###  Welcome to ForteBank investors website!

ForteBank, JSC (hereinafter – the Bank), its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, the Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results at the Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the "Meeting") held on April 17, 2024, from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. by Astana standard time, at the following address: "Astana" Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and the following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.
* * *
Issue 1 of the Agenda "On approval of the 2023 annual financial statements of the Bank"
Approve the attached Bank’s audited (separate and consolidated) annual financial statements of the Bank for the year that ended on December 31, 2023.
* * *
Issue 2 of the Agenda "On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s 2023 net income, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank"
1.	Approve the procedure for distribution 2023 net income of the Bank  as follows:
	–	the amount up to KZT 58 218 000 000 (fifty-eight billion two hundred eighteen million tenge) to be allocated for payment of dividends on common shares;
	–	the amount of net income remaining after the payment of dividends to be retained at the disposal of the Bank.
2.	Approve the dividend amount per one common share of the Bank  in the amount of KZT 0,6436 (sixty-four point thirty-six tyin), including the amount of taxes payable in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the same time, the total amount of dividends to be paid to each shareholder must be determined with an accuracy to a whole tiyn (rounding shall be made according to the rules of mathematical rounding). For this purpose, the rule of mathematical rounding is understood to be the rounding method wherein the value of a whole tiyn (whole tiyns) does not change if the first digit that comes after the one being rounded is from 0 to 4, and changes, having been increased by one if the first digit that comes after the one being rounded is from 5 to 9.
3.	Record a list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends as of May 13, 2024, 00:00 a.m. by Astana standard time.
4.	Determine the date to commence the payment of dividends on the Bank’s  common shares to be May 15, 2024.
5.	Approve the payment procedure as a one-off payment.
6.	Approve the form of payment of dividends on common shares of the Bank, located at the address: Z05P1P0 (010017), 8/1 Dostyk str., Astana city, the Republic of Kazakhstan, bank details: BIN 990740000683, BIC IRTYKZKA, Beneficiary code: 14, IIC: KZ23125KZT1001300204 with the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan RPI, BIC NBRKKZKX – to be in non-cash form to the banking details of shareholders in the system of the Bank’s shareholders register.
* * *
Issue 3 of the Agenda "On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year"
Approve the Report of the Board of directors of the Bank for the past financial year.
* * *
Issue 4 of the Agenda "On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof"
Take a note of the information of the Bank Management Board that in 2023 the Bank received 13 appeals from eleven of its shareholders (regarding the matters of owning and selling shares and GDR, regarding accrual and payment of dividends on the Bank shares, as well as application of taxation), in response to which the Bank had sent letters with appropriate explanations, and that there were no appeals of the shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officers.
* * *
Issue 5 of the Agenda "On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2023"
Take note of the attached information on the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2023.
* * *
Issue 6 of the Agenda "On approval of the amendment № 3 to the Provision on the Board of Directors of the Bank"
Approve the amendment № 3 to the Provision on the Board of Directors of the Bank as per the addendum 1 hereto, putting it into effect on the day following the date of adoption hereof.
* * *
Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 81 559 638 456 (98,1212 % of the total common voting shares).


On voting results at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Fortebank, JSC

ForteBank, JSC (hereinafter – Bank), its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, the Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on April 3 rd, 2024 from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. by Astana standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and the following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.
* * *
Issue 1 of the Agenda “On taking note of the information on the results of performance of ForteBank, Joint Stock Company in 2023” 
Take a note of the information on the results of performance of ForteBank, Joint Stock Company in 2023.
* * *
Issue 2 of the Agenda “On termination of office of Mr. Ye. Abdrazakov, Mr. Ye. Ospanov and Mr. M. Mirzabekov as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank”
1. Powers of Mr. Yeldar Abdrazakov as a member of the Board of Directors – independent director of the Bank shall be terminated early on April 3rd, 2024.
2. Powers of Mr. Yerlan Ospanov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and representative of interests of Mr. Bulat Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank, shall be terminated early on April 3rd, 2024.
3. Powers of Mr. Marlen Mirzabekov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and representative of interests of Mr. Bulat Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank, shall be terminated early on April 3rd, 2024.
* * *
Issue 3 of the Agenda “On determining the number of members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, election of its members and determining the amount of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank”
1. The membership of the Board of Directors of the Bank shall be determined to have five persons, including:
1) two members of the Board of Directors as representatives of the shareholders of the Bank;
2) three members of the Board of Directors as independent directors of the Bank.
2. Mr. Fedor Popandopulo shall be elected on April 3rd, 2024, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank – independent director of the Bank.
3. Mr. Yerlan Tuyakbayev shall be elected on April 3rd, 2024, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank – independent director of the Bank.
4. It shall be established that the term of office of Mr. Fedor Popandopulo and Mr. Yerlan Tuyakbayev as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank shall terminate simultaneously with termination of the term of office of the Board of Directors as a whole,
that is, on the date of the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Bank in 2025, in accordance with the resolution of the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Bank dated April 1st, 2022 (minutes No. 01/22).
5. The amount of monthly fixed remuneration of the members of the Bord of Directors of the Bank before taxes and other deductions established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall be determined as per the addendum 1 hereto.
6. It shall be established that payment of the fixed remuneration to the members of the Board of Directors shall be made monthly by the third day of the month following the month for which the settlement is being made.
7. It shall be established that other payments, as well as reimbursement of costs to the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank shall be performed in the amount and according to the procedure established by the Policy for remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank, JSC and reimbursement of their expenses.
* * *
While commenting on the results of the Meeting, Mr. Bulat Utemuratov, the majority shareholder of ForteBank, has expressed gratitude towards and appreciation of the former Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the independent director, Mr. Yeldar Abdrazakov, as well as the members of the Board of Directors Mr. Yerlan Ospanov and Mr. Marlen Mirzabekov, for their contribution to the development of the Bank. Bulat Utemuratov emphasized the significant progress in implementing the strategy and strengthening the Bank’s position in the financial sector of Kazakhstan, achieved during the chairmanship of Mr. Yeldar
Abdrazakov.
Meanwhile, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Board of Directors at the meeting that has taken place immediately after the Meeting, on April 3rd, 2024, Mr. Timur Issatayev was elected as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ForteBank. Thus, current Board of Directors of ForteBank, JSC is represented by five following members: 
Mr. Timur Issatayev – Chairperson of the Board of Directors, representative of the shareholder’s interests; 
Mr. Anuar Utemuratov – member of the Board of Directors, representative of the shareholder’s interests; 
Mr. Talgat Kuanyshev – member of the Board of Directors, independent director; 
Mr. Fedor Popandopulo – member of the Board of Directors, independent director; 
Mr. Yerlan Tuyakbayev – member of the Board of Directors, independent director.
* * *
Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 80 629 447 285 (97,0717 % of the total common voting shares).
* * *
* The use of reformulated information contained in this press release requires mandatory mention of the source and agreement with ForteBank (pr@fortebank.com).

On voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ForteBank, JSC

S&P Global Ratings withdraws the ratings of ForteBank, JSC due to the Bank's decision to suspend its participation in the rating process of S&P. 

At the end of March, 2024, S&P raised ForteBank's national scale rating to "kzA" from "kzA-", improving the outlook to "Positive". As of the date of withdrawal, ForteBank's long-term and short-term credit ratings were at "BB-/B", the national scale rating was "kzA", and the outlook on the ratings was "Positive".

"We are grateful to S&P for our long-term cooperation. The current situation shows that it is sufficient to have ratings of two agencies to confirm the Bank’s creditworthiness and sustainability for customers, shareholders and investors. ForteBank's ratings from both Moody's and Fitch fully reflect the Bank's strong financial performance, the chosen business model and the Bank's development prospects in the market. Forte team consistently implements the development strategy, ensuring digitalization of services, sustainable growth, and balanced portfolios," said Bekzhan Pirmatov, Chairperson of the Management Board of ForteBank.

ForteBank still has ratings from two rating agencies, Moody's and Fitch, confirming ForteBank's strong capitalization, liquidity and profitability. Thus, in August, 2023, Fitch upgraded the long-term issuer default rating to "BB" from "BB-", the Bank's viability rating to "bb" from "bb-", and the national long-term rating to "A(kaz)" from "A-(kaz) ". The outlook on the ratings is "Stable".

In November 2023, Moody's improved ForteBank's rating outlook to "Positive" and affirmed its local and foreign currency deposit ratings at "Ba2".

ForteBank is among the five largest banks in Kazakhstan and is one of the most stable, liquid, and well-capitalized banks in the country. As of February 1, 2024, the Bank's assets exceed 3.3 trillion tenge. The loan portfolio makes 1.5 trillion tenge and deposits amount to more than 2.3 trillion tenge. Forte has an extensive network of 20 branches and about 100 outlets across the country.

As of April 01, 2024, the ratings of ForteBank, JSC are as follows: 
Moody's 
Long-term foreign and local currency deposit rating "Ba2"
Long-term counterparty risk rating "Ba1"
Outlook "Positive"

Fitch Ratings 
Long-term issuer default rating "BB"
Short-term issuer default rating "B"
Outlook "Stable"


S&P has withdrawn ForteBank's ratings at ForteBank’s request

S&P Global Ratings has revised the outlook on ForteBank's ratings from Stable to Positive and raised its national scale rating.
The international S&P Global Ratings agency revised the outlook for the ratings of ForteBank, JSC from “Stable” to “Positive” and upgraded its rating by the national scale from “kzA-” to “kzA”. Long-term and short-term stand-alone credit profiles of the issuer are confirmed at the level of “BB-/B”.

S&P emphasized that the “Positive” outlook on ForteBank’s ratings reflects expectations regarding a possible increase in the bank’s rating in the next 12-18 months if industry risks in the banking sector of Kazakhstan are reduced. ForteBank is one of the largest banks in the country in terms of assets and deposits.

The agency also noted that the banking sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan has demonstrated higher resistance to macroeconomic risks against worsening geopolitical risks in the region in recent years. Asset quality indicators and financial performance of the banking sector were significantly higher than the level predicted by the agency.

ForteBank is one of the five largest banks in terms of assets, the size of which exceeds 3.0 trillion tenge, the volume of its loan portfolio makes 1.5 trillion tenge as well as deposits amount to more than 2.3 trillion tenge.


S&P Global Ratings raised the outlook on ForteBank's ratings from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’ and raised its national scale rating

ForteBank Joint Stock Company (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), the executive board (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, the Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders on Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank (hereinafter the “Meeting”) convened at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes of Meeting No. 5 dated March 15, 2024) pursuant to Article 35.1, 35.2, Article 37.1, 37. 3.3 and Article 41 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

The Meeting will be held on April 17, 2024, at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time), at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city.

The participants shall be registered on April 17, 2024, from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.

The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Astana time) on March 26, 2024.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Meeting will be held on April 18, 2024, at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time) at the same address and with the same agenda. The participants of the adjourned Meeting will be registered on April 18, 2024, from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.

***

**Agenda of the Meeting**

1. On approval of the 2023 annual financial statements of the Bank.
2. On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s net income for 2023, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank.
3. On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year.
4. On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof.
5. On the amount and structure of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2023.
6. On approval of the amendment № 3 to the Provision on the Board of Directors of the Bank.

***

The agenda of the Meeting is subject to amendments and/or supplements as stipulated by the law.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall have been prepared and will be available for familiarization by shareholders not later than 10 days prior to the date of the Meeting at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days from the day of the request receipt, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder.

For more information on the Meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

***

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to get acquainted with the following procedure for the Meeting holding.

In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: resolution of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for regulation and development of financial market dated February 24, 2020, № 8 On establishing a list of offshore zones for the purposes of banking and insurance business, operation of the professional participants of stock market and other licensable types of activity on the stock market, business of the joint stock investment funds and business of organizations performing micro-financial activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan banks.

Pursuant to para.5-1 of the said article, the shareholder participating in the general Meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with Clause 5 of the present article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants).

A shareholder who has not submitted the above stated statement is not allowed to participate in the general meeting of shareholders.

In this regard, at registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate in the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.
The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the Meeting. Each shareholder is required to have his (her) identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) arrived to take part in the Meeting held in-person is to be registered.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.

The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The Meeting shall held elections of the chairperson and the secretary of the meeting, determines the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).

In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the annual general meeting of shareholders is carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person eligible to vote at an annual general meeting of shareholders with one vote on the procedural issues of holding the general Meeting of shareholders.
The Chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.

The meeting shall be entitled to take a decision on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.

The meeting may be declared closed only after consideration of all the issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the general meeting of shareholders shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the general meeting of the shareholders.

The Meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48, 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

***

We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Annual General Meeting
of shareholders of the Bank.

The Annual General Meeting of ForteBank, JSC shareholders will take place on April 17, 2024.

ForteBank, Joint Stock Company (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”) with the executive board (Management Board) located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, the Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders that the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) summoned at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes dated March 4th, 2024 No.
4) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.2.1), 37.3.3), 36.1.16) and Article 41 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).
The Meeting will be held on April 3rd, 2024 at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time) at the following address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, 8th floor, “Astana” Conference Room. .
The participants shall be registered on April 3rd, 2024, from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.
The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate in the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Astana time) on March 19, 2024.
In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Meeting will be held on April 4th , 2024, at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time) at the same address and with the same agenda. The participants of the adjourned Meeting will be registered on April 4 th , 2024, from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.
* * *
Agenda of the Meeting
1. On taking note of the information on the results of performance of ForteBank, Joint Stock Company in 2023.
* * *
The agenda of the Meeting may be amended and/or supplemented as stipulated by the law.
Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the Agenda materials shall be prepared and will be available for review by the shareholders not later than 10 days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.
Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the Agenda materials shall be sent thereto within three business days from the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder.
For more information on the Meeting holding, please contact: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.
* * *
Hereby we offer the shareholders of the Bank to get acquainted with the following procedure for the Meeting holding.
In accordance with Article 17.5 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the authorized body (see: decree of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated February 24, 2020 № 8 On Establishing the List of Offshore Zones for the Purposes of Banking and Insurance Activities, Activities of the Professional Participants of the Securities Markets and Other Licensed Types of Activities on the Securities Markets, Activities of the Joint Stock Investment Funds and Activities of the Organizations Conducting Micro-financial Activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the resident banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
According to Clause 5-1 of the said article, the shareholder participating in the General Meeting of Shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with Clause.5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants).
A shareholder who has not submitted the above stated statement is not allowed to participate in the General Meeting of Shareholders.
In this regard, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents at the registration, thus confirming their eligibility to participate in the Meeting and to vote on issues considered at the Meeting.
The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before the opening of the Meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney. 
A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.
The Meeting starts at the announced time if a quorum is present.
The Meeting shall hold elections of the Chairperson and the Secretary of the Meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).
In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders shall be carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person entitled to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders with one vote regarding the procedural matters related to holding the General Meeting of Shareholders.
The Chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the Meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.
The Meeting shall be entitled to adopt a resolution on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.
The Meeting may be declared to be closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the Meeting shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the Meeting.
The Meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48 and 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.
* * *
We look forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.

The Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ForteBank, JSC will be held on April 3rd , 2024


Astana, February 2, 2024 – ForteBank Joint Stock Company, located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – the “Bank”), hereby reports on the changes in the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated January 30th, 2024 (minutes of the meeting No. 1), starting from February 5th, 2024, Ms. Gaukhar Bissembiyeva is elected as a member of the Management Board – the First Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board of the Bank (COO).


Information on changes in the membership of ForteBank, JSC Management Board

Asiamoney notes Forte’s strengthened position: the Bank is ranked among the top 5 largest financial institutions in terms of assets and equity capital in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Forte actively lends the Kazakhstani economy: the share of loans to legal entities comprises 60% of the Bank’s lending portfolio, and the business-customers lending portfolio in 2023 has grown by 18.1%, up to KZT 866 bn. 

ForteBank acts as a reliable financial online service partner for hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan. Forte Business app was recognized as the best mobile bank for business in Eastern Europe and Central Asia according to SME Banking Agency in 2023. 

ForteBank maintains the Tier I capital adequacy ratio (k1) at 18.7%, which is two times higher than the regulator’s requirement. Forte remains one of the most solvent commercial banks in the Republic of Kazakhstan and its liquid assets figures to KZT 1 tn.  This figure has grown by 13.7% since the start of the year. 

