BTA Bank said on Thursday that its Karaganda, Kazakhstan, branch was recognized as the top bank for entrepreneurs and small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

The overall standing was determined by surveys conducted with entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs, farmers and production partners throughout the Karaganda region. The survey was conducted by the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Karaganda Region.

In the survey, respondents indicated which banks they partnered with and provided assessments, including the quality and efficiency of the respective banks and financial institutions with which they partnered.

The report said the city's branch of the bank was the leader in SME lending, even among other branches of BTA Bank. The support for SMEs is one of the bank's top priorities.

The Karaganda branch has performed well consistently, having been recognized on an annual basis and winning awards in areas such as Best Branch in Trade Finance and Best Results on SME Investment.