On July 7, 2025, Spain’s second-largest bank, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), made headlines by advising its clients to invest up to 7% of their portfolios in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to Reuters. Philippe Meyer, head of digital and blockchain solutions at BBVA Switzerland, shared this guidance during the DigiAssets conference in London, noting that the bank began advising on Bitcoin investments in September 2024.
The recommended allocation ranges from 3% to 7%, depending on clients’ risk tolerance, with higher-risk profiles permitted to reach the upper limit. Meyer emphasized that a 3% allocation can enhance portfolio performance without significant risk, reflecting growing confidence in digital assets. Currently, the advice covers Bitcoin and Ethereum, with plans to include additional cryptocurrencies later this year.
This move marks a notable shift for a major European bank, especially as 95% of EU banks remain cautious about crypto, per the European Securities and Markets Authority. BBVA’s decision follows its approval in March 2025 to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading in Spain, signaling a broader embrace of blockchain technology amid rising crypto adoption.