Mexican Banks Ramp Up Financing for Energy, SME Growth

Summary: Banco Sabadell México and Santander México are expanding financing initiatives across two strategic pillars of Mexico's economy: Sabadell is targeting up to US$7.4 billion in renewable energy, transmission and mixed-investment infrastructure projects to support the country's goal of generating 38.5% of electricity from clean sources by 2030, while Santander has partnered with CAINTRA to channel MX$100 million in preferential credit to SMEs in Nuevo Leon amid projected 4% industrial growth in 2026. The parallel moves signal growing confidence among Mexican financial institutions in both the energy transition and the industrial manufacturing sector as durable areas of long-term capital deployment.

Mexican banks are stepping up financing efforts across two pillars of the country's economy, with Banco Sabadell México targeting energy infrastructure projects worth up to US$7.4 billion and Santander México partnering with industry group CAINTRA to unlock MX$100 million (US$5.3 million) in credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nuevo Leon.

The two initiatives, announced separately, reflect a broader push by financial institutions to capitalize on Mexico's economic momentum in both the renewable energy sector and its industrial manufacturing base.

Banco Sabadell Targets Renewable Energy and Transmission

Banco Sabadell México said it will reinforce its strategy to finance energy infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on renewable energy, electricity transmission and mixed-investment schemes, as part of an effort to strengthen the national electric system and accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy matrix.

The bank said it aims to position itself as a financial partner for developers and investors throughout all stages of project execution, from construction to operational stabilization. Its strategy includes financing for wind farms, photovoltaic installations, transmission lines and priority initiatives backed by the federal government.

The push comes as Mexico's energy sector undergoes a reactivation supported by a co-investment scheme in which the state retains a 54% majority stake while private companies can contribute up to 46% of capital with preferential rights. In June 2026, Mexico awarded 38 renewable energy projects that will add 8,000 megawatts of new capacity, backed by an estimated US$7.4 billion in investment.

"Our vision is to be a key player in Mexico's transformation toward a sustainable future, contributing the expertise needed to reach the national goal of generating 38.5% of electricity from clean sources by 2030," said Gustavo Martínez, Deputy General Director of CIB at Banco Sabadell México.

Carlos Herrerías, the bank's Director of Energy and Infrastructure, said Banco Sabadell also plans to participate in projects to expand transmission infrastructure, which he described as essential to integrating new renewable capacity into the national grid. "We are committed to financing large energy projects, especially priority projects, mixed-investment schemes and the expansion of transmission infrastructure," Herrerías said.

The bank said meeting Mexico's clean-generation targets will require coordinated participation between the public and private sectors, along with financial mechanisms capable of mobilizing capital toward long-term infrastructure projects.

Santander, CAINTRA Launch SME Credit Program in Nuevo Leon

Separately, Santander México and the Chamber of the Transformation Industry of Nuevo Leon (CAINTRA) launched an alliance to channel MX$100 million in credit to SMEs in the state, alongside 5,000 training scholarships aimed at strengthening business capabilities and competitiveness.

The agreement is designed to expand financing options for CAINTRA-affiliated companies and support their professionalization and long-term growth. It comes as Nuevo Leon's industrial sector shows signs of recovery, with CAINTRA projecting 4% growth in 2026 and the creation of up to 27,000 jobs, reported MBN. 

Under the deal, Santander will offer CAINTRA members preferential credit conditions through products such as Crédito Simple and Crédito Ágil, with both fixed- and variable-rate options, plus opening-fee benefits on the first loans formalized under the alliance. Participating companies will also gain access to Santander's broader portfolio of business solutions, including digital tools, corporate benefits and international expansion support.

Marcos Abal Soneira, Santander México's Executive Director of SMEs, said Nuevo Leon's role as an industrial, manufacturing and export hub means local SMEs require agile financial solutions to sustain job creation and development. 

“Nuevo Leon has a strategic role as an industrial, manufacturing and export hub for the country, and its SMEs require agile financial solutions that allow them to continue generating jobs and development. For this reason, we will open the credit tap and provide non-financial benefits to give them the support they need in partnership with CAINTRA,” Abal said. 

Jorge Santos Reyna, president of CAINTRA Nuevo Leon, said the agreement aims to help member companies build stronger credit histories and access more competitive financing conditions.

“The objective of this agreement is clear: to establish a collaboration that allows companies affiliated with CAINTRA to access a more competitive financial offering designed to support their operational, investment and development needs,” Santos said. 

A Broader Push to Mobilize Capital

Together, the two initiatives illustrate how Mexican banks are moving to mobilize capital across distinct but complementary fronts: large-scale renewable energy infrastructure needed to meet national clean-power targets, and smaller-scale industrial financing aimed at sustaining SME growth in one of the country's key manufacturing regions. Both efforts point to financial institutions positioning themselves as long-term partners in sectors seen as central to Mexico's competitiveness and economic development.