Latest News

Aykut Demiray is appointed as Board Member of Akbank. -01.03.2012

Aykut Demiray Akbank Yönetim Kurulu üyelidine atandi.

Garanti Bank ranks as 41st by Standard & Poors-14.03.2012

Garanti Bank ranks as 41st, among 100 banks according to their Risk Adjusted Capital-RAC ratios prepared by Standard & Poors. Garanti is the only Turkish bank in the list dated 29.02. 2012.

The first conservation and restoration laboratory of Turkey is established.-15.03.2012

The first conservation and restoration laboratory of Turkey aiming to protect the artistic heritage is established by Ytbank within Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.

Ytbank was awarded International Quality ERA Golden Award-17.03.2012

Ytbank was awarded the Golden International Quality Award ERA by Business Initiative Directions (BID) with its innovative services resulting from investments on technological and IT structure and work processes in conformity with total quality management principles.

Akbank signed a USD 1.2 billion syndication loan agreement.-22.03.2012

Akbank signed a USD 1.2 billion syndication loan agreement with the participation of 42 banks.

Citigroup sells a portion of its shares in Akbank-23.03.2012

Citigroup which is a 20% shareholder of Akbank has made an announcement to the New York Stock Exchange and stated that it is planning to sell a portion of its shares in Akbank. Citigroup’s plan to sell the shares is in relation to the capital planning preparations to apply the Basel III requirements, which will be effective throughout the world.

“Web Marketing Association awards Ytbank’s SME website “YT’TE KOBY”-27.03.2012

Ytbank’s SME website “YT’TE KOBY” was awarded “Best Interactive Services Website” in one of the most prestigious competitions “Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) 2012” in the category of “Interactive Services” by “Web Marketing Association”. YT’TE KOBY had previously received the “Best Portal Website” award in the same competition. With the IAC 2012, the application “SUNUMATYK” had won its 6th and the website its 23rd award.

Ytbank ranks first in customer satisfaction-28.03.21012

Turkish Quality Association and international research company KA announced the 2011 fourth quarter results of their survey on Customer Satisfaction Index. According to the results of 11,479 computer backed telephone interviews in all provinces of Turkey, Ytbank ranks first in customer satisfaction. Ytbank had held the first place in years 2007, 2009 and 2010 as well.

Tekerbank was awarded “2012 Consumer Quality Award”-30.03.2012

Tekerbank was awarded “2012 Consumer Quality Award” by Consumer Academy in the 25th International Consumer Summit.

Akbank was awarded as the best bank in syndication credits in the EMEA region. -28.02.2011

Akbank was chosen as the “Best Financial Institution in Foreign Borrowing” for the second time in a row in the EMEA region by EMEA Finance. The USD 1,45 billion worth syndication credit of Akbank dating August 2011 was chosen “The Best Credit by a Financial Institution”. Akbank had received these awards in 2010 as well.

Akbank Private Banking received Euromoney “Private Banking” award.-16.02.2012

Euromoney awarded Akbank Private Banking who manages a fund totaling 25 billion TL as the “Best Private Bank” for the third time in a row. Akbank has received this award for five times. Euromoney has declared that the volume of the fund, the increase and profitability of the assets, the wide range of products and services the bank offers were the criteria that they considered for awarding Akbank. Akbank Private Banking also received the awards in the categories of “Relationship Management”, “High Net Worth I”, “High Net Worth II”and “Privacy and Security”.

Işbank’s total assets reached 161.7 billion TL as of December 2011-15.02.2011

Total assets of Işbank increased by 23% y-o-y and became 161 billion 669 million TL. As of 2011 year-end, net profit of the bank was 2.7 billion TL and credit volume 91,621 billion TL with a 43% y-o-y increase. NPL which was 3.6 % as of 2010 year-end decreased to 2.1% in December 2011. Işbank CEO, Adnan Bali stated that Işbank finances macroeconomic cycle and supports sustainable growth by providing cash and/or non-cash credits to investments and acquisitions including privatization in sectors of energy, transportation and manufacturing. Işbank is the largest private bank by its 98.3 billion of deposits. Işbank opened 65 new branches and hired 2,031 new personnel in 2011. 2011 was a year that Işbank focused on expanding foreign network and two new branches were opened in Northern Iraq and Northern Cyprus. Additionally, Işbank Russia, 100% acquired by Işbank operates with 15 branches. Işbank’s foreign network reached 48 branches, 2 representative offices and 802 personnel in 12 countries.

Şekerbank posts 118 million TL of net profit for 2011.-15.02.2011

Şekerbank announced its nonconsolidated financial statements dated 31.12.2011 and posts a net profit of 118 million TL. Total loans of the bank increased by 16% annually and became 8.7 billion TL. Total deposit volume reached up to 9 billion TL with an annual growth of 18%. Total assets were 14.4 billion TL, the growth being 27 %. Şekerbank CEO Meriç Uluşahin said “The savings of 97% of their private deposit customers are below 250,000 TL” and added that the credits are also concentrated on small investors. Deposit to loan volume of Şekerbank is 96%.

Use of Preferential Rights in CJSC Işbank’s Capital Increase-13.02.2012

The Board of Directors had decided to increase the paid-in capital of CJSC Isbank, a subsidiary of Isbank, which operates in Russia, from 523 million Rubles to 1,723 Rubles by 1,200 million Rubles (approximately USD 40.2 million) in cash, to exercise Isbank’s preferential rights amounting to 1,200 million Rubles due to the related capital increase and had authorized the Head Office for the exercise of these rights.

Akbank posts net profit of 2,535 million in 2011-10.02.2011

Akbank CEO Hakan Binbaşgil noted that Akbank posted a net profit of 2,535 million TL in 2011 and total assets reached TL 140 billion with around 17% growth. Cash loans grew by 29% and topped TL 74 billion. Akbank’s support of SMEs is over TL 49 billion, reflecting an increase of around 30% compared to the previous year. Binbaşgil stated that the bank continues to provide seamless support to the varying needs of consumers from all distribution channels. Akbank’s consumer loans and credit card loans exceeded TL 25 billion with a 27% rise in 2011. The NPL ration which stood at 2.2% as of 2010 year-end dropped to 1.7% as of 2011 year-end. Total deposits exceeded TL 80 billion, with a 13% increase. Akbank increased its branch network to 926 by opening 35 new branches in 2011. The number of ATMs increased by 568 and reached 3695. 1328 new employees joined Akbank.

Işbank to expand foreign network-06.02.2012

The Board of Directors of Türkiye Iş Bankasi A.Ş. decided to authorize the Head Office to take the necessary initiatives for acquiring or establishing a bank in Azerbaijan.

Garanti Bank posted total assets of TL 163.5 billion ad consolidated net profit of TL 3.3 billion.-02.02.2011

Garanti Bank posted a consolidated net profit of TL 3 billion 345 millon. While Garanti’s consolidated total assets increased by 19.5% and reached TL 163 billion 475 million, its contribution to economy through cash and non-cash lending totaled TL 112 billion 971 million. The Bank delivered an ROAE (Return on Average Equity) of 19.5% and ROAA (Return on Average Assets) of 2.2%. Shareholder’s equity reached TL 17.9 billion. The number of branches totaled 918. Garanti CEO, Ergun Özen stated that financing the energy sector with a loan volume of USD 2.2 billion, Garanti became the sector’s highest loan provider of the year. Özen added “Garanti was the only bank granted with 5 different banking category awards from Euromeny: Overall/Banking, Loan Finance, Equity Finance, Debt Capital Markets and M&A Advisory. Garanti Bank Romania’s Bonuc Card was honored as the “Best Innovative Banking Product” by Business Arena and its loan product for SME customers, as the “Best Banking Product of the Year” by Piata Financiara magazine.”

The Amendment of Isbank's Articles of Incorporation-01.02.2012

As per the resolution of the Board of Directors, it is decided to raise the registered capital ceiling of Isbank to TL 10 billion from TL 7 billion.

Akbank and Işbank are in the list of Banking 500-2010 by Brand Finance.-01.02.2011

Akbank and Işbank take place in the first 100 of the “Banking 500-2012” report prepared by Brand Finance. Akbank holds the 96th place with its USD 1.58 billion brand value and Işbank holds the 98th with its USD 1,569 million worth brand value.

Işbank opens a branch to serve to companies with foreign capital-09.01.2011

Işbank opens a branch to serve to companies with foreign capital.

Hakan Binbaşgil is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Akbank-05.01.2012

Hakan Binbaşgil is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Akbank pursuant to the resolution of the Akbank Board of Directors held on January 5, 2012. Born in 1960, Istanbul, Hakan Binbaşgil graduated from Bogaziçi University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering after completing his high school degree in Robert College. Binbaşgil also has an MBA degree in management and finance from Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge. Having worked as a management consultant in the London and Istanbul offices of Accenture, Binbaşgil started his banking career as Executive Vice President in charge of Retail Banking at Pamukbank.

Akbank received the award of perfection of the Financial World Innovation Awards-03.01.2011

Akbank received the award of perfection of the Financial World Innovation Awards, organized by ifs School of Finance in the category of SME services by its application of SMS credits.

NEW EU MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SMALL COMPANIES IN TURKEY


The European Union is launching a new financing programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the least developed areas of Turkey, with support from the European Investment Fund.

The G-43 Anatolian Venture Capital Fund (G43) will be launched in Ankara on 19 January at an event hosted by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Nihat Ergün, and the Head of the Economic and Social Development Section of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Mr. Javier Menendez Bonilla.

The target region for this financing programme includes the 43 least-developed provinces in Turkey, with a specific emphasis on Southeast Anatolia (Adiyaman, Gaziantep, Kilis, Diyarbakir, Şanliurfa, Batman, Mardin, Siirt, and Şirnak). These 43 provinces account for about 22% of total employment and 25% of SMEs in Turkey, but only about 10% of SME lending at country level.

To improve access to financing for SMEs in the region, G43 is aiming to create a total financing capacity of up to €40 million. G43 will invest in both traditional and innovative sectors in the 43 provinces. The project will also contribute to promoting the nascent venture capital industry in the region.

Sponsored by the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), G43 was developed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) in collaboration with the EU and Turkish authorities to benefit SMEs in the target areas. The EU and the Republic of Turkey granted a total of €16.3 million for the country’s least-developed regions.
The EIF will assume an advisory role in the project, while the Istanbul Venture Capital Initiative will realise and monitor investments in selected companies. KOSGEB, the SME Development Organisation of Turkey, will be the final beneficiary of the programme.

Working together

PHOTO EXHIBIT FEATURES EU-FUNDED PROJECTS IN TURKEY

A photography exhibit showcasing images of EU-funded development and social projects in Turkey will open at Cer Modern in Ankara on 11 January 2012, running through 25 January. An opening reception is set for 19.00.

The photos, shot by Batur Gökçeer and Ali Saltan between August 2011 and January 2012, document just a portion of the projects carried out under the EU Financial Cooperation with Turkey programme. The photos feature projects including:

• Şanliurfa Drinking Water Supply
• Establishment of a National Food Reference Laboratory
• Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, Erasmus Programme
• Hold Me in My First Step
• The Light Beyond the Rain
• Turkish Railways Modernised through EU Support
• Safer Seas: Upgrading the Turkish Coastal Radio • Kuşadasi Regional Solid Waste Management
• Women are Part of Denizli’s Textile Industry - Mosaic Design with Women’s Hands
• Violence Against Women
• Protection of the Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Small Enterprises Loan Programme II
• Building Cultural Bridges Between the EU and Turkey
EU support prepares Turkey for membership

Turkey is the leading beneficiary of the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), totalling €6.9 billion for Turkey by the end of 2013. Every year, the IPA finances scores of projects geared to prepare Turkey for EU membership – from social services and children’s rights, to business support and regional development.

The EU is founded on fundamental values such as democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and justice. Accordingly, the beginning of accession negotiations with Turkey in 2005 implied promoting and consolidating these values, reforming policies across the board toward economic and social modernisation, and upgrading relevant Turkish institutions. Because these efforts require know-how and financial resources, the EU has developed comprehensive financing programmes for, and with, Turkish authorities.

The EU’s pre-accession programmes in Turkey are not intended to provide quick-fix solutions. Rather, they aim to prepare Turkish society and institutions for accession while supporting Turkey’s own modernisation efforts.

Date/ Time: Wednesday, 11 January 2012, 19.00 (opening reception)
Venue: CerModern, Altinsoy Caddesi No: 3, Sihhiye, Ankara

Işbank will expand operations in Egypt. -29.12.2011

The Board of Directors of Türkiye Iş Bankasi A.Ş. decided to authorize the Head Office for expanding Isbank’s banking operations in Egypt, which is currently at representative level.

Garanti Bank increases the capital of Garanti Holding BV of Holland-28.12.2011

Garanti Bank authorizes Head Office for a EUR 20 million capital increase of its 100% participation, Garanti Holding BV resident in Netherlands.

Işbank will open a branch in Pakistan- 27.12.2011

The Board of Directors of Türkiye Iş Bankasi A.Ş. decided to authorize the Head Office to take the necessary initiatives for opening a branch in Pakistan.

Garanti Bank signed a credit agreement with EIB for SME financing-23.12.2012

Garanti Bank signed a credit agreement with European Investment Bank (EIB) totalling EUR 150 million for SME financing.

Işbank will open a branch in Georgia and open a branch or acquire a bank in Kosovo-22.12.2011

The Board of Directors of Türkiye Iş Bankasi A.Ş. decided to authorize the Head Office to take the necessary initiatives for opening a branch in Georgia and opening a branch or establishing or acquiring a bank in Kosovo provided that suitable conditions are ensured.

Işbank signed a credit agreement with Export-Import Bank of Korea-09.12.2011

Işbank signed a USD 50 million credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) in Istanbul. Within the framework of the credit agreement, it will be possible to grant short and long term loans in relation to the goods and services purchased by Turkish importers from Korean firms as well as to provide financing for ship imports.

Işbank signed a framework agreement with EIB for SME financing-09.12.2011

Isbank signed a framework agreement with European Investment Bank (EIB) to secure EUR 150 million loan with a term of maximum ten years. The aforementioned loan will be used for SME financing.

Işbank and Garanti Bank received awards from Active Academy-09.12.2011

Işbank received the “Contribution to the Economy” award from Active Academy in the 9th International Finance Summit. Garanti Bank received the Customer Satisfaction award by the 32% of the votes of 110,000 respondents.

Standard and Poor’s affirmed Işbank’s ratings.-02.12.2011

International credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s affirmed Isbank’s ratings. Isbank’s current ratings are as follows:
Long-term Counterparty Credit Rating: BB (Outlook: Positive)
Long-term Certificate of Deposits: BB
Short-term Counterparty Credit Rating: B
Short-term Certificate of Deposits: B
Long-term National Scale Rating: trAA
Short-term National Scale Rating: trA-1

Official opening of Işbank Rusya-02.12.2011

Işbank had acquired 100 % chares of Bank Sofia in April 2011. The bank is renamed as Işbank Rusya and the official opening was performed.

Garanti Signed a Dual Tranche Dual Currency Term Loan Facility Agreement-30.11.2011

Garanti Bank signed a Dual Tranche Dual Currency Term Loan Facility Agreement in London including a club of 30 banks from 16 countries and effectively replacing the US$316,400,000 and €513,500,000.

