Crypto Gets A Green Light From Spanish Banking Giant

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Since late 2024, BBVA’s private‑banking arm in Switzerland has been quietly advising clients to add Bitcoin and Ether to their holdings. According to Philippe Meyer, who leads digital and blockchain solutions at BBVA Switzerland, wealthy customers should allocate between 3% and 7% of their portfolios to crypto. Based on reports, this advice aims to boost returns without exposing investors to outsized risk.

Early Adoption Timeline

BBVA began executing crypto trades in 2021 for a handful of clients. By September 2024, Meyer says the bank had started formally recommending a 3% Bitcoin stake in balanced portfolios.

Now, risk‑tolerant clients can move up to 7% into digital assets, reflecting BBVA’s growing confidence in crypto as a mainstream option.

Philippe Meyer recently delivered a presentation at a blockchain conference in Lugano, Switzerland. Source: BBVA Switzerland.

Client Reaction And Risk Views

Many clients have responded well so far. Meyer notes that even a small 3% allocation “already boosts the performance” of a diversified portfolio and “you are not taking a huge risk” at that level.

Short‑term swings still occur—crypto markets can drop 20% in a week—but private clients seem ready to ride those waves in pursuit of higher gains.

According to Reuters, BBVA, Spain’s second-largest bank, has been advising its private banking clients since September 2024 to allocate 3% to 7% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies based on their risk appetite. The guidance currently applies to Bitcoin and Ether, with plans…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) June 17, 2025

Regulatory And Market Context

Europe’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets regulation (MiCA) took full effect at the end of December 2024. This rulebook governs token issuers and service providers across the EU.

Yet the European Securities and Markets Authority reports that 95% of EU banks avoid crypto activities entirely.

BBVA stands out: in March 2025, Spain’s securities regulator gave it formal approval to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading in the country.

BTCUSD trading at $104,858 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView

Next Steps For App And Investors

BBVA plans to roll out buy, sell, and portfolio management features inside its existing mobile app over the coming months. The launch will begin with select clients before expanding more broadly.

As rival banks like Santander explore their own stablecoins—pegged to dollars and euros—BBVA’s move could spur a wave of mainstream crypto services.

For now, only high‑net‑worth clients hear this crypto advice. But if allocations deliver solid returns and BBVA weathers any market crashes, other banks may follow. That would give more investors the chance to include crypto alongside stocks, bonds, and real estate.

The real test will come if Bitcoin or Ether plunge sharply. If BBVA’s cautious plan holds up under stress, it may reshape how mainstream finance treats digital assets.

Featured image from ESG News, chart from TradingView

Christian Encila

They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that’s not just a metaphor, it’s a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn.

Christian’s journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later).

Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling – right up his alley!

So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he’s one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill).

Think Christian’s all work and no play? Not a chance! When he’s not at his computer, you’ll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair.

Speaking of chill, Christian’s got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better.

Here’s the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day – and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies.

Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors – and bosses – he deeply respects.

So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one.

Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.

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