Renowned Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo, awarded a Michelin star in the United States and founder of the restaurant Imperfecto, will offer an exclusive gastronomic experience at the Central University of Venezuela to celebrate the country’s culinary identity through local ingredients and cutting-edge techniques.

A leading figure in modern Latin American gastronomy in the United States, Limardo returned to Venezuela this weekend as part of the “Flavors of the Soul” campaign, an initiative that has allowed Bancamiga Banco Universal to reaffirm its strategic objective of strengthening ties with its clients by recognizing and appreciating Venezuelan excellence through gastronomy.

For three days, he will transform the UCV swimming pool complex, a space that adds profound cultural value to the experience, into a venue where he will celebrate Venezuelan culinary heritage, fusing his roots with the signature style that earned him a Michelin star.

“Returning to Venezuela after 14 years with ‘Flavors of the Soul’ means a complete reunion with my essence and with the ingredients that shaped me. Preparing this experience for Bancamiga clients represents the challenge of offering a gastronomic proposal where signature cuisine intertwines with memory. It’s about bringing the technique and vision of my restaurants, but with my heart set on the flavors of our land,” he expressed.

With the restaurant “Imperfecto” in Washington D.C., Limardo reached a significant milestone in his career when he earned a Michelin Star in 2022. It is a place where he pays homage to the human and artisanal process of cooking, celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the constant search for perfection, which is never fully attained, but which motivates daily innovation.

The evolution of the national palate

Beyond the dining experience, the visit of the culinary director of the Seven Reasons Group has served to analyze the current gastronomic landscape of the country. The chef perceives a significant change in those who sit down to enjoy his dishes today.

He noted that he sees Venezuelan diners as much more curious, daring, and willing to be surprised by innovative combinations. He also explained that his creative process for these dinners with Sabores del Alma cardholders has been based on a rigorous selection of local ingredients, which, when prepared with his distinctive style, not only fuel his creativity for upcoming projects in the United States but also demonstrate the immense potential of local produce to succeed in the world’s most demanding culinary arenas.

International projection of Venezuelan culture

Limardo arrived in the United States in 2014 with an Exceptional Talent Visa. Today, he continues to demonstrate why his comprehensive vision—encompassing his initial success in Caracas with restaurants like Paprika and Yantar, and his rise to the pinnacle of North American haute cuisine—remains a fundamental bridge for the international projection of Venezuelan culture.

Along with other talented Venezuelan chefs who hold Michelin stars abroad, such as Ricardo Chaneton (Mono, Hong Kong) and Santiago Fernández (Maz, Tokyo), Enrique Limardo (Seven Reasons, Washington, D.C.) was also one of the featured chefs in the publication “Flavors of the Soul: Culinary Universes Between Origin and Avant-Garde,” a book published in partnership with Bancamiga and Mastercard that transcends a simple cookbook to become a historical record of contemporary haute cuisine.

Their stay in Venezuela for a few days will undoubtedly be an opportunity to connect with other men and women who share a way of seeing the world, enjoying it, and transforming it through their dishes. They see gastronomy as a space to express who they are and where they want to go.

With information and images courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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As part of its corporate strategy focused on offering innovative payment solutions and supporting the purchasing power of Venezuelans, Bancamiga has formed a commercial alliance with the TecnoFarma pharmacy chain for the official launch of the Bancamiga TecnoFarma credit card.

In this first phase, the institution assigned 4,000 12-month revolving credit cards, primarily to frequent shoppers at partner stores. The initial allocation was based on a credit evaluation considering average purchase amount, purchase frequency, and the bank’s financial assessment.

For all customers interested in applying for this financial instrument, the application process will be conducted through TecnoFarma store branches. At each location, customers will find a QR code that they can scan to quickly and easily complete the application. An active Bancamiga account is required to process the application.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga, José Simón Elarba, highlighted the significance of this agreement for the sector:

“With Bancamiga’s first alliance in the pharmaceutical sector, we reaffirm our business vision focused on developing tools tailored to the needs of the Venezuelan market. The strategic alliance with TecnoFarma represents a fundamental step forward in diversifying the bank’s portfolio by segmenting credit and ensuring that funds are allocated to essential items at highly reliable partner businesses.”

Operation and benefits of the instrument

The Bancamiga TecnoFarma credit card operates on a closed-circuit system, limiting its use exclusively to the national network of 57 establishments in the pharmacy chain.