The reliability and financial stability of ForteBank were also noted by the international rating agencies, which have upgraded the Bank’s ratings in 2023. Thus, Moody’s upgraded ForteBank’s outlook from “Stable” to “Positive” and confirmed the ratings at “Ва2”. Fitch upgraded the bank’s ratings from “ВВ-” to “ВВ”, with a “Stable” outlook.  S&P confirmed ForteBank’s ratings at “BB-”, with a “Stable” outlook. 

Bekzhan Pirmatov, t Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, expressed his gratitude to the analysts of Asiamoney for such high praise of the team’s efforts to develop the Bank. “The achieved results and stable financial indicators of ForteBank serve as evidence and basis for our further growth. We are systematically continuing the improvement of our IT architecture along with the product and service quality within all directions. The Bank has strong financial indicators and the loyal customer base performing financial transactions and entrusting us with people savings. Next year, we will pay special attention to service quality and customer experience”, - noted the Chairman of ForteBank. 

Forte develops vigorously in the retail banking market. The business revenue in this area has grown two times compared to 2021. Twenty five types of banking transactions are available to private individuals in ForteApp mobile app, including opening of payment cards and deposits, getting instant loans, and enjoying other services. Up to 98% of all deposits with Forte are opened in the mobile app. At the same time, the Bank maintains its offline presence, having an extensive network of 20 branches and 128 outlets throughout the country. According to Senteo rating, Forte’s branch network takes the top spot in terms of service quality in Kazakhstan.  

In the second half of 2023, the Bank launched its digital automobile lending that is already has been represented at more than 250 partner auto dealerships. The customers have access to the ForteMobile service. Jointly with Mastercard, the Bank was the first in Central Asia and Eastern Europe to launch a convenient international transfer service titled ForteAlem in 37 countries worldwide. According to the customers’ feedback, one of the front-runners is ForteForex – a currency exchange platform using the rates set by the customers themselves. In December of this year, ForteApp implemented the ability to pay public transport fares using QR-code in four cities of Kazakhstan. 

Forte shows great consideration to the field of corporate social responsibility, systematically supporting the projects in the sphere of education, sport, culture, and art. In 2023, the Bank transferred KZT 6.7 bn to various charity projects. 


Asiamoney International magazine named Forte  the Best Bank in Kazakhstan for the fifth time.

On November 01, 2023, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed ForteBank’s long-term deposit rating at Ва2 and changed the outlook from “Stable” to “Positive”. 

The affirmation of ForteBank’s rating reflects its strong capitalization, ample liquidity, and strong profitability. Moody’s emphasizes a balance of risks and ForteBank’s strong key metrics.  

The positive outlook reflects the ability of the Bank management to secure significant progress in improving the asset quality and increase profitability against the backdrop of the improving situation in the financial market of Kazakhstan. The agency believes that the growing Kazakhstani economy, reducing inflation and a strong competitive position provide an opportunity for the Bank to develop franchises without taking excessive risks. 

“Forte team has been consistently working on improvement of the key metrics, ensuring balanced growth of portfolios, retaining high capitalization and liquidity. As the result, the Bank continues to strengthen; its reliability for the customers increases, which is evidenced by ratings upgrades and positive changes to the outlook”, - noted the Chairperson of the Management Board Mr Bekzhan Pirmatov. 

In August 2023, Fitch rating agency upgraded ForteBank’s rating to BB, with a stable outlook. The agency noted that the upgrade of ForteBank’s rating reflected the Bank’s asset quality improvement supported by the moderate share of loans. 


Moody’s improves outlook to positive for ForteBank

Astana, 26 October 2023 – ForteBank Joint Stock Company, located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – the “Bank”), hereby announces the changes to the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated 23 October 2023 (minutes of the meeting No. 31 (z)), starting from 23 October 2023, Mr. Ravshan Irmatov is elected as a member of the Management Board of the Bank – Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board (CFO).


Changes to the Management Board of ForteBank JSC

Astana, September 22, 2023 – ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter the “Bank”), hereby informs that the powers of  Mrs. Aliya Dykanbayeva as a member of the Management Board – the First Deputy Chairwoman of the Management Board (CFO) of the Bank, shall be terminated early starting from September 29, 2023, upon her own initiative.

Changes to the membership of the Management Board of ForteBank JSC

Astana, September 21, 2023 – ForteBank Joint Stock Company, located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – the “Bank”), hereby reports on the changes in the membership of the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated as of September 18, 2023, (minutes of the meeting No. 27 (z)), starting from September 18, 2023, Mr. Astan Sagitov is elected as a member of the Management Board of the Bank – Managing Director.


Fitch international rating agency has upgraded ForteBank's Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings to 'BB' with a 'Stable' Outlook. According to the release of the agency, Forte's rating upgrade reflects the Bank's improved asset quality, which is supported by an only moderate share of loans in total assets at 42% at the end of the first half of 2023.

Fitch draws attention to the Bank's intrinsic strengths, in particular, solid capital and liquidity buffers and robust operating profitability. Forte has demonstrated strong performance in the past four years, with operating profit averaging 4.7% of risk-weighted assets.

A positive factor is the balance of Forte’s portfolio by segments. Forte has good access to the largest Kazakh corporates, including export-oriented companies, in addition to its focus on consumer finance and SME lending.

“In the past 12 months, Forte's rating has been upgraded for the second time, which is a rare event. Fitch's assessment shows how accurately the expert community understands Forte's effective strategy and policies in the market. The 'BB' rating is one of the highest in the sector and is the result of a significant improvement in the bank's performance, reflects our financial strength and demonstrates that Forte is a strong and reliable bank for clients in any segment,” commented Bekzhan Pirmatov, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank.

Forte is the fourth largest private bank in Kazakhstan in terms of assets, has a wide branch network in all regions of the country.



Fitch upgrades ForteBank to 'BB'


Hereby ForteBank, JSC (hereinafter – the Bank) informs that the Bank, in accordance with the decision made by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on May 2, 2023 , starting from May 4, 2023, makes payment of the dividends on the common shares of the Bank for 2022, accrued in the amount of KZT 49 034 392 342,84 , at the rate of KZT 0,5421 per one common share, including the amount of taxes payable as required by legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The distribution of dividends among the shareholders is carried out to the shareholders, in accordance with the register provided by the Central Securities Depository, JSC as of 00:00, Astana time, May 3, 2023.

As of May 31, 2023, the Bank has distributed to its shareholders having up-to-date details in the register the dividends in the amount of KZT 49 032 165 688,33 (pretax), which comprises to more than 99,99% of the total amount of accrued dividends. The dividends in the amount of KZT 2 226 654,51 are remained unpaid due to absence of the up-to-date details of the shareholders (including payment details) in the shareholders register system of Central Securities Depository, JSC.

In case of non-delivery of the dividends, the Bank shareholders may contact directly to the Bank up to and including July 31, 2023, to receive the dividends that have been unpaid due to absence of the up-to-date details. After August 1, 2023, the accrued dividends that have been unpaid due to the absence of the up-to-date details of the shareholders will be transferred by the Bank to the account of unclaimed dividends held with the Central Securities Depository, JSC, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 4 of article 23 of the Law of Republic of Kazakhstan “On Joint Stock Companies” and the paragraph 2 of the clause 40-1, chapter 3-1 of the Rules for Operation of the Central Depository , where shareholders may apply for the receipt of the dividends. 

For the preliminary consultation, you can contact:
- ForteBank, JSC via e-mail ir@fortebank.com or by calling the number +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (ext. 10248, 10123);
- Central Securities Depository, JSC by the contact details from: https://kcsd.kz/.






ForteBank JSC informs on dividends payment on common shares

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results at the Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the "Meeting") held on May 02th, 2023 from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. by Astana standard time, at the following address: "Astana" Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and the following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.
* * *
Issue 1 of the Agenda "On approval of the 2022 annual financial statements of the Bank"
Approve the attached Bank’s audited annual financial statements for the year ended on December 31st, 2022.
* * *
Issue 2 of the Agenda "On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s 2022 net income, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank"
1.	Approve the procedure for distribution 2022 net income of ForteBank JSC, taking into account paragraph 7 hereof, as follows:
	–	the amount up to KZT 49 043 000 000 (forty-nine billion forty-three million tenge) to be allocated for payment of dividends on common shares;
	–	the amount of net income remaining after the payment of dividends to be retained at the disposal of the Bank.
2.	In the event of payment of the dividends on common shares in the amount established in clause 1 hereof, to approve the dividend amount per one common share of ForteBank JSC To in the amount of KZT 0,5421 (fifty-four point twenty-one tyin), including the amount of taxes payable in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the same time, the total amount of dividends to be paid to each shareholder must be determined with an accuracy to a whole tiyn (rounding shall be made according to the rules of mathematical rounding). For this purpose, the rule of mathematical rounding is understood to be the rounding method wherein the value of a whole tiyn (whole tiyns) does not change if the first digit that comes after the one being rounded is from 0 to 4, and changes, having been increased by one if the first digit that comes after the one being rounded is from 5 to 9.
3.	Record a list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends as of May 3rd, 2023, 00:00 a.m. by Astana standard time.
4.	Determine the date to commence the payment of dividends on ForteBank JSC common shares to be May 4th, 2023.
5.	Approve the payment procedure as a one-off payment.
6.	Approve the form of payment of dividends on common shares of ForteBank JSC, located at the address: Z05P1P0 (010017), 8/1 Dostyk str., Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan,  bank details: BIN 990740000683, BIC IRTYKZKA, Beneficiary code: 14, IIC: KZ23125KZT1001300204 with the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan RPI, BIC NBRKKZKX – to be in non-cash form to the banking details of shareholders in the system of the Bank shareholders register.
7.	In case of non-compliance of this decision, as of the date of execution thereof, with the enacted decree of the Republic of Kazakhstan Agency for regulation and development of the financial market on approval of the terms of distribution of income, accrual of dividends on the common shares and (or) privileged shares and (or) undated financial instruments, as well as repurchase of own shares by a second-tier bank utilizing the funds of the state budget, the National Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan and (or) subsidiaries thereof, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and (or) subsidiaries thereof for the purpose of ensuring its financial stability and (or) rehabilitation, to instruct the Board of directors and the Management Board of ForteBank JSC to initiate amendments hereto in order to bring it in line with said decree of the Agency for regulation and development of the financial market of Republic of Kazakhstan.".
* * *
Issue 3 of the Agenda "On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year"
Approve the Report of the Board of directors of the Bank for the past financial year
* * *
Issue 4 of the Agenda "On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof"
Take a note of the information of the Bank Management Board that in 2022 the Bank received 11 appeals from ten of its shareholders (regarding accrual and payment of dividends on the Bank shares, as well as the sale of the Bank shares held by its shareholders), in response to which the Bank had sent letters with appropriate explanations, and that there were no appeals of the shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officers in 2022.
* * *
Issue 5 of the Agenda "On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2022"
Take a note of the attached information on the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2022.
* * *
Issue 6 of the Agenda "On the election of a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank"
1.	Elect, effective as of May 2nd, 2023, Mr. Talgat Kuanyshev as a member of the Board of Director of the Bank – Independent Director of the Bank.
2.	Establish that the term of office of Mr. Talgat Kuanyshev as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank – Independent Director of the Bank shall expire simultaneously with the expiration of the terms of office of the Bank’s Board of Directors as a whole, that is, on the date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank in 2025.
3.	Determine the amount of monthly fixed remuneration of the member of the Board of Directors of the Bank – Independent Director of the Bank Mr. Talgat Kuanyshev, before any taxes and other deductions, in accordance with the addendum 1 hereto.
4.	Establish that other payments, as well as reimbursement of expenses to the member of the Board of Directors of the Bank – Independent Director of the Bank Mr. Talgat Kuanyshev, shall be made in the amount of and in accordance with the procedure established by the Policy of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC and reimbursement of expenses thereof.
* * *
Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 81,559,638,456 (99.4063 % of the total common voting shares).


On voting results at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of ForteBank JSC

ForteBank announced changes to the composition of the Board of Directors. Mr. Hubert Pandza, an independent director, made a decision to resign a member of the Board of Directors ahead of his term’s end. In order to ensure succession, he will remain with the Forte team as a consultant – expert of the Risk Committee and Audit Committee under the Board of Directors. 
“It’s been almost eight years since I was elected as an independent director of ForteBank. During this time, I gained a lot of professional experience in working with colleagues, high-tier bankers, and had the pleasure to experience Kazakhstan, a wonderful country with rich history and a bright future. I am thankful to the ForteBank’s shareholders, Board of Directors and management for all the collaborative work. Forte is a reliable bank with a solid market position, a strong team and a distinctive brand”, - noted Mr. Pandza.
Mr. Hubert Pandza is a citizen of Germany, an economist with almost 50-year-long career, having held various senior positions at banks and financial institutions; for many years, he occupied leading positions at Deutsche Bank. In November 2015, he was elected as a member of the Board of Directors – an independent director at ForteBank. 
“Having a colossal experience in international markets and representing high culture of sound corporate governance that corresponds to the best international practices, Hubert made a priceless contribution to ForteBank’s development and assisted the bank in advancing to the forefront of the banking sector in Kazakhstan. He has made the decision to step down as an independent director; however, agreed to continue our joint work as a consultant, which we are grateful for”, - commented Mr. Yeldar Abdrazakov, Chairman of the Board of Directors. 
On May 2nd 2023, Mr. Talgat Kuanyshev was elected as a member of the Board of Directors – an independent director. Mr. Kuanyshev is a seasoned banker with extensive experience, having held leading positions at second-tier banks, including the position of the Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank from 2015 to 2016. 
ForteBank is one of the top five largest Kazakhstani banks in terms of assets, servicing clients through its vast network of branches across all of the regions of Kazakhstan.


On changes to the composition of ForteBank’s Board of Directors



Fortebank brings 2022 to a close with the record high results 
The Bank grows steadily against the tumultuous economic background 
Against the background of such factors as uncertainty in the economy, high inflation, international sanctions against Kazakhstan’s primary trade partner – Russian Federation, dissolution of the established chains of transportation and logistics, Kazakhstani ForteBank brings 2022 to a close with the record high key indicators (according to IFRS consolidated financial statement)*: 
•	The assets have grown by 15% and amounted to KZT 2,8 trillion;
•	The lending portfolio has grown by 45% and amounted to KZT 1,17 trillion;
•	The deposit portfolio has grown by 16%, reaching KZT 2 trillion;
•	Net profit has amounted to KZT 98 billion, which is 53% higher than the year before. 
The Bank actively conducts digitalization of the services for business; as of this moment, most transactions and services for the legal entities have been transferred to the Internet-banking and ForteBusiness mobile app. The business banking digitalization has been highly appreciated by the international expert community. Based on the results of 2002, the professional magazine AsiaMoney named Forte the best bank in Kazakhstan for small and medium enterprises. 
In 2022, Forte extended loans to the legal entities for a total amount of KZT 726,5 billion, which is 58% higher than the year before. The deposit portfolio for the legal entities grown by 11% and reached KZT 1,26 trillion. 
In the retail segment, ForteApp mobile application has already become the primary sales channel. While in 2021 only 20% of the unsecured loans have been granted online, in 2022 this indicator was 86%. Almost all new deposits of the Bank – meaning 99% - are opened in the app. 
As the result, in 2022 Forte’s retail lending portfolio grown by 38% and amounted to KZT 428,3 billion. The private individuals’ deposits grew by 26%, reaching KZT 748,5 billion. 
“By working consistently and professionally, in 2022 our team managed to use the existing market opportunities. Without increasing the risk, we have achieved increase of the quality customers number, which has allowed us to achieve excellent indicators in all areas of business. These outcomes have also been assessed by the rating agencies; last year, two largest international agencies upgraded our credit ratings”, - commented Bekzhan Pirmatov, Chairman of Forte’s Management Board. 
ForteBank is one of the largest banks in Kazakhstan in terms of assets and possesses an extensive branch network throughout all regions of the country. In March 2023, S&P Global Ratings international rating agency updated its outlook for ForteBank’s rating to “Stable” and confirmed the rating at BB-/B. In September 2022, Fitch Ratings international rating agency upgraded the long-term rating of ForteBank to ВВ-, with “Stable” outlook. Both agencies noted Forte’s strengthening position in terms of capitalization, asset quality improvement and strong market position.  
*Approval of the audited financial statement of ForteBank JSC by the annual general meeting of shareholders is expected on May 2nd, 2023. 


