INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The service is designed to bring cryptocurrency access to retail investors without requiring them to use third-party exchanges or separate
custodians.Key features include:Support for BTC and ETH trading.Custody handled directly by BBVA, not outsourced.Full integration with
existing BBVA accounts for easy fund movement.Mobile-first interface, built into the standard BBVA banking app.No investment advice
provided; this is a self-directed product.No DeFi or staking functionality; just basic trading and storage.This is not a separate app or
partnership-based service
projects in Switzerland and Turkey, which were limited to private banking or foreign subsidiaries.Accessing the service is straightforward
section.Verify identity through standard KYC procedures.Fund the account with euros from your main BBVA account.Buy or sell BTC and ETH
within the app.Hold crypto in bank-grade custody, secured by BBVA.View portfolio performance and transaction history alongside other
accounts.For risk-averse users or newcomers to digital assets, this lowers the barrier to entry as there is no need to download a separate
Under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took effect in 2024, financial institutions can now offer regulated crypto
That gives the bank legal authority to offer custody, trading and investment services for specific crypto assets.This regulatory backing
sets Spain ahead of several neighboring EU countries in executing MiCA's harmonized rules:In France, the AMF began accepting MiCA license
applications on July 1, 2024, with a transitional regime allowing existing crypto firms to operate until July 1, 2026, but traditional banks
are still in the pilot phase and have not yet received operational authorizations.In Germany, BaFin approved its first MiCA licenses for
firms like Crypto Finance and Bitpanda on Jan
27, 2025, but leading banks such as Deutsche Bank and the Sparkassen group are not expected to begin retail crypto services until 2026.Italy
implemented its MiCA framework via Legislative Decree No
5, 2024, and requires crypto firms to apply for authorization by June 30, 2025, but no major Italian banks have launched retail crypto
services yet.Portugal activated MiCA across all EU member states on Dec
30, 2024, yet local regulatory bodies are still establishing licensing procedures, and retail bank adoption remains pending.Spain not only
implemented MiCA swiftly but also empowered leading banks like BBVA to act decisively
while ensuring investor protection
This regulatory clarity has made Spain an attractive launchpad for compliant crypto services, offering a competitive edge in a rapidly
Its roadmap reflects a cautious and deliberate strategy.June 2021: Switzerland: BBVA offered Bitcoin trading and custody to private banking
The Swiss branch has since expanded its offerings to include Ether and the USDC (USDC) stablecoin.Jan 2025: Turkey (garanti BBVA kripto):
current launch brings crypto into the core BBVA banking experience for the broader retail market in Spain.With MiCA enabling the passporting
of financial services across EU member states, BBVA could use its July 2025 launch in Spain as a regulatory foothold for future expansion
into markets like France, Italy, and Germany, once local licensing procedures are completed
infrastructure, offering protections similar to traditional bank holdings.Simplicity: No private keys, seed phrases or external wallets are
Users interact with crypto the same way they manage fiat.Regulatory protection: As a MiCA-compliant provider, BBVA is subject to legal
app without relying on DeFi protocols, third-party wallets or unregulated exchanges.This structure is ideal for users who value regulatory
oversight and prefer to keep their digital assets within a familiar banking environment
traditional finance, the offering remains intentionally narrow in scope
The bank has chosen to focus on simplicity, security and regulatory alignment, rather than competing with feature-rich exchanges or DeFi
platforms.This decision shapes the user experience and defines the target audience, but it also limits the flexibility and functionality
more advanced users may expect.Here is what BBVA does not offer:No investment guidance: Users must make all trading decisions on their own
BBVA does not provide portfolio guidance or asset recommendations.No altcoin support: The platform currently supports only BTC and ETH
Stablecoins, emerging tokens and other cryptocurrencies are excluded.No DeFi, staking or lending features: Users cannot earn yield or
participate in decentralized finance protocols
approach this service as a convenient on-ramp into crypto, not as a substitute for fully understanding the asset class or its
limitations.Volatility: Bitcoin and Ether continue to be highly volatile assets
Their prices can experience significant fluctuations within hours or even minutes, leading to unexpected gains or losses
requirements or restrict access to certain services.Custody limitations: Users do not control their private keys
All digital assets are held by BBVA on behalf of the user, meaning full ownership is custodial
protected under EU deposit guarantee schemes
If losses occur due to unforeseen issues, recovery may be limited
want a simple, bank-backed way to get started without diving into complex DeFi tools.Someone who values strong regulatory oversight and the
consumer protections that come with a fully licensed, MiCA-compliant institution.A BBVA customer looking for a seamless way to buy, sell and
store crypto, all from within the same app you already use for everyday banking.However, it may be less suitable for:Investors seeking
exposure to a broader range of digital assets, including altcoins or NFTs.Users who want full control of their private keys and prefer
self-custody.Traders looking for advanced tools, yield products or access to decentralized finance protocols.Always remember that regulation
