BBVA and the University of Navarra have completed the first two industrial doctorates in data science under their joint program. This pioneering initiative enables working professionals to carry out advanced academic research into real challenges facing the financial sector. Both theses propose ways of developing AI models that can identify the causes behind financial decisions, not just the correlations.

Photo caption (from left to right): Paul G. Tobin, Global Head of Talent and Culture at BBVA; Paloma Grau, Vice President for Research and Sustainability at the University of Navarra; the newly awarded PhDs Paloma Marín and Jesús Renero; and Jesús López Fidalgo, Director of DATAI. / Source: University of Navarra

Agorá has demonstrated the potential of blockchain and programmable technologies to improve the efficiency of international corporate payments while preserving the safety and integrity of the transactions. BBVA is participating in the project along with central banks and more than 40 international financial institutions. The project has validated the feasibility of conducting settlements across currencies and jurisdictions using tokenized central bank reserves and tokenized commercial bank deposits. In upcoming phases it will advance to real-value testing.

BBVA Chair Carlos Torres Vila said that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) represents a major opportunity for Europe during his participation this Tuesday at the 7th Expansión International Forum. In his view, AI will profoundly transform the banking sector and BBVA aims to lead that change. “Over the past 20 years, the bank has maintained this innovative and transformative drive. And we are going to do it again with the wave that is coming, which is deeper and faster,” he stressed. BBVA is already evolving toward a truly AI-driven bank through the creation, deployment and management of AI agents across the organization. “The potential of the technology is to transform everything we do at BBVA,” he said.

BBVA has announced its participation as a founding partner in the OpenAI Deployment Company, the new company launched by OpenAI, together with 18 leading investment firms, consultancies and system integrators. With a total investment of more than $4 billion, the OpenAI Deployment Company will provide services to facilitate the deployment of artificial intelligence across enterprise organizations.

BBVA has received The Banker’s award for Best Technology Bank in Western Europe, along with Best Bank-Fintech Partnership for its strategic agreement with OpenAI. These accolades from the Financial Times Group publication are a testament to the progress made in its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, the launch of its new app, and its digital model for entering new markets such as Germany.

BBVA is strengthening its commitment to growth in Germany with the appointment of Jürgen von der Lehr as Head of its Digital Bank in the country, a key role in adapting the bank’s value proposition in one of Europe’s largest and most competitive financial markets.

The new digital tool offers personalized model portfolios based on each investor’s risk profile and time horizon, making the investment process faster, clearer, and more straightforward.

This innovative AI-powered tool provides the bank’s commercial team access to detailed geospatial information in real time. The goal: to turn complex data into personalized financial solutions for producers.

BBVA’s Blue assistant, its new app known as Futura, and seven other AI-driven solutions from the Group have been recognized among the most innovative initiatives at The Innovators 2026 awards run by Global Finance. The publication also singled out Garanti BBVA Partners and AI Factory as leading financial innovation labs.

Garanti BBVA has signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Bilkent Cyberpark, İTÜ ARI Teknokent, and ODTÜ Teknokent to connect technology startups with financial expertise, mentorship, and global networks. The partnerships will offer entrepreneurs multilayered support—from financial literacy training and acceleration programs to tailored banking solutions.