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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria

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FY2018 Annual Report · Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
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Consolidated Financial 
Statements, 
Management Report 
and Auditors' Report 
for the year 2018 

P.1 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Contents 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Consolidated balance sheets ..................................................................................................................................... 4 

Consolidated income statements .............................................................................................................................. 7 

Consolidated statements of recognized income and expenses ............................................................................. 8 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity......................................................................................................... 9 

Consolidated statements of cash flows .................................................................................................................. 12 

NOTES  TO  THE  ACCOMPANYING  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS 

1.

2.

Introduction, basis for the presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, internal control over
financial information and other information ................................................................................................... 13 

Principles  of  consolidation,  accounting  policies  and  measurement  bases  applied  and  recent  IFRS
pronouncements ............................................................................................................................................... 17 

3. BBVA Group .......................................................................................................................................................61 

4. Shareholder remuneration system ................................................................................................................. 64 

5. Earnings per share ............................................................................................................................................ 67 

6. Operating segment reporting .......................................................................................................................... 67 

7.      Risk management ............................................................................................................................................ 70 

8.

Fair Value of financial instruments ................................................................................................................ 136 

9. Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demands deposits ......................................................... 148 

10.   Financial assets and liabilities held for trading ............................................................................................. 149 

11. Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss ........................................... 153 

12.   Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss ........................................... 154 

13. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income ........................................................ 155 

14. Financial assets at amortized cost ............................................................................................................... 163 

15.

 Hedging derivatives and fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest ................. 
  rate risk .......................................................................................................................................................... 166 

16.

Investments in joint ventures, associates .................................................................................................... 169 

17. Tangible assets ............................................................................................................................................... 171 

18.

Intangible assets ............................................................................................................................................ 174 

19. Tax assets and liabilities ................................................................................................................................. 177 

20. Other assets and liabilities............................................................................................................................. 182 

21. Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale................................................................................ 183 

22. Financial liabilities at amortized cost .............................................................................................................. 186 

23. Assets and Liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts ............................................................ 191 

P.2 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

24. Provisions ....................................................................................................................................................... 193 

25.   Post-employment and other employee benefit commitments .................................................................. 195 

26.   Common stock ............................................................................................................................................... 205 

27. Share premium ..............................................................................................................................................208 

28.   Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves .....................................................................208 

29. Treasury shares .............................................................................................................................................. 211 

30.   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ..................................................................................... 212 

31.    Minority interest ............................................................................................................................................. 212 

32.    Capital base and capital management ........................................................................................................ 213 

33.    Commitments and guarantees given .......................................................................................................... 216 

34. Other contingent assets and liabilities ..........................................................................................................217 

35. Purchase and sale commitments and future payment obligations ............................................................217 

36. Transactions on behalf of third parties ........................................................................................................ 218 

37. Net interest income ....................................................................................................................................... 219 

38. Dividend income ............................................................................................................................................. 221 

39. Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method................................................. 221 

40. Fee and commission income and expense .................................................................................................. 222 

41. Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities, net and Exchange differences ...................................... 223 

42. Other operating income and expense .......................................................................................................... 224 

43.

Income and expense from insurance and reinsurance contracts.............................................................. 225 

44. Administration costs ...................................................................................................................................... 226 

45. Depreciation and Amortization ..................................................................................................................... 229 

46. Provisions or (reversal) of provisions ........................................................................................................... 229 

47.

Impairment or (reversal) of impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or
loss .................................................................................................................................................................. 231 

48.

Impairment or (reversal) of impairment on non-financial assets .............................................................. 231 

49. Gains (losses) on derecognition of non - financial assets and subsidiaries, net ....................................... 232 

50. Profit  (loss)  from  non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for  sale  not  qualifying  as
discontinued operations ................................................................................................................................ 232 

51.    Consolidated statements of cash flows ....................................................................................................... 232 

52. Accountant fees and services ....................................................................................................................... 233 

53.   Related-party transactions ............................................................................................................................ 234 

54. Remuneration  and  other  benefits  to  the  Board  of  Directors  and  to  the  members  of  the  Bank’s  Senior
Management .................................................................................................................................................. 236 

55. Other information ........................................................................................................................................... 246 

56. Subsequent events ........................................................................................................................................ 248 

57. Explanation added for translation into English ............................................................................................ 248 

APPENDIX  I  Additional  information  on  consolidated  subsidiaries  and  consolidated  structured  entities 
composing the BBVA Group ......................................................................................................................... 250 

P.3 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX II Additional information on investments joint ventures and associates in the BBVA Group ....... 258 

APPENDIX III Changes and notification of participations in the BBVA Group in 2018 ..................................... 259 

APPENDIX  IV  Fully  consolidated  subsidiaries with  more  than  10%  owned  by  non-Group  shareholders  as of 
December 31, 2018 ........................................................................................................................................ 264 

APPENDIX V BBVA Group’s structured entities. Securitization funds .............................................................. 265 

APPENDIX  VI  Details  of  the  outstanding  subordinated  debt  and  preferred  securities  issued  by  the  Bank  or 
entities in the Group consolidated as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 ........................................... 266 

APPENDIX  VII  Consolidated  balance  sheets  held  in  foreign  currency  as  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and 
2016. ............................................................................................................................................................... 270 

APPENDIX VIII Consolidated income statements for the first and second half of 2018 and 2017 .................. 272 

APPENDIX IX. Financial Statements of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. ............................................... 273 

APPENDIX X Information on data derived from the special accounting registry ............................................. 282 

APPENDIX  XI.  Quantitative  information  on  refinancing  and  restructuring  operations  and  other  requirement 
under Bank of Spain Circular 6/2012 ........................................................................................................... 291 

APPENDIX XII Additional information on Risk Concentration ............................................................................ 302 

APPENDIX XIII. 

Information  in  accordance  with  Article  89  of  Directive  2013/36/EU  of  the  European 
Parliament and its application to Spanish Law through Law 10/2014 .......................................................317 

 
 
P.4
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

ASSETS (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

2018 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

CASH, CASH BALANCES AT CENTRAL BANKS AND OTHER DEMAND DEPOSITS 

FINANCIAL ASSETS HELD FOR TRADING 
     Derivatives 
     Equity instruments 
     Debt securities 
     Loans and advances to central banks 
     Loans and advances to credit institutions 
     Loans and advances to customers 

9 

10 

NON-TRADING FINANCIAL ASSETS MANDATORILY AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 

11 

     Equity instruments 
     Debt securities 
     Loans and advances to central banks 
     Loans and advances to credit institutions 
     Loans and advances to customers 
FINANCIAL ASSETS DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 
     Equity instruments 
     Debt securities 
     Loans and advances to central banks 
     Loans and advances to credit institutions 
     Loans and advances to customers 
FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
     Equity instruments 
     Debt securities 
     Loans and advances to central banks 
     Loans and advances to credit institutions 
     Loans and advances to customers 
FINANCIAL ASSETS AT AMORTIZED COST 
     Debt securities 
     Loans and advances to central banks 
     Loans and advances to credit institutions 
     Loans and advances to customers 
HEDGING DERIVATIVES  

FAIR VALUE CHANGES OF THE HEDGED ITEMS IN PORTFOLIO HEDGES OF INTEREST RATE RISK 

JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 
     Joint ventures 
     Associates 
INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE ASSETS 
TANGIBLE ASSETS 
     Property, plants and equipment 
        For own use 
        Other assets leased out under an operating lease 
     Investment properties 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS  
     Goodwill 
     Other intangible assets 
TAX ASSETS 
     Current 
     Deferred 
OTHER ASSETS  
   Insurance contracts linked to pensions 
   Inventories 
    Other 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS AND DISPOSAL GROUPS HELD FOR SALE  

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

23 
17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

58,196 

90,117 
30,536 
5,254 
25,577 
2,163 
14,566 
12,021 

5,135 

3,095 
237 
- 
- 
1,803 
1,313 
- 
1,313 
- 
- 
- 
56,337 
2,595 
53,709 
- 
33 
- 
419,660 
32,530 
3,941 
9,163 
374,027 
2,892 

(21)

1,578 
173 
1,405 
366 
7,229 
7,066 
6,756 
310 
163 
8,314 
6,180 
2,134 
18,100 
2,784 
15,316 
5,472 
- 
635 
4,837 

2,001 

42,680 

64,695 
35,265 
6,801 
22,573 
- 
- 
56 

2,709 
1,888 
174 
- 
- 
648 
69,476 
3,224 
66,251 
- 
- 
- 
445,275 
24,093 
7,300 
26,261 
387,621 
2,485 

(25)

1,588 
256 
1,332 
421 
7,191 
6,996 
6,581 
415 
195 
8,464 
6,062 
2,402 
16,888 
2,163 
14,725 
4,359 
- 
229 
4,130 

23,853 

40,039 

74,950 
42,955 
4,675 
27,166 
- 
- 
154 

2,062 
1,920 
142 
- 
- 
- 
79,221 
4,641 
74,580 
- 
- 
- 
483,672 
28,905 
8,894 
31,373 
414,500 
2,833 

17 

765 
229 
536 
447 
8,941 
8,250 
7,519 
732 
691 
9,786 
6,937 
2,849 
18,245 
1,853 
16,391 
7,274 
- 
3,298 
3,976 

3,603 

TOTAL ASSETS 

676,689 

690,059 

731,856 

 (*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial 
statements as of December 31, 2018.

P.5 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES HELD FOR TRADING  
     Trading derivatives 
     Short positions 
     Deposits from central banks 
     Deposits from credit institutions 
     Customer deposits 
     Debt certificates 
     Other financial liabilities 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS  
     Deposits from central banks 
     Deposits from credit institutions 
     Customer deposits 
     Debt certificates 
     Other financial liabilities 
     Of which: Subordinated liabilities 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT AMORTIZED COST  
     Deposits from central banks 
     Deposits from credit institutions 
     Customer Deposits 
     Debt certificates 
     Other financial liabilities 
     Of which: Subordinated liabilities 
HEDGING DERIVATIVES 

FAIR VALUE CHANGES OF THE HEDGED ITEMS IN PORTFOLIO HEDGES OF 
INTEREST RATE RISK 

LIABILITIES UNDER INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS  
PROVISIONS 
     Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 
     Other long term employee benefits 
     Provisions for taxes and other legal contingencies 
     Provisions for contingent risks and commitments 
     Other provisions 
TAX LIABILITIES  
     Current 
     Deferred 
OTHER LIABILITIES  

Notes 

10 

12 

22 

15 

23 
24 

19 

20 

2018 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

80,774 
31,815 
11,025 
10,511 
15,687 
11,736 
- 
- 
6,993 
- 
- 
976 
2,858 
3,159 
- 
509,185 
27,281 
31,978 
375,970 
61,112 
12,844 
18,047 
2,680 

- 

9,834 
6,772 
4,787 
62 
686 
636 
601 
3,276 
1,230 
2,046 
4,301 

46,182 
36,169 
10,013 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,222 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,222 
- 
543,713 
37,054 
54,516 
376,379 
63,915 
11,850 
17,316 
2,880 

(7) 

9,223 
7,477 
5,407 
67 
756 
578 
669 
3,298 
1,114 
2,184 
4,550 

54,675 
43,118 
11,556 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,338 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,338 
- 
589,210 
34,740 
63,501 
401,465 
76,375 
13,129 
17,230 
2,347 

- 

9,139 
9,071 
6,025 
69 
418 
950 
1,609 
4,668 
1,276 
3,392 
4,979 

- 

LIABILITIES INCLUDED IN DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE 

- 

17,197 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

623,814 

636,736 

676,428 

 (*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial 
statements as of December 31, 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.6 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Continued) (Millions of Euros) 

SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 

Capital 

Paid up capital 
Unpaid capital which has been called up 

Share premium 
Equity instruments issued other than capital 
Other equity instruments 
Retained earnings 
Revaluation reserves 
Other reserves 

Reserves or accumulated losses of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates 
Other 

Less: Treasury shares 
Profit or loss attributable to owners of the parent 
Less: Interim dividends 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 
Actuarial gains or losses on defined benefit pension plans 
Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

 Share of other recognized income and expense of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income 

Hedge ineffectiveness of fair value hedges for equity instruments measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive income 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income (hedged item) 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income (hedging instrument) 

Fair value changes of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss attributable to 
changes in their credit risk  

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 
Hedge of net investments in foreign operations (effective portion) 
Foreign currency translation  
Hedging derivatives. Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 
Financial assets available for sale 

Fair value changes of debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income 

Hedging instruments (non-designated items) 
Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Share of other recognized income and expense of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates 

MINORITY INTERESTS (NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
Other 
TOTAL EQUITY 
TOTAL EQUITY AND TOTAL LIABILITIES 

MEMORANDUM ITEM (OFF-BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES)  (Millions of Euros) 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 

Other commitments given 

(*)   Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

0 

0 

Notes 

2018 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

26 

27 

28 
28 
28 

29 

30 

31 

0 

54,326 
3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
- 
50 
23,018 
3 
(58)

(58)

- 
(296)
5,324 
(975)
(7,215) 
(1,284) 
(1,245) 
- 

- 

(155) 

- 

- 

- 

116 

(5,932) 
(218)
(6,643) 
(6)

943 

- 
1 

(9)

5,764 
(3,236) 
9,000 
52,874 
676,689 

0 

53,283 
3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
- 
54 
23,612 
12 
(35)

(35)

- 
(96)
3,519
(1,043)
(6,939)
(1,183) 
(1,183) 
- 

- 

- 

50,985 
3,218 
3,218 
- 
23,992 
- 
54 
21,844 
20 
(59) 

(59) 

- 
(48) 
3,475 
(1,510) 
(3,622) 
(1,095) 
(1,095) 
- 

- 

- 

(5,755) 
1
(7,297)
(34)
1,641

(2,527) 
(118) 
(3,341) 
16 
947 

(26) 

(40)

6,979
(2,550) 
9,530 
53,323 
690,059 

0 

- 

(31) 

8,064 
(1,430) 
9,494 
55,428 
731,856 

0 

2016 (*) 

107,254 
18,267 

42,592 

Notes 

2018 

2017 (*) 

33 
33 

33 

118,959 
16,454 

35,098 

94,268 
16,545 

45,738 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial 
statements as of December 31, 2018. 

P.7 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 
and 2016 

  Notes 

2018 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

37.1 
37.2 

38 
39 
40 
40 

41 

41 

41 

41 
41 
41 
42 
42 
43 
43 

44.1 
44.2 
45 
46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

55.2 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (Millions of Euros) 

Interest and other income 
Interest expense 
NET INTEREST INCOME 
Dividend income  
Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method  
Fee and commission income  
Fee and commission expense 
Gains (losses) on derecognition of financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit 
or loss, net 
Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities held for trading, net 

Gains (losses) on non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss, net 

Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss, net 
Gains (losses) from hedge accounting, net  
Exchange differences, net 
Other operating income  
Other operating expense 
Income from insurance and reinsurance contracts 
Expense from insurance and reinsurance contracts 
GROSS INCOME 
Administration costs  
     Personnel expenses 
     Other administrative expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 
Provisions or reversal of provisions 
Impairment or reversal of impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or 
loss or net gains by modification 
     Financial assets measured at amortized cost 
     Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
NET OPERATING INCOME 
Impairment or reversal of impairment of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 
Impairment or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets 
     Tangible assets 
     Intangible assets 
     Other assets 
Gains (losses) on derecognition of non - financial assets and subsidiaries, net 
Negative goodwill recognized in profit or loss 
Profit (loss) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale not qualifying as 
discontinued operations     
PROFIT OR LOSS BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations 
PROFIT OR LOSS AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations, net 
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 
Attributable to minority interest [non-controlling interest] 
Attributable to owners of the parent 

EARNINGS PER SHARE  (Euros) 

     Basic earnings per share from continued operations 
     Diluted earnings per share from continued operations  
     Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations  
     Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

31 
55.2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

29,831 
(12,239) 
17,591 
157 
(7) 
7,132 
(2,253) 

216 

707 

96 

143 
72 
(9) 
949 
(2,101) 
2,949 
(1,894) 
23,747 
(10,494) 
(6,120) 
(4,374) 
(1,208) 
(373) 

(3,981) 

(3,980) 
(1) 
7,691 
- 
(138) 
(5) 
(83) 
(51) 
78 
- 

815 

8,446 
(2,295) 
6,151 
- 
6,151 
827 
5,324 
0 

2018 

0.76 

0.76 
0.76 
- 
- 

29,296 
(11,537) 
17,758 
334 
4 
7,150 
(2,229) 

985 

218 

(56) 
(209) 
1,030 
1,439 
(2,223) 
3,342 
(2,272) 
25,270 
(11,112) 
(6,571) 
(4,541) 
(1,387) 
(745) 

(4,803) 

(3,676) 
(1,127) 
7,222 
- 
(364) 
(42) 
(16) 
(306) 
47 
- 

26 

6,931 
(2,169) 
4,762 
- 
4,762 
1,243 
3,519 
0 

27,708 
(10,648) 
17,059 
467 
25 
6,804 
(2,086) 

1,375 

248 

114 
(76) 
472 
1,272 
(2,128) 
3,652 
(2,545) 
24,653 
(11,366) 
(6,722) 
(4,644) 
(1,426) 
(1,186) 

(3,801) 

(3,598) 
(202) 
6,874 
- 
(521) 
(143) 
(3) 
(375) 
70 
- 

(31) 

6,392 
(1,699) 
4,693 
- 
4,693 
1,218 
3,475 
0 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

0.48 

0.48 
0.48 
- 
- 

0.49 

0.49 
0.49 
- 
- 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial 
statements as of December 31, 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.8 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of recognized income and expenses for the years 
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RECOGNIZED INCOME AND EXPENSES (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

PROFIT RECOGNIZED IN INCOME STATEMENT 
OTHER RECOGNIZED INCOME (EXPENSES) 
ITEMS NOT SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION TO INCOME STATEMENT 

 Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit pension plans 
 Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale 

 Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 

     Fair value changes of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss attributable to changes in 

their credit risk 

     Income tax related to items not subject to reclassification to income statement 

ITEMS SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION TO INCOME STATEMENT 

  Hedge of net investments in foreign operations (effective portion) 

 Valuation gains or losses taken to equity 
 Transferred to profit or loss 
 Other reclassifications 
  Foreign currency translation 

 Valuation gains or losses taken to equity 
 Transferred to profit or loss 
 Other reclassifications 

  Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 

 Valuation gains or losses taken to equity 
 Transferred to profit or loss 
 Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items 
 Other reclassifications 

  Available-for-sale financial assets 

 Valuation gains or losses taken to equity 
 Transferred to profit or loss 
 Other reclassifications 

  Debt securities at fair value through other comprehensive income 

 Valuation gains or losses taken to equity 
 Transferred to profit or loss 
 Other reclassifications 

  Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale 

 Valuation gains or losses taken to equity 
 Transferred to profit or loss 
 Other reclassifications 

  Entities accounted for using the equity method 

  Income tax relating to items subject to reclassification to income statements 

TOTAL RECOGNIZED INCOME/EXPENSES 

 Attributable to minority interest (non-controlling interests) 
 Attributable to the parent company 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

2018 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

6,151 
(2,523) 
(141)
(79)
-

(172) 

166 

(56) 
(2,382) 
(244)
(244)
-
-
(1,537) 
(1,542) 
5 
-
27 
(32)
58 
- 
- 

(901) 
(766) 
(135) 
- 
20 
- 
20 
-

9 

244 
3,628 
(420)
4,048 

4,762 
(4,439) 
(91)
(96)
-

5 
(4,348) 
80
112
-
(32)
(5,080)
(5,089)
(22)
31
(67)
(122)
55
- 
- 
719 
384 
347 
(12)

(20) 
- 
- 
(20)

(14)

35 
323 
127
196

4,693 
(3,012) 
(240) 
(303) 
- 

63 
(2,772) 
166 
166 
- 
- 
(2,157) 
(2,110) 
(47)
- 
80
134
(54)
- 
- 
(694) 
438 
(1,248) 
116

- 
- 
- 
- 

(89)

(78)
1,681 
305 
1,376 

The  accompanying  Notes  1  to  57  and  Appendices  I  to  XIII  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements as of December 31, 2018. 

P.9 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

0 

Non-controlling interest 

2018 

Capital 
(Note 26) 

Share 
Premium 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other 
Equity  

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 28) 

Revaluatio
n reserves 
 (Note 28) 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28) 

(-) Treasury 
shares 

Profit or loss 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 

(-) Interim 
dividends 
(Note 4) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensi
ve income 
 (Note 30) 

Valuation 
adjustments 
(Note 31) 

Other 
(Note 31) 

Total 

Balances as of January 1, 2018 
Effect of changes in accounting policies ( Note 1.3) 
Adjusted initial balance 
Total income/expense recognized 
Other changes in equity 
Issuances of common shares 
Issuances of preferred shares 
Issuance of other equity instruments 
Settlement or maturity of other equity instruments issued  
Conversion of debt on equity 
Common Stock reduction 
Dividend distribution 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Sale or cancellation of treasury shares 
Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities 
Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments 
Transfers within total equity (see Note 2.2.20) 
Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 
Share based payments 
Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 
Balances as of December 31, 2018 

3,267 
- 
3,267 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3,267 

23,992 
- 
23,992 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
23,992 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

54 
-
54 
-
(4) 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(19) 
15 
50 

25,474 
(2,713) 
22,761 
- 
256 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(992) 
- 
(24) 
- 
- 
1,408 
- 
- 
(135) 
23,018 

12 
- 
12 
- 
(10)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
- 
-
-
(10) 
- 
- 
- 
3 

(44)
9 
(34)
- 
(23) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(4) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(19) 
- 
- 
- 
(58)

(96) 
- 
(96)
-
(199)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,684) 
1,484 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(296)

3,519 
- 
3,519 
5,324 
(3,519)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(3,519) 
- 
- 
- 
5,324 

(1,043) 
- 
(1,043) 
- 
68 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(975) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,043 
- 
- 
- 
(975)

(8,792) 
1,756 
(7,036) 
(1,276) 
1,096 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,096 
- 
- 
- 
(7,215)

(3,378) 
850 
(2,528) 
(1,247) 
540 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
540 
- 
- 
- 
(3,236) 

10,358 
(822) 
9,536 
827 
(1,364) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(378) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(540) 
- 
- 
(446) 
9,000 

53,323 
(919) 
52,404 
3,628 
(3,158) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(2,349) 
(1,684) 
1,460 
-
-
- 
-
(19) 
(566) 
52,874 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018. 

P.10 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

0 

Non-controlling interest 

2017 (*) 

Capital 
(Note 26) 

Share 
Premium 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other Equity  

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 28) 

Revaluatio
n reserves 
 (Note 28) 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28) 

(-) Treasury 
shares 

Profit or loss 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 

(-) Interim 
dividends 
(Note 4) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensi
ve income 
 (Note 30) 

Valuation 
adjustments 
(Note 31) 

Other 
(Note 31) 

Total 

Balances as of January 1, 2017 
Effect of changes in accounting policies ( Note 1.3) 
Adjusted initial balance 
Total income/expense recognized 
Other changes in equity 
Issuances of common shares 
Issuances of preferred shares 
Issuance of other equity instruments 
Settlement or maturity of other equity instruments issued  
Conversion of debt on equity 
Common Stock reduction 
Dividend distribution 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Sale or cancellation of treasury shares 
Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities 
Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments 
Transfers within total equity 
Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 
Share based payments 
Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 
Balances as of December 31, 2017 

3,218 
- 
3,218 
- 
50 
50 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3,267 

23,992 
- 
23,992 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
23,992 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

54 
-
54 
-
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(22) 
22 
54 

23,688 
(1,843) 
21,845 
- 
1,768 
(50) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9 
- 
1 
- 
- 
1,932 
- 
- 
(125) 
23,612 

20 
- 
20 
- 
(8)
- 
-
-
-
-
-
- 
-
- 
-
-
(8) 
- 
- 
- 
12 

(67)
7 
(60)
- 
25 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(9) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
41 
- 
- 
(6) 
(34)

(48) 
- 
(48)
-
(48)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,674) 
1,626 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(96)

3,475 
- 
3,475 
3,519 
(3,475)
-
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(3,475) 
- 
- 
- 
3,519 

(1,510) 
- 
(1,510) 
- 
467 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(900) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,510 
- 
- 
(144) 
(1,043) 

(5,458) 
1,836 
(3,622) 
(3,317)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(6,939) 

(2,246) 
817 
(1,429) 
(1,122) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(2,551) 

10,310 
(817) 
9,493 
1,243 
(1,207) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(290) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(917) 
9,529 

55,428 
- 
55,428 
323 
(2,428) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,189) 
(1,674) 
1,627 
-
-
(0) 
-
(22) 
(1,169) 
53,323 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018. 

P.11
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

0 

Non-controlling interest 

Total 

2016 (*) 

Capital 
(Note 26) 

Share 
Premium 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other Equity  

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 28) 

Revaluatio
n reserves 
 (Note 28) 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28) 

(-) Treasury 
shares 

Profit or loss 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 

(-) Interim 
dividends 
(Note 4) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensi
ve income 
 (Note 30) 

Valuation 
adjustments 
(Note 31) 

Other 
(Note 31) 

Balances as of January 1, 2016 
Effect of changes in accounting policies ( Note 1.3) 
Adjusted initial balance 
Total income/expense recognized 
Other changes in equity 
Issuances of common shares 
Issuances of preferred shares 
Issuance of other equity instruments 
Settlement or maturity of other equity instruments issued  
Conversion of debt on equity 
Common Stock reduction 
Dividend distribution 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Sale or cancellation of treasury shares 
Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities 
Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments 
Transfers within total equity 
Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 
Share based payments 
Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 
Balances as of December 31, 2016 

3,120 
- 
3,120 
- 
98 
98 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3,218 

23,992 
- 
23,992 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
23,992 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

35 
-
35 
-
19 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(16) 
35 
54 

22,588 
(1,834) 
20,754 
- 
1,090 
(98) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
93 
- 
(30) 
- 
- 
1,166 
- 
3 
(44) 
21,845 

22 
- 
22 
- 
(2)
- 
-
-
-
-
-
- 
- 
- 
-
-
(2) 
- 
- 
- 
20 

(98)
7 
(91)
- 
31 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(93) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
126 
- 
- 
(2) 
(60)

(309)
- 
(309)
-
260 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(2,004) 
2,264 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(48)

2,642 
- 
2,642 
3,475 
(2,642) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(2,642) 
- 
- 
- 
3,475 

(1,352) 
- 
(1,352) 
- 
(158) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,301) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,352 
- 
- 
(210) 
(1,510) 

(3,349) 
1,826 
(1,523) 
(2,099)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(3,622) 

(1,333) 
816 
(517)
(913)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(0) 
(1,429) 

9,325 
(816) 
8,509 
1,218 
(233)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(234) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2 
9,494 

55,281 
- 
55,282 
1,681 
(1,535)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,535) 
(2,004) 
2,234 
-
-
-
-
(12) 
(219) 
55,428 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 57 and Appendices I to XIII are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018. 

P.12 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated  statements  of  cash flows  for  the  years  ended  December  31, 
2018, 2017 and 2016 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Notes 

51 

51 

A) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5)
1. Profit for the year
2. Adjustments to obtain the cash flow from operating activities: 
Depreciation and amortization 
Other adjustments 
3. Net increase/decrease in operating assets 
Financial assets held for trading 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
Loans and receivables 
Other operating assets 
4. Net increase/decrease in operating liabilities 
Financial liabilities held for trading 
Other financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities at amortized cost 
Other operating liabilities 
5. Collection/Payments for income tax 
B) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  (1 + 2)
1. Investment 
Tangible assets 
Intangible assets 
Investments in joint ventures and associates 
Subsidiaries and other business units 
Non-current assets held for sale and associated liabilities 
Held-to-maturity investments 
Other settlements related to investing activities 
2. Divestments 
Tangible assets 
Intangible assets 
Investments in joint ventures and associates 
Subsidiaries and other business units 
Non-current assets held for sale and associated liabilities 
Held-to-maturity investments 
Other collections related to investing activities 

C) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES   (1 + 2)

51 

1. Payments 
Dividends 
Subordinated liabilities 
Treasury stock amortization 
Treasury stock acquisition 
Other items relating to financing activities 

2. Collections

Subordinated liabilities 
Treasury shares increase 
Treasury shares disposal 

Other items relating to financing activities 

D) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES

E) NET INCREASE/DECREASE IN CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS (A+B+C+D)

F) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

G) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR (E+F) 

51 

COMPONENTS OF CASH AND EQUIVALENT AT END OF THE YEAR (Millions of Euros) 

Cash 

Balance of cash equivalent in central banks 

Other financial assets 

Less: Bank overdraft refundable on demand 

2018 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

8,664 
6,151 
7,695 
1,208 
6,487 
(12,679) 
1,379 

(643) 

349 
(206) 
(12,652) 
(906) 
10,286 
(466) 
1,338 
10,481 
(1,067) 
(2,789) 
7,516 
(2,154) 
(943) 
(552) 
(150) 
(20) 
(489) 

- 
9,670 
731 
- 
558 
4,268 
3,917 

196 

(5,092) 

(8,995) 
(2,107) 
(4,825) 
- 
(1,686) 
(377) 

3,903 

2,451 
- 
1,452 

- 

(2,498) 

8,590 

45,549 

54,138 

2018 

6,346 

47,792 

- 

- 

2,055 
4,762 
8,526 
1,387 
7,139 
(4,894) 
5,662 

(783) 
5,032 
(14,503) 
(302) 
(3,916) 
(6,057) 
19 
2,111 
11 
(2,423) 
2,902 
(2,339) 
(777) 
(564) 
(101) 
(897) 
- 
- 
- 
5,241 
518 
47 
18 
936 
1,002 
2,711 
9 

(98)

(5,763) 
(1,698) 
(2,098) 
- 
(1,674) 
(293) 

5,665 

4,038 
- 
1,627 

- 

(4,266) 

594 

44,955 

45,549 

6,623 
4,693 
6,784 
1,426 
5,358 
(4,428) 
1,289 

(2) 
14,445 
(21,075) 
915 
1,273 
361 
(53) 
(7) 
972 
(1,699) 
(560) 
(3,978) 
(1,312) 
(645) 
(76) 
(95) 
- 
(1,850) 
- 
3,418 
795 
20 
322 
73 
900 
1,215 
93 

(1,113)

(4,335) 
(1,599) 
(502) 
- 
(2,004) 
(230) 

3,222 

1,000 
- 
2,222 

- 

(3,463) 

1,489 

43,466 

44,955 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

6,416 

39,132 

- 

- 

7,413 

37,542 

- 

- 

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR 

51 

54,138 

45,549 

44,955 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

The  accompanying  Notes  1  to  57  and  Appendices  I  to  XIII  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements as of December 31, 2018. 

P.13 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

1.
Introduction, basis for the presentation of the Consolidated
Financial Statements, internal control over financial information
and other information

1.1 

Introduction 

Banco  Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (hereinafter “the Bank” or “BBVA") is a  private-law entity subject to 
the  laws  and  regulations  governing  banking  entities  operating  in  Spain.  It  carries  out  its  activity  through 
branches and agencies across the country and abroad. 

The Bylaws and other public information are available for inspection at the Bank’s registered address (Plaza 
San Nicolás, 4 Bilbao) as noted on its web site (www.bbva.com). 

In addition to the activities it carries out directly, the Bank heads a group of subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates which perform a wide range of activities and which together with the Bank constitute the Banco 
Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria  Group  (hereinafter,  “the  Group”  or  “the  BBVA  Group”).  In  addition  to  its  own 
separate  Financial  Statements,  the  Bank  is  required  to  prepare  Consolidated  Financial  Statements 
comprising all consolidated subsidiaries of the Group. 

As of December 31, 2018, the BBVA Group had 297 consolidated entities and 66 entities accounted for using 
the equity method (see Notes 3 and 16 and Appendix I to V). 

The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of  the  BBVA  Group  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  were 
approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meetings (“AGM”) on March 16, 2018. 

BBVA  Group’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  the  Financial  Statements  for  the  Bank  and  the 
majority  of  the  remaining  entities  within  the  Group  have  been  prepared  as  of  December  31,  2018,  and  are 
pending  approval  by  their  respective  AGMs.  Notwithstanding,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Bank 
understands that said financial statements will be approved without changes. 

1.2  Basis 

for 

the  presentation  of 

the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements 

The  BBVA  Group’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  are  presented  in  accordance  with  the  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  endorsed  by  the  European  Union  (hereinafter,  “EU-IFRS”)  applicable  as  of 
December  31,  2018,  considering  the  Bank  of  Spain  Circular  Circular  4/2017,  and  with  any  other  legislation 
governing financial reporting applicable to the Group in Spain (see Note 1.3). 

The BBVA Group’s accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 
were prepared by the Group’s Directors (through the Board of Directors meeting held on February 11, 2019) 
by applying the principles of consolidation, accounting policies and valuation criteria described in Note 2, so 
that they present fairly the Group’s total consolidated equity and financial position as of December 31, 2018, 
together  with  the  consolidated  results  of  its  operations  and  cash  flows  generated  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2018. 

These Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared on the basis of the accounting records kept by the 
include  the  adjustments  and 
Bank  and  each  of  the  other  entities 

in  the  Group.  Moreover,  they 

P.14
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

reclassifications required to harmonize the accounting policies and valuation criteria used by the Group (see 
Note 2.2). 

All effective accounting standards and valuation criteria with a significant effect in the Consolidated Financial 
Statements were applied in their preparation. 

The amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in millions of 
euros, unless it is more appropriate to use smaller units. Some items that appear without a balance in these 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  are  due  to  how  the  units  are  expressed.  Also,  in  presenting  amounts  in 
millions  of  euros,  the  accounting  balances  have  been  rounded  up  or  down.  It  is therefore  possible  that  the 
totals appearing in some tables are not the exact arithmetical sum of their component figures. 

The percentage changes in amounts have been calculated using figures expressed in thousands of euros. 

1.3  Comparative information 

The information included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relating to the years ended  
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, in accordance to the applicable regulation, is presented for the 
purpose of comparison with the information for December, 31 2018.  

Changes in accounting  policies 

Application of IFRS 9 

As  of  January  1,  2018,  IFRS  9  “Financial  instruments”  replaced  IAS  39  “Financial  Instruments:  Recognition 
and  Measurement”  and  includes  changes  in  the  requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of 
financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities,  the  impairment  of  financial  assets  and hedge  accounting  (see  Note 
2.2.1).  As  permitted  by  the  standard,  IFRS  9  has  not  been  applied  retrospectively  for  previous  years.  The 
impact of the first application of IFRS 9 is presented in Note 2.4. 

As a consequence of the application of IFRS 9, the comparative information for the financial years 2017 and 
2016  included  in  these  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  has  been  subject  to  some  non-significant 
modifications in order to improve the comparability with the figures of the financial year 2018. 

Hyperinflationary economies 

The  Group  experience  applying  IAS  29  "Financial  information  in  hyperinflationary  economies"  in  its 
subsidiaries  in  Venezuela  allows  us  to  confirm  the  complexity  of  applying  the  accounting  mechanism  of 
inflation together with the historical movements of the exchange rates in a way that results are economically 
understandable, especially when there is not a consistent evolution between inflation and exchange  rate in 
each period. 

In this context, with the aim of improving the faithful representation of the financial statements, during 2018 
the Group made an accounting policy change which involves recording in a single account of "Shareholders’ 
funds  –  retained  earnings",  both  the  revaluation  of  non-monetary  items  due  to  the  effect  of  hyperinflation 
and  the  differences  generated  when  translating  the  restated  financial  statements  of  the  subsidiaries  in 
hyperinflationary economies into euros. Translation differences, prior to the accounting policy change were 
recorded in the item “Accumulated other comprehensive income – items that may be reclassified to profit or 
loss  –  foreign  currency  translation”  (see  Notes  2.2.16  and  2.2.20).  The  accounting  policy  change,  in 
accordance  with  IAS  8,  offers  and  provides  more  reliable  and  relevant  information  of  operations  in 
hyperinflationary economies. 

In order to make the information comparable, we have restated the information of the previous years, in such 
a  way  that  €1,853,  €1,836  and  €1,826  million  have  been  reclassified  from  "Accumulated  other 
comprehensive  income  –  items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  –  foreign  currency  translation"  to 

P.15
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

"Shareholders’ funds – retained earnings" as of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016, 
respectively, relating to the Group companies registered in Venezuela (an economy that was also considered 
hyperinflationary 
in  2017  and  2016).  Additionally,  €828,  €817  and  €816  million  have  been 
reclassfied from “Non-controlling interest –Accumulated other comprehensive income” to “Non-controlling 
interest – other” as of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.  

The reclassification corresponding to January 1, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is recorded as "Effects of changes in 
accounting policies" in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity corresponding to the years ended 
December 31,  2018, 2017 and  2016. In the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, 2017  and 
2016, the  heading  "  Sh areholders’ funds  –  retained  earnings”includes  both  the  translation  differences  and  
the effects of restatement for inflation for the years 2018, 2017 and 2016. 

Operating segments 

During 2018,  there  were  no  significant  changes  to  the  existing  structure  of  the  BBVA  Group’s  operating  
segments in comparison to 2017 (see Note 6). Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform 
to current year presentation. 

1.4  Seasonal nature of income and expenses 

The nature  of  the  most  significant  activities  carried  out  by  the  BBVA  Group ’s entities  is  mainly  related  to  
typical activities carried out by financial institutions,  which are not significantly affected by seasonal factors 
within the same year. 

1.5  Responsibility for the information and for the estimates made 

The  information  contained  in  the  BBVA  Group’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  is  the  responsibility  of 
the Group’s Directors. 

Estimates were  required  to  be made  at  times when  preparing  these  Consolidated  Financial St atements in  
order to  calculate  the  recorded  or  disclosed  amount  of  some  assets,  liabilities, 
income, expenses  and 
commitments. These estimates relate mainly to the following: 

Impairment on certain financial assets (see Notes 7, 13, 14 and 16). 

The assumptions used to quantify certain provisions (see Note 24) and for the actuarial calculation 
of post-employment benefit liabilities and commitments (see Note 25). 

The useful life and impairment losses of tangible and intangible assets (see Notes 17, 18, 20 and 21). 

The valuation of goodwill and price allocation of business combinations (see Note 18). 

The fair value of certain unlisted financial assets and liabilities (see Notes 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13). 

The recoverability of deferred tax assets (See Note 19). 

Although these estimates were made on the basis of the best information available as of December 31, 2018, 
future events may make it necessary to modify them (either up or down) over the coming years. This would 
be  done  prospectively  in  accordance  with  applicable  standards,  recognizing  the  effects  of  changes  in  the 
estimates in the corresponding consolidated income statement. 

During 2018 there were no significant changes to the assumptions and estimations made as of December 31, 
2017, except as indicated in these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

1.6  BBVA Group’s Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

P.16 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

BBVA  Group’s  Financial  Statements  is  prepared  under  an  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting  Model 
(hereinafter “ICFR"). It provides reasonable assurance with respect to the reliability and the integrity of the 
consolidated  financial  statements.  It  is  also  aimed  to  ensure  that  the  transactions  are  processed  in 
accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. 

The ICFR is in accordance with the control framework established in 2013 by the “Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission”  (hereinafter,  "COSO").  The  COSO  2013  framework  sets  five 
components that constitute the basis of the effectiveness and efficiency of the internal control systems: 

The establishment of an appropriate control framework. 

The assessment of the risks that could arise during the preparation of the financial information. 

The design of the necessary controls to mitigate the identified risks. 

The establishment of an appropriate system of information to detect and report system weaknesses. 

The monitoring activities over the controls to ensure they perform correctly and are effective over 
time. 

The ICFR is a dynamic model that evolves continuously over time to reflect the reality of the BBVA Group’s 
businesses  and  processes,  as  well  as  the  risks  and  controls  designed  to  mitigate  them.  It  is  subject  to  a 
continuous evaluation by the internal control units located in the different entities of BBVA Group. 

These  internal  control  units  are  integrated  within  the  BBVA  internal  control  model  which  is  based  in  two 
pillars: 

A control system organized into three lines of defense: 

•

•

•

The  first  line  is  located  within  the  business  and  support  units,  which  are  responsible  for
identifying  risks  associated  with  their  processes  and  to  execute  the  controls  established  to
mitigate them.

The second line comprises the specialized control units (Compliance, Internal Financial Control,
Internal  Risk  Control,  Engineering  Risk,  Fraud  &  Security,  and  Operations  Control  among
others). This second line defines the models and controls under their areas of responsibility and
monitors the design, correct implementation and effectiveness of the controls

The  third  line  is  the  Internal  Audit  unit,  which  conducts  an  independent  review  of  the  model,
verifying the compliance and effectiveness of the model.

A set of committees called Corporate Assurance that helps to escalate the internal control issues to 
the management at a Group level and also in each of the countries where the Group operates. 

The internal control units comply with a common and standard methodology established at Group level, as 
set out in the following diagram: 

BBVA’s INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Companies

Processes

Risk

Controls

01

Selection of 
evaluation
Scope

02
Documentation
of process
models

03
Risk identification
evaluation and 
prioritization

04

Documentation
of control models

05
Identification
and 
management of 
residual risk

06
Evaluation of the
effectiveness of the
ICFR

Selection of 
companies and 
relevant
information to be 
covered

Definition and 
documentation of 
the processes´
map that is
directly and 
indirectly involved
in the preparation
of financial
information.

Identification of risks
linked to processes
that can trigger errors
in the financial
information.
Criticality
assesment of risks.

Identification of key
mitigating controls

Identification and 
management of 
the degree of risk
mitigation with the
controls identified.

Periodic review, 
certification and 
communication of ICFR 
effectiveness

P.17 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The ICFR Model is subject to annual evaluations by the Group’s Internal Audit Unit. It is also supervised by 
the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors. 

The  BBVA  Group  also  complies  with  the  requirements  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  (hereafter  “SOX”)  for 
Consolidated Financial Statements as a listed company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”). The main senior executives of the Group are involved in the design, compliance and implementation 
of  the  internal  control  model  to  make  it  effective  and  to  ensure  the  quality  and  accuracy  of  the  financial 
information. 

The  description  of  the  ICFR  included  in  the  Corporate  Governance  Annual  Report  within  the  Management 
Report attached to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

2.  Principles  of  consolidation,  accounting  policies  and 
measurement bases applied and recent IFRS pronouncements 

The  Glossary  includes  the  definition  of  some  of  the  financial  and  economic  terms  used  in  Note  2  and 
subsequent Notes. 

2.1  Principles of consolidation 

In terms of its consolidation, in accordance with the criteria established by IFRS, the BBVA Group is made up 
of four types of entities: subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and structured entities, defined as follows: 

  Subsidiaries 

Subsidiaries  are  entities  controlled  by  the  Group.  The  financial  statements  of  the  subsidiaries  are  fully 
consolidated  with  those  of  the  Bank.  The  share  of  non-controlling  interests  from  subsidiaries  in  the 
Group’s  consolidated  total  equity  is  presented  under  the  heading  “Minority  interests  (Non-controlling 
interests)”  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet.  Their  share  in  the  profit  or  loss  for  the  period  or  year  is 
presented  under  the  heading  “Attributable  to  minority  interest  (non-controlling  interests)”  in  the 
accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 31). 

Note  3  includes  information  related  to  the  main  subsidiaries  in  the  Group  as  of  December  31,  2018. 
Appendix I includes other significant information on these entities. 

Joint ventures 

Joint ventures are those entities over which there is a joint arrangement to joint control with third parties 
other  than  the  Group  (for  definitions  of  joint  arrangement,  joint  control  and  joint  venture,  refer  to 
Glossary).  

The investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method (see Note 16). Appendix II 
shows the main figures for joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.  

