How ForteBank is Shaping Kazakhstan’s Banking Future

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In the rapidly evolving financial landscape of Kazakhstan, Fortank testifies to pragmatic leadership and disciplined strategy. Under the stewardship of the CEO Kuanyshev, Fortank entered a new chapter defined by universal growth, operational excellence and international ambition. With more than three decades of experience, including roles superior to ATF Bank, Kassanova Bank and Fortank, Kuanyshev brings a clear and oriented approach to the results of the institution; Whoever favors the supply of tangible value in each decision.

Today, Fortank ranks among the main financial institutions in Kazakhstan, occupying a confident market position as the country’s larger bank by assets, loans and deposits. It maintains a market share of seven percent of assets and deposits and six percent of loans among private banks. Its balanced portfolio extends over the retail, SMEs and corporate segments almost also, protecting the market from market fluctuations and guaranteeing resilient and sustainable expansion. This diversification has become a characteristic of Fortank’s strategic orientation.

An important step in the international presence of the bank was crossed in February 2025 when Fortank became the first Kazakhstani private banking in more than a decade to issue euros. The placement of $ 400 million has attracted more than $ 1 billion in investor orders across Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf, claiming the growing reputation of the Bank on the world stage. These funds aim to finance strategic projects in industries such as transport, construction, logistics and gold production – more amplifying Fortank’s impact on the real economy of Kazakhstan.

Redefine convenience
Digital transformation was the cornerstone of Fortank’s strategy. With more than 85% of the services now offered through digital channels, and its ForteApp has developed internally with more than 950,000 monthly active users, the bank redefines the convenience of retail and businesses. In the SME sector, La Fortebusiness offers complete digital integration for legal entities, a pioneering achievement in Kazakhstan. This digital approach to digital technology considerably reduces integration time, strengthens risk controls and allows customers of the country – including distant regions – to access high quality banking services.

The retail operations of the bank are organized around three value proposals: “strong” for general detail customers, “solo” for affluent customers and “first” for individuals. Meanwhile, SMEs and corporate divisions develop quickly, supported by a network of integrated branches of 21 regional branches and nearly 100 points of service. Fortank’s physical infrastructure remains a critical asset, completing its digital presence by acting as advisory centers for needs for more complex customers.

Positive financial figures
Financially, Fortank’s discipline is obvious: the return on average capital was 33.1% at the end of 2024, while the cost-revenue ratio fell to 28.8% efficient. The bank’s non -efficient loan ratio fell to 3.6%, and total assets increased by 25.8% in annual sliding to Kzt 4.1TRN (8 billion dollars), supported by a constant increase in customer deposits. The bank’s capital adequacy ratio was 23.9%, well above the regulatory minimum, reflecting strong capitalization and the appetite for prudent risks.

Fortank assesses each initiative against a simple but rigorous standard

A remarkable characteristic of ForteBank’s performance was growth in net interest income, which reached KZT 262.7 billion dollars ($ 510 million) by the end of 2024, supported by a clear margin in constant increase in interest of 7.5%. While maintaining this growth, the bank continues to have a very liquid assessment with 50.4% of the total assets in liquid form, providing resilience in the middle of external shocks.

The Risk Management Management of Fortebank has become a strategic force. The cost of the risk decreased to 2.4% in 2024, while the loans altered as a share of gross loans fell to five percent, against 6.6% the previous year. The bank has adopted a disciplined approach to the diversification of the portfolio and maintains conservative exposure to high -risk sectors. In addition, he maintains loans to related parties lower than one percent of his total loan book, signaling a transparent and robust credit process institutionally.

Basic commercial principles
However, Fortank’s ambitions extend beyond financial measures. Its environmental, social and governance (ESG) program integrated the lasting principles in the heart of the company. Among the recent initiatives are the construction of a secondary school for 900 students, the sponsorship of the Kazakhstan Paralympic Tennis Team, environmental programs, including waste reduction and tree planting campaigns, and efforts to improve financial literacy among vulnerable groups.

From an environmental point of view, Fortank has developed a green public procurement policy and measures greenhouse gas emissions (telescope and two) for operations and pilot loan wallets. More than 115 tonnes of waste paper were collected for recycling in 2024, and the bank passes to energy -efficient and water -based technologies in its offices. On the social side, employee well-being programs include voluntary health insurance, financial support for family events and prolonged leave based on permanence.

Fortank is also one of the few banks in Kazakhstan with a formal accessibility program for disabled customers, including an accessible branch infrastructure, an optimized web version for users with hearing or visual impairments and continuous training for leading staff. In 2024, Fortank also became a participant in the initiative of the financial regulator aimed at improving access to banking services for people with reduced mobility, solidifying their commitment to financial inclusion.

Three basic tangibles
The philosophy of leadership of the bank, shaped at the level of the board of directors by President Timur Issatayev, is based on clarity and pragmatism. Fortank assesses each initiative in relation to a simple but rigorous standard: if a project cannot demonstrate at least three tangible advantages – whether financial, operational or reputation – it is reconsidered or redesigned. This disciplined approach to decision -making clearly guarantees the results on the optics.

Bank’s approach to human capital is both structured and progressive

Internally, Fortank’s culture reflects its leadership values, with a strong commitment to employees supported by initiatives such as preferential mortgage support and seasonal transport programs that promote coherent and motivated workforce. More than 3,850 employees work across the country, many of which have been with the bank through several stages of its evolution.

The bank’s approach to human capital is both structured and progressive. The training and development of employees remain a field of key concentration, with compulsory compliance programs and an update specific to the role deployed on a bank level. Leadership talents are actively cultivated, internal mobility and succession planning used as central pillars of the long-term labor strategy of Fortank.

Fortank’s contribution to Kazakhstan’s economy is significant not only in number but also in its ability to support wider development objectives. Its loan portfolio – KZT 1.82TRN ($ 3.5 billion) in January 2025 – is well diversified by the sector, including manufacturing, infrastructure, retail and services. Meanwhile, its 2,87TRN Kzt deposit base ($ 5.6 billion) reflects high levels of public confidence and a high reputation for safety and reliability. The 10 best borrowers represent only 25.6% of the total loans portfolio, highlighting a healthy distribution of credit exposure.

Maintain and strengthen
While Kazakhstan continues its trajectory of diversified economic growth and prudent budget management, Fortank is about to maintain and strengthen its market position. Bank’s strategic priorities include the increase in the loan / stock ratio by 42% to align with the market average of 57%, the optimization of the balance sheet structure, improving digital integration between segments and growth on the share of online loans.

He also invests in AI -centered models for credit rating and fraud detection, further improving decision -making and customer protection. Performance measures such as net promoter score (NPS) are now monitored on products and channels, serving additional feedback loops in the bank’s client operating model.

While many institutions on emerging markets are still sailing on structural reforms, Fortank has already adopted a computer-based computer landscape, allowing faster development and scalability cycles. A new mobile application adapted to corporate customers has been launched, while basic processes through customer service, compliance and subscription are automated to improve speed and precision.

At a time when financial institutions must balance innovation with responsibility, Fortank provides a model of success: leadership which values simplicity and results, a strategy anchored in universal growth and a firmly anchored vision in the future. Authorizing people, defending businesses and shaping the future – Fortank embodies these commitments, in the country and abroad.