Our presence in a number of countries at differing development stages in their good governance practices, and with shifting nuances in their interpretation of governance principles and recommendations, has made us aware of the need to have a common starting point.
Subject to different corporate governance regulations in each of their institutions, we believe it is important for multinational groups to have institutional and governance principles that can be applied across the board.
For this reason, BBVA Microfinance Foundation has adopted a modern, shared governance model which meets the highest standards, for all the financial institutions where it has a stake.
Financial results are not within the highest priorities of non-profit organizations, which place more emphasis on the social impact of their activity and on generating intangible value. This is only possible by putting in place corporate governance models that have included the best social responsibility principles at their very core.
The MFIs carry the same Group name and need to produce common, distinctive and recognisable brand from each and every one of the institutions. That is why it is so important to define a shared language through a governance model that enables them to:
- Assume the Group’s mission, vision and method as their own
- Bear a uniform understanding of concepts such as ethics and transparency
- Achieve results within an overall framework of long-term sustainability and value creation
- Manage conflicts of interest and related-party transactions according to international standards
- Maintain an ethical relationship model with all stakeholders: shareholders, particularly minority shareholders, clients, employees, suppliers, financiers…
- Establish a single set of commitments, rights and duties for all board members
- Establish a standard framework regarding the composition, operations and roles of the governing bodies and committees
- Consolidate a model of conduct through control areas (auditing, risk and compliance) that would contribute to sustainability and good reputation
Corporate Governance Code
The BBVAMF Group’s Corporate Governance Code was approved in December 2015. The Code consists of a basic model for implementing management and relationship processes for all Group members, with the aim of strengthening its commitment to generate long term, inclusive social impact and sustainability. This model is understood by all of BBVAMF’s entities and endeavors to acknowledge a cohesive organization wtih shared values, as well as to comply with each country’s specific regulation.
Our Corporate Governance Code contains a series of principles and recommendations in accordance with internationally accepted good practice standards, considered desirable for the good governance of the Group as a whole and of each institution member.
The agreement of all the institutions to a document of this nature represents major progress towards the integrated value management of the brand and its reputation, and enables us to view ourselves as part of a cohesive international group.
Code of Conduct for Temporary Investments
As a sign of the Foundation’s commitment to transparency, the Board of Trustees approved a Code of Conduct to be applied to investments in real estate values and financial instruments that fall within the scope of Spain’s National Securities Exchange Commission.
The fundamental principle that will guide the investment of BBVAMF’s resources will be prudential, in order to protect its assets, following the principles of safety, liquidity, profitability, diversification and non-speculative investing.