Over the past few years, the Bolivian financial system has undergone one of its greatest transformations and faced significant challenges. In the midst of a complex environment and context, Banco Económico has managed to remain one of the most solid and innovative entities in the country. One of the professionals leading this process is Sergio Asbún Saba, a graduate of the Master's in Business Administration from UPB; a leader who combines strategic vision, empathy, and a deep conviction in the power of people to positively transform realities.

“Strategy is not written, it is lived.”

• Your leadership has positioned Banco Económico as one of the most innovative entities in the country; how do you balance strategic vision with the constant need for adaptation?

The secret lies in understanding that strategy is not a document, but a way of thinking. Banking, like life, changes every day. Therefore, what is essential is to keep the compass clear — our purpose — while being willing to constantly reinvent ourselves. Technology, innovation, and digitization are means; what matters is how we use them to improve people's lives. That is our true innovation.

• You are a graduate of the Master's in Business Administration from UPB; what impact did that training have on your way of leading?

That stage was fundamental. It taught me that modern leadership combines technical knowledge with human vision. It is not just about making the right decisions, but about building teams that think strategically, challenge each other, and grow together. In practice, that mindset helped me transform Banco Económico into a dynamic organization focused on continuous learning and positive change.

• You have been recognized for your leadership in innovation internationally and in sustainable banking; what does it mean for you to promote innovation and sustainable banking?

Innovation and sustainability are not separate concepts: they are two complementary ways of transforming banking and generating real impact in society. For me, to innovate means to anticipate people's needs, to understand how technology can improve their lives, and to make financial services more accessible, inclusive, and human. At Banco Económico, innovation comes from listening to the customer and transforming their challenges into tangible solutions. This is how pioneering products like QR Crédito emerged, which first integrated an instant credit line through a QR code in Bolivia, bringing financing closer to thousands of people and entrepreneurs who were previously outside the system. But as important as innovating is to do so with purpose.

Sustainable banking forces us to think beyond financial results: it challenges us to generate economic development with social and environmental awareness. We have incorporated sustainability criteria into our credit policies, promoting green projects, energy efficiency, and financial education. Over the years, these efforts have been internationally recognized, motivating us to continue raising the standard of what it means to lead from Bolivia (I was included among the 500 most influential people in Latin America according to Bloomberg Línea in 2021, and among the 100 most disruptive and innovative leaders in Ibero-America by Red Business Market in Seville, Spain, for two consecutive years; additionally, I was recognized as one of the 25 most innovative leaders on the continent by Fintech Americas). However, beyond the recognitions, what truly inspires me is seeing how innovation and sustainability can change lives, strengthen communities, and demonstrate that leadership from Bolivia can also have a global vision and a positive impact.

“Crises test not only companies but also leaders.”

• Bolivia is going through one of the most complex economic moments in recent years; how can a business leader face the crisis without losing vision or trust?

Leading in difficult times requires calm, empathy, and clarity. Crises are an opportunity. It is not just about resisting, but about evolving. During the toughest moments, we focused all our efforts on strengthening our customers' trust, our teams' resilience, and operational efficiency. And we learned something valuable: in times of uncertainty, transparency and coherence are the most powerful assets.

• What are the main opportunities and challenges facing Bolivian banking?

The biggest challenge is to adapt without losing identity. The future of banking lies in three axes: digitization, inclusion, and sustainability. Technology must be a tool to bring banking closer to more people, not to distance them. The opportunity is to connect innovation with humanity, efficiency with purpose.

• Financial education remains a challenge; how can the banking system contribute to that change?

With closeness, patience, and real commitment. It is not enough to open accounts or give loans: we must teach how to manage, invest, and protect resources. At Banco Económico, we have bet on training programs in schools, universities, and communities. We believe that a person who understands how money works has more tools to transform their life.

• What qualities define a leader who can keep the culture alive while innovating?

A leader must inspire, not impose. In our institutional culture, we promote collaboration, trust, and agility. Innovation is not about breaking what exists, but about evolving it. And for that, a solid culture is needed, where people feel they are part of something bigger than themselves.

• What has been your greatest learning as a leader?

That true leadership is not about power, but about purpose. To lead is to serve, listen, learn, and decide coherently. One can achieve extraordinary results, but what really leaves a mark is how you made people feel along the way. A leader must help solve problems.

• Your career started from the most operational levels of banking; what message do you leave for young people who dream of going far?

Never underestimate beginnings. Everything I learned in my early years helped me lead with my feet on the ground. I tell young people: work with passion, ethics, and consistency. Success is not a stroke of luck; it is a daily construction.

• What advice would you give to young people aspiring to lead or undertake in a challenging environment?

Do not fear change or failure. What matters is not how many times you fall, but what you learn from each fall. And above all, never forget the purpose: to lead is not only to grow but to leave a positive legacy for people and the country.

“Educating financially is empowering.”