Spanish banking giant BBVA has officially rolled out its cryptocurrency trading and custody services, marking a significant step into the digital asset space. As of early July 2025, retail customers of legal age in Spain can now buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ether directly through the bank's mobile app, following approval from the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV).
This move positions BBVA as a pioneer among traditional financial institutions in Spain, catering to the growing interest in cryptocurrencies. The service, initially announced in March 2025, has been in development since 2020, reflecting the bank's long-term commitment to integrating blockchain technology and digital assets into its offerings.
BBVA's platform ensures a seamless user experience with biometric authentication for secure transactions. This launch comes at a time when crypto adoption is gaining momentum in Spain, with reports indicating that around 9% of Spaniards already own digital currencies.
In addition to retail services, BBVA has been advising its wealthy clients to allocate up to 7% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies, signaling a broader acceptance of digital assets in mainstream finance. This strategic push underscores the bank's vision to merge traditional banking with the innovative potential of the crypto ecosystem.
The initiative also aligns with BBVA's involvement in broader digital currency projects, such as trials for a potential digital euro in collaboration with the European Central Bank and other major Spanish banks. This positions BBVA at the forefront of financial innovation in the region.
As BBVA expands its crypto offerings, it aims to lead the transformation of the financial sector by combining its global reach and credibility with the agility of emerging technologies. This development could pave the way for further adoption of cryptocurrencies across the Euro area.
Andrew Lee
