BBVA has started offering cryptocurrency trading for retail customers in Spain, enabling the purchase, sale, and storage of Bitcoin and Ethereum via its mobile banking application.
Initial Liquidity Provider
Bitstamp by Robinhood is one of the initial liquidity providers for BBVA’s new service. This partnership helps facilitate crypto transactions within a regulated environment, making them accessible to eligible customers.
Compliance with EU Crypto Regulation
BBVA’s introduction of cryptocurrency trading aligns the bank’s operations with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, overseen by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). This framework ensures uniform standards for crypto services across the European Union.
Approval from Spanish Authorities
In March 2025, BBVA obtained approval from the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV) to offer custody and execution services for crypto trading. The bank completed necessary formalities with CNMV and initially launched the service for a small group of users before gradually extending it to all private customers in Spain.
Previous Expansion
In 2021, BBVA introduced Bitcoin trading and custody services for its private banking clients in Switzerland, later expanding this offering to include Ether and USDC. In 2023, Garanti BBVA in Turkey launched a specialized company that now provides a wide range of crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, Solana, XRP, AVAX, Chiliz, and others.
Strategic Move for BBVA
By integrating digital assets into its existing foreign exchange infrastructure, BBVA has become the first traditional bank in Spain to offer retail crypto services. A representative from BBVA highlighted that this move reflects ongoing client demand for digital assets and underscores the operational readiness of their crypto trading desk.
Bitstamp by Robinhood’s Role
An official from Bitstamp by Robinhood emphasized the importance of their role in facilitating this initiative. Operating under multiple regulatory licenses, including those in New York, Louisiana, and Singapore, and registered under MiCA via Luxembourg, they are positioned to support traditional financial institutions as they adopt crypto services.