Fortebank brings 2022 to a close with the record high results 

ForteBank Joint Stock Company (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), the executive board (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders on Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank (hereinafter the “Meeting”) convened at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes of Meeting No. 8 (z) dated March 31, 2023) pursuant to Article 35.1, Article 37.1, 37. 3.3 and Article 41 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).
The Meeting will be held on May 2, 2023, at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time), at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city.
The participants shall be registered on May 2, 2023, from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.
The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Astana time) on April 6, 2023.
In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Meeting will be held on May 3, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time) at the same address and with the same agenda. The participants of the adjourned Meeting will be registered on May 3, 2023 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.
* * *
Agenda of the Meeting 
1.	On approval of the 2022 annual financial statements of the Bank.
2.	On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s 2022 net income, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank.
3.	On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year.
4.	On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof.
5.	On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2022.
* * *
The agenda of the Meeting is subject to amendments and/or supplements as stipulated by the law.
Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall have been prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than 10 days prior to the date of the Meeting at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.
Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days from the day of the request receipt, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder.
For more information on the Meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.
* * *
We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to get acquainted with the following procedure for the Meeting holding.
In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: resolution of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for regulation and development of financial market dated February 24, 2020, № 8 On establishing a list of offshore zones for the purposes of banking and insurance business, operation of the professional participants of stock market and other licensable types of activity on the stock market, business of the joint stock investment funds and business of organizations performing micro-financial activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan banks.
Pursuant to para.5-1 of the said article, the shareholder participating in the general Meeting  of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with para.5 of the present article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants). 
A shareholder who has not submitted the above stated statement is not allowed to participate in the general Meeting of shareholders. 
In this regard, at registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate in the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.
The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the Meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting.
A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) arrived to take part in the Meeting held in-person is to be registered.
A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.
The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.
The Meeting shall held elections of the chairperson and the secretary of the Meeting, determines the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).
In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the annual general Meeting of shareholders is carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person eligible to vote at an annual general Meeting of shareholders with one vote on the procedural issues of holding the general Meeting of shareholders.
The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the Meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to take a decision on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general Meeting of shareholders to the following day.
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders may be declared closed only after consideration of all the issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the general Meeting of shareholders shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the general Meeting of shareholders.
The Meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48, 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.
* * *
We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank.


On May 2, 2023, the Annual General Meeting of ForteBank, JSC shareholders will take place 

S&P returned "stable" outlook on ForteBank 

S&P Global Ratings international rating agency has improved its outlook on ForteBank's rating to "stable" and affirmed its ratings at "BB-/B".

The revision of outlook on the Bank’s follows the same action on Kazakhstan outlook. On March 3, 2023, S&P revised the outlook on the country's rating from "negative" to "stable", stating that it expected growth of Kazakhstan's GDP within 4% over the next three years.

The agency notes that the affirmation of ForteBank's ratings at "BB-/B" reflects S&P's assessment of ForteBank's moderate systemic importance in the economy of Kazakhstan.

"ForteBank is the fifth-largest domestic bank by retail deposits, with about 6.5% market share by assets. ForteBank continued to strengthen its capitalization in 2022, underpinned by the bank's decision not to distribute dividends. We anticipate that our risk-adjusted capital ratio for the bank will remain above 7% in 2023-2024, supported by moderate business growth and good earnings metrics. We expect ForteBank's asset quality to remain stable" the agency said in a statement.

"We are glad that S&P brought back ForteBank an appropriated rating outlook. Currently, the Bank is in its best condition in the entire history of its activities. Many of its performance indicators have reached record values, which will be made public after the release of the audited statements," commented Bekzhan Pirmatov, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, JSC. 

ForteBank is one of the five largest Kazakhstani banks in terms of assets and has a wide branch network in all regions of Kazakhstan. In July 2022, S&P upgraded ForteBank's long-term credit rating from "B+" to "BB-" and the Bank's rating on the Kazakhstan national scale from "kzBBB+" to "kzA-". Also in September 2022, Fitch, upgraded ForteBank's long-term rating to "BB-" with a stable outlook, taking into account the combination of positive factors and the Bank's stable financial position. Both agencies noted the strengthening of capitalization, the improvement of asset quality, as well as ForteBank's strong market position.


S&P returned "stable" outlook on ForteBank 

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on December 28th, 2022 from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. by Astana standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and the following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.
* * *
Issue 1 of the Agenda “On approval of the amended Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company”
1. To approve the amended Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company in accordance with Annex 1 to this resolution, effective as of the date of this resolution.
2. To authorize Mr. B. Pirmatov, Chairman of the Management Board (or the person acting as such) to sign the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company on behalf of its shareholders and to perform other actions associated with the approval of the amended Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company.
* * *
Issue 2 of the Agenda “On designation of the audit organization conducting audit and review of the financial statements of ForteBank Joint Stock Company in 2023-2025 and for 2023-2025”
To designate KPMG Audit LLP as the audit organization conducting audit and review of the financial statements of the Bank in 2023-2025 and for 2023-2025.
* * *
Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 73,714,243,282 (98.0847 % of the total common voting shares).



On voting results at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of ForteBank JSC

ForteBank Joint Stock Company informs of a change in the composition of its shareholders. 
Alidar Utemuratov bought 5% of outstanding shares from Bulat Utemuratov, the main shareholder of the Bank. The purchase was approved by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Markets. The transaction is completed and the shares are in possession of a new shareholder. In addition, under the terms of the transaction, Alidar Utemuratov is permitted to raise his share up to 10% of the Bank outstanding shares over the next 7 years. The transfer of shares has been carried out exclusively on market conditions based on the shares purchase and sale agreement concluded between the parties.
“We welcome Alidar Utemuratov as one of the Bank's shareholders. Taking into account his successful experience in creating and managing IT companies, we look forward to increasing digitalization at Forte. The Bank's business model, which has proven its effectiveness, strategic directions of development, as well as the composition of the Management Board will be preserved,” said Yeldar Abdrazakov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ForteBank.
Forte is one of the largest banks in Kazakhstan and ranks top 5 among Kazakhstani banks in terms of assets.



Changes in the composition of ForteBank shareholders

Press Release

Changes in the membership of ForteBank JSC Management Board

ForteBank Joint Stock Company, located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017,
Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter – the “Bank”), hereby reports the changes in the membership of the
Management Board of the Bank.
In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated December 22nd, 2022 (minutes
of the meeting No. 44), starting from January 4th, 2023, Mr. Amyrkhan Chikanayev is elected as a member
of the Management Board of the Bank – Deputy Chairman of the Management Board.


Changes in the membership of ForteBank JSC Management Board

**Notice: the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ForteBank JSC will be held on December 28, 2022** 

ForteBank Joint Stock Company (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”) with the executive board (Management Board) located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders that the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) summoned at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes dated November 22nd, 2022 No. 41(z)) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.2.1, 37.3.3) and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).
The Meeting will be held on December 28, 2022 at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time) at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city.

The participants shall be registered on December 28, 2022 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.

The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate in the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Astana time) on December 5, 2022.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Meeting will be held on December 29, 2022 at 10.00 a.m. (Astana time) at the same address and with the same agenda. The participants of the adjourned Meetingwill be registered on December 29, 2022 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Astana time) at the venue of the Meeting.

**Agenda of the Meeting**

1. On approval of the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company in the new edition.
2. On determining the audit organization that performs the audit and review of financial statements
of ForteBank Joint Stock Company in 2023–2025 and for 2023–2025.

The agenda of the Meeting may be amended and/or supplemented as stipulated by the law. Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than 10 days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.
Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days of the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder.
For more information on the Meeting holding, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to get acquainted with the following procedure for the Meeting holding.

In accordance with Article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the authorized body (see: decree of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated February 24, 2020 № 8 On Establishing the List of Offshore Zones for the Purposes of Banking and Insurance Activities, Activities of the  Professional Participants
of the Securities Markets and Other Licensed Types of Activities on the Securities Markets, Activities of the Joint Stock Investment Funds and Activities of the Organizations Conducting Micro-financial Activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks.

According to para.5-1 of the said article, the shareholder participating in the General Meeting of Shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with para.5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants). A shareholder who has not submitted the above stated statement is not allowed to participate in the General Meeting of Shareholders.

In this regard, at the registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate in the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before the opening of the Meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.
A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote. The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The Meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the Meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll). In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person entitled to vote at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders with one vote regarding the procedural matters related to holding the general meeting of shareholders.
The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the Meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.

The Meeting shall be entitled to adopt a resolution on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.
The Meeting may be declared to be closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.

In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the Meeting shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the Meeting.

The Meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48 and 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.

Notice: the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ForteBank JSC will be held on December 28, 2022

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On 14 September 2022 the international rating agency Fitch Ratings upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of ForteBank to BB-, with Stable outlook. The rating upgrade reflects the extended record of robust profitability of Forte, capitalization growth, material reduction in legacy asset-quality risks, as well as the strong funding and liquidity. The agency notes that Forte has achieved noticeable growth of lending in all business segments. The loan book has expanded 26% during the first half of 2022.

Fitch analysts believe that Forte and the banking sector of Kazakhstan as a whole are resilient to external shocks caused by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, due to the high return on equity and liquidity.  

«Forte business model has demonstrated resistance to the external shocks caused by recent events in Kazakhstan and worldwide. Our clients have truly appreciated implementation the wide range of products, high-quality service, handy app and value the reliability of Forte. As the result, the Bank has strengthened its market position in all segments of clients, has increased return on equity and improved the loan portfolio quality, which were considered while upgrading our rating by Fitch», - noted Mr. Bekzhan Pirmatov, the Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank. 
According to IFRS consolidated reports, ForteBank’s assets have grown by 8% in the first half of 2022. The Bank’s loan portfolio has exceeded KZT 1 trillion, with a 26% growth as opposed to a 5,5% average growth throughout the sector. The consolidated net profit of the Bank has exceeded KZT 44 billion (profit in the 1st half-year of 2021 amounted to KZT 31,6 billion).

________________________________________________________________________________________

Mass media contact: Yerkin Uderbay, +7 777 731 99 33

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Fitch Upgrades ForteBank Rating to “BB-“, Stable Outlook

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14 July 2022, Nur-Sultan – The Board of Directors of ForteBank announced its decision to appoint Bekzhan Pirmatov as the CEO of ForteBank. 
Bekzhan Pirmatov is a professional banker with 18-year experience in banking industry, including Kazakh and international financial institutions such as HSBC and EBRD. He headed management boards of TsesnaBank and First Heartland Jysan Invest prior to joining Forte team in 2020 as deputy CEO. He is a graduate of Kazakh Economic University (Narxoz University) and George Washington University (USA).   
“Bekzhan Pirmatov has successfully supervised all key business lines, including corporate, SME and retail blocks and treasury since he joined Forte. Taking into consideration his professionalism, knowledge of insights of local and international financial markets, leadership skills, the Board of Directors took decision to appoint Bekzhan as the CEO. We believe that Forte team will continue sustainable growth of business with his leadership”, - Chairman of the Board of Directors of ForteBank Eldar Abdrazakov commented. 
“Forte is an excellent bank and I am grateful to shareholders and Board of Directors for trust and opportunity to upgrade it to a new level. It is important for us to keep consistency and to continue our efficient strategy of universal bank aimed at growth in all business segments, with focus on digital solutions”, - Bekzhan Pirmatov said. 
During the first half of 2022 ForteBank performed progressively in all key business aspects. The assets grew by 15.8 per cent, loan portfolio – by 27.5 per cent, deposits – by 4.5 per cent. The net profit, according to management reporting, amounted to 43.2 billion Tenge. 
On 8 July 2022 international rating agency S&P Global Ratings raised long-term issuer credit rating of ForteBank from “B+” to “BВ-”, outlook “Stable”. Additionally, Agency raised ForteBank’s rating on Kazakhstan national scale to 'kzA-' from 'kzBBB+'.

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Contact for media enquiries: Yerkin Uderbay, +7 777 731 99 33

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Bekzhan Pirmatov Appointed as CEO of ForteBank

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08 July 2022 – International rating agency S&P Global Ratings raised long-term issuer credit rating of ForteBank from “B+” to “BВ-”, outlook “Stable”. Additionally, Agency raised ForteBank’s rating on Kazakhstan national scale to 'kzA-' from 'kzBBB+'.

S&P Global Ratings says, that ForteBank capitalization strengthened, and they expect the bank will operate with a higher capital buffer and continue to be in top five banks in Kazakhstan in terms of assets.

«The Bank is leaning on its diversification between retail and corporate customers on both sides of the balance sheet and sustainable new business generation with an expected loan growth of 10%-15% to retain its market share. For 2021, ForteBank posted Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) 64 billion net consolidated profit (about $160 million), corresponding to a return on average common equity (ROAE) of about 23.7%. For the first five months of 2022, ForteBank reported about KZT30 billion net profit under national GAAP. We expect the bank to continue generating solid earnings over 2022, with ROAE hovering around 20%», - as noted in S&P Global Rating release.

The agency believes that recent changes in management are unlikely to affect the bank's strategy implementation: «The new CEO, Mr. Bekzhan Pirmatov, has been with the bank's management team for several years. The transition was smooth, suggesting that the leadership changes won't upset the business dynamics or operational approach. In our view, the bank's major shareholder, Mr. Bulat Utemuratov, supports the bank's current strategy implementation. »

According to S&P Global Ratings, ForteBank has significantly advanced the recovery of legacy problem loans over the past five years. The bank has experienced an increase in problem loans due to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we expect the bank's asset quality will continue to improve gradually over 2022-2032. The stock of problem assets improved last year, with the share of Stage 3 loans at about 11% of the loan portfolio declining from 26% at year-end 2020. We anticipate the
credit costs in 2022 will remain elevated but not higher than the system-wide average of about 2%, reflecting the challenging operating conditions and potential negative spillover effect on borrowers' creditworthiness. An inflationary spike, alongside the disruption of trade and logistic chains stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, could weigh on borrowers' payment discipline and create additional provisioning needs for banks in the system. However, since economic fundamentals in the context of Kazakhstan's external buffers remaining supportive, we consider that any deterioration in asset quality would likely be moderate and temporary».
  While commenting on the news, the acting Chairperson of the Management Board of ForteBank Bekzhan Pirmatov has noted: 
«The rating upgrade by S&P Global Ratings confirms the effectiveness of strategy chosen by ForteBank, which is underpinned by balanced, conservative credit policy, digitalization of products and services and based on them developing of ecosystem for retail and business clients. Our business model has proved its sustainability, over the past 3-4 years all our performance indicators have been steadily growing. We adhere to continuity, remain a classic and reliable universal bank operating in all segments, including  retail, SMEs and large businesses.»

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Contacts for media: Yerkin Uderbay, +7 777 731 99 33
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International rating agency S&P Global Ratings upgraded the ratings of ForteBank from “B+” to “BВ-”, outlook “Stable”

21 June 2022, Nur-Sultan – the Board of Directors of ForteBank announced a preterm resignation of Reinis Rubenis from the position of CEO on personal reasons effective from 15 July 2022. Reinis took over as CEO of ForteBank on 10 January 2022, before this appointment he had been the CEO of Swedbank Latvia for five years.   
 
“Geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically this year and made it difficult for my family to relocate to Kazakhstan. It became determinant in making this hard decision to resign preterm as the CEO. I am going back to Latvia. I take this opportunity to thank all Forte colleagues for a unique chance to be a part of very intense period in the development of ForteBank. We have used every opportunity to grow and increase our business in these turbulent times, but at the same time compliance and low risk tactics have been a priority for us. It has been a great opportunity to get to know incredible Kazakh culture, learn about domestic financial industry and I hope my contribution to Forte has laid further ground for successful growth,” - Reinis Rubenis noted.
 
“The Board of Directors understands Reinis’ preterm resignation request. Every manager tries to find a right work-life balance. An efficient manager is first of all a happy manager. On behalf of the Board of Directors I thank Reinis for his contribution and wish him every success in his further career,” - said Eldar Abdrazakov, the Сhairman of the Board of Directors. Bekzhan Pirmatov, a deputy CEO of ForteBank, will be acting CEO effective from 15 July 2022.

Over the past five months of 2022 ForteBank ensured progressive growth in all aspects of its business. The assets grew by 8%, loan portfolio – by 14,8%, net profit made 35 billion tenge. Moody’s Investors Service confirmed the Bank’s rating at “Ba2” level with “Stable” forecast. 


