Türkiye to merge three state-owned banks for interest-free finance

Türkiye plans to merge three state-owned participation banks: Ziraat Katılım, Vakıf Katılım, and Halk Katılım. President Erdoğan indicated this merger aims to enhance the role of interest-free finance in the country. In 2026, participation index companies comprised 36% of Borsa Istanbul's total market value, with the combined assets of Türkiye’s 10 participation banks exceeding TL 4.7 trillion (over $100 billion), representing 9.5% of the banking sector. The merger is intended to create synergy within the sector and is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the financial system.