Turkish banking giants are increasing their precautions against a possible earthquake in Istanbul. Leading banks have begun relocating some of their data and personnel to the capital, Ankara.
Following the major earthquake that shook provinces such as Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Adıyaman, and Malatya, banks have also made progress in emergency planning. According to a report by the American financial agency Bloomberg, Turkish banking giants have started transferring a significant amount of data and personnel to offices in the capital, Ankara.
Denizbank, along with Garanti BBVA, QNB Finansbank, and the Industrial Development Bank of
BANKS’ BACKUP PLAN: ANKARA
According to a source, Denizbank’s management in Istanbul has requested that every department be represented in Ankara. Another source mentioned that the bank plans to encourage anyone who wishes to relocate to the capital. The bank is working on a smaller version of its Istanbul headquarters in Ankara. In response to questions, the bank stated that the goal is to ensure “the uninterrupted continuation of banking services in the event of a possible earthquake affecting Istanbul.”
QNB Finansbank also stated that it is supporting its headquarters teams in Ankara and ensuring that all branch and bank buildings are earthquake-resistant.
TSKB has moved some of its personnel to office space it has rented in Ankara, though the bank declined to comment on the matter.
A source from Garanti BBVA similarly stated that the bank has relocated part of its data center and headquarters to Ankara. In its briefing, the bank mentioned that it has ensured “the backup of some of its suppliers, facilities, and human resources outside the earthquake zone.”
CENTRAL BANK ALSO TAKES ACTION
According to the report, despite constructing a new building in the Istanbul Financial Center, the Central Bank of Turkey is recalling some of its staff in various units back to Ankara. A source familiar with the plan stated that this is to ensure continued operations in the event of an earthquake.