Fitch Ratings Credit Ratings Update-29.11.2011

Fitch Ratings changed the outlook on Isbank's "BBB-" long-term local and foreign currency Issuer Default Rating to "Stable" from "Positive". Fitch Ratings stated no change in Isbank's other ratings and outlooks.

Investigation Initiated by the Competition Board-21.11.2011

It is informed by the Competition Authority that, as a result of the preliminary examination of interest rates in the banking sector, an investigation has been initiated into 12 banks and 2 firms in the financial sector, including Işbank, Akbank and Garanti Bank to probe whether they acted together on setting deposit and loan rates.

Akbank posts net profit of 1,960 million TL in the first nine months of 2011-04.11.2011

Akbank reported net consolidated profit of TL 1 billion 960 million after tax provisions of TL 517 million on its gross profit. As of the end of 3Q 2011, the total cash loans reached TL 73 billion. 49 million of this amount was distributed to SMEs. Maintaining its downward trend, NPL ratio dropped to 1.6% at the end of 3rd quarter. Akbank stated that their efforts helping customers better manage their cash flows, have further strengthened the deposit structure of Akbank and the bank’s total deposits topped TL 77 billion.

TL 1,803 million net profit from Işbank at the end of the third quarter-04.11.2011

Işbank posted TL 1,803 million net profit in the first nine months of the year, and increased its asset size to TL 160 billion with 21% year to date growth. Işbank’s shareholders’ equity increased by 5% in this period and reached TL 18 billion. Its deposit base reached 96 billion TL. As a result of the strong growth performance both in Turkish Lira and Foreign Currency lending, total loans of Işbank that amounted to TL 64 billion at the end of 2010 rose by 33% and reached TL 85 billion at the end of the third quarter. 38% growth in commercial loans played a major role in the overall loan growth, and as a result of this, share of commercial loans in total loans increased to 72%. Işbank’s non-performing loans ratio, which was 3.6% at year-end, decreased to 2.5% at the end of third quarter.

Garanti Bank posted a consolidated net profit of 2,467 million TL in 3Q 2011-03.11.2011

Garanti Bank posted a consolidated net profit of 2,467 million TL in 3Q 2011.While Garanti’s consolidated total assets reached TL 164.1 billion, its contribution to the economy through cash and non-cash lending totaled TL 108.9 billion. Market shares for TL and FC loans stood at 11.2% and 18.4% respectively. The Bank noted that the share of energy lending in their total FX lending reached 10% and over USD 5 billion. The bank delivered an ROAE (Return on Average Equity) of 19% and ROAA (Return on Average Assets) of 2.2%. Total assets year-to-date increased by 20% and reached TL 164.1 billion. Shareholder’s equity year-to-date stood at TL 17.5 billion. Total deposits equaled TL 88.6 billion.

Işbank GmbH opened its 16th branch in Sofia. -03.11.2011

Işbank GmbH, 100 % participation of Işbank, opened its 16th branch in Sofia.

Işbank signed a syndicated loan agreement -01.11.2011

Işbank signed a syndicated loan agreement totaling Eur 160 million and USD 75 million in four tranches.

Işbank signed a protocol with Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey to support Van-01.11.2011

Işbank signed a protocol with TOBB-Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey to support Van. Credits up to 75,000 TL with 12 month maturity will be provided members of TOBB. Interest payments will be covered by TOBB.

Işbank’s site for SMEs received “Silver Award”-02.11.2011

Işbank received the “Silver Award” in the 7th Davey Awards with its website designed for SMEs, www.istekobi.com.tr, in the category of professional services where executives of prominent companies like Disney, Microsoft, MTV, Polo, Ralph Lauren served as jury members. Işte Kobi thereby increased the number of international awards to 20.

Fitch upgraded Şekerbank again- 31.10.2011

International Credit Rating Organization Fitch Ratings, upgraded Şekerbank’s long term issuer default ratings one level from “B+” to “BB-". The national rating of the bank upgraded by Fitch by two levels last year was also affirmed as “A”. In its report evaluating the middle size banks in Turkey, Fitch Rating affirmed the financial strength of Şekerbank as “D”; short term issuer default rating as “B”; and its Outlook as “stable”. In terms of the financial capacity rating initiated to be applied by the organization for the first time this year, while Şekerbank was rated as "B+" at the beginning, it is upgraded to "BB-" as a result of the last assessments. In its explanation, Fitch noted that Şekerbank is the only bank in its peer group to have established a meaningful nationwide presence, with its strong and long-standing links to rural communities providing the basis for a potentially more sustainable long-term brand.

Şekerbank announced its unconsolidated financial statements dated 30.09.2011-26.10.2011

Şekerbank increased its profits by 140% when compared to 2011 second quarter and made a net profit of TL 56 million. Loans increased by 28% y-o-y, raising the loan volume to TL 8.9 billion. Deposits grew by 36% in the same period. General Manager of Şekerbank T.A.Ş. Meriç Uluşahin stated that their strategy oriented to boost the producer was reflected upon the balance sheet and added “In our sector where specialization and closeness to the field and the local values is becoming more prominent, we will continue differentiating in the competition by improving our strengths boosting the difference of Şekerbank.”
Financial Indicators (dated 30.09.2011 – Unconsolidated Financials) :
Total Assets: TL 15 billion
Total Loans: TL 8.9 billion
Total Deposits: TL 9.4 billion
Shareholders’ Equity: TL 1.4 billion
Net Profit: TL 56 million
Deposit to Loan Ratio: % 94.74

Akbank supports earth-quake stricken Van –26.10.2011

Akbank announced that repayments of personal loans in Van will be postponed for three months and upon demand three month postponement will be applied to corporate loan customers as well. Money transfers to and from Van will be exempt from bank fees.

Işbank supports earth-quake stricken Van- 26.10.2011

Işbank Group supports earth-quake stricken Van and decided to build a dorm for 300 students in Van University. Işbank postponed the repayments or installments of personal and corporate customers in Van and its towns for three months and declared that money transfers to and from Van will be exempt from bank fees.

Işbank received EN 15838 certificate-23.10.2011

Işbank became the first deposit bank in Turkey to receive EN 15838 certificate from Europe Standardization Committee (CEN) by its call centers.

Earthquake in Ercis and Van

We feel with those who lost family and friends and wish patience and quick recovery for the injured.

Akbank NV merges with Akbank AG- 29.09.2011

Based on restructuring of Akbank’s foreign subsidiaries, Akbank N.V. (Netherlands based, 100% subsidiary Akbank) will cease its operations and merge into Akbank AG (Akbank N.V.’s Germany based 100% subsidiary Akbank AG) and Akbank AG - 100% indirect subsidiary of Akbank - will be converted to a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary (100% subsidiary) of Akbank.

Işbank received three awards in “Web Award 2011”- 15.09.2011

Işbank received three awards in the prestigious “Web Award 2011” contest. IŞ’TE KOBI, (www.istekobi.com.tr), its website designed for SMEs, and SUNUMATIK, the innovative application of the website received “Standard of Excellence” awards in the categories of “Portal”, “Interactive Services” and “Small Business”

Işbank signed a sydicated loan agreement -14.09.2011

Isbank signed an agreement, in Istanbul, for a syndicated loan with dual tranche for USD 359 million and EUR 603 million. The syndicated loan, which was raised by participation of 37 banks from 15 countries, will be used for financing international trade.

Iş Bankasi Grubu Afrika’ya 1 milyon TL bagişladi. -18.08.2011

Işbank Group donated 1 million TL to Africa through Turkish Red Crescent.

Akbank received three awards from International Stevie Awards-15.03.2011

Akbank received the first prize in the category of “Communication Campaigns of Banks” by its “Akbank Children Theatre” and Jury Award by its “For You” Campaign in the same category. Its Annual Report was awarded by the Jury Award as well.

Akbank posted 1,399 million TL of net profit in the first six months.-15.08.2011

Cash loans of Akbank reached 69 billion TL in the first half of 2011. SME and corporate loans amounted to 46 billion TL. Consumer loans and credit cards reached 23 billion TL. Deposits in the said period increased by 4% and became 75 billion TL.

Işbank posted TL 1,476 million net profit in the first 6 months-12.08.2001

Compared to the year end, Işbank increased its assets by 12.2% in the first half of the year to TL 148 billion, its shareholders’ equity by 5.9% to TL 18 billion and that the Bank’s net period profit was realized at TL 1,476 million. The loan portfolio of Işbank, entitled as the largest lender in the banking sector, increased by 19.5 % to TL 77 billion. During this period, The Bank’s commercial loans grew by 21% and its consumer loans by 17.4%. Işbank also achieved 2.0% increase in deposits, another item that the Bank is a leader among private banks, and raised its deposit base to TL 90 billion. Achieving 9.3% increase in interest income on loans compared to the same period of the previous year, parallel to the growth in loan portfolio, the Bank’s total interest income grew by 3.3% to TL 5,031 million and its net interest income was realized at TL 2,195 million.

Şekerbank posted TL 38 million of net profit in the first half of 2011-04.08.2011

Şekerbank posted TL 38 million of net profit in the first half of 2011. While total assets reached TL 14 billion, its deposits increased by 23% y-o-y and became TL 8.5 billion. Şekerbank CEO Meriç Uluşahin stated that their net interest income and operational profit have doubled when compared to the first quarter and became TL 232 million and TL 400 million respectively. Total loans have increased by 11.2% year-to-date and became TL 8.4 billion.

Garanti posted consolidated net profit of TL 1,929 million.-03.08.2011

In the first half of 2011, Garanti posted a consolidated net profit of TL 1,929 million. While consolidated total assets reached TL 154.2 billion, its contribution to the economy through cash and noncash lending totaled TL 101 billion. Total shares of TL and FC loans stood at 11.0% and 19.1% respectively. Total assets increased by 12.7% and reached TL 154.2 billion and as of June 30th, Return on Average Assets was 2.5 %. Shareholder’s equity year-to-date increased by 3.4% and reached TL 17.2 billion and as of June 30th. Return on Average Equity was 21.4%. Total deposits increased by 6.9% year-to-date, reaching TL 84.5 billion

Işbank opened another branch in North Cyprus. -01.08.2011

Işbank opened another branch in North Cyprus.

Akbank was chosen as “The Best Bank in Turkey” by Global Finance and Banking Review-31.07.2011

Global Finance and Banking Review chose Akbank as “The Best Bank in Turkey” evaluating its sustainable high growth performance, innovative product and services and good customer relations.

Işbank ranked as 100th, in the list “The biggest 1000 banks of the World” published by “The Banker” -29.07.2011

The Banker published the biggest banks of the world by their 2010 financial statements and Işbank ranked as the 100th.

Akbank received the “Best in Social Media in Europe” award. -28.07.2011

Akbank is chosen as the “Best in Social Media In Europe” by Global Finance.

League of American Communications Professionals, chose Akbank as the best annual report -13.07.2011

Akbank received “The Best Annual Report in North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa” by its 2010 annual report from LACP –League of American Communications Professionals in the category of “2010 Vision Awards Annual Report Competition-banking”

Işbank signed a loan agreement with two international banks. -08.07.2011

USD 500 million loan agreement with a maturity of five years is signed between Işbank and two international banks.

Şekerbank received four Crystal Apple awards by its commercials. -01.07.2011

Şekerbank received four Crystal Apple awards by its commercials in the category of TV and banking and finance.

Işbank’s website for SMEs receives awards in two categories-01.07.2011

The website “istekobi.com.tr”, Işbank’s website for SMEs received Award of Distinction in the organization of “Communicator Awards” in two categories. By these awards, the international awards of SME website of Işbank have reached 12.

The SME portal of Işbank, IŞ’TE KOBI won three international awards. -20.05.2011

The SME internet site of Işbank won the golden award in “Hermes Creative Awards” in the category of B2B and Financial Services and platen award in the category of Portal and the number of international awards reached 10.

Işbank posted TL 680.5 million net consolidated profit in the first quarter of 2011. -13.05.2011

Işbank TL 680.5 million net consolidated profit in the first quarter and its consolidated assets reached TL 158.5 billion. The bank’s consolidated loan portfolio increased by 10.4% and Işbank and reached TL 76 billion. Işbank’s consolidated TL savings deposits increased by 4.1% and reached TL 39 billion. The Bank’s number of branches, which was 1,127 at the end of the year, reached 1,143. While the consolidated NPL ratio, which was 5.1 percent at the end of the previous year, retreated to 3.4 percent, Isbank continued to provide 100 percent coverage for the non-performing loans.

EMEA Finance chose Akbank as the “Best Bank” in Turkey.

The leading finance journal, EMEA Finance, chose Akbank as the Best Bank in Turkey third time in a row within the scope of “European Banking Awards” where banks and finance institutions of Middle and East European (CEE) and CIS countries are evaluated.

Akbank posted gross profit of TL 928.4 million in the first quarter of 2011-06.05.2011

Akbank posted gross profit of TL 928.4 million in the first quarter of 2011 and net consolidated profit of TL 728.2 million after tax provisions of TL 200.2 million on gross profit. The total cash loans of the Bank reached TL 63 billion. SME and corporate credits amounted TL 42 billion. The NPL ratio which stood at 2.2% as of 2010 year-end dropped further to 1.9% as of 1Q 2011 end. Akbank has continued its 100% provisioning policy for non-performing loans. Akbank CEO, Ziya Akkurt stated that Akbank has pulled down the costs in international borrowing with their USD 1.3 billion syndication loan secured in March 2011. Akbank invested in technology and infrastructure amounting to TL 350 million in 2010 to this end and will continue the investments in this field of about TL 300 million in 2011.

Garanti Bank posted a consolidated net profit of TL 913 billion-05.05.2011

Garanti Bank posted a consolidated net profit of TL 913 billion and its consolidated total assets reached TL 137 billion and cash and non-cash lending totaled TL 94 billion, cash loans contributing TL 76 billion to the sum. The bank delivered an ROAE (Return on average equity) of 22.4% and ROAA (return on average assets) of 2.7%. Year-to-date TL loans increased by 10.4% and FC loans by 6.6% in USD terms. Market shares for TL and FC loans stood at 11.2% and 20% respectively. Total deposits increased by 2.9% year-to-date, reaching TL 81 billion while market share for deposits reached 12%.

The SME portal of Işbank, IŞ’TE KOBI won its 7th international award-03.05.2011

The SME portal of Işbank, IŞ’TE KOBI (istekobi.com.tr) won the third prize in the “Horizon Interactive Awards”in the category of B2B, its seventh international award.

Işbank-The Board elected Özince as the Chairman and Bali as CEO-01.04.2011

The Board elected Mr. H. Ersin Özince as the Chairman of the Board and Mr. H. Fevzi Onat as the Deputy Chairman. The Board also accepted the request of Mr. H. Ersin Özince to leave his position as CEO, and appointed Deputy Chief Executive Mr. Adnan Bali, as the new CEO.

Işbank received an international award for its SME web portal-04.04.2011

Işbank received the “Best Portal Website” reward in one of the most prestigious website competitions, Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) 2011, organized by Web Marketing Association by its website “IŞ’TE KOBI” (istekobi.com.tr) designed for SMEs.