Among its main features are:

Immediate financing: purchase of medications, medical supplies, and personal care products instantly and without a down payment.

Financial conditions: 12-month revolving line of credit with an annual interest rate of 22%.

Fast Checkout: Priority, fast, and secure payment processing for cardholders.

Credit History: An opportunity to build and consolidate a financial record within the Bancamiga banking ecosystem.

Coverage and initial monitoring

In this launch phase, card applications and delivery are available to eligible customers in Greater Caracas, the Central Region, Los Llanos, and the city of Maracay.

Bancamiga will continuously monitor the performance and payment behavior of the first cohort of 4,000 cardholders during the last quarter of the year. Customers can check their card assignment and status through online banking and the institution’s official digital channels.

Information and images are for illustrative purposes only and are courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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More than 150 fifth grade students from five educational institutions in Caracas participated in the closing ceremony of the second edition of La Imagen y La Palabra, a creative literacy program promoted by Bancamiga, in alliance with the Fundación por la Lectura MFM, which promotes the development of expression, imagination and literary creation skills in basic education students.

During this edition, students from five schools in vulnerable areas of Caracas were part of the initiative: the Madre Cabrini Educational Unit, from Catia; the U.E.P. María Auxiliadora, from El Hatillo; the Arcángel San Miguel School, in Carapita; the Padre José María Vélaz School, in Caricuao; and the Don Pedro School, in Las Acacias.

The closing ceremony took place at Don Pedro School, where teachers, parents, and partners enjoyed an exhibition showcasing the work developed by participants throughout the program. The event also provided students with the opportunity to share and read their creations aloud, the result of their learning and artistic exploration sessions.

“For the second consecutive year, we have successfully carried out this educational program in partnership with the MFM Reading Foundation, along with a group of Venezuelan intellectuals and artists, coordinated by art curator Lorena González Inneco. They brought a transformative experience to the classroom for these young people, who can express themselves and have new opportunities through this project, which reaffirms our commitment to quality education,” stated José Simón Elarba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga Banco Universal.

Mariana Flores Melo, President of the MFM Reading Foundation, highlighted that Image and Word is a solid educational initiative, which is not only measured in numbers, but also in the lives it transforms, by offering participants the possibility of creating, dreaming and learning, opening up possibilities for a different life for each of the young people.

Great authors today, great citizens of the future.

Milagro González, Director of Social Responsibility at Bancamiga, emphasized the scope and meaning of the event, recalling that the institution’s strategy in this area is based on sustainable human development, highlighting that this management is formally aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

Bancamiga strengthens four fundamental pillars:

• Education: Continuing education programs, including innovative community initiatives.
• Culture: Support and promotion of artistic and cultural expressions with broad impact.
• Sports: Sponsorship and promotion of community and professional sports activities and initiatives.
• Environment: Ecological preservation projects aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainability.

One of the most significant moments of the event was the presentation of the books compiling the works created by the children during the 2025 and 2026 editions of  La imagen y la Palabra,. Two volumes were launched, preserving the stories and illustrations created by the participants, allowing them to see their efforts materialized in printed publications, thanks to the Bancamiga Publishing Fund. González celebrated this achievement, along with everyone present at the ceremony.

Mariana Flores also spoke about the future, as the program and the books presented relate to “stories already written and yet to be written.” They are committed to “educating children who think, not just who read or write.” A third edition is already being considered, taking into account other regions of Venezuela.

The students in the new cohort also had the opportunity to connect with the young people who participated in the previous edition, thus strengthening a growing community of readers and creators and extending the enjoyment and application of their experiences and new knowledge.

The coordinator of La Imagen y la Palabra program, Lorena González Inneco, highlighted the educational value of the initiative and noted that each workshop was led by an artist-teacher, who guided the students through a creative process that went far beyond writing.

“Each workshop allowed the children to approach creative literacy from a dynamic and participatory perspective. In addition to writing and developing their own stories, they were able to experiment with different publishing formats such as artist’s books, photobooks, fanzines, object books, and audiobooks, discovering new ways to communicate their ideas,” she said.

Video

Through this initiative, Bancamiga reaffirms its commitment to education, the promotion of reading and the strengthening of the creative abilities of new generations, contributing to the comprehensive education of children through experiences that stimulate imagination, critical thinking and cultural expression.

