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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

In 2023, our bank achieved significant success by increasing our performance rating in the CDP Climate Change program by two levels, reached the "A score" with leadership status, listed in the Global A List.
In 2023, we made a remarkable achievement in the CDP Water Security program by improving our rating by two levels compared to the previous year, attaining an "A-" grade, showcasing our performance in water usage and resource management.
In 2023, VakıfBank became the first Turkish Bank to establish SBTi validated targets and launch a Climate Transition Plan.
In 2023, VakıfBank became the first bank to receive the LEED Gold certification in the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) with its new building.
In 2022, the Bank reported to CDP Water Security program for the first time and its performance score is at “B-“ level.
In 2022, the Bank have become the first bank to adopt a sustainability approach for expected credit loss provisions under TFRS9. Bank increased the expected credit loss provisions for customers operating in the cement, electricity, fertilizer, steel&iron, and aluminum sectors under TFRS9. The Bank 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, VakıfBank launched its Environmental and Social Risk Management System tool to evaluate project finance loans.
In 2021, VakıfBank 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)
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 purchased 55,000 Verified Carbon Units generated from clean energy sources and became a Carbon Negative company by offsetting more than all of our greenhouse gas emissions calculated for 2019, 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. With this report, we have taken our place in the world among a few public banks 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 2 banks from Türkiye.
In 2019, we established the Ethics Commission in order to increase ethical awareness.
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, our Sustainability Report 2018 was nominated with 4Silver Award in Galaxy Awards by Mercomm.
In 2019, we provided financial support of over TL 1.3 billion to 37 renewable energy projects.
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, as a first step of digital transformation, we have started to implement the new concept in our pilot branch to simplify in-branch transaction processes.
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, we launched its R&D Centre to integrate digital transformation into all our processes in order to respond to the changing needs of our customers, to increase transaction speeds and to ensure information security.
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 state-owned bank in Türkiye to commit carbon emission reduction to Science Based Targets Initiative.
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.
In 2017, we added the titles of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Sustainability to our Lending Policy.
In 2017, we extended the first Energy Service Company (ESCO) fund under the World Bank SME Energy Efficiency Loan Program.
Initiated in 2017, we have gradually installed ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in our locations. Currently, the number of locations which are certified stands at 522+1 (Head Office).
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.
In 2016, we received Türkiye Sustainable Energy Financing Program (TurSEFF) Leading Bank in Energy Financing award.
In 2016, we published our first sustainability report.
Since 2015, we have been reporting our climate change strategy, risks and performance to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). In 2019, we kept our performance score at B level in CDP and became one of the participant banks from Türkiye who obtained the highest grade.
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.

	
		OSZAR »