The Spanish bank BBVA recommends its wealthy clients to allocate up to 7% of their investment portfolio in Bitcoin and Ethereum, a strategy in place since September 2024 but now publicly acknowledged.
The bank is no longer taking a passive stance, but is anticipating an increasing integration of crypto-assets, with a possible open-up to other currencies by the end of 2025.
This shift marks a turning point in institutional approach: following Ethereum ETFs and banking stablecoins, crypto is now seen as a strategic asset in wealth management.
BBVA advises up to 7% of the investment portfolio in BTC and ETH
The crypto world enters BBVA’s wealth management through a grand entrance. The second largest bank in Spain now recommends its wealthiest clients to allocate up to 7% of their portfolio in Bitcoin and Ethereum. This is not just a superficial shift, but a true change of course.
An acknowledged advice, a targeted strategy
The announcement comes from Philippe Meyer, BBVA’s blockchain solutions director, during the DigiAssets conference in London, as reported by Reuters. He indicates that this policy has been in place since September 2024 but has been under the radar until now.
For the riskiest profiles, up to 7% exposure to crypto-assets is recommended.
The message is clear: Bitcoin and Ethereum are no longer seen as speculative curiosities but as integral components of a diversified portfolio, alongside stocks and bonds.
From Bitcoin to broadening the crypto spectrum
BBVA’s recommendations currently focus solely on BTC and ETH. However, Meyer’s discourse leaves little room for doubt: other cryptocurrencies will be integrated into this allocation strategy by the end of 2025.
This stance contrasts with the usual caution of the banking sector. While many banks content themselves with passive access or silent tolerance of cryptos, BBVA takes a stand, advises, and anticipates.
2025, the year of institutional turnaround
Since the beginning of the year, signals have been multiplying: major financial institutions are reconsidering their stance on crypto-assets. The approval of Ethereum spot ETFs in the US, projects for banking stablecoins, and now BBVA actively encouraging its clients to buy Bitcoin.
It’s a turning point for adoption. And not just any turning point: one that affects the heart of wealth management, an area that has been very cautious towards digital assets.
A strong message for the market
BBVA’s move is not isolated. It sends a strong message: cryptocurrencies are now seen as a strategic asset, no longer on the fringe.
If BBVA is starting to talk about 3 to 7% allocations in multi-million euro portfolios, this represents massive potential flows towards Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The institutionalization of crypto is only just beginning. And this time, it’s the banks themselves pushing the accelerator.
