BBVA Launches Retail Crypto Trading and Custody Services in Spain

July 7, 2025 – BBVA, Spain’s second-largest banking group, has officially launched Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody services for retail customers in its home market. The offering is now live via the bank’s mobile app and enables users to buy, sell, and hold crypto assets directly within their existing digital banking experience.

The move follows regulatory approval from the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV), obtained in March 2025. This makes BBVA one of the first traditional banks in Europe to provide fully integrated crypto services to its retail client base, aligning with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.

The launch allows all Spanish customers of legal age to manage crypto independently without needing to rely on external platforms or third-party custodians. BBVA clarified that the service will not include financial advice and is designed to be self-directed.

Digital Access Without Third-Party Dependence

According to Gonzalo Rodríguez, Head of Retail Banking for Spain, the new offering is meant to make digital asset exposure more accessible and secure for everyday users.

“Our goal is to support them as they explore digital assets, backed by the strength and security of a bank like BBVA,” Rodríguez said.

The app-based service is built internally and uses BBVA’s infrastructure, eliminating the need for external intermediaries. Customers can monitor prices, execute trades, and store assets—all from the same platform used for their traditional banking needs.

Spain Becomes Third Market for BBVA’s Crypto Expansion

BBVA first entered the crypto space in 2021 by launching trading and custody services in Switzerland. In 2023, it expanded the offering to private banking clients in Turkey. Spain is now the third country where BBVA is launching digital asset services—and the first time it’s targeting retail users in its core European market.