Corporate Social Responsibility

This text has been prepared by T. Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O. ('VakıfBank') in its capacity as the data controller, in accordance with Article 10 of Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data ('Law'), the Communiqué on the Procedures and Principles to be Followed in Fulfilling the Obligation to Inform ('Communiqué'), and the Guide on Cookie Practices ('Guide').
What is a Cookie?
A cookie is a type of identification file given to the visitors' computers or mobile devices by websites, in the form of small-sized data files. It enables the recognition of computers when the website is visited again. Websites, by reading these data files created by users when they first connect, gain the ability to work more efficiently, quickly recognize the users, and load user settings such as site language in a fast manner during subsequent visits. The use of these technologies is conducted in compliance with the legislation to which we are subject, primarily Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data ('PDPL').

Cookies help the website remember information about your visit (e.g., your preferred language and other settings). They can provide convenience on your next visit and make the site more practical and faster for you.

Through this Cookie Policy, we aim to provide information to members/visitors ('Data Subjects') on the purposes for which we use cookies during the administration of VakıfBank's websites and the types of cookies used, as well as how you can manage these cookies concerning the processing of personal data obtained during the use of cookies.

For detailed information on the processing of your personal data, you can read Clarification Text On The Protection And Processing Of Personal Data Of Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi Turk Anonim Ortakligi

What Are the Types of Cookies?
Cookies are categorized into temporary and permanent cookies based on their validity periods. Temporary cookies are data files that are generated during a user's visit to a website, storing the user's preferences during that visit and automatically deleting when the visit ends and the user leaves the site. Temporary cookies are data files that are generated during a user's visit to a website, storing the user's preferences during that visit and automatically deleting when the visit ends and the user leaves the site. The user preferences stored in this data file are read from it quickly during the user's next connection and are loaded, enabling the user to have a faster and more efficient website experience.

In VakıfBank websites and mobile applications, both temporary and persistent cookies can be used for the following purposes:

Ensuring site security management; for instance, avoiding the need for logged-in users to re-enter their passwords when visiting different pages on the site during the same session.
Ensuring the functions of the site or application work as intended; for example, remembering the user's username or search queries on their next visit to the site.
Monitoring and maintaining the performance of the site or application at a high level; these are cookies that collect information about page visit intervals, potential error messages, and the total time users spend on the respective pages, in addition to user behavior on the site, to enhance the performance of the bank's website.
Saving time for users by remembering their preferences; for instance, displaying pages or icons related to visitors' areas of interest based on the pages and products they have viewed.

Are Cookies Mandatory?
Internet browsers on computers or mobile devices allow cookies by default. These cookie settings enable websites to utilize this feature to enhance the user's experience. Users can adjust their cookie settings or completely block cookie usage through methods that differ according to the type of internet browser on their devices. The method for changing the selection of cookie usage varies depending on the type of browser and can be learned from the respective service provider when requested.

Similar to cookies used on other websites, users of VakıfBank have the option to selectively or entirely block the use of cookies when they so choose. However, the majority of our cookies are designed to ensure the proper functioning of the website or application, and blocking them may lead to the disruption of certain functions. Therefore, it is not recommended.

Cookies Used on Our Website
The types of cookies used on our website are as follows.
Essential Cookies
The use of a certain type of cookies is required for the proper functioning of our site. For example, the identity verification cookies that come into play when you log in to our website ensure that your session remains active as you navigate from one page to another on our site.

Other Cookies
Functionality and Preference Cookies
These cookies enhance the personalization of services provided on our site for you by recalling your preferences and selections.
Performance and Analysis Cookies
Through these cookies, we can analyze your use of our site and its performance, enabling us to improve the services we provide to you.
Targeting or Advertising Cookies
We do not use cookies for product and service promotion or marketing activities on our website.
Do VakıfBank Cookies Store My Confidential Information?
VakıfBank does not store users' confidential information through cookies. Cookies solely contain information pertaining to your browsing history and do not access files stored on your computer or mobile device.
How can cookie preferences be controlled?
Cookie use is predefined in many browsers. Users can change this selection status in the browser settings. Therefore, the user can also delete existing cookies and refuse the storage of future cookie uses. So, if cookie use is canceled, it may not be possible to benefit from some features in the Bank's systems.

Changing the cookie use selection method varies depending on the browser type, and the methods for some service providers are as follows.

Google Chrome	By clicking on the "lock sign" in the address section of your browser, you can allow or block cookies from the "cookies" tab.
Internet Explorer	By clicking on the security tab in the "Tools" section at the top right of your browser, you can manage cookies as "allow" or "do not allow".
Mozilla Firefox	Click on the "open menu" tab in the upper right corner of your browser. By clicking on the "Options" image, you can manage cookies using the "Privacy and Security" button.
Opera	By selecting "Advanced" in the "Preferences" section of your browser, you can manage cookies in the "cookies" section.
Safari	Select the "Safari" tab from the "Settings" section of your mobile phone and you can manage all your cookies from the "Privacy and Security" section.

