This decentralization push, championed by the Generalitat, is linked to the largest fair in Spain’s finance and insurance sector. The event, a premier investment congress, has convened in Valencia for sixteen years with core support from the regional government and leading institutions. This year, according to Finance Minister Arcadi Espinosa, the fair will expand to include Castellón and Alicante editions, scheduled to begin on February 8 at the Mediterranean House venue.
The comments came after a meeting in Alicante with the managing director of the Valencian Institute of Finance (IVF) and the vice president of the event, alongside Maria José Puigcerver, the new director of Forinvest, and Manuel Molina, the secretary general of Casa Mediterráneo. These discussions underscored the role of Forinvest as a major showcase for Spain’s financial sector, bringing together top executives from banks and insurers each year and offering forums that connect finance with business opportunities. The Treasury chief noted the goal of replicating a Valencia model in Alicante, hoping to replicate its success.
Baleària president receives Forinvest award for his career
A three-format approach will guide the event, each format focusing on regional characteristics and featuring prominent figures who will share their perspectives. The minister emphasized the presence of high-profile leaders who will contribute ideas and insights during the sessions.
Forinvest’s new timetable this year includes an initial gathering at Casa Mediterráneo on February 8, with Distrito Digital collaborating. A Finance Night will follow in Valencia on March 7, then two days of competitive sessions. The calendar closes at the end of the month with activities in Castellón. These events are designed to showcase regional strengths while linking them to the broader national market.
80 million credits
The minister framed this plan as part of a broader decentralization strategy by the Generalitat, extending to operations, governance, and public forums. The aim is to back local firms amid uncertain economic conditions and to widen access to financing for companies and self-employed individuals across the region.
In parallel, the IVF’s regional leadership highlighted a strong lending and grant program. The authority reported that more than 80 million euros in public support already issued last year represented the largest sum in the IVF’s history, directed toward local enterprises and self-employed workers. These funds are intended to stimulate growth, investment, and job creation across the community [source attribution].
A moment from the Consell delegation’s meeting preparing the Alicante edition of Forinvest is captured in a recent briefing. The event remains focused on translating financial opportunities into real business outcomes for the productive fabric of the Valencian Community.
Manuel Illueca, IVF managing director, noted that the institute is currently reviewing additional loan requests totaling 35 million euros in Alicante, bringing the regional review total to 111 million euros. This review process signals ongoing efforts to accelerate access to credit for local projects and small businesses. The IVF delegation is also planning to establish a nearby presence in Ciudad de la Luz within Alicante to deepen ties with local industry leaders, with operations expected to start in January.
Javier Mira from FacePhi, Forinvest Award for professional career
On the broader impact of Forinvest, ministers stressed the aim to expand international visibility and emphasize the role of women in the sector. The event seeks to highlight professionals who advance the industry while recognizing that men still dominate many leadership roles. The leadership team envisions fairs that are genuinely useful and widely recognized, with competitions that reflect on an international scale and engage university centers as essential partners.
The remarks reinforced the view that Forinvest should act as a practical, influential gathering capable of shaping public perception and industry standards. The program aims to balance prestige with tangible opportunities for participants, helping connect academic research with real-world business activity and fostering a broader dialogue across regional markets and global markets. [attribution placeholder]