Spanish banking giant BBVA is now advising affluent clients to allocate up to 7% of their investment portfolios to cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), as part of a broader strategy to enhance portfolio performance while embracing innovation. The move comes just months after the bank received regulatory approval in Spain to offer crypto trading services.
BBVA Moves Ahead of the Curve
BBVA, Spain’s second-largest bank, began executing crypto trades in 2021, but only started offering advisory services in late 2024. Now, the bank is recommending clients with higher risk tolerance to allocate between 3% and 7% of their investment portfolios to digital assets.
Philippe Meyer, Head of Digital and Blockchain Solutions at BBVA Switzerland, emphasized that clients have responded positively to the strategy, stating:
“If you look at a balanced portfolio, if you introduce 3%, you already boost the performance. At 3%, you are not taking a huge risk.”
Philippe Meyer presenting at a blockchain conference in Lugano, Switzerland, in March
Crypto Gains Traction Despite EU Caution
BBVA’s proactive stance contrasts sharply with the cautious approach of most European banks. According to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), 95% of EU banks have avoided direct involvement in crypto, amid concerns raised by EU regulators and the European Central Bank.
However, BBVA’s regulatory approval in March 2025 to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading in Spain positions the bank as an early mover in the sector. Services are being gradually rolled out, with plans to integrate crypto trading, management, and custody directly into BBVA’s mobile app for a seamless experience.
MiCA Regulation Sets the Stage
BBVA’s expansion aligns with the broader implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which became fully active at the end of 2024. MiCA provides a unified legal framework for crypto across the EU, aiming to increase transparency and investor protection.
Crypto firms have until July 2026 to fully comply, but early adopters like BBVA are leveraging the clarity provided by the regulation to expand offerings confidently.
Growing Institutional Interest
BBVA isn’t alone. Rival bank Santander is also exploring stablecoins pegged to the euro and dollar, with plans to expand retail crypto services. This signals a broader institutional shift toward embracing digital asset infrastructure.
Conclusion
BBVA’s recommendation to allocate up to 7% of client portfolios to crypto reflects growing confidence in the asset class’s potential. Backed by strong regulatory positioning, robust infrastructure, and increasing client demand, BBVA is paving the way for more traditional financial institutions to enter the crypto space. With MiCA providing a solid legal foundation, the European banking sector may soon witness a new era of crypto integration.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.