Press-office: 
Yerkin Uderbay, +7 777 731 99 33



Reinis Rubenis Resigns as CEO of ForteBank

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ForteBank JSC (location of the Management Board: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil District, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter referred to as “the Bank”) informs on changes to the membership of the Board of Directors of the Bank.
In accordance with the resolution of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank as of June 7, 2022 (meeting no. 02/22), Yerlan Ospanov was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank in the capacity of representative of the interests of Bulat Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank, as from June 7, 2022.
Thus, starting with June 7, 2022, the membership of the Bank's Board of Directors will be as follows:
•	four representatives of the shareholder's interests: Anuar Utemuratov, Timur Issatayev, Marlen Mirzabekov, Yerlan Ospanov;
•	two independent directors: Yeldar Abdrazakov and Hubert Pandza.

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Changes to the membership of the board of directors of ForteBank JSC

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ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – the Bank), with its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1 Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby informs on the results of the vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank (hereinafter – the Meeting) which has taken place on June 7th, 2022, from 10.00 a.m. until 11.00 a.m., Nur-Sultan time, at the address: “Astana” conference-hall, 8th floor, 8/1 Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues have been considered and the following resolutions have been made at the Meeting, based on the results of the vote.
* * *
Regarding the issue 1 of the agenda “On approval of the amendment № 2 
to the Provision of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC”
To approve the amendment № 2 to the Provision on the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC in accordance with the addendum 1 hereto; said amendment shall come into force on the day following the date of this resolution.
* * *
Regarding the issue 2 of the agenda “On election of a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank”
1.	To elect Mr. Erlan Ospanov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and representative of the interests of Mr. Bulat Utemuratov, the shareholder of the Bank.
2.	To establish that the term of office of Mr. Erlan Ospanov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank shall expire simultaneously with the expiration of the terms of office of the Bank’s Board of Directors as a whole, that is, on the date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank in 2025.
3.	To determine the amount of monthly fixed remuneration of the member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, Mr. Erlan Ospanov, before any taxes and other deductions, in accordance with the resolution of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank (minutes dated March 29th, 2021 № 01/21).
4.	To establish that other payments, as well as reimbursement of expenses to the member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, Mr. Erlan Ospanov, shall be made in the amount of and in accordance with the procedure established by the Policy of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC and reimbursement of expenses thereof.
* * *
The total number of the common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting throughout its entire period is 73 714 243 282 (98,11113 % of the total number of the common voting shares).

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On the results of the vote at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of ForteBank JSC

Notice: the Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on June 7, 2022
 
ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”) with the executive board (Management Board) located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders that the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) summoned at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes dated May 6th, 2022 No. 16) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.2.1, 37.3.3) and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).
The Meeting will be held on June 7, 2022 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.
The participants shall be registered on June 7, 2022 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the Meeting.
The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate in the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on May 23, 2022.
In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be held on June 8, 2022 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address and with the same agenda. The participants of the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be registered on June 8, 2022 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the Meeting.
* * *
Agenda of the Meeting
1.	On approval of amendment No. 2 to the Regulation on the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC.
* * *
The agenda of the Meeting may be amended and/or supplemented as stipulated by the law.
Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than 10 days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.
Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days of the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder.
For more information on the Meeting holding, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.
* * *
We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to get acquainted with the following procedure for the Meeting holding.
In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: decree of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated February 24, 2020 № 8 On Establishing the List of Offshore Zones for the Purposes of Banking and Insurance Activities, Activities of the Professional Participants of the Securities Markets and Other Licensed Types of Activities on the Securities Markets, Activities of the Joint Stock Investment Funds and Activities of the Organizations Conducting Micro-financial Activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks. 
According to para.5-1 of the said article, the shareholder participating in the general Meeting  of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with para.5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants). 
A shareholder who has not submitted the above stated statement is not allowed to participate in the general Meeting of shareholders. 
In this regard, at the registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate in the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.
The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the Meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.
A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.
The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.
The Meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the Meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).
In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person entitled to vote at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders with one vote  regarding the procedural matters related to holding the general meeting of shareholders.
The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the Meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.
The Meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to adopt a resolution on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders to the following day.
The Meeting may be declared to be closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the Meeting shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the Meeting.
The Meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48 and 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.
* * *
We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.


The Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on June 7, 2022

**ForteBank was awarded the title of the Best Bank in Kazakhstan by Global Finance for the fifth consecutive year**

Global Finance magazine announced its 29th annual awards for the Best Banks. The winners have been
chosen in more than 150 countries worldwide based on such objective criteria as growth in assets,
profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in
products. Subjective criteria were also considered, including the opinions of the equity analysts, credit
rating analysts, banking consultants and other experts involved in the industry.

The title of the Best Bank in Kazakhstan was awarded to Forte for the fifth consecutive year. While
commenting on the award, Mr. Reinis Rubenis, the Chairman of ForteBank Management Board, noted:
“We are thankful to Global Finance for acknowledgement of our work and such high appreciation. Being
awarded for the fifth consecutive year proves professionalism of the Bank’s team and endorses its stable
position and effective strategy. Due to these factors, ForteBank is a stable and reliable business partner on
the financial market of Kazakhstan”.

ForteBank, having 20 branches and about 100 outlets, is one of the most stable, solvent and well-capitalized
banks in the country. In 2018-2022, ForteBank has been recognized for multiple times as the Best Bank in
Kazakhstan according to Global Finance and Asiamoney, as well as awarded the Bank of the Year in
Kazakhstan by The Banker. Moreover, Euromoney magazine has also named Forte the Best Bank in
Kazakhstan in 2021.

Global Finance, founded in 1987, has a circulation in 193 countries worldwide. Global Finance’s audience
includes senior corporate and financial officers responsible for making investments and strategic decisions
at multinational companies and financial institutions. Its website – GFMag.com – offers analysis and
articles that are the legacy of 35 years of experience in international financial markets. The publication is
headquartered in New York. Global Finance annually selects the top performers among the banks and other
financial services providers. These awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global
financial community.

Contacts
Press office
**tel.:+7 777 731 99 33**

ForteBank is recognized as the Best Bank in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance

The rating confirmation reflects Moody’s assessment that the operating environment and the credit profile of ForteBank JSC will remain resilient to the increased risks, as well as stability of the Bank’s capitalization, profitability and liquidity.

The stable outlook on long-term rating reflects Moody’s expectation that, capitalisation, profitability and liquidity will together balance the risks of weakening asset quality amid higher inflation and tighter financing conditions on the financial markets.

ForteBank is among the top five largest banks in Kazakhstan and one of the most stable, solvent and well-capitalized banks in the country. The Bank has 20 branches and about 100 outlets. The Bank has been awarded multiple times by the flagship international publications. For instance, over the last 12 months, ForteBank has been recognized as the Best Bank in Kazakhstan by Euromoney, Asiamoney and Global Finance. 

**Mass media contact: Erkin Uderbay, +7 777 731 99 33**

Moody’s rating agency confirms ForteBank JSC rating at Ba2, with a stable outlook

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), with its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results of the Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on April 1th, 2022 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Nur-Sultan standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.
* * *
**Regarding the Issue 1 of the Agenda “On approval of the 2021 annual financial statements of the Bank”**

The audited annual financial statements of the Bank for the year ended December 31st, 2021 were approved.

**Regarding the Issue 2 of the Agenda “On approval of the order of distribution of the Bank’s 2021 net income, on the amount of the dividend per one common share of the Bank”**

1. The Bank's net income for 2021 has not been distributed.
2. The Bank's net income has been kept at the disposal of the Bank.

**Regarding the Issue 3 of the Agenda “On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year”
The Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year was approved.**

**Regarding the Issue 4 of the Agenda “On the appeals of shareholders regarding the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof”**

The information of the Bank’s Management Board that during 2021 the Bank received 7 requests from seven shareholders (on the issues of accrual, payment of dividends on the Bank’s shares, as well as on the issues of ownership and sale of the Bank’s shares owned by its shareholders), to which responses with explanations were sent, and that there were no appeals from shareholders regarding the actions of the Bank and its officials, was taken into consideration.

**Regarding the Issue 5 of the Agenda “On the amount and composition of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2021”**

Information on the amount and composition of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2021 was taken into consideration.

**Regarding the Issue 6 of the Agenda “On determining the number of members and term of office of the Bank’s Board of Directors, election of the members thereof, as well as determining the amount of remuneration of the members of the Bank’s Board of Directors”**

– the membership of the Board of Directors of the Bank has been determined in the number of six persons with a term of office that expires at the time of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank in 2025;
– Anuar Utemuratov, Guram Andronikashvili, Marlen Mirzabekov and Timur Issatayev were reelected as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank – representing interests of Mr. B. Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank;
– Yeldar Abdrazakov and Hubert Pandza were reelected as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank – Independent Directors of the Bank;
– the amount of monthly fixed remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank has been determined, and it was also established that other payments, as well as reimbursement of expenses to the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, shall be carried out in the amount and in the manner set by the Policy of Remuneration of Members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC, and reimbursement of expenses thereof.

*Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole period of time thereof – 73,714,243,282 (97.7575 % of the total common voting shares).*

On voting results of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

ForteBank JSC (the Management Board is located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter the "Bank") held the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 1st, 2022 where the membership of the Board of Directors of the Bank was determined in the amount of six people, the Board of Directors was re-elected with a term of office that expires at the time of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank in 2025.

Thus, currently the Board of Directors of the Bank is as follows: 

- four representatives of the shareholder’s interests: Anuar Utemuratov, Guram Andronikashvili, Marlen Mirzabekov, Timur Issatayev; 
- two Independent Directors: Yeldar Abdrazakov, Hubert Pandza.

On the membership of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC

Nur-Sultan, January 12th, 2022

**ForteBank announces appointment of a new Chairperson of the Management Board**

The Board of Directors of ForteBank has approved the nomination of the Chairperson of the Management Board; Mr. Reinis Rubenis will accept this post. Ms. Sholpan Nurumber, who has been holding an interim office of the Chairperson of the Management Board since 01.08.2021, shall continue in the capacity of the Deputy Chairperson of the Management Board and a member of the Management Board.

Mr. Reinis Rubenis has been working on financial markets of Europe for the past 25 years and is known as an experienced and efficient manager propelling the companies to the top. For the past 14 years, Mr. Rubenis has worked for the largest bank of Latvia, Swedbank, 5 of these years - in the capacity of the Chairperson of the Management Board. Mr. Rubenis has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Nasdaq Latvia and a member of the Board of Directors of the Latvian Central Depository. Under the management of Mr. Rubenis, the team of Swedbank became the leader of Latvian market in terms of assets and the number of customers, successfully integrated digital financial services and managed to create the strongest HR brand in the country.

The new CEO will focus on the primary strategic directions – improvement of the processes efficiency and acceleration of the delivery of new services to the market. The crucial groundwork for the upcoming changes lies in evolution of the customer experience management and development of a corporate culture of a European institute, as well as formation of partner programs with local and global companies.

While commenting on the appointment of Mr. Rubenis, the principal shareholder of ForteBank Mr. Bulat Utemuratov noted:

“Mr. Rubenis possesses an impressive professional expertise and experience of building up the flagship financial institutions in highly competitive markets. Throughout his career of many years, Mr. Rubenis has proved that his strength lies in his ability to form effective interaction with the market participants, regulators and partners. His expertise and vigor will help the Bank to create the best consumer experience for its customers and will lead the entire team to success.”

Mr. Reinis Rubenis also expressed his positive attitude to this new chapter of his career:

“I am excited to become a part of Forte and grateful to the shareholders for the utmost trust on their part. For my part, I would like to say with confidence that I will do everything to solidify the success of the bank and well-being of every customer. From today onward, we will build up Forte as a European bank trusted and loved by customers.”

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Contacts
Press office
Tel.: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (вн. 10868, 10975) 



ForteBank announces appointment of a new Chairperson of the Management Board

On December 15, 2021, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) announced its decision to upgrade the long-term deposit rating of ForteBank JSC to Ba2 from Ba3, the  outlook is “Stable”. Previous upgrade of the Bank’s rating by Moody’s took place in December 2020. Back then, the agency upgraded the long-term deposit rating of ForteBank to Ba3 from B1, the outlook was “Stable”.

This is not the first positive ratings action for ForteBank JSC in 2021. In September 2021, S&P Global Ratings international rating agency revised ForteBank’s ratings outlook to “Positive” from “Stable” , raised national scale rating from “kzBBB” to “kzBBB+” and affirmed  the long-term and short-term ratings at “B+/B”. Fitch Ratings agency, in its turn, upgraded the Bank’s long-term rating to “B+” from “B” and revised the outlook from “Stable” to “Positive”. 

**According to Moody’s analysts**, this rating action recognizes substantially decreased uncertainties over the Bank's asset risk, following the sharp contraction in problem loans since the beginning of this year. The rating action also recognizes improvement in the Bank's core profitability and Forte's maturing business profile.

**Note:**
ForteBank ranks among the top five largest banks of Kazakhstan and is one of the most stable, liquid and well-capitalized banks in the country. The Bank has 20 branches and about 100 outlets. The Bank was awarded by the leading international periodicals for multiple times. Thus, during the last 12 months, ForteBank has been recognized as the best bank in Kazakhstan according to Euromoney, Asiamoney and Global Finance.


Contacts

Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (ext. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

Press Office
Tel.: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (ext. 10868, 10975) 


Moody’s international rating agency upgrades rating of ForteBank

Mr. Eldar Abdrazakov is appointed the head of the Board of Directors of ForteBank

(NUR-SULTAN, November 30th, 2021) – The Board of Directors of ForteBank has appointed Mr. Eldar
Abdrazakov, the founder and the head of Centras Group, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, starting from
December 1st, 2021. Mr. Abdrazakov will replace Mr. Marlen Mirzabekov on this post, who has been heading the
Board of Directors since 2019.

This appointment relates to further improvement of the strategic management efficiency of the Board of Directors
and to Mr. Eldar Abdrazakov’s intention to buy into ForteBank. This participation on the part of the Chairperson
of the Board of Directors of ForteBank shall contribute to further growth of capitalization and stable development
of the financial institution.

Mr. Eldar Abdrazakov commented on his appointment: “Over the last three years, I have been involved in the
Board of Directors affairs. The Bank adheres to the highest quality standards and possesses a strong growth
potential. It is an attractive investment for us. We plan to invest up to 10% shares of the bank. I am grateful to the
core shareholder Mr. Bulat Utemuratov for this invitation and for the opportunity to participate in successful
development of ForteBank”.


Contacts
Tel. +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (ext. 10808)

Mr. Eldar Abdrazakov is appointed the head of the Board of Directors of ForteBank


PRESS RELEASE

NOTIFICATION ON RECOGNITION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF FORTEBANK JSC AS  INQUORATE.

ForteBank JSC (location of the Management Board: 8/1, Dostyk str., Esil District, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter referred to as “the Bank”) notifies that the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Bank, scheduled for October 25, 2021, as well as the reconvened extraordinary meeting of shareholders of the Bank, scheduled for October 26, 2021, have failed to take place due to the absence of a quorum.


Nofitication on recognition of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders as inquorate

On September 22, 2021, the international rating agency Fitch Ratings upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of ForteBank to “B+” from “B” and revised the outlook from “Stable” to “Positive”. The national scale rating has been upgraded by two notches from “BB+(kaz)” to “BBB(kaz)”, and Viability Rating (VR) has been upgraded from “b” to “b+”. 

On September 17, 2021, the international rating agency S&P Global Ratings  revised ForteBank’s ratings outlook to “Positive” from “Stable”, raised national scale rating from “kzBBB” to “kzBBB+” and affirmed  the long-term and short-term ratings at “B+/B”.

**According to Fitch Ratings analysts**, the upgrade of Long-Term IDRs and VR, as well as the outlook revision, reflects a material reduction of pressure on the bank’s capitalization from legacy asset-quality risks. The rating action also captures a record of the Bank’s strong profitability. Moreover, the Bank’s funding and liquidity profile is a rating strength.  The Bank’s liquidity cushion is solid,  covering 50% of the customer accounts at the end of the first half of 2021. 

**According to S&P analysts**, the rating outlook of ForteBank has been revised from “Stable” to “Positive” due to stabilizing economic conditions, sustainable business position of Fortebank and positive dynamic of the Bank’s assets quality improvement. The return on equity (ROE) for the first half of 2021 has exceeded 20% on a year over year basis.

