Spain is making a major step in cryptocurrency regulation, implementing major crypto bills like the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC8) by early 2026. This strategic move is poised to position Spain as a frontrunner in global crypto regulation. Notably, Spain’s crypto bill implementation comes amid
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- BBVA customers in Spain will soon be able to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
- The bank will roll out the crypto trading services in phases.
- First, the bank will allow a select group of customers to test the services before expanding it to retail customers.
Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), the country’s second-largest bank, has received regulatory approval from the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) to offer Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading services.
Following the approval by the securities regulator, BBVA announced that its clients will soon be able to buy, sell, and manage BTC and ETH directly through its mobile banking app, a move that underscores the growing convergence of legacy banking and digital assets.
This development positions BBVA as a trailblazer among European banks, capitalizing on the increasing demand for crypto-related services. With Bitcoin (BTC) trading at approximately $82,808 and Ethereum (ETH) at $2,118, the bank aims to tap into a market that has seen explosive growth and institutional interest.
Notably, BBVA’s decision reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions adapting to the evolving preferences of tech-savvy customers, many of whom view cryptocurrencies as both an investment opportunity and a hedge against economic uncertainty.
A phased rollout approach
BBVA will roll out its crypto trading in phases. Initially, the service will be available to a select group of users, allowing the bank to test and refine its platform before a wider rollout.
Afterwards, the lender will gradually expand access to all private banking customers across Spain.
This cautious yet deliberate strategy highlights BBVA’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure experience for its clients, leveraging its own cryptographic key custody platform to maintain full control over digital asset holdings without relying on third-party providers.
The bank’s proprietary custody solution is a key differentiator. By keeping customer assets in-house, BBVA aims to enhance security and trust—crucial factors in a sector often plagued by concerns over hacks and mismanagement. This move also aligns with the bank’s long-standing emphasis on technological innovation, positioning it as a leader in the digital transformation of finance.
Building on the rising crypto adoption trends
BBVA’s crypto journey is not a sudden leap but a calculated expansion of efforts that began years ago. In June 2021, the bank launched Bitcoin custody and trading services for private banking clients in Switzerland, where regulatory clarity provided an early foothold.
Since then, BBVA’s Swiss branch has broadened its offerings to include ETH and the USDC stablecoin after partnering with Ripple’s Metaco, catering to a sophisticated clientele comfortable with digital assets.
More recently, in January 2025, BBVA’s Turkish subsidiary, Garanti BBVA Kripto, introduced crypto trading services to the public, further solidifying the bank’s global footprint in this space.
The approval in Spain builds on these successes, adapting lessons learned from Switzerland and Turkey to meet the unique needs of the Spanish market.
With each step, BBVA is demonstrating a strategic vision to integrate cryptocurrencies into its core offerings, aligning with shifting regulatory and consumer landscapes.
Notably, the timing of BBVA’s Spanish rollout coincides with the full implementation of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took effect at the end of 2024. MiCA establishes a harmonized framework for crypto services across the EU, providing banks and firms with the legal clarity needed to operate confidently.
Under this regulation, companies have until July 2026 to achieve full compliance during an 18-month transitional phase, giving BBVA ample time to refine its operations.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Former Indiana women’s basketball guard Nicole Cardaño-Hillary has signed a professional contract with IDK Euskotren in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, her home country, the league announced Tuesday.
In her 2021-22 senior season at Indiana, Cardaño-Hillary averaged 11.6 points per game and shot the most three pointers on last year’s team with 129 making 35.7 percent of those shots.
Known by opponents as the gnat that was always around, Cardaño-Hillary totaled a team high 72 steals, which ranks ninth all-time for Indiana and second in the Big Ten conference.
She helped lead the Hoosiers to two NCAA Tournament appearances and was part of the All-American Big Ten second team, All-Big Ten defensive team and was awarded Big Ten All-Tournament honors in her final season.
Before her career at Indiana, the Madrid, Spain native moved from her home country to Georgetown, Texas where she played basketball in high school and went on to play at George Mason for three seasons.
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She became the Patriot’s all-time leading scorer finishing her George Mason career with 1,766 career points.
While at Indiana, Cardaño-Hillary started in 49 out of 56 games and scored 577 points for the Hoosiers in just two seasons.
She totaled 103 scrappy steals and 147 assists proving to be a force on defense but also an offensive playmaker.
Cardaño-Hillary joins fellow Hoosier Aleksa Gulbe as the second alumna to sign a professional contract this offseason. Gulbe will play for Perfumerías Avendia in Salamanca, Spain, about a five-hour drive from Cardaño-Hillary’s new team.
Nicole Cardaño-Hillary
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- ALEKSA GULBE GOES PRO: Indiana women’s basketball alumna forward and Riga, Latvia native Aleksa Gulbe signed a professional contract with Perfumerías Avendia Salamanca in Spain for the upcoming season. CLICK HERE.