What are the Rights of the Data Subject?
Pursuant to Article 11 of PDP Law, you may make requests regarding the following issues regarding your personal data by applying to our Bank:

a. To learn whether personal data is being processed,
b. If personal data has been processed, to request information about it,
c. To learn the purpose of processing personal data and whether it is being used for that purpose,
d. To learn the third parties to whom personal data is transferred, whether domestically or abroad,
e. To request the correction of personal data if it is incomplete or incorrect and, in this context, to request the notification of this correction to the third parties to whom personal data has been transferred,
f. To request the deletion, destruction, or anonymization of personal data if the reasons requiring processing have ceased and, in this context, to request the notification of this process to the third parties to whom personal data has been transferred,
g. To object to an adverse result arising from the analysis of processed data exclusively through automated systems,
h. To request compensation for the damages you incur as a result of the unlawful processing of your personal data.

You may convey your requests pertaining to the aforementioned rights through the 'Personal Data Subject Application Form,' accompanied by identity verification documents. These can be submitted either in person at our branches or through a notary. Alternatively, you can send them securely with an electronic signature to the address 'Finanskent Mahallesi Finans Caddesi No:40/1 Ümraniye/İstanbul' or to the email address vakifbanktao@hs01.kep.tr Our Bank will finalize your application requests free of charge within 30 (thirty) days at the latest, depending on the nature of the request, in compliance with Article 13 of the PPD Law. In case the request is rejected, the reason(s) for the rejection shall be notified to you in writing or electronically.
Application address :
Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O.
Finanskent Mahallesi Finans Caddesi No:40/1 Ümraniye/İstanbul
Phone: +90 216 724 10 00
Fax: +90 216 724 39 09
Bank's Registered Electronic Mail (KEP) address: vakifbanktao@hs01.kep.tr

VakıfBank has been continuously carrying out inclusive social responsibility activities for nearly 70 years to fulfill our responsibilities towards society and to add value to the present and the future by preserving the values with which we are entrusted. We support social welfare in various areas, not just finance, by being present where there is a need or room for improvement. We have the mindset that aims to always stand by all the segments of society; to reach anyone in need in all circumstances, to support and produce solutions according to the requirements from childhood to retirement, in every period of life, anywhere in Türkiye.

As a bank that has not only focused on the economic results of its activities since its foundation but has always taken into account its impact on society and nature, we consider sustainable banking as a fundamental element of our strategies. Owing to our sustainability perspective, embedded in our DNA from our founding principles, we consider social, ecological, and governance implications in every step we take and every product and service we develop.

We have been taking a leading role in the sector on energy efficiency and climate, financial inclusion, and supporting production and employment by following the guidance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We continue to support our country with our deep-rooted history, competent team to build the banking of the future from today, strong technological infrastructure, intellectual, social, and financial strength.

We group our work in the field of corporate social responsibility, which we see as one of the main pillars of sustainable banking, under three main headings: ‘education’, ‘culture’ and ‘sports,’ and we prioritize creating value for the society with the long-term support and investments we provide.

With the awareness that the dream of a single child shall drive change and development in society and the world, VakıfBank supports children to look at the future much more hopefully by producing projects that support their dreams as a force that is there for them.

In collaboration with the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye, we have touched the lives of more than 50 thousand of gifted children under the umbrella of the Science and Arts Training Centers (BİLSEM) that enable children to unlock their potential since 2017. In addition to 70 workshops on mechatronics, mind games, and artificial intelligence, we have undertaken the construction of over 170 IT labs and thus shall continue touching the lives of children via BİLSEM centers in the future.

In 2018, we started our activities in culture publishing with VakıfBank Culture Publications (VBKY). We act with the principle of “Ve Benzersiz Kitap/And Unique Book” within the body of VBKY, and we offer books in categories such as literature, history, economics, philosophy, child, classical, intersections, art, people, and society to our readers within the framework of criteria such as reliable sources, measurable researches, strong and accurate language use.

We aim to enrich and disseminate Türkiye’s cultural and artistic life first at the national and then universal level, and to protect and develop the assets and values we are entrusted with and transfer them to future generations. We help many national and international authors from varying disciplines reach wider audiences. We have always worked to expand Türkiye’s cultural heritage and offer quality works of great value. In five years, we have managed to reach a selection of over 300 titles, in parallel with its desire to be the publisher of books to be read and cherished for years to come.

You can visit our website (www.vbky.com.tr) to review the books published by VBKY.

VakıfBank Sports Club, the longest-running social benefit project conducted by VakıfBank, is the most successful club in Türkiye that shows what a Turkish woman can achieve internationally today and makes a significant contribution to the development of Turkish sport.

VakıfBank Sports Club, with its volleyball schools and youth development investments, introduces young girls to sports and makes the club's success “sustainable” for 36 years. Over the past six years, we have been there for more than three thousand girls through our sports schools. Owing to VakıfBank Volleyball School we opened in Bosnia Herzegovina's Sarajevo in December 2018, we have become the first club to have opened a volleyball school in Europe. We have raised over 100 players for Turkish sports to date. We shall continue to achieve many successes with our volleyball schools and the athletes we have raised from our infrastructure.

Our VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team holds the title of “Türkiye’s most trophy-winning team in the international arena” with 4 FIVB Club World Championships, 6 CEV Champions League Championships, 1 CEV Top Teams Cup Championship, and 1 CEV Challenge Cup Championship. In addition, it received the title of “Volleyball team that won the most official matches in a row” with its 73-match winning streak between October 23, 2012, and January 22, 2014, and the title of the “Team that won the most FIVB Club World Championships” with its championships in the Club World Championship, and it managed to enter the Guinness World Records twice. You can visit the Club site (www.vakifbanksporkulubu.com) to discover the VakıfBank Sports Club, a source of pride for our bank and country.