- This is the first time the Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (Central-American Bank for Economic Integration – BCIE) –which promotes economic integration and social and economic development– has distinguished an important individual on a personal basis.
- It highlights Claudio González-Vega’s “merit, hard work and trajectory” and “his contribution to the development of the microfinance sector”.
The Award for Excellence in Microfinance granted to Claudio González-Vega, Chairman of the Trustees of the BBVA Microfinance Foundation (BBVAMF), is the recognition of his professional career as a leading authority in finance and development, and his contribution to the development of underprivileged entrepreneurs in Latin America. Until now the BCIE had granted this prize to microfinance institutions, and this is the first time it has been awarded individually to a figure of recognized prestige.
The BCIE is a multilateral bank, and a strategic ally of its member companies in Central America in providing sustainable financial solutions to generate employment and promote well-being and quality of life for citizens.
Claudio González-Vega received the award during the VIII Central American and Caribbean Microfinance Conference, which was attended by over 800 representatives of microfinance institutions in Central America and the Caribbean. Organized by the Central American and Caribbean Microfinance Network (REDCAMIF) and sponsored by the BCIE, it is taking place in Nicaragua until 5 August under the heading “Technology: Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion”. The Award for Excellence in Microfinance will be a bi-annual award presented at the regional conferences of REDCAMIF.
Claudio González-Vega trained as an economist and lawyer, and is emeritus professor at Ohio State University, master in Economics from the London School of Economics, and doctor in Economics from Stanford University (California). He is especially recognized in academic circles for his contribution to the fields of analysis, promotion and regulation of the microfinance sector.
He was dean of the Economics Faculty at the University of Costa Rica and one of the founders of the Academia de Centroamérica (Academy of Central America). He worked for 30 years as professor of Economics and Agricultural, Environmental and Developmental Economics, and was director of the Rural Finance Program at Ohio State University.