Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank achieved a net income of $550 million for the first half of 2025, with a return on equity (ROE) of 25.1% [17] - In Q2 2025, the net income was MXN $273 billion, resulting in an ROE of 24.5%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter with an ROE above 20% [17] - The net interest margin (NIM) improved to around 4.1%, reflecting a 100 basis point increase year-on-year [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of current accounts increased by 10% year-on-year, contributing to a 78% growth in active clients [19] - Credit card transactions rose by 12% year-on-year, while mutual funds brokered saw a 19% increase [19] - The bank's efficiency ratio reached 35.3%, the best in the Chilean industry for 2025 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chilean peso depreciated to around $9.70 per dollar, influenced by renewed trade tensions [6] - GDP growth for Q2 was reported at 2.9% year-on-year, with inflation at 4.1% in June [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank completed the migration of its legacy mainstream service to the cloud, enhancing its digital strategy [13] - Initiatives such as smart POS enhancements and the launch of Santander to Comuna aim to increase transactionality and strengthen the funding base [14][15] - The bank is focusing on expanding its client base, particularly through simple savings accounts for children [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects loan book growth to be in low single digits due to upcoming elections and global uncertainties [29] - The cost of risk is anticipated to improve slightly, with expectations of ROEs in the range of 21% to 23% for the year [30][31] - Political dynamics and global trade tensions are seen as key risks impacting the business [56] Other Important Information - The bank's CET1 ratio reached 10.9%, well above the minimum requirement [27] - The bank has been recognized for sustainability, ranking highly in the MSCI Sustainability Index [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future contribution of consumer loans and sustainable cost of risk - Management expects healthy growth in consumer loans, with a cost of risk around 1.35% for the year, gradually improving [34][36] Question: Loan growth post-elections - Management indicated uncertainty regarding loan growth acceleration post-elections, with a focus on consumer lending and SME growth [43][49] Question: Risks around the business with upcoming elections - Key risks include global economic dynamics, particularly US-China trade relations, and potential political volatility [56] Question: NPL normalization expectations - Management anticipates NPLs to normalize below 3% by early 2026, with improvements expected primarily from the commercial portfolio [66] Question: Net interest margin outlook - NIM is expected to stabilize around 4.1% for the year, with potential fluctuations based on inflation and interest rate changes [70]

Political Polarization - Political polarization is a significant challenge, likened to kryptonite for Superman, suggesting a weakening effect on societal structures [1] - The increasing complexity of the world and the contested nature of facts have led Americans to simplify their perceptions, potentially exacerbating political divides [1]