  Associates 

Associates  are  entities  in  which  the  Group  is  able  to  exercise  significant  influence  (for  definition  of 
significant influence, see Glossary). Significant influence is deemed to exist when the Group owns 20% or 
more of the voting rights of an investee directly or indirectly, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that 
this is not the case. 

However, certain entities in which the Group owns 20% or more of the voting rights are not included as 
Group associates, since the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over these 
entities.  Investments  in  these  entities,  which  do  not  represent  material  amounts  for  the  Group,  are 
classified as “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income”.  

 
 
P.18 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In contrast, some investments in entities in which the Group holds less than 20% of the voting rights are 
accounted for as Group associates, as the Group is considered to have the ability to exercise significant 
influence over these entities. As of December 31, 2018, these entities are not significant in the Group.  

Appendix  II  shows  the  most  significant  information  related  to  the  associates  (see  Note  16),  which  are 
accounted for using the equity method. 

  Structured Entities 

A  structured  entity  is  an  entity  that  has  been  designed  so  that  voting  or  similar  rights  are  not  the 
dominant  factor  in  deciding  who  controls  the  entity,  such  as  when  the  voting  rights  relate  to 
administrative  matters  only  and  the  relevant  activities  are  directed  by  means  of  contractual 
arrangements (see Glossary). 

In  those  cases  where  the  Group  sets  up  entities  or  has  a  holding  in  such  entities,  in  order  to  allow  its 
customers  access  to  certain  investments,  to  transfer  risks  or  for  other  purposes,  in  accordance  with 
internal criteria and procedures and with applicable regulations, the Group determines whether control 
over the entity in question actually exists and therefore whether it should be subject to consolidation. 

Such  methods  and  procedures  determine  whether  there  is  control  by  the  Group,  considering  how  the 
decisions  are  made  about  the  relevant  activities,  assesses  whether  the  Group  has  all  power  over  the 
relevant  elements,  exposure,  or  rights,  to  variable  returns  from  involvement  with  the  investee  and  the 
ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. 

  Structured entities subject to consolidation 

To determine if a structured entity is controlled by the Group, and therefore should be consolidated 
into  the  Group,  the  existing  contractual  rights  (different  from  the  voting  rights)  are  analyzed.  For 
this  reason,  an  analysis  of  the  structure  and  purpose  of  each  investee  is  performed  and,  among 
others, the following factors will be considered: 

- 

Evidence of the current ability to manage the relevant activities of the investee according to the 
specific  business  needs  (including  any  decisions  that  may  arise  only 
in  particular 
circumstances). 

-  Potential existence of a special relationship with the investee. 

- 

Implicit or explicit Group commitments to support the investee. 

-  The  ability  to  use  the  Group´s  power  over  the  investee  to  affect  the  amount  of  the  Group’s 

returns. 

There  are  cases  where  the  Group  has  a  high  exposure  to  variable  returns  and  retains  decision-
making power over the investee, either directly or through an agent.  

The  main  structured  entities  of  the  Group  are  the  asset  securitization  funds,  to  which  the  BBVA 
Group  transfers  loans  and  receivables  portfolios,  and  other  vehicles,  which  allow  the  Group’s 
customers  to  gain  access  to  certain  investments  or  to  allow  for  the  transfer  of  risks  or  for  other 
purposes  (see  Appendices  I  and  V).  The  BBVA  Group  maintains  the  decision-making  power  over 
the relevant activities of these vehicles and financial support through securitized market standard 
contracts.  The  most  common  ones  are:  investment  positions  in  equity  note  tranches,  funding 
through subordinated debt, credit enhancements through derivative instruments or liquidity lines, 
management  rights  of  defaulted  securitized  assets,  “clean-up”  call  derivatives,  and  asset 
repurchase clauses by the grantor.  

For  these  reasons,  the  loans  and  receivable  portfolios  related  to  the  vast  majority  of  the 
securitizations carried out by the Bank or Group subsidiaries are not derecognized in the books of 
said  entity  and  the  issuances  of  the  related  debt  securities  are  registered  as  liabilities  within  the 
Group’s consolidated balance sheet. 

 
P.19 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

  Non-consolidated structured entities 

The  Group  owns  other  vehicles  also  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  customers  access  to  certain 
investments, to transfer risks, and for other purposes, but without the Group having control of the 
vehicles,  which  are  not  consolidated  in  accordance  with  “IFRS  10  -  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements”. The balance of assets and liabilities of these vehicles is not material in relation to the 
Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.  

As of December 31, 2018, there was no material financial support from the Bank or its subsidiaries 
to unconsolidated structured entities. 

The  Group  does  not  consolidate  any  of  the  mutual  funds  it  manages  since  the  necessary  control 
conditions are not met (see definition of control in the Glossary). Particularly, the BBVA Group does 
not act as arranger but as agent since it operates the mutual funds on behalf and for the benefit of 
investors or parties (arranger or arrangers) and, for this reason it does not control the mutual funds 
when exercising its authority for decision making. 

The  mutual  funds  managed  by  the  Group  are  not  considered  structured  entities  (generally,  retail 
funds  without  corporate  identity  over  which  investors  have  participations  which  gives  them 
ownership  of  said  managed  equity).  These  funds  are  not  dependent  on  a  capital  structure  that 
could prevent them from carry out activities without additional financial support, being in any case 
insufficient  as  far  as  the  activities  themselves  are  concerned.  Additionally,  the  risk  of  the 
investment is absorbed by the fund participants, and the Group is only exposed when it becomes a 
participant, and as such, there is no other risk for the Group. 

In  all  cases,  the  operating  results  of  equity  method  investees  acquired  by  the  BBVA  Group  in  a  particular 
period  only  include  the  period  from  the  date  of  acquisition  to  the  financial  statements  date.  Similarly,  the 
results of entities disposed of during any only include year the period from the start of the year to the date of 
disposal. 

The consolidated financial statements of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures used in the preparation 
of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group have the same presentation date as the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. If financial statements at those same dates are not available, the most recent will be 
used,  as  long  as  these  are  not  older  than  three  months,  and  adjusted  to  take  into  account  the  most 
significant  transactions.  As  of  December  31,  2018,  except  for  the  case  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  of  two  subsidiaries  and  six  associates  and  joint-ventures  deemed  non-significant  for  which 
financial statements as of November 30, 2018 were used, the December 31, 2018 financial statements for of 
all Group entities were utilized. 

BBVA  banking  subsidiaries,  associates  and  joint  ventures  worldwide,  are  subject  to  supervision  and 
regulation  from  a  variety  of  regulatory  bodies  in  relation  to,  among  other  aspects,  the  satisfaction  of 
minimum capital requirements. The obligation to satisfy such capital requirements may affect the ability of 
such entities to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. In addition, under the laws of 
the various jurisdictions where such entities are incorporated, dividends may only be paid out through funds 
legally  available  for  such  purpose.  Even  when  the  minimum  capital  requirements  are  met  and  funds  are 
legally  available,  the  relevant  regulators  or  other  public  administrations  could  discourage  or  delay  the 
transfer of funds to the Group in the form of cash, dividends, loans or advances for prudential reasons. 

Separate financial statements 

The  separate  financial  statements  of  the  parent  company  of  the  Group  (Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria, 
S.A.)  are  prepared  under  Spanish  regulations  (Circular  4/2017  of  the  Bank  of  Spain)  and  following  other 
regulatory requirements of financial information applicable to the Bank. The Bank uses the cost method to 
account in its separate financial statements for its investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture 
entities, which are consistent with the requirements of Bank of Spain Circular 4/2017 and IAS 27. 

 
P.20 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As  of  January  1,  2018,  Circular  4/2017  issued  by  the  Bank  of  Spain  on  public  and  reserved  financial 
information standards, and financial statement models entered into force for credit institutions. The purpose 
of  this  circular  is  to  adapt  the  Spanish  credit  institutions  accounting  system  to  changes  in  the  European 
accounting  system  resulting  from  the  adoption  of  two  new  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
(IFRS), specifically "IFRS 15 - Revenue from contracts with customers "and" IFRS 9 - Financial instruments ". 

Appendix IX shows BBVA’s financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

2.2  Accounting policies and valuation criteria applied 

The  accounting  standards  and  policies  and  the  valuation  criteria  applied  in  preparing  these  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  may  differ  from  those  used  by  some  of  the  entities  within  the  BBVA  Group.  For  this 
reason,  necessary  adjustments  and  reclassifications  have  been  made  in  the  consolidation  process  to 
standardize these principles and criteria and comply with the EU-IFRS. 

The  accounting  standards  and  policies  and  valuation  criteria  used  in  preparing  the  accompanying 
Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows: 

2.2.1  Financial instruments 

As  mentioned  before  in  Note  1.3,  IFRS  9  became  effective  as  of  January  1,  2018  and  replaced  IAS  39 
regarding  the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  the  impairment  of  financial 
assets and hedge accounting. 

The  disclosures  related  to  the  financial  years  2017  and  2016  which  are  presented  for  the  purpose  of 
comparability, are based on the accounting policies and valuation criteria applicable under IAS 39. 

Classification and measurement of financial assets under IFRS 9 

Classification of financial assets 

IFRS  9  contains  three  main  categories  for  financial  assets  classification:  measured  at  amortized  cost, 
measured  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  through  other  comprehensive  income,  and  measured  at  fair  value 
through profit or loss. 

The  classification  of  financial  assets  measured  at  amortized  cost  or  fair  value  must  be  carried  out  on  the 
basis of two tests: the entity's business model and the assessment of the contractual cash flow, commonly 
known as the "solely payments of principle and interest" criterion (hereinafter, the SPPI). 

A debt instrument will be classified in the amortized cost portfolio if the two following conditions are fulfilled: 

  The financial asset is managed within a business model whose purpose is to  maintain the financial 

assets to receive contractual cash flows; and 

In accordance with the contractual characteristics of the instrument its cash flows only represent the 
return  of  the  principal  and  interest,  basically  understood  as  consideration  for  the  time  value  of 
money and the debtor's credit risk. 

A debt instrument will be classified in the portfolio of financial assets at fair value with changes through other 
comprehensive income if the two following conditions are fulfilled: 

  The  financial  asset  is  managed  with  a  business  model  whose  purpose  combines  collection  of  the 

contractual cash flows and sale of the assets, and 

  The contractual characteristics of the instrument generate, at specific dates, cash flows which only 

represent the return of the principal and interest. 

 
 
P.21 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

A  debt  instrument  will  be  classified  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  profit  and  loss  provided  that  the  entity's 
business  model  for  their  management  or  the  contractual  characteristics  of  its  cash  flows  do  not  require 
classification into one of the portfolios described above. 

In general, equity instruments will be measured at fair value through profit or loss. However the Group may 
make  an  irrevocable  election  at  initial  recognition  to  present  subsequent  changes  in  the  fair  value  through 
other comprehensive income. 

Financial  assets  will  only  be  reclassified  when  BBVA  Group  decides  to  change  the  business  model.  In  this 
case,  all  of  the  financial  assets  assigned  to  this  business  model  will  be  reclassified.  The  change  of  the 
objective of the business model should occur before the date of the reclassification. 

Valuation of financial assets 

All  financial  instruments  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value  plus,  in  the case  of  a  financial  asset  not  at  fair 
value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the 
instrument. 

Excluding all trading derivatives not considered as accounting or economic hedges, all the changes in the fair 
value of the financial instruments arising from the accrual of interest and similar items are recognized under 
the  headings  “Interest  and  other  income”  or  “Interest  expense”,  as  appropriate,  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statement in the period in which the change occurred (see Note 37). The changes in fair 
value  after  the  initial  recognition,  for  reasons  other  than  those  mentioned  in  the  preceding  paragraph,  are 
treated as described below, according to the categories of financial assets. 

“Financial assets held for trading”, “Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit and 
loss” and “Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss” 

Financial  assets  are  recorded  under  the  heading  “Financial  assets  held  for  trading”  if  the  objective  of  the 
business model is to generate gains by buying and selling these financial instruments or generate short-term 
results. The financial assets  recorded in the heading “Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value 
through profit and loss” are assigned to a business model which objective is to obtain the contractual cash 
flows and / or to sell those instruments but its contractual cash flows do not comply with the requirements of 
the SPPI test. In “Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss” the Group classifies financial 
assets  only  if  it  eliminates  or  significantly  reduces  a  measurement  or  recognition  inconsistency  (an 
‘accounting mismatch’) that would otherwise arise from measuring financial assets or financial liabilities, or 
recognizing gains or losses on them, on different bases.  

The  assets  recognized  under  these  headings  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  measured  upon 
acquisition at fair value and changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized as their net value under 
the heading “Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities, net” in the accompanying consolidated income 
statements  (see  Note  41).  Interests  from  derivatives  designated  as  economic  hedges  on  interest  rate  are 
recognized in “Interest and other income” or “Interest expense” (see Note 37), depending on the result of the 
hedging  instrument.  However,  changes  in  fair  value  resulting  from  variations  in  foreign  exchange  rates  are 
recognized  under  the  heading  “Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  net”  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statements (Note 41). 

”Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” 

  Debt instruments 

Assets  recognized  under  this  heading  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  measured  at  their  fair  value. 
Subsequent  changes  in  fair  value  (gains  or  losses)  are  recognized  temporarily  net  of  tax  effect,  under  the 
heading  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income-  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Fair 
value  changes  of  debt  instruments  measured  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income”  in  the 
consolidated balance sheets (see Note 30). 

 
P.22 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  amounts  recognized  under  the  headings  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income-  Items  that  may 
be reclassified to profit or loss - Fair value changes of financial assets measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income” and “Accumulated other comprehensive income- Items that may be reclassified to 
profit  or  loss  -  Exchange  differences”  continue  to  form  part  of  the  Group's  consolidated  equity  until  the 
corresponding  asset  is  derecognized  from  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  or  until  an  impairment  loss  is 
recognized  on  the  corresponding  financial  instrument.  If  these  assets  are  sold,  these  amounts  are 
derecognized  and  included  under  the  headings  “Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  net”  or 
“Exchange differences, net", as appropriate, in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they 
are derecognized (see Note 41). 

The net impairment losses in “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” over the 
year are recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on financial assets, net – Financial assets at fair 
value through other comprehensive income” (see Note 47) in the consolidated income statements for that 
period. 

Changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates  which  affect  monetary  items  are  recognized  under  the  heading 
“Exchange differences, net" in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 41). 

  Equity instruments 

The BBVA Group, at the time of the initial recognition, may elect to present changes in the fair value in other 
comprehensive income of an investment in an equity instrument that is not held for trading. The election is 
irrevocable and can be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Subsequent changes in fair value (gains 
or losses) are recognized, under the heading “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – Items that 
will  not  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  –  Fair  value  changes  of  equity  instruments  measured  at  fair  value 
through other comprehensive income”. 

“Financial assets at amortized cost” 

A financial asset is classified as subsequently measured at amortized cost if it is held within a business model 
whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect and it meets the SPPI Criterion. 

The  assets  under  this  category  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost,  using  the  effective  interest 
rate method. 

Net impairment losses of assets recorded under these headings arising in each period are recognized under 
the  heading  “Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on  financial  assets  not  measured  at  fair  value  through 
profit  or loss – financial assets measured at cost” (see Note  47) in the consolidated income statement for 
that period. 

Classification and measurement of financial liabilities under IFRS 9 

Classification of financial liabilities 

Under IFRS 9, financial liabilities are classified in the following categories: 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost; 

Financial liabilities that are held for trading including derivatives are financial instruments which are 
recorded in this category when the Group’s objective is to generate gains by buying and selling these 
financial instruments; 

Financial liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition under 
the  Fair  Value  Option.  The  Group  has  the  option  to  designate  irrevocably  on  initial  recognition  a 
financial liability as at fair value through profit or loss provided that doing so results in the elimination 
or  significant  reduction  of  measurement  or  recognition  inconsistency,  or  if  a  group  of  financial 
liabilities,  or  a  group  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities,  has  to  be  managed,  and  its 

 
 
 
 
P.23 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

performance evaluated, on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or 
investment strategy. 

Valuation of financial liabilities 

All financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value plus, in the case of a financial liability not at fair 
value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the 
financial  liability.  Unless  there  is  evidence  to  the  contrary,  the  best  evidence  of  the  fair  value  of  a  financial 
instrument at initial recognition shall be the transaction price. 

Excluding all trading derivatives not considered as accounting or economic hedges, all the changes in the fair 
value of the financial instruments arising from the accrual of interest and similar items are recognized under 
the  headings  “Interest  and  other  income”  or  “Interest  expense”,  as  appropriate,  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statement in the period in which the change occurred (see Note 37). 

The changes in fair value after the initial recognition, for reasons other than those mentioned in the preceding 
paragraph, are treated as described below, according to the categories of financial liabilities. 

“Financial liabilities held for trading” and “Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss“ 

The subsequent changes in the fair value (gains or losses) of the liabilities recognized under these headings 
of  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  recognized  as  their  net  value  under  the  heading  “Gains  (losses)  on 
financial  assets  and  liabilities,  net”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statements  (see  Note  41), 
except for the financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss under the fair value option for 
which  the  amount  of  change  in  the  fair  value  that  is  attributable  to  changes  in  the  own  credit  risk  which  is 
presented  in  under  the  heading  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  –  Items  that  will  not  be 
reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  –  Fair  value  changes  of  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss 
attributable  to  changes  in  their  credit  risk”.  Interests  from  derivatives  designated  as  economic  hedges  on 
interest rate are recognized in “Interest and other income” or “Interest expense” (Note 37), depending on the 
result of the hedging instrument. However, changes in fair value resulting from variations in foreign exchange 
rates  are  recognized  under  the  heading  “Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  net”  in  the 
accompanying consolidated income statements (Note 41). 

“Financial liabilities at amortized cost” 

The liabilities under this category are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest 
rate method. 

Measurement of financial assets and liabilities under IAS 39 applicable in the financial years 2017 and 
2016 

Measurement of financial instruments and recognition of changes in subsequent fair value 

All financial instruments are initially accounted for at fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset or financial 
liability  not  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  transaction  costs  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the 
acquisition  or  issue  of  the  financial  asset  or  financial  liability.  Unless  there  is  evidence  to  the  contrary,  the 
best evidence of the fair value of a financial instrument at initial recognition shall be the transaction price. 

Excluding all trading derivatives not considered as accounting or economic hedges, all the changes in the fair 
value of the financial instruments arising from the accrual of interest and similar items are recognized under 
the  headings  “Interest  and  other  income”  or  “Interest  expense”,  as  appropriate,  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statement the year in which the change occurred (see Note 37). The dividends received 
from  other  entities,  other  than  associated  entities  and  joint  venture  entities,  are  recognized  under  the 
heading  “Dividend  income”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statement  in  the  year  in  which  the 
right to receive them arises (see Note 38). 

 
P.24 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The changes in fair value after the initial recognition, for reasons other than those mentioned in the preceding 
paragraph, are treated as described below, according to the categories of financial assets and liabilities. 

“Financial assets and liabilities held for trading” and “Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value 
through profit or loss” 

The assets and liabilities recognized under these headings of the consolidated balance sheets are measured 
upon acquisition at fair value and changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized as their net value 
under the heading “Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities, net” in the accompanying consolidated 
income statements (see Note 41). Interests from derivatives designated as economic or accounting hedges 
on interest rate are recognized under the heading “Interest and other income” or “Interest expense” (Note 
37),  depending  on  the  result  of  the  hedging  instrument.  Changes  in  fair  value  resulting  from  variations  in 
foreign  exchange  rates  are  recognized  under  the heading  “Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities, 
net” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (Note 41). 

“Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” 

Assets  recognized  under  this  heading  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  measured  at  their  fair  value. 
Subsequent  changes  in  fair  value  (gains  or  losses)  are  recognized  temporarily  net  of  tax  effect,  under  the 
heading  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  -  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  - 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” in the consolidated balance sheets (see 
Note 30). 

The amounts recognized under the headings “Accumulated other comprehensive income - Items that may 
be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income”  and 
“Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  -  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Exchange 
differences”  continue  to  form  part  of  the  Group's  consolidated  equity  until  the  corresponding  asset  is 
derecognized  from  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  or  until  an  impairment  loss  is  recognized  on  the 
corresponding financial instrument. If these assets are sold, these amounts are derecognized and included 
under the headings “Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities, net” or “Exchange differences, net", as 
appropriate, in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they are derecognized (see Note 41). 

The net impairment losses in “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” over the 
year  are  recognized  under  the  heading  “Impairment  losses  on  financial  assets,  net  –  Other  financial 
instruments not at fair value through profit or loss” (see Note 47) in the consolidated income statements for 
that year. 

Changes in the value of non-monetary items resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates are recognized 
temporarily under the heading “Accumulated other comprehensive income - Items that may be reclassified 
to  profit  or  loss  -  Exchange  differences”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets.  Changes  in 
foreign  exchange  rates  which  affect  monetary  items  are  recognized  under  the  heading  “Exchange 
differences, net" in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 41). 

“Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost” 

Assets and liabilities recognized under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are 
subsequently  measured  at  “amortized  cost”  using  the  “effective  interest  rate”  method.  This  is  because  the 
consolidated entities generally intend to hold such financial instruments to maturity. 

Net impairment losses of assets recognized under these headings arising in each year are recognized under 
the  heading  “Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on  financial  assets  not  measured  at  fair  value  through 
profit  or loss – financial assets measured at cost” (see Note  47) in the consolidated income statement for 
that year. 

 
 
 
P.25 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

“Derivatives-Hedge  Accounting”  and  “Fair  value  changes  of  the  hedged  items  in  portfolio  hedges  of 
interest-rate risk” applicable in the financial years 2018, 2017 and 2016 

Assets and liabilities recognized under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are 
measured at fair value. 

Changes  occurring  subsequent  to  the  designation  of  the  hedging  relationship  in  the  measurement  of 
financial  instruments  designated  as  hedged  items  as  well  as  financial  instruments  designated  as  hedge 
accounting instruments are recognized as follows: 

In fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item attributable to 
the hedged risk are recognized under the heading “Gains or losses  from hedge  accounting, net” in 
the consolidated income statement, with a corresponding offset under the headings where hedging 
items ("Hedging derivatives") and the hedged items are recognized, as applicable. Almost all of the 
hedges  used  by  the  Group  are  for  interest-rate  risks.  Therefore,  the  valuation  changes  are 
recognized under the headings “Interest and other income” or “Interest expense”, as appropriate, in 
the accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 37). 

In fair value hedges of interest rate risk of a portfolio of financial instruments (portfolio-hedges), the 
gains  or  losses  that  arise  in  the  measurement  of  the  hedging  instrument  are  recognized  in  the 
consolidated income statement, and the gains or losses that arise from the change in the fair value of 
the  hedged  item  (attributable  to  the  hedged  risk)  are  also  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement (in both cases under the heading “Gains or losses from hedge accounting, net”, using, as 
a balancing item, the headings "Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest 
rate risk" in the consolidated balance sheets, as applicable). 

In cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the hedging instruments relating to the effective portion are 
recognized temporarily under the heading   ”Accumulated other comprehensive income - Items that 
may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Hedging  derivatives.  Cash  flow  hedges”  in  the  consolidated 
balance  sheets,  with  a  balancing  entry  under  the  heading  “Hedging  derivatives”  of  the  Assets  or 
Liabilities of the consolidated balance sheets as applicable. These differences are recognized in the 
accompanying  consolidated  income  statement  under  the  headings  “Interest  and  other  income”  or 
“Interest expense” at the time when the gain or loss in the hedged instrument affects profit or loss, 
when the forecast transaction is executed or at the maturity date of the hedged item (see Note 37).  

  Differences  in  the  measurement  of  the  hedging  items  corresponding  to  the  ineffective  portions  of 
cash flow hedges are recognized directly in the heading “Gains or losses from hedge accounting, net” 
in the consolidated income statement (see Note 41). 

In  the  hedges  of  net  investments  in  foreign  operations,  the  differences  attributable  to  the  effective 
portions  of  hedging  items  are  recognized  temporarily  under  the  heading  "Accumulated  other 
comprehensive income - Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss – Hedging of net investments 
in foreign transactions" in the consolidated balance sheets with a balancing entry under the heading 
“Hedging  derivatives”  of  the  Assets  or  Liabilities  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  applicable. 
These differences in valuation are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences, net" in the 
consolidated  income  statement  when  the  investment  in  a  foreign  operation  is  disposed  of  or 
derecognized (see Note 41). 

Other financial instruments under IAS 39 applicable in the financial years 2017 and 2016 

The following exceptions are applicable with respect to the above general criteria: 

  Equity  instruments  whose  fair  value  cannot  be  determined  in  a  sufficiently  objective  manner  and 
financial derivatives that have those instruments as their underlying asset and are settled by delivery 
of those instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at acquisition cost; this may be 
adjusted, where appropriate, for any impairment loss (see Note 8). 

 
 
 
 
 
P.26 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  arising  from  financial  instruments  classified  at  the 
consolidated  balance  sheet  date  as  “Non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for 
sale”  are  recognized  with  the  corresponding  entry  under  the  heading  “Accumulated  other 
comprehensive  income-  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  –  Non-current  assets  and 
disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for  sale”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  (see 
note 30).  

Impairment losses on financial assets 

Definition of impaired financial assets under IFRS 9 

IFRS  9  replaced  the  "incurred  loss"  model  in  IAS  39  with  one  of  "expected  credit  loss".  The  IFRS  9 
impairment model is applied to financial assets valued at amortized cost and to financial assets valued at fair 
value  with  changes  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income,  except  for  investments  in  equity 
instruments and contracts for financial guarantees and  loan commitments unilaterally revocable  by BBVA. 
Likewise, all the financial instruments valued at fair value with change through profit and loss are excluded 
from the impairment model. 

The  new  standard  classifies  financial  instruments  into  three  categories,  which  depend  on  the  evolution  of 
their credit risk from the moment of initial recognition. The first category includes the transactions when they 
are initially recognized (Stage 1); the second comprises the financial assets for which a significant increase in 
credit risk has been identified since its initial recognition (Stage 2) and the third one, the impaired financial 
assets (Stage 3). 

The calculation of the provisions for credit risk in each of these three categories must be done differently. In 
this way, expected loss up to 12 months for the financial assets classified in the first of the aforementioned 
categories  must be  recorded, while expected losses estimated for the remaining life of the financial assets 
classified  in  the  other  two  categories  must  be  recorded.  Thus,  IFRS  9  differentiates  between  the  following 
concepts of expected loss:  

Expected loss at 12  months: expected credit loss that arises from possible default events within 12 
months following the presentation date of the financial statements; and 

Expected  loss  during  the  life  of  the  transaction:  this  is  the  expected  credit  loss  that  arises  from  all 
possible default events over the remaining life of the financial instrument. 

All this requires considerable judgment, both in the modeling for the estimation of the expected losses and in 
the  forecasts,  on  how  the  economic  factors  affect  such  losses,  which  must  be  carried  out  on  a  weighted 
probability basis.  

The BBVA Group has applied the following definitions in accordance with IFRS 9: 

Default 

BBVA  has  applied  a  definition  of  default  for  financial  instruments  that  is  consistent  with  that  used  in 
internal  credit  risk  management,  as  well  as  the  indicators  under  applicable  regulation  at  the  date  of 
implementation of IFRS 9. Both qualitative and quantitative indicators have been considered. 

The Group has considered there is a default when one of the following situations occurs: 

•

•

Payment past-due for more than 90 days; or

There are reasonable doubts regarding the full reimbursement of the instrument.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  9,  the  90-day  past-due  stipulation  may  be  waived  in  cases  where  the  entity 
considers it appropriate, based on reasonable and documented information that it is appropriate to use 

P.27 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

a longer term. As of December 31, 2018, the Group has not considered periods higher than 90 days for 
any of the significant portfolios.  

Credit impaired asset 

An  asset  is  credit-impaired  according  to  IFRS  9  if  one  or  more  events  have  occurred  and  they  have  a 
detrimental  impact  on  the  estimated  future  cash  flows  of  the  asset.  Evidence  that  a  financial  asset  is 
credit-impaired includes observable data about the following events: 

•  Significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower. 

•  A breach of contract (e.g. a default or past due event). 

•  A  lender  having  granted  a  concession  to  the  borrower  –  for  economic  or  contractual  reasons 
relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty – that the lender would not otherwise consider. 

• 

It becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization. 

•  The disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties. 

•  The  purchase  or  origination  of  a  financial  asset  at  a  deep  discount  that  reflects  the  incurred 

credit losses. 

It may not be possible to identify a single discrete event. Instead, the combined effect of several events 
may cause financial assets to become credit-impaired. 

The definition of impaired financial assets in the Group is aligned with the definition of default explained 
in the above paragraphs. 

Significant increase in credit risk  

The  objective  of  the  impairment  requirements  is  to  recognize  lifetime  expected  credit  losses  for 
financial  instruments  for  which  there  have  been  significant  increases  in  credit  risk  since  initial 
recognition  considering  all  reasonable  and  supportable  information,  including  that  which  is  forward-
looking.  

The model developed by the Group for assessing the significant increase in credit risk has a two-prong 
approach  that  is  applied  globally,  although  the  specific  characteristics  of  each  geographic  area  are 
respected: 

•  Quantitative  criterion:  the  Group  uses  a  quantitative  analysis  based  on  comparing  the  current 
expected probability of default over the life of the transaction with the original adjusted expected 
probability  of  default,  so  that  both  values  are  comparable  in  terms  of  expected  default 
probability  for  their  residual  life.  The  thresholds  used  for  considering  a  significant  increase  in 
risk take into account special cases according to geographic areas and portfolios. Depending on 
how  old  current  transactions  are,  at  the  time 
implementation  of  the  standard,  some 
simplification  were  made  to  compare  the  probabilities  of  default  between  the  current  and  the 
original moment, based on the best information available at that moment. 

•  Qualitative  criterion:  most  indicators  for  detecting  significant  risk  increase  are  included  in  the 
Group's  systems  through  rating/scoring  systems  or  macroeconomic  scenarios,  so  the 
quantitative  analysis  covers  the  majority  of  circumstances.  The  Group  will  use  additional 
qualitative criteria when it considers it necessary to include circumstances that are not reflected 
in the rating/score systems or macroeconomic scenarios used.  

 
 
 
 
 
P.28 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Additionally, instruments under one of the following circumstances are considered Stage 2: 

o  More  than  30  days  past  due.  According  to  IFRS  9,  default  of  more  than  30  days  is  a 
presumption  that  can  be  rebutted  in  those  cases  in  which  the  entity  considers,  based  on 
reasonable  and  documented  information,  that  such  non-payment  does  not  represent  a 
significant increase in risk. As of December 31, 2018, the Group has not considered periods 
higher than 30 days for any of the significant portfolios. 

o  Watch list: They are subject to special watch by the Risks units because they show negative 
signs in their credit quality, even though there may be no objective evidence of impairment. 

o  Refinance or restructuring that does not show evidence of impairment. 

Although the standard introduces a series of operational simplifications  or practical solutions for analyzing 
the  increase  in  significant  risk,  the  Group  does  not  use  them  as  a  general  rule.  However,  for  high-quality 
assets, mainly related to certain government institutions and bodies, the standard allows for considering that 
their credit risk has not increased significantly because they have a low credit risk at the presentation date. 

Thus the classification of financial instruments subject to impairment under the new IFRS 9 is as follows: 

  Stage 1– without significant increase in credit risk 

Financial  assets  which  are  not  considered  to  have  significantly  increased  in  credit  risk  have  loss 
allowances measured at an amount equal to 12 months expected credit losses.  

  Stage 2– significant increases in credit risk 

When  the  credit  risk  of  a  financial  asset  has  increased  significantly  since  the  initial  recognition,  the 
impairment losses of that financial instrument is calculated as the expected credit loss during the entire 
life of the asset. 

  Stage 3 – Impaired 

When there is objective evidence that the instrument is credit impaired, the financial asset is transferred 
to  this  category  in  which  the  provision  for  losses  of  that  financial  instrument  is  calculated  as  the 
expected credit loss during the entire life of the asset. 

Definition of impaired financial assets under IAS 39 applicable in the financial years 2017 and 2016 

A financial asset is considered impaired – and therefore its carrying amount is adjusted to reflect the effect of 
impairment – when there is objective evidence that events have occurred, which: 

In  the  case  of  debt  instruments  (loans  and  advances  and  debt  securities),  reduce  the  future  cash 
flows  that  were  estimated  at  the  time  the  instruments  were  acquired.  So  they  are  considered 
impaired when there are reasonable doubts that the carrying amounts will be recovered in full and/or 
the related interest will be collected for the amounts and on the dates initially agreed. 

In the case of equity instruments, it means that their carrying amount may not be fully recovered. 

As  a  general  rule,  the  carrying  amount  of  impaired  financial  assets  is  adjusted  with  a  charge  to  the 
consolidated  income  statement  for  the  year  in  which  the  impairment  becomes  known.  The  recoveries  of 
previously recognized impairment losses are reflected, if appropriate, in the consolidated income statement 
for  the  year  in  which  the  impairment  is  reversed  or reduced,  with  an  exception:  any  recovery  of  previously 
recognized impairment losses for an investment in an equity instrument classified as financial assets at fair 
value  through  other  comprehensive  income  is  not  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statement,  but 
under the heading " Accumulated other comprehensive income - Items that may be reclassified to profit or 
loss - financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income" in the consolidated balance sheet 
(see Note 30). 

 
 
 
P.29 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In general, amounts collected on impaired loans and receivables are used to recognize the related accrued 
interest and any excess amount is used to reduce the unpaid principal.  

When  the  recovery  of  any  recognized  amount  is  considered  remote,  such  amount  is  written-off  on  the 
consolidated balance sheet, without prejudice to any actions that may be taken in order to collect the amount 
until the rights extinguish in full either because it is time-barred debt, the debt is forgiven, or other reasons. 

Method for calculating expected credit loss under IFRS 9 

Method for calculating expected loss 

In accordance with IFRS 9, the measurement of expected losses must reflect: 

  A considered and unbiased amount, determined by evaluating a range of possible results. 

  The time value of money. 

  Reasonable  and  supportable  information  that  is  available  without  undue  cost  or  effort  and  that 

reflects current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.  

The  Group  measures  the  expected  losses  both  individually  and  collectively.  The  purpose  of  the  Group's 
individual measurement is to estimate expected losses for significant impaired instruments, or instruments 
classified  in  Stage  2.  In  these  cases,  the  amount  of  credit  losses  is  calculated  as  the  difference  between 
expected discounted cash flows at the effective interest rate of the transaction and the carrying amount of 
the instrument.  

For the collective measurement of expected losses the instruments are grouped into groups of assets based 
on their risk characteristics. Exposure within each group is segmented according to the common credit risk 
characteristics, similar characteristics of the credit risk, indicative of the payment capacity of the borrower in 
accordance with their contractual conditions. These risk characteristics have to be relevant in estimating the 
future  flows  of  each  group.  The  characteristics  of  credit  risk  may  consider,  among  others,  the  following 
factors: 

  Type of instrument. 

  Rating or scoring tools. 

  Credit risk scoring or rating. 

  Type of collateral. 

  Amount of time at default for stage 3. 

  Segment. 

  Qualitative criteria which can have a significant increase in risk. 

  Collateral value if it has an impact on the probability of a default event. 

The estimated losses are derived from the following parameters: 

  PD: estimate of the probability of default in each period. 

  EAD: estimate of the exposure in case of default at each future period, taking into account the 

changes in exposure after the presentation date of the financial statements.  

  LGD: estimate of the loss in case of default, calculated as the difference between the contractual 

cash flows and receivables, including guarantees.  

In  the  case  of  debt  securities,  the  Group  supervises  the  changes  in  credit  risk  through  monitoring  the 
external published credit ratings. 

 
P.30 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

To determine whether there is a significant increase in credit risk that is not reflected in the published ratings, 
the Group also revises the changes in bond yields, and when they are available, the prices of CDS, together 
with the news and regulatory information available on the issuers. 

Use of present, past and future information 

IFRS 9 requires incorporation of present, past and future information to detect any significant increase in risk 
and measure expected loss. 

The standard does not require identification of all possible scenarios for measuring expected loss. However, 
the  probability  of  a  loss  event  occurring  and  the  probability  it  will  not  occur  have  to  be  considered,  even 
though the possibility of a loss may be very small. Also, when there is no linear relation between the different 
future economic scenarios and their associated expected losses, more than  one future economic scenario 
must be used for the measurement.  

The  approach  used  by  the  Group  consists  of  using  first  the  most  probable  scenario  (baseline  scenario) 
consistent  with  that  used  in  the  Group's  internal  management  processes,  and  then  applying  an  additional 
adjustment, calculated by considering the weighted average of expected losses in other economic scenarios 
(one more positive and the other more negative). The main macroeconomic variables that are valued in each 
of the scenarios for each of the geographies in which the Group operates are Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 
tax rates, unemployment rate and loan to value (LTV). 

Method  for  calculating  the  impairment  on  financial  assets  under  IAS  39  applicable  in  the  financial 
years 2017 and 2016 

The impairment on financial assets is determined by type of instrument and other circumstances that could 
affect  it,  taking  into  account  the  guarantees  received  to  assure  (in  part  or  in  full)  the  performance  of  the 
financial  assets.  The  BBVA  Group  recognizes  impairment  charges  directly  against  the  impaired  financial 
asset when the likelihood of recovery is deemed remote, and uses an offsetting or allowance account when it 
recognizes non-performing loan provisions for the estimated losses. 

Impairment of debt instruments measured at amortized cost 

With regard to impairment losses arising from insolvency risk of the obligors (credit risk), a debt instrument, 
mainly Loans and receivables, is impaired due to insolvency when a deterioration in the ability to pay by the 
obligor is evidenced, either due to past due status or for other reasons. 

The  BBVA  Group  has  developed  policies,  methods  and  procedures  to  estimate  incurred  losses  on 
outstanding  credit  risk.  These  policies,  methods  and  procedures  are  applied  in  the  due  diligence,  approval 
and  execution  of  debt  instruments  and  commitments  and  guarantees  given;  as  well  as  in  identifying  the 
impairment and, where appropriate, in calculating the amounts necessary to cover estimated losses. 

The amount of impairment losses on debt instruments measured at amortized cost is calculated based on 
whether  the  impairment  losses  are  determined  individually  or  collectively.  First  it  is  determined  whether 
there  is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  individually  for  individually  significant  debt  instrument,  and 
collectively for debt instrument that are not individually significant. If the Group determines that there is no 
objective evidence of impairment, the assets are classified in groups of debt instrument based on similar risk 
characteristics and impairment is assessed collectively. 

In  determining  whether  there  is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  the  Group  uses  observable  data  in  the 
following aspects: 

  Significant financial difficulties of the obligors. 

  Ongoing delays in the payment of interest or principal. 

 
P.31 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Refinancing of credit due to financial difficulties by the counterparty. 

Bankruptcy or reorganization / liquidation are considered likely. 

Disappearance of the active market for a financial asset because of financial difficulties. 

Observable  data  indicating  a  reduction  in  future  cash  flows  from  the  initial  recognition  such  as 
adverse  changes  in  the  payment  status  of  the  counterparty  (delays  in  payments,  reaching  credit 
cards limits, etc.). 

National  or 
(unemployment rate, falling property prices, etc.).  

local  economic  conditions  that  are 

linked  to  "defaults" 

in  the  financial  assets 

Impairment losses on financial assets individually evaluated for impairment 

The amount of the impairment losses incurred on financial assets represents the excess of their respective 
carrying  amounts  over  the  present  values  of  their  expected  future  cash  flows.  These  cash  flows  are 
discounted  using  the  original  effective  interest  rate.  If  a  financial  asset  has  a  variable  interest  rate,  the 
discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective rate determined under the contract. 

As an exception to the rule described above, the market value of listed debt instruments is deemed to be a 
fair estimate of the present value of their expected future cash flows. 

The following is to be taken into consideration when estimating the future cash flows of debt instruments: 

All  amounts  that  are  expected  to  be  recovered  over  the  remaining  life  of  the  debt  instrument; 
including,  where  appropriate,  those  which  may  result  from  the  collateral  and  other  credit 
enhancements provided for the debt instrument (after deducting the costs required for foreclosure 
and subsequent sale). Impairment losses include an estimate for the possibility of collecting accrued, 
past-due and uncollected interest. 

The various types of risk to which each debt instrument is subject. 

  The circumstances in which collections will foreseeably be made. 

Impairment losses on financial assets collectively evaluated for impairment 

With regard to the collective impairment analysis, financial assets are grouped by risk type considering the 
debtor's capacity to pay based on the contractual terms. As part of this analysis, the BBVA Group estimates 
the  impairment  loan  losses  that  are  not  individually  significant,  distinguishing  between  those  that  show 
objective evidence of impairment, and those that do not show objective evidence of impairment, as well as 
the impairment of significant loans that the BBVA Group has deemed as not showing an objective evidence of 
impairment. 

With respect to financial assets that have no objective evidence of impairment, the Group applies statistical 
methods using historical experience and other specific information to estimate the losses that the Group has 
incurred as a result of events that have occurred as of the date of preparation of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements  but  have  not  been  known  and  will  be  apparent,  individually  after  the  date  of  submission  of  the 
information. This calculation is an intermediate step until these losses are identified on an individual level, at 
which  time  these  financial  instruments  will  be  segregated  from  the  portfolio  of  financial  assets  without 
objective evidence of impairment. 

The  incurred  loss  is  calculated  taking  into  account  three  key  factors:  exposure  at  default,  probability  of 
default and loss given default. 

Exposure at default (EAD) is the amount of risk exposure at the date of default by the counterparty. 

Probability  of  default  (PD)  is  the  probability  of  the  counterparty  failing  to  meet  its  principal  and/or 
interest  payment  obligations.  The  PD 
rating/scoring  of  each 
counterparty/transaction.  

is  associated  with 

the 

P.32 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Loss given default (LGD) is the estimate of the loss arising in the event of default. It depends mainly 
on  the  characteristics  of  the  counterparty,  and  the  valuation  of  the  guarantees  or  collateral 
associated with the asset. 

In order to calculate the LGD at each balance sheet date, the Group evaluates the whole amount expected to 
be obtained over the remaining life of the financial asset. The recoverable amount from executable secured 
collateral  is  estimated  based  on  the  property  valuation,  discounting  the  necessary  adjustments  to 
adequately  account  for  the  potential  fall  in  value  until  its  execution  and  sale,  as  well  as  execution  costs, 
maintenance costs and sale costs. 

In  addition,  to  identify  the  possible  incurred  but  not  reported  losses  (IBNR)  in  the  unimpaired  portfolio,  an 
additional parameter called "LIP" (loss identification period) has to be introduced. The LIP parameter is the 
period between the time at which the event that generates a given loss occurs and the time when the loss is 
identified at an individual level.  

When the property right is contractually acquired at the end of the foreclosure process or when the assets of 
distressed borrowers are  purchased, the asset is recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 
2.2.4). 

Impairment of other debt instruments classified as financial assets available for sale 

The impairment losses on other debt instruments included in the “Available-for-sale financial asset” portfolio 
are  equal  to  the  excess  of  their  acquisition  cost  (net  of  any  principal  repayment),  after  deducting  any 
impairment loss previously recognized in the consolidated income statement over their fair value. 

When  there  is  objective  evidence  that  the  negative  differences  arising  on  measurement  of  these  debt 
instruments  are  due  to  impairment,  they  are  no  longer  considered  as  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income  -  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income” and are recognized in the consolidated income statement.  

If  all,  or  part  of  the  impairment  losses  are  subsequently  recovered,  the  amount  is  recognized  in  the 
consolidated  income  statement  for  the  year  in  which  the  recovery  occurred,  up  to  the  amount  previously 
recognized in the income statement. 