La Imagen y la Palabra continues to consolidate itself as a meeting space between literature, art and education, where each child finds their own voice and discovers new ways of telling the world around them.

Among the attendees, María Beatriz Medina stood out, Executive Director of the Book Bank, a recognized non-profit Venezuelan civil association, which agrees with the idea of ​​promoting children’s and youth reading; and the journalist Ana Virginia Escobar with the responsibility of hosting and facilitating the passage of this morning event.

Cobertura presencial / Producción audiovisual: Jesús Ramírez e Ida Febres

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Bancamiga launched the People Who Rise program in La Guaira, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at reactivating entrepreneurs, micro, small, and medium-sized businesses affected by the recent earthquakes in the country.

The program was launched with the support of the La Guaira Chamber of Commerce, in the state that suffered the greatest impact from the two earthquakes that struck on June 24th, a situation that disrupted the production and commercial activity of numerous businesses in the region.

Following the initial days of the emergency, Bancamiga identified a strategic opportunity to contribute effectively to the recovery of the affected communities. As a result, it designed a support program focused on strengthening the capabilities of entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), promoting the operational continuity of their businesses and their adaptation to a new economic reality, according to a statement from the financial institution.

“’People Who Rise Up’ was created with a clear vision: to support those who have already embarked on the entrepreneurial path and now require guidance, tools, and support to rebuild, strengthen, and project the growth of their ventures,” explained José Simón Elarba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga.

Elarba added that “this is not a program to create businesses from scratch. It is a reactivation plan that seeks to guide and support business owners and entrepreneurs during this necessary recovery process.”

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Aprendo y Emprendo, an organization specializing in training and strengthening business capabilities. Thanks to this synergy, Bancamiga Banco Universal is consolidating its position as a key financial enabler in local economic reconstruction processes, promoting solutions with sustainable social impact and contributing to the well-being of communities.

Josefina Salvatierra, executive director of Consecomercio, stated that “Bancamiga’s vision goes beyond its social responsibility by focusing on business development” to strengthen the national productive sector.

Active training

As part of the program, participants began a structured training process that includes a workbook specifically designed to guide the development of a business reactivation roadmap.

With this methodology, beneficiaries will be able to assess the state of their businesses, identify opportunities for improvement, and establish concrete actions to recover and strengthen their operations in the short term.

With People Who Rise Up, Bancamiga reaffirms its social commitment to Venezuela, with initiatives focused on generating opportunities, strengthening the productive sector, and contributing to Venezuela’s sustainable economic development, supporting individuals and communities who are determined to move forward even in the most challenging times.

Information and images are for illustrative purposes only and are courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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To pay tribute to the passion for sports and the history of Venezuelan baseball, Bancamiga presented the special edition of its Mastercard Debit Card with an exclusive design inspired by the Leones del Caracas.

Leones fans now have a card that displays the team’s emblem on the front, while the side edge features a semi-circular groove so that people with visual impairments can easily orient themselves by touch using Mastercard’s global Touch Card system.

To maximize fan security, the cardholder’s sensitive data is located exclusively on the back of the card, significantly reducing the risk of cloning or visual theft of information.

Initially, the card will be available to season ticket holders and then to all fans at Leones del Caracas games at the Monumental Stadium, where the Bancamiga Mobile unit will be located for distribution.

Functionality and international reach

The Bancamiga Mastercard Debit Card for Leones del Caracas maintains all the operational and technological advantages of this financial instrument, the bank explained in a statement.

Global Acceptance: Payments at points of sale within and outside of Venezuela in more than 120 countries, as well as withdrawals at international ATMs.

E-commerce and Entertainment: Easily make online purchases and subscribe to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, or Spotify.

Instant payments: It incorporates NFC (Contactless) technology and is tokenized in Bancamiga Suite, allowing transactions to be completed simply by tapping the card or mobile device against the point of sale.

With this edition dedicated to the franchise with the most championships in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, Bancamiga reaffirms its commitment to sports, inclusion, and the country’s culture.

Information and images are for illustrative purposes only, courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal and Leones del Caracas

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This Saturday,  Bancamiga’s special Kids operation became an unprecedented event, providing banking services to 15,400 children and teenagers across the country, as part of the return to school.

