BBVA brings Bitcoin to the masses 🇪🇸

Spanish banking giant launches crypto trading and custody for retail customers

BBVA, one of Spain’s largest banks, just flipped the crypto switch — and it's happening straight inside your phone. Retail clients can now buy, sell, and store Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through BBVA’s mobile app. No third-party exchanges. No shady custody. Just regulated, bank-backed crypto — in Spain, for everyone.

Welcome to legacy finance finally catching up with the blockchain generation.

📲 Crypto inside your banking app

BBVA’s new crypto feature is fully integrated into its digital banking environment. Users can:

• Trade Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Store assets securely with BBVA’s internal custody
• Access it all from their existing banking app

No extra downloads, no complex wallets, no external platforms. This is crypto with training wheels — designed for the mainstream.

🛡️ Regulated and MiCA-compliant

BBVA filed for regulatory approval in March 2025 with CNMV, Spain’s securities watchdog. Everything is now compliant under MiCA, the EU’s landmark crypto regulation.

That means:

• Full transparency
• User protection standards
• And no wild west vibes

This isn’t some DeFi rugpull — it’s Europe’s traditional finance going full crypto-native.

🌍 BBVA goes global with crypto

This isn’t their first rodeo. BBVA has been rolling out crypto since:

• 2021: Launched in Switzerland (private banking clients)
• 2023: Expanded to Turkey via Garanti BBVA
• 2025: Now live for retail clients in Spain

According to Francisco Maroto, Head of Digital Assets at BBVA:

“We’re growing our digital asset business with crypto, stablecoins, and tokenized traditional assets. Our goal is simple: offer the best investment and transaction-based solutions.”

🔐 In-house custody, zero outsourcing

One of BBVA’s biggest flexes? They run their own custody infrastructure. That means:

• No dependence on third-party custodians
• Higher security
• Tighter regulatory controls
• Full trust for customers holding BTC and ETH

It’s TradFi with crypto-native security.

📈 What's next: More crypto, more products

Right now, the app supports only BTC and ETH, but the roadmap includes:

• More cryptocurrencies
• Tokenized bonds, funds, and stablecoins
• A full suite of Web3-native financial products

Plus, BBVA is already encouraging clients to allocate 3–7% of their portfolios to digital assets. Yep — your bank now recommends crypto.

⚡ TL;DR

• 🇪🇸 BBVA launches crypto trading & custody in Spain — BTC and ETH now available inside the bank’s mobile app
• 🏛️ Regulated under MiCA, approved by CNMV, with in-house custody (no third parties)
• 🌍 Expands BBVA’s global crypto presence after Switzerland and Turkey
• 🔐 Full control of assets inside the app, backed by BBVA security and compliance
• 📈 Plans to grow: more coins, tokenized bonds, and traditional assets onchain
• 💬 BBVA encourages a 3–7% crypto allocation for retail portfolios