On October 2, Banka Kombëtare Tregtare officially reopened the doors of its historic branch in Korçë, following a comprehensive restoration and renovation process. This distinctive building, first inaugurated on November 28, 1926, carries nearly a century of history and has now been transformed into a space where the city’s heritage blends with the most modern standards of banking service.
The official inauguration ceremony was attended by the BKT Board of Directors, senior executives and employees of the bank, the Deputy Mayor of Korçë and the Prefect, individual and business clients, as well as many other partners.
In his welcoming speech, the Chairman of the BKT Board of Directors, Mr. Mehmet Usta, stated:
“The building of our branch in Korçë, restored today to its original appearance, is more than just a physical renovation; it is a symbol of the spirit of resilience and progress of Korçë and a promise for the future. With a contemporary interior and a reimagined operational model, this space reflects our vision of offering the citizens of Korçë a unique banking experience that unites the best of tradition and innovation.
The Korçë branch joins 27 other BKT branches where the new service model has been implemented, integrating advanced digital infrastructure and data-driven solutions to deliver greater convenience, faster access, and smarter banking experiences. Supported by a highly skilled team, we are committed to leveraging innovation and cutting-edge technology to make every financial interaction more seamless, more efficient, and truly aligned with the evolving needs of individuals and businesses.”
Mr. Seyhan Pencabligil, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of BKT said that this initiative is part of the bank’s 100th anniversary, a historic milestone being marked with concrete projects such as the renovation of its branch network across Albania and the restoration of historic buildings. Following the completion of the Durrës, Elbasan and Korçë branches, the historic Vlora branch is scheduled to undergo restoration in November, restoring so our historical branches to their original glory.
The Deputy Mayor of Korça, Mrs. Benila Themeli, emphasized the importance of the building as one of the city’s most significant monuments and praised the restoration of its former appearance, stating that this restoration adds to Korça a unique historical, architectural, and cultural value, making the building not only a memory of the past but also a living treasure for future generations.
The Prefect of Korça County, Mr. Nertil Jole, praised this investment as a testimony to the trust that BKT places in the city of Korça and in the southeastern region as a whole. He emphasized that the presence of a bank with a 100-year tradition and robust financial position supports not only the city but the entire county in fostering investments, supporting businesses, and strengthening the economic development of the area.
As part of this significant anniversary and the bank’s long-term commitment to sustainability and heritage, BKT has planted 100 plane trees in the city of Korçë and in every city where its historic branches are located. These trees symbolize the bank’s deep roots in Albanian society as well as its dedication to contributing to a greener environment for future generations.
BKT is the largest bank in Albania, with total assets of around USD 7 billion on a consolidated banking group basis as of December 2024, accounting for 25% of the total assets of the Albanian banking system. The bank operates through 62 branches and agencies in Albania and serves more than 800,000 clients with innovative products and services.
Thanks to its outstanding performance, BKT has been recognized over the years with numerous prestigious awards, including “Best Bank in Albania,” granted by renowned national and international institutions such as The Banker, Global Finance, Euromoney, EMEA Finance, and Finance Central Europe. The bank’s sole shareholder is Çalık Holding, founded in 1981 in Istanbul, which operates in a variety of sectors including energy, construction, textiles, mining, and finance.