Impairment of equity instruments 

The  amount  of  the  impairment  in  the  equity  instruments  is  determined  by  the  category  where  they  are 
recognized: 

  Equity instruments classified at available for sale at fair value: When there is objective evidence that 
the negative differences arising on measurement of these equity instruments are due to impairment, 
they  are  no  longer  registered  as  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  -  Items  that  may  be 
reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Financial  assets  available  for  sale”  and  are  recognized  in  the 
consolidated income statement. In general, the Group considers that there is objective evidence of 
impairment on equity instruments classified as available-for-sale when significant unrealized losses 
have existed over a sustained period of time due to a price reduction of at least 40% or over a period 
of more than 18 months.  

When applying this evidence of impairment, the Group takes into account the volatility in the price of 
each  individual  equity  instrument  to  determine  whether  it  is  a  percentage  that  can  be  recovered 
through its sale in the market; other different thresholds may exist for certain equity instruments or 
specific sectors.  

In  addition,  for  individually  significant  investments,  the  Group  compares  the  valuation  of  the  most 
significant equity instruments against valuations performed by independent experts. 

Any recovery of previously recognized impairment losses for an investment in an equity instrument 
classified  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income  is  not  recognized  in  the  consolidated 
income statement, but under the heading " Accumulated other comprehensive income - Items that 

 
 
P.33 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

may be reclassified to profit or loss - financial assets available for sale" in the consolidated balance 
sheet (see Note 30). 

  Equity  instruments  measured  at  cost:  The  impairment  losses  on  equity  instruments  measured  at 
acquisition cost are equal to the excess of their carrying amount over the present value of expected 
future cash flows discounted at the market rate of return for similar equity instruments. In order to 
determine these impairment losses, unless there is better evidence, an assessment of the equity of 
the  investee  is  carried  out  (excluding  Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  due  to  cash  flow 
hedges) based on the last approved (consolidated) balance sheet, adjusted by the unrealized gains 
at measurement date. 

Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated income statement in the year in which they arise as a 
direct reduction of the cost of the instrument. These impairment losses may only be recovered subsequently 
in the event of the sale of these assets. 

2.2.2 

Transfers and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities  

The  accounting  treatment  of  transfers  of  financial  assets  is  determined  by  the  form  in  which  risks  and 
benefits  associated  with  the  financial  assets  involved  are  transferred  to  third  parties.  Thus  the  financial 
assets  are only derecognized from  the consolidated balance sheet when the cash flows that they generate 
are extinguished, when their implicit risks and benefits have been substantially transferred to third parties or 
when the control of financial asset is transferred even in case of no physical transfer or substantial retention 
of  such  assets.  In  the  latter  case,  the  financial  asset  transferred  is  derecognized  from  the  consolidated 
balance  sheet,  and  any  right  or  obligation  retained  or  created  as  a  result  of  the  transfer  is  simultaneously 
recognized. 

Similarly,  financial  liabilities  are  derecognized  from  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  only  if  their  obligations 
are extinguished or acquired (with a view to subsequent cancellation or renewed placement). 

The Group is considered to have transferred substantially all the risks and benefits if such risks and benefits 
account for the majority of the risks and benefits involved in ownership of the transferred financial assets. If 
substantially all the risks and benefits associated with the transferred financial asset are retained: 

  The  transferred  financial  asset  is  not  derecognized  from  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  and 

continues to be measured using the same criteria as those used before the transfer. 

  A financial liability is recognized at the amount equal to the amount received, which is subsequently 
measured at amortized cost or fair value with changes in the income statement, whichever the case. 

  Both  the  income  generated  on  the  transferred  (but  not  derecognized)  financial  asset  and  the 

expenses of the new financial liability continue to be recognized. 

2.2.3 

Financial guarantees 

Financial  guarantees  are  considered  to  be  those  contracts  that  require  their  issuer  to  make  specific 
payments  to  reimburse  the  holder  of  the  financial  guarantee  for  a  loss  incurred  when  a  specific  borrower 
breaches  its  payment  obligations  on  the  terms  –  whether  original  or  subsequently  modified  –  of  a  debt 
instrument, irrespective of the legal form it may take. Financial guarantees may take the form of a deposit, 
bank guarantee, insurance contract or credit derivative, among others. 

In their initial recognition, financial guarantees are recognized as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet 
at fair value, which is generally the present value of the fees, commissions and interest receivable from these 
contracts  over  the  term  thereof,  and  the  Group  simultaneously  recognize  a  corresponding  asset  in  the 
consolidated  balance  sheet  for  the  amount  of  the  fees  and  commissions  received  at  the  inception  of  the 
transactions  and  the  amounts  receivable  at  the  present  value  of  the  fees,  commissions  and  interest 
outstanding. 

 
P.34 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial  guarantees,  irrespective  of  the  guarantor,  instrumentation  or  other  circumstances,  are  reviewed 
periodically  so  as  to  determine  the  credit  risk  to  which  they  are  exposed  and,  if  appropriate,  to  consider 
whether  a  provision  is  required  for  them.  The  credit  risk  is  determined  by  application  of  criteria  similar  to 
those established for quantifying impairment losses on debt instruments measured at amortized cost (see 
Note 2.2.1). 

The  provisions  recognized  for  financial  guarantees  considered  impaired  are  recognized  under  the  heading 
“Provisions  -  Provisions  for  contingent  risks  and  commitments”  on  the  liability  side  in  the  consolidated 
balance  sheets  (see  Note  24).  These  provisions  are  recognized  and  reversed  with  a  charge  or  credit, 
respectively; to “Provisions or reversal of provision” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 46). 

Income  from  financial  guarantees  is  recorded  under  the  heading  “Fee  and  commission  income”  in  the 
consolidated income statement and is calculated by applying the rate established in the related contract to 
the nominal amount of the guarantee (see Note 40). 

2.2.4  Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale and liabilities included 
in  disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for  sale  and  Liabilities  included  in 
disposal groups classified as held for sale     

The  headings  “Non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups  held  for  sale”  and  “Liabilities  included  in  disposal 
groups classified as held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheets includes the carrying amount of assets 
that are not part of the BBVA Group’s operating activities. The recovery of this carrying amount is expected 
to take place through the price obtained on its disposal (see Note 21). 

These  headings  include  individual  items  and  groups  of  items  (“disposal  groups”)  and  disposal  groups  that 
form part of a major operating segment and are being held for sale as part of a disposal plan (“discontinued 
operations”). The heading “Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale” include the assets received 
by the subsidiaries from their debtors, in full or partial settlement of the debtors’ payment obligations (assets 
foreclosed or received in payment of debt and recovery of lease finance transactions), unless the Group has 
decided  to  make  continued  use  of  these  assets.  The  BBVA  Group  has  units  that  specialize  in  real  estate 
management and the sale of this type of asset. 

Symmetrically,  the  heading  “Liabilities  included  in  disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for  sale”  in  the 
consolidated  balance  sheets  reflects  the  balances  payable  arising  from  disposal  groups  and  discontinued 
operations.  

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are generally measured, at the acquisition 
date and at any later date deemed necessary, at either their carrying amount or the fair value of the property 
(less costs to sell), whichever is lower. 

In the case of real estate assets foreclosed or received in payment of debts, they are initially recognized at 
the  lower  of:  the  restated  carrying  amount  of  the  financial  asset  and  the  fair  value  at  the  time  of  the 
foreclosure or receipt of the asset less estimated sales costs. The carrying amount of the financial asset is 
updated at the time of the foreclosure, treating the real property received as a secured collateral and taking 
into account the credit risk coverage that would correspond to it according to  its classification prior to the 
delivery. For these purposes, the collateral will be valued at its current fair value (less sale costs) at the time 
of foreclosure. This carrying amount will be compared with the previous carrying amount and the difference 
will  be  recognized  as  a  provision  increase,  if  applicable.  On  the  other  hand,  the  fair  value  of  the  foreclosed 
asset is obtained by appraisal, evaluating the need to apply a discount on the asset derived from the specific 
conditions of the asset or the market situation for these  assets, and in any case, deducting the company’s 
estimated sale costs. 

At  the  time  of  the  initial  recognition,  these  real  estate  assets  foreclosed  or  received  in  payment  of  debts, 
classified  as  “Non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups  held  for  sale”  and  “Liabilities  included  in  disposal 

 
P.35 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
groups classified as held for sale” are valued at the lower of: their restated fair value less estimated sale costs 
and  their  carrying  amount;  a  deterioration  or  impairment  reversal  can  be  recognized  for  the  difference  if 
applicable. 

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale groups classified as held for sale are not depreciated 
while included under the heading “Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale”. 

Fair value of non-current assets held for sale from foreclosures or recoveries is based, mainly, in appraisals 
or valuations made by independent experts on an annual basis or more frequently, should there be indicators 
of impairment.  

Gains and losses generated on the disposal of assets and liabilities classified as non-current held for sale, and 
liabilities  included  in  disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for  sale  as  well  as  impairment  losses  and,  where 
pertinent,  the  related  recoveries,  are  recognized  in  “Profit  or  loss  from  non-current  assets  and  disposal 
groups  classified  as  held  for  sale  not  qualifying  as  discontinued  operations”  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement  (see  Note  50).  The  remaining  income  and  expense  items  associated  with  these  assets  and 
liabilities are classified within the relevant consolidated income statement headings. 

Income and expenses for discontinued operations, whatever their nature, generated during the year, even if 
they have occurred before their classification as discontinued operations, are presented net of the tax effect 
as  a  single  amount  under  the  heading  “Profit  from  discontinued  operations”  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement,  whether  the  business  remains  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  or  is  derecognized  from  the 
consolidated  balance  sheet.  As  long  as  an  asset  remains  in  this  category,  it  will  not  be  amortized.  This 
heading includes the earnings from their sale or other disposal. 

2.2.5 

Tangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment for own use 

This  heading  includes  the  assets  under  ownership  or  acquired  under  finance  lease,  intended  for  future  or 
current use by the BBVA Group and that it expects to hold for more than one year. It also includes tangible 
assets  received  by  the  consolidated  entities  in  full  or  partial  settlement  of  financial  assets  representing 
receivables from third parties and those assets expected to be held for continuing use. 

Property, plant and equipment for own use are presented in the consolidated balance sheets at acquisition 
cost, less any accumulated depreciation and, where appropriate, any estimated impairment losses resulting 
from comparing this net carrying amount of each item with its corresponding recoverable amount (see Note 
17). 

Depreciation  is  calculated using  the straight-line  method,  on  the  basis  of  the  acquisition  cost  of  the  assets 
less their residual value; the land is considered to have an indefinite life and is therefore not depreciated. 

The  tangible  asset  depreciation  charges  are  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income 
statements  under  the  heading  "Depreciation  and  Amortization"  (see  Note  45)  and  are  based  on  the 
application  of  the  following  depreciation  rates  (determined  on  the  basis  of  the  average  years  of  estimated 
useful life of the various assets): 

Depreciation Rates for Tangible Assets 

0 
Type of Assets 

Buildings for own use 
Furniture 
Fixtures 
Office supplies and hardware 

0 

Annual Percentage 

1% - 4% 
8% - 10% 
6% - 12% 
8% - 25% 

 
 
P.36 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

At  each  reporting  date,  the  Group  entities  analyze  whether  there  are  internal  or  external  indicators  that  a 
tangible  asset  may  be  impaired.  When  there  is  evidence  of  impairment,  the  Group  analyzes  whether  this 
impairment actually exists by comparing the asset’s net carrying amount with its recoverable amount (as the 
higher between its recoverable amount less disposal costs and its value in use). When the carrying amount 
exceeds  the  recoverable  amount,  the  carrying  amount  is  written  down  to  the  recoverable  amount  and 
depreciation charges going forward are adjusted to reflect the asset’s remaining useful life. 

Similarly,  if  there  is  any  indication  that  the  value  of  a  tangible  asset  is  now  recoverable,  the  consolidated 
entities  will  estimate  the  recoverable  amounts  of  the  asset  and  recognize  it  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement,  recording  the  reversal  of  the  impairment  loss  registered  in  previous  years  and  thus  adjusting 
future  depreciation  charges.  Under  no  circumstances  may  the  reversal  of  an  impairment  loss  on  an  asset 
raise its carrying amount above that which it would have if no impairment losses had been recognized in prior 
years. 

In  the  BBVA  Group,  most  of  the  buildings  held  for  own  use  are  assigned  to  the  different  Cash-Generating-
Units (CGU) to which they belong. The corresponding impairment analysis are performed for these CGUs to 
check whether sufficient cash flows are generated to support the value of the assets comprised within. 

Running  and  maintenance  expenses  relating  to  tangible  assets  held  for  own  use  are  recognized  as  an 
expense  in  the  year  they  are  incurred  and  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statements  under  the 
heading "Administration costs - Other administrative expenses - Property, fixtures and equipment" (see Note 
44.2). 

Other assets leased out under an operating lease 

The criteria used to recognize the acquisition cost of assets leased out under operating leases, to calculate 
their  depreciation  and  their  respective  estimated  useful  lives  and  to  recognize  the  impairment  losses  on 
them, are the same as those described in relation to tangible assets for own use. 

Investment properties 

The  heading  “Tangible  assets  -  Investment  properties”  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  reflects  the  net 
values  (purchase  cost  minus  the  corresponding  accumulated  depreciation  and,  if  appropriate,  estimated 
impairment  losses)  of  the  land,  buildings  and  other  structures  that  are  held  either  to  earn  rentals  or  for 
capital  appreciation  through  sale  and  that  are  neither  expected  to  be  sold  off  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
business nor are destined for own use (see Note 17). 

The criteria used to recognize the acquisition cost of investment properties, calculate their depreciation and 
their respective estimated useful lives and recognize the impairment losses on them, are the same as those 
described in relation to tangible assets held for own use. 

The BBVA Group determines periodically the fair value of its investment properties in such a way that, at the 
end of the financial year, the fair value reflects the market conditions of investment property assets’ market 
at this date. This fair value will be determined taking as references the valuations performed by independent 
experts. 

2.2.6 

Inventories 

The  balance  under  the  heading  “Other  assets  -  Inventories”  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  mainly 
includes the land and other properties that the BBVA Group’s real estate entities hold for development and 
sale as part of their real estate development activities (see Note 20). 

The cost of inventories includes those costs incurred in their acquisition and development, as well as other 
direct and indirect costs incurred in getting them to their current condition and location. 

 
P.37 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  the  case  of  the  cost  of  real  estate  assets  accounted  for  as  inventories,  the  cost  is  comprised  of:  the 
acquisition  cost  of  the  land,  the  cost  of  urban  planning  and  construction,  non-recoverable  taxes  and  costs 
corresponding  to  construction  supervision,  coordination  and  management.  Financing  cost  incurred  during 
the year form part of cost, provided that the inventories require more than a year to be in a condition to be 
sold. 

Properties purchased  from customers in distress, which the Group manages for sale, are measured at  the 
acquisition  date  and  any  subsequent  time,  at  either  their  related  carrying  amount  or  the  fair  value  of  the 
property (less costs to sell), whichever is lower. The carrying amount at acquisition date of these properties 
is  defined  as  the  balance  pending  collection  on  those  assets  that  originated  said  purchases  (net  of 
provisions). 

Impairment 

The  amount  of  any  subsequent  adjustment  due  to  inventory  valuation  for  reasons  such  as  damage, 
obsolescence,  reduction  in  sale  price  to  its  net  realizable  value,  as  well  as  losses  for  other  reasons  and,  if 
appropriate, subsequent recoveries of value up to the limit of the initial cost value, are registered under the 
heading "Impairment  or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets” in the accompanying consolidated 
income statements (see Note 48) for the year in which they are incurred. 

In  the  case  of  the  above  mentioned  real-estate  assets,  if  the  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  is  lower  than  the 
carrying  amount  of  the  loan  recognized  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet,  a  loss  is  recognized  under  the 
heading  "Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on  non-financial  assets"  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement  for  the  year.  In  the  case  of  real-estate  assets  accounted  for  as  inventories,  the  BBVA  Group’s 
criterion for determining their net realizable value is mainly based on independent appraisals no more than 
one year old, or less if there are indications of impairment. 

Inventory sales 

In sale transactions, the carrying amount of inventories is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet 
and recognized as an expense under the income statement heading "Other operating expenses – Changes in 
inventories” in the year in which the income from its sale is recognized. This income is recognized under the 
heading “Other operating income – Financial income from non-financial services” in the consolidated income 
statements (see Note 42). 

2.2.7 

Business combinations 

A  business  combination  is  a  transaction,  or  any  other  deal,  by  which  the  Group  obtains  control  of  one  or 
more businesses. It is accounted for by applying the acquisition method. 

According to this method, the acquirer has to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities and contingent 
liabilities assumed, including those that the acquired entity had not recognized in the accounts. The method 
involves  the  measurement  of  the  consideration  received  for  the  business  combination  and  its  allocation  to 
the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities measured according to their fair value, at the purchase date, as 
well  as  the  recognition  of  any  non-controlling  participation  (minority  interests)  that  may  arise  from  the 
transaction. 

In a business combination achieved in stages, the acquirer shall remeasure its previously held equity interest 
in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair value and recognize the resulting gain or loss, if any, in profit or loss 
under  the  heading  “Gains  (losses)  on  derecognition  of  non-financial  assets  and  subsidiaries,  net”  of  the 
consolidated  income  statements.  In  prior  reporting  periods,  the  acquirer  may  have  recognized  changes  in 
the  value  of  its  equity  interest  in  the  acquiree  in  other  comprehensive  income.  If  so,  the  amount  that  was 
recognized in other comprehensive income shall be recognized on the same basis as would be required if the 
acquirer had disposed directly of the previously held equity interest. 

 
P.38 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  addition,  the  acquirer  shall  recognize  an  asset  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  under  the  heading 
“Intangible asset - Goodwill” if on the acquisition date there is a positive difference between: 

the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of all the non-controlling interests and the fair 
value of stock previously held in the acquired business; and  

the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

If  this  difference  is  negative,  it  shall  be  recognized  directly  in  the  income  statement  under  the  heading 
“Negative goodwill recognized in profit or loss”. 

Non-controlling interests in the acquired entity may be measured in two ways: either at their fair value; or at 
the  proportional  percentage  of  net  assets  identified  in  the  acquired  entity.  The  method  of  valuing  non-
controlling  interest  may  be  elected  in  each  business  combination.  BBVA  Group  has  always  elected  for  the 
second method. 

2.2.8 

Intangible assets 

Goodwill 

Goodwill represents a portion of consideration transferred in advance by the acquiring entity for the future 
economic benefits from assets  that cannot be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is 
never  amortized.  It  is  subject  periodically  to  an  impairment  analysis,  and  is  written  off  if  there  has  been 
impairment (see Note 18). 

Goodwill is assigned to one or more cash-generating units that expect to be the beneficiaries of the synergies 
derived  from  the  business  combinations.  The  cash-generating  units  represent  the  Group’s  smallest 
identifiable asset groups that generate cash flows for the Group and that are largely independent of the flows 
generated from the Group’s other assets or groups of assets. Each unit or units to which goodwill is allocated: 

Is the lowest level at which the entity manages goodwill internally. 

Is not larger than an operating segment. 

The  cash-generating  units  to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated  are  tested  for  impairment  (including  the 
allocated goodwill in their carrying amount). This analysis is performed at least annually or more frequently if 
there is any indication of impairment. 

For the purpose of determining the impairment of a cash-generating unit to which a part of goodwill has been 
allocated,  the  carrying  amount  of  that  cash-generating  unit,  adjusted  by  the  theoretical  amount  of  the 
goodwill  attributable  to  the  non-controlling  interests,  in  the  event  they  are  not  valued  at  fair  value,  is 
compared with its recoverable amount.  

The recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is equal to the fair value less sale costs or its value in use, 
whichever is greater. Value in use is calculated as the discounted value of the cash flow projections that the 
unit’s management estimates and is based on the latest budgets approved for the coming years. The main 
assumptions used in its calculation are: a sustainable growth rate to extrapolate the cash flows indefinitely, 
and the discount rate used to discount the cash flows, which is equal to the cost of the capital assigned to 
each cash-generating unit, and equivalent to the sum of the risk-free rate plus a risk premium inherent to the 
cash-generating unit being evaluated for impairment. 

If  the  carrying  amount  of  the  cash-generating  unit  exceeds  the  related  recoverable  amount,  the  Group 
recognizes an impairment loss; the resulting loss is apportioned by reducing, first, the carrying amount of the 
goodwill  allocated  to  that  unit  and, second,  if  there are  still  impairment  losses  remaining  to  be  recognized, 
the  carrying  amount  of  the  remainder  of  the  assets.  This  is  done  by  allocating  the  remaining  loss  in 
proportion to the carrying amount of each of the assets in the unit. In the event the non-controlling interests 
are  measured  at  fair  value,  the  deterioration  of  goodwill  attributable  to  non-controlling  interests  will  be 

 
 
 
 
 
P.39 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

recognized.  In  any  case,  an  impairment  loss  recognized  for  goodwill  shall  not  be  reversed  in  a  subsequent 
period. 

Goodwill  impairment  losses  are  recognized  under  the  heading  "Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on 
non-financial assets – Intangible assets” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 48). 

Other intangible assets 

These assets may have an indefinite useful life if, based on an analysis of all relevant factors, it is concluded 
that there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for 
the consolidated entities. In all other cases they have a finite useful life (see Note 18). 

Intangible  assets  with  a  finite  useful  life  are  amortized  according  to  the  duration  of  this  useful  life,  using 
methods similar to those used to depreciate tangible assets. The defined useful life intangible asset is made 
up mainly of IT applications acquisition costs which have a useful life of 3 to 5 years. The depreciation charge 
of  these  assets  is  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statements  under  the  heading 
"Depreciation and amortization" (see Note 45). 

The consolidated entities recognize any impairment loss on the carrying amount of these assets with charge 
to  the  heading  “Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on  non  -  financial  assets-  Intangible  assets”  in  the 
accompanying  consolidated  income  statements  (see  Note  48).  The  criteria  used  to  recognize  the 
impairment losses  on these assets and, where applicable, the recovery of impairment losses  recognized in 
prior years, are similar to those used for tangible assets. 

2.2.9 

Insurance and reinsurance contracts 

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  BBVA  Group’s  insurance  subsidiaries  are  recognized  according  to  their 
nature under the corresponding headings of the consolidated balance sheets, and the initial recognition and 
valuation is carried out according to the criteria set out in IFRS 4. 

The heading “Insurance and reinsurance assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes 
the  amounts  that  the  consolidated  insurance  subsidiaries  are  entitled  to  receive  under  the  reinsurance 
contracts  entered  into  by  them  with  third  parties  and,  more  specifically,  the  reinsurer´s  share  of  the 
technical provisions recognized by the consolidated insurance subsidiaries. 

The  heading  “Liabilities  under  insurance  and  reinsurance  contracts”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
balance sheets includes the technical provisions for direct insurance and inward reinsurance recognized by 
the consolidated insurance subsidiaries to cover claims arising from insurance contracts open at period-end 
(see Note 23). 

The  income  or  expenses  reported  by  the  BBVA  Group’s  consolidated  insurance  subsidiaries  on  their 
insurance  activities  is  recognized,  in  accordance  with  their  nature,  in  the  corresponding  items  of  the 
consolidated income statements. 

The consolidated insurance entities of the BBVA Group recognize the amounts of the premiums written and 
a  charge  for  the  estimated  cost  of  the  claims  that  will  be  incurred  at  their  final  settlement  to  their 
consolidated income statements. At the close of each year the amounts collected and unearned, as well as 
the costs incurred and unpaid, are accrued. 

The  most  significant  provisions  registered  by  consolidated  insurance  entities  with  respect  to  insurance 
policies issued by them are set out by their nature in Note 23. 

 
 
 
P.40 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

According to the type of product, the provisions may be as follows: 

Life insurance provisions: 

Represents  the  value  of  the  net  obligations  undertaken  with  the  life  insurance  policyholder.  These 
provisions include: 

•  Provisions  for  unearned  premiums.  These  are  intended  for  the  accrual,  at  the  date  of 
calculation,  of  the  premiums  written.  Their  balance  reflects  the  portion  of  the  premiums 
received until the closing date that has to be allocated to the period from year-end to the end of 
the insurance policy period.  

•  Mathematical  reserves:  Represents  the  value  of  the  life  insurance  obligations  of  the  insurance 
entities at year-end, net of the policyholder’s obligations, arising from life insurance contracted. 

  Non-life insurance provisions: 

•  Provisions for unearned premiums. These provisions are intended for the accrual, at the date of 
calculation,  of  the  premiums  written.  Their  balance  reflects  the  portion  of  the  premiums 
received until the closing date that has to be allocated to the period between the year-end and 
the end of the policy period. 

•  Provisions for unexpired risks: The provision for unexpired risks supplements the provision for 
unearned  premiums  by  the  amount  by  which  that  provision  is  not  sufficient  to  reflect  the 
assessed  risks  and  expenses  to  be  covered  by  the  consolidated  insurance  subsidiaries  in  the 
policy period not elapsed at year-end. 

  Provision for claims: 

This  reflects  the  total  amount  of  the  outstanding  obligations  arising  from  claims  incurred  prior  to 
year-end.  Insurance  subsidiaries  calculate  this  provision  as  the  difference  between  the  total 
estimated  or  certain  cost  of  the  claims  not  yet  reported,  settled  or  paid,  and  the  total  amounts 
already paid in relation to these claims.  

  Provision for bonuses and rebates: 

includes  the  amount  of  the  bonuses  accruing  to  policyholders, 

insurees  or 
This  provision 
beneficiaries  and  the  premiums  to  be  returned  to  policyholders  or  insurees,  as  the  case  may  be, 
based on the behavior of the risk insured, to the extent that such amounts have not been individually 
assigned to each of them. 

  Technical provisions for reinsurance ceded: 

Calculated  by  applying  the  criteria  indicated  above  for  direct  insurance,  taking  account  of  the 
assignment conditions established in the open reinsurance contracts. 

  Other technical provisions: 

Insurance  entities  have  recognized  provisions  to  cover  the  probable  mismatches  in  the  market 
reinvestment interest rates with respect to those used in the valuation of the technical provisions. 

The BBVA  Group controls and monitors the exposure  of the insurance subsidiaries to financial risk and, to 
this  end,  uses  internal  methods  and  tools  that  enable  it  to  measure  credit  risk  and  market  risk  and  to 
establish the limits for these risks. 

 
 
 
 
P.41 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
2.2.10  Tax assets and liabilities 

Expenses on corporate income tax applicable to the  BBVA Group’s Spanish entities and on similar income 
taxes  applicable  to  consolidated  foreign  entities  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statement, 
except when they result from transactions on which the profits or losses are recognized directly in equity, in 
which case the related tax effect is also recognized in equity.  

The  total  corporate  income  tax  expense  is  calculated  by  aggregating  the  current  tax  arising  from  the 
application of the corresponding tax rate as per the tax base for the year (after deducting the tax credits or 
discounts allowable for tax purposes) and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the 
consolidated income statement. 

Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  include  temporary  differences,  defined  as  the  amounts  to  be  payable  or 
recoverable in future years arising from the differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities 
and their tax bases (the “tax value”), and tax loss and tax credit or discount carry forwards (see Note 19). 

The "Tax Assets" line item in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amount of all the 
assets of a tax nature, broken down into: "Current” (amounts of tax recoverable in the next twelve months) 
and  "Deferred"  (which  includes  the  amount  of  tax  to  be  recovered  in  future  years,  including  those  arising 
from tax losses or credits for deductions or rebates that can be compensated). The "Tax Liabilities" line item 
in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  includes  the  amount  of  all  the  liabilities  of  a  tax  nature, 
except  for  provisions  for  taxes,  broken  down  into:  "Current”  (income  tax  payable  on  taxable  profit  for  the 
year  and  other  taxes  payable  in  the  next  twelve  months)  and  "Deferred"  (the  amount  of  corporate  tax 
payable in subsequent years). 

Deferred  tax  liabilities  attributable  to  taxable  temporary  differences  associated  with  investments  in 
subsidiaries, associates or joint venture entities are recognized as such, except where the Group can control 
the  timing  of  the  reversal  of  the  temporary  difference  and  it  is  unlikely  that  it  will  reverse  in  the  future. 
Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is considered probable that the consolidated entities 
will have sufficient taxable profits in the future against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized and are 
not from the initial recognition (except in the case of a business combination) of other assets or liabilities in a 
transaction that does not affect the fiscal outcome or the accounting result. 

The deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized are reassessed by the consolidated entities at each balance 
sheet  date  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  they  still  qualify  as  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities,  and  the 
appropriate  adjustments  are  made  on  the  basis  of  the  findings  of  the  analyses  performed.  In  those 
circumstances  in  which  it  is  unclear  how  a  specific  requirement  of  the  tax  law  applies  to  a  particular 
transaction or circumstance, and the acceptability of the definitive tax treatment depends on the decisions 
taken by the relevant taxation authority in future, the entity recognizes current and deferred tax liabilities and 
assets  considering  whether  it  is  probable  or  not  that  a  taxation  authority  will  accept  an  uncertain  tax 
treatment.  Thus,  if  the  entity  concludes  that  it  is  not  probable  that  the  taxation  authority  will  accept  an 
uncertain  tax  treatment,  the  entity  uses  the  amount  expected  to  be  paid  to  (recovered  from)  the  taxation 
authorities. 

The income and expenses directly recognized in consolidated equity that do not increase or decrease taxable 
income are accounted for as temporary differences. 

2.2.11  Provisions, contingent assets and contingent liabilities 

The heading “Provisions” in the consolidated balance sheets includes amounts recognized to cover the BBVA 
Group’s  current  obligations  arising  as  a  result  of  past  events.  These  are  certain  in  terms  of  nature  but 
uncertain in terms of amount and/or settlement date. The settlement of these obligations is deemed likely to 
entail  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying  economic  benefits  (see  Note  24).  The  obligations  may  arise  in 
connection with legal or contractual provisions, valid expectations formed by Group entities relative to third 

 
P.42 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

parties in relation to the assumption of certain responsibilities or through virtually certain developments of 
particular  aspects  of  the  regulations  applicable  to  the  operation  of  the  entities;  and,  specifically,  future 
legislation  to  which  the  Group  will  certainly  be  subject.  The  provisions  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated 
balance sheets when each and every one of the following requirements is met: 

  They represent a current obligation that has arisen from a past event. At the date of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements, there is more probability that the obligation will have to be met than that it will 
not. 

It is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the 
obligation. 

  The amount of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. 

Among  other  items,  these  provisions  include  the commitments  made  to  employees  by  some  of  the  Group 
entities (mentioned in Note 2.2.12), as well as provisions for tax and legal litigation. 

Contingent assets are possible assets that arise from past events and whose existence is conditional on, and 
will  be  confirmed  only  by,  the  occurrence  or  non-occurrence  of  events  beyond  the  control  of  the  Group. 
Contingent  assets  are  not  recognized  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  or  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement;  however,  they  will  be  disclosed,  should  they  exist,  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements,  provided  that  it  is  probable  will  give  rise  to  an  increase  in  resources  embodying  economic 
benefits. 

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations of the Group that arise from past events and whose existence is 
conditional  on  the  occurrence  or  non-occurrence  of  one  or  more  future  events  beyond  the  control  of  the 
Group.  They  also  include  the  existing  obligations  of  the  Group  when  it  is  not  probable  that  an  outflow  of 
resources  embodying  economic  benefits  will  be  required  to  settle  them;  or  when,  in  extremely  rare  cases, 
their amount cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.  

Contingent  liabilities  are  not  recognized  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  or  the  income  statement 
(excluding  contingent  liabilities  from  business  combination)  but  are  disclosed  in  the  Notes  to  the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  unless  the  possibility  of  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying  economic 
benefits is remote. 

2.2.12  Pensions and other post-employment commitments  

Below we provide a description of the most significant accounting policies relating to post-employment and 
other employee benefit commitments assumed by BBVA Group entities (see Note 25). 

Short-term employee benefits 

Benefits  for  current  active  employees  which  are  accrued  and  settled  during  the  year  and  for  which  a 
provision is not required in the entity´s accounts. These include wages and salaries, social security charges 
and other personnel expenses. 

Costs are charged and recognized under the heading “Administration costs – Personnel expenses – Other 
personnel expenses” of the consolidated income statement (see Note 44.1). 

Post-employment benefits – Defined-contribution plans 

The Group sponsors defined-contribution plans for the majority of its active employees. The amount of these 
benefits is established as a percentage of remuneration and/or as a fixed amount. 

The  contributions  made  to  these  plans  in  each  year  by  BBVA  Group  entities  are  charged  and  recognized 
under the heading “Administration costs – Personnel expenses – Defined-contribution plan expense” of the 
consolidated income statement (see Note 44.1).  

 
 
P.43 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Post-employment benefits – Defined-benefit plans 

Some Group entities maintain pension commitments with employees who have already retired or taken early 
retirement, certain closed groups of active employees still accruing defined benefit pensions, and in-service 
death  and  disability  benefits  provided  to  most  active  employees.  These  commitments  are  covered  by 
insurance contracts, pension funds and internal provisions. 

In  addition,  some  of  the  Spanish  entities  have  offered  certain  employees  the  option  to  retire  before  their 
normal  retirement  age,  recognizing  the  necessary  provisions  to  cover  the  costs  of  the  associated  benefit 
commitments,  which  include  both  the  liability  for  the  benefit  payments  due  as  well  as  the  contributions 
payable to external pension funds during the early retirement period. 

Furthermore, certain Group entities provide welfare  and medical benefits which extend beyond the date of 
retirement of the employees entitled to the benefits. 

All of these commitments are quantified based on actuarial valuations, with the amounts recorded under the 
heading “Provisions – Provisions for pensions and similar obligations” in the consolidated balance sheet and 
determined  as  the  difference  between  the  value  of  the  defined-benefit  commitments  and  the  fair  value  of 
plan assets at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 25). 

Current  service  cost  are  charged  and  recognized  under  the  heading  “Administration  costs  –  Personnel 
expenses – Defined-benefit plan expense” of the consolidated income statement (see Note 44.1). 

Interest  credits/charges  relating  to  these  commitments  are  charged  and  recognized  under  the  headings 
“Interest and other income” and “Interest expense” of the consolidated income statement (see Note 37). 

Past service costs arising from benefit plan changes as well as early retirements granted during the year are 
recognized under the heading “Provisions or reversals of provisions” of the consolidated income statement 
(see Note 46). 

Other long-term employee benefits 

In  addition  to  the  above  commitments,  certain  Group  entities  provide  long-term  service  awards  to  their 
employees, consisting of monetary amounts or periods of vacation granted upon completion of a number of 
years of qualifying service. 

These  commitments  are  quantified  based  on  actuarial  valuations  and  the  amounts  recorded  under  the 
heading “Provisions – Other long-term employee benefits” of the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 24). 

Valuation of commitments: actuarial assumptions and recognition of gains/losses 

The present value of these commitments is determined based on individual member data. Active employee 
costs are determined using the “projected unit credit” method, which treats each period of service as giving 
rise to an additional unit of benefit and values each unit separately. 

In establishing the actuarial assumptions we take into account that: 

  They should be unbiased, i.e. neither unduly optimistic nor excessively conservative. 

  Each  assumption  does  not  contradict  the  others  and  adequately  reflect  the  existing  relationship 
between economic variables such as price inflation, expected wage increases, discount rates and the 
expected  return  on  plan  assets,  etc.  Future  wage  and  benefit  levels  should  be  based  on  market 
expectations, at the balance sheet date, for the period over which the obligations are to be settled. 

  The interest rate used to discount benefit commitments is determined by reference to market yields, 

at the balance sheet date, on high quality bonds. 

 
P.44 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The BBVA Group recognizes actuarial gains/losses relating to early retirement benefits, long service awards 
and other similar items under the heading “Provisions or reversal of provisions” of the consolidated income 
statement  for  the  period  in  which  they  arise  (see  Note  46).  Actuarial  gains/losses  relating  to  pension  and 
medical benefits are directly charged and recognized under the heading "Accumulated other comprehensive 
income  –  Items  that  will  not  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  –  Actuarial  gains  or  losses  on  defined  benefit 
pension plans" of equity in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 30). 

2.2.13  Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 

Provided they constitute the delivery of such equity instruments following the completion of a specific period 
of  services,  equity-settled  share-based  payment  transactions  are  recognized  as  an  expense  for  services 
being provided by employees, by way of a balancing entry under the heading “Shareholders’ funds – Other 
equity  instruments”  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet.  These  services  are  measured  at  fair  value  for  the 
employees  services  received,  unless  such  fair  value  cannot  be  calculated  reliably.  In  such  case,  they  are 
measured by reference  to  the fair value of the equity instruments granted, taking into account the date on 
which the commitments were granted and the terms and other conditions included in the commitments. 

When  the  initial  compensation  agreement  includes  what  may  be  considered  market  conditions  among  its 
terms, any changes in these conditions will not be reflected in the consolidated income statement, as these 
have  already  been  accounted  for  in  calculating  the  initial  fair  value  of  the  equity  instruments.  Non-market 
vesting conditions are not taken into account when estimating the initial fair value of equity instruments, but 
they  are  taken  into  account  when  determining  the  number  of  equity  instruments  to  be  issued.  This  will  be 
recognized  on  the  consolidated  income  statement  with  the  corresponding  increase  in  total  consolidated 
equity. 

2.2.14  Termination benefits 

Termination benefits are recognized in the financial statements when the BBVA Group agrees to terminate 
employment contracts with its employees and has established a detailed plan.  

2.2.15  Treasury shares 

The  value  of  common  stock  issued  by  the  BBVA  Group’s  entities  and  held by  them  -  basically,  shares  and 
derivatives on the Bank’s shares held by some consolidated entities that comply with the requirements to be 
recognized  as  equity  instruments  -  are  recognized  as  a  decrease  to  net  equity,  under  the  heading 
"Shareholders’ funds - Treasury stock" in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 29). 

These financial assets are recognized at acquisition cost, and the gains or losses arising on their disposal are 
credited  or  debited,  as  appropriate,  to  the  heading  “Shareholders’  funds  -  Retained  earnings”  in  the 
consolidated balance sheets (see Note 28). 

2.2.16  Foreign-currency transactions and exchange differences 

The  BBVA  Group’s  functional  currency,  and  thus  the  currency  in  which  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements  are  presented,  is  the  euro.  As  such,  all  balances  and  transactions  denominated  in  currencies 
other than the euro are deemed to be denominated in “foreign currency”. 

Conversion to euros of the balances held in foreign currency is performed in two consecutive stages: 

  Conversion  of  the  foreign  currency  to  the  entity’s  functional  currency  (currency  of  the  main 

economic environment in which the entity operates); and 

  Conversion to euros of the balances held in the functional currencies of the entities whose functional 

currency is not the euro. 

 
P.45 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Conversion of the foreign currency to the entity’s functional currency 

Transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  carried  out  by  the  consolidated  entities  (or  entities 
accounted  for  using  the  equity  method)  are 
in  their  respective  currencies. 
Subsequently,  the  monetary  balances  in  foreign  currencies  are  converted  to  their  respective  functional 
currencies using the exchange rate at the close of the financial year. In addition, 

initially  accounted  for 

  Non-monetary  items  valued  at  their  historical  cost  are  converted  to  the  functional  currency  at  the 

exchange rate applicable on the purchase date. 

  Non-monetary items valued at their fair value are converted at the exchange rate in force on the date 

on which such fair value was determined. 

Income  and  expenses  are  converted  at  the  period’s  average  exchange  rates  for  all  the  operations 
carried  out  during  the  year.  When  applying  this  criterion  the  BBVA  Group  considers  whether 
significant variations have taken place in exchange rates during the year which, owing to their impact 
on  the  statements  as  a  whole,  may  require  the  application  of  exchange  rates  as  of  the  date  of  the 
transaction instead of such average exchange rates. 

The  exchange  differences  produced  when  converting  the  balances  in  foreign  currency  to  the  functional 
currency of the consolidated entities are generally recognized under the heading "Exchange differences, net" 
in the consolidated income statements (see Note 41). However, the exchange differences in non-monetary 
items,  measured  at  fair  value,  are  recognized  temporarily  in  consolidated  equity  under  the  heading 
“Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  -  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Exchange 
differences” in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 30). 

Conversion of functional currencies to euros 

The balances in the financial statements of consolidated entities whose functional currency is not the euro 
are converted to euros as follows: 

  Assets  and  liabilities:  at  the  closing  spot  exchange  rates  as  of  the  date  of  each  of  the  consolidated 

balance sheets. 

Income and expenses and cash flows are converted by applying the exchange rate applicable on the 
date of the transaction, and the average exchange rate for the financial year may be used, unless it 
has undergone significant variations. 

  Equity items: at the historical exchange rates.  

The exchange differences arising from the conversion to euros of balances in the functional currencies of the 
consolidated  entities  whose  functional  currency  is  not  the  euro  are  recognized  under  the  heading 
“Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  –  Items  that  may  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Exchange 
differences” in the consolidated balance sheets (Notes 30 and 31 respectively). Meanwhile, the differences 
arising  from  the  conversion  to  euros  of  the  financial  statements  of  entities  accounted  for  by  the  equity 
method are recognized under the heading " Accumulated other comprehensive income - Items that may be 
reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Entities  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method"  (Note  30)  until  the  item  to 
which they relate is derecognized, at which time they are recognized in the income statement. 

The financial statements of companies of hyperinflationary economies are restated for the effects of changes 
in  prices  before  their  conversion  to  euros  following  the  provisions  of  IAS  29  "Financial  information  in 
hyperinflationary  economies"  (see  note  2.2.20).  Both  these  adjustments  for  inflation  and  the  exchange 
differences  that  arise  when  converting  the  financial  statements  of  companies  into  hyperinflationary 
economies are accounted for in Reserves. 

The  breakdown  of  the  main  consolidated  balances  in  foreign  currencies,  with  reference  to  the  most 
significant foreign currencies, is set forth in Appendix VII. 

 
 
 
P.46 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Venezuela 

Local financial statements of the Group subsidiaries in Venezuela are expressed in Venezuelan Bolivar, and 
converted  into  euros  for  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  since  Venezuela  is  a  country  with  strong 
exchange  restrictions  and  has  different  rates  officially  published.  Since  December  31,  2015,  the  Board  of 
Directors considers that the use of the Venezuelan official exchanges rates for converting bolivars into euros 
in  preparing  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  does  not  reflect  the  true  picture  of  the  financial 
statements of the Group and the financial position of the Group subsidiaries in Venezuela. Therefore, since 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  exchange  rate  for  converting  bolivars  into  euros  is  an  estimation 
taking into account the lack of official data and the evolution of the estimated inflation in Venezuela.  

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the impact on the financial statements that would have resulted by 
applying the last published official exchange rate instead of the exchange rate estimated by BBVA Group was 
not significant.  

2.2.17  Recognition of income and expenses 

The most significant policies used by the BBVA Group to recognize its income and expenses are as follows. 

Interest income and expenses and similar items: 

As a general rule, interest income and expenses and similar items are recognized on the basis of their 
period of accrual using the effective interest rate method.  

They  shall  be  recognized  within  the  consolidated  income  statement  according  to  the  following 
criteria,  independently  from  the  financial  instruments’  portfolio  which  generates  the  income  or 
expenses: 

•  The interest income past-due before the initial recognition and pending to be received will form 

part of the gross carrying amount of the debt instrument. 

•  The  interest  income  accrued  after  the  initial  recognition  will  form  part  of  the  gross  carrying 

amount of the debt instrument until it will be received. 

The financial fees and commissions that arise on the arrangement of loans and advances (basically 
origination  and  analysis  fees)  are  deferred  and  recognized  in  the  income  statement  over  the 
expected life of the loan. From that amount, the transaction costs identified as directly attributable to 
the  arrangement  of  the  loans  and  advances  will  be  deducted.  These  fees  are  part  of  the  effective 
interest rate for the loans and advances.  

