- •Retail launch: BBVA teams with SGX FX to roll out 24/7 bitcoin and ether trading for European retail clients, integrating crypto into its existing FX systems.
- •Tech backbone: SGX FX supplies pricing, aggregation, and risk management tools, drawing on 25 years of FX experience to ensure stability and rapid deployment.
- •Regulatory edge: The partnership aligns with MiCA rules, giving BBVA a compliant framework that enhances transparency, investor protection, and customer trust.
Spanish banking giant BBVA has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore’s SGX FX to bring retail crypto trading directly to European customers. The move, revealed Thursday, positions BBVA as one of the first major banks in the region to integrate digital assets into its existing trading infrastructure, offering clients access to bitcoin and ether under a regulated framework.
A FIRST FOR EUROPEAN RETAIL BANKING
The collaboration introduces a groundbreaking service for Europe’s retail market. BBVA customers will be able to trade Bitcoin and Ether 24/7 using the same infrastructure the bank employs for foreign exchange. This integration eliminates the need for separate platforms, creating a seamless experience for clients who want exposure to digital assets alongside traditional currencies. By embedding crypto into its established systems, BBVA signals a strong commitment to meeting evolving client demand.
SGX FX’S ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION
SGX FX, a division of Singapore Exchange, has long been recognized for its expertise in digital assets and blockchain technology. The firm provides banks with aggregation, pricing, distribution, and risk management tools, operating across major financial hubs including London, New York, Tokyo, and Singapore. Vinay Trivedi, COO of SGX FX Sell-side Solutions, emphasized that the platform’s 25 years of experience in global FX markets ensures stability and reliability. He noted that the integration allows banks like BBVA to launch crypto services quickly without replacing their entire technology stack.
REGULATORY ALIGNMENT UNDER MICA
The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has created a clear path for regulated institutions to offer crypto services. By partnering with SGX FX, BBVA positions itself to comply with these requirements while expanding its product suite. The alignment with MiCA not only ensures legal clarity but also enhances customer trust, as clients can trade digital assets within a framework that prioritizes transparency and investor protection.
BBVA’S STRATEGIC VISION
Luis Martins, Global Head of Macro Trading at BBVA, highlighted that digital assets are becoming an integral part of global finance. He stated that customers increasingly expect to trade these assets through the same trusted systems they use for other financial products. By embracing this shift, BBVA strengthens its reputation as a forward‑looking institution, bridging traditional banking with the fast‑growing world of digital assets and setting a precedent for other European banks.