Starting at 9:00 a.m., Bancamiga opened the doors of its 51 branches, which were filled with children who, accompanied by their parents, received a free Mastercard Kids Debit Card, taking their first steps into the financial world.

The Commercial Banking Business Director, Yoiver Valenzuela, expressed his satisfaction with the event, where parents and children were thrilled to have a financial tool that makes their daily lives easier, and where hundreds of employees were committed to providing quality service.

During the event, children and teenagers aged 9 to 17 with national ID cards chose their card, which, with contactless technology, allows them to pay quickly and securely at points of sale nationwide. They can also top up their Movistar or Digitel mobile phones and check their balance online through Bancamiga Online.

The special Bancamiga Banco Universal event became a family-friendly occasion, with raffles, music, and face painting, bringing joy to children and adults alike.

“From the moment we arrived and started waiting in line, the service was wonderful. The staff was very attentive. They explained everything related to the requirements and offered us coffee, water, soft drinks, and even hot dogs,” said Marilyn Figuera, one of the mothers who accompanied her son to open his account in Altamira.

With this event, Bancamiga reaffirmed its commitment to bringing banking services to more Venezuelans, providing them with financial tools that improve their quality of life.

Information and images are for illustrative purposes only and are courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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Learning to manage money is one of the best gifts for our children’s future. That’s why, this Saturday, September 19, all 51 Bancamiga branches across the country will open their doors to celebrate the start of the school year and give away the Mastercard Kids Debit Card.

Designed for children and teenagers aged 9 to 17 with national ID cards, this contactless card allows them to take their first steps in managing money easily, safely, and enjoyably:

1. A variety of designs so they can choose their favorite style.

2. Direct payments at points of sale nationwide.

3. Check balance and transaction history online at Bancamiga.

4. Top up their Movistar or Digitel mobile phone lines.

It will be a unique day, full of learning, surprises, and joy. All 51 branches will be open starting at 9:00 a.m., with activities designed especially for children, the financial institution stated in a press release.

To open an account, you will need to bring a copy of the ID card (of both the minor and the parent/guardian) and a copy of the birth certificate in the new format issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE) (to verify parentage).

“At Bancamiga, we are passionate about promoting financial education from an early age, encouraging saving and responsibility in children,” stated José Simón Elarba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga.

To find the exact address of the 51 branches and spend a fun time this Saturday and receive a free Kids Card, visit www.bancamiga.com.

Information and image courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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In its continued commitment to the development of the country,  Bancamiga sponsored a private performance of the iconic Grease musical, held this Friday, September 11 in the emblematic Ríos Reyna Room of the Teresa Carreño Theater.

The blockbuster production, by Clas Producciones, NVivo and Oz Shows, filled the spaces of the cultural venue with numerous clients, allies and collaborators of the financial institution.

The bank’s initiative reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the entertainment and art industry in Venezuela, supporting large-format shows that showcase national talent, as in this case, in the country’s main cultural complex.

The gala allowed the bank to strengthen its ties with its corporate community during the exclusive premiere of the musical. This event fostered closer relationships with clients and the bank’s staff, providing them with memorable moments that celebrated shared trust and mutual loyalty.

The musical on stage

During the evening, attendees enjoyed a spectacular display of music, costumes, and staging that transported them to the vibrant 1950s. More than 30 artists and a nine-piece band conveyed the rebellious spirit and dilemmas of a generation of young people who found expression in rock and roll, with classic songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

Thanks to Bancamiga Banco Universal, audiences were treated to a revitalized and updated version of Grease, maintaining its essence, under the general direction of Elvis Chaveinte, with general and executive production by Claudia Salazar, director of Clas Producciones.

The choreography is by Taba Luis Ramírez, the musical direction by Jhosmarni Martínez, with musical consulting by Elisa Vegas.

Main cast and supporting cast

Danny Zuko: Víctor Drija

Sandy: Diana Rami and Yisbeli Roa (who alternate the role)

Rizzo: Claudia Mercedes (Claudia Rojas)

Frenchie: Cristina Mosquera

Marty: Rided Kredli

Starring Cast: More than 30 artists on stage, including Beto Baralt, Rolando Padilla and José David Heredia, among other talents of national musical theater.

Approaching its 20th anniversary in the Venezuelan banking sector, Bancamiga has established itself as a socially responsible financial institution that continues to support impactful social and cultural initiatives that promote the best of Venezuelan talent and generate value for Venezuelan society.