Işbank received “The Most Innovative Bank Award” from Selçuk University. –07.04.2011

Işbank received “The Most Innovative Bank Award” from Selçuk University in a ceremony of the “National Innovation Summit” organized by Selçuk University.

Işbank-Appointment of Deputy Chief Executives-13.04.2011

The Board of Işbank appointed Senar Akkuş, A. Erdal Aral, Ertugrul Bozgedik, Şube Levent Korba, Riza Ihsan Kutlusoy, Aydin Süha Önder and Yalçin Sezen as Deputy Chief Executives.

Şekerbank announced its nonconsolidated financial statements of 31.3.2011-26.04. 2011

Şekerbank announced that it has made a profit of TL 30.3 in the first quarter of 2011 as of its nonconsolidated financial statements. Its loans have grown by 5.4 percent since the yearend and deposit volume rose to TL 8.2 billion with 27 percent year over year increase. Selected Indicators from Şekerbank’s Nonconsolidated Financial Results of 31/03/2011:
Total Assets: TL 13.3 billion
Total Loans: TL 7.9 billion
Total Deposit: TL 8.2 billion
Equities: TL 1.4 billion
Net Profit: TL 30.3 million
Deposit-to-Credit Conversion Rate: 97%

Işbank finalized the share transfer of Bank Sofia operating in Sofia-27.04.2011

Regarding the acquisition of 100% shares of Closed Joint Stock Company Bank Sofia, operating in Russia, USD 36 million of the USD 40 million total has been paid and the share transfer which began by signing the contract on 25.10.2010 has been finalized as of 27.04.2011. Remaining amount of USD 4 million will be paid after one year within the framework of the Share Purchase Agreement. The total asset size of Bank Sofia amounts to USD 163 mio and its equity USD 28 mio as of 31.03.2011.

Muş Workshop for women entrepreneurs

you can find press articles by these links:
http://www.sarktelgraf.com/haberdetay/8500-kadinlar-islerini-gelistirmek-istiyor.html
http://www.gunaydinmus.com/haberdetay/5743-mtso-kadin-girisimcilere-toplanti-duzenledi.html

Işbank-Mr. Ersin Özince is elected as the Chairman of the Board and Mr. Adnan Bali as the new CEO.-01.04.2011

At its meeting on 01.04.2011, the Board elected Mr. H. Ersin Özince as the Chairman of the Board and Mr. H. Fevzi Onat as the Deputy Chairman. The Board also accepted the request of Mr. H. Ersin Özince to leave his position as CEO, and appointed Deputy Chief Executive Mr. Adnan Bali, as the new CEO.

Akbank received “CRM Excellence – Integrated Marketing Award” for its customer relationship management system from international Gartner. -22.03.2011

Akbank became the first Turkish bank that received the award thanks to its new CRM system-ATOM which helps provide more efficient solutions to customer needs and expectations.

Işbank is the only Turkish brand among the first 500 most valuable brands in the list of Brand Finance. 21.03.2011

Işbank stands as the first Turkish brand to take place in the Brand Finance List, the London based international brand rating company.

IŞ’TE KOBI’ye 2011 Yilinin Ilk Uluslararasi Ödülü IMA’dan-15.03.2011

Işbank’s SME website has received the high performance award by Interactive Media Council, the international Interactive Media Awards 2011 in the category of B2B.

Işbank is chosen to be “Brand of the Year” by Mediacat. 08.03.2011

Işbak was chosen as the “Brand of the Year” among 44 brands by a survey conducted by Mediacat, the marketing journal through its readers.

General Agreement Signed with JBIC-04.03.2011

The ‘General Agreement’ amounting to JPY 22 billion at maximum (approximately USD 269 million) was signed in Istanbul on 04.03.2011 between Isbank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The related amount will be used to finance the medium and long-term ship imports of Turkish importers from Japanese exporters.

Işbank-Opening of Arbil Branch in the Republic of Iraq -01.03.2011

Isbank’s Arbil/Iraq branch began to operate.

Akbank received the “The Best Financial Institution in EMEA Region and the Best Credit” award-27.02.2011

Akbank received the “The Best Financial Institution in EMEA Region and the Best Credit” award from EMEA Finance by her successful foreign borrowings in Eurobond, securitization and syndication markets and Eur 1 billion syndication credit.

Akbank posted a net profit of 3.01 billion TL in 2010-25.02.2011

Akbank posted a net profit of 3.01 billion TL, showing a 10.6% of annual increase. The total loans grew above the sector average, with a 29.4% increase and reached 57.7 billion TL. Akbank’s support to SMEs was raised to 16.7 billion TL with a 31.2% increase. Akbank consolidated her Corporate and Commercial banking segments under the SME segment and provided low cost loans to SMEs by the loans she maintained from EIB and EBRD. NPL ratio which stood at 3.8% as of 2009 year-end, dropped to 2.2% as of 2010 year-end and Akbank has continued 100% provisioning policy. Total assets and total deposits of 2010 are 120 billion TL and 71.7 billion TL respectively.

Şekerbank’s unconsolidated balance sheet indicates a net profit of 170.2 million TL -16.02.2011

Şekerbank grew by 27 percent year-over-year, raising its asset size to 11.4 billion TL. The 2010 unconsolidated yearend balance sheet of the bank indicates net profit of TL 170.2 million with 11.6 percent year-over-year increase. Meriç Uluşahin, Şekerbank CEO stated that the bank has raised its total credit volume to TL 7.5 billion with an increase above the sector, and has also increased the share of credits in the total assets to 66 percent with a ratio that is 13-14 points above the sector. On the other hand, almost half of the total credits are composed of the credits made available for SMEs, small enterprises, and agricultural segment. The total deposit volume is TL 7.7 billion with 16 percent increase.

Işbank posted TL 3.2 billion net consolidated profit in 2010.-14.02.2011

Işbank, whose consolidated assets reached TL 151 billion, posted TL 3.2 billion net consolidated profit in 2010. Işbank strengthened its financial structure by raising its shareholders’ equity to TL 19 billion and maintained its market leadership among private banks with its deposits amounting to TL 88 billion. Also, total loans, which the Bank managed to increase by 31 percent when compared to the previous year, reached TL 69 billion. While the consolidated NPL ratio, which was 5.1 percent at the end of the previous year, retreated to 3.4 percent, Isbank continued to provide 100 percent coverage for the non-performing loans. Işbank’s number of branches, which was 1,093 at the end of last year, reached 1,142 as of the end of 2010.

Garanti Bank has posted a consolidated net profit of 3,410 million TL.-10.02.2011

Garanti Bank has posted a consolidated net profit of 3,410 million TL. Its consolidated asset size reached 136.78 billion TL and the return on assets Return on assets (ROA) ratio was 2.8 %. Garanti said its equity size soared by 22.2 percent to reach 16.7 billion TL and the return on equity ratio was 22.3 percent. The bank's total deposits increased to 79.07 billion TL, marking a 15 percent rise over a year earlier and its market share was 11.9 percent.

Işbank ranked 75th in the Top 500 Banking Brands List.-03.02.2011

London based Brand Finance Plc., in association with the Banker Magazine, launched its Top 500 Banking Brands List, where rankings were made in terms of both brand strength and brand value.

Training continues in 2011

January started with new trainings for Akbank, Isbank and Sekerbank.

Akbank: Utilization of EU and EIB funded SME Support Credit started – December 31, 2010

20% of the loan will be waived of interest and 80% will have interest rates below the market. The credit will have a maturity of 4 years and a grace period option. The loan amount will be minimum EUR 200,000 and maximum EUR 5 million.

Akbank won Financial World Innovation Award with “Instant Limit Increase” application – December 22, 2010

Akbank was honored with the award in the “Innovation in the delivery of financial products - Banking services”category of Financial World Innovation Awards with its “Instant Limit Increase at the Point of Sales” application. Akbank - ranked among the finalists in five categories - was among the institutions with the highest number of nominations.

“Instant Limit Increase at the Point of Sales”, one of the “real-time” solutions that Akbank Alternative Delivery Channels Department provides its credit card customers, allows the card holders facing credit card limit problems during shopping to increase their card limits immediately in order to easily complete their on-hold transactions.

“Financing Women-Owned Small Enterprises” Study has been published - December 20, 2010

In economics literature and the public opinion in general, women are clearly recognized as a driving force in the economy, whether measured by labour force participation, the number of businesses owned, the revenues generated, or the number of people employed. Although many countries initiated programmes supporting the female labour force participation and promoting female enterprise activities, women and especially women in business still face several challenges. Even so, the surrounding business environment appears to be not very encouraging for women. Partly, one of the basic human rights, gender equality and empowerment of women still need to be addressed (Millennium Development Goal 3), while an enabling environment for development; such as global partnerships and nondiscriminating trading and financial systems (MDG 8) still need to be improved.

“Financing Women-Owned Small Enterprises” study is prepared under the scope of the Small Enterprise Loan Programme (SELP) II with the objective to examine the case of female small enterprise owners in Turkey with particular focus on access to finance. One of the major findings is that there is scope for commercial banks in Turkey to extend their market by exploring micro and small enterprise financing with focus on women-owned businesses (product diversification). By „utilizing‟ this market segment, access to finance will be improved, which may simultaneously lead to small enterprise development and job creation.

The whole study is available under "Publications" page.

Garanti Bank secured EUR 250 million – December 20, 2010

Garanti Bank has secured EUR 250 million of financing with the transaction completed under its Diversified Payment Rights securitization program. The funding is granted directly by EIB in the amount of EUR 75 million with 12 years maturity, by EBRD in the amount of EUR 75 million with 12 years maturity, by West LB in the amount of EUR 100 million with 5 years maturity.

Garanti Bank won the Year's Corporate Social Responsibility Program award in recognition of its support for female entrepreneurs – December 10, 2010

Garanti Bank won the "Year's Corporate Responsibility Program" award as part of the
European Excellence Awards for its projects in support of female entrepreneurs. The awards
were handed out at a ceremony in Prague. Garanti Bank won the award from among 1,450 companies, including finalists Avon, TNT, Vodafone and GlaxoSmithKline.

Iş Bank signed EUR 50 Million Loan Agreement – December 9, 2010

The loan agreement amounting to EUR 50 million with a maturity of 12 years was signed between Iş Bank and Societe de Promotion et Participation pour la Coopération Economique S.A. (Proparco). The loan will be used for financing the renewable energy and energy efficiency projects of private sector firms in Turkey.

Garanti Bank received the "Bank of the Year" Award from The Banker – December 3, 2010

Garanti Bank won the Turkish Bank of the Year award which was given by the Financial
Times group's leading finance magazine, The Banker, based on the objective opinions of
expert bankers and analysts in the finance sector.

Fitch Ratings revised Iş Bank's outlook – December 2, 2010

Fitch Ratings changed the outlook on Iş Bank's "BBB-" long-term local and foreign currency IDR to "Positive" from "Stable".

Garanti Bank signed USD 1 billion dual tranche syndicated loan – November 30, 2010

Garanti Bank has signed a USD 1 billion 1 year syndicated loan, comprising two separate tranches in the amount of USD 316,400,000 and EUR 513,500,000. The loan which will be used for trade finance purposes has been executed with commitments received from 49 banks from 18 countries. The all-in cost has been realized as Libor+1.2% and Euribor+1.2% respectively.

Global Finance named Akbank “2011 - Turkey’s Best FX Bank”- November 18, 2010

Global Finance – the leading international finance magazine – released the results of its “Best Foreign Exchange Providers 2011” survey, conducted in 86 countries. Akbank was named as “Turkey’s Best FX Bank” for the seventh time following a rigorous selection and survey process by Global Finance editors with input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts.

Akbank announced 9-month net profit of TL 2.3 billion – November 12, 2010

Akbank announced 9-month net profit of TL 2.3 billion. Total financing Akbank has provided through foreign borrowings in the first 9 months of this year reached USD 4.1 Billion. TL loans reached TL 30.7 billion with an above the sector average increase of 27.7%. SME and corporate loans increased by 18% and reached TL 34.9 billion. TL deposits increased by 17.9% and reached TL 40.8 billion.

Garanti Bank reached consolidated total assets of TL 124.4 billion and consolidated net profit of TL 2 billion 665 million – November 12, 2010

Garanti Bank announced its consolidated financial statements dated September 30th, 2010. In the first nine months of 2010, the Bank posted a consolidated net profit of TL 2 billion 664 million 800 thousand. While Garanti Bank's consolidated total assets reached TL 124 billion 379 million, its contribution to economy through cash and non-cash lending totaled TL 80 billion 33 million 597 thousand. The Bank delivered an ROAE (Return on Average Equity) of 24% and ROAA (Return on Average Assets) of 3%.

Selected Consolidated Financial Indicators of Garanti Bank (September 30, 2010)
• Profit before Taxes and Provisions: TL 3,884.8 million
• Cash Loan: TL 64,412.5 million
• Profit before Taxes: TL 3,354.2 million
• Non-Cash Loans: TL 15,621.1 million
• Net Profit: TL 2,664.8 million
• Total Assets: TL 124,379.0 million
• Deposits: TL 75,677.7 million
• Shareholders’ Equity: TL 15,897.3 million

Iş Bank’s consolidated net profit for nine months is TL 2,440 million – November 12, 2010

While posting TL 2,440 million net profit for the first nine months of the year, with 21% increase when compared to the same period of the previous year, Iş Bank raised its total assets to TL 141,486 million. In this period Iş Bank increased its loan portfolio by 19% to TL 62,895 million, thus kept its leading position in terms of Turkish Lira lending.

33 percent profit rise by Şekerbank in third quarter – November 12, 2010

Şekerbank has disclosed its unconsolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2010. Increasing its asset size to TL 10.7 billion, Şekerbank grew by 25 percent year-on-year. The net profit of the bank for the first 9 months is TL 104 million, and it made TL 35 million net profit in Q3 year-on-year with 33 percent increase.

Selected Indicators of Şekerbank’s Unconsolidated Financial Results dated 30.09.2010:
• Net Profit: TL 152.5 million
• Net Interest Income: TL 715 million
• Shareholders’ Equity: TL 1.3 billion
• Capital Adequacy Ratio: 16.30%
• Total Assets: TL 9 billion
• Total Deposits: TL 6.6 billion
• Total Loans: TL 5.4 billion

Iş Bank signed an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) – November 11, 2010

Iş Bank signed a USD 50 million credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM). Within the framework of the credit agreement, it will be possible to provide medium and long term financing in relation to the import of investment goods from South Korea to Turkey, as well as to grant loans based on the sales agreements between Korean firms in Turkey and firms that do business with them and to secure working capital loans to Korean firms in Turkey.

Akbank Call Center received two awards – November 1, 2010

Akbank Call Center won awards in two different categories at “Istanbul Call Center Awards 2010” organized by IMI Conferences. In the competition, held for the fifth time this year where 22 call centers from different sectors were assessed in 11 categories, Akbank Call Center received awards in “The Best Call Center with More Than 200 Seats” and “The Best Customer Representative of the Year” categories.

Study Tour in Frankfurt! – October 11, 2010

As part of the services provided under SELP II, a study tour was organized for participating banks on September 28-30, 2010. The study tour was planned for the top performers at the exams of SME Loan Officer Certification Training and loan officers as well as members of the head office management team who have directly been involved in SELP II lending and training activities.

