Few banks can be as closely identified with the development of their country as Turkiye Is Bankasi A.S. (Isbank). Created by Mustafa Kemal, the founder of modern-day Turkey, Isbank has emerged from state control in the 2000s as Turkey's largest publicly held private-sector bank, and, through its array of industrial investments, one of Turkey's top three corporations, representing more than 6 percent of the total market value of the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Isbank operates more than 830 branches throughout Turkey, and directly controls seven foreign branches. German subsidiary Isbank GmbH adds another 16 branches, serving that country's large Turkish population. In Turkey, Isbank is also present through a national network of nearly 2,300 automated teller machines, and nearly 400 Internet-connected Netmatik machines. Isbank has also been an advanced integrator of automated customer service systems, offering both telephone and online services providing access to nearly 130 types of transactions--ranging from account opening to stock brokerage services. The company, which is a main shareholder along with Italy's TIM in leading Turkish mobile telephone provider Aria, also offers banking services via WAP-capable mobile telephones. In addition to its banking services, Isbank has long played a central role as a motor for the development of Turkish industry. Isbank maintains stakes in more than 80 primarily Turkish companies, ranging from insurance provider Anadolu Anonim T�k Sigorta ;alSirketi, to glass manufacturer T�kiye ;alSi;alse ve Cam Fabrikalari A.;alS. (Sisecam), to oil company Petrol Ofisi A.;alS. Isbank's total assets in 2003 stood at nearly $18.7 billion. The company is led by CEO and Deputy Chairman H. Ersin �ince.