Once  a  debt  instrument  has  been  impaired,  interest  income  is  recognized  applying  the  effective 
interest  rate  used  to  discount  the  estimated  recoverable  cash  flows  on  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
asset. 

Income from dividends received: 

Dividends shall be recognized within the consolidated income statement according to the following 
criteria, independently from the financial instruments’ portfolio which generates this income: 

•  When the right to receive payment has been declared before the initial recognition and when the 
payment is pending to be received, the dividends will not form part of the gross carrying amount 
of the equity instrument and will not be recognized as income. Those dividends are accounted 
for as financial assets separately from the net equity instrument. 

• 

If the right to receive payment is received after the initial recognition, the dividends from the net 
equity  instruments  will  be  recognized  within  the  consolidated  income  statement.  If  the 
dividends  correspond  indubitable  to  the  profits  of  the  issuer  before  the  date  of  initial 
recognition, they will not be recognized as income but as reduction of the gross carrying amount 

 
 
 
P.47 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

of the equity instrument because it represents a partly recuperation of the investment. Amongst 
other  circumstances,  the  generation  date  can  be  considered  to  be  prior  to  the  date  of  initial 
recognition  if  the  amounts  distributed  by  the  issuer  as  from  the  initial  recognition  are  higher 
than its profits during the same period. 

  Commissions, fees and similar items: 

• 

Income  and  expenses  relating  to  commissions  and  similar  fees  are  recognized  in  the 
consolidated  income  statement  using  criteria  that  vary  according  to  the  nature  of  such  items. 
The most significant items in this connection are: 

•  Those  relating  to  financial  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss, 

which are recognized when collected/paid. 

•  Those arising from transactions or services that are  provided  over a period  of time, which are 

recognized over the life of these transactions or services. 

•  Those relating to a singular transaction, which are recognized when this singular transaction is 

carried out. 

  Non-financial income and expenses: 

These are recognized for accounting purposes on an accrual basis. 

  Deferred collections and payments: 

These  are  recognized  for  accounting  purposes  at  the  amount  resulting  from  discounting  the 
expected cash flows at market rates. 

2.2.18  Sales of assets and income from the provision of non-financial services 

The heading “Other operating income” in the consolidated income statements includes the proceeds of the 
sales of assets and income from the services provided by the Group entities that are not financial institutions. 
In the case of the Group, these entities are mainly real estate and service entities (see Note 42). 

2.2.19  Leases 

Lease  contracts  are  classified  as  finance  leases  from  the  inception  of  the  transaction  if  they  substantially 
transfer  all  the  risks  and  rewards  incidental  to  ownership  of  the  asset  forming  the  subject-matter  of  the 
contract. Leases other than finance leases are classified as operating leases. 

When  the  consolidated  entities  act  as  the  lessor  of  an  asset  under  finance  leases,  the  aggregate  present 
values  of  the  lease  payments  receivable  from  the  lessee  plus  the  guaranteed  residual  value  (normally  the 
exercise  price  of  the  lessee’s  purchase  option  on  expiration  of  the  lease  agreement)  are  recognized  as 
financing provided to third parties and, therefore, are included under the heading “Loans and receivables” in 
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 14). 

When  the  consolidated  entities  act  as  lessors  of  an  asset  in  operating  leases,  the  acquisition  cost  of  the 
leased assets is recognized under "Tangible assets – Property, plant and equipment – Other assets leased 
out under an operating lease" in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 17). These assets are depreciated 
in  line  with  the  criteria  adopted  for  items  of  tangible  assets  for  own  use,  while  the  income  arising  from  the 
lease  arrangements  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statements  on  a  straight-line  basis  within 
"Other operating expenses" (see Note 42). 

If  a  fair  value  sale  and  leaseback  results  in  an  operating  lease,  the  profit  or  loss  generated  from  the  sale  is 
recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statement  at  the  time  of  sale.  If  such  a  transaction  gives  rise  to  a 
finance lease, the corresponding gains or losses are accrued over the lease period.  

 
P.48 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  assets  leased  out  under  operating  lease  contracts  to  other  entities  in  the  Group  are  treated  in  the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  as  for  own  use,  and  thus  rental  expense  and  income  is  eliminated  in 
consolidation and the corresponding depreciation is recognized. 

2.2.20  Entities and branches located in countries with hyperinflationary economies 

In  accordance  with  the  IFRS-EU  criteria,  to  determine  whether  an  economy  has  a  high  inflation  rate  the 
country's  economic  situation  is  examined,  analyzing  whether  certain  circumstances  are  fulfilled,  such  as 
whether  the  population  prefers  to  keep  its  wealth  or  save  in  non-monetary  assets  or  in  a  relatively  stable 
foreign  currency,  whether  prices  can  be  set  in  that  currency,  whether  interest  rates,  wages  and  prices  are 
pegged to a price index or whether the accumulated inflation rate over three years reaches or exceeds 100%. 
The fact that any of these circumstances is fulfilled will not be a decisive factor in considering an economy 
hyperinflationary, but it does provide some reasons to consider it as such.  

Argentina 

In 2018, the Argentinian economy was considered to be hyperinflationary as defined by the aforementioned 
criteria.  Accordingly,  as  of  December  31,  2018,  it  was  necessary  to  adjust  the  financial  statements  of  the 
Group's subsidiaries based in Argentina to correct for the effect of inflation. 

Pursuant to the requirements of IAS 29, the monetary headings (mainly loans and credits) have not been re-
expressed,  while  the  non-monetary  headings  (mainly  tangible  fixed  assets  and  equity)  have  been  re 
expressed in accordance with the change in the country's Consumer Price Index. 

The accumulated historical differences between the re-expressed costs and the previous costs in the non-
monetary  headings  as  of  December  31,  2017  were  credited  to  “Equity”  in  the  balance  sheet,  effective  on 
January  1,  2018,  while  the  differences  corresponding  to  2018,  and  the  re-expression  of  results  were 
recognized in the consolidated income statement for 2018 in accordance with the nature of the income and 
expenses. 

During the year ended December 31, 2018 there was a reclassification in “Transfers within total equity” of the 
Consolidated  Statements  of  Changes  in  Equity  between  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income”  and 
“Shareholders’  funds  –  Retained  earnings”  for  €1,096  million,  and  from  “Non-controlling  interest  – 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” to “Non-controlling interest – Other” for €540 million in 
accordance  to  IAS  29  and  to  the  accounting  policy  approved  by  the  Group  in  relation  to  the  hyperinflation 
(see Note 1.3). 

During  the  financial  year  2018,  the  increase  in  the  reserves  of  Group  entities  located  in  Argentina  derived 
from the re-expression for hyperinflation (IAS 29) amounts to €703 million, of which €463 million have been 
registered  within  “Shareholders’  funds  -  Retained  earnings”  and  €240  million  within  “Minority  interests  – 
Other”. Furthermore, during the financial year 2018 the decrease in the reserves of Group entities located in 
Argentina  derived  from  conversion  (IAS  21)  amounts  to  €-773  million,  of  which  €-515  million  have  been 
registered  within  “Shareholders’  funds  -  Retained  earnings”,  and  €-258  million  within  “Minority  interests  – 
Other”. The net impact  of  both effects is presented under the caption “Other increases or (-) decreases in 
equity” in the consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the financial year ended December 31, 2018. 
The  net  loss  in  the  profit  attributable  to  the  dominating  entity  of  the  Group  in  2018  derived  from  the 
application of IAS 29 amounted to €209 million. In addition, there is a net loss in the profit attributable to the 
dominating entity of the Group in 2018 derived from the application of IAS 21 which amounted to €57 million. 

The breakdown of the General Price Index (“GPI”) and the inflation index used as of December 31, 2018 for 
the  inflation  restatement  of  the  financial  statements  of  the  Group  companies  located  in  Argentina  is  as 
follows:  

 
P.49 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

General Price Index  

0 

GPI 

Average GPI 

Inflation of the period 

Venezuela 

2018 

184 

152 

48% 

Since  2009,  the  economy  of  Venezuela  can  be  considered  hyperinflationary  under  the  above  criteria.  As  a 
result,  the  financial  statements  of  the  BBVA  Group’s  entities  located  in  Venezuela  have  therefore  been 
adjusted  to  correct  for  the  effects  of  inflation  in  accordance  with  IAS  29  “Financial  Reporting  in 
Hyperinflationary Economies“. As stated in Note 1.3, BBVA has restated prior year information. 

The losses  recognized under the heading “Profit attributable to the parent company” in the accompanying 
consolidated  income  statement  as  a  result  of  the  adjustment  for  inflation  on  net  monetary  position  of  the 
Group entities in Venezuela amounted to €12, €13 and €28 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively (see 
Note 2.2.16). 

2.3  Recent IFRS pronouncements 

Changes introduced in 2018 

The  following  amendments  to  the  IFRS  standards  or  their  interpretations  (hereinafter  “IFRIC”)  became 
effective on or after January 1, 2018.  

IFRS 9 - “Financial instruments” 

IFRS  9  replaced  IAS  39  for  financial  statements  from  January  1,  2018  onwards  and  includes  new 
impairment 
classification  and  measurement  requirements  for  financial  assets  and 
requirements for financial assets (see Note 2.2.1). 

liabilities  and 

Regarding the hedge accounting, the Group has elected to continue applying IAS 39 to its hedge accounting 
as permitted by IFRS 9. 

Amended IFRS 9 – Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation 

The  amendments  to  IFRS  9  allow  entities  to  measure  certain  prepayable  financial  assets  with  negative 
compensation at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income if a specified condition 
is met, instead of at fair value through profit or loss. The condition is that the financial asset would otherwise 
meet the criteria of having contractual cash flows that are solely payments of  principal and interest but do 
not meet that condition only as a result of that prepayment feature. 

The  amendments  should  be  applied  to  the  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019, 
although  early  application  is  permitted.  The  Group  has  applied  this  amendment  to  the  accounting  period 
beginning on January 1, 2018 and it has not had a significant impact on the Group´s financial statements. 

Amended IFRS 7 - “Financial instruments: Disclosures” 

The IASB modified IFRS 7 in December 2011 to include new disclosures on financial instruments that entities 
will have to provide in the period that they apply IFRS 9 for the first time. 

IFRS 15 - “Revenue from contracts with customers” 

IFRS 15 contains the principles that an entity shall apply to account for revenue and cash flows arising from a 
contract with a customer (see Note 2.2.17). 

 
 
P.50 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised 
goods  or  services  to  the  customer  in  an  amount  that  reflects  the  consideration  to  which  the  company 
expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, in accordance with contractual agreements 
(either  over  time  or  at  a  certain  time).  It  is  considered  that  the  good  or  service  is  transferred  when  the 
customer obtains control over it. 

The new Standard replaces IAS 18 – Revenue, IAS 11 - Construction Contracts, IFRIC 13 - Customer Loyalty 
Programmes, IFRIC 15 - Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 - Transfers of Assets from 
Customers and SIC 31 – Revenue-Transactions Involving Advertising Services. 

This standard has not had a significant impact on the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

IFRS 2 – “Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions” 

The amendments made to IFRS 2 provide requirements on three different aspects: 

  When measuring the fair value of a cash-settled share-based payment vesting conditions, other than 
market conditions, the conditions for  the irrevocability shall be taken into account by adjusting the 
number of awards included in the measurement of the liability arising from the transaction. 

  A  transaction  in  which  an  entity  settles  a  share-base  payment  arrangement  net  by  withholding  a 
specified  portion  of  the  equity  instruments  to  meet  a  statutory  tax  withholding  obligation  will  be 
classified as equity settled in its entirety if, without the net settlement feature, the entire share-based 
payment would otherwise be classified as equity-settled. 

In  case  of  modification  of  a  share-based  payment  from  cash-settled  to  equity-settled,  the 
modification will be accounted for derecognizing the original liability and recognizing in equity the fair 
value  of  the  equity  instruments  granted  to  the  extent  that  services  have  been  rendered  up  to  the 
modification date; any difference will be recognized immediately in profit or loss.  

This standard has not had a significant impact on the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Amended IFRS 4 – “Insurance Contracts” 

The amendments made to IFRS 4 address the temporary accounting consequences of the different effective 
dates of IFRS 9 and the forthcoming insurance contracts standard, by introducing two optional solutions:  

  The deferral approach or temporary exemption, that gives entities whose predominant activities are 
connected with insurance the option to defer the application of IFRS 9 and continue applying IAS 39 
until 2021. 

  The  overlay  approach,  that  gives  all  issuers  of  insurance  contracts  the  option  to  recognize  in  other 
comprehensive income, rather than profit or loss, the additional accounting volatility that may arise 
from  applying  IFRS  9  compared  to  applying  IAS  39  before  applying  the  forthcoming  insurance 
contracts standard. 

This standard has not had a significant impact on the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Annual improvements cycle to IFRSs 2014-2016 – Minor amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28 

The  annual  improvements  cycle  to  IFRSs  2014-2016  includes  minor  changes  and  clarifications  to  IFRS  1- 
First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and IAS 28  – Investments in Associates 
and Joint Ventures, which should be applied to the accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, 
although early application was permitted for modifications to IAS 28.  

This standard has not had a significant impact on the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements. 

IFRIC 22 – Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration 

 
 
P.51 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The Interpretation addresses how to determine  the date of the transaction, and thus, the exchange  rate to 
use to translate the related asset, expense or income on initial recognition, in circumstances in which a non-
monetary prepayment asset or a non-monetary deferred income liability arising from the payment or receipt 
of advance consideration is recognized in advance of the related asset, income or expense. It requires that 
the date of the transaction will be the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary asset or 
non-monetary liability.  

If there are multiple payments or receipts in advance, the entity shall determine a date of the transaction for 
each payment or receipt of advance consideration. 

This standard has not had a significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements. 

Amended IAS 40 – Investment Property 

The  amendment  states  that  an  entity  shall  transfer a  property  to,  or  from,  investment  property  when,  and 
only when, there is evidence of a change in use. A change in use occurs when the property meets, or ceases 
to meet, the definition of investment property. 

This standard has not had a significant impact on the Group's financial statements. 

Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective as of December 31, 2018 

The  following  new  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  together  with  their  interpretations  had  been 
published  at  the  date  of  preparation  of  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements,  but  are  not 
mandatory  as  of  December  31,  2018.  Although  in  some  cases  the  IASB  allows  early  adoption  before  their 
effective date, the BBVA Group has not proceeded with this option for any such new standards. 

Amended IFRS 10 – “Consolidated financial statements” and IAS 28 amended 

The  amendments  to  IFRS  10  and  IAS  28  establish  that  when  an  entity  sells  or  transfers  assets  which  are 
considered a business (including its consolidated subsidiaries) to an associate or joint venture of the entity, 
the  latter  will  have  to  recognize  any  gains  or  losses  derived  from  such  transaction  in  its  entirety. 
Notwithstanding,  if  the  assets  sold  or  transferred  are  not  considered  a  business,  the  entity  will  have  to 
recognize the gains or losses derived only to the extent of the interests in the associate or joint venture with 
unrelated investors. 

These changes will be applicable to accounting periods beginning on the effective date, still to be determined, 
although early adoption is allowed. 

 
 
 
P.52 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
IFRS 16 – “Leases” 

On  January  13,  2016,  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  16  which  will  replace  IAS  17  ‘‘Leases’’  for  financial  statements 
from  January  1,  2019  onwards.  The  new  standard  introduces  a  single  lessee  accounting  model  and  will 
require a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases. The only exceptions are short-term contracts 
and those in which the underlying assets have low value. A lessee will be required to recognize a right-of-use 
asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its obligation 
to make lease payments. 

With regard to lessor accounting, IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in 
IAS  17.  Accordingly,  a  lessor  will  continue  to  classify  its  leases  as  operating  leases  or  finance  leases,  and 
account for those two types of leases differently. 

During the financial years 2017 and 2018 the Group has carried out a project to implement IFRS 16 with the 
participation of all affected areas. The standard will mainly affect  the accounting of  operating leases of  the 
Group. 

With  regard  to  the  estimated  impact  on  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  at  the  transition  date,  the 
Group  has  decided  to  apply  the  modified  retrospective  approach  which  requires  recognition  of  a  lease 
liability  equal  to  the  present  value  of  the  future  payments  committed  on  January  1,  2019.  Regarding  the 
measurement of the right-of-use asset, the Group has elected to record an amount equal to the lease liability. 
As a result of this approach, the Group expects to recognize assets for the right-of-use and lease liabilities for 
an approximate amount of 3,600 million euros mainly coming from the Group’s activity in Spain as well as 
from bank branches leases. The estimated impact in terms of capital (CET1) for the Group amounts to -12 
basis points. 

The final impact of adopting the standard as of January 1, 2019 may change because: 

the Group has not concluded the tests; 

the  new  accounting  policies,  methodologies  and  parameters  may  be  subject  to  changes  until  the 
Group  presents  its  financial  statements  that  include  the  final  impact  as  of  the  date  of  initial 
application. 

IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts 

IFRS  17  establishes  the  principles  for  the  accounting  for  insurance  contracts  and  supersedes  IFRS  4.  The 
new  standard  introduces  a  single  accounting  model  for  all  insurance  contracts  and  requires  the  entities  to 
use updated assumptions. 

An entity shall divide the contracts into groups and recognize and measure groups of insurance contracts at 
the total of: 

the fulfilment cash flows, that comprises the estimate of future cash flows, an adjustment to reflect 
the  time  value  of  money  and  the  financial  risk  associated  with  the  future  cash  flows  and  a  risk 
adjustment for non-financial risk; and 

the contractual service margin that represents the unearned profit. 

The  amounts  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statement  shall  be  disaggregated  into  insurance 
revenue,  insurance  service  expenses  and  insurance  finance  income  or  expenses.  Insurance  revenue  and 
insurance  service  expenses  shall  exclude  any  investment  components.  Insurance  revenue  shall  be 
recognized  over  the  period  the  entity  provides  insurance  coverage  and  in  proportion  to  the  value  of  the 
provision of coverage that the insurer provides in the period.  

This Standard will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after January 1, 2021. 

P.53 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
IFRIC 23 - Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 

IFRIC 23 provides guidance on how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when 
there is uncertainty over income tax treatments.  

If the entity considers that it is probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the 
Interpretation requires the entity to determine taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused 
tax  credits  or  tax  rates  consistently  with  the  tax  treatment  used  or  planned  to  be  used  in  its  income  tax 
filings. 

If the entity considers that it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, 
the  Interpretation  requires  the  entity  to  use  the  most  likely  amount  or  the  expected  value  (sum  of  the 
probability. weighted amounts in a range of possible outcomes) in determining taxable profit (tax loss), tax 
bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates. The method used should be the method that the 
entity expects to provide the better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty. 

The interpretation will be applied to the accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. 

Amended IAS 28 – Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures 

The  amendments  to  IAS  28  clarify  that  an  entity  is  required  to  apply  IFRS  9  to  long  term  interests  in  an 
associate or joint venture that, in substance, form part of the net investment in the associate or joint venture 
but to which the equity method is not applied. 

The amendments will be applied to the accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. 

Annual improvements cycle to IFRSs 2015-2017  

The  annual  improvements  cycle  to  IFRSs  2015-2017  includes  minor  changes  and  clarifications  to  IFRS  3- 
Business Combinations, IFRS 11 --- Joint Arrangements, IAS 12 --- Income Taxes and IAS 23 --- Borrowing Costs, 
which  will  be  applied  to  the  accounting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019,  although  early 
application is permitted. 

Amended IAS 19 – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement 

The  small  amendments  in  IAS  19  concern  the  cases  if  a  plan  is  amended,  curtailed  or  settled  during  the 
period.  In  these  cases,  an  entity  should  ensure  that  the  current  service  cost  and  the  net  interest  for  the 
period  after  the  remeasurement  are  determined  using  the  assumptions  used  for  the  remeasurement.  In 
addition,  amendments  have  been  included  to  clarify  the  effect  of  a  plan  amendment,  curtailment  or 
settlement on the requirements regarding the asset ceiling. 

The amendments will be applied to the accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. 

Amended IFRS 3 – Definition of a business 

The  amendments  clarify  the  difference  between  the  acquisition  of  a  business  or  the  acquisition  of  a  set  of 
assets.  To  determine  whether  a  transaction  is  an  acquisition  of  a  business,  an  entity  should  evaluate  and 
conclude if the two following conditions are fulfilled: 

the fair value of the acquired assets is not concentrated in one single asset or group of similar assets. 

the  entirety  of  acquired  activities  and  assets  includes,  as  a  minimum,  an  input  and  a  substantial 
process which, together, contribute to the capacity to create products. 

The amendments will be applied to the accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, although 
early application is permitted. 

 
 
 
P.54 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Amended IAS 1 and IAS 8 – Definition of material 

The  amendments  clarify  the  definition  of  material  in  the  elaboration  of  the  financial  statements  by  aligning 
the definition of the conceptual framework, IAS 1 and IAS 8 (which, before the amendments, included similar 
but  not  identical  definitions).  The  new  definition  of  material  is  the  following:  “Information  is  material  if 
omitting,  misstating  or  obscuring  it  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  decisions  that  the  primary 
users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements, which provide 
financial information about a specific reporting entity”. 

The amendments will be applied to the accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, although 
early application is permitted. 

2.4  Transition to IFRS 9 and condensed consolidated opening balance 

sheet as of January 1, 2018 

2.4.1  Transition to IFRS 9 

As mentioned in the Notes 1.3, 2.2.1 and 2.3, IFRS 9 replaced IAS 39 for financial statements from January 1, 
2018  onwards  and  includes  new  classification  and  measurement  requirements  for  financial  assets  and 
liabilities, impairment requirements for financial assets and hedge accounting policy. 

The  application  of  this  standard  on  January  1,  2018,  had  a  significant  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial 
statements of the Group at that date. 

Classification and measurement of financial instruments 

Financial assets 

IFRS  9  has  a  new  approach  to  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  assets  which  is  a  mirror  of  the 
business model used for asset management purposes and its cash flow characteristics.  

IFRS 9 contains three main categories for financial assets classification: valued at amortized cost, valued at 
fair value with changes in other accumulated comprehensive income, and valued at fair value through profit 
or  loss.  The  standard  eliminates  the  IAS  39  categories  of  held-to-maturity  investments,  loans  and 
receivables, and available-for-sale financial assets. 

The classification of financial instruments measured at amortized cost or fair value must be carried out on 
the basis of: the entity's business model and the assessment of the contractual cash flow, commonly known 
as the "solely payments of principle and interest" criterion (hereinafter, the SPPI). The purpose of the SPPI 
test  is  to  determine  whether  in  accordance  with  the  contractual  characteristics  of  the  instrument  its  cash 
flows  only  represent  the  return  of  the  principal  and  interest,  basically  understood  as  consideration  for  the 
time value of money and the debtor's credit risk. 

A  financial  instrument  will  be  classified  in  the  amortized  cost  portfolio  when  it  is  managed  with  a  business 
model  whose  purpose  is  to  maintain  the  financial  assets  to  receive  contractual  cash  flows,  and  passes  the 
SPPI  test.  They  will  be  classified  in  the  portfolio  of  financial  assets  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  other 
comprehensive  income  if  they  are  managed  with  a  business  model  whose  purpose  combines  collection  of 
the contractual cash flows and sale of the assets, and meets the SPPI test. They will be classified at fair value 
with  changes  in  profit  and  loss  provided  that  the  entity's  business  model  for  their  management  or  the 
contractual characteristics of its cash flows do not require classification into one of the portfolios described 
above. 

The  Group  reviewed  the  existing  business  models  in  the  geographic  areas  where  it  operates  to  establish 
classification in accordance with IFRS 9, taking into account the special characteristics of the local structures 
and organizations, as well as the type of products. 

 
P.55 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  Group  has  defined  criteria  to  determine  the  acceptable  frequency  and  reasons  for  sales  so  that  the 
instrument can remain in the category of held to collect contractual cash flows. 

Regardless of the frequency and importance of the sales, some types of sales are not incompatible with the 
category  of  held  to  collect  contractual  flows:  sales  due  to  reduction  in  credit  quality;  sales  close  to  the 
maturity of transactions so that variations in market prices will not have a significant effect on the cash flows 
of  the  financial  asset;  sales  in  response  to  a  change  in  regulations  or  in  taxation;  sales  in  response  to  an 
internal  restructuring  or  significant  business  combination;  sales  derived  from  the  execution  of  a  liquidity 
crisis plan when the crisis event is not reasonably foreseeable. 

The Group segmented the portfolio of instruments for carrying out the SPPI test by differentiating products 
with standard contracts (all the instruments have identical contractual characteristics and are broadly used), 
for which the Group has carried out the SPPI test by reviewing the standard framework contract. For those 
products  with  similar,  but  not  identical  characteristics  compliance  has  been  assessed  through  a  sampling 
exercise  of  contracts.  All  the  financial  instruments  with  specific  contractual  characteristics  have  been 
analyzed individually.   

As  a  result  of  the  analyses  carried  out  on  both  the  business  model  and  the  contractual  characteristics, 
certain accounting reclassifications resulted affecting both financial assets and, as the case may be, financial 
liabilities  related  to  those  assets.  In  general,  there  is  a  greater  volume  of  assets  valued  at  fair  value  with 
changes  in  the  income  statement  and  the  valuation  method  of  some  instruments  has  also  been  changed 
according  to  the  one  that  best  reflects  the  business model  to  which  they  belong.  Changes  in  the  valuation 
model to avoid exceeding the criterion of solely payment of principal and interest are not significant. 

As of December 31, 2017, the Group had certain investments in financial instruments classified as available-
for-sale  which,  in  accordance  with  IFRS  9,  the  Group  designated  as  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through 
other comprehensive income. As a result, all the gains and losses at fair value of these instruments are now 
reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Impairment losses would not be recognized to profit 
and loss, and gains or losses would not be  reclassified to  the income statement in the case of divestment. 
The  remaining  investments  held  by  the  Group  as  of  December  31,  2017  in  equity  instruments  classified  as 
available-for-sale are now accounted for as fair value through changes in profit or loss. 

Financial liabilities 

IFRS  9  largely  maintains  the  requirements  under  IAS  39  for  classifying  financial  liabilities.  However,  a  new 
aspect introduced by IFRS 9 is the recognition of changes in the fair value of the financial liabilities to which 
the fair value option is applied. In this case, the changes in the fair value attributable to the credit risk itself 
are  recognized  as  other  comprehensive  income,  while  the  rest  of  the  variation is  recognized  in  the  income 
statement.  In  any  case,  the  variation  of  credit  risk  itself  may  be  recognized  in  the  income  statement  if  the 
treatment described above generates accounting asymmetry. 

Financial assets impairments 

IFRS  9  replaced  the  "incurred  loss"  model  in  IAS  39  with  one  of  "expected  credit  loss".  The  IFRS  9 
impairment model is applied to financial assets valued at amortized cost and to financial assets valued at fair 
value through other comprehensive income, except for investments in equity instruments and contracts for 
financial  guarantees  and  loan  commitments  unilaterally  revocable  by  BBVA.  Likewise,  all  the  financial 
instruments  valued  at  fair  value  with  change  through  profit  and  loss  are  excluded  from  the  impairment 
model. 

The  new  standard  classifies  financial  instruments  into  three  categories,  which  depend  on  the  evolution  of 
their credit risk from the moment of initial recognition. The first category includes the transactions when they 
are initially recognized (Stage 1); the second comprises the financial assets for which a significant increase in 

 
P.56 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

credit risk has been identified since its initial recognition (Stage 2) and the third one, the impaired financial 
assets (Stage 3). 

The calculation of the provisions for credit risk in each of these three categories must be done differently. In 
this way, expected loss up to 12 months for the financial assets classified in the first of the aforementioned 
categories  must be recorded, while expected losses estimated for the remaining life of the financial assets 
classified  in  the  other  two  categories  must  be  recorded.  Thus,  IFRS  9  differentiates  between  the  following 
concepts of expected loss:  

  Expected loss at 12 months: expected credit loss that arises from possible default events within  12  

months following the presentation date of the financial statements; and 

  Expected  loss  during  the  life  of  the  transaction:  this  is  the  expected  credit  loss  that  arises  from  all 

possible default events over the remaining life of the financial instrument. 

All this requires considerable judgment, both in the modeling for the estimation of the expected losses and in 
the  forecasts,  on  how  the  economic  factors  affect  such  losses,  which  must  be  carried  out  on  a  weighted 
probability basis.  

The BBVA Group has applied the following definitions in accordance with IFRS 9: 

  Default 

BBVA has applied a definition of default for financial instruments that is consistent with that used in internal 
credit risk management, as well as the indicators under applicable regulation at the date of implementation 
of IFRS 9. Both qualitative and quantitative indicators have been considered. 

The Group has considered there is a default when one of the following situations occurs:  

•  payment past-due for more than 90 days; or 

• 

there are reasonable doubts regarding the full reimbursement of the instrument. 

In  accordance  with  IFRS  9,  the  90-day  past-due  stipulation  may  be  waived  in  cases  where  the  entity 
considers  it  appropriate,  based  on  reasonable  and  documented  information  that  it  is  appropriate  to  use  a 
longer term. As of December 31, 2018, the Group has not considered periods higher than 90 days for any of 
the significant portfolios. 

  Credit impaired asset 

An  asset  is  credit-impaired  according  to  IFRS  9  if  one  or  more  events  have  occurred  and  they  have  a 
detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the asset. Evidence that a financial asset is credit-
impaired includes observable data about the following events: 

•  Significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower. 

•  A breach of contract (e.g. a default or past due event). 

•  A  lender  having  granted  a  concession  to  the  borrower  –  for  economic  or  contractual  reasons 
relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty – that the lender would not otherwise consider. 

• 

It becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization. 

•  The disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties. 

•  The  purchase  or  origination  of  a  financial  asset  at  a  deep  discount  that  reflects  the  incurred 

credit losses. 

 
P.57 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

It may not be possible to identify a single discrete event. Instead, the combined effect of several events may 
cause financial assets to become credit-impaired. 

The definition of impaired financial assets in the Group is aligned with the definition of default explained in the 
above paragraphs. 

  Significant increase in credit risk  

The  objective  of  the  impairment  requirements  is  to  recognize  lifetime  expected  credit  losses  for  financial 
instruments for which there have been significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition considering 
all reasonable and supportable information, including that which is forward-looking.  

The  model  developed  by  the  Group  for  assessing  the  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  has  a  two-prong 
approach  that  is  applied  globally,  although  the  specific  characteristics  of  each  geographic  area  are 
respected: 

•  Quantitative  criterion:  the  Group  uses  a  quantitative  analysis  based  on  comparing  the  current 
expected probability of default over the life of the transaction with the original adjusted expected 
probability  of  default,  so  that  both  values  are  comparable  in  terms  of  expected  default 
probability  for  their  residual  life.  The  thresholds  used  for  considering  a  significant  increase  in 
risk take into account special cases according to geographic areas and portfolios. Depending on 
how  old  current  financial  assets  are,  at  the  time  implementation  of  the  standard,  some 
simplification  has  been  made  to  compare  the  probabilities  of  default  between  the  current  and 
the original moment, based on the best information available at that moment. 

•  Qualitative  criterion:  most  indicators  for  detecting  significant  risk  increase  are  included  in  the 
Group's systems through rating/scoring systems or macroeconomic scenarios, so quantitative 
analysis covers the majority of circumstances. The Group will use additional qualitative criteria 
when  it  considers  it  necessary  to  include  circumstances  that  are  not  reflected  in  the 
rating/score systems or macroeconomic scenarios used.  

Additionally, instruments under one of the following circumstances are considered Stage 2: 

o  More  than  30  days  past  due.  According  to  IFRS  9,  default  of  more  than  30  days  is  a 
presumption  that  can  be  rebutted  in  those  cases  in  which  the  entity  considers,  based  on 
reasonable  and  documented  information,  that  such  non-payment  does  not  represent  a 
significant increase in risk. As of December 31, 2018, the Group has not considered periods 
superior to 30 days for any of the significant portfolios. 

o  Watch list: They are subject to special watch by the Risks units because they show negative 
signs in their credit quality, even though there may be no objective evidence of impairment. 

o  Refinance or restructuring that does not show evidence of impairment. 

Although the standard introduces a series of operational simplifications  or practical solutions for analyzing 
the increase in significant risk, the Group does not expect to use them as a general rule. However, for high-
quality  assets,  mainly  related  to  certain  government  institutions  and  bodies,  the  standard  allows  for 
considering  that  their  credit  risk  has  not  increased  significantly  because  they  have  a  low  credit  risk  at  the 
presentation date. 

Thus the classification of financial instruments subject to impairment under the new IFRS 9 is as follows: 

  Stage 1– without significant increase in credit risk 

Financial  assets  which  are  not  considered  to  have  significantly  increased  in  credit  risk  have  loss 
allowances measured at an amount equal to 12 months expected credit losses.  

 
P.58 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

  Stage 2– significant increases in credit risk 

When  the  credit  risk  of  a  financial  asset  has  increased  significantly  since  the  initial  recognition,  the 
impairment  losses  of  that  financial  instrument  is  calculated  as  the  expected  credit  loss  during  the 
entire life of the asset. 

  Stage 3 - Impaired 

When  there  is  objective  evidence  that  the  instrument  is  credit  impaired,  the  financial  asset  is 
transferred to this category in which the provision for losses of that financial instrument is calculated 
as the expected credit loss during the entire life of the asset. 

Method for calculating expected loss 

In accordance with IFRS 9, the measurement of expected losses must reflect: 

  A considered and unbiased amount, determined by evaluating a range of possible results. 

  The time value of money. 

  Reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort and that 

reflects current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.  

The  Group  measures  the  expected  losses  both  individually  and  collectively.  The  purpose  of  the  Group's 
individual measurement is to estimate expected losses for significant impaired instruments, or instruments 
classified  in  Stage  2.  In  these  cases,  the  amount  of  credit  losses  is  calculated  as  the  difference  between 
expected discounted cash flows at the effective interest rate of the transaction and the carrying amount of 
the instrument.  

For the collective measurement of expected losses the instruments are grouped into groups of assets based 
on their risk characteristics. Exposure within each group is segmented according to the common credit risk 
characteristics, similar characteristics of the credit risk, indicative of the payment capacity of the borrower in 
accordance with their contractual conditions. These risk characteristics have to be relevant in estimating the 
future  flows  of  each  group.  The  characteristics  of  credit  risk  may  consider,  among  others,  the  following 
factors: 

  Type of instrument. 

  Rating or scoring tools. 

  Credit risk scoring or rating. 

  Type of collateral. 

  Amount of time at default for stage 3. 

  Segment. 

  Qualitative criteria which can have a significant increase in risk. 

Collateral value if it has an impact on the probability of a default event. 

  The estimated losses are derived from the following parameters: 

  PD: estimate of the probability of default in each period. 

  EAD: estimate of the exposure in case of default at each future period, taking into account the 

changes in exposure after the presentation date of the financial statements.  

  LGD:  estimate of the loss in case of default, calculated as the difference between the contractual 

cash flows and receivables, including guarantees.  

 
P.59 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  the  case  of  debt  securities,  the  Group  supervises  the  changes  in  credit  risk  through  monitoring  the 
external published credit ratings. 

To determine whether there is a significant increase in credit risk that is not reflected in the published ratings, 
the  Group  has  also  revised  the  changes  in  bond  yields,  and  when  they  are  available,  the  prices  of  CDS, 
together with the news and regulatory information available on the issuers. 

Use of present, past and future information 

IFRS 9 requires incorporation of present, past and future information to detect any significant increase in risk 
and measure expected loss. 

The standard does not require identification of all possible scenarios for measuring expected loss. However, 
the probability of a loss event occurring and the probability it will not occur will also have to be considered, 
even  though  the  possibility  of  a  loss  may  be  very  small.  Also,  when  there  is  no  linear  relation  between  the 
different  future  economic  scenarios  and  their  associated  expected  losses,  more  than  one  future economic 
scenario must be used for the measurement.  

The  approach  used  by  the  Group  consists  of  using  first  the  most  probable  scenario  (baseline  scenario) 
consistent  with  that  used  in  the  Group's  internal  management  processes,  and  then  applying  an  additional 
adjustment, calculated by considering the weighted average of expected losses in other economic scenarios 
(one more positive and the other more negative). The main macroeconomic variables that are valued in each 
of the scenarios for each of the geographies in which the Group operates are GDP, tax rates, unemployment 
rate and LTV. 

P.60 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
2.4.2  Condensed consolidated opening balance sheet as of January 1, 2018 

Condensed Consolidated balance sheets (Millions of Euros) 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 
Financial assets held for trading 
     Derivatives 

     Equity instruments 

     Debt securities 

     Loans and advances to central banks 

     Loans and advances to credit institutions 

     Loans and advances to customers 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
     Equity instruments 

     Debt securities 

     Loans and advances 
Available for sale financial assets 
Financial assets at amortized cost 
     Debt securities 

     Loans and advances to central banks 

     Loans and advances to credit institutions 

     Loans and advances to customers 
Held to maturity investments 
Hedging derivatives  

Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk 

Joint ventures, associates and unconsolidated subsidiaries 
Insurance and reinsurance assets 
Tangible assets 
Intangible assets  
Tax assets 
Other assets  

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale  

December 
  2017  
IAS 39 

Classification and 
measurement of 
financial 
instruments 

Impairment 

42,680 
64,695 
35,265 

6,801 

22,573 

- 

- 

56 

2,709 

69,476 
431,521 
10,339 

7,300 

26,261 

387,621 
13,754 
2,485 

(25) 

1,588 
421 
7,191 
8,464 
16,888 
4,359 

23,853 

- 
27,159 
- 

48 

- 

245 

14,895 

11,970 

4,451 

(1,690) 
62,107 
2,761 

59,293 

140 
(69,476) 
(8,680) 
19,623 

(245) 

(15,622) 

(12,435) 
(13,754) 
- 

- 

1 
- 
- 
- 
8 
- 

(1) 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
8 
- 

8 

- 
- 
(1,158) 
(3) 

- 

22 

(1,177) 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
400 
- 

(21) 

Opening 
 balance 
sheet  
2018 

42,680 
91,854 
35,265 

6,849 

22,573 

245 

14,895 

12,026 

4,451 

1,019 
62,115 
2,761 

59,301 

140 

421,685 
29,959 

7,055 

10,661 

374,009 

2,485 

(25) 

1,589 
421 
7,191 
8,464 
17,296 
4,359 

23,832 

TOTAL ASSETS 
The  change  registered  in  the  heading  “Financial  assets  held  for  trading”  is  mainly  due  to  financial  assets 
affected by the activity of Global Markets, which are reclassified from "Financial assets at amortized cost". 

690,059 

689,414 

(770) 

125 

The  change  registered 
reclassification to the new heading "Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income". 

in  the  heading  "Available  for  sale  financial  assets"  are  mainly  due  to  the 

The  change  registered 
reclassification to the item "Financial assets held for trading".  

in  the  heading  “Financial  assets  at  amortized  cost” 

is  mainly  due  to  the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.61 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 

Financial liabilities held for trading  
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss  
Financial liabilities at amortized cost  
     Deposits from central banks 

     Deposits from credit institutions 

     Customer Deposits 

     Debt certificates 

     Other financial liabilities 
Hedging derivatives 

Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk 

Liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts  
Provisions 
Tax liabilities  
Share capital repayable on demand 
Other liabilities  

Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 
SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 

Capital 
Share premium 
Equity instruments issued other than capital 
Other equity 
Retained earnings 
Revaluation reserves 
Other reserves 
Less: Treasury shares 
Profit or loss attributable to owners of the parent 
Less: Interim dividends 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
MINORITY INTERESTS (NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST) 
TOTAL EQUITY 
TOTAL EQUITY AND TOTAL LIABILITIES 

December 
  2017  
IAS 39 

Classification and 
measurement of 
financial 
instruments 

Impairment 

46,182 
2,222 
543,713 
37,054 

54,516 

376,379 

63,915 

11,850 
2,880 

(7) 

9,223 
7,477 
3,298 
- 
4,550 

17,197 

636,736 
53,283 
3,267 
23,992 
- 
54 
23,612 
12 
(35) 
(96) 
3,519 
(1,043) 
(6,939) 
6,979 
53,323 
690,059 

34,601 
3,273 
(37,595) 
(3,261) 

(19,381) 

(12,690) 

(2,266) 

1 
(112) 

- 

- 
- 
(24) 
- 
- 

1 

142 
71 
- 
- 
- 
- 
71 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(109) 
21 
(17) 
125 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
125 
17 
- 
- 

(10) 

132 
(923) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(923) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
13 
8 
(902) 
(770) 

Opening 
 balance 
sheet  
2018 

80,783 
5,495 
506,118 
33,793 

35,135 

363,689 

61,649 

11,851 
2,768 

(7) 

9,223 
7,602 
3,291 
- 
4,550 

17,188 

637,010 
52,432 
3,267 
23,992 
- 
54 
22,760 
12 
(35) 
(96) 
3,519 
(1,043) 
(7,036) 
7,008 
52,404 
689,414 

The change registered in the heading “Financial liabilities held for trading” is mainly due to financial liabilities 
affected by the activity of Global Markets, which are reclassified from "Financial liabilities at amortized cost". 

The  change  registered  in  the  heading  “Financial  liabilities  at  amortized  cost”  is  mainly  due  to  the 
reclassification to "Liabilities held for trading". 

3.  BBVA Group 

The  BBVA  Group  is  an  international  diversified  financial  group  with  a  significant  presence  in  retail  banking, 
wholesale banking, asset management and private banking. The Group also operates in other sectors such 
as insurance, real estate, operational leasing, etc. 

The  following  information  is  detailed  in  the  Appendices  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of  the 
Group: 

Appendix  I  shows  relevant  information  related  to  the  consolidated  subsidiaries  and  structured 
entities. 

Appendix  II  shows  relevant  information  related  to  investments  in  subsidiaries,  joint  ventures  and 
associates accounted for using the equity method.  

Appendix III shows the main changes and notification of investments and divestments in the BBVA 
Group. 

Appendix  IV  shows  fully  consolidated  subsidiaries  with  more  than  10%  owned  by  non-Group 
shareholders. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.62 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The following table sets forth information related to the Group’s total assets as of December 31, 2018, 2017 
and 2016, broken down by the Group’s entities according to their activity: 

Contribution to Consolidated Group Total Assets. Entities by Main Activities (Millions of euros) 

Banks and other financial services 

Insurance and pension fund managing companies 

Other non-financial services 

Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

647,164 

659,414 

699,592 

26,732 

2,793 

26,134 

4,511 

26,831 

5,433 

676,689 

690,059 

731,856 

The total assets and results of operations broken down by the geographical areas, in which the BBVA Group 
operates, are included in Note 6. 

The BBVA Group’s activities are mainly located in Spain, Mexico, South America, the United States and 
Turkey, with active presence in other countries, as shown below: 

  Spain 

The Group’s activity in Spain is mainly through  Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  Argentaria, S.A., which is the 
parent  company  of  the  BBVA  Group.  The  Group  also  has  other  entities  that  operate  in  Spain’s 
banking sector, insurance sector, real estate sector, services and as operational leasing entities. 

  México 

The BBVA Group operates in Mexico, not only in the banking sector, but also in the insurance sector 
through Grupo Financiero Bancomer. 

  South America 

The  BBVA  Group’s  activities  in  South  America  are  mainly  focused  on  the  banking,  financial  and 
insurance  sectors,  in  the  following  countries:  Argentina,  Chile,  Colombia,  Peru,  Paraguay,  Uruguay 
and Venezuela. It has a representative office in Sao Paulo (Brazil). 

The Group owns more than 50% of most of the entities based in these countries. Appendix I shows a 
list  of  the  entities  which,  although  less  than  50%  owned  by  the  BBVA  Group  as  of  December  31, 
2018, are consolidated (see Note 2.1). 

