At 150 years old, Spain’s stock exchange holding company, BME, is powering ahead to the top rankings of the world’s bourses while speculation continues over its future as an independent exchange. Jules Stewart reports.

Forty-four per cent of Spanish bank BBVA’s 2005 attributable net profit came from Latin America. There is both a downside to this – excessive dependence on a risky region – and an upside – an incredible opportunity to leverage a strong franchise.

Massive overseas expansion by once-local firms has led to humming activity in Spain’s capital markets arena. Jules Stewart explains.

Spanish banks are showing inventiveness and agility in their domestic and international markets. Karina Robinson reports from Madrid.

Jaime Caruana, governor of the Bank of Spain, talks to The Banker about the Spanish economy. These are edited excerpts from the interview.

Spain’s government seems more focused on social policy and political pandering than on the tough reforms that are needed to keep the economy flourishing. Karina Robinson reports from Madrid.

Antonio Brufau, chairman and CEO of Repsol YPF, tells Karina Robinson of his softly-softly response to Latin American energy nationalism.
Antonio Brufau is CEO and chairman of Repsol YPF, one of the top 10 listed oil companies in the world. He is involved with leading Spanish gas distributor Gas Natural in its hostile bid for Endesa, the Spanish utility.

Juan Ramón Quintás, chairman of the Confederación Española de Cajas de Ahorros, Spain’s savings banks federation, tells Jules Stewart about the benefits of being mutual.

Opposition is mounting to the privileged position of Spain’s ultra successful savings banks, says Jules Stewart.

When Santander bought Abbey, not everyone agreed it was a good idea. But its strategy for turning around the ailing bank has proved the doubters wrong, as Brian Caplen reports.