Sustainability approach
Sustainability represents a strategic priority and an integral part of Halkbank’s long-term vision for responsible and stable growth. The Bank views its role as an active driver of positive change, achieved through the integration of economic, environmental, and social aspects into its operations and the development of financial services.
During 2025, Halkbank continued to implement activities aimed at sustainable development, with a focus on achieving a balance between economic progress, environmental protection, and social responsibility. As part of these efforts, the Bank continued the implementation of the “One Million Saplings in Five Years” initiative, in partnership with the Public Enterprise National Forests. This long-term initiative is focused on afforestation, protection, and enhancement of natural resources and represents a concrete contribution to strengthening environmental awareness and responsible attitudes toward the environment.
In support of the energy transition, Halkbank maintained its eco-loan product offering in 2025, designed to support investments related to energy efficiency and more energy-efficient solutions for households. Through these products, the Bank enables clients to access financial support for investments that contribute to more responsible energy consumption and the reduction of long-term costs.
At the same time, throughout 2025, Halkbank continued to enhance digital processes and develop modern technological solutions, aiming for more efficient, faster, and environmentally responsible operations. The digitalization of services and the reduction of paper-based processes contribute to a more sustainable corporate approach and the rational use of resources.
Through its socially responsible activities, Halkbank continued in 2025 to support the community through educational initiatives, support for local projects, and the promotion of social inclusion. The Bank believes that long-term success is based on creating value for all stakeholders, including clients, employees, shareholders, and society at large.
With high ethical standards and a clear orientation toward responsible banking, Halkbank reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth and the creation of a stable foundation for future development throughout 2025.
Corporate governance
During 2025, Halkbank AD Skopje further strengthened its approach to corporate management and oversight as a foundation for stable, responsible, and transparent operations. This framework represents an integral part of the Bank’s business model and ensures regulatory compliance, effective risk management, and long-term protection of the interests of all stakeholders.
Following the completion of all legal and regulatory procedures and upon obtaining approval from the National Bank, Dr. Fatih Shahbaz was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Halkbank AD Skopje in 2025. With this appointment, the Bank ensured continuity in leadership and further reinforced its strategic orientation toward stable, responsible, and long-term development.
Throughout the year, particular emphasis was placed on improving internal processes, clearly defining responsibilities, and strengthening mechanisms for transparency and accountability. Through alignment with best banking practices and internal policies, Halkbank maintains a stable management structure and a solid foundation for strategic decision-making.
In parallel, the Bank continued to modernize certain processes and digital services with the aim of increasing operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and promoting more responsible use of resources. Digitalization also contributes to improved managerial efficiency and better control over key operational processes.
In 2025, Halkbank continued to develop its relationship with the community by supporting social, educational, and environmental initiatives, as part of its broader commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.
Special attention was devoted to human capital, with the Bank continuously investing in training, professional development, and the improvement of working conditions. The belief that motivated and satisfied employees are a key factor for long-term success remains deeply embedded in Halkbank’s corporate culture.
This approach to corporate management and oversight represents a practical framework that enables responsible operations, builds trust, and supports the ambitions of clients, shareholders, employees, and the wider community.
On Clients
In 2025, the focus of Halkbank AD Skopje was directed toward creating long-term value through secure, high-quality, and modern banking services aligned with client needs and market conditions. Through a combination of digital solutions, technological development, and a personalized approach, the Bank continued to enhance the overall client experience.
At the same time, the advancement of digital channels and infrastructure remained one of the key priorities throughout the year. Clients were provided with simpler and more flexible access to banking services, enabling the execution of everyday transactions without time or location constraints, in line with modern habits and expectations.
Personalization of services continued to be at the core of the Bank’s business approach. In 2025, Halkbank developed and offered products and solutions tailored to diverse personal and business needs, ranging from lending and deposit products to financial solutions designed to support long-term planning and stability.
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises remained an important segment of the Bank’s business orientation. Through cooperation with international financial institutions and development programs, Halkbank provided access to financial resources that contribute to growth, development, and increased competitiveness of the local business sector.
In the retail banking segment, the Bank continued in 2025 to offer competitive and flexible lending and savings products, aligned with client needs and market conditions. The continuous enhancement of the product offering enabled greater accessibility and adaptability of financial solutions.
In addition to its focus on clients and shareholders, special attention was also devoted to employees as a key factor of success. Through continuous investments in professional development, improvement of working conditions, and strengthening of organizational culture, Halkbank contributed to the creation of a motivated and stable working environment.
With a clear orientation toward innovation, responsibility, and quality, Halkbank continued in 2025 to create added value for clients, shareholders, employees, and the wider community, further strengthening its position as a stable and trusted financial institution.
On Employees
The development and stability of Halkbank AD Skopje are founded on the knowledge, engagement, and responsibility of the people who build the Bank every day. Employees are not merely part of the organizational structure, but active carriers of values, professional standards, and the Bank’s approach toward clients and the wider community.
Throughout 2025, Halkbank focused on strengthening a modern and sustainable approach to human capital management. Particular attention was given to creating a stable working environment that encourages responsibility, cooperation, and professional integrity, in the context of dynamic changes within the financial sector.
