Reportage

Kinépolis Madrid Ciudad de la Imagen was the venue chosen to celebrate the tenth anniversary of CaixaBank Empresas. Over 900 CaixaBank directors, managers and specialists filled the main hall of this spectacular cinema complex for an event dedicated to analysing the historical journey, current context and outlook for this brand specialised in serving companies.

CaixaBank's Managing Director of Business Development, Juan Alcaraz, opened the event recalling that the brand was incorporated into CaixaBank in 2007 when one of the priorities in its Strategic Plan was to diversify a business which at the time was heavily focused on the individual and mortgage segments. Alcaraz noted that "we decided to start with the corporate business because it was the most disruptive".

The Bank focused its efforts on creating the necessary structure in record time and the first business centre opened its doors in Pamplona. Ten years later, CaixaBank now has 116 business centres handling over 81,000 companies. Business volume has tripled over the last ten years from €17,200 million to €59,800 million.

Alcaraz handed over to Luis Cabanas, CaixaBank Executive Manager of Business Banking, who used his speech to spell out the factors behind CaixaBank Empresas' success:

The essence of our leadership resides in our network outreach and trustworthiness. Having such a close relationship with our customers is an enormous competitive advantage

The figures attest to this. CaixaBank's current corporate loan portfolio amounts to €74,746 million. €9,213 million of new loans were granted to companies in the first nine months of 2017, up 28% on the same period last year. CaixaBank is the market leader for corporate lending with a market share of 14.4%. Leasing has seen particularly vigorous growth with the bank rising for third to first place in the ranking, obtaining a market share of 19.9%. The Bank ranks second in Confirming with a share of 21% and third in Factoring with an 18% market share.

Best branch awards

The event continued with the CaixaBank Empresas awards ceremony for the best branches and employees in 2017.

After a refreshment break, the focus turned to analysis. Two roundtables debated issues relating to the business environment and future challenges, involving directors from different business centres across Spain. This was followed by one of the most highly anticipated and entertaining moments of the day: the YouTubers competition. The second edition of this competition was won by the Cuzco branch in the Madrid Regional General Division from among 21 participating branches.

Finally, Luis Cabanas brought the event to a close by thanking his entire team, comprising 1,375 highly-specialised professionals who are constantly improving their skills and have a well-established reputation in advising companies.