Bringing banking where it's needed most, this project empowers remote communities with smart ATMs that restore access, dignity, and opportunity.
RESTORING FINANCIAL DIGNITY TO RURAL COMMUNITIES
When bank branches disappeared across rural Guadalajara in 2022, they left a deep void—especially in towns with fewer than 200 residents. Elderly citizens, local businesses, and self-employed workers were forced to travel miles just to access basic financial services. To bridge this critical gap, the Provincial Council of Guadalajara launched an ambitious €2.5 million initiative: the installation of 33 advanced ATMs across remote towns. These multifunctional machines go far beyond cash withdrawals, offering deposits with counterfeit detection, tax payments, bankbook updates, and transfers—bringing full-service banking back to forgotten places.
SMART ATMS, STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Since their rollout in July 2022, these ATMs have processed nearly 360,000 transactions—moving over €55 million in total, including more than €39 million in withdrawals and €16 million in deposits. For towns with no financial infrastructure, this project restored more than just access—it restored autonomy. Residents no longer need to make costly journeys to manage their finances. Instead, they now have secure, 24/7 access to vital services that make daily life easier and more stable.
FIGHTING DEPOPULATION WITH INCLUSION
More than a convenience, this project is a catalyst for rural revival. By enabling financial access locally, it supports small-scale economic activity, encourages local spending, and helps retain population in the heart of the province. With 78% of Guadalajara’s towns facing depopulation, these ATMs are not just machines—they’re lifelines. They prove that inclusive, tech-powered public services can transform crisis into opportunity, helping rural communities thrive in place, with pride and purpose.
