A humanistic banker
with his own style.
Luis Valls Taberner was much more than a banker;
he was an unwavering advocate for equality, freedom, and social justice.
Generous, communicative, humble, discreet, and austere.
Kind, but firm. Demanding but with a sense of humor. His memory deserves to be honored in the same manner as he always acted, with transparency and humility, highlighting his significant contribution to societal well-being and his commitment to professional excellence. A prudent experimenter, he wanted to forge his own path. He ended up becoming the longest-serving president in Spanish banking history, as well as a key figure in recent history.
Luis Valls, banking and social issues
Pablo Pérez López, professor of Contemporary History at the University of Navarra, masterfully breaks down his vision of how Luis Valls understood that banking should, at the same time, seek profitability of the business and take care of the less fortunate.
BANKER
An unconventional banker
He developed his liberal ideas in a traditional, independent, low-risk banking style. He advocated organizational flatness, profitability, and transparency above all else. His austerity, generosity, and discretion stood out amidst the public behavior of the financial sector in his time. Despite being one of the seven most essential bankers in the country, he shunned the limelight and preferred to influence rather than command.
HUMANIST
The importance of education
Despite being a banker, numbers were not the only focus of Luis Valls Taberner. A tireless reader, he always encouraged discovering books and had a passion for writing. His writings reflected a teaching vocation. Cultured and courteous, he worked and encouraged others to work with enthusiasm and perfectionism, always prioritizing personal ethics. He was highly committed to people and their futures and promoted education and study opportunities.
PHILANTHROPIST
Helping without giving away
For Luis Valls Taberner, people were at the center of everything. Tolerant, a lover of freedom, and deeply Christian, he was attentive to the needs of his surroundings. His motto was to help without giving away. He promoted several foundations, some of which continue to exist today and represent the best of his legacy and essence. Thousands of beneficiaries attest that their lives are better today thanks to his altruistic drive.
