BBVA Compass was recognized by the Small Business Administration with two awards recently, highlighting more achievements for the bank in its commitment to entrepreneurship.

Following the urgent measures adopted by Franco’s government to expedite the reconstruction of the economy, the Ministry of Finance redoubled its efforts to strengthen its grip over the banking sector.  On the last day of 1946, a new banking law was passed, outlining the new scenario in which institutions would be required to operate during the next decade.

In April, BBVA signed a $100 million green loan agreement with Acciona to partially fund solar and wind projects in Chile. This is the second-ever green loan secured by a Spanish company; both have been made by BBVA.

BBVA is the third most transparent company on Spain´s benchmark IBEX 35 index, according to “Contribution and Transparency 2016,” a report published by the Fundación Compromiso y Transparencia (Commitment and Transparency Foundation).

The European Commission is currently seeking to answer this and many other questions that citizens have posed about retail financial services. In 2015, the Commission launched a public consultation that is set out in a document containing requests from citizens, presented by the European Parliament at the close of 2016. The next step was the publication of the Consumer Financial Services Action Plan: Better Products, More Choice, with specific proposals for eliminating the barriers to retail banking in Europe.

The Chairman of the Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) has completed a round of meetings in the City of London to explain the measures adopted to facilitate the arrival of international firms to Spain. Also, the supervisory body of the Spanish financial markets recently announced four strategic lines for the next two years. The plan is aimed at yielding a more efficient, transparent, responsive and modern supervisor, a more attractive and appealing Spanish market, and better informed, educated and protected investors.

BBVA Compass South Florida Market President Roberto Muñoz was honored last week with Florida International University’s Distinguished Alumni Award at its 16th Annual Torch Awards Gala. The celebratory event recognized alumni and faculty who are positively impacting their profession, the Miami community and the university.

BBVA Compass ClearSpend Visa, the bank’s prepaid debit card, was recently awarded with a 2016 Visa DPS Client Achievement Award for Highest Portfolio Growth - Prepaid, Consumer Reloadable.

S&P changed its outlook for BBVA’s long-term rating (BBB+) from stable to positive. The agency once again highlighted the Group’s strong financial profile, resilient profitability levels and solid capital position.

On April 4 the new €50 note will enter into circulation. This new note, presented on July 5, 2016 by the European Central Bank will be phased in gradually and will coexist with the preceding model, which will remain legal tender. Thus, the ECB completes another step in the rollout of the Europa series, and follows the €5, €10 and €20 notes, which have already been issued. Reinhold Gerstetter, independent banknote designer was selected to refresh the design of the notes.