Banca Catalana was a Spanish bank founded in 1982 in Barcelona. It was established to provide financial services primarily to the Catalan region and aimed to support local businesses and individuals. The bank grew rapidly in the 1980s, becoming a significant player in the Spanish banking sector. However, Banca Catalana faced a major crisis in the early 1990s due to financial irregularities and mismanagement. This led to a government intervention and eventual merger with La Caixa in 1991, marking the end of its independent operations. The bank's legacy continues to influence the Catalan banking landscape.