Page 15 - BKT Annual Report 2024 EN

Albania experienced one of its best economic A strong bank is built on human resources. With a
moments in 2024, recording one of the highest highly qualified workforce of over 1,000
growth rates in the region. The Land of the Eagles employees, BKT is founded on talent, innovation,
has become a magnet for tourists, boosting a and dedication. In a rapidly changing financial
chain of sectors in services, agro-industry, and environment, we continue to focus on attracting
manufacturing. Macroeconomic indicators have and developing talent, improving employee well-
improved, and the country’s public debt has fallen being, and promoting diversity and inclusion within
to 54.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – the our organization.
lowest level in a decade. This progress has led
international rating institutions to upgrade I am pleased to see that the fruits of these results
Albania’s credit rating for the first time, which is a and the tireless efforts of our staff have been
development to be welcomed. The country has widely recognized in 2024. BKT was named “Best
advanced irreversibly on its path toward the Local Bank in Albania” and “Most Innovative Bank”
European Union, a testament to the progress by EMEA Finance, one of the world’s leading
achieved across all fields. financial magazines. Global Finance ranked BKT as
the “Best Bank in Albania for 2024”, an award
The banking system has also continued to show recognizing banks that have best adapted to
positive performance. The growth of banking financial market challenges and opportunities,
system assets accelerated, driven by increased meeting their clients’ needs while demonstrating
lending to the economy. Profitability indicators in high resilience in challenging economic conditions.
the banking sector improved, and the ratio of non- Not only international institutions but also local
performing loans (NPLs) fell further to 4.17% – the ones, such as the Tirana Chamber of Commerce
lowest level since 2007. and Industry, have declared BKT as “Bank of the
Year 2024”.
Banka Kombëtare Tregtare is proud to have
contributed to this journey of the economy and Finally, I am proud to say that during 2025, BKT will
banking system. Thanks to the dedication of our celebrate its 100th anniversary. Over the decades,
staff, we have completed another successful year. the bank has faced many challenges, with a
BKT has maintained its position as the largest bank transformational change occurring in 2000 when
in the country, holding 24.5% of total assets in it was privatized, and in 2009 when it was fully
2024. Growth has been impressive across all acquired by Çalık Holding A.S. Since then, BKT has
indicators, both in performance and profitability. I only grown, becoming the largest bank in Albania
want to highlight the expansion of lending by by assets since 2014.
around 20%, demonstrating our commitment to
being a driver of economic development, I wish for Banka Kombëtare Tregtare another 100
supporting businesses, and enhancing citizens’ years of leadership in Albania’s banking system!
well-being.

Mehmet Usta
Chairman Board of Directors

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 15