Ripple Expands Crypto Services to BBVA Retail Clients in Spain

Ripple is further strengthening its position in licensed traditional finance across Europe through its latest agreement with Spanish bank BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria). This partnership brings Ripple’s digital custody technology for managing Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to BBVA’s retail clients, aligning with increasingly clear and supportive crypto regulations in the European Union.

BBVA will leverage Ripple Custody technology to directly handle Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings of retail clients through its mobile banking application. This service continues similar integrations already implemented in BBVA Switzerland and Turkey, reinforcing long-term trust between the two institutions. Francisco Maroto, Head of Digital Assets at BBVA, stated that this integration allows the bank to provide end-to-end custody services, combining traditional security with the efficiency of Ripple’s blockchain.

The expansion aligns with the implementation of the EU’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework, which clarifies the legality of digital asset services. Cassie Craddock, Managing Director Europe at Ripple, noted that the agreement addresses growing client demand for crypto services amid increasingly supportive regulations.

The Ripple technology adopted by BBVA comes from Metaco, a Swiss custody firm that has previously collaborated with BBVA in several countries. This infrastructure delivers security, recovery, and compliance features that meet strict regulatory standards for financial institutions.

The partnership underscores a trend in which major banks integrate advisory technology directly into their internal systems rather than relying solely on third parties, enhancing client trust and operational efficiency. Ripple currently holds over 60 global regulatory licenses, making it a trusted partner for European banks seeking safe and compliant entry into the crypto space.

The Ripple–BBVA collaboration marks a strategic step in institutional adoption of digital assets, particularly in custody services, by deploying secure, integrated, and regulatory-compliant technology. This launch not only expands new services but also demonstrates the readiness of digital assets to enter the mainstream European banking sector.