#FomentoEditorial: People First – the human engine of the Bank in the service of the Portuguese Economy

In a bank in constant transformation, 2025 was the year in which we reinforced a certainty: our true engine is people.

In a bank in constant change, 2025 was the year in which we strengthened one certainty: our true engine is people. It was behind the scenes—through countless meetings, emails, training sessions, and employee gatherings—that the impact we see today on companies and on the Portuguese economy was built.

On a day-to-day basis, we work in a context often described as BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible): a context that, beyond being volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, is also defined as fragile, anxious, non-linear, and often incomprehensible. But our response is clear: purpose, cooperation, and a spirit of mission. From front office to back office, from the most sophisticated financial analysis to mail reception, every task is a piece of the same puzzle—supporting the country’s business fabric.

In 2025, we took a decisive step with the People First program. This program was born from the conviction that there is no sustainable growth without the right talent, a strong culture, and close leadership. Through employee gatherings, we strengthened communication, shared achievements, and, above all, brought teams from different companies within the Group closer together. At the same time, the Human Resources Department ensured day-to-day operations—from recruitment and training to the "simple” processing of payroll—through the "invisible work” that allows everything else to happen, in a context of adaptation to new challenges, the merger process of the Mutual Guarantee Societies, and the launch of major IT projects.

People First means placing people at the center of major decisions: how we attract and integrate new colleagues, how we recognize those who stand out, how we promote mobility, how we align incentives with the Bank’s public mission, and how we ensure continuous learning. In 2025 we laid the foundations; in 2026 we aim to consolidate this commitment.

This year’s assessment shows us that when we truly work as a team, we are able to accelerate projects, respond more quickly to companies, and go further in supporting the economy. No area or company within the Group is secondary: all are essential to ensure that our products reach the right companies, that risks are well managed, that processes are simpler, and that customer service is consistent.

Therefore, the challenge we take into 2026 is simple, yet demanding: to continue placing People at the center, strengthen cooperation between teams, value those who make things happen, and turn every moment of contact into an opportunity to align with our mission. If we keep this culture alive, we will be better prepared to support companies, finance impactful projects, and contribute to a more competitive and sustainable Portuguese economy.

2026 will once again be a challenging year. We will continue to live in a changing world, adapt work models, incorporate technology, and respond to increasingly demanding needs from companies and the country.

Our strength will lie in how we do it: with a People First culture and the shared conviction that our daily work creates real value, strengthens companies, and inspires the future of Portugal.