Ibercaja brought together chief financial officers and executives from banking institutions in Zaragoza to examine the challenges shaping the sector, from the effective deployment of artificial intelligence to talent management and the impact of geopolitics. The event, led by the institution’s chief financial officer, Raquel Martínez, was held as part of Ibercaja’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Artificial intelligence requires measurable results in banking
The meeting focused on the transformation of the finance function amid greater uncertainty and competition. Participants addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on finance departments and agreed that the challenge is no longer limited to adopting these technologies.
Institutions are seeking tangible gains from artificial intelligence in productivity, efficiency, and value creation. To achieve this, they highlighted the need to develop new operating models that translate technological tools into concrete business results.
The finance function of the future will need to combine business judgment, analytical capabilities, and technological expertise, according to conclusions shared during the session. Developing these capabilities is emerging as a strategic priority for finance departments across the banking sector.
Hybrid talent and leadership, key to financial transformation
Talent management was another central theme of the event held in Zaragoza. Attendees stressed that attracting, developing, and retaining professionals with analytical and technological capabilities has become one of the top priorities for finance departments.
The discussion also highlighted the role of leadership in transformation processes. Finance departments face the need to integrate hybrid profiles capable of combining financial knowledge, business perspective, and technological skills.
Participants included Iván Baile, CFO of Andbank; Sonia Sánchez, CFO of Kutxabank; Sergio Palavecino, CFO of Banco Sabadell; and Alberto de Francisco, CFO of Abanca, alongside representatives of other financial institutions and specialized companies. Firms including BTS, Manpower, Microsoft and True North Partners shared their perspectives on the new capabilities demanded by finance departments.
Geopolitics plays a growing role in banking decision-making
The event found that geopolitics has ceased to be a temporary factor and has become a structural variable in corporate decision-making. This environment requires institutions to strengthen their capabilities in analysis, foresight, and risk management.
Presentations by Francisco José Gan and Judith Arnal, of the Instituto el Cano, rounded out the analysis of the current geopolitical landscape. The discussion identified the integration of technology, specialized talent, and analytical capacity as one of the banking sector’s responses to an increasingly complex environment.
