Background on Mariuz Calvet and Her Role in Sustainable Banking
Mariuz Calvet, the Director of Sustainability at Santander Mexico and President of the Sustainability Committee of the Asociación de Bancos de México (ABM), has been a prominent figure in advocating for sustainable banking practices. Her leadership and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria have positioned her as a key influencer in the Mexican banking sector.
Santander Mexico’s Sustainable Banking Initiatives
At the 2025 Banking Convention, Calvet emphasized that banks play a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon, more equitable economic model by directing capital towards sustainable activities. She highlighted that banks should be drivers of economic and sustainable development, creating financial instruments to support individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations in adopting responsible business models that consider environmental and social impacts.
Growing Emphasis on Sustainability in the Mexican Banking Industry
The banking industry in Mexico has increasingly embraced sustainability, with the ABM establishing a specialized committee in recent years to advance more structured progress and common goals among institutions. Calvet mentioned that approximately 86% of the banking sector’s assets in Mexico now have sustainability teams and are reporting ESG-related metrics, demonstrating the sector’s growing capability to integrate these criteria into its operations.
Regulatory Alignment and Sustainability Goals
Calvet pointed out that Mexican financial regulators are aligning with European regulatory movements on sustainability, pushing banks to be more ambitious and act with greater urgency on climate change and inclusion issues. This alignment positions Mexico to follow a similar path towards sustainability.
Sustainable Banking Products and Services
Banks are now offering a range of sustainable products and services, including green mortgages, loans for hybrid and electric vehicles, and credits for SMEs looking to install solar panels or water treatment plants. These offerings reflect the sector’s shift towards more sustainable practices.
Engaging with Younger Generations
Calvet stressed the importance of banks staying attuned to consumer needs, particularly those of younger generations who show greater interest in sustainable products and services. She advocated for increased interaction between customers and financial institutions, urging banks to prioritize financial education and active listening to user needs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the role of banks in sustainable development? Banks are essential drivers of economic and sustainable development, creating financial instruments that support responsible business models considering environmental and social impacts.
- What percentage of bank assets in Mexico now incorporate ESG criteria? Approximately 86% of bank assets in Mexico now have sustainability teams and report ESG-related metrics.
- What sustainable banking products and services are being offered? Green mortgages, electric car loans, credits for SMEs installing solar panels or water treatment plants are examples of sustainable banking offerings.
- Why is it important for banks to engage with younger generations regarding sustainability? Younger generations show greater interest in sustainable products and services, making it crucial for banks to foster interaction and prioritize financial education.
