Our Strategies

Strategic Priorities

Sustainable Growth

Maintaining Leadership in the Sector Through Selective Credit Policy and Effective Use of Resources

Adopting the support of growth with sustainable profitability as one of its key priorities, Ziraat Bank aims to maintain its strong position in the sector through its selective credit policy and effective use of resources approach. The Bank continued to focus on financing the agriculture, manufacturing, energy investments, and technology sectors in 2025. While continuing to transform its balance sheet into a customer-oriented structure, it proactively manages credit quality through effective credit processes, prioritizing efficiency and cost control in resource utilization.

The Largest Sustainability-Themed Syndicated Loan Provided by a Single Bank in Türkiye

Ziraat Bank strengthened its leading position in sustainability-themed syndicated loans in 2025, maintaining its reputable standing in international markets. In this context, in April 2025, the Bank secured a sustainability-linked syndicated loan totaling USD 1.75 billion in two tranches, consisting of USD 850 million and EUR 789 million, with the participation of 69 banks from 29 countries. This transaction was the largest and most widely participated sustainability-linked syndicated loan ever provided by a bank in Türkiye in a single transaction.

In October of the same year, a second sustainability-linked syndicated loan totaling USD 988 million was successfully completed in two tranches: USD 509 million and EUR 413 million, with the participation of 31 banks. Thus, Ziraat Bank carried out a second syndicated loan transaction for the first time within the same year. With these transactions, the total syndicated loan amount provided by the Bank in 2025 reached USD 2.8 billion, marking the highest volume of sustainability-themed syndicated loans ever provided by a Turkish bank to date.

The funds obtained from the syndicated loans in question contribute directly to the economy by being directed primarily to the financing of foreign trade, sustainable agriculture projects, and real sector investments. The sustainability performance criteria for the transactions have been determined as “financing sustainable agriculture” and “contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Providing Uninterrupted Support to Foreign Trade and the Economy with Foreign Financing Provided through Securitization Based on Remittance Flows

Ziraat Bank continued to provide uninterrupted support to the financing of foreign trade and economic activities in 2025 with the foreign funding it provided under the DPR program. In this context, in March 2025, the Bank carried out a new issuance totaling USD 930 million with maturities of 5 and 10 years under the DPR program with the participation of international investors and leading global banks. The Ziraat Bank DPR program, which became the first DPR program with an investment-grade credit rating in 2024, continued to attract significant interest in 2025 from global financial institutions and qualified international investors, particularly in Europe, the US, the Gulf, and Asia. This transaction not only offered long-term and cost-effective advantages but also contributed to further diversifying the Bank's funding structure both geographically and in terms of investors.

Long-term resources provided under the DPR program and other foreign funding instruments continued to be used in 2025, in line with 2024, to facilitate access to finance for the real sector, contribute to economic growth, and maintain Ziraat Bank's effective role in foreign trade. In addition to syndicated loans and the DPR program, alternative foreign funding sources such as bilateral loans and post-financing obtained through correspondent banks continued to be managed effectively. As of the end of 2025, the Bank manages a balance of USD 2.8 billion provided through bilateral loans and post-financing.

Strategies Focused on Diversifying Sources in Capital Markets

Ziraat Bank continued to diversify its strategies for obtaining long-term and cost-effective resources from international capital markets in 2025. In this context, the Bank issued a USD 750 million Eurobond with a 5-year maturity under its Global Medium Term Notes (GMTN) program in February 2025.

In November 2025, Ziraat Bank issued a bond with additional core capital status for the first time in foreign markets. The bond, worth USD 600 million, is perpetual and has a call option at the end of the fifth year.

Furthermore, in 2025, approximately USD 5.5 billion in foreign funding was secured through private placements under the GMTN program, thereby strengthening the Bank's effective funding capacity in international markets. The total foreign funding secured under the GMTN program in 2025 amounted to approximately USD 7 billion.

Future Business Model

Continuously Improving Our Business Model to Offer Advanced Technology-Focused Solutions

In line with its digital banking strategy, Ziraat Bank expanded the functions it offers through Ziraat Mobile and Internet Branch in terms of scope and usage in 2025. In this context, improvements have been implemented in remote customer acquisition, investment and stock exchange transactions, open banking applications, and digital identity verification processes offered through digital channels.

Ziraat Bank continued its efforts in 2025 to improve the quality and efficiency of its information technology infrastructure with the aim of facilitating its customers' digital channel experience and offering fast and new solutions for different transaction sets. The number of customers actively using our digital channels continued to grow steadily throughout 2025. Ziraat Bank's active digital customer base increased by 7% compared to 2024, reaching 24.8 million.

