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PART I: INTRODUCTION
Today’s intensifying competition places
more importance on alternative distribution
channels. Cognizant of the change in
conditions, we continue to undertake
investments in this field. As a result of
intense efforts in Internet banking, it has
become easier to access the Internet banking
channel, transactions were simplified, and
high level security was established via the
Mobile Signature scheme. As of year-end
2015, this yielded a 51% increase in Internet
and mobile transactions over the prior year.
Besides, we increased the number of our
call center employees. In parallel, the Call
Center Voice Response System was simplified
so as to enable customers to swiftly connect
to customer representatives and complete
their transactions in a shorter span of time.
During this period, we also geared up efforts
to expand the ATM network and modernize
existing ATMs.
In 2015, VakıfBank took important steps in
the sustainability issue. In order to establish
coordination in this field and ensure that efforts
are expended in a more healthy manner,
we launched our sustainability organization
structure. “Sustainability Committee” was
established as the ultimate instance of
decision making and responsibility, and the
“Sustainability Sub-Committee” was created
to report to the former. In order to conduct
sustainability activities, “Sustainability Service”
under the Investor Relations Department and
“Environmental Management Service” under
the Head of Support Services also continue their
activities.
On the other hand, we reported to the Carbon
Disclosure Project (CDP) which focuses on
climate change strategy, risk management, and
carbon emissions. As a result of the assessment,
in the very first year we joined the program,
we received a disclosure rating of 91 over a
possible 100 in the C performance band, which
represents a very significant achievement. Our
first Sustainability Report which covers the
period from 2014 until June 2015 was issued
in line with Global Reporting Initiative G4
standards and submitted to stakeholders.
In the coming period, we shall build on these
exalting results and make even more ambitious
strides. On this occasion, I would like to extend
my gratitude to our customers, whom we
see as members of the VakıfBank family, our
employees, whose diligent efforts are key to our
achievement, our shareholders and investors,
who have shown us their unfaltering trust, as
well as the Board of Directors, who have always
stood by us.
Sincerely yours,
HALİL AYDOĞAN
General Manager
