74% of BBVA customers in the Valencian Community are already digital, a bit above Spain’s overall rate of 71%. These figures, along with the near 40,000 customers acquired in the first quarter, reflect a widely accepted business model that prioritizes delivering an excellent multi-channel experience while offering personalized, attentive service. BBVA’s CEO Onur Genç highlighted this during his visit to Valencia, where he met the regional management team in the Eastern Region Department.
At the gathering, Genç outlined BBVA’s strategic priorities and stressed the bank’s commitment to supporting the region. He was accompanied by Peio Belausteguigoitia, the country manager for BBVA in Spain, and the leaders responsible for the Eastern Region’s development, who praised the bank’s efforts to assist the local business network and help companies overcome regional challenges. Genç underscored the importance of industry and tourism for the Valencia Community economy. Recent economic indicators point to an upward revision of BBVA Research’s forecast for the coming year, with Valencia’s GDP growth projected at 1.4% for 2023.
For Genç, proximity, expertise, and tailored support, combined with the best digital tools, define the bank’s relationship with customers. He noted that more than 70% of clients already engage digitally, and in the first quarter close to 40,000 customers were added across individuals, freelancers, small businesses, and larger enterprises.
Belausteguigoitia, the country manager, also emphasized the institution’s role in sustaining the Valencian Community’s productive fabric especially during a period marked by uncertainty, such as rising inflation and interest rates. In the first quarter alone, new financing extended to Valencian companies, SMEs, and self-employed professionals grew by 7% year over year.
Genç also highlighted the importance of guiding clients through the transition to more sustainable and inclusive business models. In addition to sustainable solutions in areas like building energy efficiency, streamlined industrial processes, and sustainable mobility, the bank offers training, digital tools, and advisory services to business customers through expert teams. All of these efforts align with customers’ broader goals, as the decarbonized economy presents real growth opportunities.
The role of banking in economic and social development
During the Valencia meeting, Genç spoke about the positive impact banks and BBVA in particular have on the regions where they operate. Beyond providing financial support to families and businesses for life and work projects, the organization emphasizes assisting customers in an ever-changing landscape.
Local initiatives include the Revolution Awards, organized with the University of Valencia. These awards recognize companies that have become benchmarks for digital and sustainable transformation in the Valencian Community, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands. They serve as a beacon for local entrepreneurs starting the journey toward a more sustainable production model and a tech-enabled future.
These efforts illustrate how BBVA supports a robust, modern economy by combining digital access with thoughtful, local engagement. The bank’s approach aims to empower businesses of all sizes and to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the regions it serves, while helping clients adopt innovative technologies and practices that promote long-term resilience. In short, proximity, practical expertise, and a forward-looking mindset are central to BBVA’s strategy to sustain growth and inclusion across the Valencian Community and beyond. [Citation: BBVA corporate communications, regional economic data, and university partnerships]