The number of Ziraat Super Branch customers, which exceeded 1.2 million in 2024, increased by 38% in 2025, reaching approximately 1.7 million. During the same period, the number of users applying for remote customer acquisition increased by 10% compared to 2024, while the number of customers acquired through this channel increased by 17%.

With developments in open banking, open banking accounts were enabled for use in payment flows; in term deposit account opening processes, it became possible to continue the transaction from the step where it was left off after the money transfer flow was completed. Developments in open banking continued throughout 2025, and the scope of the application was expanded.

On the investment and stock exchange side, digital channels have been significantly restructured. In 2025, the Investment and Stock Exchange menu was completely revamped; while only stock and fund transactions were offered in the previous period, products such as foreign exchange/gold, futures, individual pension system (IPS), bond and Eurobond trading have also been made accessible through digital channels. Furthermore, investment screens have been restructured to enable the monitoring of distribution charts, asset history, profit/loss information, and periodic returns for funds, stocks, foreign exchange/gold, term/demand deposits, BES, other bank accounts, and various investment products on a single page.

With the update of fund prices and analysis screens, access to all detailed pages of the Türkiye Electronic Fund Distribution Platform (TEFAS) has been made available through the mobile application. The Yield Calculation menu allows users to track and compare the past performance of products traded in the markets. In addition, by the end of 2025, qualified investor applications will be accepted through mobile channels.

Ziraat Dinamik obtained its operating license with the decision of the BRSA published in the Official Gazette on 05.11.2024. During the period from the specified date to May 2025, the following were completed: Systemic improvements for customer acceptance and necessary system integrations with many institutions and organizations such as BRSA, CBRT, KKB, and the Ministry of Interior have been completed. Ziraat Dinamik, which completed the necessary authorization process for customer acceptance in May 2025, began operations on May 7, 2025, by accepting its first customers. During the May-September 2025 period, customers were accepted through a pilot application process. In the October-November 2025 period, the bank transitioned to a process referred to as a silent launch, accepting external customers without advertising or promotional activities. The launch process began in December 2025.

ZiraatPay, a key component of the digital ecosystem, commenced its activities in the field of e-money and payment services in 2024. In February 2025, it transitioned to active operations, expanding its service scope in line with its focus areas: developing customer-centric digital payment solutions, increasing product diversity, and strengthening commercial payment infrastructures.

On the e-money side, the ZiraatPay digital wallet offers customers a fast and secure digital payment experience with basic functions such as bill payments, money transfers, shopping transactions, and QR code payments, as well as spending sharing, money requests, and shared wallet applications. In 2025, new features aimed at improving the user experience were introduced, such as mobile contactless payment, loading money onto the wallet with a card, a campaign module, loyalty applications, and digital slips.

On the payment services side, ZiraatPay meets the digital collection needs of commercial customers by offering virtual payment solutions with POS products. This structure, which provides access to all bank POS terminals through a single contract, aims to reach a wider customer base in 2025 by increasing the number of bank POS terminals served to 13, introducing an installment-blocked payment structure, collaborating with B2B integrators, and launching the Agriculture POS application.

Updates have also been made to Super Branch processes in parallel with the use of services offered through digital channels. A total of 362,624 requests and instructions were fulfilled through the Super Branch Request/Document Submission Menu in 2025, representing a 30% increase compared to 2024. As part of the process improvements implemented in 2025, response times for assigning, prioritizing, and evaluating customer requests to portfolio representatives were reduced by 23%.

In 2025, Ziraat Bank was recognized internationally for its applications aimed at continuously improving the customer experience, receiving the Gold Stevie Award in the “Customer Relationship Management” category and the Bronze Stevie Award in the “Customer Experience Management Solution” category.

Ziraat Bank Continues Its Efforts to Provide Its Customers with the Best Digital Experience

In 2025, digital interfaces were simplified with a user-focused design approach, new designs were implemented to reduce the number of steps, and application and request processes were digitized from end to end.

Our Ziraat Mobile application has been renewed so that users can easily perform their daily transactions and personalize it according to their usage habits, and it has been made available to our customers. To enhance customer experience, the menus have been renewed, and the sales and marketing functions of our application have been developed with the addition of Shortcuts, Sales Recommendations, Special Offers for You, and Financial Advice sections. With the renewed Ziraat Mobile, our Life's Plus application offers our individual and corporate customers easy access to all the transactions they need related to vehicles, homes, business, family, and travel, categorized for ease of use. Access to Ziraat Finance Group applications and platforms is provided through the Application Market from a single menu. Our work continues on the personalization and fast transactionfocused renewal of our Internet Branch.

