BBVA, the Best Bank for SMEs in Spain and Western Europe, According to Global Finance
BBVA has been recognized as the top bank for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Spain and Western Europe by Global Finance. This prestigious award comes on the heels of BBVA's recent strategic cycle for 2025-2029, emphasizing the corporate and business segment. BBVA's commitment to becoming a strategic partner for companies of all sizes is evident through its comprehensive approach, combining expert advisory services, advanced technology, and a global perspective.
The jury's positive view of BBVA's efforts to expand its SME business is notable. In 2024, the bank achieved a remarkable 40% growth in revenues from this segment, reaching €3 billion. This achievement, coupled with the Group's presence in over 25 countries, empowers BBVA to offer companies real opportunities for international growth through its global network and sector expertise.
BBVA's leadership in sustainability is another key aspect of this recognition. The bank has provided training to SME suppliers in 13 countries, assisting them in transitioning to more efficient and responsible business models. BBVA's SME specialists play a crucial role in helping businesses anticipate future needs, from franchising and foreign trade to structured finance and risk management.
Digitalization and Advanced Solutions for SMEs
Global Finance highlighted BBVA's digital transformation, particularly in SME financing. In 2024, the bank tripled the number of preapproved credits, which now account for 50% of all completed transactions. This achievement is attributed to more agile processes and enhanced risk management, resulting in 3.5 times more new credit originated through digital channels.
José Luis Serrano, head of SMEs for BBVA Spain, emphasized the bank's commitment to making collaboration with SMEs easy. He stated, 'We want working with BBVA to be easy. That's why we are radically transforming how we engage with SMEs through simple, scalable digital solutions. This transformation is supported by the integration of technological capabilities, expert advisory services, and an on-the-ground presence in each region, with solutions designed specifically to cater to the needs of each company.'
The bank's fully digital solution, which integrates financial services with point-of-sale (PoS) terminals, is another notable innovation. In Spain, approximately 40% of business clients already use BBVA's Android-based terminal, a device that operates similarly to a smartphone, enabling businesses to process returns, access transaction histories, and install apps to optimize their operations.
These innovations contribute to simplifying daily operations, improving efficiency, and supporting the growth of thousands of small businesses in Spain and throughout Western Europe.
BBVA: The Strategic Partner of Choice for Businesses
BBVA's model is built on three pillars: a client-centric approach, responsible and sustainable growth, and providing clients with full access to the bank's products and services. The bank's end-to-end range of products and services, coupled with its highly specialized structure, enables BBVA to support companies in daily operations and strategic decision-making, offering tailored solutions that merge technology, sector knowledge, and sustainability.
Furthermore, BBVA is driving a more digital, agile, and personalized experience through automated processes, self-service solutions, and the integration of financial services into the digital ecosystems of its clients or third parties.
A Leading Source for Economic and Financial Information
Founded in 1987, Global Finance is a renowned magazine specializing in financial markets and investment banking. It serves as an international reference point for corporate leaders, bankers, and investors alike. The magazine's annual awards have become a benchmark of excellence, combining expert analysis, quantitative metrics, and independent assessment of submissions.
Each year, Global Finance selects the best financial institutions worldwide based on a qualitative review conducted by experts and an analysis of indicators such as market share, number and volume of transactions, and innovation. The editors of Global Finance, together with industry analysts, corporate executives, and technology experts, choose the winners of these awards, evaluating entries from the banks themselves and independent research to assess a broad set of criteria.
