To set the scene, how has the presence of banking institutions in rural areas changed in recent years?
In the smallest municipalities, there is a shift in format from the traditional branch to one dominated by commercial agents and mobile branches. In addition, this response by credit institutions is, in some cases, reinforced by ATMs and, more generally, by a broader range of digital services.
Will the closure trend continue?
It is the customer who is calling for a change in their relationship with their bank, increasingly opting for digitalisation. Banks also devote significant resources to improving society’s financial education. It is important that all this effort is accompanied by other measures by the authorities, such as making progress on digital inclusion in small municipalities.
What does your proposal for banks to increase their presence consist of?
The World Bank estimates financial inclusion in Spain at 98%, which represents one of the highest percentages in Europe. However, the challenge for banks is to expand it further. This can be achieved through a wide range of possibilities, including, depending on the case, cooperation strategies.
You also propose promoting digital banking in rural areas. What role should banks play in that regard?
Digital disruption in banks is, on the one hand, a reflection of the digital changes society is undergoing, and it is also a catalyst for the unstoppable process of economic digitalisation in Spain.
The Government is preparing a National Strategy against Depopulation. Do you think it should include measures for financial institutions to increase their presence in rural areas?
The official fight against depopulation should include better infrastructure and greater digital penetration. Credit institutions, to the extent possible, are fighting against financial exclusion.
In recent years, the agricultural and agri-food sector has attracted significant interest from banking institutions. In your opinion, what role can these two sectors play in improving our country’s economy?
The main objective of credit institutions is to finance growth and prosperity. And the agricultural, fishing and food sectors are highly relevant to the Spanish economy. The growing penetration of our products in international markets, their quality and production capacity are undoubtedly noteworthy.
Several institutions have demonstrated their commitment to environmental sustainability in the face of climate change. Can financial institutions help the agricultural and agri-food sector meet its objectives of reducing its environmental footprint by promoting improvements in energy efficiency on farms?
Fighting climate change requires innovation, entrepreneurship and financing. The importance of banks is therefore clear. Spanish banks are increasingly incorporating social and environmental risk factors into their financing decisions.
