BBVA, Spain's second-largest bank, has officially launched 24/7 Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading and custody for its domestic retail clients, becoming the first major Spanish lender to integrate cryptocurrencies into its core mobile banking platform.
Key Highlights of the Launch:
- Mainstream Integration: Customers can now buy and sell crypto directly through the BBVA mobile app, using the same, familiar processes applied to foreign exchange, ensuring a regulated and trusted user experience.
- Regulatory First: Approved by Spain's CNMV (the markets regulator), this launch is considered one of the earliest major applications of the European Union's landmark MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework, setting a potential precedent for the rest of the continent.
- Driving Demand: Luis Martins, BBVA’s global head of macro trading, noted the move is a direct response to rising demand from everyday investors who expect to access digital assets through their existing, trusted banking systems.
- Technology & Barrier to Entry: The service is powered by SGX FX's technology for pricing and risk management, which allows banks to add crypto services without replacing their core systems, thus lowering the barrier to entry for other financial institutions.
Implications for European Banking
BBVA's early adoption is expected to pressure cautious European peers like Deutsche Bank and KBC to accelerate their own plans for retail crypto services. The bank secured its MiCA authorization in 2025 and is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the digital asset space.
Market Reaction
BBVA’s commitment to digital strategy, including its earlier advice to wealthy clients to consider a crypto allocation, has been well-received by the market. As of October 2, the bank's stock has surged approximately 96% year-to-date, reflecting investor confidence and recognition of its pioneering role in bringing crypto into the mainstream.
October 2025, Cryptoniteuae