BDDK application withdrawn: Major holding company suspends banking plans

Ünlü Yatırım Holding, a prominent institution in the financial sector, has announced that it has withdrawn its application to the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) to establish an investment bank. In a notification sent to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), it was stated that this step was taken in line with new assessments regarding the company's future plans.

During the investment bank establishment process, which was initiated in September 2021, it was planned to allocate 300 million TL in capital. However, the management of Ünlü Yatırım Holding decided to officially withdraw its application after conducting a detailed evaluation of developments in the Turkish and regional economy, market dynamics, and changes in investor expectations since the application was filed.

With the decision taken by the board of directors on December 31, 2025, the plan to establish an investment bank has been shelved for the time being. In the company's statement, it was emphasized that this step was taken to evaluate growth opportunities in Turkey and the region more flexibly and effectively within the framework of updates to strategic priorities.

The statement, which noted that the goal of becoming a financial center would be supported and that contributions to the growth of capital markets would continue, included the following: “We will continue to contribute to Turkey's goals of becoming a regional financial center. We will resolutely continue our activities that support the deepening of capital markets, international integration, and sustainable growth.”

Ünlü Yatırım Holding, whose foundations were laid in Istanbul in 1996, first began operating under the name Dundas Ünlü & Co to provide consultancy for foreign investments. Expanding its service area with the acquisition of Işıklar Menkul in 2002, the company restructured in 2012 and 2013 and came to the fore with the ÜNLÜ & Co brand. Increasing its financial size during this period, the holding created new investment funds and expanded its operational network to the Middle East and North Africa. The company also strengthened its regional expansion by establishing MENA Finans.

Although Ünlü Yatırım Holding has decided not to establish an investment bank, it underscored that it aims to continue growing in its existing areas of operation and contributing to the financial sector.

News Source: 12punto