Introduction
Spanish banking giant BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria), the second-largest bank in Spain, has taken a pioneering step in traditional finance by recommending its wealthy clients allocate between 3% and 7% of their investment portfolios to cryptocurrencies focusing initially on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) .
Background & Context
This initiative complements BBVA’s existing crypto infrastructure. Since 2021, the bank has been executing Bitcoin and Ether purchases for selected clients, particularly through its Swiss arm. In March 2025, Spain’s financial regulator also granted BBVA approval to offer regulated Bitcoin and Ether trading in-country .
The 3–7% Allocation Breakdown
At the DigiAssets conference in London, Philippe Meyer, Head of Digital & Blockchain Solutions at BBVA Switzerland, confirmed BBVA’s advisory strategy:
Clients with balanced or conservative profiles are recommended a 3% allocation to crypto, which, according to BBVA, can meaningfully enhance long-term portfolio returns without significantly increasing risk.
Clients with a higher risk appetite may be advised to allocate up to 7% of their total assets .
Meyer emphasized:
> “With private customers… The riskier profile, we allow up to 7%. If you look at a balanced portfolio, if you introduce 3%, you already boost the performance,” .
Why This Matters
1. Institutional Validation: Few traditional banks have recommended crypto allocations; BBVA’s move signals growing institutional confidence in digital assets .
2. Regulatory Shift: Aligns with Spain’s March regulatory approval and the adoption of MiCA (Markets in Crypto‑Assets regulation) across the EU .
3. Market Momentum: The crypto market’s rebound Bitcoin recently reached record highs in May has encouraged institutions to rethink crypto’s role in diversified portfolios .
Looking Ahead
BBVA has hinted at expanding its recommendation beyond BTC and ETH to include other major cryptocurrencies later in the year . This gradual expansion reflects a cautious yet forward‑looking approach.
✅ Conclusion
BBVA’s formal advice to invest up to 7% of a portfolio in crypto assets, based on individual risk tolerance, marks a milestone in the realm of traditional banking. Their data-backed stance suggests small crypto allocations can enhance long-term portfolio performance possibly inspiring similar moves from other major financial institutions.