FIBA Elects Darío Fuentes as New President

MIAMI (June 1, 2010) FIBA, a 31-year old trade group with member banks from 18 countries on 4 continents, has elected Darío Fuentes as its new president for 2010-2011. FIBA also elected its new board of directors for the year.

Fuentes has been Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caja Mediterráneo-Miami Agency (CAM-Miami) since 2006, and is responsible for the United States, Latin America and Caribbean markets.
Fuentes believes that strategic innovation is a driving tool for growth, and that developing a spirit of innovation among FIBA members is critical for building on Miami’s position as a center of international banking. “Innovation is a key to growth, which is important for creating jobs and expanding Miami’s role as a global financial center,” he said.

In his inauguration speech, Fuentes talked about his 2010-2011 goals for FIBA.

While continuing to build on the major goal of promoting international trade and exports, where FIBA members work to bridge the gap between the need for financing and the availability of funds, Fuentes believes that innovation and leadership are more critical than ever.

Fuentes’ own mission for his term as FIBA president will be to foment innovation among FIBA members, develop leadership for the next generation, and expand the role that Miami plays as a global financial center.

“Miami is a center of expertise on international issues, including international banking best practices, international trade finance, arbitration, anti-money laundering compliance and many others,” president-elect Fuentes said. “But our human capital is our greatest asset, and we must focus on developing and promoting talent and new ideas here in Miami.”

One of the ways FIBA fosters innovation and develops people is through its robust education programs, Fuentes said. “Through initiatives such our new e-learning offerings, with more than 700 courses in English and Spanish, we are continuing to build the expertise of FIBA members,” he said.

"Increasing opportunities for our members and creating jobs and growth in our economy through international banking innovation, education and leadership will be important initiatives for FIBA this year," emphasized Executive Director Pat Roth. She added that in addition to the FIBA AML Institute, in partnership with Florida International University, and the Annual FIBA AML Compliance Conference in February 24-25, 2011, a FIBA Conference also will be held in Shanghai in the Fall, focusing on trade finance, financial fraud and AML, bringing together the U.S., Asia and Latin America.

Details: fiba@fiba.net