The banking sector presents regulatory simplification proposals in Frankfurt to promote the growth of the EU

The AEB and CECA banking associations host the event 'Strengths of the Spanish Banking Sector in Times of Global Transition'

ECB members and executives of major banking institutions participated in the meeting

The proposals for regulatory simplification in six regulatory and supervisory areas are intended to boost bank financing for families and businesses

The Spanish Banking Association (AEB) and CECA held the 'Strengths of the Spanish Banking Sector in Times of Global Transition' meeting today in Frankfurt. Proposals for regulatory simplification in the banking sector were presented, aimed at strengthening economic growth and competitiveness in the European Union.

At the event—which included representatives from the European Central Bank and executives from major Spanish banking institutions—the associations highlighted the Spanish commercial banking model, renowned for its efficiency, diversification, household focus, and a lower risk profile than other European countries.

During the meeting, the role of Spanish banking was highlighted as an example of solidity and stability, as well as its contribution to the EU's economic development. The associations stressed the need to simplify regulations to free up funding held back by discretionary capital requirements, which would allow for expanded credit to be offered to households and businesses.

European legislation has tripled in recent years, and there are more than 20 regulators and supervisors, whose mandates sometimes overlap, resulting in inefficiencies and administrative burdens.

Alejandra Kindelán, President of the AEB, pointed out that regulatory simplification is key for families and businesses: 'Europe is going through a growth crisis. There is an urgent need to act to consolidate social progress, promote employment, and maintain our leadership in freedom, democracy, and human rights.'

For Antonio Romero, Director General of CECA, 'simplification is not an objective in itself; it is the only way to improve European competitiveness and autonomy. In this debate, the Spanish banking sector aims to be proactive by jointly presenting a series of concrete proposals.'

The associations presented simplification proposals for several areas, including financial regulation, digital regulation, and sustainability.

Among the measures highlighted were the simplification of the macroprudential framework to avoid duplication between agencies, improved accountability of the regulatory process, the incorporation of ex post evaluation, and the necessary regulatory proportionality.

The goal is to enable the banking sector to better finance the economy, contribute to competitiveness objectives, and actively participate in the face of major social challenges.

The event was attended by Pedro Machado, member of the Supervisory Board of the Single Supervisory Mechanism of the European Central Bank; Ramón Quintana, Director General of Systemic and International Banks at the European Central Bank; José Antonio Álvarez, Vice President of Banco Santander; Matthias Bullach, Head of Accounting, Management Control and Capital at CaixaBank; Jaime Sáenz de Tejada, Global Director of Commercial Solutions at BBVA; Antonio Romero and Luis Teijeiro, Director General and Deputy Director General at CECA; and Alejandra Kindelán and María Abascal, President and Director General of AEB.