Banka Kombëtare Tregtare: A Comprehensive Overview

Banka Kombëtare Tregtare, or BKT, is a major Albanian bank that has been a cornerstone of the country's financial system for decades. It was established in 1925 and has since grown to become one of the largest banks in Albania.

BKT offers a wide range of financial services, including personal and corporate banking, investment services, and more. Its extensive network of branches and ATMs makes it easily accessible to customers across the country.

One of the bank's key strengths is its commitment to innovation, with a focus on using technology to improve customer experience and efficiency. This is evident in its digital banking services, which allow customers to manage their accounts and conduct transactions online or through mobile apps.

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Banka Kombëtare Tregtare was established in January 1993 by merging Banka Tregtare Shqiptare (BTSH) and Banka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë (BKSH). This merger created a strong foundation for the bank's future growth and development.

The bank's establishment was a significant step in Albania's banking system reform, which aimed to create a two-tier banking system. In 1991, BTSH was established to manage foreign trade operations, and in 1992, BKSH was created to manage domestic trading activities.

The assets and liabilities from these two entities were transferred to BKT accounts since its establishment. This consolidation of resources helped to strengthen the bank's financial position.

Banka Kombëtare Tregtare was restructured as a joint-stock company in July 1997, with assets reaching ALL 2.7 billion. This move marked a significant milestone in the bank's history, as it paved the way for further growth and expansion.

Here are some key dates in the bank's establishment and history:

In 2000, the bank completed the privatization process, with the Parliament of Albania approving the sale of the bank to a consortium of international investors. This marked a significant shift in the bank's ownership structure and paved the way for further growth and development.

The privatization of Banka Kombëtare Tregtare was a significant milestone in the bank's history. It was accomplished in the year 2000, with the Albanian Parliament approving the sale contract on 6 July 2000.

The bank's new shareholders, consisting of Kentbank, International Finance Corporation, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, invested heavily in the bank, recapitalizing it with US$10 million by November 2000.

This investment led to major transformations in the bank's operations, including the development of a new infrastructure and the restructuring of personnel, procedures, and IT infrastructure. The bank's paid-up capital reached US$14.64 million by February 2003, making it the most capitalized bank in the Albanian banking system.

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In 2000, Banka Kombëtare Tregtare successfully accomplished its privatization process.

The Albanian Parliament approved the sale contract between the Ministry of Finance and the Consortium of International Investors on 6 July 2000.

The transfer of ownership entered into force on 17 October 2000, marking a significant milestone in the bank's history.

New shareholders, including Kentbank, International Finance Corporation, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, invested US$10 million in November 2000, recapitalizing the bank.

This investment led to major transformations in 2001, including the development of a new infrastructure and the restructuring of all aspects of the bank's operations.

By February 2003, the paid-up capital had reached US$14.64 million, making Banka Kombëtare Tregtare the most capitalized bank in the Albanian banking system.

In 2006, Çalik-Seker Konsorsiyum Yatirim A.S. acquired 60% plus 2 of the bank's shares from Kent Bank, following a court decision.

By 2007, the bank had expanded into Kosovo and opened 24 branches, solidifying its position as the largest Albanian bank in the region.

On 30 June 2009, Çalik Financial Services bought the shares of the IFC and EBRD, becoming the bank's sole shareholder.

The Godina e Pretit Restorativ, a historic building in Durrës, Albania, is in dire need of restoration. It's been over three and a half years since the Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT) decided to restore the building, but nothing has been done so far.

The building's facade has started to crumble, especially after the two earthquakes in 2019. The BKT had planned to restore the building in 2018, but the project has been stalled since then.

The architect Lida Miraj, who designed the restoration project, says that everything will be returned to its original state, as it was when the building was first constructed nearly a century ago. The interior and furniture will also be restored to their original state from before the war.

The project has been approved by the Institute of Monuments, and the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage will oversee the restoration work. However, the building has been closed to the public and clients since June 2018.

The restoration work is expected to start in early 2022, according to the BKT's directorate. The project will include the construction of a new facade, the rehabilitation of the exterior, and the complete reconstruction of the interior spaces.