While commenting on the news, the acting Chairperson of the Management Board of ForteBank **Mrs. Sholpan Nurumbet** has noted: 

*«We welcome the positive rating actions of Fitch Ratings and S&P, two out of three largest global rating agencies. ForteBank is one of the most stable, solvent and well-capitalized universal banks in the country. Forte is a rapidly developing ecosystem of the financial and non-financial products and services aimed at making our customers’ lives more comfortable, including ForteMarket marketplace, ForteForex online foreign exchange platform, ForteMobile, ForteFood and others. All of this allows us to retain high efficiency and demonstrate positive results.»*

**During last 12 months, ForteBank has been recognized as the best bank in Kazakhstan according to such international periodicals as Euromoney, Asiamoney and Global Finance, as well as the bank of the year according to the international magazine The Banker.**

Contacts

Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (ext. 10249)
E-mail: [IR@fortebank.com](mailto:IR@fortebank.com)

Press Office
Tel.: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (ext. 10868, 10975) 


ForteBank informs on ratings upgrade

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”) with the executive board (Management Board) located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders that the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) summoned at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes dated September 21st, 2021 No. 32) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.2.1) and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

The Meeting will be held on **October 25th, 2021** at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.

The participants shall be registered on October 25th, 2021 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the Meeting.

The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on October 11th, 2021.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be held on October 26th, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address. The participants of the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be registered on October 26th, 2021 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the Meeting.

**Agenda of the Meeting**

1. On determination of the number of members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC.
3. On the election of a member of the Board of Directors - an independent director of ForteBank JSC and determination of the level of his remuneration.

In accordance with Article 43.4.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the agenda of the Meeting may be supplemented by a shareholder owning, independently or together with other shareholders, five or more percent of the voting shares of the company, or by the Board of Directors, provided that shareholders of the Bank have been notified of such amendments not later than 15 days prior to the date of the Meeting.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting will be prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than ten calendar days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days since the day of receipt of the request, provided that the cost of documents copies making and documents delivery shall be borne by the shareholder.

For more information on holding of the Meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to get acquainted with the following procedure for holding the Meeting.
In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones, the list whereof is established by the authorized authority (see: decree of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated February 24, 2020 № 8 On Establishing the List of Offshore Zones for the Purposes of Banking and Insurance Activities, Activities of the Professional Participants of the Securities Markets and Other Licensed Types of Activities on the Securities Markets, Activities of the Joint Stock Investment Funds and Activities of the Organizations Conducting Micro-financial Activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks.

According to paragraph 5-1 of said article, a shareholder participating at the general meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with paragraph 5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case if the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants). The second subparagraph of the aforementioned paragraph stipulates that a shareholder who has not submitted the above statement is not allowed to participate in the general meeting of shareholders.
In this regard, at the registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate at the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the Meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.

The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The Meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the Meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).

In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person entitled to vote at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders one vote each regarding the procedural matters related to holding the general meeting of shareholders.

The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the Meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.
A Meeting shall be entitled to adopt a resolution on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.
A Meeting may be declared to be closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes Meeting shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the Meeting.

The meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35, 36, 37, 39–48, 50, 51, 52 and 54 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

In accordance with the issue of the agenda of the Meeting “On the election of a member of the Board of Directors - an independent director of ForteBank JSC and determination of the level of his remuneration”, we kindly ask you, to submit to the Bank the list of nominated members of the Board of Directors of the Bank by 6 p.m. on October 11th, 2021.
We inform that in accordance with Article 44.2 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the information on proposed nominated members of the Board of Directors of the Bank should include:
1) last name, first name, and patronymic (optional);
2) education background;
3) information on affiliation with the Bank;
4) information on places of work and positions held for the last three years;
5) other information confirming the qualification and experience of the candidate.

The person proposed (recommended) to be elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank must comply with the requirements for executives established by Article 20 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, Article 54 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Securities Market”. The person proposed (recommended) to be elected to hold the position of an Independent Director must meet the requirements of Article 1.20 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies” as well.

We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.

The Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on October 25th, 2021

Nur-Sultan city, July 30th, 2021 – ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), hereby reports the changes in the membership of the Management Board of the Bank.

According to the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank (dated June 29th, 2021, minutes № 20), the powers of Mr. Guram Andronikashvili as the Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank shall be terminated on July 30th, 2021, due to him being elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank and a representative of the interests of Mr. Bulat Utemuratov, the stockholder of the Bank.

Effective from August 2nd, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Bank appoints Mrs. Sholpan Nurumbet, who has previously held the position of the Deputy Chairwoman of the Management Board of the Bank, as the Acting Chairwoman of the Management Board of the Bank.


Information on changes in the membership of ForteBank JSC Management Board

Press Release

Nur-Sultan
July 30, 2021

Guram Andronikashvili to retire as ForteBank Chairman of the Management Board 

Fortebank announced today that its current Chairman of the Management Board, Guram Andronikashvili is retiring from his post, and will continue in a new role as member of the Supervisory  Board from August 1, 2021. Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Sholpan Nurumbet, is appointed as acting Chairman of the Management Board as of that date. 

“I would like to thank Guram for his work over the last several years. Under his leadership Fortebank demonstrated stable asset growth combined with excellent financial performance, continually growing its client base and improving customer service and product offering. Significant progress was made in digitalisation of the bank and transformation of internal corporate culture. I am confident that this has laid an excellent foundation for further success of Forte”, commented Bulat Utemuratov, majority shareholder of ForteBank.     

Guram Andronikashvili was appointed as the Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank in February 2018. During his management term For the bank demonstrated stable asset growth with continuous improvement of capitalisation and liquidity metrics. Over the last three years net income of the bank increased 2.7 times, from 20 bn tenge in 2017 to 53 bn tenge (c. US$130mm) in 2020, with return on equity improving from 10.2% to 21.2%. Continuous improvement in profitability coupled with conservative growth of loan portfolio and focused risk management culture allowed the bank to maintain high level of stability, which was noted by all three rating agencies. As a part of strategic development under management of Guram Andronikashvili, bank underwent internal digital transformation and a number of new ecosystem products were launched (ForteMarket – digital marketplace, ForteMobile – mobile service package, ForteForex – p2p foreign exchange). Just in 2020 number of retail clients using ForteApp increased by 38.3% and number of corposate clients using Forte internet banking increased by 35.8%.   

“I would like to express my gratitude to the shareholder of the bank, Mr Bulat Utemuratov, for his trust, guidance and support over the period of last 11 years during which I have worked for Forte. I am sure that going forward I will be able to continue supporting the bank, but in a new role as a member of the supervisory board. I would also like to thank all my colleagues for their exceptional dedication in shaping Forte. Together, we have successfully transformed Forte from a small bank that was one of the smallest in the country in 2010 to one of the leading universal banks and a growing ecosystem in Kazakhstan. Over the last several years we have proven our financial strength by comfortably passing the Asset Quality Review (AQR) and regulatory stress tests, operated effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic and at the same time delivered record financial and operational performance.  As a part of the implementation of our strategy, Forte made huge steps in working out our historical heritage loan portfolios from Alliance and Temir banks, completely upgraded our IT architecture and infrastructure and created new data gathering and analytical platform - Forte DataLake, built out significant digital capabilities and developed our own app for individual clients and legal entities (to be released in the nearest future).  All this allowed us to offer quality new products and services to our clients, including beyond banking ecosystem products, the number of which is growing from year to year, and to create a high-quality platform for the further development of Forte,” commented Guram Andronikashvili, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank.






Guram Andronikashvili to retire as ForteBank Chairman of the Management Board 

ForteBank received the award as the Best Bank in Kazakhstan according to a authoritative international magazine Euromoney.

**Guram Andronikashvili, a Chairman of the Board of ForteBank**, commented on receiving of the award: *“On behalf of ForteBank, I would like to express my gratitude to  Euromoney jury for a high assessment of our work. This award confirms that despite the challenging times caused by the pandemic, our Bank has chosen the right strategy that allows us to grow and offer our clients high quality services and products. I am grateful to every Forte client for their trust and loyalty to the Bank, as well as to every Forte employee for hard work and contribution to the Bank's development."*

As **the editor of Euromoney magazine Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker** notes, *“Prudent management and fast-paced innovation helped ForteBank consolidate its position as a rising star in Kazakhstan’s competitive banking market last year and make the number four lender a worthy winner of the award for best bank in Kazakhstan. Impressive returns were balanced by solid fundamentals, while the launch of a suite of ecosystem products put down a marker for future growth”.*

The **Euromoney** Award are given to the leaders in banking, finance and investment in 100 countries around the world since 1992 and is considered one of the most prestigious in the international financial world. Euromoney pays special attention to maintaining high standards of impartiality, fairness and accuracy in determining the winners. Editors, experts and analysts carefully examine the activities of each candidate bank, conduct their own market soundings with international correspondent banks, pick up brain of prominent financiers and bankers. The decision-making process usually takes two months. 

*According to Euromoney magazine editor Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker: “Banks awarded by Euromoney as part of the Awards for Excellence have a reputation of strong financial institutions, despite all the objective difficulties of doing banking in the modern world. They provide first-class financial services and are trusted by clients. Last year we received almost 1,000 submissions from banks in our regional and country awards programme that covers more than 50 regional awards and best bank awards in close to 100 countries.”*

*ForteBank is one of the most stable, liquid and well-capitalized banks in the country. Over the past 12 months, ForteBank was recognized as the "Best Bank of Kazakhstan" for the second time according to Asiamoney, for the third time it was recognized as "Bank of the Year in Kazakhstan" according to The Banker magazine, and for the fourth year in a row, "The Best Bank of Kazakhstan" according to the magazine Global Finance.*


Euromoney recognizes ForteBank as the Best Bank  in Kazakhstan 

PRESS RELEASE

CHANGE IN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FORTEBANK JSC

ForteBank JSC (location of the Management Board: 8/1, Dostyk str., Esil District, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter referred to as “the Bank”) informs on changes in the composition of the Board of Directors of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank as of July 12, 2021 (minutes of the meeting no. 02/21), Guram Andronikashvili was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank in the capacity of representative of the interests of Bulat Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank, as from August 2, 2021.

Thus, starting with August 2, 2021, the composition of the Bank's Board of Directors will be as follows: 

- four representatives of the shareholder's interests: Marlen Mirzabekov, Anuar Utemuratov, Timur Issatayev, Guram Andronikashvili; 
- two independent directors: Hubert Pandza and Eldar Abdrazakov.

Changes in the Board of Directiors of ForteBank JSC

PRESS RELEASE

**ON VOTING RESULTS
AT THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF FORTEBANK JSC**

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on July 12th, 2021 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Nur-Sultan standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.

**Issue 1 of the Agenda “On approval of the amendment №7**
**to the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company”**

1. To approve the amendment № 7 to the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company as worded in the Addendum 1 hereto, effective on the date of this resolution.

2. To authorize Mr. G. Andronikashvili, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank (or the person carrying out his duties) to sign the amendment № 7 to the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company for and n behalf of the shareholders and to perform other actions related to the implementation of the amendment № 7 to the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company.

**Issue 2 of the Agenda “On approval of the amendment №1**
**to the Provision on the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC”**

To approve the amendment № 1 to the Provision on the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC as worded in the Addendum 2 hereto, coming into effect on the date following the date of this resolution.

**Issue 3 of the Agenda “On determining the level of the non-fixed remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC for achievement of the strategic goals for 2014-2020 by the Bank”**

1. To determine the levels of the non-fixed remuneration for achievement of the strategic goals for 2014-2020 by the Bank for Mr. H. Pandza, a member of the Board of Directors – Independent Director of the Bank, and for Mr. Bekturov R., ex-member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, in accordance with the Addendum 3 hereto, taking into consideration the clause 2 hereof.

2. To pay Mr. H. Pandza, a member of the Board of Directors – Independent Director of the Bank, and Mr. Bekturov R., ex-member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, a part of the non-fixed remuneration (constant component), amounting 50% of the level of the non-fixed remuneration specified in the Addendum 3 hereto.

**Issue 4 of the Agenda “On election of a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank”**

1. To elect, as from August 2nd, 2021, Mr. Guram Andronikashvili as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank representing the interests of Bulat Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank.

2. To establish that the term of office of Mr. G. Andronikashvili as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank shall expire simultaneously with the expiration of the terms of office of the Board of Directors of the Bank as a whole, that is, on the date of the Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders in 2022.

3. To determine the amount of the monthly fixed remuneration of the member of the Board of Directors of the Bank Mr. Guram Andronikashvili, before taxes and other deductibles established by the law of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in accordance with the Addendum 4 hereto.

4. To establish that all other payments to the member of the Board of Directors of the Bank Mr. Guram Andronikashvili shall be made in the amount and in accordance with the procedure established by the Policy of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC and reimbursement of their expenses.

*Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 
73 714 243 282 (98,7032 % of the total common voting shares).*

On voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ForteBank JSC

**Notice: the Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on July 12, 2021**

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”) with the executive board (Management Board) located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders that the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) summoned at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes dated June 10th, 2021 No. 16) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.2.1) and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).
The Meeting will be held on July 12, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.

The participants shall be registered on July 12, 2021 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the Meeting.

The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on June 28, 2021.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be held on July 13, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address. The participants of the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be registered on July 13, 2021 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the Meeting.

**Agenda of the Meeting**

1. On approval of amendment No. 7 to the Charter of ForteBank Joint Stock Company.
2. On approval of amendments No. 1 to the Regulation on the Board of Directors ForteBank JSC.
3. On determination of the level of non-fixed remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC for the achievement of the strategic goals by the Bank set for 2014–2020.

In accordance with Article 43.4.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the agenda of the Meeting may be supplemented by a shareholder owning, independently or together with other shareholders, five or more percent of the voting shares of the company, or by the Board of Directors, provided that shareholders of the Bank have been notified of such amendments not later than 15 days prior to the date of the Meeting.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall have been prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than ten calendar days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days of the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder.
For more information on holding of the Meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to acquaint themselves with the following procedure for holding the Meeting.

In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: decree of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated February 24, 2020 № 8 On Establishing the List of Offshore Zones for the Purposes of Banking and Insurance Activities, Activities of the Professional Participants of the Securities Markets and Other Licensed Types of Activities on the Securities Markets, Activities of the Joint Stock Investment Funds and Activities of the Organizations Conducting Micro-financial Activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks.

According to paragraph 5-1 of said article, a shareholder participating at the general meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with paragraph 5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case if the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants). The second subparagraph of the aforementioned paragraph stipulates that a shareholder who has not submitted the above statement is not allowed to participate at the general meeting of shareholders.

In this regard, at the registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility
to participate at the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the Meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the Meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.
The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The Meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the Meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).
In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person entitled to vote at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders one vote each regarding the procedural matters related to holding the general meeting of shareholders.

The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the Meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.

The extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to adopt a resolution on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.

A Meeting may be declared to be closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.

In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes Meeting shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the Meeting.

The Meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48 and 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.

The Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on July 12, 2021

**PRESS RELEASE**

**ON VOTING RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF FORTEBANK JSC**

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), with its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results at the Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on March 29th, 2021 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Nur-Sultan standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.

**Issue 1 of the Agenda “On approval of the 2020 annual financial statements of the Bank”**

To approve the attached audited annual financial statements of ForteBank JSC for the year ended on December 31, 2020.

**Issue 2 of the Agenda “On approval of the order of distribution of the Bank’s 2020 net income, the amount of the dividend per one common share of the Bank”**

1. 	To approve the following treatment of a part of undistributed profit of ForteBank JSC for 2020:

- the amount up to a maximum of KZT 52 961 700 000 (fifty-two billion nine hundred sixty-one million seven hundred thousand tenge) to be allocated for payment of dividends on common shares;
- the amount of net income remaining after the payment of dividends to be retained at the disposal of the Bank.

2.	To approve the dividend amount per one common share of ForteBank JSC in the amount of KZT 0,5951 (zero point fifty-nine fifty-one tiyn), including the amount of taxes payable in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the same time, the total amount of dividends to be paid to each shareholder must be determined with an accuracy to a whole tiyn (rounding shall be made according to the rules of mathematical rounding). For this purpose, the rule of mathematical rounding is understood to be the rounding method wherein the value of a whole tiyn (whole tiyns) does not change if the first digit that comes after the one being rounded is from 0 to 4, and changes, having been increased by one if the first digit that comes after the one being rounded is from 5 to 9.

3.    To record the list of shareholders eligible to receive dividends as of 30 March 2021, 00:00 a.m. by Nur-Sultan standard time.

4. 	To determine the date of commencing of dividend payment on common shares of ForteBank JSC – starting from March 31, 2021.

