A different way of doing banking

• Social commitment is part of CaixaBank's DNA. A bank that supports the economy and society on a continuous basis.

At a time when society is facing new challenges that require adapting effectively and flexibly, the role of key sectors like business is crucial. Helping to move forward and offering the boost needed to avoid being left behind is a shared responsibility. This is especially true for those who are actively taking part in transforming society. Following the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, who stated that “commitment is an act, not a word”, it is vital for companies to show their commitment by taking concrete actions that will move society forward and have a positive impact on it.

In this regard, the support of the financial sector is key: not only as a promoter of the economy, but also to help families and society as a whole in dealing with present-day challenges. If there is one company whose commitment to society is part of its DNA, that company is CaixaBank. This is shown in every sphere in which the company acts.

With respect to financial inclusion, the bank has a presence in 3,149 Spanish municipalities, and in 458 of these, it is the only bank. In some of these municipalities, CaixaBank is present in the form of its mobile branches, a service that highlights our firm commitment to financial inclusion. The company has 18 mobile branches that cover upwards of 53,000 kilometres on average every month and provide service to a total of 804 municipalities in thirteen provinces and six autonomous communities. Some 340,000 people - a good deal of them seniors - live in the towns served by mobile branches. Thanks to this service, they can carry out the most common banking transactions, regardless of whether they are customers of the bank.

Supporting people who aspire to either launch or consolidate their own business is also key for supporting the economy and society. Nuria's art school, Fran's vehicle repair shop and Kryzmarlem's confectionery business are all establishments that were able to open their doors thanks to the work of MicroBank, CaixaBank's social bank, which has granted 194,300 microloans in the past twelve months. Not only that, but the knock-on effect of its activity brought about the creation of 33,500 jobs in the past year. While helping to create jobs, MicroBank is also committed to training as a way to improve professional skills. This year it has launched MicroBank Academy, a service that allows entrepreneurs free access to Google courses so they can learn how to successfully manage their business.

Initiatives with social impact

Another of the company's strongest commitments relates to financial management and access to housing of vulnerable groups. CaixaBank offers social or basic accounts for these groups, and 382,000 customers are now benefiting from this product. The bank also now has 10,000 social housing units and about 46,000 customers in financial hardship have benefited from payment agreements, refinancing arrangements or the measures included in the code of Best Mortgage Practices since interest rates began to rise.

The bank also places a focus on training, specifically, vocational training as a pathway to employment. To do so, it supports and trains students, educational institutions and companies through CaixaBank Dualiza. In just the first half of 2024, more than 7,300 students benefited from the initiatives promoted by this foundation aimed at improving individuals' qualifications through vocational training.

CaixaBank also has its own programme and a network of volunteers, with more than 18 years of history and 16,600 people involved. In just the bank's social month in May, volunteers took part in 2,700 initiatives to improve the quality of life of vulnerable individuals and groups. They did so through activities related to education, digitalisation, accompaniment and the environment, among others.

Commitment to the environment

In addition, the drive for sustainability in different areas is another of the major social challenges that require support by companies, including the financial sector, which can do so through the inclusion of financial models designed to boost the ecological transition and based on the main ESG criteria.

CaixaBank is a company with strong historic ties to the social impact of its own activity. This is why it assumes the responsibility of driving a positive economy aimed at the well-being of people with three ambitions: leading on positive social impact and encouraging financial inclusion; driving the sustainability transition of companies and society; and fostering a responsible culture by being a benchmark in governance.

CaixaBank has mobilised a total of €67,157 million in sustainable finance according to the data at the close of June of 2024.  This figure means it has surpassed the target set out in the bank's Sustainable Banking Plan, which is part of the Strategic Plan 2022-2024. That is, six months before the end of the plan.

Also, the bank's actions in sustainable finance have achieved international recognition in 2024. Specifically, CaixaBank is ranked as the most award-winning Bank in Sustainable Lending in 2024 by the magazine Global Finance and it is rated the ‘Best Bank in ESG in Spain in 2024’ by the magazine Euromoney.