Participation from bank staff resident in the SELP II target regions was strongly encouraged. Based on the aforementioned selection criteria, the 27 winners of the 3-day study tour in Frankfurt were selected with the participation of Mr. Melih Çadirci (KfW Ankara, Project Implementation Unit) and the partner banks.

Three SELP team members and Mr. Melih Çadirci accompanied the study tour participants in Frankfurt.

Participants had the opportunity to become familiar with the activities of KfW in financing of German SMEs (KfW Mittelstandsbank) and in development finance (KfW Entwicklungsbank).

Other meetings included a visit to the German stock exchange and Deutsche Bank. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management – International Advisory Services held workshops on agricultural finance, energy efficiency and renewable energy finance, microfinance and corporate services.

Moody's revised Iş Bank's outlook – October 7, 2010

Moody's changed the outlook on Iş Bank's "Ba3" long-term foreign currency deposit rating to "Positive" from "Stable". Moody's stated no change in Iş Bank's other ratings and outlooks.

Garanti Bank signed a loan agreement with EBRD – October 1, 2010

Garanti Bank signed a loan agreement with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the amount of EUR 50 million which consists of 2 tranches for the financing of SMEs. First tranche in the amount of EUR 20 million with 5 years maturity has been financed by EBRD while the second tranche in the amount of EUR 30 million with 1 year maturity by Standard Chartered Bank.

Expectation Study has been published! – September 30, 2010

The study on “Economic Expectations of MSEs and their Relations with Commercial Banks” has been published. The study uses data derived from 1001 interviews conducted in April-May 2010 with randomly selected company representatives all over Turkey. The study gathers together the outcome of interviews with entrepreneurs along with the findings of a questionnaire comprising of questions related to the entrepreneurs’ expectations regarding the economic development of their company and the Turkish economy as a whole in the next three months. Other questions were designed to assess the relationship of the respondents with their banks.

For the purpose of this study the data of 769 companies out of that sample that match the SELP II criteria of employing less than 50 persons were used. These 769 datasets were split into two groups, those of companies being established in one of the 49 SELP II Regions (56) and those who are located elsewhere in Turkey (713).

Where appropriate, the findings are compared to the results of the SELP I Demand Study of 2005 and the SELP II Demand Study of 2008. All interviews in 2005, 2008 and 2010 were made by the same research company.

The purpose is to learn about the expectations of MSEs after the economic crisis and to analyze whether the MSEs in the SELP II regions have significantly different expectations regarding the developments in the economic environment within the next three months. A second group of questions relate to their opinion on the services provided by the banks in these regions.

The whole study can be downloaded under "Publications" page.

Garanti Bank signed a loan agreement with Development Bank of Turkey – September 30, 2010

Garanti Bank signed a loan agreement worth of USD 65 million with Development Bank of Turkey. The loan due from World Bank resources that will be on-lent to small and medium sized enterprise loan financing has 5 year legal maturity with 2 years grace period.

SELP II Loan Portfolio Development – September 30, 2010

SELP II programme continues to achieve encouraging results in 2010. As of June 2010, four partner banks disbursed 11,519 loans to small enterprises for a total amount of almost EUR 120 million and all loans were denominated in Turkish Lira. All partner banks have fully disbursed the amount allocated to them.

7,999 jobs were created and 44,603 jobs were secured in SELP II i.e. 67 jobs created per EUR 1 million of loans.

In addition to SELP loans, Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank have extended 472 loans amounting to approx. EUR 5.3 million from the EADP fund.

A Syndicated Loan of USD 1.2 billion for Iş Bank – September 20, 2010

Iş Bank signed an agreement in London, for a syndicated loan of approximately USD 1.2 billion, total of USD 325 million and equivalent of EUR 649 million.
The costs for the parts amounting to USD 280 million and EUR 534 million with a term of one year maturity are Libor + 1.30% and Euribor + 1.30%; while the costs for the parts amounting to USD 45 million and EUR 115 million with a term of two years are Libor + 1.75% and Euribor + 1.75%, respectively. The syndicated loan was raised by the participation of 53 banks from 20 countries.

Investment credit from Akbank with Treasury interest support – September 1, 2010

Concluding a protocol with the Undersecretariat of Treasury, Akbank provides credit to companies for financing R&D and environmental related activities with the Treasury interest support. Additionally, this credit will also be available in 57 provinces with development priority.

The collabration protocol signed between Akbank and the Undersecretariat of Treasury covers the investments in the Region III and IV provinces with development priority as well as the investments in R&D and environment. The companies could reduce the financing expenses when using the credit for such investments with the interest support by the Treasury. In respect to the investments in the Region III covering 27 provinces, the interest of the credit used by the companies will be covered out of the Undersecretariat of Treasury budget 3 percent for TL currency and 1 percent for foreign currency. As for the investments in the Region IV covering 30 provinces and the investments in R&D and environment irrespective of the region, it would be 5 percent of the interest for credits in TL currency and 2 percent for those in foreign currency.

The value of the interest support to credits amounts up to maximum TL 300.000 for R&D and environmental investments, and TL 500.000 for the investments in the Regions III and IV with development priority on project basis. The credit will be made available with a maturity of at least 1 year and no principal repayment for a period of minimum 6 months.

Syndication Loan for Akbank – August 17, 2010

Akbank has secured EUR 1 billion equivalent dual tenor dual currency term loan facility. Approximately EUR 780 million has a one year tenor at Libor / Euribor + 1.30% and EUR 220 million is a two year loan at Libor / Euribor + 1.75%.

A new securitization credit for Akbank – August 16, 2010

Akbank’s deal – executed under it’s securitization program which is backed by foreign export receivables, cheques/notes receivables and f/x transfers – totals USD 860 million of which USD 300 million is new funding and USD 560 million is refinancing of existing loans. With this deal, Akbank has secured the first Diversified Payment Rights (DPR) securitization funding in the EMEA region year since 2009.

The USD 300 million of new funding with an average maturity of 5.8 years was obtained from Standard Chartered, WestLB, Wells Fargo, European Investment Bank (EIB) ve International Finance Corporation (IFC).

With this transaction – the total long term maturity funding of Akbank, secured in 28 separate tranches under the securitization programme since 1999, has reached USD 4.7 billion.

TL 1,802 Million Net Profit From Iş Bank in the first half of the year – August 13, 2010

At the end of the first half of 2010, Iş Bank posted a net profit of TL 1,802 million with a year-on-year increase of 31%. Asset size of the Bank reached TL 124 billion at the end of the period.

Iş Bank’s total loan portfolio reached TL 57 billion, with an above sector growth rate of 18%, and became the market leader in loans with this successful performance. Iş Bank reinforced its leading position among private sector banks in deposits by outperforming the sector growth to achieve a deposit volume above TL 80 billion.

Iş Bank continued to contribute to the domestic economy by creating job opportunities within the framework of its investments aiming to widen its branch organization. The Bank’s number of branches reached 1,119 and the number of employees reached 23,665.

"Economic Expectations of MSEs and their Relations with Commercial Banks" study has been published - August 12, 2010

The study on "Economic Expectations of MSEs and their Relations with Commercial Banks" has been published. Please visit publications page for the details.

New Individual Loan Agreement signed with Sekerbank - August 2010

We are herewith very pleased to inform you that a new Individual Loan Agreement (ILA) in an amount of EUR 13 million was signed with Sekerbank within the framework of SELP II in August 2010.

Monitoring Visit to Trabzon and Rize by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey and German Development Bank KfW – August 11, 2010

Within the framework of the EU funded SELP II programme, Mr. Güray Vural, responsible for Macroeconomics and Financial Services Sector within the Delegation of the EU to Turkey, and Mr. Melih Çadirci, project manager at German Developement Bank KfW and programme coordinatior of SELP II, made a follow-up visit towards the implementation of the programme in Trabzon and Rize on August 9-10, 2010. Mr. Vural and Mr. Çadirci visited 12 SELP II clients and 9 branches of partner banks in two provinces and exchanged their views with partner banks and SELP II clients that benefitted from the programme. During the visit, Mr. Vural and Mr. Çadirci observed that the practices performed are in line with the programme objectives and the EU visibility requirements are met.

The main objective of the SELP II initiative is to provide small enterprises with continuous access to bank loans at market conditions. The programme aims to contribute to economic development and employment creation in Turkey, while supporting the expansion and deepening of the financial sector.

Akbank’s support to the Turkish economy tops TL 100 billion – August 9, 2010

Total Akbank loans/credits issued to the public sector, real sector and consumers has topped TL 100 billion in the first half of 2010. Akbank posted gross profit of TL 2,282 million in the first six months of 2010. Akbank reports net consolidated profit of TL 1,808 million in the first half after tax provisions. Akbank’s net consolidated profit for the first half of 2010 – which was TL 1,309 million for the same period last year – increased by 38%.

While SME loans by Akbank reached TL 14.4 billion in the first half of 2010, Akbank’s SME and corporate loans increased above the sector average by posting an 18.8% increase and reached TL 35 billion. Within the same period, general purpose loans also increased above the sector average by 26.2% and reached TL 5.2 billion.

Akbank’s NPL which stood at 3.8% as of the 2009 year-end, and decreased to 2.9% as of 1Q 2010, continues to improve. The NPL ratio of Akbank decreased to 2.5% and has stayed well below the sector average.

Akbank’s deposits increased above the sector average, by 15.7% and topped TL 70 billion. Akbank’s TL deposits increased by 24% and reached TL 43 billion in the same period.

Akbank voted as “Turkey’s Best Bank” for the sixth time – August 9, 2010

For the sixth year in a row Akbank has been named by Global Finance, one of the most reputable finance magazines in the world, as “Turkey’s Best Bank”. Akbank has been voted as “Turkey’s Best Bank” in the “Best Emerging Market Banks – Central and Eastern Europe” survey covering 22 countries, which was organized by Global Finance, based in New York.

The magazine assesses banks’ performance on a wide range of criteria such as asset growth, profitability, strategic relations, customer services, competitive pricing and innovative products.

Akbank was recognised as “Turkey’s Best Bank” by the magazine’s editors, following the evaluations of sector analyists, consultants and top corporate executives.

Global Finance has named Akbank as the Best Bank in Turkey, in the “Best Emerging Market Banks – Central and Eastern Europe” category from 2005 to 2009. The magazine, published in 158 countries also selected Akbank as “Turkey’s Best Foreign Trade Financing Bank” and “Best Bank in Turkey in Foreign Exchange Transactions” in 2009.

In the first half of 2010, Garanti Bank reached consolidated total assets of TL 118.8 billion and consolidated net profit of TL 2,054.7 million – August 4, 2010

Garanti Bank announced its consolidated financial statements dated June 30th, 2010. In the first half of 2010, the Bank posted a consolidated net profit of TL 2 billion 054 million 731 thousand. While Garanti Bank's consolidated total assets reached TL 118 billion 800 million 306 thousand, its contribution to economy through cash and non-cash lending totaled TL 76 billion 047 million 404 thousand. The Bank delivered an ROAE (Return on Average Equity) of 28.4% and ROAA (Return on Average Assets) of 3.5%.

From Garanti Bank's consolidated financial statements for the frst half of 2010:
• Consolidated net profit was TL 2,054.7 million.
• Total assets increased by 2.1% and reached TL 118.8 billion.
• As of June 30th, 2010, Return on Average Assets (ROAA) was 3.5%.
• Shareholders’ equity year-to-date increased by 9.9% and reached TL 15 billion.
• As of June 30th, 2010, Return on Average Equity (ROAE) was 28.4%.
• Contributions to real economy provided through cash and non-cash loans reached TL 76,047 million.
• Market share for TL loans was 11.1%, while market share for foreign currency loans rose to 20%.
• Total deposits increased by 5.8% compared to end of 2009, reaching TL 72.7 billion, while market share for deposits reached 12.4%.

Iş Bank supports “One SME for Each Village” project – July 29, 2010

Iş Bank provides financing support to SMEs within the framework of “One SME for Each Village” project launched in cooperation between Credit Guarantee Fund and European Investment Fund.

All tradesmen and artisans, self-employed people, agricultural enterprises and workers acting in natural and legal enterprises are classified as SMEs within the scope of the project. While determining whether an operation is an SME, criteria such as the number of employees of an operation and its turnover are considered. The current legislation defines an SME as a micro, small or medium enterprise “that has a maximum of 250 employees and whose net annual sales income or financial balance sheet does not exceed 25 million liras.”

SMEs operating in rural areas will be given priority in the project, with 30 percent of total surety volume reserved for SMEs located in rural areas with a population of over 1,000. The rest of the funds can be used to provide collateral for SMEs located anywhere in the country, be that a rural or urban area. A SME is eligible to obtain credit guarantees of up to 1.25 million Turkish Liras in the framework of “One SME for Each Village” project. The guarantee rate provided by KGF and EIF for the project was fixed to 80 percent.

Investments and entrepreneurship will be encouraged in rural Turkey as part of a project aiming to guarantee collateral for small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, so they can obtain bank loans and expand their businesses.

GE Garanti Bank, awarded "The Best Consumer Internet Bank in Romania" by Global Finance for the second time in a row – July 29, 2010

GE Garanti Bank was awarded "The Best Consumer Internet Bank in Romania in 2010", within the annual award ceremony organized by the renowned magazine Global Finance. The distinction was granted based on a complex analysis carried out by the editorial team of Global Finance magazine and was based on multiple criteria: web-design and complexity of functionalities offered, growth of online customers, usage degree, as well as the strength of the strategies for attracting new online customers.

Upcoming: Job Creation Study – July 20, 2010

One of the wider objectives of SELP II is employment creation and contribution to economic development in Turkey. The number of new clients and increased number of loans and a higher share of SE lending from the partner banks are the main criteria to achieve this goal. Employment creation is reflected by the number of jobs created and secured.
Therefore a job creation study will be conducted based on the SELP II loan portfolio to identify key factors of employment creation. While visiting borrowers, SELP team asks specific questions about the job creation effect of the loan.
The clear result of a similar study carried out during the SELP I project was that smaller loans are more effective than bigger loans when it comes to job creation.

Garanti Bank is "Turkey's Best Bank" for the 10th time – July 15, 2010

One of the world's leading financial magazines, Euromoney has picked Garanti Bank as "Best Bank in Turkey" for the 10th time as the result of an objective evaluation process carried out by banking experts and analysts. Garanti Bank has been selected as the Turkish company most deserving of this award which is anticipated with interest in world financial circles annually.

Garanti Bank was also picked "Best Managed Bank in Central and Eastern Europe" for the
second time in a row by the same magazine last May.

One of the world's leading monthly economy magazines, Euromoney features news,
articles, and opinion pieces on global banking, finance and stock markets. Their annual
awards are given out to financial institutions and banks that show the best performance
in terms of offering products in the private banking sector. The winners are determined
by taking into consideration the views and opinions of leading economy publications,
expert bankers, and independent analysts.

