The banker believes that people still use checks because they live in the past and do not realize that there are simpler and safer methods. Going forward, the bank will continue to invest in infrastructure with more ATMs, infrastructure in call centers and branches in cities that are growing.
Between next April and May there will be a renovation of the ATMs: applications will be installed to make them “much more powerful” so that customers who go to the branch have a good experience.
Following the pandemic, the bank saw growth in users and digital operations. Grisi said that many of his clients who did not plan to use digital platforms migrated thanks to the pandemic, although he acknowledged that it is not possible to migrate to a 100% digital environment because there are procedures such as credit applications that require physical presence.
“Today we have more than 7 million customers in the digital app and 5.8 million customers who use it at least once a month. The number of transactions we make in digital media has already exceeded that made at teller windows,” he stressed.
Buy Banamex?
When questioned about a possible interest in buying Banamex, Grisi said that first they have to review the purchase conditions and while that happens, they will focus on their business plan to conquer the market.
“You have to see who they are going to let participate and under what conditions because you have to understand how market consolidations are, depending on who buys, in the end it will be good for the financial system, it will become a more competitive market” , he highlighted.
To attract more market, Santander will stop looking for the highest segments and is now going for the middle class. The plan started with the launch of credit cards like u So far, more than half a million of these plastics have been placed.
The next step goes in the mortgage market. The bank wants to offer loans with a lower average ticker. Héctor Grisi believes that the best way to create wealth is through a home.
“Buying a house completely changes the family structure; it is the best way to save and create wealth,” he said.
The mortgage market has great potential in the country, says the banker, because if the old countries such as Europe, the United States or Canada are taken as a reference, the balance of the banks has mortgages, while Mexico barely reaches 20%.
“The average portfolio of banks in Mexico should not have more than 20% mortgages. Santander should have 23%. Our same bank in the United Kingdom has between 70 and 80% mortgages, that gives you a little idea of what important it is to create heritage,” he said.
Despite the exit of banks such as Citi from retail banking, Santander points out that Mexico is a very attractive country and one of the key markets for the parent company in Spain. “We are investing a large amount of money every year to have a better competitive and more efficient bank.”
