Isidro Fainé drives from Washington the social commitment of the savings banks and retail banks to worldwide level

Members of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) have increased their annual allocation to nearly $4 billion for social initiatives that contribute to poverty reduction, youth empowerment, female entrepreneurship, care for the elderly, and environmental sustainability.

The president of the 'la Caixa' Foundation and the WSBI, Isidro Fainé, chaired the organisation's 34th General Assembly, bringing together retail banking from across five continents, and its 4th Social and Philanthropic Council in Washington.

The President thanked them for their efforts and encouraged them to continue the momentum: 'Investing in people, building trust, and acting with purpose are essential for an economically viable and socially just future.'

The WSBI also held its inaugural Awards to recognise its members' inclusive, sustainable, and responsible banking initiatives. 

During the Assembly, a new project to boost employment for rural women in Nigeria was presented, promoted by the WSBI, the 'la Caixa' Foundation, and the Visa International Foundation, and a new strategic alliance with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was approved.

Washington DC, 17 October 2025.- The World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), held its 34th General Assembly and its 4th Social and Philanthropic Council, coinciding with the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), chaired by Isidro Fainé. At the WSBI meetings, there were representatives of 82 retail banks and savings banks from 59 countries.

In his opening remarks at the General Assembly, the President of the 'la Caixa' Foundation, CECA and the WSBI stated: 'The current international economic landscape has been characterised by persistent volatility and continuous adjustments. Tensions surrounding trade between major global players, geopolitical instability, and structural imbalances have created a complex and fragmented environment. Inflationary pressures, energy market disruptions, and regulatory uncertainty continue to test the resilience of our economies.

'Amid these challenges', Fainé added, 'we are also seeing some encouraging progress: renewed strategic cooperation efforts, fiscal initiatives aimed at sustaining growth, and technological innovation that strengthens adaptability and competitiveness. To move forward, we will require a shared commitment to openness, institutional strength, and constructive dialogue. Only through collaboration and forward-thinking strategies can we navigate this transformative moment and build a more stable, inclusive, and dynamic global economy.'

The regional chairs of the WSBI working groups in Europe, the United States, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean then presented the progress made in each region, as well as the most significant challenges.

4,000 annual million dollars for community project

WSBI members have increased their annual allocation of resources to nearly $4 billion for social initiatives aimed at poverty reduction, youth empowerment, female entrepreneurship, care for the elderly, and environmental sustainability.

This was confirmed in the 4th WSBI Social and Philanthropic Council, which this time focused on the empowerment of youth, especially young women. For international retail banking, this represents a broad and ongoing commitment that ranges from promoting financial education and savings habits to expanding access to opportunities and long-term resilience. Other topics the Council discussed include financial education, job creation for disadvantaged groups, and the promotion of partnerships between the organisation's members and major players in global philanthropy.

Isidro Fainé, President of the WSBI and its Social and Philanthropic Council, thanked all Council members for their efforts and encouraged them to continue the momentum: 'In times of uncertainty, investing in people, building trust, and acting with purpose are essential for a future that is not only economically viable but also socially just. By focusing on issues like young people, we are working together to forge a more inclusive and impactful future for the next generation.'

The president also emphasised that 'Strengthening social cohesion is a strategic priority for the WSBI. Its members, rooted in their communities and guided by the values of inclusion and responsibility, play a vital role in supporting vulnerable groups and promoting financial inclusion. These efforts are essential to building resilient societies.'

Among other projects, the Junior Achievement Portugal Social Innovation Camp, a Banco Montepio initiative, was presented at the meeting. This is a bootcamp designed to empower young people, especially girls between the ages of 15 and 18, by encouraging them to develop social entrepreneurship projects.

Likewise, WSBI Social Week, a global initiative held from 8 to 12 September of this year, which sought to highlight the collaborative social action of WSBI members, was also positively received.

The Social and Philanthropic Council is a WSBI entity that embodies principles deeply rooted in associated savings banks and retail banking members, such as social investment and philanthropic contribution. At the same time, it serves as a platform for members to exchange ideas and share best practices, promoting investments that strengthen and empower the most vulnerable individuals.

Project in Nigeria and strategic alliance with the FAO

A new WSBI project in Nigeria, launched in July of this year, was also presented at the meetings held in Washington. This project, which aims to improve the living conditions of small-scale female farmers in the African country, is being developed in collaboration with the Visa International Foundation and the 'la Caixa' Foundation and in accordance with the guidelines of the World Bank's WE-Fi-Code (Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative Code) programme.  It is currently a one-year pilot project that could be extended to other countries in the future.

WSBI has also signed a partnership agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and is developing another strategic alliance with AFLATOUN, an organisation that provides social and financial education to 10.5 million children and young people worldwide.

Awards for inclusive, sustainable and responsible banking

The WSBI also held its inaugural Awards, bringing together members from five continents to recognise their contribution to inclusive, sustainable and responsible banking with real impact.

From innovative financial products to climate finance solutions, digital transformation, and initiatives empowering women and young people, the awards showcased concrete examples of how banks are driving progress.

Nearly 100 applications were received across six categories. The Awards reflect WSBI members' shared commitment to developing inclusive, resilient, and future-proof financial systems. Through this initiative, the WSBI demonstrates that responsible banking goes beyond financial performance, focusing on creating long-term value for people, society, and the planet.