BBVA México Advances Sustainable Finance, Empowers Women

BBVA México presented a comprehensive overview of its ESG strategy during the fourth edition of its “Day of Sustainability,” held on Nov. 3, bringing together senior executives, specialists, and social-impact leaders to discuss how the bank is advancing sustainability in the financial sector. The event, hosted by Ricardo Fernández de Mazarambroz, director of the Wholesale Banking Network and Sustainability at BBVA México, highlighted the bank’s efforts to support Mexico’s development through financial inclusion, education, community development, and the integration of sustainability across all business segments.

Eduardo Osuna, vice president and general director, BBVA México, opened the forum by presenting the bank’s progress towards its ESG objectives. As of 3Q25, BBVA México has mobilized more than MX$330 billion (US$18.01 billion) in sustainable financing, including MX$93 billion (US$5.08 billion) dedicated to inclusive-growth initiatives. Osuna emphasized the bank’s support for small and medium enterprises, noting that over 6,000 women entrepreneurs have received more than MX$15 billion (US$818.71 million) in credit this year, while an additional 20,000 microenterprises accessed more than MX$4 billion (US$218.32 million) in financing. “Our purpose is clear: to accompany Mexico in its will to go further,” Osuna said. “This is not only about profitability; it is about social well-being.”

A panel on BBVA’s social-impact initiatives followed. Daniel Coulomb, leader of Educational Programs at Fundación BBVA México, detailed the “Children that Inspire” program, which supports over 55,000 scholarship recipients, more than 80% of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Students also receive mentorship, emotional support, and guidance to ensure academic continuity. Beatriz Martínez, head of “We Learn Together Mexico”, reported that the platform surpassed 1.6 billion views over the past year. Alejandra Santamaría, director of Cultural Promotion, shared the bank’s work with Mexican artisans to strengthen local economies through visibility, training, and documentation of traditional techniques.

A second panel focused on collaboration between BBVA and government institutions to advance financial inclusion and sustainability. Rodrigo Huerta, director of Financial Inclusion and Partnerships, highlighted the “We Move Forward for Mexico” initiative, developed with the Ministry of Tourism. The program seeks to digitalize and bank the 177 Pueblos Mágicos, providing artisans and merchants with digital payment systems and access to credit, boosting local economies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, expected to attract over six million foreign visitors. 

Graciela González and Karime de la Rosa discussed progress in bankarizing beneficiaries of federal social programs. BBVA México has created no-fee accounts for these users, incorporating 264,000 individuals into the financial system, many for the first time. They also highlighted the new sustainability section in the BBVA app, which includes simulators for evaluating the economic and environmental benefits of installing solar panels, purchasing efficient appliances, or choosing hybrid vehicles. Customers with a carbon footprint above one ton per year can contribute to the “TO2 for the Forests of Mexico” reforestation initiative.

In a closing discussion centered on sustainability as a core business driver, senior executives emphasized the bank’s evolving approach towards small and medium-sized business owners. Fernández de Mazarambroz, together with Benjamín Medina (Retail Banking), Héctor Medina (SME Banking) and Rosendo Pérez (Corporate and Investment Banking), explained that BBVA México is moving from a transactional mindset to a consultative model, integrating sustainability into client solutions. Initiatives such as Pyme Mujeres aim to support female entrepreneurs, noting that 80–82% of women-led businesses in Mexico operate informally. They also highlighted BBVA’s “zona de cobro” tool, which helps small businesses adopt formal payment solutions, expand their customer base, and access financial services more effectively.