BBVA Gets Green Light to Offer Bitcoin & Ether Trading in Spain

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) has secured approval from the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores to offer Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether trading services. Meanwhile, this decision allows BBVA to expand its crypto services to customers in Spain.

Crypto Trading Now Available on BBVA’s Mobile App

On March 10th, BBVA announced that it would be entering the cryptocurrency business in Spain. The bank will enable its customers to trade in Bitcoin and Ether through its mobile platform. To store cryptographic keys, the bank has built its custody system and, with it, direct control over customer holdings without a third party.

At first, the service will be available to a select group of users. Over the next few months, BBVA plans to extend access to all private banking customers across the country.

BBVA’s Growing Crypto Offerings Across Europe

BBVA first entered the crypto space in Switzerland, launching Bitcoin trading and custody services in 2021 for private banking clients. The Swiss branch later expanded its offerings to include Ether and the USDC stablecoin.

In January 2025, BBVA’s Turkish subsidiary, Garanti BBVA Kripto, introduced crypto trading services for the public. With Spain now included, the bank is steadily expanding its digital asset services across Europe.

Financial Institutions Adjust to MiCA Regulations

This approval comes as European banks and crypto firms scramble to meet Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) requirements. MiCA became fully effective immediately after the end of 2024 and companies have until July 2026 to comply.

Since MiCA’s implementation, several banks and exchanges have moved to secure regulatory approval. In December 2024, prime brokerage Hidden Road obtained a MiCA license in the Netherlands. In early 2025, Standard Chartered received approval in Luxembourg, and Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody became Germany’s first MiCA-licensed crypto provider.

Crypto exchanges have also begun adjusting to the new regulations. OKX, Crypto.com, and HashKey secured MiCA approval in January 2025. Bybit, previously blacklisted in France, has announced plans to apply for a license.

BBVA Strengthens Its Position in Digital Finance

BBVA’s move into Spain’s cryptocurrency market signals a broader effort by traditional banks to offer digital asset services. A BBVA spokesperson said, “We are providing our customers with secure access to digital assets within a regulated framework.”

By integrating crypto trading into its banking app, BBVA gives customers a familiar platform to manage digital and traditional assets in one place. The bank’s decision to handle custody internally ensures added security for users.

With Spain now included in its crypto expansion, BBVA continues to position itself among the financial institutions adapting to the increasing demand for digital assets. The phased rollout is expected to bring cryptocurrency trading to more customers in the coming months.