Page 17 - BKT Annual Report 2024 EN

Dear Stakeholders,

We closed 2024 with US$122 million net profit, To stay at the forefront, BKT continuously invests in its
corresponding to a 20 per cent return on equity. The transformation journey toward digitalization, ensuring
year marked the first time our equity (US$713m) and it is well-prepared to meet the growing demands of its
the dividends paid out to date (US$330m) exceeded customers. In 2024, BKT launched the EASY project, an
the US$1 billion threshold. This is a happy coincidence initiative aimed at optimizing efficiency, modernizing
as we celebrate our centenary in 2025. branch operations, and enhancing customer
experience. This initiative simplified processes and
The macro-indicators in Albania have improved modernized branch design, creating a faster, more
significantly in the last years, with EU membership intuitive, and customer-friendly banking environment.
becoming a very realistic prospect by 2030. We
continue to invest in the country, in our capacity as the It is with pride and confidence that we are looking to
largest commercial bank, as evidenced by the growth 2025. Our centenary will be celebrated with restoration
in our loan book. Simultaneously, we are growing our and renovation of our historical branch buildings; staff
capital base, while maintaining our stable dividend and client events; and special products. We plan to
policy. To that end, we issued Eur30 million MREL grow our equity by another 19 per cent and continue our
bonds, meeting all the regulatory requirements as the journey to being one of the top ten profitable banks in
largest systemically important bank. Southeast Europe.

Seyhan Pencablıgil
Chief Executive Officer and Board Member

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 17