BBVA’s Eight Responsible AI Principles
At BBVA, the development and use of artificial intelligence are underpinned by a responsible AI framework based on eight principles that promote transparency, security, privacy and human oversight. The aim is to create sustainable value, uphold security standards, regulatory compliance and customer data protection, in order to preserve customer trust in the bank’s services in an increasingly automated environment. These principles are implemented through technological capabilities, governance mechanisms, and training and support programs for employees.
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Artificial intelligence has become a strategic capability for BBVA and a key component of the bank’s transformation. Its implementation covers areas such as customer experience, risk management, process automation and improvements to employee productivity, with the aim of offering customers a more relevant, efficient and personalized experience. In this context, BBVA is promoting the responsible use of AI that ensures that these technologies are developed and used securely, transparently, and in line with users’ interests.
To this end, the Group has created a framework for responsible artificial intelligence that guides the development and use of AI solutions. Based on internal standards and applicable regulations, this framework aims to ensure that technological innovation creates value for customers, society and its employees, while preserving trust in its services in an increasingly automated environment.
The framework is structured around eight principles:
I. Analytics:
- Transparency: AI systems must be designed, developed and documented in such a way that the results are traceable, auditable, and where appropriate, explainable.
- Fairness: Any biases that could have unjustified impacts on individuals or groups must be identified, assessed, and mitigated through controls that promote equitable treatment.
- Precision and accuracy: AI systems must incorporate evaluation mechanisms and guardrails throughout their lifecycle to guarantee intended performance and consistency and minimize the generation of inaccurate or erroneous results.
II. Data:
- Privacy: Personal data must be handled according to applicable regulations, respecting individuals’ rights and incorporating appropriate protection measures throughout the lifecycle of the system.
- Data quality: BBVA ensures data quality in the AI systems it develops and/or uses by analyzing and mitigating the associated risks in accordance with applicable regulations.
III. Technology:
- Technological security: Systems are implemented in secure and resilient technological environments with mechanisms to detect, prevent and respond to incidents and threats.
IV. Global principles:
- Responsibility and training: Mechanisms for human oversight are established, and training and literacy are also promoted among those involved in their development, deployment, monitoring and use.
- Social and environmental commitment: Solutions are designed according to sustainability and social progress criteria, with the aim of maximizing benefits for customers and the environment.
How they are implemented
BBVA applies its responsible AI principles by combining technical capabilities, governance mechanisms and the development of its human teams.
- On the technology side, BBVA is developing an operating framework that integrates these responsible principles by design, facilitates compliance with them and supports the consistent and responsible scaling of artificial intelligence. This ensures that the bank embeds these principles in its AI products throughout the development lifecycle.
- On the governance side, BBVA These mechanisms aim to ensure that solutions are designed and deployed according to internal policies, such as the Group’s Code of Conduct and with the applicable regulations in each geography, such as the European AI Act. Their implementation is supported by monitoring systems and indicators that enable continuous evaluation of adherence to responsible AI principles in a cycle of continuous improvement.
- The third area is people. BBVA promotes training programs, internal communication initiatives and awareness-raising efforts to foster understanding and the practical application of responsible AI principles. These initiatives are supported by mechanisms designed to encourage team participation and promote the adoption of best practices in the use of artificial intelligence. The goal is to ensure that employees have the knowledge needed to use these technologies appropriately and consistently in their daily work.
The combination of these three areas enables the responsible AI principles to be embedded in the development, deployment and everyday use of artificial intelligence at BBVA, providing a common foundation to promote responsible innovation across all Group geographies and business areas.