Milestones | VakıfBank

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

2024

In 2024, we restructured our organization and established the Head of Sustainable Banking, enhancing our sustainability governance framework.
For over 38 years, we have been introducing thousands of young girls to sports through VakıfBank Sports Club, and contributing to Turkish volleyball with more than 100 national players we have trained.
We have maintained our position as the Turkish bank with the most sustainability-themed funding during this period, with both Eurobond and syndicated loan transactions we performed in 2024.
We maintained our ‘A’ rating in the Climate Change Program and improved our rating in the Water Security Program to ‘A’ in the CDP assessments in 2024. As a result, we were honored to be included in CDP’s 2024 Global A List for both Climate Change and Water Security programs.
In 2024, we established the Science-Based Targets Working Group under the Sustainability Committee to coordinate and advance our efforts toward achieving science-based emission reduction targets.
We were granted a Zero Waste Certificate for our Head Office Building located in the Istanbul Finance Center in 2024.
Vakıf REIT, founded by our bank as Türkiye’s first real estate investment trust company, was awarded the “EFQM Global Award -7 Diamonds”, the world’s most prestigious award in the field of sustainable excellence given by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).
In 2024, we started publishing monthly Sustainability Bulletins in order to inform our Bank’s employees about environmental and social developments in our country and the world and to promote sustainability awareness at the grassroots level.
In 2024, our dedication to transparent and sustainable governance policies earned us the “Best Corporate Governance Organization” award from the Corporate Governance Association.
We opened the VakıfBank B'iz Museum, the first museum in the Istanbul Financial Center, in 2024.

2023

In 2023, we included the ISO 50001 Energy Management System certificate in our Integrated Management System.
In 2023, we were included in the BIST Corporate Governance Index for the first time.
With the sustainable Eurobond issuance carried out in 2023, we managed to bring together the lowest cost, highest amount and longest maturity in a single transaction.
In 2023, we increased our Bank's CDP Climate Change and Water Security performance score by two steps.
In 2023, we became the first Turkish Bank to have its science-based targets approved by SBTi (Science-Based Targets Initiative) and announced the Climate Transition Plan.
In 2023, we became the first bank to receive the LEED Gold certification in the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) with our new building.

2022

In 2022, as VakıfBank, we published our first report by supporting the CDP Water Security Program.
In 2022, we became the first bank to adopt a sustainability approach for expected credit loss provisions under TFRS9. We increased the expected credit loss provisions for customers operating in the cement, electricity, fertilizer, steel&iron, and aluminum sectors under TFRS9. We also lowered the expected credit losses reserved for customers falling into the scope of YEKDEM (Renewable Energy Resources Support Mechanism) established to promote the generation of renewables.
In 2022, we established the Environmental and Social Risk Management System to assess and manage non-financial risks such as environmental, social, governance and occupational health and safety in project finance loans and the possible impacts of these risks.
In 2022, we became a carbon-neutral bank by balancing the surplus Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions as we verified with an ISO 14064-1:2018 certification.
As part of the Zero Waste Project, we have completed certification studies for all our locations as of 2022.

2021

In 2021, we obtained the first sustainable syndicated loan transaction in the Bank’s history.
In 2021, we joined among the supporters of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

2020

In 2020, we broke one more ground by triumphantly completing the first ‘Sustainable Eurobond’ issued by deposit banks.
In 2020, we received the ISO 45001 certificate and succeeded in becoming the first bank to establish the Integrated Management System (ISO 9001-ISO 14001-ISO 45001) in Türkiye.
In 2020, we became a Carbon Negative company by offsetting more than all of our greenhouse gas emissions, thus taking a pioneering step in this regard.
In 2020, we published our first integrated annual report in line with the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC) guidelines. Thus, we have taken our place in the world among a few public banks to publish this report, as well as being one of the first state banks in Türkiye.
In 2020, to demonstrate our approach to gender equality, on the first year of our reporting, we were selected for the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index as one of the two banks from Türkiye.

2019

In 2019, we established the Ethics Commission in order to increase ethical awareness within the institution.
In 2019, we initiated the work on the establishment of an environmental and social risk management system in the loan allocation processes within the scope of the fund we provide from the French Development Agency (AFD).
In 2019, we completed systematic records of all our branches within the scope of Zero Waste.
In 2019, to maximize the service quality and customer experience through our Call Center, we accomplished to receive ISO 18295-1 Customer Contact Centers Standard Certificate.
In 2019, we established ‘VakıfBank Farmers Academy’ to increase the technical knowledge of farmers, reduce costs in agricultural production, increase productivity and contribute to sustainability in agriculture.
In 2019, to further strengthen our sustainable banking identity on global platforms, we voluntarily participated in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index survey.
In 2019, to align our strategy with UN Sustainable Development Goals, we became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
In 2019, we became the first public institution in Türkiye to sign the UN Women's Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs).
In 2019, we became the first Turkish state-owned institution to announce commitment carbon emission reduction to Science Based Targets Initiative.

2018

We became the first club to open a volleyball school in Europe with the VakıfBank Volleyball School we opened in Sarajevo in 2018.
We have been continuing to present qualified works with VakıfBank Cultural Publications since 2018.
We bring together young people who produce innovative solutions focused on sustainability with the Hack to the Future hackathon, which we have been organizing every year since 2018.
In 2018, we have been the first bank in Türkiye by obtaining OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certificate to provide employees with a safe and healthy work environment beyond the legal requirements.

2017

Since 2017, we have been supporting the education of our specially talented children studying at BİLSEM by undertaking the construction of mechatronics, artificial intelligence and mind games workshops.
In 2017, we added the titles of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Sustainability to our Lending Policy.
In 2017, within the scope of our customer and quality-oriented growth strategy, we completed the installation of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
Since 2017, we have been listed on the FTSE4Good Emerging Markets Index, thus moving our sustainable banking identity to the international platforms.

2016

In 2016, we received the Leading Bank award in the Energy Financing category of the Türkiye Sustainable Energy Financing Program (TurSEFF).
In 2016, we published our first sustainability report.

2015

Since 2015, we have been reporting our climate change strategy, risks and performance to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

2014

In 2014, we were selected to the BIST Sustainability Index as the only public bank and since then, we have maintained our strong position in this index.