Luis de Guindos’s brief presentation focused on the ongoing transformation of the financial world, and particularly commercial banking, as well as the call to other economic and financial actors to act in defense of the growth of the eurozone economy, a task which, in his opinion, “cannot fall exclusively on the ECB, which has a very explicit mandate that it must fulfill”.

Afterwards, it was time for the discussion, moderated by César Claver, President the Club, who questioned Luis de Guindos on a wide range of topics, including the trade war, Brexit, and the European integration project as an example of globalization. Issues in which the European Central Bank plays a decisive role were also addressed, such as negative interest rates and banking union. At the end of the discussion, Luis de Guindos received a gift and a commemorative plaque.

The second part of the event was dedicated to the organization’s history and modernization over the past two decades. Thus, Manuel Sendagorta and Jon Iriondo, Vice President and Investment Director the Club, presented attendees with some of the most relevant figures. These included the Club’s more than 500 members, assets exceeding €70,000, and an annualized return of 4.2% over the past twenty years.

Following this presentation, the final part of the event featured its three founding partners, Aritza Rodero, Kevin Rodríguez-Patterson, and Javier Onzain, who participated in a roundtable discussion moderated by Enrique Sáez, CEO of Fineco. In a decidedly relaxed atmosphere, the Club’s founders shared memories, anecdotes, and stories from the its beginnings, the launch of which was anything but easy. They also discussed their subsequent professional development, a clear example of the wide variety offered by the world of finance. At the same time, they addressed some of the most current topics in the industry, such as socially responsible investing and the growing role of women. The event concluded with the presentation, by the current members of the Club’s Board, of plaques in recognition of the seed planted by the three founders two decades ago, which today has grown into a robust and thriving tree; specifically, thanks to the energy provided by the more than 140 active members who attend its meetings week after week.