During this challenging period, the newly founded Republic of Türkiye adopted an economic model that prioritized social balance. Supporting small tradespeople and artisans, increasing the nation’s productive capacity, and promoting local development were among the primary goals.

However, in the early years of the Republic, the lack of sufficient capital accumulation, limited production infrastructure, and the underdeveloped private sector made it difficult to establish financing mechanisms for tradespeople and small business owners.

To address these needs, an important step was taken in 1933. The foundations of Halkbank were laid with Law No. 2284 on the People’s Bank and People’s Funds. The aim was to support economic development, initiate capital accumulation, and strengthen social welfare by providing accessible financing under favorable conditions.

As cooperative-based public banking rapidly expanded around the world, a similar model was adopted in Türkiye. Through this structure, Halkbank assumed a pioneering role in supporting small tradespeople, artisans, and professionals.

In the 1940s, the Bank became a key driver of economic revitalization by introducing its first SME loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. 

Having provided lending services through the People’s Funds from 1938 to 1950, the Bank entered a new era in 1950 by gaining the authority to open branches and extend loans directly.

In 1964, it established the first fund dedicated to the development of small industrial estates and marketplaces. That same year, the Bank entered a period of active growth and accelerated its nationwide branch expansion. Its deposit base and lending volume increased significantly.

Standing alongside tradespeople, artisans, and small businesses, Halkbank became the sector’s first and pioneering bank dedicated to serving these groups. It shaped its lending policies around the needs of its target audience and focused on improving credit conditions.

Starting in 1975, the Bank began offering industrial, investment, and commercial loans, extending financial support to large-scale industries as well. This step significantly expanded the Bank’s sphere of influence. 

In 1989, Halkbank joined the SWIFT international financial messaging network alongside other Turkish banks. The “HALKÇEK” system, developed in 1988 to provide customers with easier payment solutions, was launched in 1989. During the same period, efforts were accelerated to equip branches with computers and connect them to a centralized online operating system.

In 1992, Halkbank entered a major merger process by joining forces with Türkiye Öğretmenler Bankası (Töbank), further strengthening its structure. Following the merger, the Bank achieved a more comprehensive service network in terms of personnel, branches, and financial assets.

Sümerbank was transferred to Halkbank in 1993, followed by Etibank in 1998. During this period, Halkbank expanded its ATM network and introduced innovative services such as telephone banking.

In 1995, the first Entrepreneur Information Center was established to provide guidance and support for entrepreneurs.

The restructuring process of state-owned banks began with Law No. 4603, which came into force in 2000. Halkbank accelerated its transformation efforts in line with the requirements of modern banking and international competition. 

In 2001, 96 branches of Türkiye Emlak Bankası were incorporated into Halkbank. In 2004, the Halkbank-Pamukbank integration was completed.

During this period, Halkbank both strengthened its corporate structure and significantly increased its influence within the sector.

Halkbank became the first bank in Türkiye to receive the 2008 version of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification through its project that streamlined the process of receiving, evaluating, and delivering credit cards to customers.

Important steps toward sustainability were taken through the SME Transformation Project.

As part of its international expansion strategy, IK Bank in Macedonia was acquired, and Halkbank continued its operations in the region under the name Halk Bank A.D. Skopje.

Halkbank restructured its credit card products in retail banking. In 2012, it introduced its credit card brand Paraf to customers with the slogan “Privileges Live with Paraf.”

The Paraf card family expanded, and the number of users grew rapidly with Parafly and other products.

With its Paraf Credit Card, Halkbank was named the “Fastest Growing Bank in Visa Credit Card Purchase Volume” at the Visa 2014 Achievement Awards. 

Resource diversification was enhanced through domestic and international bond and bill issuances. Its success in international financing continued. 

A majority stake in Serbia-based Cacanska Banka was acquired, and the bank began operating under the name Halkbank A.D. Beograd.

In line with its digitalization and sustainability priorities, Halkbank developed innovative mobile banking solutions and earned international awards. One of the most significant milestones among these achievements was its inclusion in the BIST Sustainability Index. At the same time, the Bank achieved national and international success in energy management and environmental sustainability.

In 2017, the Bank’s shares were transferred to the Türkiye Wealth Fund. 

Between 2018 and 2020, the Paraf card family continued to expand, with Paraf Esnaf (tradespeople and artisans) and Paraf KOBİ (SMEs) introduced during this period.

The Bank’s financial strength was reinforced through the capital increase carried out in 2019.

In 2020, Halkbank’s issued capital was increased. The capital increase marked an important step toward the Bank’s growth objectives.

Digital transformation accelerated with the launch of new mobile applications and the introduction of contactless payment solutions such as Paraf RingPay. 

Halkbank became one of the pioneering banks to adopt the open banking system. The JetLuck event, where entrepreneurs have the opportunity to present their projects to business leaders, and the HUBrica Acceleration Program was for start-ups was launched.

Halkbank joined the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), the global partnership established by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). It became the first Turkish bank to commit to “net-zero” targets for both its operations and portfolio under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) of the United Nations.

Recognized with awards by numerous prestigious national and international institutions, Halkbank was named “Best Bank of the Year” for the first time in 2021.

In 2023, Halkbank moved its headquarters to the Istanbul Financial Center.

Corporate social responsibility remained a key priority through financial support packages for earthquake-affected regions, dedicated loans for women’s cooperatives, and regional development initiatives.

With 2025 declared the Year of the Family, Halkbank introduced comprehensive solutions through its “Halkbank Ailem” program, addressing every stage of life from marriage and education to housing finance and retirement.

With international awards, sustainability achievements, and the expanding Paraf card family, Halkbank continues to strengthen its impact in both the financial and social spheres during this period.