  The United States 

The Group’s activity in the United States is mainly carried out through a group of entities with BBVA 
Compass Bancshares, Inc. at their head, as well as, the New York BBVA branch and a representative 
office in Silicon Valley (California). 

  Turkey 

The Group’s activity in Turkey is mainly carried out through the Garanti Group. 

  Rest of Europe 

The  Group’s  activity  in  Europe  is  carried  out  through  banks  and  financial  institutions  in  Ireland, 
Switzerland,  Italy,  Netherlands,  Finland  and  Romania,  branches  in  Germany,  Belgium,  France,  Italy 
Portugal and the United Kingdom, and a representative office in Moscow. 

  Asia-Pacific 

The  Group’s  activity  in  this  region  is  carried  out  through  branches  (in  Taipei,  Tokyo,  Hong  Kong 
Singapore  and  Shanghai)  and  representative  offices  (in  Beijing,  Seoul,  Mumbai,  Abu  Dhabi  and 
Jakarta). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.63 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Main transactions in the Group in 2018 

Divestitures  

Sale of BBVA’s stake in BBVA Chile 

On  November  28,  2017,  BBVA  received  a  binding  offer  (the  “Offer”)  from  The  Bank  of  Nova  Scotia  group 
(“Scotiabank”)  for  the  acquisition  of  BBVA’s  stake  in  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria  Chile,  S.A.  (“BBVA 
Chile”)  as  well  as  in  other  companies  of  the  Group  in  Chile  with  operations  that  are  complementary  to  the 
banking  business  (amongst  them,  BBVA  Seguros  Vida,  S.A.).  BBVA  owned  approximately,  directly  and 
indirectly, 68.19% of BBVA Chile share capital. On December 5, 2017, BBVA accepted the Offer and entered 
into a sale and purchase agreement and the sale was completed on July, 6, 2018.  

The consideration received in cash by BBVA as consequence of the referred sale amounts to, approximately, 
USD  2,200  million.  The  transaction  results  in  a  capital  gain,  net  of  taxes,  of  €633  million,  which  was 
recognized in 2018. 

Agreement for the creation of a joint-venture and transfer of the Real - Estate business in Spain 

On  November  29,  2017,  BBVA  reached  an  agreement  with  a  subsidiary  of  Cerberus  Capital  Management, 
L.P. (“Cerberus”) for the creation of a “joint venture” to which an important part of the real estate business of 
BBVA in Spain is transferred (the “Business”).  

The  Business  comprises:  (i)  foreclosed  real  estate  assets  (the  “REOs”),  with  a  gross  book  value  of 
approximately €13,000 million, taking as starting point the position of the REOs as of June 26, 2017; and (ii) 
the necessary assets and employees to manage the Business in an autonomous manner. For the purpose of 
the agreement with Cerberus, the whole Business was valued at approximately €5,000 million. 

On  October  10,  2018,  after  obtaining  all  required  authorizations,  BBVA  completed  the  transfer  of  the  real 
estate business in Spain. Closing of the transaction has resulted in the sale of 80% of the share capital of the 
company Divarian Propiedad, S.A. to an entity managed by Cerberus. 

Divarian is the company to which the BBVA Group has previously contributed the Business provided that the 
effective transfer of several real estate assets (REO´s) remains subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions 
precedent,  as  stated  in  the  referred  relevant  event.  The  final  price  payable  by  Cerberus  will  be  adjusted 
depending on the volume of REO´s effectively contributed. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  the  transaction  did  not  have  a  significant  impact  on  BBVA  Group’s  attributable 
profit or the Common Equity Tier 1 (fully loaded). 

Main transactions in the Group in 2017 

Investments 

 On February 21, 2017, BBVA Group entered into an agreement for the acquisition from Dogus Holding A.S. 
and  Dogus  Arastirma  Gelistirme  ve  Musavirlik  Hizmetleri  A.S  of  41,790,000,000  shares  of  Turkiye  Garanti 
Bankasi,  A.S.  (“Garanti  Bank”),  amounting  to  9.95%  of  the  total  issued  share  capital  of  Garanti  Bank.  On 
March  22,  2017,  the  sale  and  purchase  agreement  was  completed,  and  therefore  BBVA´s  total  stake  in 
Garanti Bank as of December 31, 2017 amounts to 49.85% (See Note 31). 

 
 
 
P.64 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Main transactions in the Group in 2016 

Mergers 

The BBVA Group, at its Board of Directors meeting held on March 31, 2016, adopted a resolution to begin a 
merger process of BBVA S.A. (absorbing company), Catalunya Banc, S.A., Banco Depositario BBVA, S.A. y 
Unoe Bank, S.A. 

This  transaction  was  part  of  the  corporate  reorganization  of  its  banking  subsidiaries  in  Spain,  was 
successfully completed throughout 2016 and has no impact in the Consolidated Financial Statements both 
from the accounting and the solvency stand points. 

4.  Shareholder remuneration system  

BBVA’s shareholder remuneration policy communicated  in October 2013 established the distribution of an 
annual pay-out of between 35% and 40% of the profits earned in each year and the progressive reduction of 
the remuneration via “Dividend Options”, so that the shareholders’ remuneration would ultimately be fully in 
cash.  As  announced  on  February  1,  2017,  BBVA’s  Board  of  Directors  executed  a  capital  increase  to  be 
charged  to  voluntary  reserves  for  the  instrumentation  of  the  last  “Dividend  Option”,  being  the  subsequent 
shareholders’ remunerations fully in cash, dated March 29, 2017.  

This fully – in - cash shareholders’ remuneration policy would be composed, for each year, of a distribution 
on account of the dividend of such year (expected to be paid in October) and a final dividend (which would be 
paid once the year has ended and the profit allocation has been approved, expected for April), subject to the 
applicable authorizations by the competent governing bodies. 

Shareholder remuneration scheme “Dividend Option” 

During 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Group implemented a shareholder remuneration system 
referred to as ‘‘Dividend Option’’. 

Under such remuneration scheme, BBVA offered its shareholders the possibility to receive all or part of their 
remuneration in the form of newly-issued BBVA ordinary shares, whilst maintaining the possibility for BBVA 
shareholders  to  receive  their  entire  remuneration  in  cash  by  selling  the  rights  of  free  allocation  assigned 
either to BBVA (in execution of the commitment assumed by BBVA to acquire the rights of free allocation at 
a guaranteed fixed price) or by selling the rights of free allocation on the market at the prevailing market price 
at  that  time.  However,  the  execution  of  the  commitment  assumed  by  BBVA  was  only  available  to  whoever 
had  been  originally  assigned  such  rights  of  free  allocation  and  only  in  connection  with  the  rights  of  free 
allocation initially allocated at such time. 

On  March  29,  2017,  BBVA’s  Board  of  Directors  resolved  to  execute  the  capital  increase  to  be  charged  to 
voluntary reserves approved by the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) held on March 17, 2017, under agenda 
item three, to implement a “Dividend Option” this year. As a result of this increase, the Bank’s share capital 
increased  by  €49,622,955.62  through  the  issuance  of  101,271,338  newly-issued  BBVA  ordinary  shares  at 
0.49  euros  par  value,  given  that  83.28%  of  owners  of  the  rights  of  free  allocation  opted  to  receive  newly 
issued BBVA ordinary shares. The remaining 16.72% of the owners of the rights of free allocation exercised 
the commitment assumed by BBVA, and as a result, BBVA acquired 1,097,962,903 rights (at a gross price of 
€0.131 each) for a total amount of €143,833,140.29. This amount is recorded in “Total Equity-Dividends and 
Remuneration” of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 (see Note 26). 

On  September,  28  2016,  BBVA’s  Board  of  Directors  resolved  to  execute  the  second  of  the  share  capital 
increases to be charged to voluntary reserves, as agreed by the AGM held on March 11, 2016. As a result of 

 
 
P.65 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

this  increase,  the  Bank’s  share  capital  increased  by  €42,266,085.33  through  the  issuance  of  86,257,317 
newly-issued BBVA ordinary shares at 0.49 euros par value, given that 87.85% of owners of the rights of free 
allocation opted to receive newly-issued BBVA ordinary shares. The remaining 12.15% of the owners of the 
rights  of  free  allocation  exercised  the  commitment  assumed  by  BBVA,  and  as  a  result,  BBVA  acquired 
787,374,942 rights (at a  gross price of €0.08 each)  for a total amount  of €62,989,995.36. This amount is 
recorded in “Total Equity-Dividends and Remuneration” of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 
31, 2016 (see Note 26). 

On March 31, 2016, BBVA’s Board of Directors resolved to execute the first of the share capital increases to 
be charged to voluntary reserves, as agreed by the AGM held on March 11, 2016 for the implementation of 
the shareholder remuneration system called the “Dividend Option”. As a result  of this increase, the Bank’s 
share capital increased by €55,702,125.43 through the issuance of 113,677,807 newly-issued BBVA ordinary 
shares  at  a  €0.49  par  value,  given  that  82.13%  of  owners  of  the  rights  of  free  allocation  opted  to  receive 
newly-issued  BBVA  ordinary  shares.  The  remaining  17.87%  of  the  owners  of  the  rights  of  free  allocation 
exercised  the  commitment  assumed  by  BBVA,  and  as  a  result,  BBVA  acquired  1,137,500,965  rights  (at  a 
gross price of €0.129 each) for a total amount of €146,737,624.49. This amount is recorded in “Total Equity- 
Dividends and Remuneration” of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 (see Note 26). 

Cash Dividends 

Throughout  2016,  2017  and  2018,  BBVA’s  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  payment  of  the  following 
dividends  (interim  or  final  dividends)  fully  in  cash,  recorded  in  ‘‘Total  Equity-  Interim  Dividends’’  of  the 
consolidated balance sheet of the relevant year: 

  The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on June 22, 2016, approved the payment in cash of €0.08 
(€0.0648  net  of  withholding  tax)  per  BBVA  share  as  the  first  gross  interim  dividend  against  2016 
results. The total amount paid to shareholders on July 11, 2016, after deducting treasury shares held 
by  the  Group's  companies,  amounted  to  €517  million  and  is  recognized  under  the  headings  “Total 
Equity- Interim Dividends” of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. 

  The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on December 21, 2016, approved the payment in cash of 
€0.08  (€0.0648  withholding  tax)  per  BBVA  share,  as  the  second  gross  interim  dividend  against 
2016  results.  The  total  amount  paid  to  shareholders  on  January  12,  2017,  after  deducting  treasury 
shares  held  by  the  Group’s  Companies,  amounted  to  €525  million  and  is  recognized  under  the 
heading  “Total  Equity-  Interim  Dividends”  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  December  31, 
2016. 

  The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on September 27, 2017, approved the payment in cash of 
€0.09 (€0.0729 net of withholding tax) per BBVA share, as the first gross interim dividend against 
2017  results.  The  total  amount  paid  to  shareholders on  October  10,  2017,  after  deducting  treasury 
shares  held  by  the  Group's  companies,  amounted  to  €599  million  and  is  recognized  under  the 
heading  “Total  Equity-  Interim  Dividends”  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  December  31, 
2017. 

  The Annual General Meeting of BBVA held on March 16, 2018 approved, under item 1 of the Agenda, 
the payment of a final dividend for 2017, in addition to other dividends previously paid, in cash for an 
amount  equal  to  €0.15  (€0.1215  net  of  withholding  tax)  per  BBVA  share.  The  total  amount  paid  to 
shareholders  on  April  10,  2018,  after  deducting  treasury  shares  held  by  the  Group’s  companies, 
amounted  €996  million  and  is  recognized  under  heading  “Total  Equity-    Final  Dividends”  of  the 
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.  

  The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on September 26, 2018, approved the payment in cash of 
€0.10 (€0.081 net of withholding tax rate of 19%) per BBVA share, as gross interim dividend based 
on  2018  results.  The  total  amount  paid  to  shareholders  on  October  10,  2018,  after  deducting 
treasury  shares  held  by  the  Group´s  companies,  amounted  €663  million  and  is  recognized  under 

 
 
P.66 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

heading  “Total  Equity-    Interim  Dividends”  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  December  31, 
2018. 

The interim accounting statements prepared in accordance with legal requirements evidencing the existence 
of sufficient liquidity for the distribution of the amounts agreed on September 26, 2018, mentioned above are 
as follows: 

Available Amount for Interim Dividend Payments (Millions of euros) 

0 

August 31, 2018 

Profit  of BBVA, S.A. after the provision for income tax 

Additional Tier I capital instruments remuneration 

Maximum amount distributable 

Amount of proposed interim dividend 

BBVA cash balance available to the date 

Proposal on allocation of earnings for 2018 

2,462 

236 

2,226 

667 

4,577 

The  allocation  of  earnings  for  2018  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Board  of  Directors  at  the  Annual 
Shareholders Meeting is presented below: 

Allocation of Earnings (Millions of euros) 

0 

Profit for year (*) 

Distribution: 

Interim dividends 
Final dividend 
Additional Tier 1 securities 

Voluntary reserves 

(*)  Net Income of BBVA, S.A. (see Appendix IX). 

December 2018 

2,316 

667 
1,067 
313 

269 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.67 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

5.  Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated in accordance with the criteria established by IAS 33. For 
more information see Glossary of terms. 

The calculation of earnings per share is as follows: 

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share 

0 

2018 

2017 

0 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share (millions of euros) 
Profit attributable to parent company 
Adjustment: Additional Tier 1 securities (1) 
Profit adjusted (millions of euros) (A) 
Profit from discontinued operations (net of non-controlling interest) (B) 
Denominator for basic earnings per share (number of shares outstanding) 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (2) 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding x corrective factor (3) 
Adjusted number of shares - Basic earning per share (C) 
Adjusted number of shares - diluted earning per share  (D) 
Earnings per share (*) 
Basic earnings per share from continued operations (Euros per share)A-B/C 
Diluted earnings per share from continued operations (Euros per share)A-B/D 
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations (Euros per share)B/C 
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations (Euros per share)B/D 
(1)  Remuneration in the year related to contingent convertible securities, recognized in equity (see Note 22.4). 

5,324 
(313) 
5,011 
- 
- 
6,668 
6,668 
6,636 
6,636 
0.76 
0.76 
0.76 
- 
- 

0 
3,519 
(301) 
3,218 
- 
- 
6,642 
6,642 
6,642 
6,642 
0.48 
0.48 
0.48 
- 
- 

2016 

0 
3,475 
(260) 
3,215 
- 
- 
6,468 
6,592 
6,592 
6,592 
0.49 
0.49 
0.49 
- 
- 

(2)  Weighted  average  number  of  shares  outstanding  (millions  of  euros),  excluding  weighted  average  of  treasury  shares 

during the period. 

(3)  Corrective factor, due to the capital increase with pre-emptive subscription right, applied for the previous years. 

 (*)    As of December 31, 2018 the weighted average number of shares outstanding was 6,668 million (6,642 and 6,468 million 
as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  respectively)  and  the  adjustment  of  additional  Tier  1 securities amounted  to  €313 
million (€301 and €260 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively). 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  there  were  no  other  financial  instruments  or  share  option 
commitments to employees that could potentially affect the calculation of the diluted earnings per share for 
the years presented. For this reason, basic and diluted earnings per share are the same. 

6.  Operating segment reporting 

Operating segment reporting represents a basic tool in the oversight and management of the BBVA Group’s 
various  activities.  The  BBVA  Group  compiles  reporting  information  on  disaggregated  business  activities. 
These business activities are then aggregated in accordance with the organizational structure determined by 
the BBVA Group and, ultimately, into the reportable operating segments themselves.  

During 2018, there have not been significant changes in the reporting structure of the operating segments of 
the BBVA Group, although its composition is different from the close of 2017, as a result of the agreement of 
the sale of BBVA Chile (see Note 3). This transaction, which has affected South America´s area composition, 
is presented as follows, as well as the other operating segments within the BBVA Group: 

  Banking activity in Spain  

Includes,  as  in  previous  years,  the  Retail  Network  in  Spain,  Corporate  and  Business  Banking  (CBB), 
Corporate  &  Investment  Banking  (CIB),  BBVA  Seguros  and  Asset  Management  units  in  Spain.  It  also 
includes the loans to developers that are granted new or that are no longer in difficult conditions, as well 
as the portfolios, finance and structural interest-rate positions of the euro balance sheet.  

  Non Core Real - Estate 

It  manages  loans  in  Spain  to  developers  who  were  in  difficulty  and  real  estate  assets,  mainly  from 
foreclosed  properties,  both  residential  mortgages  and  developers.  On  November  29,  2017,  the  BBVA 
Group signed a sale agreement with Cerberus for the subsequent sale of 80% of the company created to 

 
P.68 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

a  subsidiary  of  Cerberus  (see  Note  3).  The  effective  transfer  of  some  real  estate  owned  assets  are 
subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions and in the meanwhile, BBVA will continue to manage those 
assets. 

  The United States 

Includes the Group’s business activity in the country through the BBVA Compass Group and the BBVA 
New York branch. 

  Mexico 

Basically  includes  all  the  banking  and  insurance  businesses  carried  out  by  the  Group  in  the  country. 
Since 2018 it has also included the BBVA Bancomer branch in Houston (in previous years located in the 
United  States).  Consequently,  the  figures  from  previous  years  have  been  reworked  to  incorporate  this 
change and show comparable series.  

  Turkey 

Includes the activity of the BBVA Group business in Turkey through Garanti Group.  

  South America 

Includes BBVA’s banking and insurance businesses in the region. On July 6, 2018, the sale of BBVA Chile 
to The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) (see Note 3) was completed which affects the comparability of 
the results, the balance sheet, the activity and the most significant ratios of this business area with prior 
periods. 

  Rest of Eurasia  

Includes business activity in the rest of Europe and Asia, i.e. the Group´s retail and wholesale businesses 
in the area. 

Lastly, the Corporate Center is comprised of the rest of the assets and liabilities that have not been allocated 
to  the  operating  segments,  as  it  corresponds  to  the  Group’s  holding  function.  It  includes:  the  costs  of  the 
head  offices  that  have  a  corporate  function;  management  of  structural  exchange-rate  positions;  specific 
issues of capital instruments to ensure adequate management of the Group’s global solvency; portfolios and 
their  corresponding  results,  whose  management  is  not  linked  to  customer  relations,  such  as  industrial 
holdings;  certain  tax  assets  and  liabilities;  funds  due  to  commitments  with  employees;  goodwill  and  other 
intangibles.  As  of  December  31,  2018,  it  contains  the  20%  stake  of  BBVA  in  Divarian´s  share  capital  (see 
Note 3). 

The breakdown of the BBVA Group’s total assets by operating segments as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016, is as follows: 

Total Assets by Operating Segments (Millions of euros) 

Banking Activity in Spain 
Non Core Real Estate 
United States 
Mexico 
Turkey  
South America 
Rest of Eurasia 

Subtotal Assets by Operating Segments 

Corporate Center  

Total Assets BBVA Group 

2018 

2017 (1) 

2016 (1) 

335,294 
4,163 
82,057 
96,455 
66,250 
52,385 
18,000 

654,605 

22,084 

676,689 

319,417 
9,714 
75,775 
94,061 
78,694 
74,636 
17,265 

669,562 

20,497 

690,059 

335,847 
13,713 
88,902 
93,318 
84,866 
77,918 
19,106 

713,670 

18,186 

731,856 

(1) 

The figures corresponding to 2017 and 2016 have been restated (see Note 1.3). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.69 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The attributable profit and main earning figures in the consolidated income statements for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 by operating segments are as follows: 

Main Margins and Profits by Operating Segments (Millions of euros) 

Operating 
Segments 

BBVA 
Group 

Spain 

Non Core 
Real Estate 

United 
States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South 
America 

Rest of 
Eurasia 

Corporate 
Center 

2018 

Notes 

Net interest income 

Gross income 

17,591 

3,672 

23,747 

5,943 

Operating profit /(loss) before tax 

7,580 

2,017 

Profit 

2017 (1) 

55.2 

5,324 

1,522 

Net interest income 
Gross income 
Operating profit /(loss) before tax 
Profit 

17,758 
25,270 
6,931 
3,519 

3,738 
6,180 
1,854 
1,374 

55.2 

2016 (1) 

Net interest income 

Gross income 

17,059 

3,877 

24,653 

6,416 

Operating profit /(loss) before tax 

6,392 

1,268 

Profit 

55.2 

3,475 

905 

32 

38 

(129) 

(78) 

71 
(17) 
(656) 
(490) 

60 

(6) 

(743) 

(595) 

2,276 

5,568 

3,135 

3,009 

2,989 

7,193 

3,901 

3,701 

919 

735 

3,294 

2,384 

1,448 

1,307 

569 

591 

2,119 
2,876 
748 
486 

5,476 
7,122 
2,984 
2,187 

3,331 
4,115 
2,147 
826 

3,200 
4,451 
1,691 
861 

1,953 

5,126 

3,404 

2,930 

2,706 

6,766 

4,257 

4,054 

612 

459 

2,678 

1,980 

1,906 

1,552 

599 

771 

175 

415 

144 

93 

180 
468 
177 
125 

166 

491 

203 

151 

(276) 

(432) 

(1,420) 

(494) 

(357) 
73 
(2,013) 
(1,848) 

(455) 

(31) 

(1,084) 

(794) 

(1) 

The figures corresponding to 2017 and 2016 have been restated (see Note 1.3). 

The accompanying Consolidated Management Report presents the consolidated income statements and the 
balance sheets by operating segments. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.70 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.  Risk management 

7.1 

General risk management and control model ........................................................................................ 71 

7.1.1             Governance and organization......................................................................................................... 71 

7.1.2             Risk Appetite Framework .............................................................................................................. 75 

7.1.3             Decisions and processes ............................................................................................................... 77 

7.1.4 

Assessment, monitoring and reporting......................................................................................... 78 

7.1.5           Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................... 79 

7.1.6           Risk culture ...................................................................................................................................... 80 

7.2 

7.3 

Risk factors .............................................................................................................................................. 80 

Credit risk ................................................................................................................................................. 82 

7.3.1 

Measurement Expected Credit Loss (ECL) .................................................................................. 83 

7.3.2 

Credit risk exposure ........................................................................................................................ 85 

7.3.3 

Mitigation of credit risk, collateralized credit risk and other credit enhancements ................... 90 

7.3.4 

Credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired ....................................91 

7.3.5 

Past due but not impaired and impaired secured loans risks ..................................................... 93 

7.3.6 

Impairment losses.......................................................................................................................... 101 

7.3.7 

Refinancing and restructuring operations .................................................................................. 107 

7.4 

Market risk ............................................................................................................................................. 109 

7.4.1 

Market risk trading portfolios ....................................................................................................... 109 

7.4.2           Structural risk ................................................................................................................................. 114 

7.4.3           Financial Instruments offset ......................................................................................................... 117 

7.5 

Liquidity risk ........................................................................................................................................... 120 

7.5.1 

Liquidity risk management ........................................................................................................... 120 

7.5.2 

Asset encumbrance ...................................................................................................................... 128 

7.6 

7.7 

Operational Risk .................................................................................................................................... 130 

Risk concentration ................................................................................................................................ 133 

 
 
 
 
P.71 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.1  General risk management and control model 

The BBVA Group has an overall risk management and control model (hereinafter 'the model') tailored to its 
business model, its organization and the geographies in which it operates, This model allows BBVA Group to 
develop its activity in accordance with the risk strategy and risk controls and management policies defined 
by  the  governing  bodies  of  the  Bank  and  to  adapt  to  a  changing  economic  and  regulatory  environment, 
tackling  risk  management  globally  and  adapted  to  the  circumstances  at  all  times.  The  model  establishes a 
system of appropriate risk management regarding risk profile and strategy of the Group. 

This model is applied comprehensively in the Group and consists of the basic elements listed below: 

  Governance and organization.  

  Risk Appetite Framework. 

  Decisions and processes. 

  Assessment, monitoring and reporting. 

Infrastructure.  

The  Group  promotes  the  development  of  a  risk  culture  that  ensures  consistent  application  of  the  risk 
management and control model in the Group, and that guarantees that the risk function is understood and 
assimilated at all levels of the organization. 

7.1.1 Governance and organization 

BBVA Group´s risk governance model is characterized by a special involvement of its corporate bodies, both 
in setting the risk strategy and in the ongoing monitoring and supervision of its implementation. 

Thus, as developed below, the corporate bodies are the ones that approve this risk strategy and corporate 
policies  for  the  different  types  of  risk.  The  risk  function  is  responsible  at  management  level  for  their 
implementation and development, and reporting to the governing bodies. 

The  responsibility  for  the  daily  management  of  the  risks  lies  on  the  businesses  which  abide  in  the 
development of their activity to meet the policies, rules, procedures, infrastructures and controls, which are 
defined by the function risk on the basis of the framework set by the governing bodies. 

To perform this task properly, the risk function in the BBVA Group is configured as a single, global function 
with an independent role from commercial areas. 

Corporate bodies 

The  BBVA  Board  of  Directors  (hereinafter  also  referred  to  as  "the  Board")  approves  the  risk  strategy  and 
oversees  the  internal  management  and  control  systems.  Specifically,  in  relation  to  the  risk  strategy,  the 
Board approves the Group's risk appetite statement, the core metrics (and their statements) and the main 
metrics by type of risk, as well as the general risk management and control model. 

The Board of Directors is also responsible for approving and monitoring the strategic and business plan, the 
annual budget and management goals, as well as the investment and funding policy, in a consistent way and 
in  line  with  the  approved  Risk  Appetite  Framework.  For  this  reason,  the  processes  for  defining  the  Risk 
Appetite Framework proposals and the strategic and budgetary planning at Group level are coordinated by 
the executive areas for submission to the Board. 

 
 
 
 
P.72 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

With  the  aim  of  ensuring  integration  of  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  into  management,  on  the  basis 
established  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  the  Executive  Committee  approves  the  metrics  by  type  of  risk  in 
relation to profitability and income recurrence and the Group's basic structure of limits by geographical area, 
risk  type,  asset  type  and  portfolio  level.  This  committee  also  approves  specific  corporate  policies  for  each 
type of risk.  

Lastly,  the  Board  has  set  up  a  Board  committee  specialized  in  risks,  the  Risk  Committee,  that  assists  the 
Board and the Executive Committee in determining the Group's risk strategy and the risk limits and policies, 
respectively,  analyzing  and  assessing  beforehand  the  proposals  submitted  to  those  bodies.  The  Board  of 
Directors has the exclusive authority to amend the Group’s risk strategy and its elements, including the Risk 
Appetite  Framework  metrics  within  its  scope  of  decision,  while  the  Executive  Committee  is  responsible  for 
amending  the  metrics  by  type  of  risk  within  its  scope  of  decision  and  the  Group's  basic  structure  of  limits 
(core  limits),  when  applicable.  In  both  cases,  the  amendments  follow  the  same  decision-making  process 
described above, so the proposals for amendment are submitted by the executive area (Chief Risk Officer, 
“CRO”)  and  analyzed  by  the  Risk  Committee,  for  later  submission  to  the  Board  of  Directors  or  to  the 
Executive Committee, as appropriate. 

Moreover, the Risk Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board itself conduct adequate monitoring 
of the risk strategy implementation and of the Group's risk profile. The risk function regularly reports on the 
development of the Group's Risk Appetite Framework metrics to the Board and to the Executive Committee, 
after  the  analysis  by  the  Risk  Committee,  whose  role  in  this  monitoring  and  control  work  is  particularly 
relevant. 

Risk Function: CRO. Organizational structure and committees 

The  head  of  the  risk  function  at  executive  level  is  the  Group’s  CRO,  who  carries  out  his  functions 
independently and with the necessary authority, rank, experience, knowledge and resources. He is appointed 
by the Board as a member of its senior management and has direct access to its corporate bodies (Board, 
Executive Standing Committee and Risk Committee), to whom he reports regularly on the status of risks in 
the Group.  

The CRO is supported in the exercise of his functions by a structure consisting of cross-sectional risk units in 
the corporate area and the specific risk units in the geographical and/or business areas of the Group. Each of 
the  latter  units  is  headed  by  a  Chief  Risk  Officer  for  the  geographical  and/or  business  area  who,  within 
his/her  area  of  responsibility,  carries  out  risk  management  and  control  functions  and  is  responsible  for 
applying the corporate policies and rules approved  at Group level in a consistent manner, adapting them if 
necessary to local requirements and reporting to the local corporate bodies.  

The Chief Risk Officers of the geographical and/or business areas report both to the Group's CRO and to the 
head of their geographical and/or business area. The aim of this dual reporting system is to ensure that the 
local  risk  management  function  is  independent  from  the  operating  functions  and  enable  its  alignment  with 
the Group's corporate risk policies and goals. 

 As  explained  above,  the  risk  management  function  consists  of  risk  units  from  the  corporate  area,  which 
carry out cross-sectional functions, and risk units from the geographical and/or business areas.  

  The corporate area's risk units develop and submit to the Group CRO the proposal for the Group's 
Risk  Appetite  Framework,  the  corporate  policies,  rules  and  global  procedures  and  infrastructures 
within  the  framework  approved  by  the  corporate  bodies;  they  ensure  their  application  and  report 
either directly or through the CRO to the Bank's corporate bodies. Their functions include: 

•  Management  of  the  different  types  of  risks  at  Group  level  in  accordance  with  the  strategy 

defined by the corporate bodies.  

•  Risk planning aligned with the risk appetite framework principles defined by the Group. 

 
P.73 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

•  Monitoring  and  control  of  the  Group's  risk  profile  in  relation  to  the  risk  appetite  framework 
approved by the Bank's corporate bodies, providing accurate and reliable information with the 
required frequency and in the necessary format. 

•  Prospective analyses to enable an evaluation of compliance with the risk appetite framework in 

stress scenarios and the analysis of risk mitigation mechanisms.  

•  Management of the technological and methodological developments required for implementing 

the Model in the Group. 

•  Design  of  the  Group's  Internal  Control  model  and  definition  of  the  methodology,  corporate 
criteria  and  procedures  for  identifying  and  prioritizing  the  risk  inherent  in  each  unit's  activities 
and processes. 

•  Validation  of  the  models  used  and  the  results  obtained  by  them  in  order  to  verify  their 

adaptation to the different uses to which they are applied. 

  The risk units in the business units develop and present to the Chief Risk Officer of the geographical 
and/or business area the risk appetite framework proposal applicable in each geographical and/or 
business  area,  independently  and  always  within  the  Group's  strategy/Risk  Appetite  Framework. 
They  also  ensure  that  the  corporate  policies  and  rules  are  approved  and  applied  consistently  at  a 
Group  level,  adapting  them  if  necessary  to  local  requirements;  that  they  are  provided  with 
appropriate  infrastructures  for  management  and  control  of  their  risks,  within  the  global  risk 
infrastructure  framework  defined  by  the  corporate  areas;  and  that  they  report  to  their  corporate 
bodies and/or to senior management, as appropriate. 

The local risk units thus work with the corporate area risk units in order to adapt to the risk strategy at Group 
level and share all the information necessary for monitoring the development of their risks.  

The  risk  function  has  a  decision-making  process  to  perform  its  functions,  underpinned  by  a  structure  of 
committees, where the Global Risk Management Committee (GRMC) acts as the top-level committee within 
the  risk  function.  It  proposes,  examines  and,  where  applicable,  approves,  among  others,  the  internal  risk 
regulatory  framework  and  the  procedures  and  infrastructures  needed  to  identify,  assess,  measure  and 
manage the material risks faced by the Group in carrying out its business, and the determination of risk limits 
by portfolio. The members of this Committee are the Group's CRO, the Heads of the main Areas of the GRM 
Front, the Heads of GRM Corporate Discipline Units and the Head of Risk Management Group of GRM.  

The GRMC carries out its functions assisted by various support committees which include:  

  Global  Credit  Risk  Management  Committee:  It  is  responsible  for  analyzing  and  decision-making 

related to wholesale credit risk admission. 

  Wholesale  Credit  Risk  Management  Committee:  its  purpose  is  the  analysis  and  decision-making 
regarding the admission of wholesale credit risk of certain customer segments of the BBVA Group. 

  Work  Out  Committee:  its  purpose  is  to  be  informed  about  decisions  taken  under  the  delegation 
framework regarding risk proposals concerning clients on Watch List and clients classified as NPL of 
certain customer segments of the BBVA Group, as well the sanction of proposals regarding entries, 
exits  and  changes  of  Watch  List,  entries  and  exits  in  non-performing  unlikely  to  pay  and  turns  to 
written off. 

  Asset Allocation Committee: The executive authority responsible for analyzing and deciding on credit 
risk issues  related to processes aimed at achieving a portfolios combination and composition that, 
under the restrictions imposed by the Risk Appetite framework, allows to maximize the risk adjusted 
return on equity. 

 
P.74 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

  Risk Models Management Committee: It ensures an appropriate decision-making process regarding 
the planning, development, implementation, use, validation and monitoring of the  models required 
to achieve an appropriate management of the Model Risk in  the BBVA Group. 

  Global  Markets  Risk  Unit  Global  Committee:  It  is  responsible  for  formalizing,  supervising  and 
communicating the monitoring of trading desk risk in all the Global Markets business units, as well as 
coordinating  and  approving  GMRU  key  decisions  activity,  and  developing  and  proposing  to  GRMC 
the corporate regulation of the unit.  

  Operational  Risk  and  Product  Governance  Corporate  Admission  Committee:  It  identifies,  analyzes 
and  assesses  the  operational  risks  associated  initiatives  related  with  new  business,  products  or 
services,  outsourcing,  process  transformation  and  new  systems,  prior  to  its  launch.  As  well,  it  will 
verify that Product Governance normative requirements are met and will decide about the insurance 
scheme (global policies).  

  Retail  Credit  Risk  Committee:  It  ensures  for  the  analysis,  discussion  and  decision  support  on  all 
issues  regarding  the  retail  credit  risk  management  that  impact  or  potentially  do  in  the  practices, 
processes and corporate metrics established in the Policies, Rules and Operating Frameworks. 

  Asset  Management  Global  Risk  Steering  Committee:  its  purpose  is  to  develop  and  coordinate  the 
strategies,  policies,  procedures,  and  infrastructure  necessary  to  identify,  assess,  measure  and 
manage  the  material  risks  facing  the  bank  in  the  operation  of  businesses  linked  to  BBVA  Asset 
Management. 

  Global  Insurance  Risk  Committee:  its  purpose  is  to  guarantee  and  promote  the  alignment  and  the 
communication between all the Insurance Risk Units in the BBVA Group. It will do this by promoting 
the application of standardized principles, policies, tools and risk metrics in the different regions with 
the aim of maintaining proper integration of insurance risk management in the Group. 

  COPOR:  its  purpose  is  to  analyze  and  make  decision  in  relation  to  the  operations  of  the  various 

geographies in which Global Markets is present. 

Each  geographical  and/or  business  area  has  its  own  risk  management  committee  (or  committees),  with 
objectives and contents similar to those of the corporate area, which perform their duties consistently and in 
line with corporate risk policies and rules, whose decisions are reflected in the corresponding minutes.  

Under  this  organizational  scheme,  the  risk  management  function  ensures  that  the  risk  strategy,  the 
regulatory framework, and standardized risk infrastructures and controls are integrated and applied across 
the  entire  Group.  It  also  benefits  from  the  knowledge  and  proximity  to  customers  in  each  geographical 
and/or business area, and transmits the corporate risk culture to the Group's different levels. Moreover, this 
organization enables the risks function to conduct and report to the corporate bodies integrated monitoring 
and control of the entire Group's risks. 

Internal Risk Control and Internal Validation 

The Group has a specific Internal Risk Control unit. Its main function is to ensure that there is an adequate 
internal regulatory framework, a process and measures defined for each type of risk identified in the Group 
(and  for  those  other  types  of  risk  that  may  potentially  affect  the  Group).  It  controls  their  application  and 
operation, as well as ensuring integration  of the risk  strategy into  the Group's management.  In this regard, 
the  Internal  Risk  Control  unit  verifies  the  performance  of  their  duties  by  the  units  that  develop  the  risk 
models, manage the processes and execute the controls. Its scope of action is global, from the geographical 
point of view and the type of risks.  

The  Group's  Head  of  Internal  Risk  Control  is  responsible  for  the  function  and  reports  on  its  activities  and 
informs of its work plans to the CRO and to the Board's Risks Committee, assisting it in any matters where 
requested.  For  these  purposes  the  Internal  Risk  Control  department  has  a  Technical  Secretary's  Office, 
which offers the Committee the technical support it needs to better perform its duties.  

 
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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In addition, the Group has an Internal Validation unit, which reviews the performance of its duties by the units 
that  develop  the  risk  models  and  of  those  that  use  them  in  management.  Its  functions  include  review  and 
independent validation at internal level of the models used for management and control of risks in the Group. 

7.1.2 Risk Appetite Framework 

The  Group's  Risk  Appetite  Framework,  approved  by  the  corporate  bodies,  determines  the  risks  (and  their 
level) that the Group is willing to assume to achieve its business objectives considering an organic evolution 
of  its  business.  These  are expressed  in  terms  of  solvency,  profitability  and  liquidity  and  funding,  which  are 
reviewed  periodically  as  well  as  in  case  of  material  changes  to  the  entity’s  business  or  relevant  corporate 
transactions. The definition of the risk appetite has the following goals: 

  To express the maximum levels of risk it is willing to assume, at both Group and geographical and/or 

business area level. 

  To  establish  a  set  of  guidelines  for  action  and  a  management  framework  for  the  medium  and  long 
term that prevent actions from being taken (at both Group and geographical and/or business area 
level) that could compromise the future viability of the Group. 

  To  establish  a  framework  for  relations  with  the  geographical  and/or  business  areas  that,  while 
preserving  their  decision-making  autonomy,  ensures  they  act  consistently,  avoiding  uneven 
behavior. 

  To  establish  a  common  language  throughout  the  organization  and  develop  a  compliance-oriented 

risk culture. 

  Alignment  with  the  new  regulatory  requirements,  facilitating  communication  with  regulators, 
investors and other stakeholders, thanks to an integrated and stable risk management framework. 

Risk appetite framework is expressed through the following elements: 

Risk Appetite Statement 

It sets out the general principles of the Group's risk strategy and the target risk profile. The 2018 Group’s Risk 
appetite statement is as follows: 

BBVA  Group's  Risk  Policy  is  aimed  to  promote  a  multichannel  and  responsible  universal  banking  model, 
based on principles, targeting sustainable growth, risk adjusted profitability and recurrent value creation. To 
achieve  these  objectives,  the  Risk  Management  Model  is  oriented  to  maintain  a  moderate  risk  profile  that 
allows  the  Group  to  keep  strong  financial  fundamentals  in  adverse  environments  preserving  our  strategic 
goals,  maintaining  a  prudent  management,  an  integral  view  of  risks,  and  a  portfolio  diversification  by 
geography, asset class and client segment, focusing on keeping a long term relationship with our customers. 

Core metrics  

Based on the risk appetite statement, statements are established to set down the general risk management 
principles in terms of solvency, liquidity and funding, profitability and income recurrence. 

  Solvency:  a  sound  capital  position,  maintaining  resilient  capital  buffer  from  regulatory  and  internal 
requirements that supports the regular development of banking activity even under stress situations. 
As  a  result,  BBVA  proactively  manages  its  capital  position,  which  is  tested  under  different  stress 
scenarios from a regular basis. 

Liquidity and funding: A sound balance-sheet structure to sustain the business model. Maintenance 
of an adequate volume of stable resources, a diversified wholesale funding structure, which limits the 
weight of short term funding and ensures the access to the different funding markets, optimizing the 

 
 
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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

costs and preserving a cushion of liquid assets to overcome a liquidity survival period under stress 
scenarios. 

  Profitability and income recurrence: A sound margin-generation capacity supported  by a recurrent 
business  model  based  on  the  diversification  of  assets,  a  stable  funding  and  a  customer  focus; 
combined  with  a  moderate  risk  profile  that  limits  the  credit  losses  even  under  stress  situations;  all 
focused on allowing income stability and maximizing the risk-adjusted profitability. 

The  core  metrics  define,  in  quantitative  terms,  the  principles  and  the  target  risk  profile  set  out  in  the  risk 
appetite statement and are in line with the strategy of the Group. Each metric has three thresholds (traffic-
light approach) ranging from a standard business management to higher deterioration levels: Management 
reference, Maximum appetite and Maximum capacity. The 2018 Group’s Core metrics are: 

Solvency

Liquidity and 
Funding

Profitability and 
Income
Recurrence

Métrica

Economic Solvency

Regulatory Solvency: CET1 Fully Loaded

Loan to Stable Customer Deposits (LtSCD)

Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)

Operating Income / Average Total Assets

Cost of Risk

Return on Equity (ROE)

By type of risk metrics  

Based  on  the  core  metrics,  statements  are  established  for  each  type  of  risk  reflecting  the  main  principles 
governing  the  management  of  that  risk  and  several  metrics  are  calibrated,  compliance  with  which  enables 
compliance with the core metrics and the risk appetite statement of the Group. The metrics by type of risk 
have a maximum appetite threshold. 

Basic limits structure (core limits)  

The  purpose  of  the  basic  limits  structure  or  core  limits  is  to  shape  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  at 
geographical  area  risk  type,  asset  type  and  portfolio  level,  ensuring  that  the  management  of  risks  on  an 
ongoing basis is within the thresholds set forth for by type of risk. 

In addition to this framework, there’s a level of management limits that is defined and managed by the risk 
function  developing  the  core  limits,  in  order  to  ensure  that  the  anticipatory  management  of  risks  by 
subcategories  or  by  subportfolios  complies  with  that  core  limits  and,  in  general,  with  the  Risk  Appetite 
Framework. 

 
 
 
 
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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The following graphic summarizes the structure of BBVA’s Risk Appetite Framework: 

The  corporate  risk  area  works  with  the  various  geographical  and/or  business  areas  to  define  their  risk 
appetite  framework,  which  will  be  coordinated  with  and  integrated  into  the  Group's  risk  appetite  to  ensure 
that its profile fits as defined. 

The  Risk  Appetite  Framework  is  integrated  into  the  management  and  the  processes  for  defining  the  Risk 
Appetite Framework proposals and strategic and budgetary planning at Group level are coordinates. 

As  explained  above,  the  core  metrics  of  BBVA  Risk  Appetite  Framework  measure  Groups  performance  in 
terms  of  solvency,  liquidity  and  funding,  profitability  and  income  recurrence;  most  of  the  core  metrics  are 
accounting  related  or  regulatory  metrics  which  are  published  regularly  to  the  market  in  the  BBVA  Group 
annual report and in the quarterly financial reports. During 2018, the Group risk profile evolved in line with the 
Risk Appetite metrics. 

7.1.3 Decisions and processes 

The transfer of risk appetite framework to ordinary management is supported by three basic aspects: 

  A standardized set of regulations. 

  Risk planning. 

  Comprehensive management of risks over their life cycle. 

Standardized regulatory framework 

The corporate risk area is responsible for the definition and proposal of the corporate policies, specific rules, 
procedures and schemes of delegation based on which risk decisions should be taken within the Group. 

This process aims for the following objectives:  

  Hierarchy and structure: well-structured information  through a clear and simple hierarchy creating 

relations between documents that depend on each other. 

  Simplicity: an appropriate and sufficient number of documents. 

  Standardization: a standardized name and content of document. 

  Accessibility:  ability  to  search  for,  and  easy  access  to,  documentation  through  the  corporate  risk 

management library. 

The  approval  of  corporate  policies  for  all  types  of  risks  is  the  responsibility  of  the  corporate  bodies  of  the 
Bank, while the corporate risk area endorses the remaining regulations. 

 
 
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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Risk units of geographical and / or business areas comply with this set of regulations and, where necessary, 
adapt it to local requirements for the purpose of having a decision process that is appropriate at local level 
and  aligned  with  the  Group  policies.  If  such  adaptation  is  necessary,  the  local  risk  area  must  inform  the 
corporate  area  of  GRM,  who  must  ensure  the  consistency  of  the  regulatory  body  at  the  Group  level  and, 
therefore, if necessary, give prior approval to the modifications proposed by the local risk areas. 

