This week marks yet another milestone for BBVA in the European green financing arena. ESB, the leading Irish Utility, has chosen BBVA to act as green structuring bank and joint bookrunner in their inaugural EUR 500 million green bond. This is the first ever green bond issued by an Irish corporate and the net proceeds from the transaction will be destined to finance eligible green projects, mainly under the following categories: renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation and green buildings.

The prestigious study, Extel, has recognized BBVA investor relations as the best in Spain (out of a total of 72 companies) and the best for a European bank (out of 133 entities) in its 2019 study.

BBVA recently enhanced its slate of programs designed to help more people with homeownership, announcing that it is now offering additional closing cost assistance for low-to-moderate income (LMI) borrowers that qualify for FHA or VA home loans.

For many Americans, their home is their greatest source of wealth. It is for this reason — and many others — that the housing market has always been an extremely important part of the U.S. economy. What's more, studies have shown time and time again homeowners are more active in their communities, healthier and less likely to be victims of crime. Simply put, home ownership is good for our citizens, our communities and our country. Which is why over the years, the U.S. government has created programs designed to make homeownership accessible for more Americans.

Speaking at the European Conference on Financial Integration and Stability, BBVA Head of Regulation Santiago Fernández de Lis detailed the benefits of a true single digital market and the need for greater harmonization of the regulation governing digital financial services. The event, jointly organized by the European Commission and the European Central Bank, was held in Brussels last week.

Homeownership has always been a part of the American dream. All you have to do is work hard, and you can get your piece of the economic pie. We're a country built on the promise of social mobility, and for many Americans, owning a home means you made it to the top.