Finance

The BBVA Group paid a record-breaking €8.46 billion in own taxes in 2024 in the countries where it operates, 10 percent more than the previous year, according to the Total Tax Contribution Report. In addition to this figure, BBVA collected €8.98 billion in taxes from third parties for a total of €17.44 billion–the Group’s highest tax contribution thus far. This means that for every €100 of income generated by BBVA in 2024, the bank contributed €49 to public coffers in taxes¹.

¹Ratio between BBVA’s financial contribution to public coffers in 2024 (€17.44 billion) and the bank’s gross margin for the year (€35.48 billion). BBVA’s tax contribution includes both its own taxes (corporate tax, VAT and specific levies on the financial sector, among others), as well as taxes collected by the BBVA Group on behalf of third parties, which are paid as a result of its presence and activity with employees, customers and suppliers in over 25 countries.

BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) has expanded its pioneering ESG-linked credit risk sharing transaction from €2 billion to €6 billion, further amplifying its commitment to sustainable finance. In addition to long-standing partner PGGM, the upsized transaction also brings in Alecta, the Swedish occupational pension fund, as a second investor. This strategic expansion reflects growing investor appetite for ESG-integrated financial solutions and BBVA’s leadership in structuring innovative SRT transactions.

The EIB Group – made up of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) – has signed a new €93 million synthetic securitisation operation with BBVA for 100% green projects. This investment will allow BBVA to mobilise around €185 million to finance the construction of residential buildings with near-zero emissions by small and medium firms (SMEs) and mid-caps in Spain’s real estate sector.

Speaking at the Morgan Stanley European Financials Conference held in London on Tuesday, BBVA’s CEO explained that BBVA’s long-term profitability outlook is predicated on diversification, leading franchises and the successful pursuit of the bank’s strategy built around digitization and sustainability. Onur Genç also pointed to the geopolitical landscape: “Europe is at a turning point and will need further investment to become self-sufficient on various fronts. To finance this investment, he doubled down on the “need for larger, more profitable and efficient banks.” In this context, BBVA’s CEO underscored the importance of the combination with Banco Sabadell: “We expect to receive the CNMC’s decision within a matter of weeks. Once issued, the government will be able to review the combination, ultimately allowing the shareholders to make a decision.” For Onur Genç, “there is no doubt that Banco Sabadell shareholders will find a better ‘home’ at BBVA.”

The finance department plays a pivotal role in the transformation of an organization. Although the CFO (chief financial officer) has traditionally been viewed as the guardian of a company’s finances, they happen to play a much bigger role. They help to shape the strategic roadmap needed to embark on this transformation and allocate the resources to make it all happen. This is what Luisa Gómez Bravo, Global Head of Finance at BBVA, had to say in a recent interview published by Forbes magazine, together with Carmen de Pablo, Chief Financial, Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Moeve, and Laura Abasolo, Chief Financial and Control Officer at Telefónica.

Garanti BBVA customers can now apply for a used vehicle loan through Garanti BBVA Mobile without ever having to visit a branch, allowing them to finance the purchase of any second-hand vehicle they may wish to purchase from a dealership or a private seller.

Juan Blasco, Global Head of Institutional Business at BBVA CIB, has been appointed Chair of the Board of the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME). Blasco takes on this role with the goal of contributing to the strengthening of European capital markets, fostering their integration and enhancing their ability to meet the needs of businesses and investors.

BBVA has been awarded the Inhouse Team of the Year in the Banks & Financial Institutions category at the 2024 Iberian Lawyer Gold Awards, in recognition of the work of its legal team and their ability to address challenges within the financial sector.

BBVA CFO Luisa Gómez Bravo reported this Thursday, during an investor conference organized by JP Morgan, that she notes a highly positive dynamic in the Group’s business, which could lead to strong profitability levels (ROTE) in 2025, similar to those of 2024. She explained that this positive outlook for the future is anchored in the Group’s main competitive advantages: excellent franchises with leading positions in the main markets and a strategy based on innovation, digitization and sustainability. Gómez Bravo underscored the strength of BBVA’s business in Mexico: “We have an incredible bank in Mexico that will continue delivering solid returns.”

BBVA tapped the market today with a Tier 2 subordinated debt issue totaling €1 billion, maturing in 12 years and featuring a redemption option from year seven. The issue has been very well received, with demand exceeding €3 billion at times, tripling the amount ultimately allotted. The price was set at mid swap + 200 basis points, below the starting price (mid swap + 225 basis points). It is the bank’s seventh wholesale transaction this year.

The ‘Sharing Knowledge’ project is a further show of BBVA’s commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through this initiative, the bank supports, teaches, inspires and transforms businesses and their management team by staging talks among industry experts and discussing specific SME success stories.

Bonus, Garanti BBVA’s most popular credit card, is now celebrating its 24th anniversary. Bonus also happens to be a credit card platform, having amassed some 18 million users and eight partner banks.