Key Takeaways
- BBVA has launched spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody services for retail clients in Spain.
- The phased rollout is underway and expected to be available to all users within a week.
- The launch follows BBVA’s crypto services for private clients in Switzerland and Turkey.
Spain’s second-largest bank, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), is bringing crypto to the masses.
The bank has launched Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading and custody services for all retail customers of legal age.
Crypto Access Expands for Spanish Retail Investors
The new offering , embedded in BBVA’s mobile and digital banking platforms, allows users to manage their crypto holdings alongside savings accounts, investments, and payment services—all in one place.
The service rollout began in early July and is expected to reach all customers within a week.
“We want to make it easier for our retail customers in Spain to invest in crypto-assets through a simple and easy-to-access digital solution on their cell phone,” said Gonzalo Rodríguez, BBVA’s Head of Retail Banking. “Our goal is to support them as they explore digital assets, backed by the strength and security of a bank like BBVA.”
BBVA Aligns with MiCA as Institutional Adoption Accelerates
BBVA confirmed that the new crypto service aligns with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, designed to bring clarity and safety to digital asset markets.
The bank will not offer crypto investment advice, and access to the service will be limited to users through BBVA’s official apps.
This isn’t BBVA’s first foray into crypto. The bank began offering crypto trading and custody to private banking clients in Switzerland in 2021.
The bank later expanded to Turkey in 2023 through its subsidiary Garanti BBVA.
Traditional Banks Are Rushing to Join the Crypto Economy
BBVA joins a growing list of global banks pivoting toward crypto adoption, many of which previously dismissed or criticized digital assets.
Rising demand from clients, especially in the wake of favorable U.S. and European regulation, is driving the shift.
Here’s a look at major financial institutions now offering crypto products and infrastructure:
- JPMorgan Chase: Developing a shared stablecoin network with BofA, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup (2025)
- Bank of America: Participating in the same multi-bank stablecoin project (2025)
- Goldman Sachs: Working on tokenized assets through the Canton Network (2024)
- HSBC: Launched crypto custody via Metaco (2024)
- Standard Chartered: Expanded Zodia Custody for institutional crypto services (2024)
- Citibank: Part of the multi-bank stablecoin initiative (2025)
- DBS Bank: Offers Bitcoin options trading to institutions (2024)
- Commerzbank: Supports BTC and ETH trading/custody for corporate clients in Germany (2024)
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