Being a shareholder and director at Banco Popular after losing a fortune must not have been easy. That was the case for José Ramón Rodríguez, who has only words of praise for the Barcelona banker.

Rodríguez describes Banco Popular as a universal institution, serving domestic customers without an industrial group and always defending its independence.

Regarding the Syndicate, Rodríguez clarifies that it was merely a group of shareholders who concentrated their political rights, not economic ones. He says this “was a great innovation because it gave shareholders a lot of freedom,” while backing the management direction set by the president, thus protecting the much-valued independence.

In his account, José Ramón Rodríguez explains the origins of the foundation funds, which came from directors renouncing their statutory rights—what we would now call allowances. He describes the criteria of these foundations, such as rarely giving money as a gift, focusing on detailed analyses of needs, and providing diagnosis support. The Madrid shareholder said it was a “very attractive” team.

Rodríguez’s relationship with Luis Valls was very intense, as reflected in his story when the banker passed away. He was given an old coat that Luis Valls frequently wore and, of much greater value, the crucifix that Valls used, which Rodríguez shows with affection and nostalgia.

Despite the financial loss after the bank’s intervention, Rodríguez remains eternally grateful to Luis Valls, recognizing him as “a truthful person, without duplicity, with a full appreciation for people.” José Ramón concludes his story by saying, “Thank you because you helped me a lot.”