tl;dr
BBVA, Spain’s largest bank, launched 24/7 crypto trading for retail clients, becoming the first European bank to integrate Bitcoin and Ether into its mobile app under the MiCA framework, setting a new benchmark for banking innovation.
**BBVA Pioneers 24/7 Crypto Trading in Spain, Setting New Benchmark for European Banking**
BBVA, Spain’s second-largest bank, has made history by launching 24/7 cryptocurrency trading for domestic retail clients on October 2. As the first major Spanish lender to integrate Bitcoin and Ether into its mainstream mobile banking platform, the move marks a significant milestone in the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets. The initiative, approved by Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV), is one of the first major applications of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, signaling a shift in how banks approach crypto services across the region.
### A Seamless Crypto Experience for Retail Investors
BBVA’s new feature allows customers to buy, sell, and custody Bitcoin and Ether directly through its mobile app, leveraging the same secure infrastructure used for foreign exchange transactions. This integration ensures a familiar, regulated environment for users, aligning with the bank’s commitment to innovation without compromising safety.
Luis Martins, BBVA’s global head of macro trading, emphasized the growing demand from everyday investors. “Digital assets are rapidly becoming part of global finance. Our clients expect to access them through the same trusted systems they already use,” he stated. The rollout is powered by Singapore-based SGX FX, whose technology provides pricing, aggregation, and risk management solutions. COO Vinay Trivedi highlighted that the system enables banks to adopt crypto without overhauling their entire digital infrastructure, lowering barriers to entry for financial institutions.
### MiCA Framework and European Banking Implications
BBVA’s early adoption of MiCA-compliant crypto services positions it as a trailblazer in Europe, where many banks remain hesitant to offer retail-focused crypto products. While institutions like KBC and Deutsche Bank have explored blockchain technology, none have yet launched 24/7 crypto trading. BBVA secured MiCA authorization from Spain’s CNMV in 2025, following a limited pilot with thousands of users that expanded to all eligible Spanish retail clients in July. The bank has kept crypto orders and custody within its own digital banking stack, ensuring control and compliance.
This move could pressure European peers to accelerate their own crypto strategies. As MiCA clarifies regulations for digital assets, BBVA’s success may serve as a blueprint for others, particularly as investor interest in crypto continues to grow.
### Strategic Moves and Market Confidence
BBVA’s digital ambitions extend beyond retail trading. Earlier this summer, BBVA Switzerland advised high-net-worth clients to consider allocating 3%–7% of their portfolios to crypto, reflecting the bank’s broader confidence in digital assets. These efforts have resonated with investors, as evidenced by the bank’s stock performance. As of October 2, BBVA shares traded around $19.08, with daily volumes exceeding one million shares. The stock has surged nearly 96% from $9.50 at the start of the year, underscoring market recognition of its pioneering role in mainstreaming crypto services.
### A New Era for European Banking
BBVA’s launch underscores the evolving landscape of finance, where traditional institutions are increasingly embracing digital assets to meet client expectations. By integrating crypto into its core banking platform, BBVA not only strengthens its competitive edge but also sets a precedent for regulatory compliance and innovation. As the EU’s MiCA framework matures, the bank’s early adoption may catalyze a broader shift, encouraging European financial institutions to rethink their approach to cryptocurrencies.
For now, BBVA’s bold step highlights the growing intersection of finance and technology, positioning the bank as a leader in shaping the future of banking in a digital world.