 In 2002, VakıfBank had the largest number of credit cards issued in Turkey and ranked first in Europe in terms of the number of Maestro cards issued by a banking institution, according to MasterCard.In 2003, VakıfBank continued its strategy to expand its customer base by effectively promoting both existing and new services to a larger segment of the population, including the upper middle class, middle-aged individuals with a steady source of income.VakıfBank borrowed "US$ 200 million" in a syndicated deal in which 36 banks participated, including 14 arrangers.