Acquisition drives regional ambition

BBVA's acquisition of almost 25% of Garanti Bankasi will give the Turkish bank a huge boost in its efforts to become a major player in eastern Europe, the Middle East and north Africa, according to Garanti's chairman. Writer Metin Demirsar

Bold ambition or pure fantasy?

The Turkish government has plans to transform Istanbul into an international financial centre complete with specialised courts to deal with international business disputes and a carbon exchange. However, sceptics are already denouncing the project as a pipedream.

The NPL threat to Turkey's progress

As Turkey pulls out of its economic slump, its relatively unscathed banks are ready to finance growth and are increasing lending and planning significant expansion. However, a growing problem of non-performing loans may stifle recovery and put the brakes on their ambition.

Private push

Turkey's privitisation programme is still moving at a rapid pace, despite a change in focus. Writer Metin Demirsar

Capital markets thrive on adversity

Despite the downturn, share prices on the Istanbul Stock Exchange are soaring on the strength of the country's banks, as global liquidity and optimism return. Writer Metin Demirsar

Turkey goes it alone

Turkey's government, led by prime minister Tayyip Erdogan, is exploring alternatives to an IMF loan to finance its budget deficitFacing an exploding budget deficit and enormous domestic debts, the Turkish government continues to have a ravenous appetite for borrowing, but still wants to avoid funds from the IMF. Writer Metin Demirsar

ING Bank looks forward after a shaky start

Despite an adverse response from the bank's military depositors and a sharp recession in Turkey, ING Bank's CEO is planning for growth once the economy turns around. Writer Metin Demirsar

Robust and ready

The global recession is nothing new to Turkey's bankers, who have learnt the lessons of the country's economic crisis of 2001 and are showing great resilience as their global peers falter. Writer Metin Demirsar

Turkey shines a light in the dark

Turkey is defying the onset of recession across Europe by reporting hefty profits and robust growth – although foreign investment is getting harder to come by. Writer Metin Demirsar.

Politics mars new stability

Turkey’s banks prepare to navigate the storm of a pending global economic downturn, buttressed by a surge in foreign investment and a strong currency. Yet political uncertainties cloud the future, writes Metin Demirsar in Istanbul.

Co-operative assistance for a neglected region

Metin Demirsar in Istanbul reports on the Turkey-based Eurasian zone trade and development bank – Ecobank – due to go live in December with $650m in capital.

Full steam ahead for consumer loan sector

Foreign investment continues flowing into Turkey’s financial system, and consumer banking and financing of small and medium-sized enterprises are becoming major business lines for the country’s commercial banks. Metin Demirsar reports from Istanbul.

Fears of bubble economy grow

Early general elections are planned to calm a political crisis and the economy is beginning to cool off, adding to concerns that progress made in recent years could unravel. Metin Demirsar reports from Istanbul.

Growth is not a certainty

Turkey’s economy grew 5.7% in the first nine months of 2006. But economists warn that the bloated current account deficit, mounting foreign debts and rising political risks could stifle future growth, Metin Demirsar reports from Istanbul.

Investment windows

Turkey’s young population is driving the skyrocketing demand for housing. Metin Demirsar reports on the projects that offer opportunities for investors.

Still shining

An economic slowdown has dampened Turkey’s housing boom. But construction in the commercial sector remains brisk and there is still wide scope for the development of real estate finance. Metin Demirsar reports.

Major league FDI recipient

Privatisation is sucking in unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment to Turkey. Metin Demirsar reports.

Homing in on the consumer

With interest rates falling, Turkey’s banks have moved away from financing of government debt to providing loans and mortgages. Metin Demirsar reports.Turkey’s banking system is growing rapidly due to cross-border transactions and a buoyant economy. Banks are shifting funds from government securities to loans, as interest rates fall, and competition is intensifying in consumer banking and housing finance.