The president of the Spanish Banking Association (AEB), Alejandra Kindelán, stated today that the banking sector is a driver of equal opportunities due to its ability to foster female talent, finance their projects, and support women in their economic and investment decisions.
Kindelán emphasized the essential role of banks as agents of economic change and social transformation at the ‘Women, Growth and Competitiveness’ event organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business in conjunction with Closing Gap, held on the occasion of the upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8.
The AEB president highlighted that banking is involved in women’s economic participation through three channels: as an employer sector, as a financing channel, and as a shaper of economic decisions, both through financial education initiatives and its widespread reach.
In the banking sector, 51.2% of the workforce are women, and 43.4% hold positions of responsibility or lead teams, she noted. “It used to be more difficult to find women in management positions; now there are female presidents and CEOs in banks, which has normalized their presence in the highest roles.”
Improving female representation in STEM areas remains a challenge, where women occupy 31% of positions. Diversity and inclusion policies, mentoring networks, and initiatives such as Women in Banking (WIB) contribute to progress, she added.
In terms of project financing, banks do not differentiate between men and women – she explained – but only 37% of SMEs are led by women, many of them in micro-enterprises. “The challenge is for them to grow and scale up. Support, networking, and role models are key for female entrepreneurship.”
Digital tools, apps, and training help in making better economic decisions. In this regard, Kindelán stressed the importance of financial education for the entire population, which is why she proposed to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, that it be made a compulsory subject in schools.
Diversity drives more accurate decision-making, more effective management, and a greater understanding of the environment, she noted. “Thanks to the inclusion of different perspectives, companies’ performance and adaptability are improved,” she concluded.
