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.