Once considered one of the better-placed survivors of the financial crisis, the property bubble bursting in Spain has hit the country's savings banks hard, resulting in calls for consolidation in the sector. Writer Rodrigo Amaral
Western Europe
Latest articles from Spain
Across the board
July 6, 2010Santander's acquisition spree has left the bank with a major IT challenge. But as José María Fuster, its CIO, explains, the bank has embraced IT integration as an all-encompassing transformation programme. Writer Wendy Atkins
Emilio Botín
December 30, 2009The chairman of The Banker's Bank of the Year, Banco Santander, describes why the global crisis has largely bypassed his bank, and how the company's focus on customer service and efficiency will help its acquisitions across Europe, Latin America and the US to thrive.
António Horta-Osório
October 5, 2009Abbey's CEO tells how his decision to pull the bank back from the mortgage market and transform it into a full commercial bank has helped it to thrive during the fallout of the crisis.
Bad times increase merger activity among Spain's cajas
September 2, 2009The collapse in Spanish property prices and the rise in loan defaults and toxic assets has left the cajas - the 45 mutuals responsible for more than half of the country's mortgage lending - staring consolidation in the face in a bid for survival. Writer Jules Stewart
Spain's bright new hope
July 7, 2009The state-owned Instituto de Crédito Oficial has risen to prominence as Spain's most promising credit provider. However, the country's government must ensure careful lending practices are followed so as not to overstretch the resource. Writer Rodrigo Amaral
The Matador's special weapon
July 7, 2009Close adherence to international regulatory standards has protected Madrid's financial system from embroilment in the subprime market that has so badly harmed rival centres New York, London and Paris. Yet Spain's flailing economy must be tended to if Madrid is to rise as a dynamic alternative. Writer Rodrigo Amaral
Spanish banks hold firm
February 2, 2009Banco Santander’s capital raising last November was unexpected but investors responded surprisingly well. While Spanish banks have largely managed to avoid the fallout of the subprime crisis, the government is taking measures to ensure that any further global setbacks only have a minimal impact upon the country. Writer Jules Stewart.
With prudence comes opportunity
July 1, 2008Santander CEO Alfredo Sáenz tells Karina Robinson that while M&As are there for the taking, it is imperative not to act hastily in the troubled market.
Can cajas ride out the storm?
July 1, 2008Spain’s savings banks are feeling the pinch of a slowing economy combined with the liability of their huge mortgage portfolios. Rodrigo Amaral reports.