What if I told you that the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial here in Mexico City is more than just a business school? It is a testament to Mexico’s resilience after a devastating revolution. Founded in 1929, the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial emerged from the ashes of a shattered financial system.
The post-revolutionary period left Mexico’s banking sector in ruins. A desperate need arose to create institutions that could revive the nation’s development. Manuel Gómez Morin, then President of Banco de México, took on this challenge. He understood that a reformed banking system needed trained professionals. Thus, the Escuela Bancaria del Banco de México was born.
Initially, the Escuela Bancaria del Banco de México trained employees of the central bank. Agustin Loera y Chavez led this first educational endeavor. The school offered courses to about seventy employees. Notable figures like Manuel Gómez Morin and Eduardo Suárez taught as professors.
However, internal issues led to the closure of the Escuela Bancaria del Banco de México in 1932. Students and teachers alike expressed their disappointment. They recognized the importance of continued education. This spurred them to revive the school as a private institution.
Agustin Loera y Chavez and Alejandro Prieto Llorente approached Manuel Gómez Morin for help. Together, they drafted the charter for the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial. Seventeen prominent figures signed the document. These included former professors from the original school.
Classes at the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial began on September 1 1932. The first location was on Palma 27 and Madero in Mexico City’s center. Later, in 1934, the school moved to Palma 44 and Venustiano Carranza.
During the transition from the Banco de México to an independent institution, Alfredo Chavero e Hijar briefly took over the direction of the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial. But soon, Agustin Loera y Chavez returned to his role as director.
By 1933, the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial had regularized its courses. It offered programs for banking officials, private accountants and stenographer secretaries. The school thrived thanks to dedicated teachers committed to their students and country.
In 1939, President Lázaro Cárdenas issued a decree officially recognizing studies completed at the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial. This decree gave its degrees the same validity as those from official schools. The Secretaría de Educación Pública was also authorized to validate the school’s studies and degrees.
This presidential decree granted the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial significant academic freedom. It could propose its own teaching strategies and innovative programs. This positioned the school as a leader among private educational institutions. Over time, it solidified its place as Mexico’s premier business-specialized system.
Since then, the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial has continued to expand. It now offers bachelor’s degrees and MBAs. Notable alumni include Arturo Warman and Carlos Kasuga Osaka of Yakult. Roberto Servitje Sendra of Bimbo also attended the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial as well as Antonio del Valle Ruiz of Mexichem and Alfonso Ferreira León of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Today, the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial stands as a testament to vision and perseverance. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a renowned institution. It continues to shape Mexico’s business leaders of tomorrow. Remember, the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial is not just a school. It is a symbol of Mexico’s enduring spirit.