5. 	Approve the payment procedure as a one-off payment.

6. 	To approve the form of payment of dividends on common shares of ForteBank JSC – in non-cash form to the banking details of shareholders in the system of the Bank shareholder registers.
	Banking details of the company: name ForteBank JSC, location: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Republic of Kazakhstan, Z05P1P0 (010017), banking details: BIN 990740000683, BIC IRTYKZKA, Beneficiary Code 14, correspondent account KZ23125KZT1001300204 with the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan Republican State Institution, BIC NBRKKZKX .

**Issue 3 of the Agenda “On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year”**

To approve the report of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC for the expired fiscal year.

**Issue 4 of the Agenda “On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof”**

Take a note of the information of the Bank Management Board that in 2020, the Bank received 11 appeals from 9 of its shareholders regarding accrual and payment of dividends on the Bank shares, as well as the sale of the Bank shares held by its shareholders, in response to which the Bank had sent letters with appropriate explanations, and that there were no appeals of the shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officers in 2020.

**Issue 5 of the Agenda “On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2020”**

To take into consideration the attached information on the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2020.

**Issue 6 of the Agenda “Determining the amount of remuneration of members of the Bank's Board of Directors”**

1.	To determine the amount of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank in accordance with Appendix 1 to this resolution with the entry into force of  present resolution from January 01, 2021.
2.	Extend the effect of paragraph 1 of this resolution to relations that have arisen from January 01, 2021.


**Issue 7 of the Agenda “On defining the membership, term of office and electing the members of the Counting commission of the bank”**

1.	Determine that the term of office of the members of the Counting Commission of the Bank (the main and reserve members of the Counting Commission) expires at the time of the election of the new members of the Counting Commission of the Bank. 
2.	To elect as members of the Bank's Counting Commission: 
- the main team – Nazhmidenov B.A., Bolgauov A.T., Yeszhan A.M.;
- reserve staff - Suleimenova S.S., Khazhiyev A.T., Naraliyeva A.T.

*Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 73,714,243,282 (98.7003 % of the total common voting shares).*


On voting results of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of ForteBank JSC

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), the executive board (Management Board) located at the address: bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders on Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank (hereinafter the “Meeting”) convened at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes of Meeting No. 3 dated February 4, 2021) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.3.3 and Article 41 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan“On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

The Meeting will be held on **March 29, 2021 at 10.00 a.m.** (Nur-Sultan time), at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.

The participants shall be registered on March 29, 2021 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.
The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on March 15, 2021.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Annual General Meeting of the Bank shareholders will be held on March 30, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address. The participants of the adjourned Annual General Meeting of the Bank shareholders will be registered on March 30, 2021 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.


**Agenda of the Meeting**

1.	On approval of the 2020 annual financial statements of the Bank.
2.	On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s 2020 net income, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank.
3.	On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year.
4.	On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof.
5.	On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2020.
6.	On determining the amount of remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank.
7.	On membership and the term of office of the Board of Directors.
8.	On election of a member of the Board of Directors – an independent director of the Bank, the term of office and the level of remuneration thereof.
9.	On defining the membership, term of office and electing the members of the Tally Commission of the Bank.


In accordance with part two of Article 43.4.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the agenda of the meeting may be supplemented by a shareholder owning, independently or together with other shareholders, five or more percent of the voting shares of the Bank, or by the Board of Directors, provided that shareholders of the Bank have been notified of such amendments not later than 15 days prior to the date of the meeting.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall have been prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than 10 days prior to the date of the meeting at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days from the day of receipt the request receipt, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be born by the shareholder.
For more information on holding the meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to acquaint themselves with the following procedure for holding the meeting.

In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: resolution of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for regulation and development of financial market dated February 24, 2020, № 8 On establishing a list of offshore zones for the purposes of banking and insurance business, business of the professional participants of stock market and other licensable types of activity on the stock market, business of the joint stock investment funds and business of organizations performing micro-financial activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks.

According to para.5-1 of said article, “the shareholder participating in the general meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with para.5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants.A shareholder who has not submitted the above statement is not allowed to participate in the general meeting of shareholders”. 

In this regard, at registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate at the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) arrived to take part in the Meeting held in-person is to be registered.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.
The Meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The Meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and the secretary of the meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).

In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the meeting is carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for the following cases: limitation of the maximum number of votes attached to shares available to one shareholder as per the legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan; the cumulative voting when electing members of the Board of Directors and providing each person eligible to vote at an annual general meeting of shareholders with one vote on the procedural issues of holding the general meeting of shareholders.

In the event of a cumulative vote, all votes attached to shares may be cast by a shareholder in favor of one nominated member of the Board of Directors or divided between several nominated members of the Board of Directors. The nominees received the majority of votes shall be recognized as elected members of the Board of Directors.

The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.

The annual general meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to take a decision on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.

The annual general meeting of shareholders may be declared closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the general meeting of shareholders shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the general meeting of shareholders.

The meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48, 50-52 and 54 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

In accordance with the item of the agenda of the Meeting “On election of a member of the Board of Directors – an independent director of the Bank, the term of office and the level of remuneration thereof”, please provide the Bank with the nominated members of the Bank Board of Directors by 6.00 p.m. on March 15, 2021.

We hereby inform that in accordance with Article 44.2 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” the information on the proposed nominated members of the Board of Directors of the Bank should include the following:

1)	last name, name and, if desired - patronymic;
2)	educational background;
3)	information on affiliation with the Bank;
4)	information on the places of employment and the positions held over the past three years;
5)	other information confirming the qualification and professional experience of the nominee.

A person nominated (recommended) for election as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank should meet the requirements for the executive officers established by Article 20 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Operation in the Republic of Kazakhstan” and Article 54 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On the Securities Market”. A person nominated (recommended) for election as an independent Director, among other things, should meet the requirements of Article 1.20 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”.


We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank.


On March 29, 2021, the Annual General Meeting of ForteBank JSC shareholders will take place 

**Nur-Sultan city, February 08th, 2021** – ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter the “Bank”), hereby informs that the powers of Rustem Bekturov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, were terminated early starting on February 05th, 2021 on his own initiative (in accordance with the Article 55.4 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

ForteBank JSC informs on changes in the composition of the Board of Directors 

**PRESS RELEASE**

Nur-Sultan 
22.01.2021 

**Asiamoney recognizes ForteBank as the Best Bank in Kazakhstan**

For the second time, ForteBank has become the bank of the year in Kazakhstan according to Asiamoney, which is a part of Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC Group.
Traditionally, the decision on bestowing the Asiamoney Best Bank Award is made by a team of experienced financial analysts lead by the editor of Euromoney, based on the in-depth analysis of the financial institutions’ operations and the local capital markets research materials. Moreover, actual customer and partner feedback is also taken into account.

The international **experts of Asiamoney** praised the high-quality realignment of ForteBank processes aimed at supporting its customers during the crisis caused by the pandemic. ForteBank has actively supported the governmental initiative aimed at restructuring the customers which have faced difficulties during the quarantine. For the legal entities, ForteBank is an active participant of the support programs for the industries hit by Covid-19, with preferential lending at 6% per annum. 

While commenting on the award, the Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank **Mr. Guram Andronikashvili** noted: “We are grateful to Asiamoney for the high assessment of our work during the challenging 2020. Despite the adverse times caused by the pandemic, ForteBank continues to support its customers and to offer high-quality innovative services”.

ForteBank has won prestigious awards by the international business periodicals multiple times. The Banker and Global Finance, both being reputable international publications, recognized ForteBank as the best bank in Kazakhstan for three times.



*ForteBank is one of the most stable, solvent and well-capitalized banks in the country. In 2018-2020, ForteBank was recognized as the best bank in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance, and was recognized as the Best Bank in Kazakhstan according to Asiamoney in 2019, receiving the Bank of the Year in Kazakhstan award by The Banker in 2017, 2018 and 2020. AQR results have confirmed the high degree of reliability and stability of ForteBank. The Bank has 20 branches and about 100 outlets.*


Asiamoney recognizes ForteBank as the Best Bank in Kazakhstan

**Nur-Sultan city, January 5th, 2021** – ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at the address: 8/1,
Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the
“Bank”), Сerebв reports tСe МСanРes Тn tСe composition of the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated December 29th, 2021
(minutes of the meeting No.43), starting from January 5th, 2021, Sholpan Mukashkyzy Nurumbet is
elected as the member of the Management Board of the Bank – Deputy Chairwoman of the Management
Board.

**Contacts:**

Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

Information on changes in the Management Board of ForteBank JSC

ForteBank announces the closure of the transaction for the sale of 100% of the common shares of Bank Kassa Nova to the Freedom Finance Investment Company.
In August 2020, ForteBank has announced the signing of an agreement of sale of 100% of the common shares of Bank Kassa Nova. Acquisition of an approval from the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulating and Development of the Financial Market and other required clearances has preceded the closing of the transaction.

Bank Kassa Nova is an independent, well-capitalized medium-sized bank specializing in rendering high quality financial services.


*ForteBank is one of the most stable, solvent and well-capitalized banks in the country. AQR results have confirmed the high degree of reliability and stability of ForteBank. In 2020, ForteBank became the Bank of the year in Kazakhstan according to The Banker. In 2018-2020, ForteBank was recognized as the Best bank in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance, and was recognized as the Best bank in Kazakhstan according to Asiamoney in 2019.*

Press office
Phone: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868)
E-mail: epeltola@fortebank.com

ForteBank sells 100% of Bank Kassa Nova shares

**PRESS RELEASE**

Nur-Sultan city
20.12.2020
 
Moody’s upgrades ratings of ForteBank

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) announced its decision to upgrade once again the long-term deposit ratings of ForteBank to Ba3 from B1, the outlook is stable. In July, 2019 Moody’s upgraded the long-term deposit ratings to B1 from B3 (by two notches at one go), the outlook – stable.
According to Fitch analysts, the upgrade of the ratings recognizes the consistent improvements of the Bank’s solvency metrics along with strong liquidity despite business pressures related to the coronavirus containment measures and the economic contraction in Kazakhstan. ForteBank displayed strong profits and modest loan growth in recent years, which enabled the Bank to notably improve its solvency. ForteBank’s liquidity also remains healthy. The Bank was rapidly growing its deposit base while being conservative with loan origination.

**Mr. Guram Andronikashvili**, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, commented on the news:

*“Moody’s international ratings agency estimates ForteBank’s team work in creating one of the most stable banks in the country. In November, 2020 Fitch Ratings also upgraded the outlook on ForteBank’s ratings. In spite of the challenging market conditions caused by global pandemic, ForteBank keeps on demonstrating stable financial and operational results. Ratings upgrade confirms the right direction of the development strategy chosen, efficiency and clients’ confidence in the bank.”*

ForteBank is one of the most stable, liquid and high-capitalized banks in the county. AQR results confirmed high reliability and stability of ForteBank. In 2020 ForteBank became the bank of the year in Kazakhstan for the third time according to The Banker magazine. In 2018-2020 Fortebank was recognized as the best bank in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance and the best bank in Kazakhstan in 2019 according to Asiamoney.

Contacts:

Investor relations
Phone: +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

Press office

Phone: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868)
E-mail: epeltola@fortebank.com


Moody’s upgrades ratings of ForteBank

ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), hereby notifies on the changes in the membership of the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated November 26th, 2020 (minutes of the meeting No.38), starting from November 27th, 2020, Vladimir Kirushko is elected as the Member of the Management Board of the Bank – Deputy Chairman of the Management Board.

Contacts:
Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

ForteBank JSC informs on changes in the composition of the Management Board Nur

On November 23, 2020 Fitch Ratings announced its decision to upgrade the outlook from
Negative to Stable and affirmed the Long‐Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at “B”. Such decision
was made despite the fact that Fitch maintained the Negative Outlook on the Operating
Environment in Kazakhstan.

According to Fitch analysts, the upgrade of the Outlook and the affirmation of the ratings reflects
Fitch's expectations that Forte's strong pre‐impairment profitability and substantial capital buffer
would be sufficient to mitigate the ongoing pressure on the bank's asset quality, stemming from
the economic recession, lower oil prices, and negative implications from the spread of COVID‐19
on the broader economy. Fitch maintained the Negative Outlook on the Operating Environment
in Kazakhstan, but in Fitch's view, the bank's ratings could tolerate even a more severe increase
in loan impairment charges, than Fitch currently anticipates.

**Mr. Guram Andronikashvili**, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, commented on
the news:

*“ForteBank’s outlook upgrade by Fitch is an important event for us and our clients, once again
proving the stability and reliability of the Bank. In spite of the challenging market conditions
caused by global pandemic, ForteBank continues to support and finance all of its clients while
maintaining high efficiency and positive financial and operational results”*.

ForteBank is one of the most stable, liquid and high‐capitalized banks in the county. AQR results confirmed high reliability and
stability of ForteBank. The bank has 20 branches and about 100 outlets. In 2018‐2020, ForteBank was recognized as the best bank
in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance, and the best bank in Kazakhstan according to Asiamoney in 2019.

**Contacts:**

Investor relations
Phone: +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E‐mail: IR@fortebank.com

**Press office**

Phone: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868)
E‐mail: epeltola@fortebank.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Fitch Ratings upgrades the outlook on ForteBank

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the results of voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on October 16th, 2020 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Nur-Sultan standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.

In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and following resolutions were passed based on the voting results.

**Regarding the issue of the Agenda “On approval of Amendment № 3 to the Code of Corporate Governance”**

1.	To approve Amendment № 3 to the Code of Corporate Governance.
2.	To establish that clause 1 hereof shall affect all relations arising from October 1st, 2020 onwards.

*Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting throughout the whole time thereof – 73,714,243,282 (98.6900 % of the total common voting shares).*


On voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders of ForteBank JSC

Notice: the Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on October 16, 2020
ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”) with the executive board (Management Board) located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders that the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) summoned at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes of Absentee Voting dated September 15th, 2020 No. 30 (z)) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.3.3 and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

The Meeting will be held on **October 16, 2020** at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.

The participants shall be registered on **October 16, 2020 ** from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.
The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on September 18, 2020.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be held on **October 19, 2020** at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address. The participants of the adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be registered on **October 19, 2020** from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.

**Agenda of the Meeting**

1.	On Approval of amendments №3 to the Code of Corporate Governance.

In accordance with Article 43.4.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the agenda of the Meeting may be supplemented by a shareholder owning, independently or together with other shareholders, five or more percent of the voting shares of the company, or by the Board of Directors, provided that shareholders of the Bank have been notified of such amendments not later than 15 days prior to the date of the Meeting.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the Meeting shall have been prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than ten calendar days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days of the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the shareholder, unless otherwise specified by the Charter.

For more information on holding of the Meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to acquaint themselves with the following procedure for holding the meeting.
In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, “legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: decree of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market dated February 24, 2020 № 8 On Establishing the List of Offshore Zones for the Purposes of Banking and Insurance Activities, Activities of the Professional Participants of the Securities Markets and Other Licensed Types of Activities on the Securities Markets, Activities of the Joint Stock Investment Funds and Activities of the Organizations Conducting Micro-financial Activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks”.

According to paragraph 5-1 of said article, “a shareholder participating at the general meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with paragraph 5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case if the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants)”. The second subparagraph of the aforementioned paragraph stipulates that “a shareholder who has not submitted the above statement is not allowed to participate at the general meeting of shareholders”. 
In this regard, at the registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate at the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.

The meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).

In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for providing each person entitled to vote at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders one vote each regarding the procedural matters related to holding the general meeting of shareholders.

The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.
The extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to adopt a resolution on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.

A meeting may be declared to be closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.
In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the general meeting of shareholders.

The meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48 and 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

We are looking forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.


The Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC Shareholders will be held on October 16, 2020

PRESS RELEASE
Nur-Sultan city 
04.08.2020 

**ForteBank signed the agreement on sale of 100% shares of Bank Kassa Nova**

ForteBank announced signing of the agreement on sale of 100% shares of Bank Kassa Nova to FREEDOM FINANCE Investment Company. The transaction should be completed by the end of 2020 after receipt of approval from the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as other required consents.

*«Establishment of Bank Kassa Nova, its progressive development into a stable and successful financial institution and the subsequent sale represent a classic example of implementation of an accurate business-strategy which has proven its effectiveness even during economically challenging times. Announcement of this transaction confirms the stability and reliability of the Bank and its decent growth potential. Bank Kassa Nova shall continue its operations, providing high-quality services to its clients»*, - commented on the event **Guram Andronikashvili**, Chairperson of the Management Board, ForteBank.

