Alternatif Bank CEO Kaan Gür elaborated on the transformation process, stating: "We'll become the bank of insightful merchants!" We will continue our journey as Alternatif Bank

 

The former ABank will continue its operations under the official trading name of Alternatif Bank, after becoming a 100 percent subsidiary of Commercial Bank, Qatar's first private bank, at the end of 2016 following a three years of partnership. Alternatif Bank kicked-off a strong transformation project with the contribution of banking doyens who were transferred to the bank's top management in 2017, while renewing its logo and brand identity to symbolize the full integration of two entities. On March 6, 2018, the corporate rebranding was deployed at all branches across the country.

 

Alternatif Bank’s CEO Kaan Gür shared the principles of the transformation and the bank's future goals at the press conference hosted by Commercial Bank Group CEO and Alternatif Bank’s Deputy Chairman, Joseph Abraham.

 

The CEO of Alternatif Bank, Kaan Gür, highlighted the fact that the new trading name and brand image is more than just a physical change, but rather resembles full integration with the global vision and goals of Commercial Bank. He said that they embarked on this journey with bigger ambitions in Turkey and in the world, adding, "As of today, Alternatif Bank is our brand name." Gür also added, "The cornerstones of our transformation strategy are: Investment in Human Capital, Customer Satisfaction by Seamless Service, Effective Management of Capital, Compliance with Corporate Governance and Creative Innovation."

 

Depicting this transformation as an indication of real change in common banking approaches, Gür said: "Our power roots from Commercial Bank's insightful business culture, capital structure and experience, as well as its international reputation and vision; not to mention our trust in our expert staff. As a renewed entity, we aim to work with industries and enterprises of all sizes that dream of growth, believe in a better future, and contribute to our country's production. We will serve our customers by hearing, listening to, and understanding them well, and by meeting their needs as quickly as possible. We will be the bank of insightful trade by focusing on growth for each of our customers' business or trade journeys."

 

Underscoring the fact that the banking spirit and business world are now more different, modern, technology-focused, and energetic than ever, Kaan Gür concluded his speech by saying, "We already set the goals we want to reach in five years. Alternatif Bank aims to transfer knowledge, competence and capital to the real sector and its production by providing comprehensive consultancy services. We will offer our 'impeccable service approach' and banking expertise through 53 branches, around 1,000 of competent employees, and a streamlined technological infrastructure.

 

Opening the press conference, the Group CEO of Commercial Bank and Vice Chairman of Alternatif Bank, Joseph Abraham remarked, "We are confident that our investment in Turkey will continue to grow and add value to the economy of both countries. Our investment in Alternatif Bank amounting nearly USD 1 billion marks the Qatari private sector’s highest investment in Turkey. Alternatif Bank has the full support of Commercial Bank and we have made a lot of progress in the last year in terms of greater collaboration and integration. Our intention is to continue to align our businesses closer together and transfer our international know-how to take Alternatif Bank to a new phase of sustainable growth supported by strong corporate governance principles.”

 

Abraham touched on the strategic importance of the bank for Commercial Bank and concluded his words by saying “Qatar and Turkey are strategic partners, and the GCC economic blockade has brought our two friendly countries even closer together with diplomatic, cultural and economic relations growing stronger. This opportunity combined with Turkey’s location that bridges the East and West, and the strong growth potential of the Turkish economy, means that we believe Alternatif Bank has an exciting future ahead."

 

The meeting also showcased the new commercial created for the rebranding, which highlights Alternatif Bank's role in transforming a small business into a large company. Kaan Gür, commenting on the new commercial film, said, "We deliberately selected the Turkish ballad of “Uzun İnce bir Yoldayım” (I am on a Long and Narrow Path) by Aşık Veysel. Our goal is to become a player that adheres to and respects local values while offering world class services. We wanted to present that we see business relationship as long journey and our role is to add value to our clients at all stages. We accompany our customers along their business journeys. That's way we say, "Always advance together"