Awards for Excellence national winners 2025: Azerbaijan’s best bank – PASHA Bank

PASHA Bank, a prominent financial institution in Azerbaijan, has shown admirable growth and innovation, leading to its nomination for Azerbaijan’s best bank. In 2024, the bank experienced a significant improvement in its financial portfolio, with its credit portfolio expanding by 16.5% to reach AZN3.3 billion ($1.9 billion).  

Notably, lending to SMEs surged by 19%, highlighting the bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises, a crucial sector for economic growth. 

The bank’s financial performance further underscores its excellence, with net profits escalating from AZN199.5 million in 2023 to AZN210.5 million in 2024. This achievement is complemented by a 6% improvement in return on equity, which now stands at 24.2%. Such financial health is indicative of robust management and operational strategies that focus on profitability and shareholder value. 

Operational efficiency at PASHA Bank has seen marked improvements, with the time-to-credit in 2024 being three times faster compared to the previous year. This enhancement not only boosts customer satisfaction but also positions the bank as a responsive and agile entity in the banking sector. 

The bank’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its co-financing of 50 compressed natural gas and electric buses and an allocation of AZN10 million to green energy projects in 2024

In the area of digital innovation, PASHA Bank launched several AI-powered tools in 2024, including a counterparty check, product recommendations, and a CRM-integrated chatbot, which significantly streamline customer interactions and internal processes. 

Furthermore, the bank’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its co-financing of 50 compressed natural gas and electric buses and an allocation of AZN10 million to green energy projects in 2024. These initiatives not only support environmental sustainability but also demonstrate the bank’s leadership in integrating corporate responsibility with business operations.  

Through these comprehensive efforts, PASHA Bank has cemented its position as a leading bank in Azerbaijan, demonstrating a blend of financial growth, operational efficiency, innovative banking solutions, and commitment to sustainability.