Isidro Fainé elected president of the World Institute of Retail Banking (WSBI)
The president of CECA and the “la Caixa” Banking Foundation has been elected president at the WSBI Assembly held today in New Delhi.
His three-year term follows that of German Heinrich Haasis, who has been named honorary president of WSBI after six years at the helm of the organization.
Isidro Fainé, president of the Spanish Confederation of Savings Banks (CECA) and of the “la Caixa” Banking Foundation, has been appointed today as president of the World Institute of Savings Banks and Retail Banks (WSBI), during the 25th Assembly held in New Delhi.
The meetings, which took place in India, have renewed the governing bodies of this institution (see annex for final composition) and have appointed the president from among the representatives on the board, a decision in which Fainé received unanimous support from the members. They have also renewed confidence in Chris de Noose as the executive director.
Founded in 1924, WSBI represents the interests of 7,000 savings banks and retail banks around the world. In figures, WSBI members collectively hold a total balance of 15 trillion euros and serve 1.3 billion customers in nearly 80 countries, offering banking services to families and SMEs.
This organization focuses on global issues relevant to the retail banking industry. The period 2018-2021 under Fainé’s leadership will focus on three priorities: consolidating dialogue with key international organizations (BIS, IMF, OECD, IOSCO, among others), strengthening collaboration among the various members, and promoting financial inclusion.
In his speech, Isidro Fainé emphasized “the importance of being true to the main purpose of WSBI: economic and social sustainability. To achieve this, we must contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting progress and improving quality of life.”
The president of CECA and the “la Caixa” Banking Foundation also elaborated, during his address, on the initiatives he will promote, such as retaining and incorporating new members; increasing the visibility of WSBI globally; and promoting the exchange of best practices and know-how.
He also had words of recognition for his predecessor, named honorary president at today’s meeting: “Hassis has shown a true dedication to the universalization of financial services.”
International World Congress
The Assembly held in India is part of the World Congress of Savings Banks and retail banking, which takes place every three years and is currently happening in New Delhi. This edition is themed “Sustainable retail banking: making globalization inclusive” and features personalities such as the Minister of Economic Affairs of the host country (Shri Arun Jaitley), the president of the State Bank of India (Shri Rajnish Kumar), and Javier Solana, former High Representative of the Council for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union.
