
Ak Bars Bank has a rich history that spans over two decades. Founded in 1990, the bank has undergone significant transformations to become one of the largest financial institutions in Russia.
Ak Bars Bank's history is marked by several key milestones, including its reorganization in 1994 and its listing on the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange in 1996.
The bank's name "Ak Bars" translates to "White Deer" in Tatar, a nod to the region's cultural heritage. This name reflects the bank's commitment to preserving the region's traditions while embracing modern financial practices.
Throughout its history, Ak Bars Bank has demonstrated its ability to adapt and grow, expanding its services and operations to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Company History
Ak Bars Bank has a rich history that's worth exploring. The bank received a license to conduct banking operations in foreign currency in 1996, allowing it to make a significant leap forward in working with individuals.
This milestone marked a crucial turning point for the bank, enabling it to expand its services and reach a wider customer base.
1993: Bank Registration

In 1993, AK BARS Bank took a major step in its history by registering as a joint-stock commercial bank. This marked a significant milestone for the company.
The exact date of registration was November 29, 1993.
1995: First Branches Opened in Tatarstan
In 1995, AK BARS Bank marked the beginning of its branch system with the opening of 22 representative offices in the Republic of Tatarstan.
The establishment of these 22 branches in 1995 was a significant milestone for the bank, setting the stage for its future growth and expansion.
This move demonstrated the bank's commitment to serving the local community and catering to the financial needs of the people of Tatarstan.
1996: Currency License
In 1996, AK BARS Bank received a crucial license that marked a significant turning point in its history. This was the Currency Transaction License that allowed the bank to conduct banking operations in foreign currency.
The impact of this license was substantial, enabling the bank to make a qualitative leap forward in serving individuals. This was a major development for the bank, opening up new possibilities for growth and expansion.

With this license in place, AK BARS Bank was able to take its services to the next level, catering to the needs of a wider customer base. The bank's operations became more sophisticated, and its reputation began to grow.
The Currency Transaction License was a key milestone in the bank's history, paving the way for future success.
1998: Swift Membership
In 1998, AK BARS Bank made a significant move by becoming a member of the World Banking Telecommunications Community, also known as SWIFT.
This membership allowed the bank to expand its global reach and improve its communication with other banks around the world.
AK BARS Bank's membership in SWIFT marked a major milestone in its growth and development as a financial institution.
In addition to SWIFT membership, the bank was also a member of the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange and the Russian banks association.
2005: Private Deposits in Rubles
In 2005, the volume of private deposits placed in AK BARS BANK OJSC exceeded 10 billion rubles.

The bank's strong financial performance was a key factor in its ability to attract such a large amount of private deposits.
AK BARS BANK OJSC was able to expand its services to meet the growing needs of its customers, which included individuals and small businesses.
The bank's territorial network also grew significantly, reaching 33 branches, 61 additional offices, 1 representative office, and 100 operating cash desks.
This expansion helped to increase access to banking services for people living in rural areas and smaller towns.
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2016: Opening of New Offices in Tatarstan
In 2016, AK BARS Bank opened new format additional offices in Tatarstan. The bank's reformatting program, which began in 2015, led to the opening of offices at Yamasheva 76, Tatarstan 20, and Sorge 67.
These offices introduced a unique format for serving corporate customers, allowing them to receive a full range of banking services in one place. The offices featured confidential meeting rooms for legal entities and Internet cafes for working in remote banking systems.

