BBVA receives green light to offer trading services with Bitcoin and Ethereum in Spain

• BBVA customers in Spain will soon be able to operate with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
• The bank will implement the cryptocurrency trade services in phases.
• First, the bank will allow a select customer group to try the services before expanding them to retail customers.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) of Spain, the second largest bank in the country, has received the regulatory approval of the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) to offer Bitcoin negotiation services (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

After approval of the Securities Regulator, BBVA advertisement That their clients will soon be able to buy, sell and administer BTC and ETH directly through their mobile bank application, a measure that underlines the growing convergence of traditional banking and digital assets.

This development positions BBVA as a pioneer among European banks, capitalizing on the growing demand for services related to cryptocurrencies.

With Bitcoin (BTC) quoting approximately $ 82,808 and Ethereum (ETH) at $ 2,118, the bank aims to take advantage of a market that has experienced explosive growth and institutional interest.

In particular, BBVA’s decision reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions to adapt to changing preferences of technology expert clients, many of which see cryptocurrencies as an investment opportunity and coverage against economic uncertainty.

An implementation approach by phases

BBVA will launch its criptomonet sale service by phases. Initially, the service will be available for a select user group, which will allow the bank to test and improve its platform before a broader implementation.

Subsequently, the bank will gradually expand access to all private banking customers in Spain. This cautious but deliberate strategy highlights BBVA’s commitment to guarantee a fluid and safe experience for its clients, taking advantage of its own custody platform of cryptographic keys to maintain total control over digital assets without depending on external suppliers.

The bank’s own custody solution is a key differentiator. By maintaining customer assets in the company itself, BBVA intends to improve security and confidence, crucial factors in a sector often plagued by computer attacks and poor management.

This measure is also aligned with the emphasis that the bank has long put on technological innovation, positioning it as a leader in the digital transformation of finance.

Taking advantage of growing cryptocurrency adoption trends

BBVA’s trip to cryptocurrencies is not a sudden jump, but a calculated expansion of efforts that began years ago. In June 2021, the Bank launched custody and negotiation services of Bitcoin for private banking customers in Switzerland, where regulatory clarity provided an early support point.

Since then, the Swiss BBVA branch has expanded its offer to include ETH and the USDC stable currency after associating with Ripple Metaco, attending to a sophisticated clientele that feels comfortable with digital assets.

More recently, in January 2025, the Turkish subsidiary of BBVA, Guarantei BBVA Kripto, presented cryptocurrency trade to the public, further consolidating the global presence of the bank in this space.

The approval in Spain is based on these successes, adapting the lessons learned from Switzerland and Türkiye to meet the unique needs of the Spanish market.

With each step, BBVA is demonstrating a strategic vision to integrate cryptocurrencies into their main offers, aligning with the changing regulatory and consumption panoramas.

It should be noted that the launch of BBVA in Spain coincides with the complete implementation of the Cryptactive Markets Regulations (MICA) of the European Union, which entered into force at the end of 2024.

Mica establishes a harmonized frame for cryptocurrency services throughout the EU, providing banks and companies with the legal clarity necessary to operate with confidence.

According to this regulation, companies have until July 2026 to achieve full compliance during a transition phase of 18 months, which gives BBVA enough time to perfect their operations.