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.
Western Europe
Latest articles from Turkey
The quest for new customers
February 1, 2010Leading Turkish bank Garanti is the first to offer, send and receive functions of the Western Union Money Transfersm service through its own website, as Ali Fuat Erbil, assistant general manager of Garanti Bank, explains.
Ali Babacan
December 30, 2009Ali Babacan, finance minister and deputy prime minister of Turkey
Turkey's finance minister and deputy prime minister explains how the Turkish banking system survived the financial crisis relatively unscathed and outlines the country's economic policy for 2010 and beyond.
The participation principle
December 30, 2009Yunus Nacar, CEO of Türkiye Finans
Turkey's Islamic participation banks are becoming more ambitious, but are still looking for a model that competes more effectively with the conventional market. Writer James Gavin
Infrastructure splurge will not be blown off course
October 5, 2009The credit crunch may delay Turkey's extensive plans to upgrade power supplies and road networks, but it has certainly not derailed them. Writer Philip Alexander
Lessons from the past
October 5, 2009Turkish banks, cushioned by regulations implemented in the wake of the country's financial crisis of 2001, have been largely sheltered from the recent global crisis and the majority of those listed in The Banker's 2009 rankings posted double-digit profit on capital. Writer Geraldine Lambe
Capital markets thrive on adversity
October 5, 2009Despite 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
October 5, 2009Turkey's government, led by prime minister Tayyip Erdogan, is exploring alternatives to an IMF loan to finance its budget deficit
Facing 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
August 4, 2009Despite 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