Achievements in the First Half of the Year 2010: Training Programmes – July 15, 2010

As a part of the Technical Assistance component of the SELP II, the “Loan Officer Certification Trainings” are being conducted for Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank staff. As of end June 2010, 356 loan officers participated in the Loan Officer Certification Training.
The feedbacks from the participants of the certification trainings continued to be overwhelmingly positive with a satisfaction level of over 97% on average.
Even more important, 96% of the participants attending the certification trainings passed the final exam successfully and became “Expert in Small Enterprise Lending”, certified by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
In order to ensure sustainability, SELP team also offers assistance to the partner banks to train internal trainers who can then multiply the training activity in the future. With the support of Frankfurt School experts, the four Garanti Bank internal trainers have already conducted 16 certification courses on their own for a total of about 230 Garanti Bank participants. The effort to train trainers for Şekerbank also began with an intensive programme.
“First Step in SE Lending Training” continued for Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank staff. During the first half of 2010, 7 training programmes were delivered successfully with the participation of 139 bank staff. 99.3% of the participants rated the programme as “excellent” or “good”, proving the high quality and relevance of the programme.
Through various training programmes for the purpose of capacity building in partner banks, a total of 544 bankers were trained in the frame of SELP II as of June 2010. The training programmes will continue in second half of the year.

Achievements in the First Half of the Year 2010: Regional Visits – July 15, 2010

SELP team organized visits to all 49 SELP II regions. As of June 2010, SELP team visited 236 SELP II clients and 126 branches of SELP II partner banks.
With the addition of Van regional project office, the total number of SELP II project offices reached to three: Ankara (SELP II project office), Istanbul (Frankfurt School office) and Van (regional project office).
Apart from coordination of regional activities, regional project offices serve to the goal of establishing cooperation with other projects or initiatives in the region. For that purpose, the SELP team has initiated a close cooperation with a GAP project to open a regional office in Şanliurfa.

Achievements in the First Half of the Year 2010: SME Seminars – July 15, 2010

The SELP team, in cooperation with ABIGEM (European Turkish Business Centers Network) and Chambers of Commerce, organized several seminars for SMEs, the common target group. These seminars aim to inform entrepreneurs about the role of banks in the economy and the loan evaluation system of banks. The purpose is to support them to improve the quality of their loan applications and therewith increase the probability to obtain a loan suiting their needs.
In these seminars, SELP Banking Advisor Ülkü Dagdelen talked about “How banks operate and how they evaluate loan applications” by sharing his experience with true SME projects and lending stories from his experience as a branch manager.
As of end June 2010, 300 entrepreneurs attended the seminars in Çorum, Trabzon, Erzurum, Karaman, Nigde, Şirnak, Silopi, Uşak and Van and expressed their high satisfaction confirming the attractive content and benefit of the seminars. The seminars also received huge interest from local media.

Achievements in the First Half of the Year 2010: Loan Portfolio Development – July 15, 2010

SELP II programme continues to achieve encouraging results in 2010. As of March 2010, four partner banks disbursed 7,850 loans to small enterprises for a total amount of EUR 87.1 million and all loans were denominated in Turkish Lira. All partner banks have fully disbursed the amount allocated to them.
6,998 jobs were created and 34,311 jobs were secured in SELP II i.e. 80.3 jobs created per EUR 1 million of loans.
In addition to SELP loans, Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank have extended 319 loans amounting to approx. EUR 4 million from the EADP fund.

Iş Bank is the biggest Turkish Bank in the Banker’s list – July 5, 2010

Iş Bank ranked 103rd, leaving behind many European and Turkish Banks in the “Top 1000 World Banks” survey of The Banker magazine, which is one of the most prestigious finance publications in the world. The magazine has ranked the world banks according to their Tier I capitals as at the end of 2009. In this survey Iş Bank’s BRSA based consolidated financial statements as of 2009 year-end were taken as a basis. Iş Bank, which is placed in upper ranks of the list with its Tier I capital of USD 10.1 billion, ranked first among other 15 Turkish banks in the list, this year as well.

Award to Garanti Bank’s Women Entrepreneurship Program – July 1, 2010

Garanti Bank’s Women Entrepreneurship Program has been awarded as the “Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the year in Europe” in the 2010 International Business Awards by the Stevie Business Awards. The Stevie Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working people worldwide. The International Business Awards are overseen by a Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors that features prominent and accomplished professionals from around the world.

The Euromoney Turkey Finance and Investment Forum took place in Istanbul – June 29, 2010

The Euromoney Turkey Finance and Investment Forum, sponsored by Akbank, was held in Istanbul on Wednesday, June 16. Suzan Sabanci Dinçer, Akbank’s Chairman and Mark Johnson, Euromoney Editor gave the keynote address at the forum which brought together some of the world’s finance leaders, investors and top corporate executives.

The conference’s first session addressed the growing importance of the Turkish economy in terms of the economic stability of the region. Turkey’s relations with the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with current economic issues were also discussed during the session.

Developments in the Turkish banking sector were evaluated during the second panel called “banking”. A workshop entitled “Turkey’s Portfolio Management Sector" was also organized at the forum.

Garanti Bank has withdrawn a second loan tranche based on credit agreement with EIB – June 28, 2010

Garanti Bank has withdrawn a second loan tranche worth of USD 60,050,000; the USD equivalent of EUR 50,000,000, within the EUR 150,000,000 framework agreement signed with the European Investment Bank on November 25, 2009. The loan will be used for the financing of the investment and working capital needs of SMEs located in Turkey.

Iş Bank signed EUR 20 million loan agreement with EBRD – June 18, 2010

Iş Bank signed an agreement with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to secure EUR 20 million loan with a maturity of five years. The loan will be used for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) financing.

Two awards to IŞ’TE KOBI – June 10, 2010

“istekobi.com.tr”, specifically designed for commercial sector by Iş Bank, has been granted “Award of Excellence” and “Award of Distinction” by International Academy of the Visual Arts. In the 16th Annual Communicator Awards, “Award of Excellence”, the highest honor within consulting category, and “Award of Distinction” within financial services category were granted to Iş Bank’s IŞ’TE KOBI website among 7,000 candidates.

IŞ’TE KOBI previously received “Outstanding Achievement” award in B2B category in Interactive Media Awards 2010.

The first environment loan from European Union Agencies goes to Şekerbank – June 9, 2010

Şekerbank shall finance 2,500 projects aimed at saving energy owing to a resource composed of a EUR 25 million loan with a 7-year term made available for EKOkredi product .

Southeast Europe Energy Efficiency Fund/Green for Growth Fund selected Şekerbank as the first bank in the entire Southeast Europe region to which a loan shall be disbursed as a result of bank’s works aimed at raising awareness and financing in energy efficiency area within framework of its product called EKOkredi.

Owing to products included in EKOkredi portfolio, Şekerbank aims to reduce energy costs and energy consumption as well as CO2 emission of individuals, home owners, small-large size enterprises.

Şekerbank shall utilize such loan amounting to EUR 25 million in financing 2,500 projects that have energy saving goals such as insulation of buildings, improvement of heating and lighting systems, conversion into natural gas, and use of renewable energy at small scale and will ensure reduction in CO2 emission.

Green for Growth Fund whose investors include major EU institutions such as KfW Entwicklungsbank (German Development Bank) and European Investment Bank (EIB) was established to support energy efficiency investments in Southeast Europe countries. The loan that was made available to Şekerbank is the first loan disbursed since Green for Growth Fund was established in December 2009.

Fund will support investments amounting to EUR 400 million until 2014 in the target area of operations including Turkey for the financial institutions and renewable energy projects in Southeast Europe.

IFC signed agreement to buy up to 5% of Şekerbank shares – June 8, 2010

IFC (International Finance Corporation) a member of the World Bank Group signed a call option agreement with Şekerbank to buy up to 5% of the Bank’s shares, owned by Şekerbank Personnel Social Security Foundation, the Bank’s pension fund.

To support Şekerbank’s expertise in micro&SME businesses and in agricultural lending, IFC provided two medium term loan facilities to the Bank in the past. Cooperation between the two institutions will continue increasingly to support more entrepreneurs and farmers to further expand production in Turkey.

Award to garantimortgage.com from International Academy of the Visual Arts – June 6, 2010

In the 16th Annual Communicator Awards organized by International Academy of the Visual Arts, Garanti Mortgage’s website, garantimortage.com, has been granted “Award of Distinction” within financial services category.

Iş Bank is opening branches in the Republic of Iraq – May 27, 2010

Iş Bank started to take the necessary initiatives for opening branches in the cities of Baghdad and Erbil in the Republic of Iraq.

Iş Bank raised USD 900 million syndication loan – May 25, 2010

Iş Bank signed an agreement for a syndicated loan with dual tranche for USD 193.5 million and EUR 565.2 million. The syndicated loan, which was raised by participation of 48 banks from 21 countries, will be used for financing international trade. The cost of the part that belongs to the banks with highest shares has been realized as Libor +1.5% and Euribor +1.5%, respectively. The one-year syndicated loan has one-year extension option.

Akbank and EBRD signed a “Sustainable Energy Financing Facility” agreement – May 20, 2010

Akbank signed a loan agreement worth USD 60 million with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), within the context of “Sustainable Energy Financing Facility (TurSEFF)” – a joint program between the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) of the World Bank and the EBRD.

The proceeds of the loan will be used to finance energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy investments implemented by Turkish businesses and households, helping them cut their carbon footprint by reducing energy wastage.

Garanti Bank signed a credit agreement with EBRD – May 17, 2010

Garanti Bank signed a credit agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for a loan in the amount of USD 60 million which consists of two tranches. The loan, which is funded directly by EBRD with the 5-year tranche of USD 48 million and by the Clean Technology Fund which is established by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) in consultation with other international financial institutions, developed and developing countries and development partners, with the 15-year tranche of USD 12 million, will be utilized for the financing of the energy efficiency needs of the small sized enterprises.

Akbank’s 2010 first quarter consolidated net profit exceeds TL 1 billion – May 17, 2010

Akbank’s total loans exceed TL 47 billion with a 6.2% increase in its total loans during the first quarter of the year.

Akbank posts gross profit of TL 1.280 billion in the first quarter of 2010. Akbank reports net, consolidated profit of TL 1.003 billion after tax provision of TL 277 million for the same period. Akbank’s net consolidated profit for the first 3 months of 2010 – which was TL 569 million for the same period last year – increased by 76%.

Akbank’s SME loans reached TL 6.4 billion by growing 6.2%. Akbank’s total SME and corporate loans combined increased above the sector and reached TL 31.7 billion with a 7.2% growth.

The loans provided via credit cards by Akbank reached approximately to TL 6 billion. Akbank individual credit cards market share reached 16% with an increase of 1.8% compared to the same period last year.
Akbank’s NPL ratio decreased to 2.9% at the end of the first quarter in 2010 from 3.8% as of 2009 year-end. Akbank’s NPL ratio has also continued to stay well below the sector average of 4.9%.

Akbank’s total deposits increased above the sector average, by 5.3% and topped TL 64 billion. TL deposits of the bank increased approximately twice the sector average by 10.5%.

In the first quarter of 2010, Garanti Bank reached consolidated net profit of TL 1,088 million – May 15, 2010

In the first quarter of 2010, Garanti Bank posted a consolidated net profit of TL 1 billion 88 million 292 thousand. Garanti Bank continued to contribute to Turkish economy extending a total of TL 73 billion 239 million 717 thousand in cash and non-cash loans while its consolidated total assets reached TL 116 billion 10 million 981 thousand. The Bank delivered an ROAE (Return on Average Equity) of 31% and ROAA (Return on Average Assets) of 3.8%.

Selected Consolidated Financial Indicators of Garanti Bank (as of March 31, 2010):
Profit before taxes and provisions: TL 1,579 million
Cash loans: TL 57,979 million
Profit before taxes: TL 1,376 million
Non-Cash loans: TL 15,261 million
Net profit: TL 1,088 million
Total assets: TL 116,011 million
Deposits: TL 71,460 million
Shareholders' equity: TL 14,999 million

TL 955 million net consolidated profit from Iş Bank in the first quarter of the year – May 13, 2010

Iş Bank made TL 955 million net profit in the first quarter of the year on a consolidated basis with a 47% increase compared to the same period of the previous year and its consolidated total assets reached TL 134 billion.

Iş Bank increased its loan portfolio in the first quarter of the year by 4% on a consolidated basis, compared to the end of the prior year. In this period, the Bank increased its housing loan portfolio by 7% and had a remarkable progress in this area. As at the end of March, the Bank’s total loan portfolio reached TL 54 billion 791 million on a consolidated basis.

Iş Bank continued its leadership in deposits among private banks. The Bank outperformed the growth in the banking sector and raised its total deposits to TL 75 billion 363 million on a consolidated basis, with a 5% increase compared to the year-end.

The Bank’s number of branches, which was 1,093 at the end of the year, reached 1,099 and the number of its employees, which was 22,473, reached 23,040. Based on these results, Iş Bank also maintained its leadership among the private sector banks, in terms of number of branches and number of employees.

European Award to Şekerbank’s internet security – May 12, 2010

During the European Digital Identity Management Awards event organized in the scope of European Information Security Conference, Şekerbank won the “Best Project” award as the bank maintaining highest customer security.

European Information Security Conference, one of the major organizations worldwide in the field of security, and European Digital Identity Management Awards event organized in that scope were held between May 4 and 7 in Munich by Kuppinger Cole, a leading identity and information security company of Europe.

Şekerbank was found worthy of an award in the field of identity and information security management between internet customers project with its highly secure internet infrastructure using OARM Internet Fraud Detection Module. European Digital Identity Management awards are given to outstanding projects, innovations and advancements in the field.

Garanti Bank signed EUR 700 million dual tranche syndicated loan agreement – May 5, 2010

Garanti Bank has signed a EUR 700 million one year syndicated loan, comprising of two separate tranches in the amount of USD 116,936,000 and EUR 617,075,000. The loan which will be used for trade finance purposes has been executed with commitments received from 41 banks from 17 countries. The all-in cost has been realized as Libor+1.5% and Euribor+1.5% respectively.

“First Step in SE Lending Training” continues - April 30, 2010

As a part of the Technical Assistance component of the Small Enterprises Lending Programme II (SELP II), the “First Step in SE Lending Trainings” are being conducted for SELP II partner banks’ staff. As of April 2010, 94 persons participated in the “First Step in SE Lending Training” . New training programmes will be organized for Akbank, Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank employees in Anatolia Regions.

Akbank has signed a syndicated loan agreement with a total amount of 1.2 billion - March 25, 2010

Akbank has once again repeated its successful performance in securing syndication loans and signed a syndication loan deal with a total amount of USD 1.2 billion, marking the highest loan received by a private bank in the world in 2010. With the addition of this loan, the total sum of resources raised by Akbank through syndication loans in the seven month period since August 2009, has reached USD 2.5 billion. The syndication loan, which includes the participation of 55 banks from 21 countries and consists of 2 tranches of Euro 584.5 million and USD 437.5 million, was secured with the total cost of Euribor + 150 bps and Libor +150 bps, respectively. Through this syndication loan, which attracted the highest number of participating banks in the EMEA region, Akbank has achieved significant success by realizing a roll-over rate of over 200 percent.

The SELP II Team Developed a Client Assessment Programme for Farmers - March 24, 2010

The SELP II team developed a client assessment programme ("CAP") for farmers active in animal production with a key focus on the Regions of Van and Erzurum. The program is a unique risk assessment tool for credits to agricultural small enterprises.

