EddieJayonCrypto
9 Sep 25
Ripple and BBVA have maintained a decade-long partnership that has evolved from facilitating cross-border payments to offering custodial services for digital assets. BBVA has consistently embraced innovation, from early digital banking to cryptocurrency initiatives. The collaboration with Ripple n...
**Ripple and BBVA: A Decade-Long Partnership Powers the Future of Digital Finance** When Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) first partnered with Ripple in 2017, the collaboration was a bold step into uncharted territory. The Spanish banking giant used Ripple’s technology to execute its first real-time international money transfer between Mexico and Spain—a transaction that showcased the potential of blockchain to revolutionize cross-border payments. Fast forward to today, and that same partnership is evolving once again, with Ripple now offering custodial services to BBVA, a move that underscores the bank’s commitment to leading the charge in digital asset adoption. Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s managing director, has long praised BBVA as “one of the most innovative banks in Europe.” And it’s easy to see why. Since its founding in 1857, BBVA has consistently embraced technological advancements, from early digital banking initiatives to its recent forays into cryptocurrency. This latest collaboration with Ripple is another chapter in that story. By leveraging Ripple’s custodial services, BBVA can now confidently meet growing demand for digital assets, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving financial landscape. The partnership isn’t new—it’s built on a foundation of trust and innovation. In 2021, BBVA’s Swiss branch began using Metaco’s Harmonize platform, a custody solution owned by Ripple, to securely manage cryptocurrency holdings. That same year, the bank’s Turkish subsidiary joined forces with Ripple and IBM to bolster digital asset security, proving that BBVA’s interest in blockchain extends far beyond theoretical exploration. Now, with Ripple’s custodial services, BBVA can streamline its operations, reduce risks, and offer clients a seamless experience in managing digital assets. For a bank with such a storied history, this isn’t just about keeping up with the times—it’s about setting the pace. As the financial world grapples with the rise of digital currencies, partnerships like this one between Ripple and BBVA highlight a broader trend: traditional institutions are no longer just observers—they’re active participants, reshaping the future of money. What do you think this partnership means for the future of banking? Could it signal a shift toward wider adoption of blockchain in mainstream finance?