The design of our Bankkart Mobile application has been renewed to improve the user experience and increase the number of active users. Our efforts to make Bankkart Mobile the leading card application will continue in 2026.

In the field of digital security, additional security measures have been implemented for financial transactions in line with the “Circular on Criteria to be Provided for Identity Verification and Transaction Security in Electronic Banking Services and in Establishing Contractual Relationships in Electronic Environments” published by the BRSA. Our digital channels have been made more secure with advanced identity verification methods and fraud prevention systems. Furthermore, thanks to the systemic infrastructure improvements made, the performance and continuity of digital channels have been enhanced, offering customers a faster, safer, and uninterrupted banking experience.

Advanced Technological Infrastructure

Ziraat Bank conducts its information security and technological infrastructure activities through the Cyber Security Center established within the Ziraat Finance Group. Within this structure, bank systems and alarm mechanisms are monitored 24/7; vulnerability and weakness scans are performed. At the same time, intelligence is gathered on cyber threats and interventions are made when necessary.

The information security infrastructure includes network and client security solutions such as DDoS, IPS, EDR/EPP, NAC, and WAF systems, Firewall and email security products, as well as Data Leakage Prevention Systems (DLP) and Web/DNS security applications designed to prevent data leaks.

Network device traffic intensity is continuously monitored; internet access is managed through a proxy infrastructure based on access rules defined according to user profiles. Authorization structures are created based on roles, following the principle of separation of duties, and log records generated in the systems are monitored centrally. Actions that violate authorization definitions are detected instantly, and necessary actions are taken without delay. Applications used in vulnerability and incident management processes are operated with their latest versions.

In order to increase the effectiveness of information security audit processes, work is ongoing to develop automation software that works within the scope of a local application that enables the testing of operating system security controls. The goal is to actively use these tools in auditing, measurement, and reporting processes.

Ziraat Bank continues to develop its capabilities to detect unusual movements and identify potential vulnerabilities at an early stage by utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning applications that can analyze user behavior.

Efficient and Lean Processes

Continuously Improving Our Processes with the Goal of Providing Excellent Customer Experience

By 2025, Ziraat Bank's efforts to digitize and automate its business processes have shown significant improvement in terms of operational impact compared to 2024. From the Operations Center perspective, this development has not been limited to the widespread adoption of digitalization applications; progress has also been made in redesigning and simplifying processes.

While partial automation solutions were predominantly implemented in 2024, end-to-end digital processes have become the operatio.al standard in 2025. This transformation has reduced the need for manual intervention in high-volume transactions, increased automation rates, and shortened processing times.

Thus, the document flow between branch processes and certain Department Heads has been completely transferred to a digital environment; concrete gains have been achieved in terms of process simplification, operational speed, and resource efficiency compared to 2024.

Operational efficiency has been increased in foreign trade transactions through digitalization and automation-focused applications. In this context, system developments for "Export Value Acceptance Certificate" (EVAC) processes have been implemented, controls and workflows related to export transactions have been simplified and made faster and more standardized through the system, and significant progress has been made in automation for import transactions. With these improvements, manual controls and repetitive operational steps have been largely transferred to our core banking system; while reducing the workload of branches and some Department Heads, concrete improvements have been achieved in transaction speed, control quality, and operational continuity compared to 2024.

Complex and redundant steps identified during process simplification efforts were revisited in 2025. Manual control steps were reduced, and data entry processes were automated using AI-powered character recognition systems. These applications have shortened transaction completion times and reduced error rates.

When evaluated in terms of General Directorate and branch operations, it is seen that processes have become more centralized and digital in 2025. Thanks to the Innovation in Operations (OPI) application, the operational burden on branches has been reduced and the time allocated to customer-focused activities has been increased. Expropriation processes have been consolidated within the Operations Center and moved outside the branches, thereby reducing processing times at branches and lowering operational error rates.

In addition, within the scope of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Control project, efforts are planned to detect risks at an early stage through continuous, real-time, risk-focused automated data analysis and instant transaction controls. With this machine learning-supported approach, the goal is to continuously improve control mechanisms, integrate new control areas into systems, and deepen digitization in audit processes. This aims to enable the allocation of human resources to more strategic areas.

Process standards have been strengthened, workflows simplified, and automation-supported control mechanisms are widespread in General Directorate operations. Despite the increase in central operation volume, this volume has become manageable with fewer resources. In this context, amounts received in branch execution accounts are automatically transferred to the relevant accounts, and TOA collections are systematically carried out on these amounts. Similarly, automatic collection applications have been implemented for structured and redemption accounts on installment dates or in case of delays, provided there is sufficient balance in the account.

