A Century of Social Commitment

Through a banking model that serves people, the CECA sector demonstrates an unwavering commitment to economic and social development in pursuit of a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable society.

Building responsible banking is more than a financial commitment; it is a mission that seeks to transform lives and promote a more inclusive society, where every person has access to fair and dignified economic opportunities.

Under this premise, the world’s largest banking association, the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), was established in 1924. This pioneering initiative in the sector laid the foundations for social and responsible banking; a distinctive model focused on people, prioritizing the balance between profitability and social impact. Today, it is a crucial global network for economic development, sustainable finance, philanthropy, and financial inclusion.

The work of WSBI entities goes beyond being financial institutions. They stand out for their deep commitment to social responsibility, a quality that is part of their identity and distinguishes them from other institutions in the financial sector.

Currently, WSBI represents more than 6,400 savings banks and retail banks from 78 countries around the world, which hold a total balance of 13.25 trillion dollars, employ 2.1 million people, and serve 1.7 billion customers.

In Spain, CECA – the association representing CaixaBank, Kutxabank, Cajasur Banco, ABANCA, Unicaja, Ibercaja Banco, Caixa Ontinyent, Colonya Pollença, and Cecabank, along with more than thirty foundations – joined the initiative from the very beginning of its creation in 1928. Since then, it has maintained a close relationship with WSBI and a prominent representation in its governing bodies and working groups.

Under the leadership of its president, Isidro Fainé, who also serves as president of CECA and the “la Caixa” Foundation, WSBI has expanded its influence worldwide as an agent of change in favor of progress and a sustainable and inclusive future, with a special dedication to poverty reduction and educational advancement. CECA perfectly represents this model of social and responsible banking, and increasingly assumes an important international role alongside WSBI. Thus, the Social Work, the soul of the CECA sector, is a global benchmark in social investment, philanthropy, and solidarity.

In the same vein and with the objective of extending its social commitment internationally, last April, WSBI established the Social and Philanthropic Council, under the presidency of Isidro Fainé. This body will channel the investment of WSBI members towards initiatives that strengthen communities and address the most pressing social needs. It is no coincidence that WSBI entities allocate 3.5 billion dollars annually to social initiatives worldwide.