The Bank continuously worked on enhancing the knowledge and competencies of its employees through various forms of education and professional development. The focus was placed on practical skills, leadership development, and strengthening the capacities required to address contemporary banking challenges, including digital transformation and evolving regulatory requirements.
Alongside professional development, in 2025 Halkbank also worked to improve the overall employee experience. Activities were directed toward enhancing the organizational climate, supporting a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and private life, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and open communication.
Reward and recognition systems were designed to value quality, accountability, and teamwork. Through clear criteria and a transparent approach, the Bank strives to provide a motivating environment that encourages employees to grow and contribute to shared objectives.
Halkbank views investment in its employees as a long-term investment in the stability and future of the Bank. People remain the key factor behind client trust, service quality, and sustainable development, and their commitment represents the foundation upon which further growth is built.
On Society
Halkbank builds its role in society on responsible conduct, partnership with the community, and support for initiatives that contribute to broader social progress. Social responsibility is an integral part of the Bank’s corporate culture and is founded on the belief that long-term value is created through active contribution to the environment in which we operate.
Halkbank’s activities are focused on supporting projects and initiatives across several social areas, including education, culture, social inclusion, equal opportunities, and environmental protection. Through the careful selection of partnerships and activities, the Bank strives to respond to the real needs of the community and contribute to improving the overall quality of life.
Special attention is devoted to the promotion of sustainable practices and raising public awareness of environmental issues. Halkbank supports environmental protection through various activities aimed at preserving natural resources and encouraging responsible behavior toward the environment.
As part of its social role, the Bank also supports financial inclusion through initiatives and products that contribute to greater accessibility of financial services and equal opportunities for different social groups. This approach forms part of a broader commitment to inclusive economic development.
In addition, Halkbank maintains continuous cooperation with institutions, organizations, and local communities in order to support activities that have a positive and long-term impact. Support for cultural, educational, and other socially significant projects represents an important aspect of this commitment.
Through its activities, Halkbank remains dedicated to its role as a responsible corporate citizen, contributing to the development of a more cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable society, guided by the belief that true value is created through people and communities.
On Environment
Environmental protection represents one of the key pillars of responsible operations at Halkbank AD Skopje. In the context of increasing environmental challenges, the Bank directs its activities toward initiatives that contribute to raising environmental awareness and supporting sustainable practices, with the aim of ensuring the long-term preservation of natural resources.
Halkbank’s environmental activities are implemented through various initiatives and platforms focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and a responsible relationship with nature. Through its environmental platform HalkEco, the Bank encourages citizens to adopt an active way of life while simultaneously linking physical activity with tangible contributions to environmental protection, creating a model in which individual engagement generates broader social benefits.
During 2025, activities within the HalkEco platform were focused on supporting afforestation, the improvement of public green spaces, and the promotion of sustainable environmental practices. Through various actions and partnerships, the platform contributed to increased public awareness of the importance of environmental protection and encouraged active citizen participation in environmental initiatives.
In addition, during 2025 Halkbank continued the implementation of the long-term initiative “One million saplings in five years,” launched in 2024, with the objective of making a systematic contribution to afforestation and the restoration of natural ecosystems. This initiative forms part of the Bank’s broader commitment to supporting sustainable development and protecting biodiversity.
In its day-to-day operations, the Bank also places emphasis on the efficient use of resources and responsible waste management, thereby contributing to the reduction of negative environmental impacts. These efforts are part of a wider approach aimed at establishing a more environmentally responsible corporate model.
Through continuous activities and partnerships, Halkbank remains committed to advancing environmental awareness and supporting initiatives that generate long-term benefits for the community. With a responsible approach and joint efforts, the Bank contributes to the creation of a healthier and more sustainable environment for present and future generations.
On National Economy
As part of the financial system, Halkbank AD Skopje plays a significant role in supporting economic activity and the stability of the national economy. Through its operations, the Bank contributes to ensuring liquidity, supporting investments, and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth.
During 2025, lending activity represented one of the key instruments through which Halkbank supported the economy. Its focus on both the retail and corporate sectors enabled support for personal consumption, investment activities, and business development, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises as an important segment of the national economy.
The Bank continued to invest in the development of financial products and services tailored to the needs of its clients, with the aim of improving access to financial resources and supporting a wide range of economic activities. This approach provides greater flexibility and better adaptability to market conditions.
In 2025, Halkbank achieved stable financial results, with total assets amounting to EUR 2.099.135 billion, the loan portfolio reaching EUR 1.431.861 billion, and the deposit base totaling EUR 1.578.106 billion. Net profit amounted to EUR 37.273 million, confirming the Bank’s sustainable and responsible operations.
During the year, lending activity recorded an increase of EUR 262 million, while the deposit base grew by EUR 143 million, indicating increased client confidence and a stable position of the Bank within the financial system.
Particularly significant was the volume of retail lending, with total loans disbursed amounting to EUR 819 million, as well as the continued support of the corporate sector through project and investment financing.
Through a responsible approach, stable operations, and a clear orientation toward supporting the real economy, Halkbank continued in 2025 to contribute to strengthening confidence in the banking sector and to the sustainable economic development of the country.