The banking and financial industry is going through a period of major change. Technology, artificial intelligence, risk management, geopolitical tensions and the wider economic environment are all reshaping how financial institutions assess and grant finance to companies.
These challenges were discussed last week at IESE Banking, organised by IESE Business School, one of Spain’s leading events for the banking sector. The event brought together senior executives from institutions such as Banco Sabadell, Ibercaja, Unicaja, CaixaBank, Kutxabank, ING, Santander Spain, Bankinter, BBVA Spain, the Spanish Banking Association and the Official Credit Institute.
Our founding partner, José Roca, took part in the event. One clear conclusion emerged: in an increasingly uncertain environment, understanding how banking is evolving is essential for companies that want to maximise their financing options.
Technology, risk and geopolitics: three key factors in the new financial landscape
Digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence are changing the way financial institutions analyse companies and make decisions. For businesses, this means one thing: financing requests must be better prepared, clearly structured and supported by reliable data.
It is no longer enough to explain a financial need. Companies must show a coherent financial strategy that is aligned with their business plan.
Risk analysis is also evolving. Finance providers are adjusting their criteria in response to interest rates, economic volatility, regulatory changes and sector exposure. Access to finance is still possible, but it now requires greater preparation, specialist knowledge and a precise understanding of each operation.
Geopolitics is another factor that can no longer be ignored. International tensions, changes in supply chains, developments in foreign markets and regulatory uncertainty are affecting many companies, especially those with international activity or expansion plans.
Maximising financing options is more important than ever
The reflections shared at IESE Banking confirm a reality that we see every day at Kaizen Consulting: companies need a more strategic approach to finance.
Approaching a single institution or presenting an operation in a standard way is no longer enough. In a more demanding and specialised financial market, companies need to understand all the alternatives available to them.
These may include traditional banking, alternative finance, international solutions, working capital instruments, investment finance, factoring, confirming, asset finance or tailor-made structures.
Only by considering all these options can companies secure the liquidity they need to carry out their business plans.
Ready to continue supporting companies
José Roca’s participation in IESE Banking reinforces Kaizen Consulting’s commitment to staying close to the main decision-making forums in the financial sector.
This allows us to understand where the market is heading and transfer that knowledge to our clients.
In an uncertain environment, finance cannot be approached through improvisation. It requires analysis, specialisation, anticipation and a strong network of financial contacts.
At Kaizen Consulting, we remain ready, motivated and focused on the same goal as always: helping our clients access the liquidity they need to keep growing with confidence.
