BKT Celebrates 100 Years of Its Roots
Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT), the largest and oldest financial institution in Albania, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its historical roots with a distinguished gala evening at the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. The ceremony brought together high-level representatives from Çalik Holding—BKT’s sole shareholder—along with executives from the Bank of Albania and other financial institutions, international and local partners, members of the diplomatic corps, entrepreneurs, clients, and collaborators.
A Century of Legacy: From 1925 to Today
BKT’s origins date back to 1925 with the establishment of the National Bank of Albania, the institution that introduced the country’s first national monetary system. Operating under its current name since January 1, 1993, the bank was formed through the merger of the Albanian Commercial Bank and the National Bank of Albania.
Following its privatization in 2000, a pivotal moment in BKT’s development came with the investment of Çalik Holding. The holding company acquired 60% of BKT’s shares in 2006 and became sole shareholder in 2009. This investment laid the groundwork for the modernization, expansion, and digital transformation that have positioned BKT as Albania’s leading financial institution.
Leadership Reflections and Anniversary Initiatives
The gala opened with remarks by BKT CEO and Board Member Seyhan Pencabligil, who expressed pride in leading Albania’s largest bank since 2014. He highlighted several projects marking the centenary, with particular emphasis on the restoration of four historic bank buildings in Durrës, Elbasan, Korçë, and Vlorë. Constructed in the 1920s, these buildings reflect the founders’ vision to create enduring financial institutions—“not simple bank branches, but castles” designed to last for centuries.
BKT Board Chairman Mehmet Usta emphasized the bank’s century-long role as a symbol of development, trust, and stability in Albania. He noted that BKT’s achievements reflect the union of knowledge, hard work, and dedication. Usta highlighted the bank’s ongoing efforts to merge heritage with innovation, placing digital transformation, sustainability, and community benefit at the centre of its future strategy. He expressed gratitude to the bank’s leadership, employees, clients, and partners for their contributions to BKT’s success.
Governor of the Bank of Albania Gent Sejko remarked on the institution’s shared roots with BKT since 1925 and praised BKT’s leadership in financial inclusion, digitalization, and innovation. He highlighted the bank’s efforts to expand service access, strengthen community trust, and educate customers on modern financial tools. According to Sejko, BKT has played a key role in steering Albania toward a modern, technology-driven economy.
An Artistic Journey Through Time
The evening’s artistic program offered a rich and immersive “journey through the past, present, and future.” Accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra and Choir of the National Opera, performers included internationally acclaimed soprano Marigona Qerkezi, baritone Gëzim Myshketa, and virtuoso violinist Olen Cesari. Under the direction of maestro Sergio Alapont, they presented a curated program that blended tradition with innovation, featuring works by Albanian composers Avni Mula and Pjetër Gaci, selections from iconic operas such as Tosca, Carmen, and Maria Stuarda, and dynamic violin pieces from the soundtracks of Gladiator and Argentine Tango.
Traditional Albanian dances by the Folk Ensemble and the contemporary ballet Viceversa, choreographed by Julind Dervishi, enriched the narrative. A monologue by artist Indri Shiroka and a forward-looking choreographic performance by young dancer Ergi Imeraj added to the multi-dimensional experience. All performances were complemented by 360° visual projections, offering guests a fully immersive artistic environment.
Preserving Heritage Through Restoration and Modernization
As part of its centennial initiatives, BKT has completed the restoration of four historic branches—structures of significant architectural and cultural value, three of which are designated cultural monuments. The restorations preserve their original external identity while transforming their interiors into modern banking spaces that meet contemporary service standards.
In parallel, BKT has continued its nationwide branch transformation program. More than half of its branches now operate under a revamped operational model featuring enhanced digital infrastructure, improved customer experience design, and efficient service processes.
To symbolize continuity and sustainability, BKT also planted 100 plane trees in the cities where its historic branches are located, reinforcing the bank’s longstanding bond with the communities it serves.
The Bank Today: A Leader in the Financial Sector
BKT is the largest bank in Albania, with consolidated assets of approximately USD 7 billion as of December 2024, representing 25% of the country’s total banking system assets. The bank operates 62 branches and agencies across Albania and serves more than 850,000 clients with a wide array of innovative products and services. The BKT Group also includes BKT Kosovo with 25 branches and the electronic money institution BKT Pay.
Over the years, BKT has earned numerous prestigious recognitions—including “Best Bank in Albania”—from international institutions such as The Banker, Global Finance, Euromoney, EMEA Finance, and Finance Central Europe. The bank has also received strong assessments from credit rating agencies like S&P Global Ratings and JCR Eurasia Rating, as well as from major correspondent banks including Deutsche Bank.
Çalik Holding, founded in 1981 in Istanbul, remains the sole shareholder of BKT and is active in sectors including energy, construction, textiles, mining, and finance.