It all began in 1876, specifically on May 28, 1876. An office, in a square that no longer exists, and a premise: to combine financial inclusion, social well-being, and economic development. At that time, it was called the General Savings Bank and Mont de Piedad and had 112 deposits (accounts or deposits) totaling 12,810 pesetas (€77.95). Today, since 2011, it is Ibercaja Banco, with 892 offices, 5,227 employees, and a total volume of activity exceeding €111 billion.
Spain was undergoing the newly established Bourbon Restoration, and the world was witnessing the birth of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell when, on May 28, 1876, the first office of the Savings Bank and Mont de Piedad of Zaragoza opened its doors. One hundred and fifty years later, that modest institution, driven by the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country of Aragon, has transformed into Ibercaja, one of the major banking groups in Spain, with a presence in all 50 provinces and a workforce of over 5,200 professionals. However, the institution claims that, in essence, nothing has changed.
On Wednesday, May 28, Ibercaja commemorated this milestone with a day of events open to the public at its headquarters in Zaragoza, centered around the inauguration of the exhibition «150 Years Moving for You.» The event brought together leading Aragonese institutions and business representatives from the area.
Francisco Serrano, president of Ibercaja, referring to these as “turbulent times,” stated that trust remains key to surviving uncertainty, describing the 150 years of the institution as “a story of trust” woven together with founders, shareholders, clients, employees, and society.
Three traits intact over a century and a half
The CEO of Ibercaja, Víctor Iglesias, identified three traits that he believes have remained unchanged since 1876: the centrality of people, social orientation, and deep roots in Aragón.
We are a very solid, competitive, and modern bank that retains its corporate essence, with a strong social vocation and a firm commitment to the region.
A unique model: profits return to society
100% of Ibercaja’s capital belongs to foundations, turning every euro of profit into social, cultural, or educational investment for the public.
In 2025, this contribution translated into €138.4 million in dividends, with which the foundations developed over 10,000 initiatives benefiting nearly 2.7 million people nationwide. Through «Your Money with Heart,» Ibercaja donated €1.15 million to 20 social project entities.
The territorial dimension of this commitment is notable: in 100 Spanish municipalities, Ibercaja is the only bank with in-person attention, reinforcing the cohesion of rural areas and small communities.
From the Plaza del Reino to all of Spain: 150 years of milestones
- 1876 Foundation of the Savings Bank and Mont de Piedad of Zaragoza by the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country.
- 1913 Inauguration of the headquarters at number 8 San Jorge Street in Zaragoza.
- Central decades of the 20th century driving significant infrastructure and Aragonese agri-food products.
- 1950s Restoration of the Patio de la Infanta, a Renaissance heritage site now used for exhibitions and cultural events.
- 2008 Key participation in the Zaragoza International Expo, driving the Zaragoza Logistics Platform (PLAZA).
- 2011 Transition to a bank, overcoming the financial crisis without public aid.
- 2023 Opening of Mobility City in the Zaha Hadid pavilion from the 2008 Expo, a benchmark in sustainable mobility.
- 2026 Celebration of the 150th anniversary with business records: over €111 billion in activity volume.
An immersive exhibition as a collective tribute
The central focus of the commemoration is the exhibition «150 Years Moving for You» at the Zaragoza headquarters until May 28, 2027, offering an immersive journey from the origins of the Caja to current challenges.
The exhibit includes historical documents, objects, photographs, audiovisual resources, and augmented reality elements, along with works by prominent artists and symbolic pieces such as a poster from the Rolling Stones concert in Zaragoza in 2003.
The celebrations will extend to other locations across the country with a broad program of cultural and educational activities.
A bank that looks to the future from its roots
The 150th anniversary arrives at what is described as «the best moment in its history,» with solid growth and a marked increase in national and international market share.
In 2016, a strategic agreement was signed with Microsoft to accelerate digital transformation, reinforcing the commitment to innovation and sustainability.
