Jaime Sáenz de Tejada: “One in four companies in Spain chose BBVA in 2024”

Jaime Sáenz de Tejada highlighted BBVA’s track record in supporting the Spanish business ecosystem. During his speech at the 6th Expansión International Forum, held in collaboration with the think tank The European House–Ambrosetti, which took place at the Parador of Alcalá de Henares, he stated that BBVA’s 2025–2029 strategic plan prioritizes “growth across all business segments, from SME to large corporations, as well as private and public institutions.”
“We want to become the bank of choice for businesses.  We want to be that strategic partner that stands by all companies. With its digital capabilities, its expertise in sustainability, and its global presence, the bank is a partner and ally that can truly help them through this transition,” he said.

“We want to become the bank of choice for businesses"

Global Head of Commercial & Institutional Client Solutions at BBVA stated that the bank is committed to an approach focused on the real needs of each client. In this regard, he also spoke about the opportunities available to companies abroad and noted that “in 2024, BBVA has supported 125,000 Spanish companies in their international expansion.”

“We aim to offer every client the solutions they need,  wherever they operate.  Fully personalized support  is at the true hallmark of our approach to each and every one of our customers,” he said.

Union with Banco Sabadell: more credit for SMEs and companies

Regarding the proposed merger with Banco Sabadell, Sáenz de Tejada stated that the transaction represents a clear opportunity for the business sector. In his view, the deal is even more favorable today following the analysis by the CNMC (Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition). During his remarks, also explained that the merger with Banco Sabadell would be beneficial for clients, employees, shareholders, and companies—particularly SME. The alliance between the two banks would result in an additional €5 billion per year in credit for businesses and households.

He also emphasized the commitments made to SME, highlighting the intention to provide certainty and continuity. “Following the CNMC’s review, we are guaranteeing working capital lines—short-term financing of one year or less—for all Banco Sabadell’s SME and, in the case of Catalonia, for all Catalan SME,” he assured.

Global Head of Commercial & Institutional Client Solutions at BBVA also noted that these commitments are not only about volume: “We are also guaranteeing pricing and commercial terms; a significant step not seen before. Moreover, in depopulated rural areas of Spain, there are commitments to maintain the branch network and to launch products aimed at the most vulnerable groups.”

The 6th Expansión International Forum, held on May 21 and 22, featured over 50 national and international speakers from the political, economic, technological, and financial spheres. They discussed the global challenges of a new economic, geopolitical, and technological era.

Participants in the various sessions included the Vice President of the European Central Bank, Luis de Guindos; the President of the Spanish Banking Association, Alejandra Kindelán; the Governor of the Bank of Spain, José Luis Escrivá; the President of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE), Antonio Garamendi; as the chairmen or CEOs of Santander Spain, Caixabank, Banco Sabadell, Deutsche Bank Spain, BlackRock Iberia, Telefónica, Naturgy, Iberia, Iberdrola, Enagás, and Indra, among others.