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. 

Caixa Ontinyent is a rare thing – a Spanish savings bank that survived in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The Banker reports on how it pulled off this feat.

CaixaBank’s CEO talks to The Banker about driving efficiencies through digitalisation and transforming the Spanish bank’s distribution model.

The governor of Portugal’s central bank talks to Peter Wise about the how country’s economy is making up for lost time.

The chief executive of state-owned Caixa Geral de Depósitos tells The Banker how a recapitalisation package helped turn around Portugal’s largest bank after six years of losses. 

After a tough few years, the banking sector in Portugal is back on track, paying dividends on profits, and gathering steam for future growth. 

Portugal’s economy has successfully turned a corner, surpassing its potential growth rate. However, economic imbalances persist. 

Portugal’s economy has recovered and the banking system is stronger, the country’s economy minister Pedro Siza Vieira tells Brian Caplen. 

SMEs have largely been neglected by banks, but this is beginning to change in the UK as digital challengers step in to give the sector the attention it warrants. 

Italy’s finance minister talks to The Banker about his government’s disagreements with Europe and advancing Italian involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.