VKF_FRAE_2018_uyg11

72 Section I: Introduction CORRESPONDENT BANKS VakıfBank’s robust correspondent bank network is comprised of 1,436 banks and financial institutions in 126 countries across the world. The network is managed in line with the principles of mutual trust, collaboration, and transparency by a dynamic team specialized in relationship management and committed to rapid delivery of alternative solutions for their customers. The Bank’s correspondent network grows every day with the creation of new connections. Following agreements signed with EBRD and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop trade finance, VakıfBank acts as an intermediary for export letters of credit and guarantees from the banks supported in the programme under the guarantee of these institutions. Thanks to its extensive network of correspondent banks as well as its lines of credit, VakıfBank provides significant funding support for trade finance transactions and remains one of the most preferred banks in this key segment. VakıfBank’s International Organization VakıfBank International AG VakıfBank International AG, headquartered in Vienna, was established in 1999 in line with VakıfBank’s plans to expand abroad and conduct international banking operations. The Bank has branch locations in Vienna, Frankfurt and Cologne. New York Branch The New York Branch, which was established with the mission of better exploiting opportunities in international financial markets and provide more comprehensive solutions to customers in trade finance, has served since 1995. Bahrain Branch The Bahrain Branch was established in 2005 to finance foreign trade transactions, which continue to expand due to the soaring business volume between Turkey and the Gulf region, and to fund projects planned in this region. Arbil Branch Pioneering the banking sector once again, VakıfBank figured among the first Turkish banks to open a branch in Northern Iraq. The Bank aims to actively foster commercial and economic collaboration between Turkey and Iraq and to support Turkish entrepreneurs who make investments in the region. The Arbil Branch commenced operation in February 2011. INVESTOR RELATIONS During 2018, VakıfBank regularly supported its investor relations function and provided information regarding its corporate affairs and operations to investors and brokerage companies. During 2018, VakıfBank uninterruptedly continued to leverage its relations with investors or brokerage companies and provide information to them. During fiscal year 2018, the Investor Relations Department: Effective communication with investors Responded to approximately 1 thousand information requests submitted by shareholders. Conducted more than 280 meetings at the Bank’s Istanbul offices and met around 400 investors/analysts. Attended 18 domestic and international VakıfBank is on your side internationally with its strong correspondent network... International Relations and Correspondent Banks VakıfBank successfully hosted the first EMTA Forum held in Turkey as the main sponsor of the event. A total of 175 investment institutions are members of EMTA (Emerging Markets Trade Association). REVIEW OF OPERATIONS IN 2018