This decision came on the heels of a communication from BBVA USA President and CEO Javier Rodríguez Soler, in which he shared his desire for the bank to stand side-by-side with Black employees, customers, and communities in the midst of ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.

To add action to our reflection, BBVA today sent a letter to congressional leaders encouraging the swift adoption of legislation in support of accountability, transparency, fairness and public safety in U.S. policing.

Rodríguez Soler: If we are to live up to our values as a company, we can no longer be satisfied with past efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion and economic equality.

“If we are to live up to our values as a company, we can no longer be satisfied with past efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion and economic equality,” said Rodríguez Soler in the letter, addressed to House and Senate leaders . “We must align our voice and our business with those seeking reform, justice, and a brighter future for Black Americans and all those who have, through systemic oppression, been denied opportunities.”

BBVA is mindful of our responsibility to listen to all the needs of those communities and fully aware of its prominent platform as a global company. Rodríguez Soler noted that the bank would continue to use that platform to “stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing oppression and do everything we can to support the fight for equity and social justice at every level.”