Complete List of Turkish Government Banks in 2025

Complete List of Turkish Government Banks in 2025

Turkish Government Banks are owned by government institutions. While private banks dominate in numbers, government-owned banks hold a crucial role in supporting public policy, infrastructure financing, strategic lending, and economic stabilization. In 2025, these public banks continue to be pillars of the Turkish economy, offering services ranging from agricultural loans and housing finance to SME support and international trade facilitation.

This guide explores the complete list of Turkish government banks in 2025, their roles, services, and why they matter to citizens, investors, and the country at large.

1. Ziraat Bankası (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankası A.Ş.)

Ziraat Bank is the oldest and largest state-owned bank in Turkey. Founded in 1863, it was originally created to serve farmers and agricultural producers. Today, it is a full-service bank with operations in retail banking, corporate banking, SME lending, and international finance.

Key Highlights:

• Headquarters: Ankara

• Total Assets (2024): Over TRY 3.5 trillion

• Branch Network: 1,700+ branches in Turkey and abroad

• Services: Retail banking, corporate banking, agricultural loans, digital banking, international remittances

Why Ziraat Matters:

• Largest bank in Turkey by asset size

• Plays a major role in agricultural development

• Offers subsidized loans for farmers and SMEs

• Acts as a financial anchor during economic fluctuations

2. Halkbank (Türkiye Halk Bankası A.Ş.)

Halkbank, founded in 1933, was established to provide financial support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and tradespeople. It continues to focus on the development of entrepreneurship and local economies through accessible credit facilities.

Key Highlights:

• Headquarters: Istanbul

• Total Assets (2024): Approximately TRY 2.2 trillion

• Branch Network: 1,000+ branches

• Special Programs: Women Entrepreneurs Loan, Young Entrepreneurs Package

Services Offered:

• SME financing

• Personal banking

• Housing and vehicle loans

• Government-supported credit programs

Why Halkbank Is Essential:

• Known as the ‘people’s bank’

• Key lender in government-backed loan programs

• Supports economic democratization through affordable credit

• Plays a stabilizing role in regional development

3. VakıfBank (Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O.)

Established in 1954, VakıfBank was originally created to manage and grow the assets of Turkish foundations (vakıf). It is now a modern state bank with a broad portfolio of financial services.

Key Highlights:

• Headquarters: Istanbul

• Total Assets (2024): Over TRY 2.4 trillion

• Public Ownership: Over 75% state-owned via the Turkey Wealth Fund

• International Presence: Branches in New York, Erbil, Bahrain, and Vienna

Key Services:

• Commercial and retail banking

• Construction and infrastructure financing

• Digital banking and mobile finance solutions

• Support for exporters and trade finance

Why VakıfBank Stands Out:

• Financier of large-scale infrastructure and urban development projects

• Major supporter of digital banking transformation

• Strong backing by the Turkey Wealth Fund

• Supports Turkey’s foreign trade with global branches

4. Türkiye Kalkınma ve Yatırım Bankası (Development and Investment Bank of Turkey – TKYB)

TKYB is Turkey’s state-owned development and investment bank, created to support long-term investment in key sectors. It does not operate as a retail bank but provides funding for major national projects.

Key Highlights:

• Headquarters: Ankara

• Established: 1975

• Focus Areas: Energy, industry, transportation, technology, and regional development

Functions and Services:

• Project finance

• Infrastructure development loans

• Green energy and sustainability investments

• International development cooperation

Why TKYB Matters:

• Catalyst for sustainable economic development

• Supports innovation and technology-based investments

• Implements environmental and socially responsible financing

• Works closely with international institutions like EIB, KfW, and the World Bank

5. Türkiye İhracat Kredi Bankası A.Ş. (Turkish Eximbank)

Turkish Eximbank is the country’s official export credit agency, entirely owned by the state. It plays a vital role in supporting Turkish exporters and contractors abroad through loans, insurance, and guarantee mechanisms.

Key Highlights:

• Headquarters: Istanbul

• Established: 1987

• Export Focused: Offers credit and insurance for export-oriented businesses

Services Provided:

• Short and medium-term export credits

• Export credit insurance

• International project finance

• Political risk insurance

Key Contributions:

• Facilitates Turkey’s access to international markets

• Enhances the competitiveness of Turkish goods and services abroad

• Acts as a strategic tool for increasing foreign exchange reserves

6. Türkiye Varlık Fonu (Turkey Wealth Fund – TVF)

Although not a conventional bank, the Turkey Wealth Fund owns and manages a significant portfolio of public financial institutions, including Ziraat Bank, VakıfBank, and Halkbank.

Role in Banking:

• Strategic investor and stabilizer of financial markets

• Consolidates state stakes in major banks

• Mobilizes capital for mega projects and economic reform initiatives

Institutions under TVF:

• Ziraat Bankası

• VakıfBank

• Halkbank

• Borsa İstanbul

• PTTBank (indirect financial service arm)

7. PTTBank

Operated under the national postal service (PTT), PTTBank is a public financial services provider offering limited banking through post offices. It caters to rural and underbanked populations.

Services Include:

• Bill payments

• Money transfers

• Social aid distributions

• Basic savings and deposit accounts

Why PTTBank Is Unique:

• Offers services in remote and rural regions

• Supports social inclusion and financial accessibility

• Acts as a complementary arm to traditional banks

Key Government Banks in Turkey (2025)

In a mixed economy like Turkey’s, state-owned banks play an indispensable role. They act not only as financial service providers but as policy instruments that align banking with national goals. Whether it’s supporting small farmers, building bridges and highways, funding solar energy projects, or helping a young entrepreneur launch their first business, these banks are woven into the fabric of Turkish economic life.

• They promote financial stability and inclusion

• They offer accessible credit during times of crisis

• They support Turkey’s export and global trade ambitions

• They act as instruments of public policy and strategic investment

As Turkey continues to navigate global economic challenges and local development needs, its government-owned banks will remain key players in shaping the country’s future.