Top Spanish Bank Urges Wealthy Clients to Allocate Up to 7% in Crypto

BBVA has quietly joined the ranks of legacy banks nudging high-net-worth customers toward digital assets.

Philippe Meyer, who oversees digital and blockchain strategy for BBVA Switzerland, told a London audience that the group now recommends wealthy investors put 3–7 percent of their portfolios into Bitcoin and other crypto assets, adjusting the slice according to risk appetite.

Meyer said private-bank clients started receiving the advice last September and have largely embraced it. Even a modest 3 percent exposure, he argued, can sharpen a balanced portfolio’s performance without meaningfully raising overall volatility.

The guidance lands against a skeptical backdrop: European watchdogs keep flagging crypto risks, and data from ESMA show that nine out of ten EU banks still shun the sector. BBVA is one of the exceptions. It has run its own crypto trading desk since 2021 and, after securing a green light from Spain’s securities regulator in March, is rolling out in-app Bitcoin and Ether trading to select customers.

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The timing also dovetails with MiCA, the EU’s new rulebook for digital assets, which entered full force late last year and gives firms until mid-2026 to finish compliance. BBVA’s early start positions it ahead of domestic rival Santander, which is reportedly weighing dollar- and euro-pegged stablecoins for retail clients.

For now, BBVA’s playbook is simple: keep the crypto slice small but meaningful, let clients buy and sell through the same mobile interface they already know, and frame the asset class as an accelerator rather than a gamble.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.