Tirana, Albania (2 December 2021) – Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT) was selected as "The Bank of the Year in Albania for 2021” by the prestigious financial magazines "The Banker”.
“The Banker” is part of the Financial Times which provides global financial intelligence since 1926. The awards gala event regarded as the industry standard for banking excellence, was held online through TheBanker.Com platform on December 2, 2021.
Although Albania’s economic was hit hard by Covid – 19 pandemic and the gross domestic was contracted in 2020, according to the World Bank, Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT) demonstrated a mix of resilience and customer service excellence to ensure the leader position in Albanian banking sector. Over 2020 the bank registered an increase in net profit, as well in assets and Tier 1 capital position. Strong performance was reflected in a rising return on equity, which reached 20.1% from 19.7% in the previous year, along with an impressive cost-to-income ratio of 35.8%.
CEO and Board member Mr. Seyhan Pencablıgil has stated that: “Covid-19 has validated our investments in technology in general and mobile banking in particular over the past couple of years. Similarly, our very liquid balance sheet offered us opportunities when the crisis hit, resulting in our most profitable year ever”.
“The Bank of the Year in Albania” award for 2021 is an indicator to the exceptional performance that BKT has achieved during these years.
We continue to garner numerous prestigious awards over the years, reflecting our growing strength and influence on the financial landscape throughout Albania.
Established in 1925, BKT is the largest and the oldest commercial Bank in Albania. With a total asset value of 4.3 billion USD and total deposits of 3.4 billion USD, BKT serves its customers through a network of 61 branches located in Albania