“Vision, leadership, and purpose in times of change”.

Over the last few years, the Bolivian financial system has experienced one of its greatest transformations and has faced major challenges. Amid 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 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”.

1. 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, the essential thing is to keep the compass clear —our purpose— and, at the same time, be willing to constantly reinvent ourselves. Technology, innovation, and digitalization are means; what is important is how we use them to improve people's lives. That is our true innovation.

2. You are a graduate of the Master 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 a 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, oriented toward continuous learning and positive change.

3. You have been recognized internationally for your leadership in innovation and sustainable banking, what does it mean to you to drive innovation and sustainable banking?

Innovation and sustainability are not separate concepts: they are two complementary ways of transforming banking and generating real impact on society. For me, innovating means anticipating people's needs, understanding how technology can improve their lives, and making financial services more accessible, inclusive, and human. At Banco Económico, innovation is born from listening to the client and transforming their challenges into tangible solutions. This is how pioneering products arose, such as QR Crédito, which integrated an instant credit line via QR code for the first time in Bolivia, bringing financing closer to thousands of people and entrepreneurs who were previously outside the system. But as important as innovating is doing it 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. Throughout these years, these efforts have been recognized internationally, which motivates us to keep 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; in addition, I was recognized as one of the 25 most innovative leaders in the continent by Fintech Americas). However, beyond the recognitions, what really inspires me is seeing how innovation and sustainability can change lives, strengthen communities, and demonstrate that from Bolivia we can also lead with a global vision and a positive impact.

“Crises test not only companies, but leaders.”

4. Bolivia is going through one of the most complex economic moments of recent years, how can a business leader face the crisis without losing vision or confidence?

Leading in difficult times demands 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 the trust of our clients, the resilience of our teams, and operational efficiency. And we learned something valuable: in times of uncertainty, transparency and consistency are the most powerful assets.

5. What are the main opportunities and challenges facing Bolivian banking?

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

6. Financial education remains a challenge, how can the banking system contribute to that change?

With proximity, patience, and real commitment. It is not enough to open accounts or grant 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.

7. What qualities define the leader who can keep the culture alive while innovating?

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

8. What has been your greatest learning as a leader?

That true leadership is not about power, but about purpose. Leading is serving, listening, learning, and deciding with consistency. 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.

9. 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 served me to lead with my feet on the ground. To young people I say: work with passion, with ethics, and with perseverance. Success is not a stroke of luck, it is a daily construction.

10. What advice would you give to young people who aspire to lead or undertake in a challenging environment?

Do not fear changes or failures. The important thing is not how many times you fall, but what you learn from each fall. And, above all, never forget the purpose: leading is not just about growing, it is about leaving a positive legacy in people and in the country.

“To educate financially is to empower.”