Cuerpo: "El sector bancario ha llegado con los deberes hechos" al 'shock' por la guerra de Irán

Carlos Cuerpo, the Minister of Economy, Commerce, and Enterprise and the First Vice President of the Government, addressed the opening ceremony of the XVII EXPANSIÓN-KPMG Financial Encounter held at the Fundación Rafael del Pino headquarters in Madrid. He stated that Spain possesses a solvent and consolidated banking sector, which is aiding in overcoming the impact of shocks such as the one caused by the Iran war.

Cuerpo emphasized that the sector has accomplished its tasks in facing the last crises, which has facilitated Spain's advancement through the new financial environment. The event, supported by American Express, CUNEF University, and KPMG, was inaugurated by Ana I. Pereda, Director of EXPANSIÓN, who noted that it takes place in a context of economic growth, as confirmed by the OECD, while warning of high inflation.

The banking sector has shown the greatest progress in the stock market despite the international scenario marked by unrest in the Middle East, causing interest rate increases. Cuerpo confirmed that the government is finalizing a new housing decree, aiming to be ambitious and address all key elements. He highlighted the banking sector's role in promoting affordable housing conditions, through initiatives such as the lines the ICO has launched within the Spain Crece fund, to continue European funds that conclude this year.

The second challenge identified by Cuerpo is advancing European competitiveness, with the banking sector being a principal actor in governance and financing vectors. He identified the mobilization of ten billion euros from bank deposits towards productive investment in Europe, specifically in Spain, as an irrevocable opportunity by approving the integration and supervision market package, an important step to respond to investors' clear message: they need an environment with scale, liquidity, depth, and a credible flow of profits from profitable companies to continue listing in the market.

Lastly, Cuerpo identified the rise of artificial intelligence as the third major challenge for the sector. He believes that both banking and regulation must be prepared for the transformation already generated by artificial intelligence, and in this context, he values how AI presents significant opportunities that banks are already taking advantage of, alongside human attention and personalized service, capable of promoting financial inclusion for the elderly and other collectives with specific needs.

The key lies in complementarity: technology provides reach, and people with talent provide depth. However, relevant risks remain, such as the extended and accelerated cyber risks of market entities and infrastructures due to border models.