"CAP" was specifically designed for Işbank to efficiently assess the credit risk of potential farmer clients. The assessment can be carried out by loan officers with a minimum of knowledge about farming and provides the bank with a standardized assessment procedure.

The SELP II team provided initial training on the use of CAP to branch lending officers on March 24,2010 in Erzurum.

EU Finance day for SMEs - March 17, 2010

EU Finance Day for SMEs is a series of events in the Member States that the European Commission is organising to inform about the EU financial instruments for SMEs together with the national financial intermediaries that implement these instruments locally. The aim is to raise awareness about different sources of finance and provide a forum for sharing good practices in helping innovative SMEs get easier access to finance.

The EU Finance day in Ankara is on March 17, 2010 and more information can be found on the website http://www.sme-finance-day.eu/index.php?id=89

Garanti Bank & Ekonomist magazine organize “Turkey's Woman Entrepreneur Competition” for the 4th time - March 15, 2010

"Turkey's Woman Entrepreneur Competition" which is organized by Garanti Bank and Ekonomist magazine with contributions from the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGIDER), is being held for the 4th time in 2010. The aim of to competition is to uncover the business and social entrepreneurship spirit of women in Turkey, and help their numbers reach to levels that exist in developed countries. Since 2007, Garanti Bank has been rewarding women entrepreneurs who do business with ''social awareness'' within the scope of the "Turkey's Woman Entrepreneur Competition". In 2010, number of total applicants of the competition exceeded 3,000.

Workshops in the frame of the SELP II- ABIGEM cooperation continue – March 4, 2010

The EU funded SELP II and ABIGEM (European Turkish Business Centers Network) projects organize workshops for SMEs, the common target group.

Workshops were organized to inform businesses about the role of Banks in the economy, the loan evaluation system of Banks, enable entrepreneurs to prepare better loan applications and increase the probability to obtain a loan suiting their needs.

At total 140 people have attended the workshops in Çorum, Trabzon and Erzurum until now and expressed their high satisfaction. Further regional workshops are planned in SELP II project regions, primarily Mardin, Şirnak, Nigde and Karaman in the next months.

Standard & Poor’s upgraded Iş Bank’s ratings – February 23, 2010

International credit rating agency, Standard & Poor’s, raised the long-term counter party credit rating of Iş Bank to “BB” from “BB-“ and the outlook from “stable” to “positive”. At the same time, Iş Bank’s long-term certificate of deposits has been raised from “BB-“ to “BB” and the long-term Turkey national scale rating is upgraded from “trA+” to “trAA”. The agency affirmed Iş Bank’s both short-term counter party credit rating and short-term certificate of deposits as “B” and the short-term Turkey national scale rating as “trA-1”.

Şekerbank records a net profit of TL 152.5 million in 2009 – March 8, 2010

Şekerbank recorded a net profit of TL 152.5 million, 6% up over a year ago, according to its unconsolidated 2009 year-end balance-sheet. In the same period, the bank increased its total assets by 11%, achieving TL 9 billion.

Şekerbank experienced the most striking growth in shareholders’ equity in its 2009 year-end balance sheet. While the shareholders’ equity of the bank was realized at TL 1.3 billion, 28% up compared with 2008, the net interest income increased by 14%.

Selected indicators of Şekerbank’s unconsolidated financial results dated 31.12.2009:

Net Profit: TL 152.5 million
Net Interest Income: TL 715 million
Shareholders’ Equity: TL 1.3 billion
Capital Adequacy Ratio: 16.30%
Total Assets: TL 9 billion
Total Deposits: TL 6.6 billion
Total Loans: TL 5.4 billion

Capital increase process of Iş Bank is completed – February 23, 2010

The process of increasing the paid in capital of Iş Bank from TL 3,079,638,671 to TL 4,500,000,000 has been completed and the paid in capital of Iş Bank has been registered at the Trade Registry as TL 4,500,000,000.

Total number of the Loan Officer Certification Training participants reached 315 – February 16, 2010

As a part of the Technical Assistance component of the Small Enterprises Lending Programme II (SELP II), the “Loan Officer Certification Trainings” are being conducted for Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank staff. As of February 2010, 315 loan officers participated in the Loan Officer Certification Training.

The Loan Officer Certification Training continues for the three partner banks. The programme is designed for bank customer relationship managers and loan officers who are responsible for selling bank products to small enterprises, developing relationships with them, gathering information about small enterprise loan applicants and evaluating the credit worthiness of small enterprises. The purpose is to provide the knowledge and analytical skills needed for cash flow based lending to small enterprises.

At the end of the training, the participants selected by the on-lending banks are entitled to become “Certified Experts in Small Enterprise Lending” at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management after passing the exam.

In order to ensure sustainability, SELP team also offers assistance to the partner banks to train internal trainers who can then multiply the training activity in the future. This "train the trainers" programme was successfully started at Garanti Bank with the participation of 4 experienced internal trainers. Şekerbank and Iş Bank will follow soon.

Iş Bank received the “Best Turkish Loan” award – February 16, 2010

Iş Bank, in relation to the syndicated loan taken in 2009, received the “Best Turkish Loan” award from the "Syndicated Loans and Leveraged Finance" awards organized by EuroWeek to choose the best banks, investors, borrowers and transactions.

EuroWeek, a global capital markets magazine in London, chose Iş Bank’s syndicated loan amounting to almost USD 780 million as the “Best Turkish Loan”. The agreement for the dual tranche loan, in USD and in EUR, with one year maturity, was signed on September 14th, 2009.

The price level for the syndicated loans that are taken by the Turkish banks from the international markets in 2009 started to decrease for the first time following this loan received by Iş Bank.

Regional trainings continue – February 16, 2010

Regional trainings on “First Step in Small Enterprises Lending” continue for Şekerbank. 57 Şekerbank employees at total have attended training programmes organized in Ankara, Bursa and Samsun. The programme that is designed for employees of credit operations department aims to enable participants, by improving participants’ vision on small enterprises, understand small enterprises’ cash flow based financing needs and provide information on main analysis methods used in small enterprises lending.
First Step in Small Enterprises Lending training programme will be conducted in Konya, Gaziantep and Erzurum in the upcoming period.

Iş Bank announced 2009 year-end results – February 15, 2010

Iş Bank made TL 2,752 million net profit on a consolidated basis in the year 2009 with a 51% increase compared to 2008 and its total assets on a consolidated basis reached TL 128,916 million. Iş Bank, which kept its leading position in TL loan portfolio despite the crisis conditions, raised its TL loan portfolio by 5% on a consolidated basis and managed to increase its total loans by 2%. The bank’s total loan portfolio as the end of 2009 reached TL 52,760 million on a consolidated basis.

Iş Bank raised its shareholders’ equity to TL 15.3 billion on a consolidated basis, at the end of 2009 and became the largest bank in the banking sector with regards to shareholders’ equity. Furthermore, net interest income and consolidated operating income increased by 25% and 22% respectively within the same year.

Akbank was voted as “Overall Best Private Bank of Turkey” for the third time in a row – February 15, 2010

For the third time in a row, Akbank Private Banking was voted “Overall Best Private Bank of Turkey” by Euromoney’s annual private banking survey (UK’s international finance magazine). Akbank Private Banking was honored with this prestigious award thanks to the bank’s assets under management, its profitability, number of branches, wide array of products and services catered to the investment needs of its clients. Turkey has been included in this survey for the past five years.

Garanti Bank’s results for the first half of 2009 have been announced- February 11, 2009

As of year end of 2009 figures, Garanti Bank’s consolidated net profit reached TL 3,100 million; consolidated total assets reached TL 116 billion. The total volume of cash and non cash loans of the Bank was annnounced as TL 68.6 billion.

Akbank targets 20% growth in 2010 – February 11, 2010

Akbank’s consolidated asset size reached TL 102.8 billion by an increase of 10.5% in 2009. As of end 2009, Akbank’s support to the Turkish economy through loans stood at TL 44.6 billion. Akbank’s net profit reached TL 2,723 million in 2009, and its return on equity (ROE) is 21.5% for the same period.

Akbank’s total deposits reached TL 61 billion as of the end of 2009. Akbank’s non-performing loans remained below the industry average at 3.8%.

Akbank CEO, Ziya Akkurt stated that they aim to grow over the sector with a 20% growth in TL loans in 2010. Akbank calls 2010 the ‘Year of Customer Satisfaction’ and the bank formalized this assertive target with its plans of opening 50 new branches and making TL 350 million of investment during the year, said Mr. Akkurt.

Garanti Bank has been selected as the “Best Local Bank in Turkey’s Private Banking Industry” – February 8, 2010

One of the world’s leading authorities in banking and capital markets, Euromoney selected Garanti Bank as the “Best Local Bank in Turkey’s Private Banking Industry”. Garanti Bank won the same award for the second year in a row.

ISS upgraded Şekerbank’s rating – February 8, 2010

Within the framework of Şekerbank’s efforts of compatibility with corporate governance criteria, ISS Corporate Services has upgraded Şekerbank’s rating to 86.64. Şekerbank’s rating was 81.36 last year.

Iş Bank ranked 91st in the Global 500 Banking Brands Index – February 2, 2010

Brand Finance Plc., in association with the Banker Magazine, launched the fourth edition of the Global 500 Banking Brands Index, where rankings were made in terms of both brand strength and brand value.

Iş Bank ranked 91st with its USD 1,662 billion brand value and AA- brand note and also it is the only Turkish bank among the top 100 banks in the aforementioned list. According to “Global 500 Banking Brands Index”, brand value of Iş Bank has also increased. While Iş Bank has a brand value of USD 1,208 billion in 2008, this figure increased to USD 1.662 billion.

Iş Bank opens a foreign representative office in Syria – January 29, 2010

Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency granted Iş Bank the necessary authorization to open a representative office in Damascus, Arab Republic of Syria.

EUR 100 million securitization facility to Şekerbank – January 14, 2010

Şekerbank launched Turkey’s first loan portfolio-backed international securitization programme. Şekerbank mandated UniCredit Bank AG, London Branch for an SME receivables-backed securitization programme to create long term funding. The transaction is significant as it is the first loan portfolio-backed securitization programme in Turkey. This is innovative in the sense that the programme is asset-backed instead of being receivables-backed.

The securitization programme is targeting a 5-year maturity funding with an initial amount of EUR 100 million and the deal is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2010. Funding raised through this securitization programme will be used to finance SME business.

Moody’s upgraded Iş Bank’s ratings – January 8, 2010

International credit rating agency, Moody's, upgraded the long-term foreign currency deposit rating of Iş Bank to “Ba3” from “B1”. At the same time, Iş Bank’s long and short term local currency deposit ratings were affirmed as “Baa2” and “P-2”, respectively. All ratings mentioned have a stable outlook.

Garanti Bank secured USD 147 million loan from European Investment Bank - December 21, 2009

Garanti Bank has been granted a loan by European Investment Bank, for the financing of SME loans, in the amount of USD 147,680,000 equivalent of EUR 100 million with a maturity of 12 years.

Garanti Bank signed a loan agreement with OPIC – December 17, 2009

Garanti Bank signed 10-year, USD 100 million loan agreement with Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to be used by small- and medium-sized companies.

Fitch Ratings raised Akbank’s credit ratings – December 17, 2009

International rating agency Fitch raised Akbank’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (LTFC IDR) from “BB” to international investment grade of “BBB-“ following the upgrade in Turkey’s sovereign rating. Fitch also affirmed Akbank’s long-term local currency issuer default rating (LTLC IDR) at “BBB-“ - one notch above Turkey’s corresponding sovereign rating.

Fitch, commenting on the credit revisions, underlined that the credit rating upgrades reflect Akbank’s robust financial strength as verified by individual rating of “C”, assigned by Fitch.

Akbank secures EUR 150 million new loan from European Investment Bank (EIB) – December 11, 2009

Akbank has signed a new loan agreement with European Investment Bank (EIB) with a sum of EUR 150 million. EUR 150 million loan with a maturity of seven years secured under the agreement signed between Akbank and EIB will be used in the financing of SMEs. The loan provided under the pre-accession support facility agreed and created by the Member States and the European Commission to support the applicant countries was granted to Akbank to support Turkish real sector in the accession period of Turkey.

Fitch Ratings upgraded Iş Bank's ratings – December 11, 2009

The international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings upgraded/affirmed Iş Bank’s ratings as follows:

Long-term (LT) foreign currency IDR upgraded to 'BBB-' from 'BB'; assigned Stable Outlook
LT local currency IDR affirmed at 'BBB-'; assigned Stable Outlook
Short-term (ST) foreign currency IDR upgraded to 'F3' from 'B'
ST local currency IDR affirmed at 'F3'
National LT rating affirmed at 'AAA(tur)'; Stable Outlook
Individual rating affirmed at 'C'
Support rating upgraded to '3' from '4';
Support Rating Floor revised to 'BB' from 'B+'

Fitch Ratings stated that Iş Bank’s Long-term IDRs are driven by its intrinsic financial strength which is reflected in its Individual rating of 'C'. In the disclosure of the rating agency, it is announced that Iş Bank’s Long-Term Local Currency IDR is rated one notch above the sovereign’s Long-Term Local Currency IDR and Long-Term Foreign Currency IDR is rated at the Country Ceiling level and is not constrained.

Iş Bank is opening a foreign representative office in Egypt – December 10, 2009

The Central Bank of Egypt granted Iş Bank the necessary preliminary authorization to open a representative office in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt.

Garanti Bank has been voted “The Best Turkish Bank in Cash Management” – December 9, 2009

Garanti Bank has been voted the best Turkish bank in cash management in Euromoney's 2009 cash management poll. Euromoney magazine is one of the leading business and finance publications in the world and its poll is conducted globally, regionally and domestically by the inclusion of many companies from different sectors.

Iş Bank support to Turkish-Japanese commercial relations – December 3, 2009

The ‘General Agreement’ amounting to JPY 10 billion at maximum (approximately USD 115 million) was signed between Iş Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), which is the international division of Japan Finance Corporation (JFC) and which was founded to support Japan’s export activities. The related amount will be used to finance the medium and long-term ship imports of Turkish importers from Japanese exporters.

According to the ‘General Agreement’, Iş Bank will be enabled to extend loans for a maximum maturity of 12 years and up to 80% of the amount of the contract which is signed in JPY between Turkish companies and Japanese exporters.

IFC loan to Şekerbank supports lending to small agricultural businesses in Turkey – December 1, 2009

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a EUR 30 million senior loan to Şekerbank to support the bank’s lending to micro, small and medium agriculture and agro-processing businesses in Turkey, helping extend new financing to this strategically important sector.

The five-year loan will increase access to finance by providing long term financing to farmers and agribusiness companies that produce and process agricultural products. The focus will be on farmers and small businesses in Central and Eastern Turkey. The project is expected to boost Şekerbank’s agribusiness portfolio to USD 470 million from USD 370 million by 2014. Şekerbank also expects to increase its loan reach to more than 70,000 farmers from about 53,000 today, while raising the number of micro, small and medium enterprises it supports to 235 from 184.

