Background and Leadership
Bankaool, a Chihuahua-based bank, is now poised to compete with both neobanks and traditional banks after undergoing a comprehensive restructuring process since 2023, led by Grupo OMNI. The bank has entered a phase of expansion that promises to intensify competition in the Mexican banking sector.
Juan Antonio Pérez-Simón, Bankaool’s General Director, stated: “Throughout this process, we developed our own platform, invested in technology to provide capabilities for our users, and fostered a culture of agile work that promotes adaptation to change. This has enabled rapid growth, achieving results that took other financial institutions longer to accomplish.”
App Development and Hybrid Model
The development of Bankaool’s app took a year, focusing on providing a simple user experience. Users download the app and receive their cards within days, an essential factor in a competitive market.
With a $200 million investment in technology, Bankaool adopted a hybrid model combining personalized attention at branches, designed as service and experience centers. This strategy has driven significant growth: digital customer base expanded by 429% in 2024, and user-initiated transfers increased over 500%. Moreover, total assets grew by an annual average of 46%.
Differentiating from Other Digital Banks
Although digital performance was outstanding, Pérez-Simón emphasized the importance of distinguishing Bankaool from other digital banks through its physical presence via branches. They aim to convey both warmth and modernity to their users.
“For us, competition is positive; the banking business model is transforming into a fully digital scheme. We are precisely in a hybrid position, offering the best of both worlds: physical attention and digital experience,” Pérez-Simón explained.
Expansion and Physical Presence
Bankaool is rapidly expanding its physical presence, opening key city branches like Mexico City and Ciudad Juárez. These join the 23 already operational in Chihuahua, with plans for more strategic locations such as Saltillo, Monterrey, Tijuana, and others. The expansion plan includes 12 new branches, each designed as a business and experience center, offering close and personalized attention that sets them apart from traditional banking.
Financial Strength to Tackle Challenges
Facing current challenges, Bankaool focused on strengthening its financial muscle, reflected in the growth of available funds and total assets, as well as improvements in capitalization ratio and net profit increase.
Credit placement results include a 169% increase in consumer loans, 62% growth in corporate financing, and a 46% rise in support for SMEs. These achievements were made possible through internal process optimization, technology investment, and a sustainable growth vision.
Future Plans
Bankaool aims to address the growing business demand, which may arrive in waves with a strong presence in border cities where they plan to open branches. They must be prepared with necessary financial and technological tools to support businesses in optimally developing their ventures.
With a national expansion and international opportunities in mind—especially in the US remittance market, which they plan to boost through acquisitions of banks in the US—and an IPO planned for 2026, Bankaool is shaping up to be the new financial-tech giant aiming to conquer all of Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Bankaool’s strategy to stand out in the digital banking sector? Bankaool focuses on user-centric solutions, combining physical branches with digital experiences to offer a unique blend of personalized attention and modern technology.
- How has Bankaool’s financial performance evolved since 2023? The bank has seen significant growth in available funds, total assets, capitalization ratio, and net profit. Credit placements have also increased substantially.
- What are Bankaool’s expansion plans? The bank aims to open 12 new branches across strategic locations in Mexico, focusing on providing personalized and close attention to customers.
- How does Bankaool plan to address the growing business demand? By offering necessary financial and technological tools, Bankaool intends to support businesses in optimally developing their ventures.
- What are Bankaool’s international expansion goals? The bank aims to capitalize on opportunities in the US remittance market through acquisitions and plans an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for 2026.
