Turkey's state-owned Halkbank and Ziraat Bank have continued to grow despite a Dec. 17 operation aimed at discrediting the ruling AK Party, which was orchestrated by followers of the Gülen movement, a network of state officials and private businessmen founded by a self-exiled Muslim Cleric Fetullah Gülen.

Halkbank expanded its net profit by TL 2.7 billion and increased its return on equity to 21 percent in the fiscal year 2013. Compared to 2012, Halkbank raised its total credits to TL 112 billion and has become the most profitable bank in its sector.

"Halkbank is the leader of the sector regarding equity and it has a strong balance sheet. These are clear indicators of the bank's economic efficiency," said Halkbank General Director Ali Fuat Taşkesenlioğlu.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in banking, Ziraat Bank released its annual financial report.

The bank opened 150 new branches and the value of its total assets increased to TL 207 billion in in the fiscal year 2013. The net profit of the bank reached TL 3.3 billion while total loan amounts rose to TL 11 billion.


Istanbul / Sabah English