Watch our interviews from the Felaban event in Miami Beach, Florida.
BBVA, Kutxabank and Banco de Sabadell are the three top performers in Spain this year, with the latter increasing its pre-tax profits by more than 87%.
The Spanish banking sector is facing a number of headwinds, including inflationary pressure, a proposed government windfall tax and macroeconomic uncertainties, but market analysts are generally optimistic about the banks’ future profitability.
Spain’s banking sector is on a steady course in its recovery, but improving profitability is the biggest challenge facing Spanish lenders.
An aggressive process of M&A activity among Spanish banks has radically reshaped the country’s financial services map. But now lenders are focused on expanding organically, although some believe further consolidation remains a viable option.
The Spanish banking sector has rebounded strongly from the pandemic, posting strong results for 2021. However, uncertainties remain over inflationary pressures and the evolution of interest rates.
Banks reacted smartly to Spain’s sharp contraction in growth last year — with the resulting numbers showing that they are nicely positioned for the future.
The appointment of César González-Bueno as CEO of Spain’s fourth biggest bank highlights the lender’s focus on digital banking.
Over the past 10 years, almost 21,000 branches have closed in Spain. By comparison Germany has closed 14,000, while Italy has shuttered 10,000.
Spain has a unique opportunity to rebuild its economy in a greener, more robust way.
Spain is pinning its hopes on EU recovery funds to boost its economy, but it faces a number of challenges.
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri, executive chairman of CaixaBank, on coming out of retirement to help the Spanish economy out of a tricky situation.
Spanish banks have exhibited resilience in the face of the pandemic, but an uncertain future is leading many to seek mergers.
Spain is reeling from a huge drop in tourism revenues as a result of the pandemic.
Digital and green reforms are central to recovery plan, says economy minister Nadia Calviño.
Merger set to create Spain’s fifth largest bank and follows approval of union between Bankia and CaixaBank.
Government support has mitigated credit risks but impact of Covid-19 second wave likely to ramp up pressure on lenders, says DBRS Morningstar.
CaixaBank-Bankia union will create country's biggest bank with 20 million customers and 24% market share in deposits.
Spanish banks adapted to crisis quickly – but most acknowledge it will hit profitability.
A low interest rate environment, the cost of digitisation and competition from disruptors are all squeezing Spanish banks’ profitability but the general feeling is one of cautious optimism.