Akbank

Akbank’s primary activity is banking and financial services. Akbank offers a wide range of banking products and services, including: current and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, term deposits, foreign currency accounts, money transfer services (including Western Union), safe deposit boxes, assistance and wealth management services, as well as digital banking solutions (mobile, internet). The bank serves various market segments: individuals, corporations, SMEs, expatriate clients, high‑net‑worth clients and multinationals. Akbank operates primarily in Turkey, but also offers services tailored to the needs of international and expatriate customers.

History and key milestones in Akbank’s development

Akbank T.A.Ş. was founded in Adana on January 30, 1948, initially to support local cotton producers. From its inception, the bank was authorized to carry out all types of banking operations. The opening of the first branch in Istanbul (Sirkeci) took place on July 14, 1950, followed by the transfer of the headquarters to Istanbul in 1954, which enabled a rapid expansion of the branch network.

In 1963, Akbank automated all of its banking operations, marking an important step in the modernization of its services. The initial public offering took place in 1990, followed by a second public offering in 1998, and then a listing on international markets via American Depository Receipts (ADR).

Akbank has diversified its activities to cover retail banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management, payment services, insurance (in partnership with Aksigorta and AgeSA), and offers flagship products such as Axess, Wings, and Private Banking. The bank has also expanded internationally with a subsidiary in Germany (Akbank AG) and a branch in Malta.

Innovation is at the heart of Akbank’s strategy, with the creation of Akbank LAB to support start-ups and digital transformation, notably through the Akbank Mobile application. In 2021, the bank launched the Akbank Youth Academy to help young people develop future skills.

Akbank is strongly committed to sustainability, with ambitious goals in sustainable finance (target of TRY 800 billion by 2030), financial inclusion, diversity, and gender equality. It aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and participates in international initiatives such as the UNEP FI & UN Women’s Working Group on Gender Equality.

Today, Akbank has nearly 15 million active customers, a vast network of 671 branches, more than 12,800 employees, and a strong digital presence. It is internationally recognized, ranking among the “World’s Best Companies 2024” according to TIME Magazine and Statista, and remains a key player in the Turkish economy thanks to its substantial support for the financing of the real economy.

The founder of Akbank is Sabancı Holding, one of the largest industrial families in Turkey. Akbank was founded in 1948 in Adana, Turkey.

The main members of Akbank’s executive team are:

• Chairman of the Board: Suzan Sabancı Dinçer
• CEO (Chief Executive Officer): Kaan Gür
• Deputy CEO: Levent Çelebioğlu
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Kerim Rota
• Chief Risk Officer: Gökhan Erün
• Chief Operations Officer: Burcu Civelek Yüce

These executives oversee the bank’s main strategic and operational activities.