BBVA Commits to Expanding Its Digital Banking Model in Europe, Targeting Italy and Germany

BBVA’s Chief Executive Officer, Onur Genç, participated this Thursday in the Global Banking Summit hosted by the Financial Times in London. He stated that the bank remains firmly focused on implementing its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, which is built around profitable, organic growth. Specifically, he highlighted BBVA’s expansion in Europe through its digital banking model in markets such as Italy and Germany.

Genç noted that BBVA has been operating in Italy for four years and now serves more than 800,000 customers. The bank has already doubled its initial targets and is two years ahead of schedule. BBVA aims to surpass one million customers in Italy by the end of 2026 and become their primary bank.

In Germany, where BBVA has recently launched operations, the response has been even more encouraging. He said, “The bank is performing better than we expected.” Unlike neobanks, BBVA offers a full suite of products—including accounts, deposits, loans, mortgages, insurance, and investments—combining the trust and strength of a European bank with an exceptional digital experience.

Genç reiterated that the bank is pressing ahead with its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, focusing on profitable organic growth. He explained that strong geographic diversification, dominant market positions, and a well-established digital edge have helped BBVA gain market share. For instance, in Spain, the bank has added 50 basis points of market share annually in the commercial segment over the past five years.

He also highlighted client growth: in 2024, BBVA attracted 11 million new customers, two-thirds through digital acquisition. Genç addressed structural challenges in Europe’s banking sector and emphasised the need for banks with scale.

BBVA has already established a solid foundation for continued expansion and ranks number one in profitability and growth among Europe’s fifteen largest banks.

Khaborwala/ASN