BBVA and Ripple Build Secure Crypto Bridge for Spanish Retailers

BBVA has entered into a strategic partnership with Ripple to integrate the latter’s digital asset custody technology into its retail services for trading and holding Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) in Spain. This collaboration marks a significant step in the Spanish bank’s expansion into the digital asset market, supporting its recently launched crypto services for retail customers. The move aligns with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which provides a legal framework for crypto services across the EU [1]. Ripple’s custody solution, now deployed in Spain, is designed to deliver institutional-grade security and operational efficiency, enabling BBVA to directly offer end-to-end custody services to its clients [2].

Ripple’s custody offering is based on the technology it acquired from Swiss crypto custody firm Metaco, which had previously partnered with BBVA. Francisco Maroto, BBVA’s head of digital assets, emphasized that the integration of Ripple’s technology allows the bank to meet the security expectations of its customers while complying with regulatory standards. The solution enables BBVA to store and manage digital assets securely, reinforcing customer trust in traditional banking infrastructure for crypto-related activities [3].

The partnership expands Ripple’s existing relationship with BBVA, which has already implemented the custody technology at its subsidiaries in Switzerland and Turkey. Spain now becomes another critical market for Ripple within the EU’s regulated digital asset landscape. Ripple, which operates under more than 60 regulatory licenses globally, continues to strengthen its presence in Europe by partnering with major banks navigating post-MiCA compliance requirements [1]. This collaboration is part of a broader trend where traditional financial institutions are moving away from relying on third-party custodians and instead opting to build in-house digital asset services using trusted infrastructure providers [1].

The integration supports BBVA’s broader strategy to explore and expand digital asset offerings. The bank made its crypto trading and custody service available to Spanish retail customers in July 2025 after securing regulatory approval under MiCA. By leveraging Ripple’s platform, BBVA aims to provide a seamless and secure experience for customers interested in digital assets, aligning with growing demand for crypto services in the retail banking sector [2].

The move also reflects the increasing institutionalization of the digital asset market, where security, compliance, and scalability are central concerns. Ripple’s technology is positioned to address these needs by offering a self-custody model that meets the rigorous standards expected by major financial institutions. Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s managing director for Europe, noted that the regulatory clarity provided by MiCA is enabling European banks to launch digital asset services in response to customer demand [1].

As the partnership progresses, both companies are expected to further integrate Ripple’s custody solutions into BBVA’s broader digital asset strategy. This includes potential future enhancements to its offering, such as support for additional digital assets or expanded trading capabilities. The collaboration underscores the growing alignment between traditional finance and blockchain technology, with Ripple continuing to play a pivotal role in bridging the two sectors [3].

Source:

[1] Ripple Extends Digital Asset Custody Partnership With BBVA in Spain (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/09/ripple-extends-digital-asset-custody-partnership-with-bbva-in-spain)

[2] Ripple partners with BBVA Spain to provide digital asset custody technology (https://www.ledgerinsights.com/ripple-partners-with-bbva-spain-to-provide-digital-asset-custody-technology/)

[3] BBVA Spain taps Ripple for digital asset custody services (https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/46566/bbva-spain-taps-ripple-for-digital-asset-custody-services)