In Valencia, the president of BBVA, Carlos Torres Vila, paid a visit to the bank’s Territorial East Office this Thursday, meeting with the teams and engaging with local business leaders. The bank reported that Valencia enjoyed a strong year in 2023, highlighted by growth in the small business and self-employed segments, including the addition of 16,000 new clients. The region saw nearly 6 billion euros allocated to financing for companies, small businesses, and self-employed individuals, underscoring BBVA’s commitment to supporting local enterprise. Additionally, the personal banking segment performed well, with a notable 14 percent rise in new credit extended to families across the year. [BBVA press materials, 2023]
During the morning, Torres Vila visited the Valencia flagship office and held discussions with the Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking teams. He was accompanied by the Territorial East Director, José Manuel Mieres, the regional director, Antonio Carreto, and senior leaders overseeing these segments. The bank’s country manager for Spain, Peio Belausteguigoitia, joined the group of staff for a summary briefing on the strategic priorities that propelled the bank’s robust growth in 2023: innovation, digitalization, and sustainability. The dialogue emphasized how these pillars translate into concrete actions within the Valencia community, reflecting BBVA’s broader approach to responsible financial leadership. [BBVA press materials, 2023]
Sustainable projects
Within the sustainability focus, nearly 40 percent of BBVA’s long-term financing in 2023 for Valencia-based companies, small businesses, and self-employed individuals supported sustainable projects. This emphasis aligns with BBVA’s mission to finance the transition to a greener economy while facilitating employment and regional development. The bank also reported that it attracted approximately 166,000 new clients across the year, reinforcing its expanding footprint in the Valencian market. Today, the region accounts for over 76 percent digital clients, meaning roughly eight out of ten BBVA customers in Valencia conduct their banking digitally, a clear sign of the bank’s digital evolution. [BBVA annual report, 2023]
Further, Torres Vila highlighted that the momentum is set to continue into 2024. The anticipated continued growth is expected to amplify BBVA’s positive impact on shareholders, customers, employees, and society at large, reinforcing the bank’s role as a catalyst for local prosperity. The message resonated with staff and regional partners, who are aligned on the path forward and the ongoing commitment to sustainable finance, digital services, and inclusive financial access. [BBVA press materials, 2023]