Responsible banking
BBVA has a differential banking model based on seeking out a return adjusted to principles, strict legal compliance, best practices and the creation of long-term value for all stakeholders.
BBVA forms part of the group of 14 banks that have adhered to commitment of the United Nations environmental program (UNEP-FI) to implement the recommendations on finance and climate change published in July by the Financial Stability Board for the G20. This process requires a more sustainable financial system in which investment and finance decisions involve a longer-term vision and incorporate environmental and social factors. BBVA has integrated environmental factors into its decision-making processes for some time; however, it wants to extend this commitment, so it is working on a new Environmental and Social Framework that extends its positive impact in society, strengthens the management of emerging risks and at the same time makes more consistent use of new business opportunities.
BBVA has been named by Actualidad Económica as the best bank and third best company to work for in 2017, based on an analysis of the human recources policies of a hundred companies from all sectors operating in Spain.
Below are other strategic initiatives for responsible banking on which the Group is working.
1. Creation of lasting and more balanced relationships with customers...
... through transparent, clear and responsible communication and financial education in the solutions that we offer. BBVA is developing and collaborating with numerous programs, many for young people.
Rescatadores de Talento (Talent Rescuers), which aims to find solutions to the lack of youth employment. In this case, the Group has made available 36 volunteer executives and professionals who are acting as mentors to young people. They are generating a positive social movement that is fostering an improvement in the labor market for them.
Valores de Futuro (Future Values), an initiative developed by BBVA in Spain to improve the financial education of young people and promote the values associated with the good use of money. This summer, students of colleges that are finalists in the eighth edition have taken part in the Fundación Colegios del Mundo Unidos championship, a financial education program that has provided them with the skills and experience needed to tackle the environmental, economic and social issues that affect their lives.
2. Full integration of how we do business...
... through responsible business policies, a reputational risk model, and a people-centric culture throughout the Organization.
BBVA and the ONCE Foundation have concluded a collaboration agreement to boost the use of information and communication technologies as support tools for increasing the autonomy and improving of the quality of life of people with disabilities. Among the results is a mobile app designed to make ATM operations easier for people with impaired vision or minor physical or intellectual disabilities.
3. Promotion of responsible and sustainable growth...
... through financial inclusion, sustainable finance, support for SMEs and responsible investment.
BBVA continues to extend its offer of sustainable finance tools and to demonstrate its leadership in the area of green finance. In July it signed the first global green finance deal in project finance format. It also closed the first sustainable loan that the Bank has awarded to a Spanish autonomous region. Finally, it is worth highlighting the recent structuring of a green bond for a European non-Spanish client and the award of the first green project finance loan in Spain.
4. Investment in the community...
... with priority for financial education initiatives for society, entrepreneurship, knowledge and other social causes that are relevant from a local point of view.
In 2017, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the BBVA Microfinance Foundation it organized the Forum for the Development of Financial Inclusion, which dealt with the issue of financial inclusion, technological challenges and the role of women in the economy. Over these ten years it has granted more than USD 8.2 billion in loans to vulnerable entrepreneurs, and has become one of the philanthropic initiatives with the biggest social impacts in Latin America.