Banka Kombëtare Tregtare the largest bank in the country, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its roots with a gala evening held at the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. At the ceremony participated Mr. Ahmet Çalik, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Çalik Holding and other high executives of the Holding, executives of the Bank of Albania and financial institutions, local and international partners, the diplomatic corps, entrepreneurs, clients, and the bank’s collaborators.

The roots of Banka Kombëtare Tregtare date back to 1925 with the establishment of the National Bank of Albania, the institution that created the first national monetary system. Under its current name, the bank began operating on January 1, 1993, following the merger of the Albanian Commercial Bank and the National Bank of Albania. After the bank’s privatization in 2000, another key moment in its consolidation was the investment by Çal?k Holding, which in 2006 acquired 60% of BKT’s shares and became its sole shareholder in 2009, laying the foundations for the development, modernization, and transformation that today positions BKT as the leader of the Albanian financial system.

The evening opened with welcoming speeches from Mr. Seyhan Pencabligil, CEO and Board Member of BKT, who expressed pride in leading the country’s largest bank since 2014, world-class bank. He highlighted several initiatives undertaken for this jubilee, the most important being the restoration and renovation of four historic bank buildings in the cities of Durrës, Elbasan, Korçë, and Vlorë. These buildings, constructed in the 1920s, he noted, stand as a testament to the founders’ vision of a bank to build a bank that would last forever and built not simple bank branches, but castles that would allow them to remain resilient for 100 years and for many more centuries to come.

Mr. Mehmet Usta, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BKT, stated that Banka Kombëtare Tregtare for a century has become a symbol of development, trust, and stability in Albania and is a deeply rooted institution that guides the country’s economic life. But even more than that, it is the strongest example of what an institution can achieve when intellect, hard work, and faith come together.” He added, “Today, BKT is building a new future upon this deeply rooted legacy, connecting 100 years of history with digital innovation, placing sustainability and social benefit at its core. Based on the trust inherited from the past and our collective efforts, we are laying the foundations for a new century and will continue contributing to Albania’s future with the same determination.” He concluded by thanking the bank’s leadership, employees, clients, and partners for their contributions.’’

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Gent Sejko, emphasized the historical role of the institution he leads and its shared roots with BKT since 1925. He stated: “One of BKT’s most valued contributions is its work in financial inclusion: expanding access to services, building trust within communities, and educating clients on the use of modern banking instruments. BKT is also a significant engine of innovation, with major investments in digitalization, modern payment products, and banking services that facilitate citizens’ access to finance. In many aspects, the bank has been one of the promoters of the country’s transition toward an increasingly modern and technology-oriented economy.”

The evening’s artistic program was conceived as a timeless journey through the past, present, and future. The performers included soprano Marigona Qerkezi, one of the most important voices on the international opera scene; world-renowned baritone Gëzim Myshketa; and globally recognized virtuoso violinist Olen Cesari, who performed alongside the Symphony Orchestra and Choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet, and Folk Ensemble, under the direction of renowned maestro Sergio Alapont, known for his refined interpretations and artistic energy. They presented a carefully curated program blending tradition and innovation, featuring works by Albanian composers Avni Mula and Pjetër Gaci, well-known pieces from powerful operas such as Tosca, Carmen, and Maria Stuarda, as well as electrifying violin performances from the soundtracks of Gladiator and “Argentine Tango.” The journey through time also unfolded on stage through a collage of traditional dances by the Folk Ensemble and the contemporary ballet Viceversa performed by the TKOBAP ballet troupe, choreographed by Julind Dervishi, along with a monologue by artist Indri Shiroka. The vision for the future was reflected through a performance by the young, talented dancer Ergi Imeraj, choreographed by Donald Martini. All performances were accompanied by 360° projections that offered guests an extraordinary multi-dimensional experience.

In honor of this anniversary, throughout 2025 BKT completed the restoration of its four historic branches while preserving their architectural identity in the cities of Durrës, Elbasan, Korçë, and Vlorë, an important initiative in safeguarding cultural heritage, especially considering that three of these buildings are designated cultural monuments. In parallel, the bank continued with a broad transformation of its branch network to further enhance customer experience, and currently more than half of its branches operate with a new advanced operational model and modern spaces. As part of the 100th anniversary activities, BKT also planted 100 plane trees in the cities where its historic branches are located, symbolizing continuity, sustainability, and the bank’s connection with the community.

BKT is the largest bank in Albania, with total assets volume of around $7 billion on a consolidated banking group basis as of December 2024, holding 25% of the total assets of the Albanian banking system. It operates in Albania through 62 branches and agencies and serves more than 850,000 clients with innovative products and services. The BKT Group also includes Banka Kombëtare Tregtare Kosovë with 25 branches and the electronic money institution BKT Pay.

Thanks to its strong performance, BKT has been recognized over the years with numerous prestigious awards such as “Best Bank in Albania” from well-known national and international institutions including The Banker, Global Finance, Euromoney, EMEA Finance, Finance Central Europe, and others. It has also received positive evaluations from reputable credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings and JCR Eurasia Rating, as well as from correspondent banks like Deutsche Bank. The bank’s sole shareholder is Çal?k Holding, founded in 1981 in Istanbul, which operates in various sectors including energy, construction, textiles, mining, and finance.