BBVA Launches Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading for Retail in Spain

Spain’s second-largest bank, BBVA, has officially rolled out Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading and custody services for retail customers through its mobile app, marking a bold step into the cryptocurrency space.

Announced today by Wu Blockchain, this launch follows regulatory approval from Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) in March 2025 and aligns with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, ensuring robust investor protection and market standardization.

BBVA’s innovative approach features a self-built custody system, eliminating reliance on third-party platforms. Customers can now independently buy, sell, and hold crypto assets within the bank’s secure digital environment. Gonzalo Rodríguez, head of retail banking for Spain, emphasized, “We aim to simplify crypto investment for our customers, leveraging BBVA’s strength and security.” This move builds on the bank’s prior successes, having introduced crypto services in Switzerland (2021) for private clients and Turkey (2023) via Garanti BBVA, now extending to retail in its home market.

The launch signals a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing digital assets. BBVA plans to expand its offerings, potentially including more cryptocurrencies and tokenized products like bonds and funds, as noted by Francisco Maroto, head of digital assets. This could pressure rival banks to follow suit, especially as a 2023 PwC report highlights that tokenization could cut transaction costs by up to 30% and speed up cross-border settlements.

With MiCA compliance and a decade of blockchain research, BBVA positions itself as a leader in the evolving financial landscape. The service’s integration into the app reflects growing retail demand, potentially driving higher crypto adoption in Europe. As competition intensifies, the banking sector’s pivot to crypto could redefine investment norms, making BBVA’s move a game-changer to watch.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.