The CECA General Assembly has ratified Antonio Romero as its CEO following his unanimous appointment by the Board of Directors on 9th April, and he will take office on the 30th of the same month
Additionally, the appointments of José Sevilla, Chairman of Unicaja, and Tomás Muniesa, Chairman of CaixaBank, as members of the Board of Directors have also been ratified
The foundations of the CECA sector are allocating more than 900 million euros to social initiatives in Spain during 2024, representing, collectively, the largest private social investment in the country
CECA renews its commitment to helping improve financial literacy across society by allocating 5 million euros to “Funcas Educa”, the highest amount since the programme began
CECA held its 118th General Assembly today, chaired by Isidro Fainé, Chairman of CECA, the "la Caixa" Foundation, and the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI).
The gathering brought together representatives of CECA's member credit institutions and foundations. The bank and savings bank groups represented by CECA account for 38% of the deposits of the Spanish financial system. In addition, the association brings together thirty-four foundations that are responsible for the design and implementation of the Obra Social.
During the event, Antonio Romero was ratified as Chief Executive Officer of CECA, following his unanimous appointment by the Board of Directors at its meeting on 9th April, succeeding José María Méndez, who had led the association since 2011. Romero will take office from 30th April.
Likewise, the CECA General Assembly ratified the appointments of José Sevilla, Chairman of Unicaja, and Tomás Muniesa, Chairman of CaixaBank, as members of the Board of Directors; the latter also as Vice-Chairman.
During his speech, the Chairman of CECA, Isidro Fainé, outlined the association’s main achievements in 2024: "the representation of the sector’s interests, progress in financial inclusion, the promotion of financial and digital education, and the advancement of sustainable finance".
Fainé placed particular emphasis on the evolution of the Obra Social of the CECA sector: "during the year, investment in Obra Social, our hallmark, amounted to 906 million euros, once again leading private social investment in Spain. This funding made it possible to carry out over 99,000 activities, benefiting over 35 million people, primarily from the most disadvantaged groups. For 2025, we expect a significant increase in these figures, with nearly 1 billion euros and 100,000 activities".
The Chairman of CECA also used his speech to thank José María Méndez for his fourteen years of service at the head of the organisation, as well as to welcome Antonio Romero as the new Chief Executive Officer and to congratulate Ainhoa Jáuregui as the future Chief Executive Officer of Cecabank.
Regarding the performance of the Spanish economy, Isidro Fainé noted: "it has once again delivered a positive surprise and stands out compared to the European average. What is important is that all indications suggest this momentum will remain strong this year and next. Therefore, we are faced with an excellent opportunity to complete the outstanding tasks and raise our economy to higher levels in the global league. The entities of the CECA sector can contribute significantly to achieving this".
Fainé also emphasised the strong collaboration and shared values, at the European level, with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG), and at the global level, with the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI).
CECA's strategic objectives for 2025, according to its new CEO
CECA's CEO, Antonio Romero, addressed the main challenges and opportunities facing the sector amidst the global uncertainty marked by the complexity of the geopolitical context and the intensification of the trade war, explaining the current economic and financial situation and highlighting the strengths of the Spanish financial system.
Regarding the regulatory framework, he highlighted the European Commission’s initiative to advance the process of regulatory simplification, emphasising: "at CECA, we advocate to have this new European roadmap for competitiveness and simplification be based on improving the European regulatory process and involving both the European supervisory authorities and the national competent authorities in that process".
Referring to the increase in funding for Obra Social, Romero noted that: "this investment represents a line of defence against inequality, a guarantee for the preservation of our country’s historical heritage, and a key driver for the promotion of research".
CECA once again renews its commitment to improving financial literacy by allocating 5 million euros to Funcas Educa, doubling the 2024 allocation and representing the highest amount since the programme began.
CECA Foundations, the largest private social investor in Spain
In 2024, funding for Obra Social amounted to 906 million euros, an increase of 6.5% compared to the previous year. This funding supported 99,483 activities, 22.87% more than in 2023, reaching over 35 million beneficiaries. Over the past eleven years, since the enactment of the Law on Savings Banks and Banking Foundations in 2013, cumulative investment has exceeded 8.729 billion euros, enabling the launch of more than one million activities.
The Obra Social carries out its activities across various areas, aiming to reach all segments of the population, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable groups and the needs that society demands at any given time.
Social Programmes continue to be one of the main priorities for the CECA Foundations. In 2024, this area received the largest share of investment, with 332 million euros allocated to initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, as well as improving living conditions, especially for communities in vulnerable situations. Special mention should be made of the actions carried out to support the areas affected by the catastrophic flooding.
The CECA Foundations are fully aware of the importance of research in improving people's quality of life. In this area, 187 million euros was invested in 2024. More than half of this investment was earmarked to health and science research projects.
Supporting a society enriched by its own traditions and culture is one of the major objectives of the CECA Foundations. More than 11 million people were involved in programmes in the area of Culture and Heritage throughout 2024.
Promoting quality education and the dissemination of financial literacy is another key commitment. As a result, more than 4.3 million impacts (digital accesses and in-person attendees) were achieved through Education area activities during 2024.
A total of 6,170 initiatives have been developed within the areas of Local Development, Entrepreneurship, and Employment, aimed at supporting SMEs and self-employed individuals, promoting rural areas, entrepreneurship and employment. 4.73 million euros for young entrepreneurs confirm this type of initiatives.
Commitments and new demands regarding sustainability have boosted investment in the Environment, with a 15% increase compared to 2023 for programmes focused on awareness and the conservation of natural spaces.
Sport is a tool for inclusion, social cohesion, and the promotion of values. Thus, although the majority of activities are centred around grassroots sports, significant efforts are also made in areas such as: integration of vulnerable groups, supporting the elderly in their active ageing, and cultural cohesion through sports typical of the region.
The Commission of Foundations and Obra Social, the main forum for the exchange of experiences, cooperation, and study in the field of Obra Social, also held its annual meeting today. This is a statutory and advisory body of the association that brings together representatives of the sector's banking and ordinary foundations.