BBVA Secures Approval to Launch Bitcoin, Ether Trading in Spain

• BBVA has received approval from Spain’s CNMV to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading services.
• The bank allows customers in Spain to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies through its mobile app.
• BBVA will use its in-house cryptographic custody system to ensure full control over customer assets without third-party involvement.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) has received approval from Spain’s securities regulator, the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading. The bank will allow customers in Spain to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies through its mobile app. The service will initially be available to select users before expanding nationwide in the coming months.

BBVA Introduces Bitcoin Trading in Spain

BBVA’s new crypto service will let customers trade Bitcoin directly through its mobile banking platform. The bank will use its in-house cryptographic custody system, ensuring complete control over customer assets. This eliminates third-party involvement and strengthens security measures for digital asset storage.

The bank’s decision to expand into Spain follows its initial crypto offerings in Switzerland. In June 2021, BBVA’s Swiss branch launched Bitcoin custody and trading services for private banking clients. The Swiss operation later added Ether and the USDC stablecoin to its offerings.

BBVA’s expansion aligns with Europe’s growing demand for institutional crypto services. The bank aims to provide regulated and secure access to Bitcoin as part of its broader digital strategy. Spain’s regulatory approval marks a significant step in BBVA’s commitment to integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial services.

BBVA Expands Ether Trading Amid Regulatory Changes

In addition to Bitcoin, BBVA will enable Ether trading for its Spanish customers. The service will operate under the same framework as its Bitcoin offerings, ensuring compliance with Spain’s financial regulations. Customers will manage their Ether holdings through BBVA’s mobile platform, which has secure custody features.

BBVA has gradually expanded its crypto services across different markets. Its Swiss subsidiary has been offering Ether trading since 2021, while its Turkish branch, Garanti BBVA Kripto, launched crypto trading in January 2025. The bank’s entry into Spain follows these previous expansions, positioning it as a key player in the European crypto sector.

Regulatory developments in the European Union have influenced BBVA’s approach to digital assets. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which became fully effective in late 2024, has created a clearer framework for crypto services. BBVA’s compliance with these new regulations strengthens its position as a trusted financial institution in the evolving crypto landscape.

European Banks and Crypto Firms Seek MiCA Compliance

BBVA’s move comes as European financial institutions accelerate efforts to integrate crypto services under MiCA regulations. Several traditional banks have secured MiCA licenses, including Standard Chartered in Luxembourg and Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody in Germany. Prime brokerage firm Hidden Road also obtained approval in the Netherlands.

Crypto-native companies are also adapting to the regulatory changes. In January 2025, significant exchanges like OKX, Crypto.com, and HashKey received MiCA approval. Bybit, which faced a security breach, is now pursuing a MiCA license after being removed from France’s blacklist.

With a clear regulatory framework in place, European banks and crypto firms continue expanding their digital asset services. BBVA’s approval in Spain reflects a broader shift toward institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. The bank’s expansion into Bitcoin and Ether trading reinforces its strategy to offer secure and regulated crypto solutions.