More than 245,000 people over the age of 65 have received financial and digital training thanks to programmes developed by the sector's entities
'Las cosas fáciles' seeks to improve the financial education of seniors, providing them with the necessary tools to gain autonomy in the management of their personal finances
The theatrical project, under the patronage of the actor Antonio Resines and the former sportsman Fernando Romay, will tour most of Spain, bringing the initiative to a large audience
The CECA sector (comprising CaixaBank, Kutxabank and Cajasur Banco, Abanca, Unicaja Banco, Ibercaja Banco, Caixa Ontinyent, Colonya Pollença and Cecabank) has launched a new initiative through the Funcas Financial Education Stimulus Programme (Funcas Educa). In collaboration with Compañía de Blanca Marsillach, the play 'Las cosas fáciles', a project that seeks to act as a bridge between the financial inclusion of the elderly and culture, premieres today. The play, written and directed by Alberto Velasco, was presented today, 26 October, at the Teatro Bellas Artes in Madrid, with the goal of improving the financial education of this group, providing them with the necessary tools to gain autonomy in the management of their personal finances.
Under the patronage of the actor Antonio Resines and the former sportsman Fernando Romay, 'Las cosas fáciles' is a cultural initiative adapted to the needs of the elderly, which seeks to improve financial and digital literacy by addressing these issues in an entertaining way. Furthermore, within the framework of the capillarity that characterises CECA's member entities, the play will tour a large part of Spain with the aim of bringing the initiative to a large audience, as well as to promote financial inclusion at a national level.
The inaugural screening featured Blanca Marsillach, actress, producer and director of the theatre company, the actor Antonio Resines and the former sportsman Fernando Romay, patrons of the play. The premiere also included a discussion with Alberto Velasco, scriptwriter and director of the play, Antonio Romero, Corporate Director of Association Services and Resources at CECA, and Fernando Tejada, Director of the Institutions' Conduct Department at the Bank of Spain. Afterwards, the audience enjoyed the first performance of 'Las cosas fáciles'.
In the words of Antonio Romero, Corporate Director of Association Services and Resources at CECA: "Over the years, our elders have been a driving force for the well-being of society and a source of invaluable knowledge and experience, so we cannot allow them to be left behind as digitalisation advances. Financial inclusion is a permanent and priority commitment undertaken by CECA and its member entities. Culture transcends and drives the development of society, generates social inclusion and is a catalyst for diversity. We firmly believe that culture is one of the most appropriate vehicles to bring training closer to all groups".
More than 245,000 seniors trained in financial and digital literacy
With the goal of contributing to accelerating progress towards an inclusive economy, for years the CECA sector has been developing a wide range of measures to promote financial and digital education in society, especially in rural areas and for groups at risk of exclusion. This commitment is evidenced by the two occasions on which CECA has received the Finance for All Award for its track record in disseminating financial literacy, a recognition granted by the promoters of the National Financial Education Plan (Bank of Spain and CNMV).
This mission was materialised in 2021 with the signing of the 'Strategic protocol to reinforce the social and sustainable commitment of the banking sector', together with AEB and Unacc, and the corresponding 'Ten-step plan of measures to improve customised service for the elderly' in 2022, which includes the advances and efforts of credit institutions to promote the financial inclusion of the elderly. Both initiatives address the specific needs of elderly customers when managing their personal finances, with the aim of helping them to gain confidence in a complex environment and to become aware of cybersecurity risks.
Among the measures implemented, the opening hours of 81% of the branches have been modified; nearly 90% of the ATM network has been adapted to the needs of people over the age of 65; and the figure of the senior consultant has become consolidated. At the same time, more than 245,000 elderly customers have been trained in financial literacy and digital skills. In-person training in these subjects was also promoted, having increased the number of seniors trained in this manner by 45% in the second half of 2022.
Moreover, under the premise of guaranteeing financial education for all, CECA, its member entities and its foundation Funcas, invested more than €2.23 million during 2022 to promote programmes geared towards strengthening financial and digital education in Spain. During this period, more than 13 million impacts were registered, counting both in-person attendees and digital access, of which 25% (3.2 million) were senior users.
Lastly, aware that the link between financial knowledge and the digital environment is inexorable, the banking associations launched the Aula Financiera y Digital (Financial and Digital Classroom) platform, a portal that brings together activities related to these topics, as well as various cybersecurity and anti-fraud initiatives developed by member entities.