Garanti BBVA has taken a structured and data-driven approach to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on accessibility, gender equality and inclusive leadership. Based in Turkey, the bank’s strategy sets a blueprint for Central and Eastern Europe’s banking D&I.
The bank’s TalentAccess disability talent programme is a standout initiative. Co-designed with disabled students and accessibility experts, it includes two rotations, a development track, and a goal to convert all interns into full-time employees. Interns also act as accessibility agents, reporting issues to agile teams and contributing to customer experience improvements across digital and branch channels.
Garanti BBVA also launched reverse mentoring between disabled interns and senior managers, and hosts external Accessibility Community Gatherings to connect disabled talent with employers, academics and policymakers. These have led to new programmes, hackathons and accessible cultural events.
Garanti BBVA’s Unbanked Women Program has made significant strides in financial inclusion, with 6,671 participants in 2024
On gender equality, the bank has committed to increasing female representation in executive and managerial roles by 2027, supported by a career development programme that includes mentorship, coaching and mobility opportunities. It also tracks progress through BBVA Group’s global gender KPIs.
Garanti BBVA’s Unbanked Women Program has made significant strides in financial inclusion, with 6,671 participants in 2024. The initiative offers financial literacy training, no fee cards, microloans and insurance products. The bank’s dedicated Women Entrepreneur Academy has seen 800 women participating in 2024 alone.
The bank’s Domestic Violence platform offers 24/7 legal and psychological support, relocation, financial assistance and coaching. Garanti BBVA leads a 140+ company collective under the UNFPA-backed Business Against Domestic Violence initiative, coaching other banks on internal policies and mechanisms that deliver results.
Mandatory training for all employees includes modules on sexual harassment, gender equality and unconscious bias. Optional learning includes VR-based disability awareness and accessible versions of 17 core training modules.