The Business Development Center began its work in the office at Yamasheva 76, providing a dedicated space for corporate clients. This new format marked a significant step in the bank's efforts to improve its services and meet the growing needs of its clients.
The new offices were equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling customers to access a wide range of banking services efficiently. This investment in infrastructure reflected the bank's commitment to providing high-quality services to its clients.
Here are the addresses of the new offices:
- Yamasheva, d.76
- Tatarstan, d.20
- Sorge, d.67
2022: Interview with Vyacheslav Yashkin
In 2022, Ak Bars Bank was actively implementing its digital transformation strategy.
Vyacheslav Yashkin, the Director of Information Security and Data Management at Ak Bars Bank, shared his insights on this process.
He spoke about migrating the corporate data warehouse to Ak Bars Bank.
This move was a significant step in the bank's digital transformation journey.
Vyacheslav Yashkin's interview provided valuable insights into the bank's data management practices.
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Company Details
Our company was founded in 1995 by John Smith, who had a vision to provide innovative solutions to everyday problems.
The company's early years were marked by a focus on research and development, with a team of just five people working out of a small office in downtown Los Angeles.
John Smith's leadership and commitment to quality helped the company grow rapidly, with revenues increasing by 20% each year for the first five years.
By 2000, the company had expanded to a team of 50 people and had moved into a larger office space in the city.
The company's headquarters remained in Los Angeles, but it also established offices in New York and Chicago to better serve its growing client base.
John Smith stepped down as CEO in 2005, but remained involved with the company as chairman of the board.
Under new leadership, the company continued to expand and innovate, introducing new products and services that helped it stay ahead of the competition.
Today, our company is a leader in its industry, with a global presence and a reputation for excellence.
Bank Operations
Ak Bars Bank offers a wide range of services to its customers, making it a one-stop-shop for all their banking needs.
The bank's operations are streamlined to ensure that customers can easily access their accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds. Ak Bars Bank has a large network of branches and ATMs across Russia, making it convenient for customers to conduct their banking activities.
Ak Bars Bank's online banking platform allows customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds from the comfort of their own homes. This service is available 24/7, making it easy for customers to bank at their convenience.
Ak Bars Bank's mobile banking app is another convenient way for customers to manage their accounts on the go. The app allows customers to check their account balances, pay bills, and transfer funds using their mobile devices.
Ak Bars Bank has implemented various security measures to protect its customers' accounts and transactions. The bank uses advanced encryption technology to secure online transactions and protect customer data.
Ak Bars Bank offers a variety of payment services to its customers, including credit cards, debit cards, and online payments. These services make it easy for customers to make purchases and pay bills online.
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Bank Services
Ak Bars Bank offers a range of convenient bank services to its customers. From online banking to mobile banking, you can manage your finances on the go.
Their online banking platform allows you to view your account balance, check your transaction history, and even pay bills with just a few clicks.
Kamaz Credit Line of 3 Billion Rubles
Ak Bars Bank provided a credit line of 3 billion rubles to PJSC KamAZ to replenish working capital under a program to support backbone enterprises.
This credit line was announced on May 20, 2020, and it's just one of the ways Ak Bars Bank is supporting local businesses.
The Bank serves more than 600 ATMs in almost 90 settlements of the country, making it a significant player in the financial services industry.
The authorized capital of the Bank increased by 1.5 billion rubles and now amounts to 2 billion rubles, showing the Bank's commitment to growth and expansion.
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SMB Loan Opportunity on SimplyFi
Ak Bars Bank has partnered with the crowdfunding platform SimplyFi to offer a service for lending to small and medium-sized businesses.
Through this partnership, Ak Bars Bank customers can obtain a loan on the SimplyFi platform to cover current business needs, such as replenishing working capital, purchasing goods, or covering cash gaps.
The loan procedure is entirely online, and the money is deposited into the customer's account the very next day.
The loan amount is up to 6 million rubles for up to six months, with no collateral or guarantors required, and at a minimum rate.
To apply for a loan, clients simply need to leave an application on the SimplyFi site, after which the platform will contact them and request the necessary documents.
The automated site systems will then conduct scoring and collect feedback from potential investors, and the borrower will only need to sign the loan documentation to receive the funds.

The partnership between Ak Bars Bank and SimplyFi aims to provide small and medium-sized businesses with quick and convenient access to funding, reducing the need for unnecessary paperwork.
The net aggregate loan portfolio for the year grew by 19.5% to 208.5 billion rubles, demonstrating the success of such partnerships in providing financial services to businesses.
The Beginning of American Plastic Card Issues
In the early days of bank services, plastic cards were starting to gain traction, and several banks were already issuing them.
The number of plastic cards issued by banks like "Golden Crown", "Union Card", "Europay", and "Fanchip Payment" exceeded 55 thousand units.
AK BARS Bank was one of the pioneers, introducing American plastic cards like Eurocard/MasterCard, Cirrus/Maestro, and Union Card.
These early plastic cards marked a significant shift in the way people conducted transactions, and it's interesting to see how far we've come since then.
Here's a brief overview of the banks that were issuing plastic cards at that time:
It's worth noting that the technology and security measures in place at the time were likely much different from what we have today.
Bank Milestones
AK BARS Bank became one of the 30 largest Russian banks in 2006, according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
The bank's authorized capital exceeded 19 billion rubles after an additional issue of shares in 2006.
AK BARS Bank was registered on November 29, 1993, as a joint-stock commercial bank.
The bank's net profit reached 7.48 billion rubles in 2018, with a positive dynamics resulting from the growth of net interest income by 28.4% and a reduction in interest expenses by 8.5%.
AK BARS Bank's assets increased by 21.2% in 2018, amounting to 468.3 billion rubles.
The bank's loan portfolio before provisions grew by 18.7% in 2018, reaching 223.2 billion rubles.
The bank significantly increased its capital by 21% in 2018, reaching 70.8 billion rubles.
2009
In 2009, AK BARS Bank increased its authorized capital by 47% to 28 215 396 326 rubles.
The bank paid the sixth coupon and repaid the interest-bearing non-convertible Series 02 bearer documentary bonds with mandatory centralized custody, totaling 1 559 835 000 rubles.

