MEXICO CITY, March 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Salinas, a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies deeply committed to the modernization of the countries in which they operate, is pleased to announce that Banco Azteca has received the equalBanking award from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The IDB announced the winners of beyondBanking this week in categories that recognize financial service companies in Latin America that foment more inclusive, transparent and environmentally sustainable practices. Banco Azteca, a division of Grupo Elektra, received the equalBanking prize for its support of diversity and gender equality through financial services to the base of the socio-economic pyramid and specifically for the empowerment of female entrepreneurs in Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.
The winners were chosen among more than one hundred proposals for seven categories. A committee of industry experts selected an initial 21 projects. Finally, Internet voting determined the winners. The awards will be presented in Panama City during the IDB Annual Meeting of 2013. Banco Azteca is proud of this achievement, which serves as a stimulus to continue to develop innovative financial products that respond to needs at the base of the pyramid, a group with great potential for development in Latin America.
About beyondBanking
The beyondBanking program is managed by the Financial Markets Division of the Structured and Corporate Finance Department (SCF) and promotes social, environmental and corporate governance practices among financial intermediaries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The program was created in order to help create a financial business model that combines financial profitability with social and environmental returns; values principles of transparency, responsibility and integrity; seeks to reach more people through more channels; and respects the environment and community in which it operates.
About the Inter-Aemerican Development Bank
Established in 1959, we are the leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB Group is composed of the Inter-American Development Bank, the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF). The IIC focuses on support for small and medium-sized businesses, while the MIF promotes private sector growth through grants and investments, with an emphasis on microenterprise.
For more information, visit: www.iadb.org/
About Grupo Salinas
Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, building the Mexican middle class, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. These companies include: Azteca (www.tvazteca.com.mx ; www.irtvazteca.com) Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Advance America (www.advanceamerica.net), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx) and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings.
Follow Ricardo Salinas on Facebook: Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego and Twitter: @RicardoBSalinas and Grupo Salinas on Twitter: @GrupoSalinas_GS