The Social Work of CECA’s Associated Entities Exceeds 1 Billion Euros in Investment, reaffirming their Role as Promoters of Welfare and Economic Growth

CECA held its 119th General Assembly, showcasing over 1 billion euros invested in Social Work achieved in 2025, positioning its entities as the leading private social investor in Spain.

This funding has enabled the execution of over 92,000 activities and has benefited nearly 36 million people.

Since the approval of the Law on Savings Banks and Banking Foundations in 2013, the accumulated investment has surpassed 9,734 million euros.

CECA has renewed its commitment to improving financial literacy by allocating 5 million euros to the Funcas Educa program.

CECA celebrated its 119th General Assembly today, presided over by Isidro Fainé, President of CECA, the “la Caixa” Foundation, and the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI).

The meeting was attended by representatives from all banks and savings banks that make up the association, representing around 40% of the Spanish financial system, along with presidents and general directors of the foundations affiliated with CECA, responsible for designing and implementing Social Work initiatives.

The President of CECA stated during his address: “The Social Work has, since our inception, been the most profound hallmark of our sector. In 2025, the total investment in Social Work in Spain exceeded 1 billion euros. This emblematic figure confirms our entities as the largest private social investor in the country.”

Furthermore, he emphasized their commitment to the country’s economic development, especially in the current context: “In a world marked by geopolitical tension and the acceleration of technological change, our entities continue to embody the essential values we have always upheld. We are a banking sector that listens and supports. A banking sector rooted in the community and committed to people, promoting financial inclusion. Moreover, we are a sector well-prepared to lead the transformation of banking business based on four major competitive levers: technological innovation, sustainability and respect for the environment, quality of service, and lasting trust-based relationships with all stakeholders.”

Internationally, the President of CECA highlighted the solid collaboration and shared values with the European Savings Banks and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) and the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), underlining the importance of moving toward a stronger, more competitive, and cohesive Europe.

Improving Competitiveness: A Strategic Priority for Europe

The General Director of CECA, Antonio Romero, addressed the main challenges and opportunities faced by the sector in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions and escalating trade conflicts, highlighting the resilience of the Spanish financial system.

Romero emphasized: “The need to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness through regulatory simplification that allows for a more agile and efficient framework, capable of stimulating economic growth and enhancing the ability of financial entities to support families and businesses.”

Referring to the evolution of Social Work, Romero celebrated the volume of investment, surpassing 1 billion euros, a milestone that reinforces the sector’s commitment to social cohesion, the promotion of research, and the protection of the cultural and historical heritage of our country.

CECA has also renewed its commitment to improving financial literacy by allocating 5 million euros to Funcas Educa, consolidating this program as one of the sector’s key initiatives to promote financial education among society.

CECA Sector Foundations Strengthen their Role in Empowering Territories and Communities in Spain

Prior to the Assembly, the Commission on Foundations and Social Work took place, serving as the main forum for the exchange of experiences, cooperation, and study in the field of Social Work. It is a statutory and advisory body of the association that gathers representatives from banking and ordinary foundations in the sector.

This edition featured the President of Caritas, Manuel Bretón, who provided an overview of social exclusion in our country, which helped frame the activities of the CECA foundations.

In 2025, investment in Social Work reached 1,004.92 million euros, enabling 92,858 activities that benefited 35.9 million people, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Since the approval of the Law on Savings Banks and Banking Foundations in 2013, the accumulated investment has exceeded 9,734 million euros.

Social Work operates in multiple areas aimed at addressing the main needs of society, focusing on the most vulnerable individuals.

Social Programs remain the primary area of action, with an investment of 362.9 million euros (36.12% of the total), aimed at initiatives designed to reduce poverty and inequality, as well as improving living conditions for individuals. Following this is Culture and Heritage as the second area with the highest funding, amounting to 218.9 million euros (21.78%), focused on cultural access and heritage conservation.

Subsequently, notable investments in Research, totaling 151.8 million euros (15.10%), primarily centered on health and science projects, and in Local Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship, with 120.3 million euros (11.97%), aimed at supporting SMEs, self-employed individuals, and boosting the productive fabric.

The remaining areas complete the sector’s social action, with 97.6 million euros in Education (9.71%), aimed at promoting training and financial literacy; 27.5 million euros in the Environment (2.73%); and 26 million euros in Sports (2.59%), with these last two contributions fostering sustainability, social cohesion, and promoting healthy habits, as well as integration for vulnerable groups and active aging.