In addition, proxy fees are automatically reflected on the collection screens; if the customer's balance is sufficient according to the collection sequence, proxy fees can also be collected automatically. These arrangements have significantly reduced the operational workload of branches.

The utilization robot implemented as part of the Automatic Completion of Business Requests Meeting Specific Criteria in Utilization Project has saved 2 man-days of personnel per day. This application has shortened operational processes, managed workload more effectively, and supported branch and customer satisfaction.

Developing Organization and Happy Employees

Our Development-Focused Career and Talent Management Approach: Continuously Improving the Employee Experience to Build a Strong Organizational Culture with Happy Employees, Thereby Continuously Increasing Organizational Efficiency

Ziraat Bank supports its human resources, which it considers the most fundamental capital of corporate success, with a “Development-Focused Career and Talent Management” strategy based on equal opportunity, high motivation, and a culture of continuous learning, aiming to make organizational efficiency and employee loyalty sustainable.

In line with this vision, as a result of expanded training activities in 2025, an average of 59.6 hours of training per employee was achieved. Thanks to this hybrid model, which consisted of 25.4 hours of classroom training and 34.2 hours of e-learning, continuity and flexibility in access to information was ensured. Development academies and certification processes implemented to increase the depth of competence of managers and experts focused on strategic management, leadership, and performance culture, as well as technical areas such as banking regulations, risk management, data analytics, and IT, achieving high participation rates in line with the needs of the target audience.

The collaboration with Ankara University on the “Banking and Finance” master's program, aimed at strengthening intellectual capital, has been continued, thus offering employees the opportunity to specialize by combining their theoretical background with up-to-date academic knowledge. The Banking School platform, the digital face of the corporate learning ecosystem, has been equipped with new-generation tools such as microlearning and scenario-based simulations, in addition to current content covering digital banking, artificial intelligence literacy, cybersecurity, ESG, and agile working principles, giving it an interactive structure.

Ziraat Bank considers talent acquisition and establishing sustainable relationships with young people a strategic priority. In this context, it participated in Career Summits and Regional Career Fairs organized in collaboration with the Presidency Human Resources Office (CBİKO) in 2025 to meet with university students. Furthermore, within the scope of the CBİKO Internship Campaign, university students were offered internship opportunities at Bank units, with the aim of increasing young people's career awareness and strengthening the Bank's employer brand value.

Making employee development an integral part of its corporate culture, Ziraat Bank continues to support its strategies with a human-centered approach by creating a competent human resource pool.

Global Bank

To Maximize Customer Satisfaction by Delivering Integrated Financial Solutions in All Countries in Which Ziraat Finance Group Operates

Within the scope of its strategy to become a global bank, Ziraat Bank has effectively maintained its strong correspondent banking infrastructure to meet its customers' foreign trade transactions and international payment needs as of 2025. The Bank's correspondent banking network covers more than 1,700 correspondent banks in 145 countries, offering customers fast, reliable, and cost-effective solutions thanks to its wide geographical reach.

As a result of efforts to develop products and services in the field of foreign trade, Ziraat Bank has increased its share in the foreign trade sector to around 20% over the last decade. Leveraging its extensive correspondent network advantage in domestic and international foreign currency transfers, the bank has continued to increase the number and volume of transactions it facilitates each year. In 2025, this structure has been one of the key elements supporting the Bank's effective role in financing international trade.

As part of its strategy to become a global bank, Ziraat Finance Group's physical presence abroad has been significantly strengthened in 2025. In this context, the Algeria Branch commenced operations on January 2, 2025.

As of June 2025, the Kosovo Country Management and its affiliated branches in Pristina, Prizren, Peja, Ferizaj, and Gjilan continued their operations as banks under the name Ziraat Bank Kosovo JSC, all of which are owned by the Bank.

Furthermore, affiliated with Ziraat Bank Azerbaijan ASC:

• The Nakhchivan Branch commenced operations on January 15, 2025,
• The Guba Service Point commenced operations on April 10, 2025,
• The Neftçılar Branch commenced operations on April 22, 2025.

With these developments, Ziraat Finance Group's overseas organization operates in 20 countries at 128 locations as of 2025.

Increasing Synergy with Ziraat Finance Group

Ziraat Bank's overseas subsidiaries and branches continue to contribute to the development of commercial and economic relations between Türkiye and the countries in which they operate by increasing their activities in those countries. In line with this approach, Ziraat Finance Group's share of global foreign trade volume continued to increase in 2025.

In 2025, through Overseas Subsidiaries and Branches, Ziraat Bank facilitated USD 13.4 billion worth of foreign trade transactions with Türkiye and a total of USD 20.2 billion worth of foreign trade volume worldwide, including Türkiye.

