Using a simple format and plain language, the Banco de España Blog seeks to make our work more accessible to the general public. It allows us to share our analysis of economic and financial issues and the ins and outs of the Banco de España’s tasks and activities with all those keen to learn more.
The Blog series group together posts covering certain similar topics. Further down is a general listing of all Blog posts, with a search function to help readers find the posts they are interested in.
Series: Focus. Research Videoblog
03/04/2025
European Central Bank (ECB) board members' communication affects financial markets sometimes as much as monetary policy decisions. This is one of the main conclusions of the study "ECB Communication and its Impact on Financial Markets" by Klodiana Istrefi, Florens Odendahl and Giulia Sestieri.
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04/06/2024
The countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) mitigates the risk posed by the macro-financial cycle to the banking system as a whole. The CCyB gradually raises banks’ solvency requirements when this risk is intermediate or high and lowers them when such systemic risks materialise. In so doing, it enhances banks’ loss-absorbing capacity and enables a stable supply of financing to the economy.
30/05/2024
The Banco de España’s branch offices. 150 years open to the public Series: Treasures of the Banco de España
The Banco de España branch network dates back to 1874, 150 years ago. Back then the branch offices were instrumental in garnering widespread acceptance of banknotes as a means of payment. Their role is different today, but they remain essential for distributing banknotes and coins to the general public.
14/05/2024
Why is financial and economic education important? The role of the Banco de España
Financial education seeks to improve the general public’s financial literacy, giving them the tools and information they need to take informed decisions. The Banco de España supports financial education through a range of initiatives targeted at different population groups, bolstering their financial well-being and the stability of the financial system overall.
30/04/2024
The main challenges facing the Spanish economy and how to tackle them Series: Challenges for the Spanish economy
The Spanish economy continued to grow markedly in 2023 and the outlook is favourable, albeit in a context of global uncertainty. Nevertheless, we continue to face structural challenges with far-reaching effects that make it difficult to reach euro area living standards. The Banco de España’s Annual Report discusses these issues and economic policies to address them.
18/04/2024
Planning banking supervision: prioritising what truly matters
Banking supervision is tailored to the risks to which banks are exposed and to their vulnerabilities, ensuring that the areas of greatest concern are reviewed. Setting supervisory priorities allows for more effective supervision and more efficient management of resources.
16/04/2024
How green are our banknotes? The environmental impact of the euro
Cash is still the most common means of payment in shops. But how sustainable is it? The ECB has calculated the environmental impact of euro banknotes. As it turns out, they are green and their environmental impact is being reduced.
27/03/2024
The Banco de España didn't report profits in 2023. Why not?
The last decade’s unconventional monetary policies, coupled with the interest rate hikes since 2022 to tame inflation, mean that the Banco de España has not posted a profit for the first time in its history. While this situation is set to persist for another year or so, it will in no way interfere with our ability to do our job.
21/03/2024
Bizum and the success of instant credit transfers in Spain
The digitalisation of the economy has transformed how we communicate, consume and pay, increasing demand for instant payment services that are available 24/7. With instant credit transfers accounting for over 50% of all transactions processed, Spain is spearheading the global surge in the use of this payment method.
13/03/2024
Lessons learned from the 2023 banking crises
In 2023 three US banks and one Swiss bank failed, requiring the authorities to step in. The impact was limited, but the episode shows how deficient risk management and inadequate governance can result in liquidity problems that spread rapidly. We can learn lessons from these cases that help us mitigate risks in the future.
07/03/2024
Why do gender gaps still exist at work? The latest Economics Nobel laureate has the answer
The gender gap in the labour market closed considerably during the 19th and 20th centuries. However, this process of convergence, both in labour market participation and wages, has slowed in the last two decades. Claudia Goldin’s research is key to understanding why.
