BBVA has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to obtain a Category 4 (CAT4) license. This authorization will enable the bank to broaden its corporate and investment banking services and strengthen its position as a strategic partner for corporate and institutional clients in the region.

Eduardo Ortiz Gross, Head of BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) in the Middle East, has been appointed Senior Executive Officer for the Abu Dhabi branch, where he will oversee the bank’s operations across the region. BBVA has maintained a presence in Abu Dhabi through a Representative Office since 2013. With this new license, the bank plans to expand its wholesale banking services, including financing, advisory, global markets, and cross-border solutions for corporate and institutional clients across the Middle East.

BBVA CAT4 License, Strengthening Presence in Abu Dhabi

Also, Javier Rodríguez Soler, Global Head of Sustainability and Corporate & Investment Banking at BBVA, stated: “The Middle East is a strategic region for BBVA. Obtaining this licence is a key step in our ambition to grow with our clients globally. Sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors are leading the energy transition and sustainable investment, and BBVA aims to support their growth and decarbonisation strategies through innovative cross-border solutions.”

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, added: “BBVA’s decision to deepen its presence in Abu Dhabi highlights ADGM’s role as a gateway between the Middle East and global markets. We welcome BBVA and look forward to its support for the region’s growth and transition agenda.”

Moreover, the Middle East offers BBVA an opportunity to diversify its global footprint and strengthen client relationships within BBVA CIB. Local economies’ diversification plans and growing global market relevance provide scope for deeper engagement with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and large corporates. BBVA CIB leverages its financial strength, sector expertise, and sustainability focus to deliver cross-border solutions across financing, markets, and advisory services.

So, Cross-border business now represents over 35% of BBVA CIB’s revenues and continues to grow. The Abu Dhabi branch, pending final regulatory approval, will further enhance the bank’s ability to connect regional clients with opportunities across Europe, the USA, Mexico, and Turkey, reinforcing BBVA’s leadership in sustainable finance and low-carbon transition solutions.

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