Guillermo Bueso, buyer at EBN Banco: "We've already invested 100 million in Spain, and I hope to be Spanish soon. I got in just in time for the Golden Visa."

Guillermo Bueso (Honduras, 1966) is considered one of Central America's richest men and heads Banco Atlántica, which has just been acquired by Spain's EBN Banco. He was received by Pedro Sánchez and the King as part of a delegation from the Business Council Alliance for Ibero-America (Ceapi) and participated in its congress in Seville.

What is your plan in Spain?

We're focusing on the financial world. We hope to soon have authorization from the Bank of Spain to take control of EBN Banco, and that would be an important first step for us. We're acquiring more than 50% of EBN Banco, which would give us control. Spain is becoming a center of operations for us, and it will continue to grow day by day for other countries as well.

Will you be the president of the Spanish bank?

No. I value professionals greatly. We will keep Rafael Gómez, who is extremely knowledgeable and capable, as president of the bank. Joining him will be Fernando Mergelina, who is already a director of several of our financial companies. With both of them, I believe the group has a wonderful future in Spain.

Is it a good idea to invest in banking, amid falling interest rates and special taxes?

It may seem unbelievable, but there are great opportunities in the sector. For example, Latin American companies that come to invest in Spain will need a bank that understands them. We don't want to become an ethnic bank, but we recognize the market opportunity. There is also an opportunity for Spanish SMEs that need financial services and credit support.

Will they try to take advantage of the opportunity arising from BBVA's takeover bid for Sabadell to gain market share among SMEs?

Yes, certainly. SMEs are precisely the type of companies we're used to working with in Latin America.

How much do you invest in Spain?

Around $100 million. For now, we're focused on taking control of the bank, but we're looking at opportunities in the real estate and agribusiness sectors. We're just getting started.

Does Trump's protectionist stance influence the interest of Latin American businesspeople in Spain?

Spain already offers opportunities, but, indeed, even more so with this process of relative isolation from the US economy due to tariffs. Even if there is a return to a certain normality in the US tariff issue, I believe they will not return to how they were before. China will no longer be able to dominate the manufacturing of intermediate goods, and this is an opportunity for Latin America.

All of this will require capital. Will EBN Banco be listed on the stock market?

The bank will require additional capitalization as it grows, but before we consider going public, it needs to be strengthened, and that will take a few years.

Are you already Spanish?

I hope so soon. I entered the Golden Visa process just in time through home purchases, but we're making many more investments.

There's controversy in Spain over the "Golden Visa" scheme, because the government believes it makes housing more expensive...

I understand the government's concern about the impact on housing costs, but it's also important to consider that if a Spaniard wants to sell their house and move to another city, the money they earn from abroad contributes to the Spanish economy. More savings and investment.

Young people can't afford to pay those prices...

The sector should be revitalized and more construction should be allowed without so many limitations.

What were your meetings with Pedro Sánchez and the King like?

President Sánchez showed an openness that was quite surprising to me, and as for the King, he's a blessing for Spain. He's not a figurehead at all.