Kapital Bank

Last updated
Kapital Bank
Company type Open Joint-Stock Company
Industry Banking
Founded1874
Headquarters Baku, Azerbaijan
Area served
Azerbaijan

Introduction

Kapital Bank is a commercial bank operating in Azerbaijan. Founded in 1874 as Azerbaijan Savings Bank, it is headquartered in Baku. [1] [2] Today, it is the largest financial institution in Azerbaijan in terms of service network coverage. As a universal bank, Kapital Bank serves over 5 million individual clients and more than 40,000 corporate customers. It actively participates in numerous government-initiated social programs and implements various projects to support the development of the real sector of the economy.

Contents

History

On July 24, 1874, a savings treasury was established in Baku. The first savings offices operated as part of the Baku branch of the State Bank of the Russian Empire. The executive head of the branch was Ivan Samsonovich Khandozhevsky. Prominent Azerbaijanis such as Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, Haji Baba Hashimov, and Haji Shikhali Dadashov were also part of the Accounting Committee.

Following the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the State Bank of Azerbaijan was opened on September 30, 1919, and the activity of the savings offices resumed on December 1, 1919.

After the fall of the ADR on April 28, 1920, by decision of the Azerbaijani Revolutionary Committee on June 9, 1920, the Baku branch of the Russian State Bank was abolished and merged into the newly established People's Bank. In January 1924, state labor savings banks operating under the State Bank of the USSR were established in Azerbaijan. In 1988, these were transformed into the Azerbaijan branch of the USSR Savings Bank. On February 11, 1992, the Azerbaijan Savings Bank was formed based on this bank. By the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan dated February 21, 2000 (No. 40s), the Azerbaijan Savings Bank, Agrarian-Industrial Bank, and Industrial-Investment Bank merged to form the United Universal Joint-Stock Bank of Azerbaijan (BUSBank).

On December 29, 2004, during an extraordinary meeting of the bank's shareholders, it was decided to rename BUSBank to Kapital Bank.

Ownership and Network

81.08% of shares of Kapital Bank OJSC belong to PASHA Holding LLC, 16.93% - to other companies and the remaining 1.99% – to private shareholders. The authorized capital of the bank is 265 million AZN. With 121 branches and 52 offices, Kapital Bank operates the country’s largest banking service network. It also leads the market in active payment cards, with over 7 million issued.

As a universal financial institution, the bank serves both individual and corporate clients, actively engaging in social programs run by the government.

Digital Banking

Birbank is a trademark owned by Kapital Bank. The digital banking platform was launched in 2018 and is recognized as the first digital bank in Azerbaijan. Both brands are part of PASHA Holding. Birbank is one of the most downloaded mobile applications in the country, enabling users to perform all banking operations directly through a mobile device.

Birbank follows a personalized approach to deliver services tailored to the needs and priorities of its customers. To meet the expectations of different user groups, several specialized products have been introduced, including Birbank Private , Birbank Biznes , and Birbank Invest . These services allow users to conveniently manage their personal, business, and investment needs.

It should be noted that at the end of 2024, the number of active users in the Birbank app amounted to 3,219,052 people. In 2025, this figure reached 3,406,282 users.

Through the Birbank app, users can perform a wide range of financial operations online. The platform supports transfers between personal accounts and to other banks, the “Request money from friends” feature, as well as instant transfers via mobile number or FIN code through “AÖS” (Instant Payment System). Additionally, users can pay utility bills, mobile operator services, internet and TV services, insurance and education fees, and make various government-related payments directly through the app. At the same time, the “Ninja” feature allows users to split their shopping expenses into installments, while QR payments can be used for public transportation, parking, and VAT refunds.

The shift to a digital model has increased the efficiency of banking operations and optimized resource use. Reduced paper consumption, lower energy usage, and decreased water consumption have contributed to Birbank’s transition to a more sustainable operational model.

Birbank Business

Birbank Business is a digital platform tailored for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as corporate clients. It allows users to open bank accounts online, apply for fast unsecured loans, and perform 24/7 payments and transfers.

Currently, over 40,000 businesses use the platform. In 2024 alone, 94% of newly opened accounts were processed fully online, and more than 98% of business transfers and payments are conducted via the platform.

Birbank Business also supports eco-friendly businesses through dedicated sustainability programs.

Birbank Private

Birbank Private is a premium banking model designed for high-net-worth individuals. It provides personalized financial solutions, including private financial consultation, personal account managers, exclusive loan and deposit products, and customized interest terms.

The service prioritizes convenience, time efficiency, and a tailored approach to meet the specific needs of each client.

Red Hearts Foundation

Established in 2019 by Kapital Bank employees on a volunteer basis, the Red Hearts Foundation supports vulnerable groups including orphanages and shelters. It now operates as a formal foundation leading various philanthropic projects.

Social Responsibility Initiatives

Education Support Projects

Entrepreneurship Development Projects

Ratings

In 2025, Kapital Bank received international credit ratings from:

Awards

Kapital Bank and its digital brand Birbank have received numerous awards, including:

Board of Directors

Executive management

Audit Committee

See also

References

  1. "Kapital Bank — 145 years with you!". azertag.az. Retrieved 2025-11-06.
  2. https://www.occrp.org/en/project/corruptistan-azerbaijan/azerbaijani-first-family-big-on-banking