Many Turkish banks enjoyed record results in 2010, with high return on equity, efficient operations, strong capital ratios and falling inflation. However, changing domestic economic conditions will drive new strategies in 2011 and beyond.
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Latest articles from Turkey
Akbank's solid foundations
February 11, 2011Akbank chairwoman Suzan Sabanci Dinçer discusses Akbank's plans to consolidate a strong position in its home market while exploiting its relationship with Citi to push forward overseas expansion
Acquisition drives regional ambition
December 23, 2010BBVA'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
Turkey grapples with project finance demands
December 23, 2010Turkey is facing the task of doubling its installed power-generating capacity in the next decade, while also speeding up reforms in the energy sector to ensure planned projects can gain access to finance. Writer David O'Byrne
Wealth of promise
September 29, 2010A flourishing private banking sector is developing in Turkey, as bank and wealth managers compete for the deposits of the wealthy, causing some high-net-worth Turkish individuals and institutional investors that previously entrusted their funds to European and US banks to shift their business to domestic institutions. Writer Metin Demirsar
Survival built on trust
September 29, 2010Over the past eight years, Yapi Kredi has been taken over by Turkey's banking regulators, sold and then merged with a smaller bank, yet it still emerged from the recent global financial crisis in robust shape. The secret, according to its CFO, is looking after the customers. Writer David O'Byrne
A smooth transition
September 29, 2010The lack of fuss surrounding GE Money's sale of its 21% share of Turkey's Garanti Bank is a testament to the bank's strong performance and the trust engendered by the country's banking regulator. Writer David O'Byrne
A simple plan
September 29, 2010Is Bank, Turkey's largest private bank, has an unconventional boardroom make-up and an unusual business portfolio. However, it is the bank's focus on conventional banking that has seen it emerge from the crisis in good health and in a position to expand beyond its domestic borders. Writer David O'Byrne
Private push
May 5, 2010Turkey's privitisation programme is still moving at a rapid pace, despite a change in focus. Writer Metin Demirsar
Bold ambition or pure fantasy?
May 5, 2010The 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.