BBVA’s recognition as Europe’s best bank for large corporates is the result of a strategic journey rooted in client centricity, cross-border expertise and sustainable growth. With a business model that combines global scale with entrepreneurial agility, BBVA has transformed its European corporate franchise.
The bank has succeeded in presenting a unified global coverage model while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit of local teams. BBVA’s European Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) franchise operates with a high degree of integration, sharing resources, risk expertise and expertise across borders, while adapting quickly to local market dynamics.
BBVA CIB delivered €5.83 billion ($6.81 billion) in revenue in 2024, a 27% rise year-on-year. Its global markets business grew by 21%, while transaction banking and investment banking and finance increased by more than 30%. The European franchise matched this momentum, posting its best financial performance to date.
This performance was driven by strengthened client relationships, increased regional coverage and continued investment in talent and infrastructure. Corporate clients active in Europe are served by a growing front-office team. London has emerged as a strategic hub for underwriting and decisional risk, spearheading the development of BBVA’s Originate to Distribute (OTD) platform, which links corporate financing to institutional investor appetite.
BBVA’s structured lending franchise continues to attract corporates with complex financing needs. The bank has become a trusted partner to clients navigating major strategic transformations: from mergers and acquisitions to decarbonisation initiatives.
A sector-focused model
A core strength of BBVA’s model lies in its deep sector expertise. The bank has a team of global bankers dedicated to key industries such as energy, TMT, consumer goods and industrials. This enables BBVA to offer highly tailored advice and solutions based on a granular understanding of sector dynamics.
The European franchise is defined by its cross-border orientation. Global bankers manage client relationships across regions, supported by revenue attribution models and revenue-sharing mechanisms that foster collaboration. Product specialists in structured finance, trade finance and cash management support the front-line relationship teams.
Innovation is integral to BBVA’s large corporate strategy. The bank’s digital capabilities are being strengthened through both internal investment and external partnerships
This model is particularly effective for multinationals with global ambitions, especially those expanding into emerging markets. BBVA has seen strong growth across its European offices, notably in the UK, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, with ambitions to further grow.
Sustainability at its core
Sustainability is a defining pillar of BBVA’s proposition to large corporates. In 2024, its CleanTech and ESG advisory team focused on four core areas: electrification, decarbonisation, ESG-linked funding and clean energy transition. Notable deals included a €900 million senior financing package for Enel’s sale of a 49% stake in its 1.7GW Italian battery storage portfolio to Sosteneo.
The bank has expanded its sustainable finance offering, launching flexible ESG-linked trade lines and a new supply chain finance framework designed to help clients align their working capital strategy with ESG objectives. Partnerships with third-party platforms, such as FinDynamic in Italy, allow BBVA to combine in-house capabilities with external innovation.
Innovation in-house and through partnerships
Innovation is integral to BBVA’s large corporate strategy. The bank’s digital capabilities are being strengthened through both internal investment and external partnerships. The BBVA Pivot platform, available in 15 countries and supporting 24 currencies, gives global clients seamless access to payments, liquidity and trade services across jurisdictions.
Artificial intelligence is also reshaping operations. In 2024, thousands of BBVA employees in Spain were equipped with AI-powered tools, improving productivity and enabling more personalised service. AI also supports front-office teams by delivering real-time insights and client-tailored recommendations.
At the same time, BBVA is integrating real-time data and analytics into its working capital and liquidity solutions to enhance value delivery to corporate clients.
Focus on lending and structuring
Structured finance, leveraged lending and renewable energy investment continue to be strategic growth pillars. The bank’s London team leads underwriting and capital allocation, while its OTD model allows BBVA to connect corporate borrowers with capital markets efficiently. In 2024, BBVA executed several landmark deals in sectors including infrastructure, energy and digital transformation.
The structured lending business continues to meet the needs of clients pursuing transformative strategies, with BBVA acting as a key partner in financing their growth, innovation and sustainability goals.
