In many respects, 2017 marked a turning point for Spanish banks.
Last year saw the culmination of a period of profound restructuring of the financial industry and the beginning of a new phase that is expected to radically change the way banking is done. And, while there is still much to be done, we can say that this moment has found Spanish banks at the starting grid, well prepared and ready to win the race for change.
To begin with, it is important to highlight that 2017 saw the virtual completion of the regulatory process that international authorities launched ten years ago. On December 7, the Basel Committee reached an agreement on the final pending reforms of Basel III, known as Basel IV, to strengthen the banking sector and prevent future financial crises. This agreement, which will be implemented progressively from 2022 to 2027, represents the culmination of a decade dedicated to transforming the banking industry from its foundations.
During these years of intense regulatory activity, all possible aspects related to banking business have been addressed: capital, resolution, supervision, corporate governance, consumer relations, among many others. It has undoubtedly been a very complex process and enormously demanding for banking institutions. However, it must be said that the banks associated with AEB and the Association itself have collaborated closely and with the best disposition with the authorities in this regulatory task which has ultimately resulted in a substantial improvement of the institutions, both in their strength and solvency and in their way of working and relating to clients. We can affirm that Spanish banks are now much healthier, more solvent and secure, and have a clearer understanding than ever that customer service is their sole reason for being. Read more.
José María Roldán, Chairman of the Spanish Banking Association