The new investment is the second partnership between IFC and Şekerbank. The bank had received a EUR 36 million senior IFC loan in 2007 for on-lending to small and medium enterprises. IFC is the only international financial institution focused exclusively on the private sector, the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets. Along with IBRD, it is currently seeking a capital increase to strengthen its ability to create opportunity for the poor in developing countries—including by helping increase finance for small agricultural businesses and farmers such as through the loan to Şekerbank in Turkey.

Global Finance names Akbank “2010 - Turkey’s Best FX Bank” – November 20, 2009

Global Finance – the leading international finance magazine – released the results of its “Best Foreign Exchange Providers 2010” survey, conducted in 86 countries. Akbank was named as “Turkey’s Best FX Bank” for the sixth time following a rigorous selection and survey process by Global Finance editors with input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts.

The criteria for choosing the winners in the survey of Global Finance, headquartered in New York, included transaction volume, market share, scope of global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative technologies.

Garanti Bank has signed a syndicated loan agreement – November 19, 2009

Garanti Bank has signed a dual tranche syndicated loan agreement in the amount of USD 700 million composed of USD 151.6 million and EUR 365.6 million tranches. In total 35 banks representing 15 countries have been participated in such syndicated loan which will be used for the pre-export financing and its total cost is respectively Libor+2% and Euribor+2%.

Akbank launches its co-branded mutual fund that gives the opportunity to invest in BRIC countries – November 18, 2009

Akbank is to launch its first co-branded mutual fund, “Akbank T.A.S Franklin Templeton B.R.I.C Countries type B Foreign Securities Mutual Fund” that will offer diversification choices to its clients and give the opportunity to invest in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The IPO of the new fund, to be issued in cooperation with Franklin Templeton is scheduled to be completed soon.

Akbank’s new fund gives investors the opportunity to invest in Brasil, Russia, India and China - the leading emerging markets of the world. Akbank expects the total size of the fund – which has a potential to generate high returns during the periods of high economic growth for investors seeking non-traditional diversification choices in emerging markets equities – to reach TL 100 million within the year of its issue.

Iş Bank’s net profit at the end of the third quarter is TL 2,021 million on a consolidated basis – November 12, 2009

Iş Bank posted TL 2,021 million net profit on a consolidated basis in the first nine months of the year with a 33% increase compared to the same period of the previous year and its consolidated total assets reached TL 122,303 million.

With a growth of 10 % since the end of the previous year, Iş Bank increased its deposit base to TL 69,390 million and with this performance, strengthened its leadership among private banks in terms of total deposits.

Iş Bank’s loan portfolio on a consolidated basis was realized as TL 50,100 million, maintaining the same level as at the end of the first half.

“Şekerbank EKOkredi” is elected the banking product of the year – November 12, 2009

Şekerbank is found worthy of “2009 Retail Banking Award" with EKOkredi in Active Academy 7th International Finance Summit.

EKOkredi is a product which serves to increase efficiency in the use of energy and natural resources, to encourage the use of renewable energy resources, and to reduce and recycle wastes. Aimed at developing awareness on energy efficiency through the protection of environment and natural resources, EKOkredi has been introduced by Şekerbank to the public in May this year. EKOKredi is not only applied to Retail, Commercial and Agriculture areas, but also covers EKOKredi Yalitim products which open up a new horizon for the sector.

The Active Academy award is given to the most successful institution according to the score achieved after an assessment of the innovations in products and services in retail banking which have been introduced in the last one year, and the development process in terms of their use and turnover in retail banking.

Garanti Bank has signed a credit agreement with EBRD – November 4, 2009

Garanti Bank has signed a credit agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for a facility of EUR 50 million. The facility, which is comprised of 3 tranches, will be onlent to small-sized enterprises. EUR 23.4 million of the facility is funded from EBRD's own sources and has a maturity of 5 year while EUR 14.5 million of the facility is funded by the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) with a maturity of 3 years. EUR 12.1 million of the facility is provided by a group of 6 banks from 4 countries with a maturity of 1 year.

Şekerbank announces TL 129.5 million profit in the first 9 months of 2009 – November 3, 2009

According to unconsolidated financial results, Şekerbank raised its profits to TL 129.5 million and reached an asset size of TL 8.5 billion. Şekerbank’s shareholders’ equity which climbed 32 percent up over a year ago exceeded TL 1.2 billion as of third quarter of 2009. Şekerbank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio reached 17.29 percent.

In the first nine months of the year, Şekerbank’s total loans amounted to TL 5 billion with a 4.5 percent rise compared to the first nine months of the previous year.

Akbank’s 9 month net profit tops TL 2 billion – October 27, 2009

Akbank reports a net profit of TL 2.013 billion for the first 9 months of 2009. Akbank posts gross profit of TL 2.505 billion and tax provision of TL 492 million for the same period. Akbank’s net, consolidated profit for the first 9 months of 2009 – which was TL 1.336 billion net of one-off incomes for the same period last year – increased by 51%.

EU support to Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Turkey – October 20, 2009

On the occasion of the opening of an EU Business Centre (“ABIGEM”) hosted by the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) organise an information day on EU support to Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Turkey (SMEs) on 21st October in Trabzon.

This information event will provide useful details about the various EU-funded support programmes for SMEs: Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), Small Enterprises Loan Programme (SELP), programmes of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and development (BERD).

This event will be attended by State Minister Mr. Faruk Nafiz Özak and Ambassadors of several Members States of the European Union. The Business Centres’ Directors and Business Services Managers of the 15 existing “ABIGEM” as well as small and medium size enterprises from Trabzon province and officials from the Turkish administration will also participate in the meeting.

The ABIGEM Business Centre in Trabzon is one of the 18 service centres for SMEs set up in cooperation between the European Union, TOBB and the Chambers. It provides business support services, such as specific consultancy and advisory services, provision of training, and development of projects that contribute to the competitiveness of the region. The European Union has already invested more than EUR 50 million in the development of the successful and expanding network of ABIGEM throughout Turkey.

Framework Agreement is signed between Iş Bank and The Export-Import Bank of China – October 7, 2009

“L/C Refinancing Master Agreement” amounting USD 100 million at maximum was signed between Iş Bank and The Export-Import Bank of China. The amount will be used to finance Turkish companies up to one year, for the import of certain goods and services from China through the issuance of letter of credit.

Akbank named as “Turkey’s Best Bank” by Global Finance – October 6, 2009

For the fifth year in a row Akbank has been recognized by Global Finance, one of the most reputable finance magazines in the world, as “Turkey’s Best Bank” in the “Best Emerging Market Banks – Central and Eastern Europe” award category, which covers 22 countries.

Based in New York, Global Finance magazine assesses banks’ performance on a wide range of criteria such as asset growth, profitability, strategic relations, customer services, competitive pricing and innovative products.

Global Finance has named Akbank as the “Best Bank in Turkey”, in the “Best Emerging Market Banks – Central and Eastern Europe” category from 2005 to 2009.

In addition to the “Best Bank in Turkey” award, Akbank received four other distinguished awards at the ceremony organized by Global Finance on 6th October in Istanbul. The five awards won by Akbank at the event were as follows:

• “Best Bank in Turkey”
• “Best Bank in Turkey in Foreign Exchange Transactions”
• “Turkey’s Best Foreign Trade Financing Bank”
• “Europe’s Best Bank in Online Deposit Acquisition”
• “Europe’s Best Bank in Information Security Initiatives”

Award to Garanti Bank from Emerging Markets – October 5, 2009

Garanti Bank has been honored with the "2009 Achievement Award" by Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC's Emerging Markets Newspaper, one of the most respected financial information sources in the world. Featuring a broad range of news and analyses about emerging markets, the publication has chosen Garanti Bank as the most successful bank within the scope of "Emerging Europe". Garanti Bank has become the first Turkish bank to be bestowed this award.

Moody's revised its outlook on Iş Bank – September 25, 2009

Moody’s has changed the outlook on Iş Bank’s “B1” long-term foreign currency deposit rating from “Stable” to “Positive”. Moody’s stated no change in Iş Bank’s other ratings and outlooks.

Standard & Poor’s upgraded Iş Bank’s outlook – September 23, 2009

Standard & Poor’s has changed the outlook on Iş Bank’s “BB-” long term counter party credit rating from “Negative” to “Stable” and upgraded the long-term national scale rating from “trA” to “trA+”. Standard & Poor's has also affirmed Iş Bank's long and short term counter party credit ratings at “BB-/ B” and short-term national scale rating at “trA-1”.

Additional SELP II loans from Iş Bank to SMEs – September 14, 2009

The additional fund amounting to EUR 3.6 million was allocated for financing small enterprises operating in Muş, Hakkari, Van and Bitlis.

Iş Bank continues to offer SELP II credits to SMEs within the framework of SELP II (Small Enterprises Loan Programme).

Iş Bank’s SME-specific new website: “istekobi.com.tr” – September 1, 2009

IŞ’TE KOBI is designed as a guiding website by Iş Bank to support learning, development and education of commercial section and especially SMEs. The website where the most recent issues and news are shared is avaliable on “istekobi.com.tr”.

The Loan Officer Certification Training continues – August 31, 2009

As a part of the Technical Assistance component of the Small Enterprises Lending Programme II (SELP II), the “Loan Officer Certification Trainings” are being conducted for Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank staff. As of August 2009, 216 persons participated in the Loan Officer Certification Training.

The Loan Officer Certification Training continues for the three partner banks. The programme is designed for bank customer relationship managers and loan officers who are responsible for selling bank products to small enterprises, developing relationships with them, gathering information about small enterprise loan applicants and evaluating the credit worthiness of small enterprises.

At the end of the training, the participants selected by the on-lending banks are entitled to become “Certified Experts in Small Enterprise Lending” at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management after passing the exam.

Akbank signed the biggest syndication loan of 2009 in emerging markets - August 21, 2009

Akbank signed the biggest syndication loan of 2009 in emerging markets with the participation of the 48 leading international banks. The total cost of one-year syndication loan, totaling EUR 900 million and comprised of 2 tranches (USD 312 million and EUR 681.5 million) is Libor + 2.5% and Euribor + 2.5%, respectively.

A new web site for woman entrepreneurs from Garanti Bank - August 13, 2009

Garanti Bank announced the launch of a new web site, www.garantikadingirisimci.com, aiming to guide entrepreneurial women.

Akbank’s results for the first half of 2009 have been announced- August 5, 2009

In the first half of 2009, Akbank’s consolidated net profit reached TL 1,309 million; consolidated total assets reached TL 92 billion. The total volume of cash and non cash loans of the Bank was annnounced as TL 44.5 billion.

Garanti Bank’s results for the first half of 2009 have been announced- August 5, 2009

In the first half of 2009, Garanti Bank’s consolidated net profit reached TL 1,412 million; consolidated total assets reached TL 104 billion.The total volume of cash and non cash loans of the Bank was annnounced as TL 68 billion.

Şekerbank’s results for the first half of 2009 have been announced- August 5, 2009

In the first half of 2009, Şekerbank’s net profit reached TL 103.2 million; total assets reached TL 8.6 billion. The total volume of loans of the Bank increased to TL 4.9 billion.

Award of Excellence to Akbank from Euromoney - July 9, 2009

Akbank was found deserving of the “Award of Excellence”, an award given out every year, anticipated by the entire banking community around the world and considered to be one of the most respected awards of the banking sector by Euromoney, one of the leading finance magazines in the world.

In its announcement concerning the award, Euromoney stated that apart from Akbank’s strong capital adequacy ratio, well-diversified deposit base and branch network, the Bank’s below the sector NPL ratio, full provisions set for these loans and their successful management were effective in winning Akbank “Turkey’s Best Bank” award.

AFD Loan to Şekerbank with Incentive of French Government - July 1, 2009

Şekerbank, for the purpose of supporting development of small and micro scale enterprises, signed a EUR 10 million credit agreement with French Agency for Development (AFD). The loan which will be repaid within 12 years, with 4 years of grace period, is provided with incentive of French Government. With a support of the AFD loan, Şekerbank will be meeting financing requirements of more than one thousand micro scale enterprises employing 50 or less employees with annual turnover below TL 1 million. The credit facility is a sequel of the first program covering financing of small and micro scale enterprises, which is financed by German Development Bank (KfW Entwicklungsbank) and IFC (International Finance Corporation),an affiliate of World Bank, since 2006.

As of the end of June 2009, EUR 52.3 million SELP II loans were disbursed. - June 30, 2009

As of June 30, 2009, 5,102 SELP II loans amounting EUR 52.3 million were disbursed in 47 regions. Of disbursed SELP II loans, average loan size was EUR 11,374 and average weigted maturity was 21.3 months. SELP II loans covered all sectors including Agriculture. In the EADP regions (Van-Bitlis-Muş- Hakkari) EUR 2.4 million were disbursed.

216 persons participated in the Loan Officer Certification Training - June 30, 2009

As a part of the Technical Assistance component of the Small Enterprises Lending Programme II (SELP II), the “Loan Officer Certification Trainings” are being conducted for Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank staff. As of May 2009, 216 persons participated in the Loan Officer Certification Training.

The programme is designed for bank customer relationship managers and loan officers who are responsible for selling bank products to small enterprises, developing relationships with them, gathering information about small enterprise loan applicants and evaluating the credit worthiness of small enterprises.

At the end of the seminar, the participants selected by the on-lending banks are entitled to become “Certified Experts in Small Enterprise Lending” at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management .

EUR 30 million loan to Şekerbank from IFC- June 25, 2009

EUR 30 million loan to Şekerbank from IFC
To support the food and agricultural sectors, Şekerbank signed a mandate with IFC (International Finance Corporation), an affiliate of the World Bank Group, for a 5 year, EUR 30 million loan.

USD 100 million international trade loan to Iş Bank from China - June 25, 2009

USD 100 million international trade loan to Iş Bank from China - June 25, 2009
Iş Bank and The Export-Import Bank of China have signed on June 25, 2009 in Beijing a framework agreement for USD 100 million which will be used for trade financing between Turkey and China.

USD 100 million loan to Akbank from Export Credit Bank of China – June 25, 2009

Akbank signed a loan agreement with the Export Credit Bank of China for 100 million dollars to finance the foreign trade transactions between Turkey and China.

SME Conference in Van - June 9, 2009

With co-operation of SELP II team and Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an SME conference was organized at Van Chamber of Commerce on June 9, 2009. The opening speech was delivered by chairman of the Chamber and afterwards presentations of Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Garanti Bank and Iş Bank took place. There was also question and answer part in the final section.

SME Conference in Erciş - June 8, 2009

SELP II team and Garanti Bank Erciş Branch organized a conference for SMEs at Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Erciş on June 8, 2009. After the presentations of Tuna Aslan (Garanti Bank Regional Sales Director) and Mert Dedebaş (SELP II consultant) , the conference continued with questions of participants.

Şekerbank increased its registered capital by 25% - June 5, 2009

Meriç Uluşahin, General Manager of Şekerbank, said, “We will use the funds obtained through capital increase in financing of the small commercial and agricultural enterprises as set forth in our five-year business plan. We have branches even in regions where there are no other banks located. We aim to combine our particular strength in Anatolia with our substantial financial structure to become a leading bank in financing of small scale enterprises.”

