Halkbank, was officially established on May 23, 1938, based on the Law No. 2284 on "Halk Bankası ve Halk Sandıkları" (Halkbank and People’s Funds), which was enacted in 1933. The bank’s purpose at the time of its founding was to support tradespeople, artisans, and small-scale enterprises by providing loans under favorable terms. Halkbank was one of the early institutions formed in line with the Republic of Türkiye’s economic development policies.
Halkbank (Halkbank)
History
Although the legal foundation was laid in 1933, Halkbank began its operations on May 23, 1938. Initially, it provided financial services indirectly through locally established Halk Sandıkları (People’s Funds). These intermediary institutions were later dissolved in 1950, and the bank began issuing loans directly through its own branch network.
In 1964, a new law reorganized the institution, granting it the status of a joint-stock company, and enabling it to expand its branch network and diversify its financial services. From this point forward, the bank began offering services not only to tradespeople but also to individuals and commercial customers.
In the 2000s, Halkbank played a central role in the consolidation of public banks. Notably, in 2004, the assets and liabilities of Pamukbank T.A.Ş. were transferred to Halkbank, significantly increasing its market share and operational scale.
The bank was partially privatized through a public offering in 2007, and a second offering was held in 2012, increasing the proportion of publicly traded shares. In 2017, most of the shares owned by the public sector were transferred to the Türkiye Wealth Fund (Türkiye Varlık Fonu).
Legal Status and Ownership Structure
Halkbank operates as a joint-stock company. A large portion of its shares is owned by the Türkiye Wealth Fund, while the remaining shares are publicly traded on the Borsa Istanbul. The bank's operations are managed by executives appointed by its general assembly and board of directors.
Operations and Areas of Activity
Halkbank offers services in several core banking sectors, including:
- Retail banking
- SME and tradesperson banking
- Commercial and corporate banking
- Investment and trade finance
- Leasing, factoring, and insurance services (via subsidiaries)
The bank maintains a strong focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and offers specialized loan programs for tradespeople and artisans.
Halkbank (Halkbank)
Headquarters and Physical Infrastructure
The bank’s current headquarters is located in İstanbul’s Ümraniye district, within the Istanbul International Financial Center (IFC). Its former headquarters in Ankara was designed by architects Doğan Tekeli and Sami Sisa and constructed between 1985 and 1991. The building is considered an important example of modern public architecture in Turkey.
Halkbank Headquarters (Halkbank)
International Operations
Halkbank operates branches in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and conducts international banking transactions through correspondent banking relationships. It continues to develop its international presence, especially in line with foreign trade activities involving Turkish businesses.
