Spain’s second-largest bank, BBVA, has issued a notable investment recommendation to its high-net-worth clients: allocate between 3% and 7% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), based on individual risk tolerance.
According to Reuters, Philippe Meyer, Head of Digital and Blockchain Solutions at BBVA Switzerland, shared this guidance during a conference in London. He revealed that the bank began advising private clients on Bitcoin investments in September last year and has recently increased the suggested allocation for clients with higher risk profiles.
“We’ve seen strong interest from clients in this strategy. In fact, adding just 3% of crypto to a balanced portfolio already enhances performance without taking on significant risk,” Meyer said.
BBVA’s recommendation comes amid ongoing warnings from the European Union about the risks of crypto assets. According to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), 95% of banks in the EU still avoid involvement in crypto-related activities.
BBVA Expands Crypto Services in Spain
BBVA has been executing crypto trades since 2021 and shifted toward active investment advisory in late 2024. In March, Spain’s securities regulator granted the bank approval to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading in the country.
The bank initially launched crypto services for select premium clients and is preparing to roll out full digital asset management features via its mobile app in the coming months.
BBVA’s crypto push aligns with the full implementation of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took effect at the end of 2024. Under the 18-month transitional phase, crypto firms operating in the EU have until July 2026 to fully comply with MiCA’s strict standards.
BBVA isn’t alone in exploring crypto. Fellow Spanish banking giant Santander is also making moves in the space, reportedly considering launching its own stablecoin and expanding retail crypto services. A May report indicated that the bank is looking at issuing both USD- and EUR-pegged stablecoins.