Responsible Banking

Creating Added Value with the Principle of Banking with Respect for People and the Environment

Ziraat Bank aims to create added value in line with the principle of human and environmentally responsible banking, consistent with its sustainability policy. In this context, the Bank applies environmental and social risk assessments in its investment projects, acting with the awareness that failure to effectively assess and manage environmental and social impacts and risks could lead to reputational damage and financial risks for both banks and investor companies.

Accordingly, in addition to financial, technical, and economic criteria, environmental and social impacts and risks are also taken into account in credit assessment processes, and great importance is attached to the appropriate management of these risks. Ziraat Bank aims to ensure that the projects it finances have high environmental and social contributions through its “Environmental and Social Impact Management Policy in Lending Activities,” which it has established to integrate universally accepted principles of sustainability into its business model.

Under this policy, credit applications for projects with an investment amount exceeding USD 50 million are subject to environmental and social assessment. Activities prohibited or restricted under national legislation and international agreements to which Türkiye is a party are not financed without any financial, technical, environmental, or social assessment, in line with the “List of Non-Financed Activities.” Projects and loan applications that are not included in this list and exceed the specified amount are assessed according to the Environmental and Social Risk Assessment Model, risks are categorized, action plans are developed, and they are monitored.

In 2024, a total of 46 projects were subject to environmental and social assessment under the policy in question, while in 2025, the number of projects assessed rose to 49.

Additionally, within the scope of environmental credit products, a total of TL 2.8 billion in loans was extended to individual customers in 2025, including SPP, energy efficiency, and renewable energy loans; while the volume of loans extended to corporate customers reached TL 107 billion, a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Reducing Environmental Impact with Renewable Energy Investments

Ziraat Bank has prioritized renewable energy investments in 2025 in line with its environmental sustainability goals. Within this scope, the Bank's renewable energy facilities, including the Kayseri Pınarbaşı SPP, have been commissioned and started energy production as of March 2025.

Thanks to this production, approximately 93% of the Bank's total electricity needs are met by renewable energy sources, thus making a significant contribution to both reducing the carbon footprint and increasing energy efficiency.

This progress in renewable energy investments and energy management has also positively impacted the Bank's performance under CDP. Within the framework of the CDP 2025 reporting, score improvements were achieved in the Climate Change category across the governance, energy, emissions verification, targets, and content modules.

In this development, detailed reporting of the sustainability committee's decisions on environmental issues, achieving a renewable energy share of over 25% of total energy consumption, verifying portfolio emissions, declaring a commitment to scientifically verifying decarbonization targets, and aligning the financial reporting period with the sustainability reporting period have been effective.

In the field of water management, it has maintained its stable performance in the CDP Water Security category, confirming its strong practices in this area by receiving an A rating for the second consecutive time as of 2025.

Continuing Social Contributions in Education, Culture, and Arts

In line with its mission in the area of social responsibility, Ziraat Bank continued its projects contributing to social development in 2025. With its activities in the fields of education, culture, and arts, the Bank's approach to generating social benefits has continued steadily.

School construction activities carried out with the Bank's support and the “Children on Holiday, Schools Under Renovation” social responsibility project continued in 2025, focusing on improving the physical conditions of schools in priority development regions. In this context, contributions were made to complete ongoing school construction projects, supporting the strengthening of the education infrastructure.

The Bank's support in the field of culture and arts also continued in 2025. Within the scope of the Culture Route Festivals, the Ankara Banking Museum, Kuğulu Art Gallery, and Izmir Art Museum were among the festival visit points, contributing to bringing cultural heritage and art to wider audiences through these venues.

Development of a Climate Risk-Focused Risk Management Approach

Ziraat Bank further developed its approach to sectoral risks in 2025 with climate risk-focused studies. Within the scope of risk management practices, work has begun to expand the scope of sectors undergoing stress testing within the framework of climate risk studies.

As part of the 2024 Türkiye Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS) compliant sustainability reporting efforts, detailed stress testing studies were conducted for the electricity generation and iron and steel sectors within the framework of transition risk assessments. In addition, as part of complementary work to include other high-risk sectors in the scope, transition risk analyses were performed for the chemical (fertilizer), aluminum, and cement sectors by calculating expected credit losses based on changes in past default probabilities under different scenarios.

Furthermore, the heat map created since 2024 has determined climate risk levels based on NACE breakdowns as of 2025, and these risks have been defined in terms of parameters. The parameters used in the stress test methodology are reviewed at least once a year and updated if deemed necessary.

Risks and Ziraat Bank's Responses