2011-2014, a new Strategic Plan to once again make the difference

In 2010 the ”la Caixa” Group successfully completed the development of its 2007- 2010 Strategic Plan. Despite an economic setting that was far more complex than expected, all the organisational and business structure challenges were met, with increases in market share.

In Spain individual banking was consolidated as a fundamental cornerstone of the Group’s business coupled with the development of a specific model for each segment: individual banking, private banking, SME banking, business banking and corporate banking. All the above have enabled the Institution to strengthen its commercial positioning with generalised gains in market shares.

A platform has been set up to expand internationally based on three cornerstones: representative offices, operating branches and banking associates. Furthermore, during this period Criteria CaixaCorp was listed on the market and has acted as a vehicle towards expanding abroad through holding a distinctive investee portfolio. Finally, in 2007-2010 the ”la Caixa” Group consolidated its social standing through itsWelfare Programmes and the creation of MicroBank.

Thus, the ”la Caixa” Group now presents a good starting point to develop a new Strategic Plan: enviable financial situation, great commercial strength, model of customer care (quality service, territorial expansion), excellent professionals, and so on, which will clearly allow the Institution’s challenges to be met.

With the slogan “Making the difference”, the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan aims to underscore its vocation to leadership and growth, both nationally and internationally, and to maintain its commitment to the business fabric. Thus underscoring the social responsibility of the ”la Caixa” Group, now more than ever in a complex economic setting.

This means growing to guarantee the ”la Caixa” Group model and making the difference. The ”la Caixa” Group has always had and wishes to continue having a management model with a difference defined by:

• Social commitment
• Prudence and long-term vision
• Proximity to customers
• Excellence in service
• Qualified, motivated staff
• Technological innovation
• Model of corporate governance

To achieve the above, the Strategic Plan has considered 11 Great Challenges, such as consolidating the leadership of ”la Caixa” in retail banking in Spain, diversifying the business, becoming more international, maintaining its commitment with the business fabric –also through a distinctive investee portfolio – and underscoring its social commitment. Particularly, the 11 Great Challenges for the ”la Caixa” Group in 2011-2014 are as follows:

1. To strengthen its leadership in retail banking.
2. To diversify its business towards companies.
3. To balance its territorial presence.
4. To grow internationally.
5. To maintain a distinctive investee portfolio.
6. To maintain financial strength.
7. To improve returns.
8. To progress in organisational efficiency and flexibility.
9. To develop and motivate talent.
10. To underscore its social commitment.
11. To communicate the aims of the institution both internally and externally.