Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA) is a multinational financial institution headquartered in Bilbao, Spain.
Operating in the financial sector, BBVA provides a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, corporate and investment banking, asset management, and insurance. Founded in 1857, the institution expanded its operations globally over the years, consolidating its presence across multiple markets.
The Spanish government played an important role in the development of the financial system that supported BBVA’s growth, implementing regulations that facilitated the internationalization of the banking sector.
The bank was originally established with the purpose of promoting economic development in the Basque Country and supporting commercial activity.
Its main products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, mortgage financing, corporate loans, insurance, investment products, and wealth management solutions. The bank also invests in digital innovation to enhance customer experience and optimize operational efficiency.
BBVA maintains an international presence in strategic markets such as Spain, Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Turkey. Its activities span Europe, Latin America, North America, and selected regions in Asia, consolidating its position as one of the world’s largest global banks.
Key market factors affecting the institution include competition with other global banks, evolving banking regulations, and digital transformation in the financial industry. BBVA operates through numerous subsidiaries and joint ventures worldwide and maintains innovation initiatives to strengthen its digital portfolio.
The bank’s operational structure consists of a network of physical branches, digital banks, and specialized business units. With operations in more than 25 countries, the institution serves millions of customers through its integrated banking platform.
Internationally, BBVA’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker BBVA.
History and when Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. was created
BBVA was founded in 1857 in the city of Bilbao, Spain, as Banco de Bilbao. The institution was created to support the region’s economic development and facilitate banking and commercial operations. In its early years, it focused on financing local industry and commerce, playing a significant role in the economic growth of the Basque Country.
Throughout the 20th century, the bank underwent several mergers and acquisitions, the most notable being the merger between Banco de Bilbao and Banco de Vizcaya in 1988, forming Banco Bilbao Vizcaya (BBV).
Later, in 1999, BBV merged with Argentaria, creating Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA), positioning itself as one of the largest banks in Spain and Europe.
International expansion began in Latin America, where BBVA became one of the region’s leading financial institutions. In the 2000s, the bank expanded its presence in the United States and emerging markets such as Turkey and China, strengthening its global reach.
One of the key historical milestones was its listing on the Madrid Stock Exchange and inclusion in the IBEX 35, along with its listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), allowing broader access to international investors.
Another notable milestone was the advancement of the bank’s digital strategy, marked by significant investments in technology and artificial intelligence starting in 2010.
Between 2020 and 2024, BBVA focused on digital expansion and implementing technological solutions across its banking operations. The institution also strengthened its presence in Latin America and the United States and adopted sustainability initiatives, while enhancing its digital financial services to meet evolving market demands.
Additional Information
The Company Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 120.69 Billions, having an equity of $ 72.54 Billions.
With a total of 123.174 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Financial and categorized in industry of Money Center Banks.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 42.05 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 11.61 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 10.40, a P/BV ratio of 1.66 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of BBVA was at 4.08%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker BBVA.