Risk planning 

Risk  planning  ensures  that  the  risk  appetite  framework  is  integrated  into  management  through  a  cascade 
process  for  establishing  limits  and  profitability  adjusted  to  the  risk  profile,  in  which  the  function  of  the 
corporate area risk units and  the geographical and/or business areas is to guarantee the alignment of  this 
process  with  the  Group's  Risk  Appetite  Framework  in  terms  of  solvency,  liquidity  and  funding,  profitability 
and income recurrence. 

There are tools in place that allow the Risk Appetite Framework defined at aggregate level to be assigned and 
monitored  by  business  areas,  legal  entities,  types  of  risk,  concentrations  and  any  other  level  considered 
necessary.  

The  risk  planning  process  is  aligned  and  taken  into  consideration  within  the  rest  of  the  Group's  planning 
framework so as to ensure consistency.  

Comprehensive management 

All risks must be managed comprehensively during their life cycle, and be treated differently depending on 
the type.  

The risk management cycle is composed of five elements: 

Planning: with the aim of ensuring that the Group's activities are consistent with the target risk profile 
and guaranteeing solvency in the development of the strategy. 

Assessment: a process focused on identifying all the risks inherent to the activities carried out by the 
Group. 

Formalization: includes the risk origination, approval and formalization stages. 

Monitoring and reporting: continuous and structured monitoring of risks and preparation of reports 
for internal and/or external (market, investors, etc.) consumption.  

Active portfolio management: focused on identifying business opportunities in existing portfolios and 
new markets, businesses and products. 

7.1.4 

Assessment, monitoring and reporting 

Assessment, monitoring and reporting is a cross-cutting element that ensure the Model has a dynamic and 
proactive  vision  to  enable  compliance  with  the  risk  appetite  framework  approved  by  the  corporate  bodies, 
even in adverse scenarios. The materialization of this process has the following objectives: 

Assess compliance with the risk appetite framework at the present time, through monitoring of the 
core metrics, metrics by type of risk and the basic structure of limits.  

Assess compliance with the risk appetite framework in the future, through the projection of the risk 
appetite  framework  variables,  in  both  a  baseline  scenario  determined  by  the  budget  and  a  risk 
scenario determined by the stress tests. 

Identify and assess  the risk factors and scenarios  that could compromise compliance with the risk 
appetite  framework,  through  the  development  of  a  risk  repository  and  an  analysis  of  the  impact  of 
those risks. 

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Act  to  mitigate  the  impact  in  the  Group  of  the  identified  risk  factors  and  scenarios,  ensuring  this 
impact remains within the target risk profile. 

Supervise  the  key  variables  that  are  not  a  direct  part  of  the  risk  appetite  framework,  but  that 
condition its compliance. These can be either external or internal. 

This process is integrated in the activity of the risk units, both of the corporate area and in the business units, 
and it is carried out during the following phases: 

Identification  of  the  risk  factors  that  can  compromise  the  performance  of  the  Group  or  of  the 
geographical and/or business areas in relation to the defined risk thresholds. 

Assessment of the impact of the materialization of the risk factors on the metrics that define the Risk 
Appetite Framework based on different scenarios, including stress scenarios. 

Response to unwanted situations and proposals for readjustment to enable a dynamic management 
of the situation, even before it takes place. 

Monitoring of the Group's risk profile and of the identified risk factors, through internal, competitor 
and market indicators, among others, to anticipate their future development.  

Reporting:  Complete and reliable information on the  development of  risks for the corporate bodies 
and  senior  management,  with  the  frequency  and  completeness  appropriate  to  the  nature, 
significance and complexity of the reported risks. The principle of transparency governs al reporting 
of risk information. 

7.1.5 Infrastructure 

The infrastructure is an element that must ensure that the Group has the human and technological resources 
needed for effective management and supervision of risks in order to carry out the functions set out in the 
Group's risk Model and the achievement of their objectives. 

With respect to human resources, the Group risk function has an adequate workforce, in terms of number, 
skills, knowledge and experience. 

With  regards  to  technology,  the  Group  risk  function  ensures  the  integrity  of  management  information 
systems  and  the  provision  of  the  infrastructure  needed  for  supporting  risk  management,  including  tools 
appropriate  to  the  needs  arising  from  the  different  types  of  risks  for  their  admission,  management, 
assessment and monitoring.  

The principles that govern the Group risk technology are: 

Standardization:  the  criteria  are  consistent  across  the  Group,  thus  ensuring  that  risk  handling  is 
standardized at geographical and/or business area level. 

Integration  in  management:  the  tools  incorporate  the  corporate  risk  policies  and  are  applied  in  the 
Group's day-to-day management. 

Automation of the main processes making up the risk management cycle. 

Appropriateness: provision of adequate information at the right time. 

Through  the  “Risk  Analytics”  function,  the  Group  has  a  corporate  framework  in  place  for  developing  the 
measurement techniques and models. It covers all the types of risks and the different purposes and uses a 
standard  language  for  all  the  activities  and  geographical/business  areas  and  decentralized  execution  to 
make  the  most  of  the  Group's  global  reach.  The  aim  is  to  continually  evolve  the  existing  risk  models  and 
generate  others  that  cover  the  new  areas  of  the  businesses  that  develop  them,  so  as  to  reinforce  the 
anticipation and proactiveness that characterize the Group's risk function. 

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Also the risk units of geographical and / or business areas have sufficient means from the point  of view  of 
resources, structures and tools to develop a risk management in line with the corporate model. 

7.1.6 Risk culture 

The BBVA Group promotes the development of a risk culture based on the observance and understanding of 
values,  attitudes,  and  behaviors  that  allow  the  compliance  with  the  regulations  and  frameworks  that 
contribute to an appropriate risk management. 

At  BBVA  the  Risk  Governance  Model  is  characterized  by  a  special  involvement  of  social  bodies,  as  they 
define the risk culture that permeates the rest of the organization and has the following main elements: 

Our  Purpose  which  defines  our  reason  to  be  and  with  our  values  and  behaviors  guide  the 
performance of our organization and the people who are part of it. 

The Risk Appetite Framework which determines the risks and levels of risks that the Group is willing 
to assume in order to fulfill its goals. 

The Code of Conduct establishes the behavior guidelines that we must follow to adjust our behavior 
to the BBVA values. 

The Risk Culture at BBVA is based on these levers: 

Communication:  The  BBVA  Group  promotes  the  dissemination  of  the  principles  and  values  that 
should govern the conduct and risk management in a comprehensive and consistent manner. To do 
this,  the  most  appropriate  channels  of  communication  are  used,  to  allow  for  the  Risk  culture  to  be 
integrated into the business activities at all levels of the organization. 

Training: The BBVA Group favors the understanding of the values, risk management model, and the 
code of conduct in all scenarios, ensuring standards in skills and knowledge. 

Motivation:  The  BBVA  Group  aims  to  define  incentives  for  BBVA  employees  that  support  the  risk 
culture  at  all  levels.  Among  these  incentives,  the  role  of  the  Compensation  policy  and  incentive 
programs  stand  out,  as  well  as  implementation  of  risk  culture  control  mechanisms,  including  the 
complaint channels and the disciplinary committees. 

Monitoring:  The  BBVA  Group  pursues  at  the  highest  levels  of  the  organization  a  continuous 
evaluation  and  monitoring  of  the  risk  culture  to  guarantee  its  implementation  and  identification  of 
areas for improvement. 

7.2  Risk factors 

As mentioned earlier, BBVA has processes in place for identifying risks and analyzing scenarios that enable 
the Group to manage risks in a dynamic and proactive way. 

The risk identification processes are forward looking to ensure the identification of emerging risks and take 
into  account  the  concerns  of  both  the  business  areas,  which  are  close  to  the  reality  of  the  different 
geographical areas, and the corporate areas and senior management.  

Risks are captured  and measured consistently using the methodologies deemed appropriate  in each case. 
Their  measurement  includes  the  design  and  application  of  scenario  analyses  and  stress  testing  and 
considers the controls to which the risks are subjected. 

As part  of this process, a forward projection  of the risk appetite framework variables in stress  scenarios is 
conducted in order to identify possible deviations from the established thresholds. If any such deviations are 
detected, appropriate measures are taken to keep the variables within the target risk profile. 

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Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

To  this  extent,  there  are  a  number  of  emerging  risks  that  could  affect  the  Group’s  business  trends.  These 
risks are described in the following main sections: 

Macroeconomic and geopolitical risks 

Global  economic  growth  maintained  robust  in  2018  even  if  it  slowed  down  more  than  expected 
during  the  second  half  of  the  year  as  a  result  of  the  worse  development  of  the  trade  and  the 
industrial  sector  as  well  as  the  strong  increase  in  financial  tensions,  especially  in  developed 
economies due to the rise of uncertainties. To the worse economic development in Europe and in 
China,  it  has  to  be  added  the  downturn  in  Asian  countries  and  the  deterioration  in  the  expansive 
cycle  of  the  United  States.  In  this  context,  both  the  Federal  Reserve  (Fed)  and  the  ECB  have 
demonstrated  to  be  more  prudent  and  patient  at  the  time  of  advancing  with  the  normalization  of 
their monetary policies and their future decisions will depend on the economic evolution. The main 
risk  at  sort-term  continues  to  be  protectionism  not  only  for  the  direct  effect  on  global  trade,  but 
also for the indirect impact of lower confidence and financial volatility. To this, it has to be added the 
concerns about the degree of the impact on the economic activities in the United States and China 
in the following quarters have to be added as well as the increased political uncertainty in Europe. 

In summary, the uncertainty related to the economic perspectives continues to be elevated due to 
the  fear  of  a  protectionist  escalation  and  a  higher  perception  of  the  risk  related  to  the  global 
economic growth. 

Regulatory and reputational risks 

•

•

Financial  institutions  are  exposed  to  a  complex  and  ever-changing  regulatory  environment
defined by governments and regulators. This can affect their ability to grow and the capacity of
certain businesses to develop, and result in stricter liquidity and capital requirements with lower
profitability  ratios.  The  Group  constantly  monitors  changes  in  the  regulatory  framework  that
allow for anticipation and adaptation to them in a timely manner, adopt industry practices and
more efficient and rigorous criteria in its implementation.

The financial sector is under ever closer scrutiny by regulators, governments and society itself.
In  the  course  of  activities,  situations  which  might  cause  relevant  reputational  damage  to  the
entity could raise and might affect the regular course of business. The attitudes and behaviors
of  the  Group  and  its  members  are  governed  by  the  principles  of  integrity,  honesty,  long-term
vision and industry practices through, inter alia, internal control Model, the Code of Conduct, tax
strategy and Responsible Business Strategy of the Group.

Business, operational and legal risks 

• New technologies and forms of customer relationships: Developments in the digital world and in
information  technologies  pose  significant  challenges  for  financial  institutions,  entailing  threats
(new competitors, disintermediation…) but also opportunities (new framework of relations with
customers,  greater  ability  to  adapt  to  their  needs,  new  products  and  distribution  channels...).
Digital transformation is a priority for the Group as it aims to lead digital banking of the future as
one of its objectives.

•

•

Technological risks and security breaches: The Group is exposed to new threats such as cyber-
attacks, theft of internal and customer databases, fraud in payment systems, etc. that require
major investments in security from both the technological and human point of view. The Group
gives  great  importance  to  the  active  operational  and  technological  risk  management  and
control.  One  example  was  the  early  adoption  of  advanced  models  for  management  of  these
risks (AMA - Advanced Measurement Approach).

The financial sector is exposed to increasing litigation, so the financial institutions face a large
number  of  proceedings  of  every  kind,  civil,  criminal,  administrative,  litigation,  as  well  as

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

investigations from the supervisor, along several jurisdictions, which consequences are difficult to 
determine  (including  those  procedures  in  which  an  undetermined  number  of  applicants  is 
involved,  in  which  damages  claimed  are  not  easy  to  estimate,  in  which  an  exorbitant  amount  is 
claimed, in which new jurisdictional issues are introduced under creative non – contrasted legal 
arguments and those which are at a very initial stage). 

In Spain, in many of the existing procedures, applicants claim, both at Spanish courts and through 
prejudicial issues towards the European Union Court of Justice that various clauses usually 
included under a mortgage loan with credit institutions are stated abusive (mortgage fees clauses, 
early redemption right clause, referenced interest rate type, opening fee, etc.). Resolutions for 
these types of procedures against the Group or other banking entities might directly or indirectly 
affect the Group.

The BBVA Group is involved in several competition investigations in various countries which may 
give raise to penalties and claims by third parties. 

As  explained  in  section  Other  Non-Financial  Risks  of  the  Non-Financial  Information  Report 
within  the Management  Report,  the  Group  might  be  equally  subject  to 
investigations  by 
the 
judicial  authorities,  without  the  Bank  having  received  any  formal  notice  for  the  moment,  in 
relation with the engagement of allegedly irregular activities, which might have a negative impact, 
both reputational and economic for the Bank. The Bank is carrying out a forensic investigation led 
by PwC which has been  engaged  through  the  Bank’s  external  legal  counsel  Garrigues,  together 
with  Uría.  The  Bank  cannot  predict  at  this  moment  the  scope  or  the  duration  of  those 
investigations  or  any  other  investigations  carried  out  by  the  judicial  authorities,  or  its  possible 
outcome or implications for the Group. 

The  BBVA  Group  manages  and  constantly  monitors  judicial  and  regulatory  investigations, 
procedures and actions for the defense of its interests, charging (taking into account the number 
of outstanding litigation and the status of the relevant procedures or actions) the corresponding 
provisions for its coverage if necessary. However, the result of the referred judicial or regulatory 
actions and procedures, both in which the Bank is already part of, as well as those that may raise 
in  the  future  or  those  involving  other  banking  entities,  is  difficult  to  predict,  so  in  case  of 
modification of the jurisprudential criteria or unexpected results of any of such litigation, charged 
provisions may be not sufficient. 

7.3  Credit risk 

Credit risk arises from the probability that one party to a financial instrument will fail to meet its contractual 
obligations for reasons of insolvency or inability to pay and cause a financial loss for the other party.  

It  is  the  most  important  risk  for  the  Group  and  includes  counterparty  risk,  issuer  risk,  settlement  risk  and 
country risk management.  

The principles underpinning credit risk management in BBVA are as follows: 

Availability of basic information for the study and proposal of risk, and supporting documentation for 
approval, which sets out the conditions required by the internal relevant body.  

Sufficient generation of funds and asset solvency of the customer to assume principal and interest 
repayments of loans owed.  

Establishment of adequate and sufficient guarantees that allow effective recovery of the transaction, 
this being considered a secondary and exceptional method of recovery when the first has failed. 

Credit risk management in the Group has an integrated structure for all its functions, allowing decisions to be 
taken objectively and independently throughout the life cycle of the risk.  

P.83 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

At  Group  level:  frameworks  for  action  and  standard  rules  of  conduct  are  defined  for  handling  risk, 
specifically, the circuits, procedures, structure and supervision. 

At the business area level: they are responsible for adapting the Group's criteria to the local realities 
of  each  geographical  area  and  for  direct  management  of  risk  according  to  the  decision-making 
circuit: 

•

Retail  risks:  in  general,  the  decisions  are  formalized  according  to  the  scoring  tools,  within  the
general  framework  for  action  of  each  business  area  with  regard  to  risks.  The  changes  in
weighting and variables of these tools must be validated by the GRM area.

• Wholesale risks: in general, the decisions are formalized by each business area within its general
framework  for  action  with  regard  to  risks,  which  incorporates  the  delegation  rule  and  the
Group's corporate policies

7.3.1  Measurement Expected Credit Loss (ECL) 

IFRS  9  requires  determining  the  expected  credit  loss  of  a  financial  instrument  in  a  way  that  reflects  an 
unbiased estimation removing any conservatism or optimism, the time value of money and a forward looking 
perspective (including the economic forecast). 

Therefore the recognition and measurement of expected credit losses (ECL) is highly complex and involves 
the  use  of  significant  analysis  and  estimation  including  formulation  and  incorporation  of  forward-looking 
economic conditions into ECL. 

Risk Parameters Adjusted by Macroeconomic Scenarios 

Expected Credit Loss must include forward looking information, in accordance with IFRS 9, which states that 
the  comprehensive  credit  risk  information  must  incorporate  not  only  historical  information  but  also  all 
relevant credit information, including forward-looking macroeconomic information. BBVA uses the classical 
credit risk parameters PD, LGD and EAD in order to calculate the ECL for the credit portfolios. 

BBVA´s methodological approach in order to incorporate the forward looking information aims to determine 
the relation between macroeconomic variables and risk parameters following three main steps: 

Step 1: Analysis and transformation of time series data. 

Step  2:  For  each  dependent  variable  find  conditional  forecasting  models  that  are  economically 
consistent. 

Step 3:  Select the best conditional forecasting  model from the set  of candidates defined in Step 2, 
based on their out of sample forecasting performance. 

How economic scenarios are reflected in calculation of ECL 

The forward looking component is added through the introduction of macroeconomic scenarios as an input. 
Inputs would highly depend on the particular combination of  region and portfolio, so inputs are adapted to 
available data. 

Based on economic theory and analysis, the macroeconomic variables most directly relevant for explaining 
and forecasting the selected risk parameters (PD, LGD) are:  

a) The net income of families, corporates or public administrations.

b) The payment amounts on the principal and interest on the outstanding loans.

c) The value of the collateral assets pledge to the loan.

P.84
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

BBVA  Group  approximates  these  variables  by  using  a  proxy  indicator  from  the  set  included  in  the 
macroeconomic scenarios provided by the economic research department. 

Only a single specific indicator for each of the three categories can be  used and only core macroeconomic 
indicators  should  be  chosen  as  first  choice:  for  a)  using  Real  GDP  Growth  for  the  purpose  of  conditional 
forecasting can be seen as the single sufficient “factor” required for capturing the influence of all potentially 
relevant macro-financial scenario on internal PDs and LGD ; for b) using the most representative short term 
interest  rate  (typically  the  policy  rate  or  the  most  liquid  sovereign  yield  or  interbank  rate  or  EMBI)  or 
exchange  rates  expressed  in  real  terms  and  for  c)  using  a  comprehensive  index  of  the  price  of  real  estate 
properties also expressed in real terms in the case of mortgage loans and a representative index of the price 
of the relevant commodity (in real terms) for corporate loan portfolios concentrated in exporters or producer 
of such commodity. 

Real  GDP  growth  is  given  priority  over  any  other  indicator  not  only  because  it  is  the  most  comprehensive 
indicator  of  income  and  economic  activity  but  also  because  it  is  the  central  variable  in  the  generation  of 
macroeconomic scenarios. 

Multiple scenario approach under IFRS9 

IFRS 9 requires calculating an unbiased probability weighted measurement of expected credit losses (“ECL”) 
by evaluating a range of possible outcomes, including forecasts of future economic conditions. 

The BBVA Research teams within the BBVA Group produce forecasts of the macroeconomic variables under 
the  baseline  scenario,  which  are  used  in  the  rest  of  the  related  processes  of  the  bank,  such  as  budgeting, 
ICAAP and risk appetite framework, stress testing, etc. 

Additionally,  the  BBVA  Research  teams  produced  alternative  scenarios  to  the  baseline  scenario  so  as  to 
meet the requirements under the IFRS 9 standard. 

Alternative macroeconomic scenarios 

For each of the macro-financial variables, BBVA Research produces three scenarios. 

Each  of  these  scenarios  corresponds  to  the  expected  value  of  a  different  area  of  the  probabilistic 
distribution of the possible projections of the economic variables. 

The approach in BBVA consists on using the scenario that is the most likely scenario, which is the baseline 
scenario,  consistent  with  the  rest  of  internal  processes  (ICAAP,  Budgeting…)  and  then  applying  an  overlay 
adjustment that is calculated by taking into account the weighted average of the ECL determined by each of 
the scenarios. 

It is important to note that in general, it is expected that the effect of the overlay is to increase the ECL. It is 
possible  to  obtain  an  overlay  that  does  not  have  that  effect,  whenever  the  relationship  between  macro 
scenarios and losses is linear. However, the overlay is not expected to reduce the ECL. 

P.85
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
7.3.2  Credit risk exposure 

In  accordance  with  IFRS  7  “Financial  Instruments:  Disclosures”,  the  BBVA  Group’s  maximum  credit  risk 
exposure  (see  definition  below)  by  headings  in  the  balance  sheets  as  of  December  31,  2018  is  provided 
below.  It  does  not  consider  the  availability  of  collateral  or  other  credit  enhancements  to  guarantee 
instruments  and 
compliance  with  payment  obligations.  The  details  are  broken  down  by  financial 
counterparties. 

Maximum Credit Risk Exposure (Millions of euros) 

Notes 

2018 

Financial assets held for trading 

Debt securities 

Equity instruments 
Loans and advances 
Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit 
or loss 

Loans and advances 
Debt securities 

Equity instruments 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Derivatives (trading and hedging) 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Debt securities 

Equity instruments 
Financial assets at amortized cost 

Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Loans and advances to customers 
Debt securities 

Total financial assets risk 

10 

10 
10 

11 
11 

11 

12 

13.1 

13.1 

59,581 

25,577 

5,254 
28,750 

5,135 

1,803 
237  

3,095 

1,313 

38,249 

56,332 

53,737 

2,595 
431,927 

3,947 
9,175 

386,225 
32,580 

592,538 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

56,329 

53,734 

2,595 
384,632 

3,947 
9,131 

339,204 
32,350 

440,960 

3 

3 

- 
30,902 

- 
34 

30,673 
195 

30,905 

8,120 

- 

- 

- 
16,394 

- 
10 

16,348 
35 

16,394 

987 

Total loan commitments and financial guarantees 
Total maximum credit exposure 
There was no similar breakdown before the implementation of IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018 (see Note 2.1). 

170,511 
763,049 

161,404 

33 

The maximum credit exposure presented in the table above is determined by type of financial asset as 
explained below: 

In the case of financial assets recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, exposure to credit risk 
is considered equal to its carrying amount (not including impairment losses), with the sole exception 
of derivatives and hedging derivatives. 

The maximum credit risk exposure on financial guarantees granted is the maximum that the Group 
would be liable for if these guarantees were called in, and that is their amount. 

The calculation of risk exposure for derivatives is based on the sum of two factors: the derivatives fair 
value and their potential risk (or "add-on"). 

•

•

•

The first factor, fair value, reflects the difference between original commitments and fair values
on the reporting date (mark-to-market).

The  second  factor,  potential  risk  (‘add-on’),  is  an  estimate  of  the  maximum  increase  to  be
expected on risk exposure over a derivative fair value (at a given statistical confidence level) as a
result of future changes in the fair value over the remaining term of the derivatives.

The consideration of the potential risk ("add-on") relates the risk exposure to the exposure level
at  the  time  of  a  customer’s  default.  The  exposure  level  will  depend  on  the  customer’s  credit
quality  and  the  type  of  transaction  with  such  customer.  Given  the  fact  that  default  is  an
uncertain event which might occur any time during the life of a contract, the BBVA Group has to
consider  not  only  the  credit  exposure  of  the  derivatives  on  the  reporting  date,  but  also  the

P.86 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

potential  changes  in  exposure  during  the  life  of  the  contract.  This  is  especially  important  for 
derivatives,  whose  valuation  changes  substantially  throughout  their  terms,  depending  on  the 
fluctuation of market prices. 

The breakdown by counterparty and product of loans and advances, net of impairment losses, as well as the 
gross carrying amount by type of product, classified in the different headings of the assets, as of December 
31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is shown below: 

P.87
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

By product 

On demand and short notice 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

Loans and advances 

By secured loans 

of which: mortgage loans collateralized by immovable property 

of which: other collateralized loans 

By purpose of the loan 

of which: credit for consumption 

of which: lending for house purchase 

By subordination 

of which: project finance loans 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial 
corporations 

Non-financial 
corporations 

Households 

Total 

Provisions  Gross carrying amount 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,911 

29 

3,941 

- 

10 

8 

948 

226 

293 

26,839 

1,592 

29,917 

1,056 

7,179 

- 

1 

- 

- 

477 

2,947 

5,771 

9,196 

15 

285 

151 

2 

195 

3 

- 

7,030 

2,088 

9,468 

219 

1,389 

2,833 

2,328 

16,190 

8,014 

- 

133,573 

984 

163,922 

26,784 

31,393 

13,973 

648 

13,108 

103 

406 

- 

157,760 

498 

172,522 

111,809 

6,835 

40,124 

111,007 

3,641 

15,446 

17,436 

8,650 

770 

332,060 

10,962 

388,966 

139,883 

47,081 

40,124 

111,007 

(193) 

(1,048) 

(280) 

(427) 

(1) 

(10,204) 

(63) 

(12,217) 

(4,122) 

(774) 

(2,613) 

(1,945) 

3,834 

16,495 

17,716 

9,077 

772 

342,264 

11,025 

401,183 

144,005 

47,855 

42,736 

112,952 

13,973 

(312) 

14,286 

P.88 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions  Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

Total 

On demand and short notice 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

Loans and advances 

of which: mortgage loans (Loans collateralized by immovable property) 

of which: other collateralized loans 

of which: credit for consumption 

of which: lending for house purchase 

of which: project finance loans 

- 

- 

- 

305 

6,993 

2 

7,301 

222 

6 

1,624 

205 

1,290 

26,983 

1,964 

32,294 

998 

7,167 

- 

- 

- 

- 

13,793 

4,463 

8,005 

26,261 

- 

13,501 

270 

3 

497 

36 

10,912 

5,763 

1,044 

18,525 

308 

12,907 

7,663 

1,862 

20,385 

8,040 

- 

125,228 

1,459 

164,637 

37,353 

24,100 

16,412 

2,405 

13,964 

198 

361 

- 

155,418 

522 

172,868 

116,938 

9,092 

40,705 

114,709 

10,560 

15,835 

22,705 

8,642 

26,300 

324,848 

12,995 

421,886 

155,597 

66,767 

40,705 

114,709 

16,412 

P.89 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions  Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

Total 

On demand and short notice 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

Loans and advances 

of which: mortgage loans [Loans collateralized by immovable property] 

of which: other collateralized loans 

of which: credit for consumption 

of which: lending for house purchase 

of which: project finance loans 

- 

- 

- 

81 

8,814 

- 

8,894 

373 

1 

2,091 

261 

544 

29,140 

2,410 

34,820 

4,722 

3,700 

- 

- 

- 

- 

15,597 

7,694 

8,083 

31,373 

112 

15,191 

246 

1 

998 

57 

6,746 

6,878 

2,082 

17,009 

690 

8,164 

8,125 

1,875 

20,246 

8,647 

- 

136,105 

1,194 

176,192 

44,406 

21,863 

19,269 

2,507 

14,719 

418 

477 

- 

167,892 

620 

186,633 

132,398 

6,061 

44,504 

127,606 

11,251 

16,596 

23,753 

9,442 

22,968 

356,524 

14,389 

454,921 

182,328 

54,979 

44,504 

127,606 

19,269 

P.90 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
7.3.3  Mitigation  of  credit  risk,  collateralized  credit  risk  and  other  credit 

enhancements 

In  most  cases,  maximum  credit  risk  exposure  is  reduced  by  collateral,  credit  enhancements  and  other 
actions which mitigate the Group’s exposure. The BBVA Group applies a credit risk hedging and mitigation 
policy deriving from a banking approach focused on relationship banking. The existence of guarantees could 
be  a  necessary  but  not  sufficient  instrument  for  accepting  risks,  as  the  assumption  of  risks  by  the  Group 
requires  prior  evaluation  of  the  debtor’s  capacity  for repayment,  or  that  the  debtor  can  generate  sufficient 
resources to allow the amortization of the risk incurred under the agreed terms. 

The policy of accepting risks is therefore organized into three different levels in the BBVA Group: 

Analysis  of  the  financial  risk  of  the  transaction,  based  on  the  debtor’s  capacity  for  repayment  or 
generation of funds. 

The  constitution  of  guarantees  that  are  adequate,  or  at  any  rate  generally  accepted,  for  the  risk 
assumed, in any of the generally accepted forms: monetary, secured, personal or hedge guarantees; 
and finally 

Assessment of the repayment risk (asset liquidity) of the guarantees received. 

The procedures for the management and valuation of collateral are set out in the Corporate Policies (retail 
and wholesale), which establish the basic principles for credit risk management, including the management 
of collaterals assigned in transactions with customers. 

The  methods  used  to  value  the  collateral  are  in  line  with  the  best  market  practices  and  imply  the  use  of 
appraisal of real-estate collateral, the market price in market securities, the trading price of shares in mutual 
funds, etc. All the collaterals received must be correctly assigned and entered in the corresponding register. 
They must also have the approval of the Group’s legal units. 

The following is a description of the main types of collateral for each financial instrument class: 

Financial  instruments  held  for  trading:  The  guarantees  or  credit  enhancements  obtained  directly 
from the issuer or counterparty are implicit in the clauses of the instrument. 

Derivatives  and  hedging  derivatives:  In  derivatives,  credit  risk  is  minimized  through  contractual 
netting agreements, where positive- and negative-value derivatives with the same counterparty are 
offset  for  their  net  balance.  There  may  likewise  be  other  kinds  of  guarantees  and  collaterals, 
depending on counterparty solvency and the nature of the transaction.  

The  summary  of  the  compensation  effect  (via  netting  and  collateral)  for  derivatives  and  securities 
operations is presented in Note 7.4.3. 

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets at fair value 
through  other  comprehensive  income:  The  guarantees  or  credit  enhancements  obtained  directly 
from the issuer or counterparty are inherent to the structure of the instrument. 

At December  31,  2018, BBVA Group had no credit risk exposure  of impaired financial assets at fair 
value through other comprehensive income at December 31, 2018 (see Note 7.3.2). 

Financial assets at amortized cost: 

•

•

Loans and advances to credit institutions: These usually only have the counterparty’s personal
guarantee.

Loans and advances to customers: Most  of these loans and advances are backed  by personal
guarantees  extended  by  the  customer.  There  may  also  be  collateral  to  secure  loans  and
advances  to  customers  (such  as  mortgages,  cash  collaterals,  pledged  securities  and  other
collateral), or to obtain other credit enhancements (bonds, hedging, etc.).

P.91 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

• Debt  securities:  The  guarantees  or  credit  enhancements  obtained  directly  from  the  issuer  or

counterparty are inherent to the structure of the instrument.

The disclosure of impaired financial assets at amortized cost covered by collateral (see Note 7.3.2), 
by type of collateral, at December 31, 2018, is the following: 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Impaired financial assets at amortized cost 

Total 

Maximum 
exposure to 
credit risk 

16,394 

16,394 

Of which secured by collateral 

Residential 
properties 

Commercial 
properties 

Cash 

Others 

Financial 

3,484 

3,484 

1,255 

1,255 

13 

13 

317 

317 

502 

502 

Financial  guarantees,  other  contingent  risks  and  drawable  by  third  parties:  These  have  the 
counterparty’s personal guarantee. 

The  maximum  credit  risk  exposure  of  impaired  financial  guarantees  and  other  commitments  at 
December 31, 2018 amounts to €987 million (see Note 7.3.2). 

7.3.4  Credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired 

The BBVA Group has tools (“scoring” and “rating”) that enable it to rank the credit quality of its transactions 
and customers based on an assessment and its correspondence with the probability of default (“PD”) scales. 
To  analyze  the  performance  of  PD,  the  Group  has  a  series  of  tracking  tools  and  historical  databases  that 
collect the pertinent internally generated information. These tools can be grouped together into scoring and 
rating models. 

Scoring 

Scoring  is  a  decision-making  model  that  contributes  to  both  the  arrangement  and  management  of  retail 
loans:  consumer  loans,  mortgages,  credit  cards  for  individuals,  etc.  Scoring  is  the  tool  used  to  decide  to 
originate a loan, what amount should be originated and what strategies can help establish the price, because 
it  is  an  algorithm  that  sorts  transactions  by  their  credit  quality.  This  algorithm  enables  the  BBVA  Group  to 
assign  a  score  to  each  transaction  requested  by  a  customer,  on  the  basis  of  a  series  of  objective 
characteristics that have statistically been shown to discriminate between the quality and risk of this type of 
transactions. The advantage of scoring lies in its simplicity and homogeneity: all that is needed is a series of 
objective data for each customer, and this data is analyzed automatically using an algorithm. 

There are three types of scoring, based on the information used and on its purpose: 

Reactive  scoring:  measures  the  risk  of  a  transaction  requested  by  an  individual  using  variables 
relating  to  the  requested  transaction  and  to  the  customer’s  socio-economic  data  available  at  the 
time of the request. The new transaction is approved or rejected depending on the score. 

Behavioral  scoring:  scores  transactions  for  a  given  product  in  an  outstanding  risk  portfolio  of  the 
entity,  enabling  the  credit  rating  to  be  tracked  and  the  customer’s  needs  to  be  anticipated.  It  uses 
transaction  and  customer  variables  available  internally.  Specifically,  variables  that  refer  to  the 
behavior of both the product and the customer. 

Proactive scoring: gives a score at customer level using variables related to the individual’s general 
behavior  with  the  entity,  and  to  his/her  payment  behavior  in  all  the  contracted  products.  The 
purpose is to track the customer’s credit quality and it is used to pre-approved new transactions. 

Rating 

Rating tools, as opposed to scoring tools, do not assess  transactions but focus on the rating of customers 
instead: companies, corporations, SMEs, general governments, etc. A rating tool is an instrument that, based 

P.92 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
on a detailed financial study, helps determine a customer’s ability to meet his/her financial obligations. The 
final  rating  is  usually  a  combination  of  various  factors:  on  one  hand,  quantitative  factors,  and  on  the  other 
hand, qualitative factors. It is a middle road between an individual analysis and a statistical analysis. 

The main difference between ratings and scorings is that the latter are used to assess retail products, while 
ratings  use  a  wholesale  banking  customer  approach.  Moreover,  scorings  only  include  objective  variables, 
while  ratings  add  qualitative  information.  And  although  both  are  based  on  statistical  studies,  adding  a 
business view, rating tools give more weight to the business criterion compared to scoring tools. 

For  portfolios  where  the  number  of  defaults  is  low  (sovereign  risk,  corporates,  financial  entities,  etc.)  the 
internal information is supplemented by “benchmarking” of the external rating agencies (Moody’s, Standard 
& Poor’s and Fitch). To this end, each year the PDs compiled by the rating agencies at each level of risk rating 
are  compared,  and  the  measurements  compiled  by  the  various  agencies  are  mapped  against  those  of  the 
BBVA master rating scale. 

Once  the  probability  of  default  of  a  transaction  or  customer  has  been  calculated,  a  "business  cycle 
adjustment" is carried out. This is a means of establishing a measure of risk that goes beyond the time of its 
calculation.  The  aim  is  to  capture  representative  information  of  the  behavior  of  portfolios  over  a  complete 
economic cycle. This probability is linked to the Master Rating Scale prepared by the BBVA Group to enable 
uniform classification of the Group’s various asset risk portfolios. 

The  table  below  shows  the  abridged  scale  used  to  classify  the  BBVA  Group’s  outstanding  risk  as  of 
December 31, 2018: 

External rating 

Internal rating 

Standard&Poor's List 

Reduced List (22 groups) 

Average 

Probability of default 
(basic points) 

Minimum from 
>= 

Maximum 

AAA 
AA+ 
AA 
AA- 
A+ 
A 
A- 
BBB+ 
BBB 
BBB- 
BB+ 
BB 
BB- 
B+ 
B 
B- 
CCC+ 
CCC 
CCC- 
CC+ 
CC 
CC- 

AAA 
AA+ 
AA 
AA- 
A+ 
A 
A- 
BBB+ 
BBB 
BBB- 
BB+ 
BB 
BB- 
B+ 
B 
B- 
CCC+ 
CCC 
CCC- 
CC+ 
CC 
CC- 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
8 
10 
14 
20 
31 
51 
88 
150 
255 
441 
785 
1,191 
1,500 
1,890 
2,381 
3,000 
3,780 

- 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
9 
11 
17 
24 
39 
67 
116 
194 
335 
581 
1,061 
1,336 
1,684 
2,121 
2,673 
3,367 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
9 
11 
17 
24 
39 
67 
116 
194 
335 
581 
1,061 
1,336 
1,684 
2,121 
2,673 
3,367 
4,243 

These different levels and their probability of default were calculated by using as a reference the rating scales 
and  default  rates  provided  by  the  external  agencies  Standard  &  Poor’s  and  Moody’s.  These  calculations 
establish the levels of probability of default for the BBVA Group’s Master Rating Scale. Although this scale is 
common  to the entire  Group, the calibrations (mapping scores to PD sections/Master Rating Scale levels) 
are carried out at tool level for each country in which the Group has tools available. 

P.93 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The table below outlines the distribution by probability of default within 12  months and stages of the gross 
carrying amount of loans and advances to customers in percentage of BBVA Group as of December 31, 2018 
is shown below: 

Probability of default 
(basic points) 

0 to 2 
2 to 5 
5 to 11 
11 to 39 
39 to 194 
194 to 1,061 
1,061 to 2,121 
> 2,021

Total 

December 2018 

Subject to 12 month ECL 
(Stage 1) 

Subject to lifetime ECL 
(Stage 2) 

% 

9.6 
10.8 
6.3 
20.9 
30.1 
12.2 
1.6 
0.2 

91,7 

% 

- 
0.1 
- 
0.4 
1.8 
3.6 
1.2 
1.2 

8,3 

There was no similar breakdown before the implementation of IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018 (see Note 2.1). 

7.3.5  Past due but not impaired and impaired secured loans risks 

The tables below provides details by counterpart and by product of past due risks but not considered to be 
impaired,  as  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  listed  by  their  first  past-due  date;  as  well  as  the 
breakdown of the debt securities and loans and advances individually and collectively estimated (see Note 
2.2.1):  

P.94
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Assets without significant increase in credit risk since 
initial recognition (Stage 1) 

Assets with significant increase in credit risk since 
initial recognition but not credit-impaired (Stage 2) 

Credit-impaired assets (Stage 3) 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

TOTAL 

Loans and advances by product, by collateral and by subordination 

On demand (call) and short notice (current account) 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

of which: mortgage loans collateralized by immovable property 

of which: other collateralized loans 

of which: credit for consumption 

of which: lending for house purchase 

of which: project finance loans 

<= 30 days 

> 30 days <= 
90 days 

> 90 days

<= 30 days 

> 30 days <= 90 
days 

> 90 days

<= 30 days 

> 30 days <= 90 
days 

> 90 days

- 

4,191 

- 

95 

3 

117 

1,140 

2,835 

4,191 

127 

182 

46 

307 

- 

3,421 

108 

1,681 

255 

910 

1,365 

1 

- 

454 

- 

7 

- 

224 

158 

64 

454 

- 

10 

12 

16 

- 

325 

89 

38 

14 

27 

24 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,261 

3,228 

- 

5 

- 

2 

1,282 

2,971 

4,261 

25 

598 

20 

43 

- 

3,575 

- 

1,598 

742 

1,278 

1,394 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

1,180 

2,047 

3,228 

47 

102 

106 

102 

- 

2,869 

1 

1,745 

99 

424 

1,404 

382 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

407 

- 

5 

- 

- 

149 

254 

407 

3 

24 

2 

10 

- 

369 

- 

251 

22 

49 

170 

- 

- 

900 

- 

5 

- 

- 

276 

618 

900 

4 

25 

11 

20 

- 

840 

- 

712 

21 

49 

507 

- 

5 

2,769 

- 

26 

- 

5 

1,333 

1,404 

2,774 

52 

120 

50 

110 

- 

2,433 

4 

1,365 

103 

281 

839 

71 

P.95
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) (*) 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

TOTAL 

Loans and advances by product, by collateral and by subordination 

On demand (call) and short notice (current account) 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

of which: mortgage loans (Loans collateralized by immovable property) 

of which: other collateralized loans 

of which: credit for consumption 

of which: lending for house purchase 

of which: project finance loans 

Past due but not impaired 

≤ 30 days 

> 30 days ≤ 60 days 

> 60 days ≤ 90 
days 

Impaired assets 

Carrying amount 
of the impaired 
assets 

Specific 
allowances for 
financial assets, 
individually and 
collectively 
estimated 

Collective 
allowances for 
incurred but not 
reported losses 

Accumulated 
write-offs 

- 

3,432 

- 

75 

- 

2 

843 

2,512 

3,432 

77 

397 

115 

138 

- 

2,705 

1 

1,345 

592 

1,260 

1,034 

- 

759 

- 

3 

- 

- 

153 

603 

759 

12 

66 

8 

66 

- 

606 

- 

360 

137 

248 

307 

- 

503 

- 

13 

- 

- 

170 

319 

503 

11 

118 

9 

47 

- 

317 

1 

164 

43 

207 

107 

13 

- 

25 

66 

38 

(28) 

(21) 

- 

19,401 

10,726 

(8,675) 

(4,109) 

(29,938) 

- 

(69) 

(30) 

(19) 

(1,939) 

(2,052) 

(4,130) 

- 

(27) 

(5) 

(5) 

(18,988) 

(10,913) 

(29,938) 

- 

171 

11 

12 

10,791 

8,417 

19,467 

389 

629 

515 

431 

- 

- 

129 

5 

6 

5,192 

5,395 

10,764 

151 

190 

179 

155 

- 

17,417 

10,047 

20 

11,388 

803 

1,551 

5,730 

1,165 

3 

7,630 

493 

457 

4,444 

895 

- 

(42) 

(6) 

(7) 

(5,599) 

(3,022) 

(8,703) 

(238) 

(439) 

(336) 

(276) 

- 

(7,370) 

(16) 

(3,757) 

(310) 

(1,093) 

(1,286) 

(271) 

(*) Figures originally reported in the year 2017 in accordance to the applicable regulation, without restatements. 

