BBVA Receives Approval to Expand Corporate and Investment Banking in Abu Dhabi
The authorization will allow the bank to broaden its corporate and investment banking services and strengthen its position as a strategic partner for corporate and institutional clients across the region.
BBVA has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to obtain a Category 4 (CAT4) license. The authorization will allow the bank to broaden its corporate and investment banking services and strengthen its position as a strategic partner for corporate and institutional clients across the region. Eduardo Ortiz Gross has been appointed Senior Executive Officer for the Abu Dhabi branch, overseeing BBVA’s operations throughout the Middle East.
BBVA has maintained a presence in Abu Dhabi through a Representative Office since 2013. With the new license, the bank will expand its wholesale banking services, providing financing, advisory, global markets, and cross-border solutions to corporate and institutional clients. This expansion aligns with the bank’s ambition to grow with clients globally, particularly in the context of the Middle East’s fast-evolving economies, which are increasingly focused on the energy transition and sustainable investment.
The ADGM jurisdiction has positioned itself as a gateway between the Middle East and global financial markets. BBVA’s deeper presence in Abu Dhabi highlights the growing importance of the region for international banks and strengthens ADGM’s ecosystem for sustainable finance and cross-border capital flows. The bank’s entry is expected to support transformational projects and regional growth initiatives.
The Middle East represents a significant opportunity for BBVA to diversify its global footprint and expand its client base within BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking (BBVA CIB). Regional economies are pursuing ambitious diversification strategies, increasing their relevance in global markets. The expanded operations will allow BBVA CIB to deepen relationships with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and large corporates, key players in energy transition and infrastructure development.
BBVA CIB combines financial strength, sector expertise, and a strong focus on sustainability. The bank works closely with institutional clients, including asset managers, insurers, and financial sponsors, offering comprehensive, cross-border solutions across financing, markets, and advisory services. Cross-border business has become a strategic growth driver for BBVA CIB, representing more than 35 percent of revenues and growing over 30 percent year-on-year.
The establishment of the ADGM branch, pending final regulatory approval, will enhance BBVA’s ability to connect Middle Eastern clients with international opportunities, particularly in Europe, the USA, Mexico, and Turkey. The move also reinforces BBVA CIB’s leadership in sustainable finance, supporting clients’ transitions to low-carbon economies through tailored advisory and innovative financial solutions.
