BANK MELLI IRAN – TRADITION AND HISTORY


1927

The Iranian parliament approved the law to establish the bank


1928

On September 8th, 1928, the bank commences its business operations as Banque Nationale de Perse and became very soon the country’s leading commercial bank.
Dr. Kurt Lindenblatt, a German national, was appointed managing director


1932

Parliament granted sole powers to the bank to issue banknotes. The agricultural section of the bank was separated into Banque Agricole et Industrielle de l’Iran


1938

The mortgage section of the bank was separated into an independent bank under the name of Bank Rahni Iran


1942

The bank name was changed to Bank Melli Iran


1952

With the approval of the first Iranian finance and banking law, Bank Melli Iran also assumed the role of the central bank


1960

When the Monetary and Banking Statute of Iran was approved by parliament, Bank Melli Iran’s duties as central bank were transferred to Bank Markazi.


1965

Bank Melli Iran opened the first international branch in Hamburg


1967

Establishment of a branch in London


1975

The Hamburg Branch moved to its current premises at Holzbrücke 2


2001

The London Branch became a subsidiary


2002

Founding of Mir Business Bank in Moscow


2004

Establishment of Arian Bank in Kabul in collaboration with Bank Saderat Iran


2006

Establishment of a branch in Hong Kong