Fostering Ethical Innovation in Finance: The Ibero-American Chapter Awards

The Ibero-American Chapter of the Global Ethics & Trust in Finance for Sustainable Future Award recently celebrated young innovators dedicated to injecting ethical considerations into the financial world. hosted by UPAEP, the awards spotlighted proposals aimed at creating a more humane and sustainable financial ecosystem.

Humanizing Finance: A Call for Ethical Leadership

Dr. María Teresa Herrera Rendón, President of the Ibero-American Chapter, emphasized the critical need to prioritize ethics within the financial sector. The awards serve as a catalyst, encouraging young minds to develop solutions that positively impact society through finance.This initiative comes at a crucial time, as public trust in financial institutions remains fragile. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 33% of Americans have “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in banks.

Ethics must take a central place in the financial work. This award seeks precisely to motivate young people to propose ideas capable of positively transforming society from this area.

Dr. maría Teresa Herrera Rendón, President of the Ibero-American Chapter

Global Expansion: Regional Chapters Champion Ethical Finance

Dr. Virgile Perret, representing the Geneva Finance observatory, highlighted the establishment of three new regional chapters in 2025, including the Ibero-American chapter led by UPAEP. These chapters, along with those in France (EFPA) and Poland, signify a growing global commitment to embedding ethical principles within financial practices.

Expert Insights: A roundtable Discussion on Ethical Finance

A distinguished panel of experts convened for a roundtable discussion, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of ethical finance. Participants included Dr. Jorge Medina delgadillo, Vice Chancellor for Research of the UPAEP; Mtra.Paola Ochoa Márquez, General Director of finance of the UPAEP; Dr. Matthias Nebel, Director of the Common Good Promoter Institute; and Dr. Simona Beretta, professor at the Catholic University of Milan. The discussion centered on the importance of ethical principles, the role of finance in serving the real economy, and the need for a more realistic economic model that acknowledges the moral implications of human decisions.

The financial markets that do not pay the common good, distort it and become vectors of social disintegration.

Dr. Matthias Nebel, Director of the Common Good Promoter Institute

Dr. Beretta advocated for an economic education that incorporates moral agency and duty, moving beyond a purely state-market interaction model.

Award Recipients: Recognizing the Next Generation of Ethical finance Leaders

The Ibero-American chapter recognized the following individuals for their outstanding contributions:

• First place: Jennifer Casco Cortés
• second Place: Roberto Jaime Cuautle-Jiménez
• Third Place: Javier Joan Hernández del Ángel

UPAEP’s Commitment: Building a Sustainable and Ethical Future

The event underscored UPAEP’s dedication to cultivating responsible leaders who champion a more equitable,humane,and sustainable economy. Mtro. José Alfredo Toxqui, coordinator of the Institutional Integrity System, emphasized the crucial role of ethics in professional practice, particularly within finance. He noted that ethical conduct strengthens organizations, fosters commitment, and safeguards against fraudulent activities.

Ethics is the essential component in professional practice, especially in disciplines such as finance. A practice guided by ethical principles strengthens organizations, drives institutional commitment and protects against fraud.

Mtro. José Alfredo Toxqui, coordinator of the Institutional integrity System