P.96 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
December 2016 (Millions of euros) (*) 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

TOTAL 

Loans and advances by product, by collateral and by subordination 

On demand (call) and short notice (current account) 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

of which: mortgage loans (Loans collateralized by immovable property) 

of which: other collateralized loans 

of which: credit for consumption 

of which: lending for house purchase 

of which: project finance loans 

Past due but not impaired 

<= 30 days 

> 30 days <= 60 
days 

> 60 days <= 90 
days 

Impaired assets 

Carrying amount 
of the impaired 
assets 

Specific 
allowances for 
financial assets, 
individually and 
collectively 
estimated 

Collective 
allowances for 
incurred but not 
reported losses 

Accumulated 
write-offs 

(46) 

(5,224) 

- 

(13) 

(36) 

(57) 

(2,789) 

(2,329) 

(5,270) 

(1) 

(29,346) 

- 

(13) 

(5) 

(6) 

(18,020) 

(11,303) 

(29,347) 

- 

3,384 

- 

66 

3 

4 

968 

2,343 

3,384 

79 

377 

51 

188 

- 

2,685 

5 

1,202 

593 

1,186 

883 

138 

- 

696 

- 

- 

- 

7 

209 

479 

696 

15 

88 

15 

107 

- 

469 

- 

265 

124 

227 

194 

- 

- 

735 

- 

2 

82 

21 

204 

426 

735 

29 

124 

13 

59 

82 

407 

21 

254 

47 

269 

105 

- 

272 

22,925 

- 

295 

10 

34 

13,786 

8,801 

23,197 

562 

643 

424 

516 

1 

20,765 

14 

16,526 

1,129 

1,622 

6,094 

253 

128 

12,133 

- 

256 

3 

8 

6,383 

5,483 

12,261 

249 

114 

87 

252 

- 

11,429 

2 

9,008 

656 

455 

4,546 

105 

(144) 

(10,793) 

- 

(39) 

(7) 

(25) 

(7,402) 

(3,319) 

(10,937) 

(313) 

(529) 

(337) 

(264) 

(1) 

(9,336) 

(12) 

(5,850) 

(275) 

(1,168) 

(1,548) 

(147) 

(*) Figures originally reported in the year 2016 in accordance to the applicable regulation, without restatements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.97
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown of loans and advances, within financial assets at amortized cost, impaired and accumulated 
impairment by sectors as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Non-performing 
loans and advances 

Accumulated impairment 

Non-performing 
loans and 
advances as a % 
of the total 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 

Mining and quarrying 

Manufacturing 

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply 

Water supply 

Construction 

Wholesale and retail trade 

Transport and storage 

Accommodation and food service activities 

Information and communication 

Financial and insurance activities 

Real estate activities 

Professional, scientific and technical activities 

Administrative and support service activities 

Public administration and defense, compulsory social security 

Education 

Human health services and social work activities 

Arts, entertainment and recreation 

Other services 

Households 

LOANS AND ADVANCES 

128 

10 

11 

8,372 

122 

96 

1,695 

585 

19 

1,488 

1,624 

459 

315 

113 

147 

834 

204 

128 

5 

31 

63 

59 

386 

7,838 
16,359 

(84)

(12)

(22)

(6,260) 

(107)

(70)

(1,134) 

(446)

(15)

(1,007) 

(1,259) 

(374)

(204)

(72)

(128)

(624)

(171)

(125)

(7)

(31)

(63)

(41)

(382)

(5,833) 
(12,211) 

0.4%

0.1%

0.1%

4.9% 

3.3%

1.9%

4.6%

4.2%

1.8%

12.5%

6.3%

4.7%

4.0%

2.1%

2.1%

4.8%

4.0%

4.0%

1.6%

3.4%

1.4%

4.5%

3.9%

4.4%
4.1% 

P.98 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 

Mining and quarrying 

Manufacturing 

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply 

Water supply 

Construction 

Wholesale and retail trade 

Transport and storage 

Accommodation and food service activities 

Information and communication 

Real estate activities 

Professional, scientific and technical activities 

Administrative and support service activities 

Public administration and defense, compulsory social security 

Education 

Human health services and social work activities 

Arts, entertainment and recreation 

Other services 

Households 

LOANS AND ADVANCES 

Non-performing 
loans and advances 

Accumulated impairment or 
Accumulated changes in 
fair value due to credit risk 

Non-
performing 
loans and 
advances as a 
% of the total 

171 

11 

12 

10,791 

166 

177 

1,239 

213 

29 

2,993 

1,706 

441 

362 

984 

1,171 

252 

188 

4 

31 

75 

69 

690 

8,417 
19,401 

(111)

(36)

(26)

(7,538) 

(123)

(123)

(955)

(289)

(11)

(1,708) 

(1,230) 

(353)

(222)

(256)

(1,100) 

(183)

(130)

(6)

(25)

(68)

(38)

(716)

(5,073) 
(12,784) 

0.5%

0.3%

0.1%

6.3% 

4.3%

3.7%

3.6%

1.8%

4.5%

20.1%

5.9%

4.2%

4.3%

17.0%

7.9%

3.8%

6.3%

1.9%

3.4%

1.7%

4.6%

4.3%

4.7%
4.5%

P.99 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 

Mining and quarrying 

Manufacturing 

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply 

Water supply 

Construction 

Wholesale and retail trade 

Transport and storage 

Accommodation and food service activities 

Information and communication 

Real estate activities 

Professional, scientific and technical activities 

Administrative and support service activities 

Public administration and defense, compulsory social security 

Education 

Human health services and social work activities 

Arts, entertainment and recreation 

Other services 

Households 

LOANS AND ADVANCES 

Non-performing 

Accumulated impairment or 
Accumulated changes in 
fair value due to credit risk 

Non-
performing 
loans and 
advances as a 
% of the total 

295 

10 

34 

(52)

(42) 

(82)

13,786 

(10,192) 

221 

126 

1,569 

569 

29 

5,358 

1,857 

442 

499 

112 

1,441 

442 

182 

18 

58 

89 

84 

691 

8,801 
22,925 

(188)

(83)

(1,201) 

(402)

(10)

(3,162) 

(1,418) 

(501)

(273)

(110)

(1,074) 

(380)

(107)

(25)

(31)

(88)

(51)

(1,088) 

(5,648) 
(16,016) 

0.8%

- 

0.2%

7.4% 

5.1%

3.3%

4.5%

3.2%

3.5%

26.3%

6.2%

4.5%

5.9%

2.2%

8.7%

6.0%

7.3%

3.0%

5.4%

1.8%

5.1%

4.2%

4.6%
5.0% 

P.100
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The changes during the years 2018, 2017 and 2016 of impaired financial assets and contingent risks are as 
follow: 

Changes in Impaired Financial Assets and Contingent Risks (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions 
Decreases (*) 
Net additions 
Amounts written-off 
Exchange differences and other 
Balance at the end 

2018 

2017 

2016 

20,590 

9,792 
(6,909) 

2,883 
(5,076) 
(1,264) 

17,134 

23,877 

10,856 
(7,771) 

3,085 
(5,758) 
(615) 

20,590 

26,103 

11,133 
(7,633) 

3,500 
(5,592) 
(134) 

23,877 

(*)  Reflects the total amount of impaired loans derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet throughout the year as a 
result  of  mortgage  foreclosures  and  real  estate  assets  received  in  lieu  of  payment  as  well  as  monetary  recoveries  (see 
Notes 19 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statement for additional information). 

The changes during the years 2018, 2017 and 2016 in financial assets derecognized from the accompanying 
consolidated balance sheet as their recovery is considered unlikely (hereinafter "write-offs"), is shown below: 

Changes in Impaired Financial Assets Written-Off from the Balance Sheet (Millions of Euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year 

Increase: 

Decrease: 
Re-financing or restructuring 
Cash recovery 
Foreclosed assets 
Sales of written-off 
Debt forgiveness 
Time-barred debt and other causes 

Net exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

30,139 

29,347 

26,143 

47 

- 

6,164 

(4,210) 

(10) 
(589) 
(625) 
(1,805) 
(889) 
(292) 

250 

32,343 

- 

5,986 

(4,442) 

(9) 
(558) 
(149) 
(2,284) 
(1,121) 
(321) 

(752) 

30,139 

- 

5,699 

(2,384) 

(32) 
(541) 
(210) 
(45) 
(864) 
(692) 

(111) 

29,347 

As indicated in Note 2.2.1, although they have been derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet, the 
BBVA Group continues to attempt to collect on these written-off financial assets, until the rights to receive 
them are fully extinguished, either because it is time-barred financial asset, the financial asset is condoned, 
or other reasons. 

P.101
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.3.6  Impairment losses 

Below are the changes in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, in the provisions recognized 
on  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  to  cover  estimated  impairment  losses  in  loans  and 
advances  and  debt  securities  measured  at  amortized  cost  and  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income as well as the loan commitment and financial guarantees: 

P.102
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Financial assets at amortized cost. December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance (under IFRS 9) 

Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (not credit-impaired) 
Transfers from Stage 2 (not credit - impaired) to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 or 2 
Changes without transfers between Stages 

New financial assets originated 
Purchased 
Disposals 
Repayments 
Write-offs 
Changes in model/ methodology 
Foreign exchange 
Modifications that result in derecognition 
Modifications that do not result in derecognition 
Other 
Closing balance 

Not credit-impaired 

Credit-impaired 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Purchased/originated 
credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Total 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 
(collectively assessed) 

Loss allowances (individually 
assessed) 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 

(2,237) 

- 
208 
(125) 
55 
(7) 
358 
(1,072) 
- 
2 
641 
13 
- 
(84) 
5 
3 
135 
(2,106) 

(1,827) 

- 
(930) 
619 
282 
(126) 
(53) 
(375) 
- 
3 
432 
14 
- 
72 
10 
(8) 
133 
(1,753) 

(525) 

- 
(218) 
50 
564 
(68) 
(260) 
(244) 
- 
- 
118 
2 
- 
(93) 
25 
1 
20 
(628) 

(9,371) 

- 
- 
- 
(2,127) 
333 
(3,775) 
- 
- 
110 
1,432 
4,433 
- 
343 
98 
(362) 
1,111 
(7,777) 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(13,960) 

- 
(940) 
544 
(1,226) 
132 
(3,730) 
(1,692) 
- 
115 
2,623 
4,461 
- 
239 
138 
(366) 
1,399 
(12,264) 

P.103
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance (under IFRS 9) 

Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (not credit-impaired) 
Transfers from Stage 2 (not credit - impaired) to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 or 2 
Changes without transfers between Stages 

New financial assets originated 
Purchased 
Disposals 
Repayments 
Write-offs 
Changes in model/ methodology 
Foreign exchange 
Modifications that result in derecognition 
Modifications that do not result in derecognition 
Other 
Closing balance 

Not credit-impaired 

Credit-impaired 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Purchased/originate
d credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Total 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 
(collectively assessed) 

Loss allowances 
(individually assessed) 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 

(20) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(7) 
(3) 
- 
- 
5 
- 
- 
2 
- 
- 
(5) 
(28) 

(1) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(14) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
16 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(11) 
8 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(35) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9 
(3) 
- 
- 
5 
- 
- 
2 
- 
(11) 
4 
(28) 

P.104 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Loan commitments and financial guarantees. December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance (under IFRS 9) 

Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (not credit-impaired) 
Transfers from Stage 2 (not credit - impaired) to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1 or 2 
Changes without transfers between Stages 

New financial assets originated 
Purchased 
Disposals 
Repayments 
Write-offs 
Changes in model/ methodology 
Foreign exchange 
Modifications that result in derecognition 
Modifications that do not result in derecognition 
Other 
Closing balance 

Not credit-impaired 

Credit-impaired 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Purchased/originate
d credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Total 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 
(collectively assessed) 

Loss allowances 
(individually assessed) 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 

(200) 

- 
14 
(8) 
1 
(3) 
14 
(102) 
- 
- 
47 
- 
- 
11 
- 
- 
(6) 
(232) 

(135) 

- 
(84) 
65 
4 
(3) 
12 
(32) 
- 
- 
58 
- 
- 
1 
- 
- 
(13) 
(127) 

(84) 

- 
(11) 
1 
16 
- 
6 
(20) 
- 
- 
24 
- 
- 
(2) 
- 
- 
10 
(60) 

(285) 

- 
- 
- 
(48) 
20 
35 
- 
- 
1 
73 
- 
- 
6 
- 
(32) 
13 
(217) 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(704) 

- 
(81) 
58 
(27) 
14 
67 
(154) 
- 
1 
202 
- 
- 
16 
- 
(32) 
4 
(636) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.105 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) (*) 

Equity instruments 
Specific allowances for financial assets, individually and collectively 
estimated 

Debt securities 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Loans and advances 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

Collective allowances for incurred but not reported losses on financial assets 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Total 

Opening balance 

Increases due to amounts set aside  
for estimated loan losses during the 
period 

Decreases due to amounts  
reversed for estimated loan losses 
during the period 

Decreases due to amounts 
taken against allowances 

Transfers between 
allowances 

Other adjustments 

Closing balance 

Recoveries  recorded 
directly to the statement of 
profit or loss 

(10,937) 

(144) 

- 

- 

(15) 

(26) 

(103) 

(10,793) 

- 

(39) 

(7) 

(25) 

(7,402) 

(3,319) 

(5,270) 

(46) 

(5,224) 

(16,206) 

(7,484) 

(26) 

- 

- 

(5) 

(4) 

(17) 

(7,458) 

- 

(70) 

(2) 

(287) 

(3,627) 

(3,472) 

(1,783) 

(8) 

(1,776) 

(9,267) 

2,878 

4,503 

6 

- 

- 

4 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,810 

123 

- 

- 

16 

- 

107 

2,872 

4,503 

1,687 

- 

37 

2 

3 

1,993 

837 

2,159 

30 

2,128 

5,037 

- 

14 

- 

38 

3,029 

1,422 

1,537 

1 

1,536 

6,038 

- 

1 

- 

227 

(228) 

1,687 

(1,328) 

- 

(1,328) 

482 

526 

13 

- 

- 

- 

13 

- 

513 

- 

15 

1 

38 

636 

(177) 

557 

3 

554 

1,083 

(8,703) 

(28) 

- 

- 

- 

(16) 

(12) 

(8,675) 

- 

(42) 

(6) 

(7) 

(5,599) 

(3,022) 

(4,130) 

(21) 

(4,109) 

(12,833) 

558 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

558 

- 

1 

- 

- 

345 

212 

- 

- 

- 

558 

(*) Figures originally reported in the year 2017 in accordance to the applicable regulation, without restatements. 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.106 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Equity instruments 

Specific allowances for financial assets, individually and collectively estimated 

Debt securities 

Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Loans and advances 
Central banks 

General governments 

Credit institutions 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Households 

Collective allowances for incurred but not reported losses on financial assets 

Debt securities 

Opening balance 

Increases due to amounts 
set aside  for estimated loan 
losses during the period 

Decreases due to amounts  
reversed for estimated loan 
losses during the period 

Decreases due to amounts 
taken against allowances 

Transfers between 
allowances 

Other adjustments 

Closing balance 

Recoveries  recorded 
directly to the statement 
of profit or loss 

2,708 

5,673 

(12,866) 

(35) 

- 

- 

(20) 

(15) 

- 

(12,831) 

- 

(37) 

(17) 

(38) 

(9,225) 

(3,514) 

(6,024) 

(113) 

(6,912) 

(167) 

- 

- 

- 

(29) 

(138) 

(6,745) 

- 

(2) 

(2) 

(34) 

(3,705) 

(3,002) 

(1,558) 

(11) 

6 

- 

- 

- 

3 

3 

2,702 

- 

20 

3 

9 

2,158 

511 

1,463 

15 

64 

- 

- 

5 

26 

33 

5,610 

- 

6 

- 

22 

3,257 

2,325 

88 

1 

87 

(123) 

(10) 

- 

- 

- 

(10) 

- 

(113) 

- 

(27) 

10 

10 

(278) 

172 

775 

64 

711 

583 

(2) 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

(1) 

585 

- 

2 

(3) 

6 

391 

189 

(15) 

- 

(15) 

(10,937) 

(144) 

- 

- 

(15) 

(26) 

(103) 

(10,793) 

- 

(39) 

(7) 

(25) 

(7,402) 

(3,319) 

(5,270) 

(46) 

(5,224) 

540 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

540 

- 

1 

- 

- 

335 

205 

1 

- 

- 

Loans and advances 
Total 
(*) Figures originally reported in the year 2016 in accordance to the applicable regulation, without restatements.

(18,890) 

(8,470) 

(1,546) 

(5,911) 

4,172 

1,449 

5,762 

652 

568 

(16,206) 

541 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.107 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.3.7  Refinancing and restructuring operations 

Group policies and principles with respect to refinancing and restructuring operations 

Refinancing  and  restructuring  transactions  (see  definition  in  the  Glossary)  are  carried  out  with  customers 
who have requested such an operation in order to meet their current loan payments if they are expected, or 
may be expected, to experience financial difficulty in making the payments in the future. 

The  basic  aim  of  a  refinancing  and  restructuring  operation  is  to  provide  the  customer  with  a  situation  of 
financial viability over time by adapting repayment of the loan incurred with the Group to the customer’s new 
situation  of  fund  generation.  The  use  of  refinancing  and  restructuring  for  other  purposes,  such  as  to  delay 
loss recognition, is contrary to BBVA Group policies.  

The BBVA Group’s refinancing and restructuring policies are based on the following general principles: 

  Refinancing and restructuring is authorized according to the capacity of customers to pay the new 
installments. This is done by first identifying the origin of the payment difficulties and then carrying 
out  an  analysis  of  the  customers’  viability,  including  an  updated  analysis  of  their  economic  and 
financial situation and capacity to pay and generate funds. If the customer is a company, the analysis 
also covers the situation of the industry in which it operates.  

  With  the  aim  of  increasing  the  solvency  of  the  operation,  new  guarantees  and/or  guarantors  of 
demonstrable solvency are obtained where possible. An essential part of this process is an analysis 
of the effectiveness of both the new and original guarantees.  

  This analysis is carried out from the overall customer or group perspective.  

  Refinancing  and  restructuring  operations  do  not  in  general  increase  the  amount  of  the  customer’s 

loan, except for the expenses inherent to the operation itself.  

  The capacity to refinance and restructure loan is not delegated to the branches, but decided on by 

the risk units.  

  The decisions made are reviewed from time to time  with the aim of evaluating full compliance with 

refinancing and restructuring policies.  

These  general  principles  are  adapted  in  each  case  according  to  the  conditions  and  circumstances  of  each 
geographical area in which the Group operates, and to the different types of customers involved. 

In the case of retail customers (private individuals), the main aim of the BBVA Group’s policy on refinancing 
and  restructuring  loan  is  to  avoid  default  arising  from  a  customer’s  temporary  liquidity  problems  by 
implementing structural solutions that do not increase the balance of customer’s loan. The solution required 
is adapted to each case and the loan repayment is made easier, in accordance with the following principles:  

  Analysis of the viability of  operations based on  the customer’s willingness and ability to pay, which 
may  be  reduced,  but  should  nevertheless  be  present.  The  customer  must  therefore  repay  at  least 
the interest on the operation in all cases. No arrangements may be concluded  that involve a grace 
period for both principal and interest. 

  Refinancing and restructuring of operations is only allowed on those loans in which the BBVA Group 

originally entered into. 

  Customers  subject  to  refinancing  and  restructuring  operations  are  excluded  from  marketing 

campaigns of any kind. 

the 

In 
refinancing/restructuring is authorized according to an economic and financial viability plan based on: 

case  of  non-retail 

companies, 

enterprises 

customers 

(mainly 

and 

corporates), 

 
P.108 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Forecasted  future  income,  margins  and  cash  flows  to  allow  entities  to  implement  cost  adjustment 
measures (industrial restructuring) and a business development plan that can help reduce the level 
of leverage to sustainable levels (capacity to access the financial markets). 

  Where  appropriate,  the  existence  of  a  divestment  plan  for  assets  and/or  operating  segments  that 

can generate cash to assist the deleveraging process. 

  The capacity of shareholders to contribute capital and/or guarantees that can support the viability of 

the plan. 

In accordance with the Group’s policy, the conclusion of a loan refinancing and restructuring operation does 
not  meet  the  loan  is  reclassified  from  "impaired"  or  "significant  increase  in  credit  risk"  to  outstanding  risk. 
The  reclassification  to  "significant  increase  in  credit  risk"  or  normal  risk  categories  must  be  based  on  the 
analysis mentioned earlier of the viability, upon completion of the probationary periods described below.  

The Group maintains the policy of including risks related to refinanced and restructured loans as either: 

"Impaired  assets",  as  although  the  customer  is  up  to  date  with  payments,  they  are  classified  as 
unlikely to pay when there are significant doubts that the terms of their refinancing may not be met; 
or 

"Significant increase in credit risk" until the conditions established for their consideration as normal 
risk are met). 

The conditions established for assets classified as “Significant increase in credit risk” to be reclassified out of 
this category are as follows: 

  The  customer  must  have  paid  past-due  amounts  (principal  and  interest)  since  the  date  of  the 
renegotiation  or  restructuring  of  the  loan  or  other  objective  criteria,  demonstrating  the  borrower´s 
ability to pay, have been verified; none of its exposures is more than 30 days past-due; and 

  At  least  two  years  must  have  elapsed  since  completion  of  the  renegotiation  or  restructuring  of  the 

loan and regular payments must have been made during at least half of this probation period; 

It  is  unlikely  that  the  customer  will  have  financial  difficulties  and,  therefore,  it  is  expected  that  the 
customer  will  be  able  to  meet  its  loan  payment  obligations  (principal  and  interest)  in  a  timely 
manner. 

The BBVA Group’s refinancing and restructuring policy provides for the possibility of two modifications in a 
24 month period for loans that are not in compliance with the payment schedule. 

The  internal  models  used  to  determine  allowances  for  loan  losses  consider  the  restructuring  and 
renegotiation  of  a  loan,  as  well  as  re-defaults  on  such  a  loan,  by  assigning  a  lower  internal  rating  to 
to  non-
restructured  and 
restructured/renegotiated  loans.  This  downgrade  results  in  an  increase  in  the  probability  of  default  (PD) 
assigned to restructured/renegotiated loans (with the resulting PD being higher than the average PD of the 
non- renegotiated loans in the same portfolios). 

rating  assigned 

the  average 

renegotiated 

internal 

loans 

than 

For quantitative information on refinancing and restructuring operations see Appendix XII. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.109 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.4  Market risk 

7.4.1  Market risk trading portfolios 

Market risk originates as a result of movements in the market variables that impact the valuation of traded 
financial products and assets. The main risks generated can be classified as follows: 

Interest-rate  risk:  This  arises  as  a  result  of  exposure  to  movements  in  the  different  interest-rate 
curves involved in trading. Although the typical products that generate sensitivity to the movements 
in interest rates are money-market products (deposits, interest-rate futures, call money swaps, etc.) 
and  traditional  interest-rate  derivatives  (swaps  and  interest-rate  options  such  as  caps,  floors, 
swaptions, etc.), practically all the financial products are exposed to interest-rate movements due to 
the effect that such movements have on the valuation of the financial discount. 

  Equity  risk:  This  arises  as  a  result  of  movements  in  share  prices.  This  risk  is  generated  in  spot 
positions in shares or any derivative products whose underlying asset is a share or an equity index. 
Dividend  risk  is  a  sub-risk of  equity  risk,  arising  as  an  input  for  any  equity  option.  Its  variation  may 
affect the valuation of positions and it is therefore a factor that generates risk on the books. 

  Exchange-rate risk: This is caused by movements in the exchange rates of the different currencies in 
which a position is held. As in the case of equity risk, this risk is generated in spot currency positions, 
and  in  any  derivative  product  whose  underlying  asset  is  an  exchange  rate.  In  addition,  the  quanto 
effect (operations where the underlying asset and the instrument itself are denominated in different 
currencies)  means  that  in  certain  transactions  in  which  the  underlying  asset  is  not  a  currency,  an 
exchange-rate risk is generated that has to be measured and monitored. 

  Credit-spread risk: Credit spread is an indicator of an issuer's credit quality. Spread risk occurs due 
to variations in the levels of spread of both corporate and government issues, and affects positions in 
bonds and credit derivatives. 

  Volatility risk: This occurs as a result of changes in the levels of implied price volatility of the different 
market  instruments  on  which  derivatives  are  traded.  This  risk,  unlike  the  others,  is  exclusively  a 
component of trading in derivatives and is defined as a first-order convexity risk that is generated in 
all possible underlying assets in which there are products with options that require a volatility input 
for their valuation.  

The metrics developed to control and monitor market risk in BBVA Group are aligned with market practices 
and are implemented consistently across all the local market risk units.  

Measurement procedures are established in terms of the possible impact of negative market conditions on 
the  trading  portfolio  of  the  Group's  Global  Markets  units,  both  under  ordinary  circumstances  and  in 
situations of heightened risk factors. 

The standard metric used to measure market risk is Value at Risk (“VaR”), which indicates the maximum loss 
that may occur in the portfolios at a given confidence level (99%) and time horizon (one day). This statistic 
value is widely used in the market and has the advantage of summing up in a single metric the risks inherent 
to  trading  activity,  taking  into  account  how  they  are  related  and  providing  a  prediction  of  the  loss  that  the 
trading book could sustain as a result of fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates 
and  credit  spreads.  The  market  risk  analysis  considers  risks,  such  as  credit  spread,  basis  risk  as  well  as 
volatility and correlation risk.  

 
 
 
 
P.110
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Most of the headings on the Group's balance sheet subject to market risk are positions whose main metric 
for  measuring  their  market  risk  is  VaR.  This  table  shows  the  accounting  lines  of  the  consolidated  balance 
sheet as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 in which there is a market risk in trading activity subject to this 
measurement:  

Headings of the balance sheet under market risk (Millions of euros) 

Assets subject to market risk 

Financial assets held for trading 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income 

Of which: Equity instruments 

Derivatives - Hedging accounting 

Liabilities subject to market risk 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Derivatives - Hedging accounting 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

Main market risk 
metrics - VaR 

Main market risk 
metrics -  
Others (*) 

Main market risk 
metrics - VaR 

Main market risk 
metrics -  
Others (*) 

Main market risk 
metrics - VaR 

Main market risk 
metrics -  
Others (*) 

- 

- 

- 

57,486 

28,459 

59,008 

- 

441 

- 

64,623 

- 

1,480 

5,652 

19,125 

5,661 

24,083 

7,119 

28,771 

- 

688 

38,844 

550 

2,046 

1,061 

40,026 

910 

- 

829 

42,468 

1,157 

2,404 

1,397 

2,526 

638 

- 

1,041 

47,491 

1,305 

3,559 

1,415 

2,223 

689 

(*) 

Includes mainly assets and liabilities managed by ALCO. 

Although the prior table shows details of the financial positions subject to market risk, it should be noted that 
the  data  are  for  information  purposes  only  and  do  not  reflect  how  the  risk  is  managed  in  trading  activity, 
where it is not classified into assets and liabilities. 

With respect to the risk measurement models used in BBVA Group, the Bank of Spain has authorized the use 
of the internal model to determine bank capital requirements deriving from risk positions on the BBVA S.A. 
and  BBVA  Bancomer  trading  book,  which  jointly  account  for  around  76%,  70%  and  66%  of  the  Group’s 
trading-book  market  risk  as  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016.  For  the  rest  of  the  geographical  areas 
(mainly South America, Garanti and BBVA Compass), bank capital for the risk positions in the trading book is 
calculated using the standard model. 

The current management structure includes the monitoring of market-risk limits, consisting of a scheme of 
limits based on VaR, economic capital (based on VaR measurements) and VaR sub-limits, as well as stop-
loss limits for each of the Group’s business units.  

The model used estimates VaR in accordance with the "historical simulation"  methodology, which involves 
estimating  losses  and  gains  that  would  have  taken  place  in  the  current  portfolio  if  the  changes  in  market 
conditions that took place over a specific period of time in the past were repeated. Based on this information, 
it infers the maximum expected loss of the current portfolio within a given confidence level. This model has 
the advantage of reflecting precisely the historical distribution of the market variables and not assuming any 
specific  distribution  of  probability.  The  historical  period  used  in  this  model  is  two  years.  The  historical 
simulation method is used in BBVA S.A., BBVA Bancomer, BBVA Colombia, Compass Bank and Garanti. 

VaR figures are estimated following two methodologies: 

VaR  without  smoothing,  which  awards  equal  weight  to  the  daily  information  for  the  previous  two 
years.  This  is  currently  the  official  methodology  for  measuring  market  risks  for  the  purpose  of 
monitoring compliance with risk limits. 

VaR  with  smoothing,  which  gives  a  greater  weight  to  more  recent  market  information.  This  metric 
supplements the previous one.  

In  the  case  of  Global  Markets  Argentina  and  Global  Markets  Peru  a  parametric  methodology  is  used  to 
measure risk in terms of VaR. 

P.111
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

At the same time, and following the guidelines established by the Spanish and European authorities, BBVA 
incorporates metrics in addition to VaR with the aim of meeting the Bank of Spain's regulatory requirements 
with  respect  to  the  calculation  of  bank  capital  for  the  trading  book.  Specifically,  the  new  measures 
incorporated in the Group since December 2011 (stipulated by Basel 2.5) are: 

VaR: In regulatory terms, the VaR charge incorporates the stressed VaR charge, and the sum of the 
two (VaR and stressed VaR) is calculated. This quantifies the losses associated with the movements 
of the two risk factors inherent to market operations (interest rates, FX, RV, credit, etc.). Both VaR 
and stressed VaR are rescaled by a regulatory multiplier set at three and by the square root of ten to 
calculate the capital charge. 

Specific Risk: Incremental Risk Capital (“IRC”) Quantification of the risks of default and downgrading 
of the credit ratings of the bond and credit derivative  positions in the portfolio. The specific capital 
risk by IRC is a charge exclusively used in the geographical areas with the internal model approved 
(BBVA S.A. and Bancomer). The capital charge is determined according to the associated losses (at 
99.9% in a 1-year horizon under the hypothesis of constant risk) due to the rating migration and/or 
default state the issuer of an asset. In addition, the price risk is included in sovereign positions for the 
items specified. 

Specific  Risk:  Securitization  and  correlation  portfolios.  Capital  charge  for  securitizations  and  the 
correlation portfolio to include the potential losses  associated at the level of rating a specific credit 
structure  (rating).  Both  are  calculated  by  the  standard  method.  The  scope  of  the  correlation 
portfolios  refers  to  the  FTD-type  market  operation  and/or  tranches  of  market  CDOs  and  only  for 
positions with an active market and hedging capacity. 

Validity tests are performed regularly on the risk measurement models used by the Group. They estimate the 
maximum loss that could have been incurred in the positions with a certain level of probability (backtesting), 
as  well  as  measurements  of  the  impact  of  extreme  market  events  on  risk  positions  (stress  testing).  As  an 
additional control measure, backtesting is conducted at trading desk level in order to enable  more specific 
monitoring of the validity of the measurement models. 

P.112
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Market risk in 2018 

The  Group’s  market  risk  remains  at  low  levels  compared  to  other  risks  managed  by  BBVA,  particularly  in 
terms of credit risk. This is due to the nature of the business. During the financial year 2018 the average VaR 
was €21 million, below the figure of 2017, with a high on March 16, 2018 of €26 million. The evolution in the 
BBVA  Group’s  market  risk  during  2018,  measured  as  VaR  without  smoothing  (see  Glossary)  with  a  99% 
confidence level and a 1-day horizon (shown in millions of Euros) is as follows: 

By type of market risk assumed by the Group's trading portfolio, the main risk factor for the Group continues 
to be that linked to interest rates, with a weight of 55% of the total at December 31, 2018 (this figure includes 
the spread risk). The relative weight of this risk increased compared with its relative weight at December 31, 
2017 (48%). Exchange-rate risk had a relative weight of 14%, the same as in 2017, while the relative weight of 
equity, volatility and correlation risk decreased from 38% at December 31, 2017 to 31% at December 31, 2018. 

P.113
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As of  December 31, 2018,  2017 and 2016  the balance of VaR was €21 million, €27  million and €29  million, 
respectively. These figures can be broken down as follows: 

VaR by Risk Factor (Millions of euros) 

Interest/Spread 
Risk 

Currency Risk 

Stock-market 
Risk 

Vega/Correlation 
Risk 

Diversification 
Effect(*) 

Total 

December 2018 

VaR average in the year 

VaR max in the year 

VaR min in the year 

End of period VaR 

December 2017 

VaR average in the year 

VaR max in the year 

VaR min in the year 

End of period VaR 

December 2016 

VaR average in the year 

VaR max in the year 

VaR min in the year 

End of period VaR 

- 

20 

23 

17 

19 

- 

25 

27 

23 

23 

- 

28 

30 

21 

29 

- 

6 

7 

6 

5 

- 

10 

11 

7 

7 

- 

10 

16 

10 

7 

- 

4 

6 

4 

3 

- 

3 

2 

4 

4 

- 

4 

4 

1 

2 

- 

9 

11 

7 

7 

- 

13 

12 

14 

14 

- 

11 

11 

11 

12 

- 

(20)

(21)

(18)

(17)

- 

(23)

(19)

(26)

(26)

- 

(23)

(23)

(20)

(24)

- 

21

26

16

17

- 

27

34

22

22

- 

29

38

23

26

(*)  The diversification effect is the difference between the sum of the average individual risk factors and the total VaR figure 

that includes the implied correlation between all the variables and scenarios used in the measurement. 

Validation of the model 

The  internal  market  risk  model  is  validated  on  a  regular  basis  by  backtesting  in  both  BBVA  S.A.  and 
Bancomer. The aim of backtesting is to validate the quality and precision of the internal market risk model 
used by BBVA Group to estimate the maximum daily loss of a portfolio, at a 99% level of confidence and a 
250-day  time  horizon,  by  comparing  the  Group's  results  and  the  risk  measurements  generated  by  the
internal market risk model. These tests showed that the internal market risk model of both BBVA, S.A. and
Bancomer is adequate and precise.

Two types of backtesting have been carried out during 2018, 2017 and 2016: 

"Hypothetical"  backtesting:  the  daily  VaR  is  compared  with  the  results  obtained,  not  taking  into 
in  the  portfolio  positions.  This  validates  the 
account  the 
appropriateness of the market risk metrics for the end-of-day position. 

intraday  results  or  the  changes 

"Real" backtesting: the daily VaR is compared with the total results, including intraday transactions, 
but discounting the possible minimum charges or fees involved. This type of backtesting includes the 
intraday risk in portfolios. 

In addition, each of these two types of backtesting was carried out at the level of risk factor or business type, 
thus making a deeper comparison of the results with respect to risk measurements. 

For  the  period  between  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  and  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018,  the 
backtesting of the internal VaR calculation model was carried out, comparing the daily results obtained to the 
estimated risk level by the internal VaR calculation model. At the end of the year the comparison showed the 
internal  VaR  calculation  model  was  working  correctly,  within  the  "green"  zone  (0-4  exceptions),  thus 
validating the internal VaR calculation model, as has occurred each year since the internal market risk model 
was approved for the Group.  

P.114
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Stress test analysis 

A number of stress tests are carried out on BBVA Group's trading portfolios. First, global and local historical 
scenarios are used that replicate the behavior of an extreme past event, such as for example the collapse of 
Lehman Brothers or the "Tequilazo" crisis. These stress tests are complemented with simulated scenarios, 
where the aim is to generate scenarios that have a significant impact on the different portfolios, but without 
being anchored to any specific historical scenario. Finally, for some portfolios or positions, fixed stress tests 
are also carried out that have a significant impact on the market variables affecting these positions. 

Historical scenarios 

The historical benchmark stress scenario for the BBVA Group is Lehman Brothers, whose sudden collapse in 
September  2008  led  to  a  significant  impact  on  the  behavior  of  financial  markets  at  a  global  level.  The 
following are the most relevant effects of this historical scenario: 

Credit shock: reflected mainly in the increase of credit spreads and downgrades in credit ratings. 

Increased  volatility  in  most  of  the  financial  markets  (giving  rise  to  a  great  deal  of  variation  in  the 
prices of different assets (currency, equity, debt). 

Liquidity  shock  in  the  financial  systems,  reflected  by  a  major  movement  in  interbank  curves, 
particularly in the shortest sections of the euro and dollar curves. 

Simulated scenarios 

Unlike  the  historical  scenarios,  which  are  fixed  and  therefore  not  suited  to  the  composition  of  the  risk 
portfolio  at  all  times,  the  scenario  used  for  the  exercises  of  economic  stress  is  based  on  Resampling 
methodology.  This  methodology  is  based  on  the  use  of  dynamic  scenarios  are  recalculated  periodically 
depending on the main risks held in the trading portfolios. On a data window wide enough to collect different 
periods  of  stress  (data  are  taken  from  1-1-2008  until  today),  a  simulation  is  performed  by  resampling  of 
historic  observations,  generating  a  loss  distribution  and  profits  to  analyze  most  extreme  of  births  in  the 
selected historical window. The advantage of this resampling methodology is that the period of stress is not 
predetermined,  but  depends  on  the  portfolio  maintained  at  each  time,  and  making  a  large  number  of 
simulations (10,000 simulations) allows a richer information for the analysis of expected shortfall than what 
is available in the scenarios included in the calculation of VaR. 

The main features of this approach are: a) the generated simulations respect the correlation structure of the 
data, b) flexibility in the inclusion of new risk factors and c) to allow the introduction of a lot of variability in the 
simulations (desirable to consider extreme events). 

The  impact  of  the  stress  test  under  multivariable  simulation  of  the  risk  factors  of  the  portfolio  (Expected 
shortfall 95% to 20 days) as of December 31, 2018 is as follows: 

Expected Shortfall 

(99) 

(33) 

(11) 

- 

(5) 

(6) 

(6) 

(1) 

0 

Europe 

Mexico 

Peru  Venezuela  Argentina 

Colombia 

Turkey 

Compass 

Millions of Euros 

7.4.2  Structural risk 

The Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) is the main responsible body for the management of structural 
risks relating to liquidity/funding, interest rates, currency rates, equity and solvency. Every month, with the 
assistance  of  the  CEO  and  representatives  from  the  areas  of  Finance,  Risks  and  Business  Areas,  this 
committee  monitors  the  above  risks  and  is  presented  with  proposals  for  managing  them  for  its  approval. 
These  management  proposals  are  made  proactively  by  the  Finance  area,  taking  into  account  the  risk 
appetite  framework  and  with  the  aim  of  guaranteeing  recurrent  earnings  and  financial  stability  and 

P.115 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

preserving  the  entity's  solvency.  All  the  balance-sheet  management  units  have  a  local  ALCO,  assisted 
constantly by the members of the Corporate Center. There is also a corporate ALCO where the management 
strategies in the Group's subsidiaries are monitored and presented. 

Structural interest-rate risk 

The structural interest-rate risk (“IRRBB”) is related to the potential impact that variations in market interest 
rates have on an entity's net interest income and equity. In  order to properly  measure IRRBB,  BBVA takes 
into  account  the  main  sources  that  generate  this  risk:  repricing  risk,  yield  curve  risk,  option  risk  and  basis 
risk,  which  are  analyzed  from  two  complementary  points  of  view:  net  interest  income  (short  term)  and 
economic value (long term).  

ALCO monitors the interest-rate risk metrics and the Assets and Liabilities Management unit carries out the 
management proposals for the structural balance sheet. The management objective is to ensure the stability 
of  net  interest  income  and  book  value  in  the  face  of changes  in  market  interest  rates,  while  respecting  the 
internal solvency and limits in the different balance-sheets and for BBVA Group as a whole; and complying 
with current and future regulatory requirements. 

BBVA's  structural  interest-rate  risk  management  control  and  monitoring  is  based  on  a  set  of  metrics  and 
tools that enable the entity's risk profile to be monitored correctly. A wide range of scenarios are measured 
on a regular basis, including sensitivities to parallel movements in the event of different shocks, changes in 
slope  and  curve,  as  well  as  delayed  movements.  Other  probabilistic  metrics  based  on  statistical  scenario-
simulating methods are also assessed, such as earnings at risk (“EaR”) and economic capital (“EC”), which 
are defined as the maximum adverse deviations in net interest income and economic value, respectively, for 
a given confidence level and time horizon. Impact thresholds are established on these management metrics 
both in terms of deviations in net interest income and in terms of the impact on economic value. The process 
is  carried  out  separately  for  each  currency  to  which  the  Group  is  exposed,  and  the  diversification  effect 
between currencies and business units is considered after this.  

In  order  to  evaluate  its  effectiveness,  the  model  is  subjected  to  regular  internal  validation.  In  addition,  the 
banking book’s interest-rate risk exposures are subjected to different stress tests in order to reveal balance 
sheet vulnerabilities under extreme scenarios. This testing includes an analysis of adverse macroeconomic 
scenarios designed specifically by BBVA Research, together with a wide range of potential scenarios that aim 
to identify interest-rate environments that are particularly damaging for the entity. This is done by generating 
extreme scenarios of a breakthrough in interest rate levels and historical correlations, giving rise to sudden 
changes in the slopes and even to inverted curves. 

The model is necessarily underpinned by an elaborate set of hypotheses that aim to reproduce the behavior 
of the balance sheet as closely as possible to reality. Especially relevant among these assumptions are those 
related  to  the  behavior  of  Non  Maturity  Deposits,  for  which  stability  and  remuneration  assumptions  are 
established, consistent with an adequate segmentation by type of product and customer, and prepayment 
estimates (implicit optionality). The assumptions are reviewed and adapted, at least on an annual basis, to 
signs  of  changes  in  behavior,  kept  properly  documented  and  reviewed  on  a  regular  basis  in  the  internal 
validation processes. 

The  impacts  on  the  metrics  are  assessed  both  from  a  point  of  view  of  economic  value  with  a  static  model 
(gone concern) and from the perspective of net interest income, for which a dynamic model (going concern) 
consistent with the corporate assumptions of earnings forecasts is used. 

 
 
 
P.116 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The table below shows the profile of average sensitivities to net interest income and value of the main banks 
in BBVA Group in 2018: 

Sensitivity to Interest-Rate Analysis - December 2018 

0 

Europe (***) 
Mexico 
USA 
Turkey 
South America 
BBVA Group 

Impact on Net Interest Income (*) 

Impact on Economic Value (**) 

0 

100 Basis-Point 
Increase 

100 Basis-Point 
Decrease 

100 Basis-Point 
Increase 

100 Basis-Point 
Decrease 

+ (5% - 10%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
+ (5% - 10%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 

- (5% - 10%) 

- (0% - 5%) 
- (5% - 10%) 
- (0% - 5%) 
- (0% - 5%) 
- (0% - 5%) 

+ (0% - 5%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
- (5% - 10%) 
- (0% - 5%) 
- (0% - 5%) 
- (0% - 5%) 

- (0% - 5%) 
- (0% - 5%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
+ (0% - 5%) 
- (0% - 5%) 

(*)  Percentage of "1 year" net interest income forecast for each unit. 

(**)  Percentage of Core Capital for each unit. 

(***)  In Europe downward movement including rates below the current ones. 

In 2018 in Europe monetary policy has remained expansionary, maintaining rates at 0% and the deposit rate 
at -0.4%. In USA the rising rate cycle initiated by the Federal Reserve in 2015 has continued. In Mexico and 
Turkey,  the  upward  cycle  has  continued  because  of  volatility  of  their  currencies  and  inflation  prospects.  In 
South America, monetary policy has continued to be expansive in most of the economies where the Group 
operates, with the exception of Argentina, where rates increased and actions were taken not to increase the 
monetary basis and slow the inflation. 

The  BBVA  Group  maintains,  overall  a  positive  and  moderate  sensitivity  in  its  net  interest  income  to  an 
increase  in  interest  rates.  The  higher  relative  net  interest  income  sensitivities  are  observed  in,  particularly 
Euro and USD. In Europe however, the decrease in interest rates is limited by the downward path scope in 
interest  rates.  The  Group  maintains  a  moderate  risk  profile,  according  to  its  target  risk,  through  effective 
management of its balance sheet structural risk. 

Structural exchange-rate risk  

In BBVA  Group, structural exchange-rate risk arises from the consolidation of  holdings in subsidiaries with 
functional  currencies  other  than  the  euro.  Its  management  is  centralized  in  order  to  optimize  the  joint 
handling of permanent foreign currency exposures, taking into account the diversification.  

The  corporate  Global  ALM  unit,  through  ALCO,  designs  and  executes  hedging  strategies  with  the  main 
purpose of controlling the potential negative effect of exchange-rate fluctuations on capital ratios and on the 
equivalent  value  in  euros  of  the  foreign-currency  earnings  of  the  Group's  subsidiaries,  considering 
transactions according to market expectations and their cost. 

The  risk  monitoring  metrics  included  in  the  framework  of  limits  are  integrated  into  management  and 
supplemented  with  additional  assessment  indicators.  At  corporate  level  they  are  based  on  probabilistic 
metrics that measure the maximum deviation in the Group’s Capital, CET1 (“Common Equity Tier 1”) ratio, 
and net attributable profit. The probabilistic metrics make it possible to estimate the joint impact of exposure 
to different currencies taking into account the different variability in exchange rates and their correlations.  

The suitability of these risk assessment metrics is reviewed on a regular basis through backtesting exercises. 
The final element of structural exchange-rate risk control is the analysis of scenarios and stress with the aim 
of identifying in advance possible threats to future compliance with the risk appetite levels set, so that any 
necessary  preventive  management  actions  can  be  taken.  The  scenarios  are  based  both  on  historical 
situations simulated by the risk model and on the risk scenarios provided by BBVA Research. 