Bank Kassa Nova is an independent, well-capitalized medium-sized bank specialized in providing high-quality financial services in the small and medium enterprises sector. During the last several years, Bank Kassa Nova has significantly strengthened its financial indicators, expanded its product line and improved its quality of service. 

*«Within 10 year of operation, Bank Kassa Nova has achieved impressive results in all business lines  due to the support of the shareholder and the concerted efforts of the team of professionals. I am confident that this new stage of development will allow us to further strengthen the Bank’s position in the country’s banking sector and to offer new investment products and services to our clients»*, - stated **Sholpan Nurumbet**, Chairperson of the Management Board, Bank Kassa Nova. 

FREEDOM FINANCE JSC is a part of Freedom Holding Corp. international investment group which provides financial services to the clients in 7 countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. Freedom Holding Corp. shares are listed on Nasdaq Capital Market, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange and St. Petersburg Stock Exchange. The market capitalization of Freedom Holding Corp. as of July 31st, 2020 amounts to USD 1,13 billion.

*«Freedom Holding Corp. is confidently moving towards realization of its strategy aimed to providing a wide range of financial services to the population of each country where the holding is represented. Acquisition of Bank Kassa Nova JSC will enable us  to provide such services to the customers in the most convenient and technologically advanced way. We plan to create a bank providing modern investment and banking services in Kazakhstan»*, - emphasized **Timur Turlov**, СЕО, Freedom Holding Corp.

____________________________________________________________________________________
ForteBank is one of the largest banks of Kazakhstan in terms of assets and leading in terms of capitalization level and liquidity. The Bank’s stable position has been noted by the S&P Global Ratings international rating agency which affirmed ratings of the Bank. ForteBank has also become The Bank of the Year in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance and Asiamoney.


Press office 
Phone: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868) 
E-mail: epeltola@fortebank.com



ForteBank signed the agreement on sale of 100% shares of Bank Kassa Nova

On June 19, 2020, the S&P Global Ratings international rating agency announced its decision to affirm the ratings of ForteBank at “B+/B”, national scale at “kzBBB”, the outlook is “Stable”.

**According to S&P analysts:**

*“The affirmation reflects our view that the bank’s capital and liquidity buffers will allow it to withstand the pressures from adverse operating conditions in Kazakhstan, caused by the economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, and lower oil prices. ForteBank's liquidity position as sound, reflecting the large amount of liquid assets on its balance sheet. At the same time, we believe that ForteBank's management team has good local market knowledge. Therefore, we believe that management's experience should help the bank to navigate through this adverse economic environment.” *

Mr. **Guram Andronikashvili**, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, commented on the news: 

*“I am glad that S&P analysts continue to show confidence in the bank and confirm the bank's ratings at the current level. Despite the complicated market conditions caused by the pandemic, ForteBank maintains high effectiveness and demonstrates positive financial and operational performance. Financial results reflect the trust our clients put in the Bank. Forte team constantly works to create the new digital products and services which our customers use in their everyday life.”*
_________________________________________________________________________________
ForteBank is one of the most stable, liquid and well-capitalized banks in the county, trusted by more than 2 000 000 customers. The bank has 20 branches and about 100 outlets. In 2018-2020, ForteBank was recognized as the best bank in Kazakhstan according to Global Finance, and the best bank in Kazakhstan according to Asiamoney in 2019.

**Contacts:** 
Investor relations
Phone: +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E-mail: [IR@fortebank.com](mailto:IR@fortebank.com)

Press office 
Phone: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868) 
E-mail: [epeltola@fortebank.com](mailto:epeltola@fortebank.com)



S&P affirmed the ratings of ForteBank at “B+/B” with “Stable” outlook

**Nur-Sultan city, June 5th, 2020** – ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), hereby informs of the changes in the composition of the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the decision of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated June 4th, 2020 (minutes of the meeting No. 18), **on June 4th, 2020:**

- The powers of Batyrbekov Adil Umirbayevich, a member of the Management Board, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank, were terminated (the last day in office – June 3rd, 2020);

- Pirmatov Bekzhan Olzhayevich was elected as a member of the Management Board of the Bank, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank;

- Sarsebekov Nurlan Zhumabekovich was elected as a member of the Management Board of the Bank, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank.



Information on changes in the composition of ForteBank JSC Management Board

FORTEBANK JSC INFORMS ON VOTING RESULTS
OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


ForteBank JSC (hereinafter – Bank), with its executive body (Management Board) located at the address: 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby announces the voting results of the Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on May 4th, 2020 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Nur-Sultan standard time, at the following address: “Astana” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.

In accordance with the approved agenda, the following issues were considered at the Meeting, and following resolutions were passed based on the voting results. 

* * *
Issue 1 of the Agenda “On approval of the 2019 annual financial statements of the Bank”
To approve the attached audited annual financial statements of ForteBank JSC for the year ended 31 December, 2019.

* * *
**Issue 2 of the Agenda “On approval of the order of distribution of the Bank’s 2019 net income, the amount of the dividend per one common share of the Bank”**

1. To approve the following order of distribution of net profit of ForteBank JSC for 2019:

- the amount up to a maximum of KZT 21,117,000,000.00 (twenty-one billion one hundred seventeen million tenge) to be allocated for payment of dividends;
- the amount of net income remaining after the payment of dividends to be retained at the disposal of the Bank.

2. To approve the amount of dividend per a common share of ForteBank JSC in the amount of KZT 0.2372 (zero point twenty-three seventy-two tiyn), including the amount of taxes payable in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The total amount of dividends payable to each shareholder must be accurate to the integer tiyn (rounding is performed according to the mathematical rounding rules). The rule of mathematical rounding is the method of rounding, when the value of an integer tiyn (integer tiyns) does not change if the first digit after the one being rounded is from 0 to 4, and changes by increasing by one if the first digit after the one being rounded is from 5 to 9.

3. To record the list of shareholders eligible to receive dividends as of May 05, 2020, 00:00 by Nur-Sultan standard time.

4. To determine the date of commencing of dividend payment on common shares of ForteBank JSC – starting from May 06, 2020.

5. To approve the payment procedure – at a time in one payment.

6. To approve the form of payment of dividends on common shares of ForteBank JSC – in non-cash form to the banking details of shareholders indicated in the Bank shareholders register.

	Banking details: name ForteBank JSC, Certificate of Incorporation No.4241-1900-AO, location: 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Republic of Kazakhstan, Z05P1P0 (010017), payment details: BIN 990740000683, BIC IRTYKZKA, correspondent account KZ23125KZT1001300204 with the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan Republican State Institution.

* * *
**Issue 3 of the Agenda “On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year”**
To approve the report of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC for the expired fiscal year.

* * *
**Issue 4 of the Agenda “On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof”**

To take into consideration the information provided by the Management Board of ForteBank JSC that during 2019, the Bank has received 23 appeals from 17 of its shareholders regarding accrual and payment of dividends on ForteBank JSC shares, as well as on the sale of ForteBank JSC shares owned by its shareholders, to which the Bank has responded by sending the appropriate explanations; there were no appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials.

* * *
**Issue 5 of the Agenda “On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2019”**

To take into consideration the attached information on the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2019.

* * *
**Issue 6 of the Agenda “On designation of the audit organization conducting audit and review of the financial statements of the Bank in 2020-2022 and for 2020-2022”**

To designate Ernst & Young LLP as the audit organization for conducting audit and review of the financial statements of the Bank in 2020-2022 and for 2020-2022.

* * *
**Issue 7 of the Agenda “On approval of the Amendment No.6 to the Charter of the Bank” **

1. To approve the Amendment No.6 to the Charter of the Bank as amended by Annex 1 hereto, which will enter into force on the date of the present resolution commencement.
2. To authorize G. Andronikashvili, the Chairman of the Management Board (or the person acting as such) to sign the Amendment No.6 to the Charter of the Bank on behalf of its shareholders and fulfill other actions associated with the approval of the Amendment No.6 to the Charter of the Bank.

* * *
*Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 73,714,243,282 (98.7032 % of the total common voting shares).*

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Contacts: 
Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com#

ForteBank JSC Informs on voting results of the annual general meeting of shareholders

Herewith ForteBank JSC (hereinafter - Bank) informs that the Bank, in accordance with decision made by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders dated May 4th, 2020 (minutes №01/20) on common shares dividends payment for 2019 in the amount of KZT 0,2372  (zero point twenty-three seventy-two tiyn) per one share, has paid dividends according to available payment details in the amount of KZT 21 108 706 425,33 (twenty-one billion one hundred eight million seven hundred six thousand four hundred twenty-five tenge 33 tiyn), which comprises 99,99% of the total accrued dividends amount, during the period of dividends payment started on May 6th 2020.

Based on the decision made by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the dividends were paid according to the payment details provided by Central Securities Depository JSC as of 00:00, Nur-Sultan time, May 5th 2020. Total amount of the Bank’s common shares dividends for 2019 accrued to be paid to the shareholders was KZT 21 109 677 636,23 (twenty-one billion one hundred nine million six hundred seventy-seven thousand six hundred thirty-six, 23) tenge  . The accrued dividends that have not been distributed due to the absence of the up-to-date payment details of the shareholders shall be transferred by the Bank to the unclaimed dividends account with Central Securities Depository JSC in compliance with the requirements of clause 4 of article 23 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan On the Joint Stock Companies.

Thus, in case of non-delivery of the due and payable dividends, the Bank shareholders should contact Central Securities Depository JSC in order to receive the dividends accrued. 

You may have preliminary consultation with the specialists of Central Securities Depository JSC regarding the receipt of the dividends by using the following contact details:

website: www.kacd.kz;

Call Center: +7 (727) 312 33 04, +7 (777) 150 94 22 (WhatsApp only);

Hotline (free of charge calls from the landline and mobile phones within the Republic of Kazakhstan): 8 800 080 86 68.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Contacts: 
Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com



ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), the executive board (Management Board) is located at: bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders on Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank (hereinafter the “Meeting”) convened at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes of Meeting No.10 dated March 31, 2020) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.3.3 and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

The Meeting will be held on **May 4, 2020** at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time), at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.

The participants shall be registered on May 4, 2020 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.

The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on April 20, 2020.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Annual General Meeting of the Bank shareholders will be held on May 5, 2020 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address. The participants of the adjourned Annual General Meeting of the Bank shareholders will be registered on May 5, 2020 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.


**Agenda of the Meeting**

1.	On approval of the 2019 annual financial statements of the Bank.
2.	On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s 2019 net income, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank.
3.	On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year.
4.	On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof.
5.	On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2019.
6.	On appointment of an audit organization for performance of an audit and review of the financial statements of the Bank in 2020-2022 and for 2020-2022.
7.	On approval of an amendment № 6 to the Charter of the Bank.


In accordance with part two of Article 43.4.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the agenda of the annual general meeting of shareholders may be supplemented by a shareholder owning, independently or together with other shareholders, five or more percent of the voting shares of the company, or by the board of directors, provided that shareholders of the Bank have been notified of such amendments not later than 15 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall have been prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than 10 calendar days before the date of the General Meeting of shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days of the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the Bank.

For more information on holding the meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.


We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to acquaint themselves with the following procedure for holding the meeting.
In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, “legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: resolution of the Management Board of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for regulation and development of financial market dated February 24, 2020, № 8 On establishing a list of offshore zones for the purposes of banking and insurance business, business of the professional participants of stock market and other licensable types of activity on the stock market, business of the joint stock investment funds and business of organizations performing micro-financial activities), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks”.
According to para.5-1 of the named article, “the shareholder participating at the general meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with para.5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants)”. The second subparagraph of current para. stipulates that “a shareholder who has not submitted the above statement is not allowed to participate at the general meeting of shareholders”. 

In this regard, at registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate at the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.

The meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).

In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the annual general meeting of shareholders is carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for cumulative voting when electing members of the Board of Directors and providing each person eligible to vote at an annual general meeting of shareholders, with one vote on the procedural issues of holding the general meeting of shareholders.

The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.

The annual general meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to take a decision on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.

An annual general meeting of shareholders may be declared closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.

In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the annual general meeting of shareholders shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the general meeting of shareholders.

The meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48, 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.


We look forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Annual General Meeting of shareholders of the Bank.


On May 4, 2020, the Annual General Meeting of ForteBank JSC shareholders will take place  

According to the results of the Asset Quality Review (AQR) carried out by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the involvement of independent audit companies, ForteBank JSC informs its customers, investors and partners that the AQR confirmed the Bank’s strong position and significant excess of the Bank’s capital above regulatory and prudential capital requirements (K1 and K2).
Asset Quality Review (AQR) was carried out in accordance with the methodology of the European Central Bank, which provides unified approaches to asset assessment, conservatism in assessing impairment triggers, completeness of information, independence and thoroughness in audit procedures. The AQR review served as additional stress testing for the credit loss model and collateral assessment used by the Bank, and confirmed their sufficient level of conservatism. Immaterial discrepancies in provision accruals in accordance with IFRS, identified during the AQR as of April 1, 2019, amounted to less than 1.2% of the Bank’s capital and have been considered during the audit.
ForteBank JSC, being a large financial institution in Kazakhstan, supports efforts of the Regulator in elaborating systematic financial regulation and supervision measures and will develop internal systems and processes in accordance with the adopted recommendations.
The results of the AQR will certainly improve the transparency of information on the condition of the banking system of Kazakhstan and will contribute to the sustainable development of the country's financial sector.
______________________________________________________________________________
As of December 31, 2019 ForteBank is the third largest bank in Kazakhstan in terms of assets and holds leading positions in terms of capitalization and liquidity. The capital adequacy ratio K1 amounted to 17.0%, K2 - 18.3% (with minimum requirements of 5.5% and 8%, respectively). K4 liquidity level was 165.2%, with a minimum requirement of 30%.

Contacts: 
Investor Relations
Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)
E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

Media Service
Tel.: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868) 
E-mail: PR@fortebank.com


ForteBank Announces Asset Quality Review (AQR) Results

ForteBank announces full early repayment of obligations issued by the bank on December 15th, 2014, in the amount of USD 236 570 000, with the date of maturity in 2024.

Mr. Guram Andronikashvili, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, commented on the news:


“Early repayment of Eurobonds has been accomplished at the expense of the internal funds, due to Forte’s high level of capital adequacy and liquidity. This year, the bank has achieved significant growth of all financial and operational ratios and has joined the top-3 banks in the country in terms of assets. By this repayment, we return funds contributed by the investors on mutually beneficial terms and 5 years earlier than the specified maturity”.

 
In 2019, Fitch Ratings rating agency improved ForteBank’s outlook from “Stable” to “Positive”. At the same time, Moody’s Investors Service increased ForteBank’s long-term deposit rating from B3 to B1, with a “Stable” outlook, and S&P Global Ratings rating agency increased ForteBank’s ratings from “B” to “B+”, also with a stable outlook.
 

This early repayment will allow the bank to significantly decrease the cost of funding by using its excessive liquidity in US dollars.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

Following the 2018 results, ForteBank is among the three largest banks in Kazakhstan in terms of assets, and occupies a leading position in terms of capitalization and liquidity. ForteBank mobile application was recognized as No.1 in Kazakhstan and among the top 10 in the CIS according to Markswebb, Russian analytical agency. ForteBank was recognized as “Bank of the year in Kazakhstan” by The Banker and Global Finance for the second year in a row.

 

 

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Tel. +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (int. 10249)

E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

 

Media Service

Tel.: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (int. 10868)

E-mail: epeltola@fortebank.com

ForteBank repays issue of Eurobonds early in the amount of USD 236 570 000

On December 3rd, 2019, Fitch Ratings announced its decision to revise the outlook from Stable to Positive and to confirm the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of ForteBank at “B”.

 

According to Fitch analysts: “ForteBank has demonstrated stable and reasonable profitability in the past few years (ROAA and ROAE at 2,3% and 20% in 9M19, respectively), which we view as sustainable. Forte’s overall asset quality is of a lower-risk asset structure. The funding and liquidity profile is a relative rating strength.”

 

Mr. Guram Andronikashvili, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, commented on the news:

 

“ForteBank’s outlook upgrade by Fitch is an important event for us and our clients, once again proving the stability and reliability of the bank. We continuously demonstrate positive financial results, which reflect deep trust of our clients in ForteBank.”

 

As a reminder, earlier Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the long-term deposit rating of ForteBank from B3 to B1 (by two notches at once), with Stable outlook, and S&P Global Ratings upgraded ForteBank’s rating from “B” to “B+”, with Stable outlook.

