Throughout the past few years, the Bolivian financial system has undergone one of its greatest transformations and has faced significant challenges. In the midst of a complex environment and context, Banco Económico has managed to remain one of the country’s most solid and innovative institutions. One of the professionals leading this process is Sergio Asbún Saba, graduate of the Master's in Business Administration at 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 institutions in the country. How do you balance strategic vision with the constant need to adapt?

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

• You graduated from the Master's in Business Administration at UPB. What impact did that training have on the way you lead?

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 one another, 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 internationally for your leadership in innovation and sustainable banking. What does promoting innovation and sustainable banking mean to you?

Innovation and sustainability are not separate concepts: they are two complementary ways of transforming banking and generating real impact in society. For me, innovating means anticipating people’s needs, understanding how technology can improve their lives, and making financial services more accessible, inclusive, and humane. At Banco Económico, innovation begins by listening to the customer and turning their challenges into tangible solutions. That is how pioneering products such as QR Crédito emerged, which for the first time in Bolivia integrated an instant credit line through QR code, bringing financing closer to thousands of people and entrepreneurs who had previously been outside the system. But just 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 lending policies, promoting green projects, energy efficiency, and financial education. Over these years, those 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 on the continent by Fintech Americas). However, beyond the recognition, what truly inspires me is seeing how innovation and sustainability can change lives, strengthen communities, and show that from Bolivia it is also possible to lead with global vision and positive impact.

“Crises test not only companies, but also leaders”.

• 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 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 consistency are the most powerful assets.

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

The greatest challenge is adapting without losing identity. The future of banking revolves around three pillars: digitalization, inclusion, and sustainability. Technology must be a tool to bring banking closer to more people, not to push them away. The opportunity lies in connecting 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 grant loans: people need to be taught how to manage, invest, and protect resources. At Banco Económico, we have committed to 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 the leader who can keep culture alive while innovating?

A leader must inspire, not impose. In our institutional 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, one 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. Leading is serving, listening, learning, and deciding with consistency. One can achieve extraordinary results, but what truly leaves a mark is how you made people feel along the way. A leader must help solve problems.

• Your career began in the most operational levels of banking. What message do you leave to young people who dream of going far?

That they should never underestimate beginnings. Everything I learned in my early years helped me lead with my feet on the ground. To young people I say: work with passion, ethics, and perseverance. Success is not a stroke of luck; it is built every day.

• What advice would you give to young people who aspire to lead or start a business in a challenging environment?

Not to 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: leading is not only about growing, it is about leaving a positive legacy in people and in the country.

“Financial education is empowerment”.