Oliu (Banco Sabadell): "In Europe, we need pan-European banks, but also regional ones."

BarcelonaThe president of Banc Sabadell, Josep Oliu, defended the existence of regional banks like his institution in Europe. "A company's size doesn't necessarily make it more competitive," he added, after recalling the shareholders' rejection of BBVA's takeover bid, which, in his view, was an "exercise in pragmatism and rationality." During his closing address at the 30th Economists' Conference in Barcelona, ​​he stated that the shareholders "weren't swayed solely by messages like 'a company is more competitive simply because it's larger.' This isn't necessarily the case." And he added: "They can be large or small, it depends on the business they focus on." Throughout his speech, he insisted that "competitiveness is not only measured by size." The path the administration should follow, he said, "is not to force company sizes but to facilitate frameworks so that the market functions efficiently." He admitted that BBVA's takeover bid has left many questions unanswered, both regarding banking regulation and the assessments made by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) on free competition in the SME market, as well as the takeover law. "We need solvent and efficient banks capable of providing services to businesses," he stated. And in this context, where there is talk of creating large European banks, he clarified that "it's not just about creating pan-European banks, since the broader their focus, the more difficult it is for them to be competitive at a global level." local. In the future, he added, there must be large European entities but also regional ones, which solve problems at the local level.

I uOnce the BBVA takeover bid chapter is closed Just as they are about to celebrate with their staff on the 15th at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona for having overcome the challenge issued by the Basque bank, the time has come to rally the team. The task fell to CEO César González-Bueno, who confirmed to 1,500 managers from their regional offices the intention to focus on the Spanish market, following the agreed sale of the British subsidiary TSB to Santander. González-Bueno stated that the institution "is prepared to grow more, be more profitable, and become the best bank in Spain." He reiterated this over two days: yesterday in the regional offices of Barcelona, ​​Alicante, and Oviedo, and the day before yesterday in those of Madrid, Málaga, and San Sebastián.

In this context, the bank is finalizing the details of a private party at the Palau Sant Jordi, which it expects will be attended by around 9,000 people. With this private event, the bank intends to recognize its staff for their efforts during BBVA's takeover bid. which was a process of almost a year and a half.

With this optimistic and encouraging tone, González-Bueno reaffirmed that the objectives set in the 2025-2027 strategic plan remain unchanged: increased commercial activity with growth in market share and segments, a focus on Spain, progress in the digitalization process, efficient cost management, and an improved risk profile. "We are prepared and in an enviable position. We will accelerate growth and capital generation, with the aim of maintaining attractive profitability and very solid returns for our shareholders," the CEO stated.

For his part, the general manager of corporate banking, network, and private banking, Carles Ventura, agreed that "the bank has a unique and distinctive opportunity to continue its healthy growth and success story, especially in the SME and corporate segment," which he considers "the jewel in the crown."

During the convention of the regional management of Catalonia, held in Barcelona, ​​the regional director, Xavier Comerma, highlighted the role of the professionals who are part of the institution. And he maintained the euphoric tone: "Banco Sabadell has a great future; we are prepared to be the best bank in Spain, but also the best in Catalonia."