USD 570 million Syndicated Loan for Iş Bank - May 28, 2009

On May 28, 2009, Iş Bank signed a dual tranche club deal in London for USD 255 million and EUR 225.25 million with a maturity of one year and an extension option of a further one year. The total cost of part of the aforementioned club deal, which was raised by a syndicate of 28 banks from 14 countries and which will be used for trade financing, for the banks which participated with the highest amounts, was realized at Libor +2.5% and Euribor +2.5%, respectively.

Akbank’s results for the first quarter of 2009 have been announced - May 14, 2009

Akbank, reported a net profit of TL 569 million for the first quarter of 2009, representing a yearly increase of 15 %, after deducting extraordinary revenue in the same quarter of last year.

Garanti Bank’s results for the first quarter of 2009 have been announced - May 14, 2009

In the first quarter of 2009, Garanti Bank’s consolidated net profit reached TL 712 million; consolidated total assets reached TL 105 billion.
The total volume of cash and non cash loans of the Bank increased to TL 69 billion.

Iş Bank’s results for the first quarter of 2009 have been announced - May 14, 2009

Iş Bank posted TL 606 million net profit in the first quarter of this year, with 9.2% increase compared to the same period of 2008 and its total assets reached TL 98,608 million.

Şekerbank’s results for the first quarter of 2009 have been announced - May 11, 2009

Şekerbank achieved a net profit of TL 44 million 253 thousand for the first three months of 2009. The deposit volume of Şekerbank reached TL 5.7 billion, up 30% over a year ago.

Akbank, most recognized brand in the Turkish banking sector - April 20, 2009

The results of the Nielsen ‘Brand Recognition’ and TNS PIAR ‘Banking Sector’ surveys, which were conducted for the 15th and 31st time in 2008 respectively, have been announced.

According to the ‘Brands’ survey conducted by Nielsen, one of the sector’s most prestigious research firms, in 2008 Akbank was the ‘Most Recognized Brand’ among the banks in the Turkish banking sector. According to the results of the ‘Banking Sector Research 2008’ survey conducted by TNS PIAR, another prominent research firm, Akbank was the leading brand, with 90.1% recognition level.

Global Finance has selected Akbank as the Best Bank in Turkey for 2009 - April 15, 2009

In an exclusive survey, Global Finance Magazine has named the “Best Emerging Market Banks in Central and Eastern Europe”. Akbank was selected as the Best Bank in Turkey for the fifth time in a row. According to the New York based Global Finance magazine’s survey, the banks were evaluated under different criteria such as growth in assets, profitability, strategic relationships, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative products.

Global Finance selected Akbank as the Best Bank in Turkey for 2009 due to its successful performance on the basis of the above mentioned criteria.

In 2009 Global Finance Magazine has also selected Akbank as Turkey’s “Best Trade Finance Provider” and “Best Foreign Exchange Bank”.

Akbank will receive the awards in October during the ceremony which will take place in Istanbul as part of the World Bank – IMF meetings.

EUR 250 million Loan from EIB to Iş Bank - April 13, 2009

On April 13, 2009 Iş Bank signed a framework agreement with European Investment Bank (EIB) to secure EUR 250 million loan with a term of maximum twelve years. The aforementioned loan will be used for SME financing.

Iş Bank, “The Biggest Turkish Company”, is on the “Forbes Global 2000” List Again - April 10, 2009

Iş Bank, ranked 331st in the Forbes Magazine’s annual “Global 2000” list.

The Forbes Magazine, one of the most prestigious business magazines in the world, announced its annual “Global 2000” list. Iş Bank has been ranked 331st in the list of the year 2008, which was announced in April, going up 40 steps in ranking compared to the previous year.

Iş Bank got ahead of the other Turkish companies as well as many global firms that are on the list. Iş Bank had been ranked 371st in the aforementioned magazine’s 2007 list.

The Bank was also the only Turkish Bank, which ranked 84th among the top 100 banks in the “Global 500 Banking Brands Index” list , which was launched in February by the Banker, one the world’s most prestigious finance magazines, in association with Brand Finance Plc.

As of the end of March 2009, EUR 18 million SELP loans were disbursed. - March 31, 2009

As of March 31, 2009, 1,961 SELP loans amounting EUR 17.9 million were disbursed in 41 regions. Of disbursed SELP loans, average loan size was EUR 9,105 and average weigted maturity was 18.4 months. SELP loans covered all sectors including Agriculture. In the EADP regions (Van-Bitlis-Mus- Hakkari) more than EUR 500,000 were disbursed.

Şekerbank Ranked “the Most Transparent Bank in Turkey” - February 29, 2009

Şekerbank became top bank in ISE Corporate Governance Index with ‘81.36’ over 100.
Considering the criteria of "Shareholders", "Public Disclosure and Transparency", “Stakeholders”, "Board of Directors", the Capital Markets Board-approved ISS Corporate Services, Inc. (ISS), the most reputable Corporate Governance rating agency of the world, has raised the Corporate Governance Rating of Şekerbank. With '81.36' over 100, Şekerbank has the highest Corporate Governance rating among the banks in Turkey. Şekerbank, which is also the first bank rated in Corporate Governance area in Turkey, was placed in the “good rating” category with 70.16 Corporate Governance rating in the evaluation on February 29, 2008.

SELP II provides EUR 75 million Loan Boost for SEs - January 22, 2009

A loan agreement amounting EUR 75 million is signed under the SELP II programme with partner banks Akbank, Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank. The common aim is to encourage loan disbursements to small businesses. In this EU funded project , EUR 75 million will be transmitted through the German KfW – Development Bank to the Turkish commercial banks. Small enterprises (SEs) from the target areas of development will be able to apply to this programme. SEs having no more than 50 employees and less than EUR 1 million assets might benefit from the programme. For fixed investment loans the credit limit is EUR 50,000, for working capital loans the limit is set to EUR 30,000 and for the combination of fixed assets financing and working capital needs the ceiling of the credit will be EUR 50,000.

All business sectors will be able to benefit from the credit programme. Interest rates and maturities will be decided by the commercial banks, where maximum maturity could be 48 months. With this programme it is aimed to create a bigger area of employment, to support the economic development of the country, to extend and deepen the financial sector in the project areas and finally to ensure sustainable small loans for the target group with reasonable conditions.

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http://www.referansgazetesi.com/haber.aspx?HBR_KOD=115374&KOS_KOD=4
http://www.internethaber.com/news_detail.php?id=175833
http://www.haberturk.com/ekonomi/haber/123093-Akbankdan-KOBIlere-finansman.aspx
http://www.showhaber.com/101302/Ekonomi/Akbanktan-KOBilere-finansman.html
http://www.showhaber.com/101302/Ekonomi/Akbanktan-KOBilere-finansman.html

Şekerbank SELP II Brochure

Iş Bank SELP II Brochure

Garanti Bank SELP II Brochure

Garanti Bank's Syndicated loan agreement - December 2, 2008

On December 2th 2008, Garanti Bank has signed a syndicated loan of 1 year maturity made up of USD 215 million worth of credit as well as credit of EUR 282 million. The loan’s all inclusive cost is Libor+2% and Euribor+2% respectively and it will be used in financing the SMEs.

Garanti Bank was recognized as "The Bank of the Year 2008" - November 28, 2008

Garanti Bank was granted "The Bank Of The Year 2008" award by one of the world's most influential and prestigious publications "The Banker" magazine, published by Financial Times. Garanti Bank, having been found suitable for the magazine's "strong management" and "cautious approach towards risk" criteria, was selected as the most successful bank in 2008 with its strong performance.

Commenting on the subject, Executive Vice President Tolga Egemen said " During these rough times that the Turkish economy has been going through, Garanti was found qualified for the award with its customer-focused, efficiency oriented approach and banking services that it has been providing without compromising the requirements of modern risk management. Adding yet another award to its achievements with The Banker magazine's "The Bank of The Year" award, Garanti once again demonstrated its strength in the sector. We are continuing to make investments to provide services in line with our customers' needs and to support the economy without compromising our asset quality and financial performance. During times that trust towards banks emerges as an issue of debate all over the world, with this award we once again have established the fact that we are a strong and successful bank that accurately defines and effectively manages risk."

In addition, Garanti Bank, in a survey entitled The Best Internet Banks in Europe, conducted by Global Finance last August, has been selected as the winner of 10 awards in total in 4 different categories, thus becoming the Bank with Most Awards in Europe.

Şekerbank’s results for the third quarter of 2008 have been announced - November 12, 2008

Şekerbank made a net profit of TRY 122.5 million in the first nine months of the year 2008. The net profit of the Bank increased by 13% compared to the same period of the last year.

Şekerbank has announced its financial statements for the first nine months of the year 2008 which reflect an increase in total assets to TRY 7.87 billion with a 29 % growth. The loans, which have a 60 % share in the assets of Şekerbank, have reached TRY 4.8 billion with 32 % growth compared to the end of the year 2007. The loans to SME, tradesmen, and microenterprises which constitute the most important denominator of the increase in the Bank’s assets correspond to 45 % of the total credit portfolio of the Bank.

Stating that the Bank’s deposits increased by 35 % in the first nine months of the year compared to the end of last year, Şekerbank General Manager Meriç Uluşahin said, “Şekerbank that is 55 year-old and one of the longest established organizations of Turkey has achieved a great increase in the deposit volume as well with the perception of trust and its widespread network of branches in Anatolia. We have increased the share of deposit in the whole resource section in our balance sheet to 71 %.” The size of Şekerbank’s equity has reached TRY 927.5 million with 7 % growth.

The capital adequacy ratio of Şekerbank became 14.11 % as of September 30, 2008.

Iş Bank’s results for the third quarter of 2008 have been announced - November 12, 2008

Iş Bank has made TRY 2,552 million gross profit in the first nine months of 2008 with 9.7% increase compared to same period of the previous year. Net profit for the period, on the other hand, was TRY 1,310 million.

In the first nine months of the year, Iş Bank’s total loans increased by 35%, which is higher than the sector growth rate, and reached TRY 45,749 million. While Iş bank increased its market share in loans, the share of loans in total assets also increased to 50%. As a result of Iş Bank’s policy of diversification in lending, the loan portfolio has grown with minimum level of concentration in terms of sector and loan type.

Iş Bank improved both its market share and deposit volume while catching a higher growth rate than the sector and maintained its leading position among private banks in the third quarter of the year. During the first three quarters in 2008, total deposits increased by 16%, and the growth in Turkish Lira savings deposits was 24% as an indicator of individual investors’ confidence in an environment where 100% deposit guarantee is subject of a serious debate.

As of end of the third quarter, Iş Bank’s net interest income grew by 26.1%, compared to the same period of the previous year, and net fees and commissions income increased by 14.1%.

Malatya Office was opened with a ceremony - October 21, 2008

The first regional office under SELP II has been opened in Malatya . Malatya office will also provide services to the surrounding regions.
A Meeting was held for the occasion with the participation of the Governor of Malatya, the honourable Halil Ibrahim Daşöz, the Deputy Mayor of Malatya Sirri Günaydin and the Chairman of Malatya Chamber of Industry and Commerce Hasan Erkoç who in their speeches pointed out the importance of the project for the small businesses operating in their region.

During the meeting SELP II was introduced by Güray Vural, the representative of EU Delegation to Turkey, Melih Çadirci, the representative of Kfw and Fatma Dirkes from Frankfurt School.
The Officers of the partner banks, Akbank, Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank, presented their Banks’ credit facilities for the small enterprises.

SELP II project has been designed to support small enterprises with maximum total assets of EUR 1 million and less than 50 employees by providing loan facilities tailored to their needs.
Such enterprises will also enjoy advisory services provided by the partner banks and the project experts who will be working with the partner banks.

USD 825 million Syndicated Loan for Iş Bank - September 22, 2008

Iş Bank announced the successful conclusion of its one-year USD 484.5 million and EUR 236 million dual currency syndicated term loan facility which will be used for foreign trade financing and has a total cost of Libor+0.75%.
The syndication was very well-received in the market and the syndicate consists of 42 international banks, 20 of which are Mandated Lead Arrangers.

Global Finance has selected Akbank as the Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Turkey for 2008 - September 3, 2008

The New York based Global Finance Magazine selected Akbank as the Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Turkey for 2008 (the 4th consecutive year) considering its outstanding performance in the following criteria; competitive pricing, transaction volume, market share, ability to fulfill global demands and customer service.

Akbank is the leader in Turkish Foreign Exchange Market with a 18% market share.

Garanti Bank's Securitization loan agreement - August 25, 2008

In a volatile environment with rising concerns over the global financial markets, Garanti Bank secured a EUR 200 million foreign funding with a maturity of 10 years from the European Investment Bank through its DPR Securitization programme in August, 2008. The loan will be used for growth in SME banking.

Şekerbank’s results for the first half of 2008 - August 11, 2008

Iş Bank’s results for the first half of 2008 - August 11, 2008

Akbank’s results for the second quarter of 2008 have been announced - August 8, 2008

Garanti Bank’s results for the first half of 2008 - August 7, 2008

Garanti Bank increased its capital - August 7, 2008

USD 170 million syndication loan to Şekerbank - August 5, 2008

Standard & Poor's Revised its Outlook on Iş Bank - August 4, 2008

Fitch Ratings Affirms Iş Bank's Ratings - July 31, 2008

Iş Bank ranked 86th in the “Top 1000 World Banks” survey of The Banker magazine - July 15, 2008

Global Finance has selected Akbank as the Best Bank in Turkey for 2008 - June 30, 2008

New Loan from KfW to Şekerbank - June 24, 2008

Şekerbank’s results for the first quarter of 2008 - June 17, 2008

New loan agreement between Akbank and KfW Entwicklungsbank - May 28, 2008

New loan agreement with KfW Entwicklungsbank (May 28th 2008)
Akbank signed a Loan Agreement with KfW Entwicklungsbank on May 28, 2008 for a facility of EUR 77 million with 3.5 years maturity. This loan has a purpose of providing financing to SME’s and farmers and is supported by the EU under the European Commission’s SME Finance Facility – 2006 and partly refinanced by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).

Small Enterprises-Big Business. Small Enterprise Financing Goes to Scale in Turkey - May 28, 2008

On May 28th the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, the Turkish Treasury, the Council of Europe Development Bank, KfW-Entwicklungsbank and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management hosted the first conference within the scope of SELP II in The Marmara, Istanbul: ‘Small Enterprises – Big Business. Small Enterprise Financing Goes to Scale in Turkey’. More than 160 representatives of public, private and financial sectors exchanged views and experiences on financing needs of small enterprises; appropriate concepts, products and instruments to be applied during three work sessions with high profile speaker panels from government, donor, banking and consulting institutes.

The official launch of SELP II programme took place on 27th of May 2008 - May 27, 2008

The official launch of the SELP II program took place on May 27th 2008 during a reception and signing ceremony in Istanbul. Representatives of the SELP II partner institutions, such as the Turkish Treasury, the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, the Council of Europe Bank, KfW-Entwicklungsbank or the State Planning Organization as well as the partner banks, Akbank, Garanti Bank, Iş Bank and Şekerbank participated in the event.

Iş Bank's results for the first quarter of 2008 - May 13, 2008

Akbank’s results for first quarter of 2008 have been announced - May 10, 2008

Garanti Bank signed a new syndication loan agreement - May 8, 2008

Garanti Bank’s results for the first quarter of 2008 - May 1, 2008
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