Spotlight On: Monica Vazquez, Executive Vice President & General Manager, ABANCA USA

April 2026 — Invest: sat down with Monica Vazquez, executive vice president and general manager of ABANCA USA, to discuss how the bank supports cross-border clients and why Miami continues to strengthen its role as an international business hub. “Miami is positioned as a place where global relationships connect, and that creates opportunities for companies, investors, and individuals who want to build and grow across borders,” Vazquez said.

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How would you describe ABANCA’s position as an international bank, and what does that mean for clients doing business across markets?

ABANCA is an international bank headquartered in Spain, with a strong footprint in Spain and Portugal, presence in 11 countries, and a long history serving clients with cross-border needs. We bring that experience to the U.S. market, focusing on helping companies and individuals operating across regions, especially Europe, the United States, and Latin America.

For clients, that means having a partner that understands international banking expectations, documentation, and the practical realities of moving funds, managing accounts, and structuring financing across jurisdictions. Our goal is to make those processes smoother and more reliable for clients who need to operate in more than one market at the same time.

Why is Miami such an important location for ABANCA USA and for international banking more broadly?

Miami is one of the most international cities in the United States, and it has become a key point of connection between the Americas and Europe. That international character shows up in the business community, in the pace of investment activity, and in the number of companies and individuals who need financial services that work across borders.

For international clients, it is not always simple to find a bank that can support the full scope of their needs, especially when they are managing operations, investments, and deposits in more than one country. Miami is a natural place for that work because so many global relationships already flow through the region.

What types of clients and services does ABANCA USA focus on in South Florida?

We support both companies and individuals, with an emphasis on core services that matter most for international and domestic clients: treasury accounts, payments, and day-to-day banking that has to work seamlessly. We specialize in tailored financing solutions, and one of our key areas is commercial real estate, but we also provide corporate loans, trade, and project finance.

We work with clients who need reliable banking, and we support them as a bank that understands their objectives. The common thread is that these clients value clarity, responsiveness, and the ability to manage their financial activity across borders while leveraging local expertise and knowledge.

What types of projects does the bank typically support?

Real estate is an important part of the South Florida economy, and it is also an area where many international clients want to invest. We support a range of projects, including multifamily and hospitality-related assets, as well as other types of commercial real estate.

The key is understanding the underlying business plan and the client’s context. A financing conversation is never just about a single asset. It often connects to how capital is being deployed, how cash flow is managed, and what the client needs in terms of banking structure and ongoing service.

How do you balance global capabilities with local execution, especially for international clients?

We have a global approach with local service. That is important because international clients often need a bank that can operate with global standards, but they also need local teams who understand the market and can respond quickly.

The day-to-day execution matters. Clients want to know who to call, how quickly an issue will be resolved, and whether the bank understands the urgency behind a transaction or request. For international banking, service is not optional. It is part of the value.

What role do technology and cybersecurity play in serving an internationally distributed client base?
Technology and cybersecurity are central, especially when clients rely on electronic banking and remote services. International clients may be traveling, operating across time zones, or managing multiple entities at once, so they need banking tools that are reliable and secure.

That requires consistent investment, both in infrastructure and in controls that protect customer information and transactions. It also requires us to stay updated. Threats evolve quickly, and banks have to keep improving systems and processes to maintain trust and continuity.

How has the industry’s thinking around business continuity changed in recent years?

Business continuity has become a higher priority across the banking sector, particularly after the disruption many organizations experienced during the pandemic. The expectation today is that banks will be able to keep operating through interruptions, protect systems, and maintain service quality even when circumstances change quickly. During periods of economic volatility, we leverage our strong capital position and technology to ensure business continuity. Our digital infrastructure allows us to remain fully operational and supportive of our clients´ needs, regardless of external market pressures.

What does personalized service look like in practice for your clients?
Our core values–Responsibility, Reliability, Innovation, and Quality–drive our personalized service and represent the bank´s DNA–a commitment to doing what is right and simple for the client, which is particularly resonant in the complex world of international finance. For many clients, personalized service starts with direct access. They want to know the people supporting their relationship and feel confident they can reach someone when it matters. That includes having bankers who understand the client’s priorities and can respond with context, not just process.

What is the bank’s role in supporting the broader South Florida community?

Banking has an impact beyond the financial transaction. By financing projects, we aren’t just funding buildings; we are supporting the regional economy and business growth, creating jobs and building communities. 

In South Florida, the business environment is active and diverse, and many projects and companies, including investment, new developments, and corporate activity, influence how the region grows. Supporting those efforts responsibly is part of the role we play in our community.

What trends are you watching most closely in South Florida’s economic outlook?

South Florida continues to attract companies and talent, and that momentum is reshaping the ecosystem. As more businesses relocate or expand, it changes the demand for infrastructure, services and real estate, and it also influences how industries, including banking, respond.

At the same time, the pace of change means organizations have to stay attentive to what clients need now and what they will need next. When a region is evolving quickly, expectations rise, and that can be a positive force, but it also requires strong planning and execution.

How do you see the future of work intersecting with banking and the broader business environment?

The future of work is tied to talent, technology, and how cities develop the systems that support growth. South Florida’s ability to attract and retain talent is a major part of its trajectory, and that affects many sectors, including finance and technology.

For banks, the evolution of work influences how clients operate, what tools they expect, and how they define responsiveness. It also reinforces the need to invest in secure technology and strong processes, because clients will continue to rely on remote access and efficient digital experiences.

When you look ahead, what excites you most about the opportunities in Miami and South Florida?

The level of activity is exciting, and the international nature of the market continues to deepen. Miami is positioned as a “place to be” where global relationships connect, and that creates opportunities for companies, investors, and individuals who want to build and grow across borders.

For ABANCA USA, it is an opportunity to continue supporting clients while maintaining the service quality and operational strength that they expect from a trusted banking partner. While South Florida remains our “home base,” we are strengthening our footprint across the United States, diversifying our loan portfolio, and enhancing our finance capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the global clients.

Want more? Read the Invest: Miami report.