OTC Markets Group Welcomes Akbank Turk Anonim Sirketi to OTCQX

NEW YORK, March 5, 2015

Akbank trades on OTCQX under the symbol "AKBTY," where each ADR represents two ordinary shares.  U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"We are proud to welcome Akbank to the growing family of international companies on OTCQX," said R. Cromwell Coulson, President and CEO of OTC Markets Group.  "U.S. investors interested in participating in Akbank's growth now have convenient access to the company's English language news and financial disclosure and real-time full depth of market in its ADRs so they can more easily analyze, value and trade its securities.  We look forward to supporting Akbank as it continues to grow and deliver long-term value to its shareholders."

Akbank CEO Hakan Binbaşgil underscored that international companies must meet high financial and disclosure standards to trade on OTCQX and said, "We are pleased our ADRs have qualified to trade on OTCQX next to the depository receipts of other leading global firms. Akbank ADRs will trade on another transparent, highly liquid market with enhanced access for international investors.  This success is an indication of Akbank's implementing the highest Corporate Governance standards, our high growth prospects and the bank's strong reputation among the investor community."

Citi serves as Akbank's Principal American Liaison ("PAL") on OTCQX, responsible for providing professional guidance on OTCQX requirements. 

With a strong and extensive distribution network of 991 branches and over 16,300 employees, Akbank operates domestically from its Head Office in Istanbul and 23 regional directorates across Turkey and through its subsidiaries in Germany and Dubai.  Akbank's core business is banking activities, consisting of consumer banking, commercial banking, SME banking, corporate banking, private banking, treasury transactions and international banking services. The Bank's subsidiaries provide non-banking financial services alongside capital markets and investment services.  As of Dec. 31, 2014, the company had total assets of TL218.697 million, total loans of TL136.131 million and total customer deposits of TL116.292 million.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.