New Kapital Bank-Birbank Branch Format Aims to Promote Digital Inclusion

Birbank, part of the Bir ecosystem, the Caucasus’ first fully integrated banking, payments and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces the opening of a redesigned Kapital Bank-Birbank branch in Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city. Featuring a dedicated digital corner where customers can receive hands-on guidance on using digital financial services, the new branch reflects Bir’s commitment to making digital services more accessible and promoting financial inclusion across Azerbaijan.

The redesigned branch combines traditional banking services with a modern, technology-enabled customer experience. At its heart is a dedicated digital corner designed to help customers discover and confidently use the growing range of services available through the Bir ecosystem. Visitors will be able to receive practical guidance on using the Birbank mobile app, making cashless payments and transfers through the m10 digital wallet, and accessing other digital tools for everyday banking and payments.

The launch comes as Azerbaijan accelerates its transition towards digital payments. According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the value of cashless card payments grew by 26% in 2025. However, adoption remains uneven: only 20% of transactions using bank cards issued for pensions and other government benefits were cashless, highlighting the need to help more people access and use digital financial services.

Farid Huseynov, CEO of Bir ecosystem and Kapital Bank, commented:

“Digital innovation should make financial services more accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, location or familiarity with technology. Our new branch in Ganja brings together the convenience of digital banking with the reassurance of personal support, allowing customers to explore new services at their own pace and develop the confidence to use them independently.

By helping more people take advantage of digital financial tools, we aim to make everyday banking easier and support broader participation in Azerbaijan’s growing digital economy.”

The initiative reflects a growing international trend towards combining digital banking with physical customer engagement. In Europe, Revolut announced plans in April 2026 to open its first permanent physical store in Barcelona, designed to showcase its services and build customer trust. In India, Axis Bank has introduced compact Digital Banking Points offering both self-service and assisted banking, while Bank of America is modernising its US branches to focus on personalised advice and more complex financial needs. In Central Asia, TBC Uzbekistan has also used physical showrooms and customer acquisition points to complement its digital-first banking model.

For Bir, this approach builds on an established network of physical and digital services. Bringing together banking, payments and e-commerce, the ecosystem serves more than 5 million users, equivalent to nearly half of Azerbaijan’s population. Alongside digital platforms such as Birbank and m10, its nationwide network of more than 6,000 MilliÖn payment terminals enables customers to make cash payments and top up digital balances. The new Ganja branch extends this model by offering hands-on support to help customers make greater use of digital financial services.

The new branch format also complements Birbank’s wider accessibility initiatives. Earlier Birbank became the first bank in Azerbaijan to introduce sign-language video calls within its mobile app for customers with hearing and speech impairments, subsequently extending sign-language assistance to selected physical branches.

About Bir

Bir is the first fully integrated banking, payments and e-commerce ecosystem of the Caucasus, redefining how people and businesses interact with daily services in Azerbaijan. Launched in 2025 to unite the country’s leading brands, including Birbank (Kapital Bank’s digital banking brand), Birmarket e-commerce platform, MilliÖn payment terminals, and m10 e-wallet app, the Bir ecosystem reaches over 5 million users. Through its extensive ecosystem and strategic partnerships with Trendyol marketplace and BakıKart transportation payment solution, Bir is building the foundation for Azerbaijan’s first and largest digital ecosystem for consumers and businesses.

For additional information, please visit: https://bir.az