Aquanima Grupo Santander: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Aquanima Grupo Santander is a global procurement and third-party risk management company, wholly owned by Grupo Santander. Established in 2000, it specializes in optimizing procurement processes and managing supplier relationships for both Grupo Santander and external clients across various sectors. With over 20 years of experience, Aquanima operates in 13 countries, offering strategic and tactical solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client and region.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To help people and businesses prosper by adding value to their operations through efficient and responsible procurement practices.

Vision: To be the best open financial services platform by acting responsibly and earning the lasting loyalty of our people, customers, shareholders, and society.

Industry Significance

Aquanima plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Grupo Santander and its external clients by streamlining procurement processes and mitigating third-party risks. Its expertise has been instrumental in positioning Grupo Santander among the most efficient banks in Europe.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Procurement Optimization: Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes to achieve cost savings and value creation.

Third-Party Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with supplier relationships to ensure compliance and sustainability.

Areas of Specialization

Strategic Sourcing: Managing and optimizing expense categories to align with organizational goals.

BPO (Business Process Outsourcing): Outsourcing procurement processes to improve operational efficiency.

TPRM (Third-Party Risk Management): Controlling and mitigating risks from suppliers in key dimensions.

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital Procurement Platforms: Leveraging advanced technologies to automate and streamline procurement processes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizing AI-powered tools to enhance decision-making and supplier selection.

Primary Markets Targeted

Aquanima serves a diverse clientele across various industries, including financial services, retail, manufacturing, and consumer products, operating in 13 countries worldwide.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo Santander, Aquanima's financial resources are integrated within the group's broader financial structure. Specific details regarding external funding or investment rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Developments

In November 2025, Deloitte announced an agreement with Grupo Santander to acquire Aquanima Chile, aiming to enhance Deloitte's strategic consulting services in the region.

Pipeline Development

Aquanima's pipeline development focuses on integrating advanced technologies and expanding its service offerings to meet evolving client needs. Notably, in March 2021, Aquanima partnered with Globality to enhance the digitalization of its procurement processes, utilizing AI-powered platforms to improve sourcing efficiency.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Digital Procurement Platforms: Aquanima employs advanced digital platforms to automate procurement processes, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Significant Scientific Methods

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The integration of AI, particularly through partnerships like that with Globality, enables Aquanima to enhance decision-making and supplier selection processes.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Jorge de la Vega: Global Head of Aquanima. Under his leadership, Aquanima has focused on integrating advanced technologies and expanding its service offerings to meet evolving client needs.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The procurement and third-party risk management industry is experiencing significant digital transformation, with companies increasingly adopting AI and automation to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Aquanima's strategic focus on technological integration positions it well within this evolving market landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Aquanima faces competition from various global procurement service providers and third-party risk management firms. Its emphasis on technological innovation, particularly through AI integration, differentiates it in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Aquanima's partnership with Globality in March 2021 to enhance the digitalization of its procurement processes is a significant collaboration, enabling the use of AI-powered platforms to improve sourcing efficiency.

Operational Insights

Aquanima's integration of advanced technologies, such as AI and digital procurement platforms, enhances its operational efficiency and effectiveness in procurement processes. This technological adaptability allows Aquanima to meet diverse client needs and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Aquanima's focus on technological innovation and strategic partnerships positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for digital procurement solutions. The recent acquisition of Aquanima Chile by Deloitte may also present opportunities for expansion and collaboration in the Latin American market.