Information and images courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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As part of its technological modernization strategy, Bancamiga migrated its production environment, a decision that strengthens the processing, storage, performance, and availability capabilities of the services that support the Financial Core and the Transaction Authorization System, considered critical components for business continuity.

With this migration to the IBM i Power 11 platform, Bancamiga now has a next-generation architecture with greater processing capacity and resources to meet operational demands, reduce exposure to technological obsolescence, and strengthen the technical continuity of supported services. This, according to a statement from the institution, allows Bancamiga’s digital channels to operate more efficiently and continuously.

Among the services benefiting from the new platform are Internet Banking, the Bancamiga Suite application, Mobile Payment, and the Bancamiga Debit Card.

Sergio Saggese, Executive Director of Technology and Information Security at Bancamiga, emphasized that the bank’s sustained growth in recent years necessitated the upgrade of its computing infrastructure to a supported, secure, scalable platform with growth potential.

“The new platform allows us to process a greater number of daily transactions in real time, which means customers will enjoy faster everyday operations, shorter maintenance times, and even stronger protection for their information,” said Saggese.

Speed, maximum security, and sustainable technology

This new infrastructure is not only designed to support a high volume of daily operations without interruption, but it also incorporates significant advantages in data protection and sustainability:

• Increased real-time speed: Thanks to the increased processing capacity of the new equipment, user transactions are completed much faster, and routine bank maintenance takes less time.
• Data protection and Artificial Intelligence: The platform includes high-security encryption to protect customer information and integrates analytics with Artificial Intelligence directly into its systems, allowing for the evaluation and optimization of operations without exposing data to external environments.
• Power with a smaller environmental impact: Despite its enormous capacity to handle millions of data points, the new technology consumes less energy, promoting more efficient and environmentally friendly operations.

With this significant investment in cutting-edge technology, Bancamiga reaffirms its commitment to offering modern, stable, and secure banking solutions that adapt to the lifestyles of all its users.

Information and image courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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Reaffirming its social commitment and supporting education, sustainable development, and nation-building, Bancamiga successfully completed the third edition of its program: “Creating Ideas. Together for Venezuela.” “Together for Venezuela” is positively impacting more than 300 high school students in five institutions across Greater Caracas.

This educational program’s central objective is to foster creativity and critical thinking. Using design thinking methodology, the young participants identify challenges in their communities and propose innovative solutions that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“At Bancamiga, we believe in innovation as the engine of social change. With ‘Creating Ideas Together for Venezuela,’ we are not only providing tools, but also empowering the next generation of leaders in the country; “Encouraging them to transform their reality and fostering their development as agents of change through critical and creative thinking,” stated José Simón Elarba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga.

In this third edition, the initiative was implemented at the Madre Cecilia Cros School (Catia), the La Rinconada Technical School (Coche), the Pedro Emilio Coll High School (El Valle), the Padre Machado Fe y Alegría Technical School (Las Acacias), and the María Auxiliadora Private School (El Hatillo), during the school year that concluded last July.

Developing leaders among young people

In partnership with Aprendo y Emprendo (Learn and Start Up), workshops were held at each participating institution where students learned about the SDGs and how to apply them; they identified problems in their communities, as well as possible solutions, with the aim of generating innovative ideas that promote a positive impact in their communities.

Professor Gonzalo Rodríguez, job placement coordinator at the Padre Machado Technical School, maintains that the program “Besides being educational, academic, and formative, it raises awareness” among young people.

Furthermore, the program represents “an opportunity” for the students “to develop proposals based on their strengths and implement potential solutions in their communities,” stated Willians Venegas, director of the María Auxiliadora Private Educational Unit.

Positive community impact

Since its inception in 2024, “Creating Ideas. “Together for Venezuela” has increased its impact among students and their communities. The first edition was launched with the participation of 365 students between the ages of 14 and 16 in six schools in low-income areas of Caracas.

The second phase focused on institutional strengthening, training 76 teachers from 10 schools as facilitators and multipliers of the program, with the goal of ensuring the sustainability of the methodology in the classroom.

With this third edition, the educational program consolidates the social innovation model among students, and Bancamiga reaffirms its social commitment to education, investing in new generations to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Information and images courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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