The fintech solution Qonto has released a new report, “Economic and Banking Landscape of Spain’s Micro and Small Businesses 2026,” with findings as compelling as the fact that digitization has not managed to reduce the administrative burden on organizations. Among highly digitized companies, 23% spend more than 10 days per month on administrative tasks, compared with 9% among those with lower digitization. The perception that these tasks eat into strategic time is also more common among the more digitized (50%) than among the less digitized (35%). The paradox holds regardless of age profile.
The use of poorly integrated tools, duplicated processes, and fragmented systems is limiting the real impact of digitization. 75% of companies operate with more than one platform to manage their finances, 46% use between two and three tools, and 29% use four or more. Only 25% work with a single tool. This fragmentation translates into administrative overload: 47% spend between 2 and 5 days per month on banking and administrative tasks, and 15% more than 10 days. 42% of respondents acknowledge that this reduces the time available for strategic work.
Digitization and mood: a consistent correlation
The mood among Spain’s business fabric has notably worsened. Only 24% of companies are optimistic about the economy’s evolution over the next 12 months, down from 32% in 2025. 51% describe themselves as directly pessimistic. The main perceived challenges are inflation (26% place it first), followed by a drop in demand (14%) and new regulations (13%). Regarding strategic priorities for 2026, companies focus on increasing their customer base (55%), boosting revenue (54%), and reducing costs (52%).
However, the data reveal a clear relationship between the level of digitization and business optimism. 34% of highly digitized companies are optimistic about the economy’s evolution, compared with 21% at a normal level and 16% at a low level of digitization.
This correlation also extends to the emotional plane. Among the most digitized companies, calmness in financial management rises to 46% (vs. 20% among the least digitized), and confidence to 50% (vs. 24%). Conversely, stress falls from 39% to 23%, anxiety from 29% to 16%, and frustration from 21% to 10%. The trend is progressive and consistent across all levels of digitization.
When analyzing by generation, younger entrepreneurs are the ones with higher levels of financial digitization. 40% of companies led by managers aged 25 to 34 reach high levels, compared with 35% in the 35–44 bracket, 23% in the 45–54 bracket, and 17% among those over 55.
Crisis of trust in traditional banking and the rise of digital alternatives
The relationship with traditional banks is under strain. More than half of Spanish companies agree that banks are rigid and charge hidden fees (59%). In total, 35% have considered leaving traditional banking in favor of fintech solutions, but this figure varies notably by digitization level: among highly digitized firms, the percentage rises to 48%, vs 24% among the least digitized.
Meanwhile, awareness of banking costs remains limited. Only 25% of companies know exactly what they pay in fees. 43% know they pay fees but do not know the exact amount, and 23% simply do not know.
Although trust (53%) and security (47%) remain foundational pillars in the relationship with financial institutions, selection criteria have evolved notably compared with previous years. Beyond these elements, Spanish companies increasingly prioritize factors such as fees (50%), speed of service (40%), transparency (38%), and ease of use (35%) when choosing the entity they want to work with. Against these priorities, demand is shifting. Today, 22% of companies already use digital financial solutions, double last year’s 11%.
Electronic invoicing: uneven progress
Adoption of electronic invoicing is advancing, though unevenly. 23% already have it integrated into their processes, 36% are in a testing phase, and 29% do not consider it. 47% believe it will have a positive impact on their business.
Although young people lead digitization levels in our country, it is those over 55 who show the highest integration rate (30%) of electronic invoicing, while those aged 25 to 34 register the lowest rate (17%).
Lorenzo Pireddu, CEO of Qonto for Southern Europe, says: Our study confirms that Spanish companies are redefining what they expect from their financial institution. It is no longer enough to offer trust and security; transparency, agility, and simplicity are also essential. The challenge isn’t to add more tools, but to integrate them better. At Qonto we want to accompany companies on that step, helping them replace fragmentation with control, automation and a clearer view of their finances.
The current challenge for Spain’s micro and small businesses is no longer simply to digitize more, but to better integrate that digitization. Nearly half spend between 2 and 5 days per month on banking and administrative tasks, while 75% operate across multiple platforms without integration. 42% feel this hampers their strategic capacity. In light of this reality, Pireddu adds: Companies that manage to simplify their operations, centralize tools and gain financial visibility, through solutions like Qonto, will be in a stronger position to meet an increasingly demanding environment.
