2018-2025)

In 2025, Akbank was recognized as the Central and Eastern Europe's Best Bank for by Euromoney, praised for its integration of data-driven insights, research-led , and agility to deliver seamless customer interactions. The bank also earned seven honors at the Global Sustainable Awards, highlighting its advancements in green financing, sustainable bonds, and ESG integration across operations. Additionally, Akbank received a Stevie for Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion, acknowledging its initiatives to foster equity and representation in the workplace. It was nominated for SME Bank of the Year by Qorus, recognizing its tailored support for small and medium-sized enterprises through innovative lending and digital tools. Akbank was also named Best Bank for AI in Consumer Banking at the Global AI in Awards 2025. Furthermore, its "For You: Your Everyday Companion On Akbank Mobile" feature won in the UX Awards 2025, and Akbank LAB was recognized as one of the World's Best Financial Innovation Labs 2025 by Global . From 2023 to , Akbank secured the Best Turkish Deal award from GlobalCapital in both years: in 2023 for its $602 million-equivalent sustainability-linked syndicated loans, and in for a $753 million-equivalent facility focused on and . The bank also achieved top rankings in transformation, including Euromoney's designation as Central and Eastern Europe's Best Digital Bank in , driven by high digital engagement rates and AI-enhanced customer services. These honors underscore Akbank's emphasis on agility, data-driven design, and progress toward carbon neutrality goals, such as net-zero emissions commitments by 2050 in financing and operations. They have reinforced the bank's leadership position in Turkish banking, particularly amid economic volatility, by demonstrating resilience through sustainable and innovative practices.

Financial Performance

Akbank's financial performance in 2024 reflected robust growth amid Turkey's economic challenges, with consolidated revenue reaching US$14.50 billion, driven primarily by and fee-based services. Net income for the year stood at US$1.23 billion, supported by effective cost management and a of 20.2%. Total assets expanded to approximately TL 2.65 trillion by year-end, underscoring the bank's scale as one of Turkey's leading financial institutions. In the first nine months of 2025, Akbank demonstrated strong momentum with growing 48% year-over-year to TRY 155.97 billion, fueled by higher lending volumes and improved margins. Net profit for the period rose 17% year-over-year to TRY 38.91 billion, achieving a (ROE) of 20.4%, while Q3 2025 net profit specifically increased to TRY 14.06 billion from TRY 9.03 billion in the prior year. Total assets further grew to TL 3.231 trillion by Q3 2025, reflecting continued expansion. As of November 2025, the bank's is approximately US$7.6 billion. Fitch Ratings affirmed Akbank's Issuer Default Ratings at 'BB-' with a Stable outlook as of May 30, 2025. The bank's market capitalization reached approximately US$8.8 billion earlier in 2025, maintaining its position as a key player in the sector. Historically, Akbank was ranked as Turkey's most valuable bank by market capitalization in 2008, a legacy that highlights its enduring competitive strength.
Key Financial Metrics (2024-2025)20249M 2025Q3 2025
(TRY billion)185.8155.9747.35
Net Profit (TRY billion)42.438.9114.06
ROE (%)-20.4-
Total Assets (TL trillion)2.653.233.23

Sustainability Initiatives

Akbank has integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its core operations as part of its sustainability strategy launched in 2021, emphasizing alignment with global standards such as the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. The bank's ESG commitments focus on reducing climate impact, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing ethical practices, positioning it as a leader in in . By 2025, Akbank reported progress in measurable ESG targets, including operational efficiencies and community-oriented programs, while mobilizing resources for green transitions. By end-2024, the bank had achieved TRY 416 billion in sustainable financing toward its target of TRY 800 billion by 2030. In the environmental domain, Akbank targets a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by 2030 (from baseline), having achieved 100% renewable since 2023 and an 83% overall reduction since . To address broader climate goals, the bank has committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all activities, including its financed portfolio, by 2050, with interim sectoral targets aligned to a 1.5°C pathway—such as 60% emissions reduction in power generation and 23.8% in by 2030. These efforts include monitoring financed emissions through portfolio alignment tools and providing TRY 800 billion in sustainable financing by 2030 to support low-carbon projects. On the social front, Akbank advances diversity and inclusion through targeted programs that promote gender equity and underrepresented groups. The bank supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via initiatives like the SME Finance Forum, which facilitates knowledge-sharing on digital financing and growth strategies. Additionally, Akbank mandates employee training on AI ethics as part of its Artificial Intelligence Manifesto, with comprehensive programs rolled out to ensure responsible AI use, aiming for full coverage by 2026 to foster in operations. Governance aspects underscore Akbank's sustainable finance leadership, highlighted by seven awards at the Global Finance Sustainable Finance Awards 2025, including Best Bank for in . The bank has issued green and sustainability-linked bonds exceeding TL 10 billion cumulatively, such as a USD 500 million Sustainability Tier 2 Notes issuance in 2024 and earlier green bonds funding projects, all aligned with its Framework verified by external parties. To bolster these initiatives, Akbank allocated approximately $15 million in technology investments for 2025, focusing on AI-driven tools for , such as automated credit processes and for proactive customer banking, while ensuring alignment with ESG priorities.

References

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