 

In 2019, ForteBank demonstrates qualitative growth in terms of the key financial metrics: *

·         +15,8% (+280,7 billion KZT) assets growth since the beginning of the year, which allowed the bank to join the top-3 largest banks in the country;

·         +5% (+32,6 billion KZT) bank’s loan portfolio growth;

·         +7,5% (+83,3 billion KZT) bank’s deposit portfolio growth;

·         +49,9% (+5,2 billion KZT) growth of the bank’s fee and commission income in 9M19, in comparison with the same period in 2018;

·         +46,5% growth of net profit according to the operating results in 9M19, in comparison with 9M18.

·         The Bank continues to have one of the highest capital adequacy ratio on the market – 17,4% (K2) – (data from the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

·         Liquidity ratio also continues to stay at a high level and amounts to -156%.

* as of 01.10.2019

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

Following the 2018 results, ForteBank is among the three largest banks in Kazakhstan in terms of assets, and occupies leading positions in terms of capitalization and liquidity. ForteBank mobile application was recognized as No.1 in Kazakhstan and among the top 10 in the CIS according to Markswebb, Russian analytical agency. ForteBank was recognized as “Bank of the year in Kazakhstan” by The Banker and Global Finance for the second year in a row.

Fitch Ratings revised the Outlook on ForteBank from Stable to Positive

Nur-Sultan city, 22 October 2019 – ForteBank Joint Stock Company located at: bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, 010017, Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), hereby reports the changes in the composition of the Management Board of the Bank.

In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bank dated 22 October 2019 (minutes of meeting No.47), as from 22 October 2019, the powers of Mr. Zh.Zh. Mamutov, a member of the Management Board – Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank, were terminated.#

Changes in the Composition of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC

ForteBank JSC (Management Board is located at:bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter the "Bank") held an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on June 13, 2019 (hereinafter the "Meeting"). By resolution of the Meeting, the powers of Mr. Magzhan Muratovich Auezov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, and Mr. Rustem Sabitovich Bekturov as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank – an independent Director of the Bank, were terminated.

At the same time, in accordance with the resolution of the Meeting, from June 14, 2019, the followings were elected members of the Board of Directors of the Bank as representatives of the interests of Mr. Bulat Zhamitovich Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank: Mr. Marlen Orazbekovich Mirzabekov and Mr. Rustem Sabitovich Bekturov. It has been established that the terms of office of Mr. M. Mirzabekov and Mr. R. Bekturov as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank shall expire simultaneously with the expiration of the term of office of the Board of Directors of the Bank as a whole, that is, at the time of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, in 2022.

Thus, currently the Board of Directors of the Bank is as follows:

-  four representatives of shareholder’s interests: Mr. Marlen Orazbekovich Mirzabekov, Mr. Rustem Sabitovich Bekturov, Mr. Anuar Bulatovich Utemuratov, Mr. Timur Rizabekovich Issatayev;
-  two Independent Directors: Mr. Hubert Albert Pandza, Mr. Yeldar Sovetovich Abdrazakov.

During the meeting of the Board of Directors held on June 14, 2019, Mr. Marlen Orazbekovich Mirzabekov was elected the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

In addition, at this meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bank, the composition of the committees of the Board of Directors was changed.

Changes in the Composition of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC

On 15 July 2019, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) announced its decision to upgrade the long-term deposit rating of ForteBank to B1 from B3 (by two steps at one go), the outlook is stable.

As it is reported by Moody’s analysts:

“The rating upgrade reflects an improvement in the Bank’s profitability and financial stability over the past two years. The increase in profitability was driven by better efficiency as the bank’s business grows, while Forte contains costs, together with recoveries from problem loans and higher fee and commission income. As of 1 June 2019, ForteBank is the second largest bank in Kazakhstan with a share of 8% by total assets.”

Mr. Guram Andronikashvili, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank commented on the news:

“ForteBank keeps demonstrating positive financial and operating results, and is one of the most capitalized, highly liquid and innovative banks in the country. As of 1 June, the Bank’s assets amounted to KZT 1,897 billion, having shown an increase from the beginning of the year by KZT 120 billion (+7%), for which cause the Bank was ranked 2nd in the market of Kazakhstan by total assets. In June, S&P Global Ratings also upgraded ForteBank’s ratings from B to B+. Another improvement in the ratings is an indicator of strengthening of ForteBank’s market position in Kazakhstan, and allows us to continue to provide quality services to our customers.

Moody’s upgrades ForteBank JSC from B3 to B1

ForteBank JSC (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”), the executive board (Management Board) is located at: bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Yessil district, Nur-Sultan city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan, hereby notifies its shareholders on Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank (hereinafter the “Meeting”) convened at the initiative of the Board of Directors of the Bank (Minutes of Meeting No.11 dated March 27, 2019) on the basis of Article 35.1, Article 37.3.3 and Article 41 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Joint Stock Companies” (hereinafter the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”).

The Meeting will be held on April 29, 2019 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time), at the following address: Conference Room “Astana”, 8th floor, bldg. 8/1, Dostyk str., Nur-Sultan city.

The participants shall be registered on April 29, 2019 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.

The register of the Bank shareholders eligible to participate at the Meeting will be compiled as at 00.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) on April 15, 2019.

In the absence of a quorum, the adjourned Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be held on April 30, 2019 at 10.00 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the same address. The participants of the adjourned Annual General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders will be registered on April 30, 2019 from 09.00 a.m. to 09.45 a.m. (Nur-Sultan time) at the venue of the meeting.

**Agenda of the Meeting**

1.      On approval of the 2018 annual financial statements of the Bank.

2.      On approval of the procedure for distribution of the Bank’s 2018 net income, the amount of the dividend per common share of the Bank.

3.      On the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the past financial year.

4.      On the appeals of shareholders to the actions of the Bank and its officials, and the results of consideration thereof.

5.      On the amount and composition of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board of the Bank in 2018.

6.      On approval of an amendment to the Charter of the Bank. 

In accordance with part two of Article 43.4.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the agenda of the annual general meeting of shareholders may be supplemented by a shareholder owning, independently or together with other shareholders, five or more percent of the voting shares of the company, or by the board of directors, provided that shareholders of the Bank have been notified of such amendments not later than 15 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting.

Pursuant to Article 44.4 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall have been prepared and available for familiarization of shareholders not later than 10 calendar days before the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders at the location of the Management Board of the Bank.

Upon request of a shareholder of the Bank, the materials on issues of the agenda of the meeting shall be sent thereto within three business days of the day of receipt of the request, provided that the costs for making copies of documents and delivery of documents shall be borne by the Bank.

For more information on holding the meeting, please call: +7 (7172) 59 99 99, extension 10200.

We hereby offer the shareholders of the Bank to acquaint themselves with the following procedure for holding the meeting.

In accordance with article 17.5 of the Republic of Kazakhstan Law “On Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, “legal entities incorporated in offshore zones the list whereof is established by the competent authority (see: Letter No.04-01-14/1615 from the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Supervision of the Financial Market and Institutions dated April 29, 2009), shall not be able to directly or indirectly own and (or) use, and (or) dispose the voting shares of the Republic of Kazakhstan resident banks”.

According to para.5-1 of the named article, “the shareholder participating at the general meeting of shareholders shall submit a statement which indicates the compliance with para.5 of this article by its shareholders (participants), in case the bank has no information on country of residence of such shareholders (participants)”. The second subparagraph of current para. stipulates that “a shareholder who has not submitted the above statement is not allowed to participate at the general meeting of shareholders”.

In this regard, at registration, participants of the Meeting shall submit documents confirming their eligibility to participate at the Meeting and vote on issues considered at the Meeting.

The shareholders (representatives thereof) arrived shall be registered before opening of the meeting. It is required to have an identity document. A representative of the shareholder must submit a power of attorney confirming the authority thereof to participate and vote at the meeting, or a document confirming the eligibility to act on behalf of the shareholder or represent interests thereof without a power of attorney.

A shareholder (representative of a shareholder) who has not been registered shall not be counted in determining the quorum and shall not be entitled to vote.

The meeting opens at the announced time if a quorum is present.

The meeting shall hold elections of the chairperson and secretary of the meeting, determine the form of voting – open or secret (by poll).

In accordance with Article 50.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, voting on the agenda of the annual general meeting of shareholders is carried out under the principle of “one share – one vote”, except for cumulative voting when electing members of the Board of Directors and providing each person eligible to vote at an annual general meeting of shareholders, with one vote on the procedural issues of holding the general meeting of shareholders.

The chairperson shall not be entitled to interfere with the speeches of those eligible to participate in the discussion of the agenda issue, except for cases when such speeches result in violation of the rules of the meeting or when the dispute on this issue is over.

The annual general meeting of shareholders shall be entitled to take a decision on suspension of its work and on extension of the period of work, including postponement of consideration of certain issues of the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders to the following day.

An annual general meeting of shareholders may be declared closed only after consideration of all issues of the agenda and adoption of resolutions thereon.

In accordance with Article 52.1 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, the minutes of the annual general meeting of shareholders shall be drawn up and signed within three business days after the closing of the general meeting of shareholders.

The meeting shall be held in accordance with Articles 35-37, 39-48, 50-52 of the Law “On Joint Stock Companies”, Articles 17.5 and 17.5-1 of the Law “On Banks and Banking Activities”, and Article 15 of the Bank Charter.

We look forward to welcoming the shareholders of the Bank to participate in the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.



On April 29, 2019, the annual general meeting of ForteBank JSC shareholders will take place

ForteBank JSC (Management Board is located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter the "Bank") hereby announces the voting results at the extraordinary general meeting of the Bank shareholders (hereinafter the "Meeting") held on March 04, 2019 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Astana standard time, at the following address: "Astana" Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, Z05P1P0/010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the approved agenda, the following issue was considered at the Meeting: "On determining the number of members, term of appointment of the Bank's Board of Directors, election of the members thereof, and determining the amount of remuneration thereto".

Based on the results of voting at the Meeting, the resolutions were passed as follows:

- the powers of the Board of Directors of the Bank composed of Magzhan Auezov,   Anuar Utemuratov, Timur Issatayev, Rustem Bekturov, Hubert Albert Pandza were terminated ahead of time;

- the composition of the Board of Directors of the Bank has been determined in the number of six persons with a term of office that expires at the time of  the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Bank in 2022;

- Mr. Magzhan Auezov, Mr. Anuar Utemuratov and Mr. Timur Issatayev were elected as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank – representing interests of Mr. B. Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank;

- Mr. Rustem Bekturov, Mr. Hubert Albert Pandza and Mr. Yeldar Abdrazakov were elected as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank –  independent directors of the Bank;

- the amount of monthly fixed remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank has been determined, and it was established that other payments, as well as reimbursement of expenses to the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, shall be carried out in the amount and in the manner set by the Policy of Remuneration of members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC, and reimbursement of expenses thereof.

On voting results at the extraordinary general meeting of ForteBank JCS shareholders held on March 04, 2019

Every year, The Banker selects the best financial institutions from more than 140 countries, basing on the criteria of dynamic growth of a bank, development and implementation of innovative banking technologies, as well as the implementation of strategic projects. The Banker magazine has been published since 1926 and is part of the Financial Times group.

Commenting on the award, Mr. **Guram Andronikashvili**, Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, said:

“We are grateful to The Banker for the appreciation of our achievements. The award for two consecutive years confirms the effective performance and the right strategy. Under difficult market conditions, ForteBank has achieved success in all areas of business, having demonstrated strong growth.”

According to The Banker experts, the main factors that determined ForteBank’s victory were the strengthening of market positions, the growth of key financial indicators, the development of new business areas and high quality customer service.

ForteBank is one of the five largest banks in Kazakhstan in terms of assets, and occupies a leading position in terms of capitalization and liquidity.

ForteBank recognized as “Bank of the year in Kazakhstan” by The Banker for the second year in a row

According to S&P analysts: “We have affirmed our ratings on the bank because we expect that its professional management team, supportive shareholder, good level of disclosure, and very limited related-party business will enable it to withstand increased industry risks in the Kazakh banking system. We also think that the bank's liquidity is sufficient and well-managed with a good liquidity buffer. Looking ahead, we anticipate that the bank could further develop its broad-based franchise in Kazakhstan.”

 

**Mr. Guram Andronikashvili**, the Chairman of the Management Board of ForteBank, commented on the news:

“ForteBank continues to demonstrate positive financial performance and operating results, maintaining a leading position in terms of capital adequacy and liquidity. The financial performance reflects our customers’ high confidence in the bank and the excellent work of the entire team.”
_________________________________________________________________________________

ForteBank is one of the most stable, liquid and well-capitalized banks in the country, trusted by more than 2,000,000 customers. The bank has 19 branches and about 100 outlets. Mobile application of the bank was recognized as №1 in Kazakhstan and among the top 10 in the CIS according to Markswebb, Russian analytical agency. In 2017, ForteBank was recognized as “Bank of the year in Kazakhstan" by The Banker and the best bank in Kazakhstan by Global Finance.


Contacts:

Investor relations

Phone: +7 (7172) 58 75 75 (ext. 10249)

E-mail: IR@fortebank.com

 

Press office

Phone: +7 (7172) 59 99 99 (ext. 10868, 10975)

E-mail: epeltola@fortebank.com

S&P Global Ratings affirmed ratings of ForteBank, outlook “Positive”

ForteBank JSC (Management Board is located at: 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, 010017, Republic of Kazakhstan) (hereinafter the “Bank”) hereby announces the voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Bank Shareholders (hereinafter the “Meeting”) held on 12 March 2018 from 10.00 to 11.00 by Astana standard time, at the following address: “Semey” Conference Room, 8th floor, 8/1, Dostyk str., Astana city, 010017, Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the approved agenda, the following issue was considered at the Meeting: “On determining of the number of members, the term of office of the Board of Directors of the Bank, electing of members thereof, determining of the amount and terms of payment of remuneration, as well as reimbursing of expenses to the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the performance of their duties.”

Based on the results of voting at the Meeting, the resolutions were passed as follows:

–   the composition of the Board of Directors of the Bank has been determined in the number of five persons with a term of office that expires at the time of the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Bank in 2021;

–   Mr. M. Auezov, Mr. A. Utemuratov and Mr. T. Issatayev were elected as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, as representatives of interests of Mr. B.Zh. Utemuratov, a shareholder of the Bank;

–   Mr. R. Bekturov and Mr. H. Pandza were elected as members of the Board of Directors of the Bank – Independent Directors of the Bank;

–   the amount of monthly fixed remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank has been determined, and it was established that other payments, as well as reimbursement of expenses to the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, shall be carried out in the amount and in the manner set by the Policy of Remuneration of members of the Board of Directors of ForteBank JSC, and reimbursement of expenses thereof.

For reference.

Total common voting shares of the Bank represented at the Meeting during the whole time thereof – 73,714,243,282 (97.3864 % of the total common voting shares of the Bank).

On voting results at the Extraordinary General Meeting of ForteBank JSC shareholders held on 12 March 2018

#### **№5 BY ASSETS**
among second-tier banks
<br>
<Typography variant="subhead2Regular">As of 01 January 2024, ForteBank ranks 5th in terms of assets among the second-tier banks in Kazakhstan.


#### **21.2%**
capital adequacy
<br>
<Typography variant="subhead2Regular">The capital adequacy ratio, which measures the ratio of the Bank’s equity to risk-weighted assets (К2), as of 01 January 2024, was 21.2% at a statutory ratio of no less than 5.5%.


#### **+ 18,6%**
net income
<br>
<Typography variant="subhead2Regular">Net income for 2023 is 18,6% higher than the similar indicator for 2022.






### Условия соглашения

Направляя Электронную заявку, пользователь соглашается со следующими правилами:

• с условиями обработки и использования своих персональных данных согласно Закону Республики Казахстан «О персональных данных и их защите» No 94-V от 21.05.2013 года;

• с тем, что обработка его электронной заявки осуществляется в рабочее время, при этом, Банк может также давать обратную связь по заявке в выходные и праздничные дни.

• с тем, что самостоятельно будет проверять статус обработки поданной Электронной заявки и не будет иметь претензий к Банку, если по техническим причинам (включая, но не ограничиваясь: недозвон, сбой в работе оператора связи и т.д.) не получится связаться с ним для обработки поданной заявки и/или информировании о результате рассмотрения заявки.

<Typography color="textDarkGrey" variant="text4Regular" gutterBottom={false}>
Продолжая я подтверждаю, что ознакомился
с [условиями соглашения](#modal-23) и даю согласие на обработку своих персональных данных
</Typography>



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