Spain’s financial watchdog has given Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), a leading Spanish bank, the go-ahead to roll out bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) trading services. This milestone aligns with the rollout of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, a comprehensive framework standardizing crypto operations across the bloc.
A Long Road to Approval
BBVA’s journey into the crypto space began in 2020 when it eyed Switzerland as a potential hub, drawn by the country’s progressive stance on digital assets under the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). However, the bank shifted its focus to its home turf, navigating a years-long regulatory process in Spain.
With MiCA now in force, BBVA has successfully gained approval, enabling it to offer compliant crypto trading to its Spanish clientele. This isn’t BBVA’s first foray into digital assets.
Earlier in 2025, the bank dipped its toes into the market by launching crypto trading through a subsidiary in Turkey. The latest nod from regulators allows BBVA to scale up, bringing bitcoin and ether trading to a wider audience in Spain and solidifying its position as a pioneer among Europe’s banking giants.
Europe’s Banks Embrace Crypto
BBVA joins a wave of traditional financial institutions warming to cryptocurrencies. In Germany, Deutsche Bank has been busy crafting an Ethereum-based roll-up solution with ZKsync while offering custody services via Taurus.
Across the border, France’s Société Générale, through its SG-FORGE arm, has introduced a euro-pegged stablecoin on the XRP Ledger. These moves signal a broader shift as Europe’s banking sector increasingly integrates digital assets.
MiCA Paves the Way
The EU’s MiCA regulation is proving to be a game-changer, providing clarity and uniformity for crypto-related services. BBVA’s approval underscores how this framework is encouraging traditional banks to dive into the digital asset market.
As institutional interest surges, more European financial players may follow suit, leveraging MiCA to tap into the growing demand for cryptocurrencies.With this development, BBVA is well-positioned to bridge conventional banking and the crypto economy, catering to a client base eager for regulated digital asset offerings.