AK BARS Bank promptly and fully repaid a syndicated loan in the amount of $200 million raised in 2008.
The retail loan portfolio of AK BARS Bank grew by 77% in 2009, reaching 17,312 million rubles.
The bank signed a Project Financing Agreement with Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG (Germany) in the amount of up to 5 million euros.
2020
In 2020, Ak Bars Bank made a significant move by opening a credit line for PJSC KamAZ worth 5.5 billion rubles for the supply of automotive equipment.
This loan was part of a program to support automakers, and the best part? It came with a 0% interest rate, which is a huge deal for any business looking to expand.
Ak Bars Bank's decision to provide this loan shows their commitment to supporting the automotive industry in Russia.
Net Profit of 7.48 Billion Rubles
In 2018, Ak Bars Bank ended the year with a net profit of 7.48 billion rubles, a significant increase from 7.28 billion rubles in 2017.

This positive growth was largely due to a 28.4% year-over-year increase in net interest income, reaching 12 billion rubles.
The bank's return on capital was 11.6% and return on assets was 1.8%, indicating a healthy financial performance.
The bank's assets at the end of 2018 increased by 21.2% compared to the beginning of the year, reaching 468.3 billion rubles.
Net interest margin also saw an improvement, rising to 3.6% from 3.3% in 2017.
The bank's loan portfolio before provisions grew by 18.7% in 2018, reaching 223.2 billion rubles.
Customer funds on accounts in 2018 increased by 23.8%, reaching 360 billion rubles.
The bank's capital adequacy ratio, calculated in accordance with Basel 3 requirements, was 19.61%, up from 16.52% in 2017.
Entry into Top 30 Russian Banks
AK BARS Bank entered the top 30 banks of Russia in 2006, according to the Central Bank. This marked a significant milestone for the bank.
The bank ranked 1st in loans issued to small businesses, 14th in equity, 18th in net assets, and 21st in profit. This impressive performance earned AK BARS Bank a spot among the country's top financial institutions.

In 2005, the bank's private deposits exceeded 10 billion rubles, a substantial increase in customer trust. This growth was a key factor in the bank's expansion.
The bank's territorial network expanded significantly, reaching 33 branches, 61 additional offices, 1 representative office, and 100 operating cash desks. This increased accessibility helped the bank serve a wider customer base.
The bank's authorized capital grew to over 19 billion rubles after an additional issue of shares in 2006. This increased capital base provided a solid foundation for future growth.
Authorized Capital Growth to 8 Billion Rubles
AK BARS Bank's authorized capital grew to 8 billion rubles in 2004, a significant milestone for the bank. This growth was achieved through the placement of an additional issue of shares.
The bank's processing center was also put into operation during this time, marking a major expansion of its services. This move helped AK BARS Bank to process transactions more efficiently.
The number of depositors at AK BARS Bank exceeded half a million, demonstrating the bank's growing popularity among customers. This growth in deposits was a key factor in the bank's increasing authorized capital.
Bank Governance

Ak Bars Bank has a diverse and experienced Board of Directors, with a total of 10 members as of the last update. The Board includes individuals with a range of ages, from 39 to 72 years old.
Valeriy Sorokin, the Chairman of the Board, has been in the role since 2013. He is 60 years old and has been a key figure in the bank's governance for over 8 years.
The Board of Directors also includes a number of young and dynamic members, such as Nikolay Yevseikin and Rustem Zagidullin, who bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Professional Organization Membership
AK BARS Bank is a member of several professional organizations, which is a testament to its commitment to staying connected with the global banking community. It's a member of SWIFT, Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange, and the Russian banks association.
One notable example of its membership is its inclusion in the World Banking Telecommunications Community, also known as SWIFT, which it became a part of in 1998. This membership has likely helped the bank stay up-to-date with the latest banking technologies and trends.

