BBVA Argentina (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; Latibex: XBBAR) is a subsidiary of the BBVA Group, the principal shareholder since 1996. In Argentina, it is one of the leading private financial institutions since 1886. Nationwide, BBVA Argentina, offers retail and corporate banking, to a broad customer base, including: individuals, SME’s, and large-sized companies.
BBVA Argentina’s purpose, is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers’ real needs, providing the best solutions, and helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: “Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team”. At the same time, its responsible banking model, aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society
Summary of sustainability strategy
At BBVA they have a differential banking model that they refer to as responsible banking, based on seeking out a return adjusted to principles, strict legal compliance, best practices and the creation of long-term value for all stakeholders.
It is reflected in the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility or Responsible Banking Policy. The Policy’s mission is to manage the responsibility for the Bank’s impact on people and society, which is key to the delivery of BBVA’s Purpose.
All the Group’s business and support areas integrate this policy into their operational models. The Responsible Business Unit coordinates the implementation and basically operates as a second line for defining standards and offering support.
The responsible banking model is supervised by the Board of Directors and its committees, as well as by the Bank’s senior management.
The four pillars of BBVA’s responsible banking model are as follows:
• Balanced relations with its customers, based on transparency, clarity and responsibility.
• Sustainable finance to combat climate change, respect human rights and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Responsible practices with employees, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Community investment to promote social change and create opportunities for all.
Sustainable finance
Banks play a crucial role in the fight against climate change and in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals thanks to their unique position in mobilizing capital through investments, loans, issuance and advisory functions. They have effective measures in place to help tackle these challenges: firstly, providing innovative solutions to help customers transition to a low-carbon economy and driving sustainable finance; and, secondly, systematically incorporating social and environmental risk into their decision-making processes.
BBVA’s commitment to sustainable development is reflected in its global-reach Environmental Commitment. In 2018, BBVA announced its strategy on climate change and sustainable development to help the Bank meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change. 2025 Pledge will help the Bank progressively align its activity with the Paris Agreement on climate change and achieve a balance between sustainable energy and investments in fossil fuels. The strategy is based on a threefold commitment:
1. To finance: BBVA is pledging to mobilize € 100 billion in green finance, sustainable infrastructure and agribusiness, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
2. To manage the environmental and social risk associated with the Bank’s activity, to minimize potentially negative direct and indirect impacts.
3. To engage all stakeholders to increase the financial sector’s collective contribution to sustainable development.
BBVA’s environmental Commitment and strategy on climate change and sustainable development are both approved by the Chief Executive Officer and backed by senior management.
Community investment
BBVA strives to be an engine of opportunities for people and to generate a positive impact in their lives. Through various social programs, we deliver on BBVA’s purpose. Put all the opportunities of this new era within reach of everyone. In particular, for those in more difficult situations, including more vulnerable individuals.
Financial education
Financial education is one of our strategic priorities established in the Community Investment Plan. The global objective of BBVA’s commitment to financial education is to promote a concept of financial education in the broad sense, through the Global Financial Education Plan, based on three lines of action:
• Financial education for society: Encourage the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes in all countries where BBVA operates, through its own programs and in collaboration with third parties, in order to achieve greater knowledge of financial concepts and a change in behavior in financial decision-making.
• Financial education in customer solutions: Integrate financial capabilities in the customer’s experience in order to facilitate informed decision-making, which will result in an improvement in their financial well-being and allow them to access greater opportunities.
• Promotion of financial education: Promote the importance of knowledge and financial capabilities, as a fundamental issue that has a direct impact on the well-being of people.