Central bank-backed digital currencies, such as the potential digital euro and digital yuan, may become a reality in the coming years. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, these currencies promise less volatility and greater security. In addition, they will have the support of their respective monetary institutions, responsible for ensuring financial stability.

Pressure to get on board with remote working, adapting to the changes in a market revolutionised by the pandemic, and dealing with customers who have new and urgent needs. Startups have faced unprecedented challenges in 2020, but their digital DNA has helped them make fast decisions to handle these tests.

BBVA has appointed José Luis Elechiguerra, current Head of Client Solutions in the United States, as Global Head of Engineering & Organization, replacing Ricardo Forcano who, after a successful decade at BBVA, is leaving the bank to start an academic research project.

BBVA and Anthemis are participating in the second $3.4 million funding round that Cledara recently held. The startup now has 150 clients thanks to its innovative SaaS (Software as a Service) solution to centralize payment systems in a single platform.

Users without a bank or credit card can easily receive a new password by logging on to Garanti BBVA Mobile with their new ID.

The tokenisation of assets via blockchain could facilitate new financing pathways, guarantee secure investments and programme digital money so that it can only be used for certain purposes, although the associated regulations have not yet materialised.

BBVA has begun to roll out the trials of what will become its first commercial service for the trading and custody of digital assets. The new service, which is to be offered through BBVA Switzerland, will make it possible to manage bitcoin transactions and have deposits in this cryptocurrency.

BBVA and Xiaomi have signed a strategic agreement so that the technology company's smartphones launched in the Spanish market have the financial institution's mobile banking application pre-installed exclusively. This is Xiaomi's first alliance in Europe with a bank.

El Corte Inglés and BBVA have signed an agreement to include Bizum as a payment method for the online purchases customers make on both El Corte Inglés’ website and app. The bank collaborated with the distribution group by providing the contractual and technological framework to allow the company to add this new PSD2 adapted payment system, reducing the average time to make a purchase compared to card payments.

On December 18, 2020, Turkey will start the use of FAST instant payments systems. In this line, Garanti BBVA is committed to these solutions and will roll out its easy linking services that will enable instant transfers anytime without the need for IBAN.