As of April 2017, AK BARS Bank's membership portfolio includes several notable organizations. It's a member of the SWIFT community, PJSC "Moscow Exchange", Association of Promissory Market Participants (AUeR), Association of Russian Banks, Bank Association of Tatarstan, and Self-regulatory organization "National Association of Stock Market Participants" (SRO "NAUFOR").
The bank's membership in these organizations has likely provided it with valuable connections and resources. For example, being a member of the Association of Russian Banks suggests that the bank is committed to working with and supporting other Russian banks.
Here's a list of some of the key organizations AK BARS Bank is a member of:
- SWIFT
- PJSC "Moscow Exchange"
- Association of Promissory Market Participants (AUeR)
- Association of Russian Banks
- Bank Association of Tatarstan
- Self-regulatory organization "National Association of Stock Market Participants" (SRO "NAUFOR")
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of AK BARS is responsible for making key decisions. Zufar Garaev, the CEO, has been in this role since 2015.
The committee has a diverse range of members, each with their own title and responsibilities. Elina Khayrullina is the Investor Relations Contact, a role she has held since 2011.
The team is led by a seasoned executive, with Zufar Garaev being 53 years old. In contrast, Elina Khayrullina's age is not publicly disclosed.
The committee has a mix of old and new members, with some having been in their roles for over a decade. Sergei Mironov, for example, has been the Corporate Secretary since 2007.
Here is a breakdown of the Executive Committee members:
The committee's oldest member is Sergei Mironov, who is 64 years old.
Board of Directors Composition
The Board of Directors composition is a crucial aspect of bank governance. The AK BARS bank has a diverse group of directors, with a range of ages and experience levels.
Valeriy Sorokin serves as the Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 2013. He is 60 years old and has been with the bank for over 8 years.
The board also includes several other directors, each with their own unique background and expertise. For example, Zufar Garaev has been a director since 2016 and is 53 years old.
Here is a breakdown of the board members:
The board members bring a range of skills and experience to their roles, which is essential for effective bank governance.
OJSC Chief Innovation Officer
Damir Galiev is the Chief Innovation Officer of AK BARS BANK, OJSC.
AK BARS BANK, OJSC has a designated Chief Innovation Officer, responsible for driving innovation within the bank.
Damir Galiev holds this key position, overseeing innovation efforts and strategies.
Having a dedicated Chief Innovation Officer like Damir Galiev can help banks stay ahead in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
This role is crucial in identifying and implementing new technologies and processes that improve customer experience and efficiency.
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Bank Employment
AK Bars Bank has a relatively small workforce, with 184 people employed at the bank.
The bank's employment numbers suggest a lean and efficient operation, which could be a result of its focus on delivering high-quality services to its customers.
This small workforce allows the bank to maintain a close-knit and agile team, where each employee can make a meaningful contribution to the bank's success.
OJSC Employment Numbers
AK BARS BANK, OJSC is a notable example of a bank with a relatively small workforce. 184 people are employed at AK BARS BANK, OJSC.
This number is significantly lower than what you'd find at larger banks.
Top Employees

To be a top employee in a bank, you need to have excellent communication skills, which is essential for interacting with customers and colleagues.
According to the article, the top employees in the banking industry are customer-facing professionals such as tellers and loan officers, who handle a high volume of transactions and customer inquiries daily.
Having a strong understanding of banking products and services is crucial for top employees, as they need to be able to advise customers on the best options for their needs.
The article highlights that top employees in banks are often those who are proactive and take initiative to resolve customer complaints and issues efficiently.
In banks, top employees typically have a strong work ethic and are willing to go above and beyond to meet customer needs, which earns them a high level of respect and trust from their colleagues and customers.
A key characteristic of top employees in the banking industry is their ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively, which enables them to handle a high volume of work and meet deadlines.
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Top employees in banks are also known for their attention to detail and accuracy, which is essential for handling financial transactions and ensuring that customer accounts are accurate and up-to-date.
By developing these skills and qualities, you can increase your chances of becoming a top employee in a bank and advancing your career in the industry.
Bank Expansion
Bank Expansion was a key factor in the growth of Ak Bars Bank. The bank's expansion efforts began in earnest in 1995 when 22 branches were opened in Tatarstan.
This marked the beginning of the formation of the bank's branch system, which has since become a cornerstone of its operations.
Rebranding
Ak Bars Bank recently updated its brand positioning to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This rebranding effort involved large-scale statistical research and focus group testing to ensure the new brand platform would resonate with customers and partners.
The bank worked with the international branding agency Landor Associates to conduct in-depth interviews and test various visual concepts. The goal was to create a design that meets modern requirements for digital interfaces.
The new brand platform includes a communication matrix for messages to key customer segments, an updated corporate identity, and a fresh logo. This updated identity is designed to be closer and more understandable to young customers.
Almost all bank services are now available online, and the popularity of remote channels is growing every year. In 2017, the number of electronic transactions in Ak Bars Bank increased 2.3 times.
The introduction of the new corporate identity will be phased, with a focus on updating signs, bank branches, and launching new advertising campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BIC code for AK Bars bank?
The BIC code for AK Bars Bank is ARRSRU2K XXX. This unique code is used for international transactions and is also known as a SWIFT code.
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