Remote Areas of Spain Will Soon Have Expanded Banking Access

spain, financial services, vulnerable areas, banks

Remote areas of Spain will soon have more access to financial services, with villages having populations of 500 people or more being guaranteed proximity to a bank branch or ATM. 

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    Both the Spanish government and financial institutions in the country came to an agreement that rural villages should be guaranteed access to banking, Reuters reported.

    Under the agreement, those of lower means would get protection against rising mortgage costs.

    “In February we took an important step to improve service for our elderly and people with disabilities and now we are taking a second step in rural areas to cover 100% of the population and territory,” Economy Minister Nadia Calvino told reporters on Friday, per Reuters.

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    Banks have six months to enforce the new rules with the possibility of an additional six-month extension, Calvino said.

    “We do have to review this catalog of measures and, if necessary, see what improvements can be included to be able to address this new situation,” Calvino said, Reuters reported.