Dynamic Bank Driving National Economy Forward

Banka Kombetare Tregtare (BKT) has a long history of providing world-class banking services. Established through a 1993 merger between the Albanian Commercial Bank and the National Bank of Albania, Banka Kombetare Tregtare was fully privatised in 2000 and, following a significant restructuring, achieved growth rates well beyond the average. BKT now has 60 branches in Albania and 23 branches in Kosovo. BKT is present in Kosovo since 2007

BKT Kosovo offers a wide range of universal banking services to individuals, government and corporate clients, including loans, EMV-compliant debit and credit cards, ATMs, e-banking, qualified international banking and various treasury products. BKT Kosovo increased its paid-up capital from an initial €5 million to €8 million in 2010, and its branch network has grown from one branch in Prishtina to 23 branches all around the country.

Managing Director Suat Albayrak explains, “BKT Kosovo is the newest bank in the country and 2009 could be considered its first full year of operations with a full branch network. The expansion of the branch network has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in market share in both lending and deposits.” BKT is a leader in Kosovo in its product range, technologies and rates. In fact, BKT Kosovo is now widely regarded as the country’s best bank for product innovation, personal and educational loans, mortgages and credit cards.

Catalyst for economic growth

BKT Kosovo is strongly committed to supporting the development of the local economy, including assisting entrepreneurs who have graduated from the USAID Entrepreneurial and Agriculture Programme. Suat Albayrak points out, “BKT Kosovo aims to continue to be the leader in introducing new products and technologies in the Kosovo market, and to serve as a catalyst for economic development. BKT plays a key role in enhancing Kosovo’s attractions for foreign investors.”

Unlike other local financial institutions, BKT Kosovo focuses around 75% of its loans on trade and services. Suat Albayrak says, “The payback period of loans for trade and services is shorter than of loans for big construction projects. Thanks to this strategy, BKT Kosovo has the ability to reinvest much more quickly into the local market, spurring on the growth and development of the middle class.”

BKT Kosovo benefits from the strong liquidity support of its parent bank in Albania. Thanks to its solid financial foundations, excellent track record and high-quality services, BKT Kosovo is well on the way to reaching its goal of boosting its market share up to 15% over the next five years.