Financial innovation does not deserve all the blame that has been laid at its door since the financial crisis of 2007. In recent years a number of relatively good innovations have emerged, although their detractors are right to point out that there have also been bad ones.

BBVA has issued $1.5 billion of a new type of perpetual debt that can eventually beconverted into equity, becoming the first European financial institution to strengthenits Tier I capital position through the new securities. The bond offering takes placeonly weeks after the approval of new capital regulation in Europe.

For the first time, ‘Structured Retail Products’ magazine has chosen BBVA as the best structured products supplier, according to financiers. In United States, Euromoney has distinguished BBVA customer service as remarkable. These two rewards recognise Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) activity in America.

Euromoney, one of the world’s leading financial publications, chose BBVA as “Best Bank in Latin America” during its presentation of the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2012. These awards are some of the most coveted titles in the financial world. The prize recognizes BBVA’s leadership in innovation and efficiency as well as its solvency and profitability in various countries of this region.  BBVA was also chosen as “Best Bank in Venezuela”. The awards were collected by Eduardo Fuentes, Global Head of Insurance and Pensions America; and Philippe Paddack, COO CIB Europe.

BBVA announced today the acquisition of a 24.9% stake in Turkiye Garanti Bankasi, Turkey’s leading bank. The transaction is valued at €4.2 billion, 8.0 Turkish Lira per share, and it represents a 10% discount to last week’s Garanti average closing price. BBVA has also reached a shareholders’ agreement with Dogus Group–reference shareholder in Garanti, also with a 24.9% stake–to jointly manage the bank.

BBVA has raised its stake in China Citic Bank (CNCB) to 15%, having exercised its call option on a 4.93% shareholding in the China's seventh largest financial entity by assets. The transaction, deemed a strategic investment by BBVA, entails an outlay of approximately €1 billion, as the option strike price was HKD 6.45 per share. This new acquisition reinforces BBVA's China strategy, fortifying its commitment to the region and boosting close ties with CITIC.