- The ABM aims to close structural gaps holding back the country’s financial growth
- 63% of MSMEs—representing 99% of all businesses in the country—operate informally, while 1 in 10 doesn’t know how to apply for a loan
The Mexican Banking Association (ABM) unveiled its new Strategic Agenda 2025–2030 yesterday, delivering a clear message: the banking sector needs a profound transformation to meet the country’s challenges and become a true driver of economic development.
That was the message from Emilio Romano, the organization’s new president (in office since May), who outlined a plan built on four key pillars: financial inclusion and digitalization, credit growth, financial education, and customer empowerment.
With this roadmap, the ABM seeks to close structural gaps hindering the country’s financial development—such as the heavy reliance on cash, low levels of financial inclusion, and limited trust in banking institutions.
A Snapshot of Banking in Mexico
Currently, only 76.5% of the population holds a formal financial product, and just 37.3% have access to credit. Cash remains dominant: 74% of transactions over 500 pesos are made in cash. This makes it harder to combat informality, encourages tax evasion, and opens the door to illicit activity.
Financial education is another weak point: only 6% of Mexicans have taken any type of course on the subject. Among MSMEs—99% of all businesses in the country—63% operate informally, and 1 in 10 does not know how to apply for a loan, according to ABM data.
Romano emphasized that reversing these figures is key to achieving inclusive and sustained growth:
“First we must promote financial inclusion, then strengthen the various credit segments. To do so, coordination with authorities and development banks will be essential.”
A More Trustworthy and Customer-Centric Banking System
Another core focus will be customer empowerment. Romano stressed the importance of making banking more transparent, accessible, and secure:
“We must clarify product costs and improve fraud prevention. We want users to feel protected and supported by their banks.”
In addition to its strategic pillars, the agenda includes three cross-cutting themes: financial stability and markets, regulation and social responsibility, and an active international agenda.
Support for MSMEs and a Stronger Financial System
As part of Plan México, five joint working groups will be created between the ABM and the federal government to boost credit access for MSMEs—one of the most underserved sectors, yet with high potential for job and wealth creation.
Despite the challenges, Romano assured that Mexico’s banking sector is strong and prepared to weather potential economic shocks:
“We have sufficient reserves, sound risk management, and comply with regulatory requirements. The banking system is solid,” he noted.
As evidence, he highlighted that private sector lending is growing at double-digit rates and reached 6.88 trillion pesos in April.
Banking in Numbers
The ABM represents 54 financial institutions that together generate 276,000 direct jobs in Mexico. The banking infrastructure includes 11,800 branches, 65,000 ATMs, and 58,000 banking agents, ensuring nationwide presence.
With this 2025–2030 Strategic Agenda, Mexican banks aim not just to adapt to the times, but to close the historic gaps that have long limited their impact on the economic lives of millions of Mexicans.