Halkbank expects balanced loan growth in 2026.

Halkbank General Manager Osman Arslan's 2026 Goals

Halkbank General Manager Osman Arslan shared the expectations of the banking sector for 2026. Arslan stated that during this period, the sector's priorities are to maintain asset quality, sustain balanced and selective credit growth, and strengthen balance sheet resilience.

Selectively Credit Policies in 2025

Speaking to AA reporters during the Banking Conversations, Arslan emphasized that the banking sector is focused on risk management and keeping balance sheets strong in 2025. He noted that Halkbank is effectively managing its liquidity and capital structures by directing resources to selective areas.

Significant Support for SMEs and Entrepreneurs

Arslan stated that supporting tradespeople and SMEs, as well as women and young entrepreneurs, has been among their primary goals in the past year. He highlighted that credit policies have been prioritized for production, investment, employment, and exports, and mentioned that they have provided a total of 118 billion lira financial support to 263 thousand women entrepreneurs since 2021.

Digital Deepening and Efficiency Goals

Arslan indicated that the banking sector is expected to shift from cautious growth to a structure focused on efficiency and quality for the year 2026. In this context, he emphasized that digital transformation processes will accelerate and that artificial intelligence and data analytics will be used more extensively in operational processes.

Financing Expectations and Current Account

Arslan stated that financing conditions are expected to improve for 2026, noting that resource costs will decrease and credit utilization rates will increase. Additionally, he mentioned that a rapid normalization process in the current account is anticipated, with the expectation that the GDP ratio will stabilize at around %1 in 2026.