 
P.117 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

2018  has  been  characterized  by  higher  volatility  levels  of  FX  rates  in  emerging  markets.  As  for  the  main 
currencies of the geographies where the Group operates, it is worth mentioning the appreciation of Mexican 
peso and US Dollar against the euro (around 5% in both cases), while Turkish lira and Argentinian peso have 
strongly depreciated (25% and 48%, respectively) affected by idiosyncratic factors. 

The  Group's  structural  exchange-rate  risk  exposure  level  has  remained  fairly  stable  since  the  end  of  2017.  
The hedging policy intends to keep low levels of sensitivity to movements in the exchange rates of emerging 
currencies against the euro and focuses on Mexican peso and Turkish lira. The risk mitigation level in capital 
ratio due to the book value of BBVA Group's holdings in foreign emerging currencies stood at around 70% 
and, as of the end of 2018, CET1 ratio sensitivity to the appreciation of 1% in the euro exchange rate for each 
currency is: US Dollar +1.1 bps; Mexican peso -0.2 bps; Turkish Lira -0.2 bps; other currencies -0.2 bps. On 
the  other  hand,  hedging  of  emerging-currency  denominated  earnings  of  2018  has  reached  a  82%, 
concentrated in Mexican peso, Turkish lira and the main Latin American currencies. 

Structural equity risk 

BBVA  Group's  exposure  to  structural  equity  risk  stems  basically  from  minority  shareholdings  in  industrial 
and financial companies held with long or medium-term investment horizons. This exposure is modulated in 
some  portfolios  with  positions  held  in  derivative  instruments  on  the  same  underlying  assets,  in  order  to 
adjust the portfolio sensitivity to potential changes in equity prices. 

The management of structural equity portfolios is a responsibility of the Group's units specialized in this area. 
Their  activity  is  subject  to  the  risk  management  corporate  policy  on  structural  equity  risk  management, 
complying with the defined management principles and Risk Appetite Framework. 

The  Group's  risk  management  systems  also  make  it  possible  to  anticipate  potential  negative  impacts  and 
take  appropriate  measures  to  prevent  damage  being  caused  to  the  entity.  The  risk  control  and  limitation 
mechanisms  are  focused  on  the  exposure,  annual  performance  and  economic  capital  estimated  for  each 
portfolio.  Economic  capital  is  estimated  in  accordance  with  a  corporate  model  based  on  Monte  Carlo 
simulations,  taking  into  account  the  statistical  performance  of  asset  prices  and  the  diversification  existing 
among the different exposures.  

Stress tests and analyses of sensitivity to different simulated scenarios are carried out periodically to analyze 
the  risk  profile  in  more  depth.  They  are  based  on  both  past  crisis  situations  and  forecasts  made  by  BBVA 
Research. This checks that the risks are limited and that the tolerance levels set by the Group are not at risk. 

Backtesting is carried out on a regular basis on the risk measurement model used.  

With  regard  to  the  equity  markets,  the  world  indexes  have  closed  the  year  2018  with  generalized  falls  and 
volatility surges in a macro environment of global growth slowdown, increase of the political uncertainty and 
normalization of the monetary policies. 

Structural  equity  risk,  measured  in  terms  of  economic  capital,  has  decreased  in  the  period  mainly  due  to 
lower exposure. The aggregate sensitivity of the BBVA Group’s consolidated equity to a 1% fall in the price of 
shares of the companies making up the equity portfolio remained at around €-28 million as of December 31, 
2018 and €-32 million as of December 31, 2017. This estimation takes into account the exposure in shares 
valued at market prices, or if not applicable, at fair value (excluding the positions in the Treasury Area and the 
net delta-equivalent positions in derivatives on the same underlyings. 

7.4.3  Financial Instruments offset 

Financial  assets  and  liabilities  may  be  netted,  i.e.  they  are  presented  for  a  net amount  on  the  consolidated 
balance sheet only when the Group's entities satisfy with the provisions of IAS 32-Paragraph 42, so they have 
both the legal right to net recognized amounts, and the intention of settling the net amount or of realizing the 
asset and simultaneously paying the liability. 

 
P.118
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  addition,  the  Group  has  presented  as  gross  amounts  assets  and  liabilities  on  the  consolidated  balance 
sheet for which there are master netting arrangements in place, but for which there is no intention of settling 
net. The most common types of events that trigger the netting of reciprocal obligations are bankruptcy of the 
entity, surpassing certain level of indebtedness threshold, failure to pay, restructuring and dissolution of the 
entity. 

In  the  current  market  context,  derivatives  are  contracted  under  different  framework  contracts  being  the 
most  widespread  developed  by  the  International  Swaps  and  Derivatives  Association  (“ISDA”)  and,  for  the 
Spanish  market,  the  Framework  Agreement  on  Financial  Transactions  (“CMOF”).  Almost  all  portfolio 
derivative transactions have been concluded under these framework contracts, including in them the netting 
clauses  mentioned  in  the preceding  paragraph  as  "Master  Netting  Agreement",  greatly  reducing  the  credit 
exposure  on  these  instruments.  Additionally,  in  contracts  signed  with  professional  counterparties,  the 
collateral  agreement  annexes  called  Credit  Support  Annex  (“CSA”)  are  included,  thereby  minimizing 
exposure to a potential default of the counterparty. 

Moreover, in transactions involving assets purchased or sold under a repurchase agreement there is a high 
volume transacted through clearing houses that articulate mechanisms to reduce counterparty risk, as well 
as through the signature of various master agreements for bilateral transactions, the most widely used being 
the  Global  Master  Repurchase  Agreement  (GMRA),  published  by  International  Capital  Market  Association 
(“ICMA”),  to  which  the  clauses  related  to  the  collateral  exchange  are  usually  added  within  the  text  of  the 
master agreement itself. 

P.119
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

A  summary  of  the  effect  of  the  compensation  (via  netting  and  collateral)  for  derivatives  and  securities 
operations is presented below as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Gross Amounts Not Offset 
in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets (D) 

Notes 

Gross 
Amounts 
Recognized 
(A) 

Gross 
Amounts 
Offset in the 
Consolidated 
Balance 
Sheets (B) 

Net Amount 
Presented in 
the 
Consolidated 
Balance 
Sheets (C=A-
B) 

Financial 
Instruments 

Cash 
Collateral 
Received/ 
Pledged 

Net Amount 
(E=C-D) 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar 
agreements 
Total Assets 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements 
Total liabilities 

10, 15 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

10, 15 

49,908 

16,480 

33,428 

25,024 

28,074 
77,982 

51,596 
43,035 
94,631 

42 
16,522 

17,101 
42 
17,143 

28,032 
61,460 

34,494 
42,993 
77,487 

28,022 
53,046 

25,024 
42,877 
67,901 

7,790 

169 
7,959 

6,788 
34 
6,822 

613 

(159) 
454 

2,682 
82 
2,765 

Gross Amounts Not Offset in 
the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets (D) 

Gross 
Amounts 
Recognized 
(A) 

Gross 
Amounts 
Offset in the 
Consolidated 
Balance 
Sheets (B) 

Net Amount 
Presented in 
the 
Consolidated 
Balance 
Sheets (C=A-
B) 

Financial 
Instruments 

Cash 
Collateral 
Received/ 
Pledged 

Net Amount 
(E=C-D) 

49,333 

11,584 

37,749 

27,106 

26,426 
75,759 

56 
11,641 

26,369 
64,118 

26,612 
53,717 

50,693 
40,134 
90,827 

11,644 
56 
11,701 

39,049 
40,078 
79,126 

27,106 
40,158 
67,264 

7,442 

141 
7,583 

8,328 
21 
8,349 

3,202 

(384) 
2,818 

3,615 
(101) 
3,514 

Gross Amounts Not Offset 
in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets (D) 

Gross 
Amounts 
Recognized 
(A) 

Gross 
Amounts 
Offset in the 
Consolidated 
Balance 
Sheets (B) 

Net Amount 
Presented in 
the 
Consolidated 
Balance 
Sheets (C=A-B) 

Financial 
Instruments 

Cash 
Collateral 
Received/ 
Pledged 

Net Amount 
(E=C-D) 

59,374 

13,587 

45,788 

32,146 

25,833 
85,208 

2,912 
16,499 

22,921 
68,709 

23,080 
55,226 

59,545 
49,474 
109,019 

14,080 
2,912 
16,991 

45,465 
46,562 
92,027 

32,146 
47,915 
80,061 

6,571 

174 
6,745 

7,272 
176 
7,448 

7,070 

(333) 
6,738 

6,047 
(1,529) 
4,518 

Note
s 

10, 
15 

10, 
15 

Note
s 

10, 
15 

10, 
15 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar 
agreements 
Total Assets 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements 
Total liabilities 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing and similar 
agreements 
Total Assets 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Repurchase, securities lending and similar agreements 
Total liabilities 

P.120
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.5  Liquidity risk 

7.5.1  Liquidity risk management 

Management  of  liquidity  and  structural  finance  within  the  BBVA  Group  is  based  on  the  principle  of  the 
financial  autonomy  of  the  entities  that  make  it  up.  This  approach  helps  prevent  and  limit  liquidity  risk  by 
reducing  the  Group’s  vulnerability  in  periods  of  high  risk.  This  decentralized  management  avoids  possible 
contagion due to a crisis that could affect only one or several BBVA Group entities, which must cover their 
liquidity needs independently in the markets where they operate. Liquidity Management Units (LMUs) have 
been set up for this reason in the geographical areas where the main foreign subsidiaries operate, and also 
for the parent BBVA S.A.  

Assets and Liabilities Management unit manages BBVA Group's liquidity and funding. It plans and executes 
the funding of the long-term structural gap of each LMUs and proposes to ALCO the actions to adopt in this 
regard in accordance with the policies and limits established by the Standing Committee.  

As  first  core  element,  the  Bank's  target  in  terms  of  liquidity  and  funding  risk  is  characterized  through  the 
Liquidity  Coverage  Ratio  (LCR)  and  the  Loan-to-Stable-Customer-Deposits  (LtSCD)  ratio.  LCR  is  a 
regulatory measurement aimed at ensuring entities’ resistance in a scenario of liquidity stress within a time 
horizon  of  30  days.  BBVA,  within  its  risk  appetite  framework  and  its  limits  and  alerts  schemes,  has 
established a level of requirement for compliance with the LCR ratio both for the Group as a whole and for 
each  of  the  Liquidity  Management  Units  (LMUs)  individually.  The  internal  levels  required  are  geared  to 
comply sufficiently and efficiently in advance with the implementation of the regulatory requirement of 2018, 
at a level above 100%.  

LCR  ratio  in  Europe  was  applicable  as  from  October  1,  2015.  With  an  initial  60%  minimum  requirement, 
progressively  increased  (phased-in)  up  to  100%  in  2018.  Throughout  the  year  2018,  LCR  level  at  BBVA 
Group has been above 100%. As of December 31, 2018, the LCR ratio at Group level is 127%.  

Although this regulatory requirement is mandatory at a Group level and Eurozone banks, all subsidiaries are 
above this minimum. In any case, it should  be noted that liquidity excesses in subsidiaries are not deemed 
transferable  when  calculating  the  consolidated  ratio.  Taking  into  account  the  impact  of  these  High  Quality 
Liquid Assets excluded, LCR ratio would be 154%, which is +27% above the Group’s LCR. 

LCR main LMU 

Group 

Eurozone 

Bancomer 

Compass(*) 

Garanti 

0 

December 2018 

December 2017 

127% 

145% 

154% 

143% 

209% 

128% 

151% 

148% 

144% 

134% 

 (*) Compass LCR calculated according to local regulation (Fed Modified LCR). 

The  LtSCD  measures  the  relation  between  the  net  loans  credit  investment  and  stable  customer  deposits. 
The aim is to preserve a stable funding structure in the medium term for each of the LMUs making up BBVA 
Group, taking into account that maintaining an adequate volume of stable customer funds is key to achieving 
a sound liquidity profile.  

Stable  customer  deposits  are  defined  as  the  customer  funds  captured  and  managed  by  business  units 
among their target customers. These funds usually show little sensitivity to market changes and are largely 
non-volatile  in  terms  of  aggregate  amounts  per  transaction,  thanks  to  customer  linkage  to  the  unit.  Stable 
funds in each LMU are calculated by analyzing the behavior of the balance sheets of the different customer 
segments  identified  as  likely  to  provide  stability  to  the  funding  structure,  and  by  prioritizing  an  established 

P.121
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

relationship  and  applying  bigger  haircuts  to  the  funding  lines  of  less  stable  customers.  The  main  base  of 
stable funds is composed of deposits by retail individual customers and small businesses. 

For the purpose of establishing the (maximum) target levels for LtSCD in each LMU and providing an optimal 
funding  structure  reference  in  terms  of  risk  appetite,  GRM-Structural  Risks  identifies  and  assesses  the 
economic and financial variables that condition the funding structures in the various geographical areas. 

The behavior of the indicators reflects that the funding structure remained robust in 2018, 2017 and 2016, in 
the  sense  that  all  the  LMUs  maintain  levels  of  self-funding  with  stable  customer  funds  higher  than  the 
required levels. 

LtSCD by LMU 

Group (average) 

Eurozone 

Bancomer 

Compass 

Garanti 

Other LMUs 

0 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

106% 

101% 

114% 

119% 

110% 

99% 

110% 

108% 

109% 

109% 

122% 

108% 

113% 

113% 

113% 

108% 

124% 

107% 

The second core element in liquidity and funding risk management is to achieve proper diversification of the 
funding  structure,  avoiding  excessive  reliance  on  short-term  funding  and  establishing  a  maximum  level  of 
short-term  funding  comprising  both  wholesale  funding  as  well  as  funds  from  less  stable  non-retail 
customers.  Regarding  long-term  funding,  the  maturity  profile  does  not  show  significant  concentrations, 
which  enables  adaptation  of  the  anticipated  issuance  schedule  to  the  best  financial  conditions  of  the 
markets.  Finally,  concentration  risk  is  monitored  at  the  LMU  level,  with  a  view  to  ensuring  the  right 
diversification both per counterparty and per instrument type.  

The third element promotes the short-term resilience of the liquidity risk profile, making sure that each LMU 
has  sufficient  collateral  to  address  the  risk  of  wholesale  markets  closing.  Basic  Capacity  is  the  short-term 
liquidity risk management and control metric that is defined as the relationship between the available explicit 
assets and the maturities of wholesale liabilities and volatile funds, at different terms to one year, with special 
relevance being given to 30 and 90-day maturities. 

P.122 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Each  entity  maintains  an  individual  liquidity  buffer,  both  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.  and  its 
subsidiaries, including BBVA Compass, BBVA Bancomer, Garanti Bank and the Latin American subsidiaries. 
The table below shows the liquidity available by instrument as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 for the most 
significant  entities  based  on  prudential  supervisor’s  information  (Commission  Implementing  Regulations 
(EU) 2017/2114 of November 9, 2017):  

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Cash and withdrawable central bank reserves 

Level 1 tradable assets 

Level 2A tradable assets 

Level 2B tradable assets 

Other tradable assets 

Non tradable assets eligible for central banks 

Cumulated Counterbalancing Capacity 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Cash and withdrawable central bank reserves 
Level 1 tradable assets 
Level 2A tradable assets 
Level 2B tradable assets 
Other tradable assets 
Non tradable assets eligible for central banks 
Cumulated Counterbalancing Capacity 

BBVA 
Eurozone 

BBVA 
Bancomer 

BBVA 
Compass 

Garanti Bank 

Other 

26,506 

29,938 

449 

4,040 

5,661 

- 

7,666 

4,995 

409 

33 

1,372 

- 

1,667 

10,490 

510 

- 

1,043 

2,314 

7,633 

6,502 

- 

- 

499 

- 

6,677 

3,652 

- 

- 

617 

- 

66,594 

14,475 

16,024 

14,634 

10,946 

BBVA 
Eurozone (1) 
15,634 

38,954 
386 
4,995 
6,734 
- 

66,703 

BBVA 
Bancomer 

BBVA 
Compass 

Garanti Bank 

Other 

8,649 

3,805 
418 
69 
1,703 
- 

2,150 

9,028 
753 
- 
1,252 
2,800 

6,692 

5,705 
- 
- 
962 
- 

6,083 

6,141 
10 
21 
1,573 
- 

14,644 

15,983 

13,359 

13,828 

(1)

It includes Spain, Portugal and Rest of Eurasia. 

Stress  analyses  are  also  a  basic  element  of  the  liquidity  and  funding  risk  monitoring  system,  as  they  help 
anticipate  deviations  from  the  liquidity  targets  and  limits  set  out  in  the  risk  appetite  as  well  as  establish 
tolerance  ranges  at  different  management  levels.  They  also  play  a  key  role  in  the  design  of  the  Liquidity 
Contingency Plan and in defining the specific measures for action for realigning the risk profile. 

For  each  of  the  scenarios,  a  check  is  carried  out  whether  BBVA  has  sufficient  liquid  assets  to  meet  the 
liquidity commitments/outflows in the various periods analyzed. The analysis considers four scenarios, one 
core  and  three  crisis-related:  systemic  crisis;  unexpected  internal  crisis  with  a  considerable  rating 
downgrade and/or affecting the ability to issue in wholesale markets and the perception of business risk by 
the  banking  intermediaries  and  the  BBVA's  customers;  and  a  mixed  scenario,  as  a  combination  of  the  two 
aforementioned  scenarios.  Each  scenario  considers  the  following  factors:  liquidity  existing  on  the  market, 
customer behavior and sources of funding, impact of rating downgrades, market values of liquid assets and 
collateral,  and  the  interaction  between  liquidity  requirements  and  the  performance  of  the  BBVA's  asset 
quality. 

The  results  of  these  stress  analyses  carried  out  regularly  reveal  that  BBVA  has  a  sufficient  buffer  of  liquid 
assets to deal with the estimated liquidity outflows in a scenario such as a combination of a systemic crisis 
and  an  unexpected  internal  crisis,  during  a  period  in  general  longer  than  3  months  for  LMUs,  including  a 
major downgrade in the BBVA's rating (by up to three notches).  

Beside the results of stress exercises and risk metrics, Early Warning Indicators play an important role in the 
corporate model and also in the Liquidity Contingency Plan. These are mainly financing structure indicators, 
related to asset encumbrance, counterparty concentration, outflows of customer deposits, unexpected use 
of  credit  lines,  and  market  indicators,  which  help  to  anticipate  potential  risks  and  capture  market 
expectations. 

P.123
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Below is a matrix of residual maturities by contractual periods based on supervisory prudential reporting as 
of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: 

P.124
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2018. Contractual Maturities (Millions of euros) 

0 

Demand 

Up to 1 
Month 

1 to 3 
Months 

3 to 6 
Months 

6 to 9 
Months 

9 to 12 
Months 

1 to 2 
Years 

2 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years 

Over 5 
Years 

Total 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other 
demand deposits 
Deposits in credit entities 

Deposits in other financial institutions 
Reverse repo, securities borrowing and margin 
lending 

Loans and Advances 

Securities' portfolio settlement 

9,550 
801 

1 

- 

40,599 
3,211 

1,408 

- 
216 

750 

- 
141 

664 

21,266 

1,655 

1,158 

- 
83 

647 

805 

- 
152 

375 

498 

- 
133 

1,724 

- 
178 

896 

- 
27 

1,286 

- 
1,269 

2,764 

50,149 
6,211 

10,515 

205 

1,352 

390 

210 

27,539 

132 

19,825 

25,939 

23,265 

15,347 

16,433 

42,100 

32,336 

53,386 

120,571 

349,334 

- 

1,875 

4,379 

5,990 

2,148 

6,823 

8,592 

12,423 

11,533 

42,738 

96,501 

December 2018. Contractual Maturities (Millions of euros) 

0 

Demand 

Up to 1 
Month 

1 to 3 
Months 

3 to 6 
Months 

6 to 9 
Months 

9 to 12 
Months 

1 to 2 
Years 

2 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years 

Over 5 
Years 

Total 

LIABILITIES 

Wholesale funding 

Deposits in financial institutions 
Deposits in other financial institutions and 
international agencies 

Customer deposits 

Security pledge funding 

Derivatives, net 

- 

1 

7,107 

- 

2,678 

5,599 

- 

1,652 

751 

- 

2,160 

1,992 

- 

2,425 

377 

- 

2,736 

1,240 

- 

7,225 

1,149 

10,680 

4,327 

1,580 

458 

302 

309 

781 

- 

- 

- 

8,578 

16,040 

26,363 

- 

69,858 

19,544 

904 

229 

304 

196 

825 

1,692 

21,258 

252,630 

44,866 

18,514 

10,625 

6,217 

7,345 

5,667 

2,137 

1,207 

1,310 

350,518 

40 

- 

46,489 

(75) 

2,219 

(523) 

2,274 

(68) 

114 

(5) 

97 

22,911 

(117) 

498 

526 

(91)

218 

(67)

1,627 

76,515 

(392) 

(840) 

P.125 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
December 2017. Contractual Maturities (Millions of euros) 

Demand  

Up to 1 
Month 

1 to 3 
Months 

3 to 6 
Months 

6 to 9 
Months 

9 to 12 
Months 

1 to 2 
Years 

2 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years  

Over 5 
Years 

Total 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other 
demand deposits 

Deposits in credit entities 

Deposits in other financial institutions 
Reverse repo, securities borrowing and margin 
lending 

8,179 

31,029 

252 

4,391 

1 

939 

- 

181 

758 

18,979 

2,689 

1,921 

- 

169 

796 

541 

- 

120 

628 

426 

- 

122 

447 

815 

- 

116 

1,029 

30 

- 

112 

681 

727 

- 

157 

806 

226 

- 

39,208 

1,868 

7,488 

1,975 

8,060 

- 

26,354 

Loans and Advances 

267 

21,203 

26,323 

23,606 

15,380 

17,516 

43,973 

35,383 

50,809 

123,568 

358,028 

Securities' portfolio settlement 

1 

1,579 

4,159 

4,423 

2,380 

13,391 

5,789 

11,289 

12,070 

44,666 

99,747 

December 2017. Contractual Maturities (Millions of euros) 

Demand  

Up to 1 
Month 

1 to 3 
Months 

3 to 6 
Months 

6 to 9 
Months 

9 to 12 
Months 

1 to 2 
Years 

2 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years  

Over 5 
Years 

Total 

LIABILITIES 

Wholesale funding 

Deposits in financial institutions 
Deposits in other financial institutions and 
international agencies 

Customer deposits 

Security pledge funding 

Derivatives, net 

- 

6,831 

3,648 

5,863 

4,209 

1,082 

4,238 

2,335 

10,700 

4,827 

3,290 

1,959 

1,227 

392 

554 

2,456 

1,714 

1,328 

5,772 

6,432 

18,391 

30,162 

76,535 

930 

963 

765 

286 

171 

355 

1,429 

21,512 

1,045 

25,307 

233,068 

45,171 

18,616 

11,428 

8,711 

10,368 

7,607 

2,612 

1,833 

2,034 

341,448 

- 

- 

35,502 

2,284 

1,405 

(18) 

(110) 

(116) 

396 

(135) 

973 

(117) 

64 

23,009 

338 

1,697 

65,668 

(336) 

(91) 

(106) 

(419) 

(1,448) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.126 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
December 2016. Contractual Maturities (Millions of euros) 

Demand  

Up to 1 
Month 

1 to 3 
Months 

3 to 6 
Months 

6 to 9 
Months 

9 to 12 
Months 

1 to 2 
Years 

2 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years  

Over 5 
Years 

Total 

ASSETS 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other 
demand deposits 

Deposits in credit entities 

Deposits in other financial institutions 
Reverse repo, securities borrowing and margin 
lending 

23,191 

13,825 

991 

1 

- 

4,068 

1,192 

20,232 

- 

254 

967 

544 

- 

155 

675 

523 

- 

48 

714 

- 

- 

72 

532 

428 

- 

117 

1,330 

500 

- 

87 

918 

286 

- 

122 

942 

124 

- 

37,016 

4,087 

10,002 

336 

7,608 

189 

22,826 

Loans and Advances 

Securities' portfolio settlement 

591 

20,272 

25,990 

22,318 

16,212 

15,613 

- 

708 

3,566 

3,688 

2,301 

4,312 

44,956 

19,320 

35,093 

10,010 

55,561 

133,589 

370,195 

16,662 

51,472 

112,039 

December 2016. Contractual Maturities (Millions of euros) 

Demand  

Up to 1 
Month 

1 to 3 
Months 

3 to 6 
Months 

6 to 9 
Months 

9 to 12 
Months 

1 to 2 
Years 

2 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years  

Over 5 
Years 

Total 

LIABILITIES 

Wholesale funding 

Deposits in financial institutions 
Deposits in other financial institutions and 
international agencies 

Customer deposits 

Security pledge funding 

Derivatives, net 

419 

6,762 

7,380 

5,365 

2,943 

1,181 

5,547 

2,104 

3,463 

800 

5,967 

2,176 

15,375 

6,542 

8,624 

3,382 

2,566 

1,897 

206,140 

49,053 

25,522 

15,736 

11,863 

11,343 

- 

- 

38,153 

3,561 

1,403 

1,004 

(2,123) 

(95) 

(190) 

(111) 

912 

(326) 

7,825 

5,963 

14,016 

31,875 

85,397 

746 

1,156 

1,340 

8,619 

1,281 

(132) 

686 

5,060 

640 

(82) 

859 

875 

781 

3,714 

24,862 

2,825 

44,114 

936 

335,052 

23,959 

1,712 

72,626 

(105) 

(47) 

(3,210) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.127
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  matrix  shows  the  retail  nature  of  the  funding  structure,  with  a  loan  portfolio  being  mostly  funded  by 
customer deposits (66%). On the outflows side of the matrix, the “demand” maturity bucket mainly contains 
the  retail  customer  sight  accounts  whose  behavior  historically  showed  a  high  level  of  stability  and  little 
concentration.  According  to  an  behavior  analysis  which  is  done  every  year  in  every  entity,  this  type  of 
account is considered to be stable and for liquidity risk purposes, it is estimated that 78% have a maturity of 
more than 5 years. 

In  the  Euro  Liquidity  Management  Unit  (LMU),  solid  liquidity  and  funding  situation,  where  activity  has 
continued  to  generate  liquidity  through  the  decrease  of  Credit  Gap.  In  addition,  during  2018  the  Euro  LMU 
made 3 issues in the public market for €3,500 million; Senior Non Preferred (“SNP”) at 5 years for €1,500 
million,  Green bond SNP at 7 years for €1,000 million and AT1 for  €1,000  million, which have allowed it to 
obtain long-term funding at favorable price conditions. These public operations have been complemented by 
a private issue T2 for USD 300 million. 

In Mexico, sound liquidity position despite the market volatility, the Credit Gap has increased in 2018 due to a 
minor  increase  in  deposits  mainly  because  of  the  outflows  of  non-profitable  USD  deposits.  During  the 
financial  year  2018,  BBVA  Bancomer  made  a  local  Tier  II  issuance  on  international  markets  for  USD  1,000 
million as well as an issuance on the local market for 7,000 million of Mexican pesos in 2 tranches: at 3 and 5 
years, being the 3 years tranche the first Green Bond issued by a private bank. 

In the United States, the containment of the cost of liabilities has led to a slightly increase in the credit gap. 
During the financial year 2018, BBVA Compass successfully issued 3 year senior debt for USD 1,150 million. 

In Turkey an adequate liquidity situation is maintained, after having been affected by the currency volatility at 
the beginning of the second semester. Despite this, Garanti showed a good performance with the roll-over of 
the 2018 maturities of corporate funding. The main operations during the year were two syndicated loans for 
USD  2,300  million,  the  first  Green  Bond  at  6  years  for  USD  75  million  and  future  flows  securitization 
(Diversified Payment Rights) for USD 375 million at 7 years. 

Argentina was affected by the market volatility but no relevant impact on the liquidity situation of the entity 
has been noted. BBVA Francés maintains a solid liquidity situation distinguished by a major volume of cash 
reserves. 

The  liquidity  position  of  the  rest  of  subsidiaries  has  continued  to  be  sound,  maintaining  a  solid  liquidity 
position in all the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. Access to capital markets of these subsidiaries 
has also been maintained with recurring issuances in the local market. 

In  this  context,  BBVA  has  maintained  its  objective  of  strengthening  the  funding  structure  of  the  different 
Group  entities  based  on  growing  their  self-funding  from  stable  customer  funds,  while  guaranteeing  a 
sufficient  buffer  of  fully  available  liquid  assets,  diversifying  the  various  sources  of  funding  available,  and 
optimizing the generation of collateral available for dealing with stress situations in the markets. 

P.128 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
7.5.2  Asset encumbrance 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the encumbered (those provided as collateral for certain liabilities) 
and unencumbered assets are broken down as follows: 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

0-dic.-1900 

0 

Assets 
Equity instruments 
Debt Securities 
Loans and Advances and other assets 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Assets 
Equity instruments 
Debt Securities 
Loans and Advances and other assets 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Assets 
Equity instruments 
Debt Securities 
Loans and Advances and other assets 

Encumbered assets 

Non-Encumbered assets 

Book value of 
Encumbered 
assets 

Market value of 
Encumbered 
assets 

Book value of non-
encumbered assets 

Market value of 
non-encumbered 
assets 

1,864 
31,157 
74,928  

1,864 
32,216 

6,485 
82,209 
478,880  

6,485 
82,209 

Encumbered assets 

Non-Encumbered assets 

Book value of 
Encumbered assets 

Market value of 
Encumbered 
assets 

Book value of non-
encumbered assets 

Market value of 
non-encumbered 
assets 

- 
2,297 
28,700 
79,604 

- 
2,297 
29,798 
- 

- 
9,616 
84,391 
485,451 

- 
9,616 
84,391 
- 

Encumbered assets 

Non-Encumbered assets 

Book value of 
Encumbered assets 

Market value of 
Encumbered assets 

Book value of non-
encumbered assets 

Market value of 
non-encumbered 
assets 

2,214 
40,114 
94,718  

2,214 
39,972 

9,022 
90,679 
495,109  

9,022 
90,679 

The committed value of "Loans  and Advances and other assets"  corresponds mainly to loans linked to the 
issue  of  covered  bonds,  territorial  bonds  or  long-term  securitized  bonds  (see  Note  22.3)  as  well  as  those 
used  as  a  guarantee  to  access  certain  funding  transactions  with  central  banks.  Debt  securities  and  equity 
instruments  correspond  to  underlying  that  are  delivered  in  repos  with  different  types  of  counterparties, 
mainly  clearing  houses  or  credit  institutions,  and  to  a  lesser  extent  central  banks.  Collateral  provided  to 
guarantee derivative transactions is also included as committed assets. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  collateral  pledge  mainly  due  to  repurchase  agreements  and 
securities lending, and those which could be committed in order to obtain funding are provided below: 

December 2018. Collateral received (Millions of euros) 

0 

Fair value of 
encumbered collateral 
received or own debt 
securities issued 

Fair value of collateral 
received or own debt 
securities issued 
available for 
encumbrance 

Nominal amount of 
collateral received or 
own debt securities 
issued not available 
for encumbrance 

Collateral received 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and Advances and other assets 
Own debt securities issued other than own covered 
bonds or ABSs 

December 2017. Collateral received (Millions of euros) 

27,474 

89 
27,385 
- 

78 

5,633 

82 
5,542 
8 

87 

319 

- 
300 
19 

- 

0 

Fair value of 
encumbered collateral 
received or own debt 
securities issued 

Fair value of collateral 
received or own debt 
securities issued 
available for 
encumbrance 

Nominal amount of 
collateral received or 
own debt securities 
issued not available 
for encumbrance 

Collateral received 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and Advances and other assets 
Own debt securities issued other than own covered 
bonds or ABSs 

23,881 

103 
23,715 
63 

3 

9,630 

5 
9,619 
6 

161 

201 

- 
121 
80 

- 

December 2016. Collateral received (Millions of euros) 

Fair value of 
encumbered collateral 
received or own debt 
securities issued 

Fair value of collateral 
received or own debt 
securities issued 
available for 
encumbrance 

Nominal amount of 
collateral received or 
own debt securities 
issued not available for 
encumbrance 

Collateral received 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and Advances and other assets 
Own debt securities issued other than own covered 
bonds or ABSs 

19,921 

58 
19,863 
- 

5 

10,039 

59 
8,230 
1,750 

- 

173 

- 
28 
144 

- 

The guarantees received in the form of reverse repurchase agreements or security lending transactions are 
committed by their use in repurchase agreements, as is the case with debt securities.  

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, financial liabilities issued related to encumbered assets in financial 
transactions as well as their book value were as follows: 

December 2018. Sources of encumbrance (Millions of euros) 

0 

Book value of financial liabilities 
Derivatives 
Loans and Advances 
Outstanding subordinated debt 
Other sources 

December 2017. Sources of encumbrance (Millions of euros) 

0 

Book value of financial liabilities 
Derivatives 
Loans and Advances 
Outstanding subordinated debt 
Other sources 

December 2016. Sources of encumbrance (Millions of euros) 

Book value of financial liabilities 
Derivatives 
Loans and Advances 
Outstanding subordinated debt 
Other sources 

7.6  Operational Risk 

Matching liabilities, 
contingent liabilities or 
securities lent 

Assets, collateral received 
and own 
debt securities issued other 
than covered bonds and 
ABSs encumbered 

113,498 
8,972 
85,989 
18,538 
3,972 

131,172 
11,036 
97,361 
22,775 
4,330 

Matching liabilities, 
contingent liabilities or 
securities lent 

Assets, collateral received 
and own 
debt securities issued other 
than covered bonds and 
ABSs encumbered 

118,704 
11,843 
87,484 
19,377 
305 

133,312 
11,103 
98,478 
23,732 
1,028 

Matching liabilities, 
contingent liabilities or 
securities lent 

Assets, collateral received 
and own 
debt securities issued other 
than covered bonds and 
ABSs encumbered 

134,387 
9,304 
96,137 
28,946 
- 

153,632 
9,794 
108,268 
35,569 
2,594 

BBVA  defines  operational  risk  (“OR”)  as  any  risk  that  could  result  in  losses  caused  by  human  errors, 
inadequate  or  faulty  internal  processes,  misconduct  with  clients  or  in  the  markets,  failures,  disruptions  or 
deficiencies  of  systems  or  communications,  inadequate  data  management,  legal  risks  and,  lastly,  from 
external events, including cyberattacks, frauds committed by third parties, disasters  and an unsatisfactory 
service provided by suppliers.  

Operational  risk  management  is  oriented  towards  the  identification  of  the  root  causes  to  avoid  their 
occurrence and mitigate possible consequences. This is carried out through the establishment of mitigation 
plans  and  control  frameworks  aimed  at  minimizing  resulting  losses  and  their  impact  on  the  recurrent 
generation of income and the profit of the Group. Operational risk management is integrated into the global 
risk management structure of the BBVA Group. 

This  section  addresses  general  aspects  of  operational  risk  management  as  the  main  component  of  non-
financial  risks.  However,  sections  devoted  to  conduct  and  compliance  risk  and  to  cybersecurity  risk 
management are also included in this report.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Operational Risk Management Principles 

The  BBVA  Group  is  committed  to  preferably  applying  advanced  operational  risk  management  models, 
regardless of the capital calculation regulatory model applicable at the time. Operational risk management at 
the BBVA Group shall: 

Be in line with the Risk Appetite Framework approved by BBVA's Board of Directors. 

Meet BBVA’s management needs arising from compliance with rules, regulation, industry standards 
and from decisions or positions taken by the governing bodies of the Group. 

Predict potential operational risks to which the Group shall be exposed as a result of the emergence 
or  changes  on  new  products,  activities,  processes  or  systems  and  services  procurement  or 
outsourcing  decisions;  and  establish  mechanisms  to  achieve  a  reasonable  assessment  and 
mitigation before implementation, in addition to a regular review on all existing processes. 

Establish  methodologies,  procedures  and  indicators  to  regularly  reassess  the  relevant  operational 
risks to which the Group is exposed to implement the most appropriate mitigation measures in each 
case,  once  the  identified  risk  and  the  mitigation  cost  have  been  considered  (cost-benefit  analysis) 
and preserving the solvency of the Group at all times. 

Seek the causes behind the operational events suffered by the Group and establish the appropriate 
redressing  measures  (always  considering  the  cost-benefit  analysis).  To  that  end,  procedures  for 
analyzing  operational  events  must  be  in  place,  in  addition  to  mechanisms  to  capture  the  potential 
operational losses resulting from those events. 

Analyze  the  public  events  with  significant  operational  risk  in  other  entities  and  to  promote,  if 
applicable, the implementation of the appropriate measures to avoid its occurrence in the Group. 

Identify,  analyze  and  try  to  quantify  events  with  a  low  probability  of  occurrence  and  a  high  impact 
that, due to their exceptional nature, may not be included in the loss database or, if included, with not 
highly representative impacts, in order to assess possible mitigation measures. 

Have  an  effective  governance  on  which  the  functions  and  responsibilities  of  the  Areas  and  Bodies 
intervening in OR management are clearly defined. 

Irrespective  of  the  implementation  of  all  the  possible  measures  and  controls  designed  to  avoid  or  mitigate 
the  frequency  and  severity  of  OR  events,  BBVA  ensures  at  all  times  the  capital  required  to  face  potential 
expected or unexpected losses. 

Operational risk control and management model 

The operational risk  management cycle at  BBVA is similar to the  one implemented for the rest  of risks.  Its 
elements are: 

Planning 

Operational risk forms part of the risk appetite framework of the Group and includes three types of metrics: 

Economic  capital  calculated  with  the  operational  losses  database  of  the  Group  and  the  industry, 
considering  the  corresponding  diversification  effects  and  the  additional  estimation  of  potential  and 
emerging risks through stress scenarios designed for the main types of risks. The economic capital is 
regularly  calculated  for  the  main  banks  of  the  group  and  simulation  capabilities  are  available  to 
anticipate the impact of changes on the risk profile or new potential events. 

IRO  metrics  (operational  risk  losses  vs.  gross  income)  broken  down  by  geography,  business  area 
and type of risk.  

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  addition,  work  is  in  progress  on  the  implementation  in  the  entire  group  of  a  common  and  more 
granular scheme of metrics that covers the main types of operational risks. 

Operational risk admission 

The main purposes of the operational risk admission phase are the following: 

Anticipate  potential  operational  risks  to  which  the  Group  would  be  exposed  with  the  emergence  of 
new initiatives (new business, product, outsourcing, process transformation, new systems, etc.) or 
changes in those initiatives in place. 

Ensure that the implementation is carried out once the appropriate mitigation measures have been 
adopted, among others risk insurance, where appropriate.  

The  Corporate  Policy  on  Operational  Risk  Management  and  Control  sets  out  the  specific  operational  risk 
admission  framework  through  different  committees,  at  a  corporate  and  Business  Area  level,  that  follow  a 
delegation structure based on the risk level of proposed initiatives. 

Operational risk monitoring 

The  purpose  of  this  phase  is  to  check  that  the  target  operational  risk  profile  of  the  group  is  within  the 
authorized limits. Operational risk monitoring considers 2 scopes: 

Monitoring  the  operational  risk  admission  process,  oriented  towards  checking  that  accepted  risks 
levels are within the limits and that defined controls are effective. 

Monitoring  the  operational  risk  “stock”  linked  to  the  processes,  in  order  to  carry  out  a  regular 
reassessment  to  confirm  that  residual  risks  and  target  risk  are  reasonably  aligned  and,  if  not,  to 
implement action plans to redress gaps to the desired level.  

This  process  is  supported  by  a  corporate  Governance,  Risk  &  Compliance  tool  that  monitors  OR  at  a  local 
level and its aggregation at a corporate level. 

In  addition,  and  in  line  with  the  best  practices  and  recommendations  provided  by  the  BIS,  BBVA  has 
procedures  to  collect  the  operational  losses  occurred  in  the  different  entities  of  the  Group  and  in  other 
financial  groups,  with  the  appropriate  level  of  detail  to  carry  out  an  effective  analysis  that  provides  useful 
information for management purposes. To that end, a corporate tool implemented in all the countries of the 
Group is used. 

Operational risk mitigation 

Several  cross-sectional  operational  risk  plans  have  been  promoted  over  the  last  two  years  for  the  entire 
BBVA  Group  to  encourage  a  forward-looking  management  of  these  risks.  To  that  end,  focuses  have  been 
identified  from  events,  self-assessments  and  recommendations  from  auditors  and  supervisors  in  different 
geographies,  both  in  the  Group  and  the  industry,  thereby  analyzing  the  best  practices  and  fostering 
comprehensive action plans to strengthen and standardize the control environment. 

One of the core plans is outsourcing management, which is an increasingly important subject in the Group, 
the  industry  and  the  regulatory  environment.  Some  of  the  different  initiatives  launched  under  this  scheme 
are summarized below: 

Strengthening  the  admission  process  of  these 
frameworks.  

initiatives  and  their  control  and  monitoring 

New internal regulation comprising the best practices of the industry. 

Integration in the 3 lines of defense control model: roles and responsibilities in each phase of its life 
cycle.  

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Risk management of the service and the supplier. 

Review  of  its  governance  process,  which  is  included  in  operational  risk  governance,  and  escalation 
criteria. 

Adaptation of the management tool to the new requirements. 

Internal  communication  process  and  training  between  outsourcing  units  and  senior  management, 
including these issues on the agenda of the main control committees of the Group. 

This plan will still be promoted in the year 2019 with a focus on a review of the most significant outsourcing 
stock. 

Governance of Non-financial risks 

The non-financial risks governance model at the BBVA Group is based on two components: 

The three lines of defense control model, in accordance with the best practices of the industry and 
through  which  compliance  with  the  most  advanced  standards  in  terms  of  operational  risk  internal 
control is ensured. 

Scheme of Corporate Assurance Committees and Operational Risk and Internal Control Committees 
at the level of the different business areas. 

Corporate  Assurance  establishes  a  structure  of  corporate  and  local  committees  that  provides  Senior 
Management  with  a  comprehensive  and  consistent  view  of  the  most  relevant  non-financial  risks.  The 
purpose  is to ensure a forward-looking and prompt decision-making process for the mitigation or taking of 
the major risks both at a local level and at the level of the consolidated Group.  

In addition, the Non-Financial Risks unit periodically reports the Risk Committee of the Board on the situation 
of non-financial risks management in the Group. 

7.7  Risk concentration 

Policies for preventing excessive risk concentration 

In order to prevent the build-up of excessive risk concentrations at the individual, sector and portfolio levels, 
BBVA Group maintains updated maximum permitted risk concentration indices which are tied to the various 
observable variables related to concentration risk.  

Together  with  the  limits  for  individual  concentration,  the  Group  uses  the  Herfindahl  index  to  measure  the 
concentration  of  the  Group's  portfolio  and  the  banking  group's  subsidiaries.  At  the  BBVA  Group  level,  the 
index reached implies a "very low" degree of concentration. 

The limit on the Group’s exposure or financial commitment to a specific customer therefore depends on the 
customer’s credit rating, the nature of the risks involved, and the Group’s presence in a given market, based 
on the following guidelines: 

The  aim  is,  as  much  as  possible,  to  reconcile  the  customer's  credit  needs  (commercial/financial, 
short-term/long-term, etc.) with the interests of the Group. 

Any  legal  limits  that  may  exist  concerning  risk  concentration  are  taken  into  account  (relationship 
between risks with a customer and the capital of the shareholder´s entity that assumes them), the 
markets, the macroeconomic situation, etc. 

Risk concentrations by geography 

The  breakdown  of  the  main  figures  in  the  most  significant  foreign  currencies  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated balance sheets is set forth in Appendix XII. 

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Sovereign risk concentration 

Sovereign risk management 

The  risk  associated  with  the  transactions  involving  sovereign  risk  is  identified,  measured,  controlled  and 
tracked  by  a  centralized  unit  integrated  in  the  BBVA  Group’s  Risk  Area.  Its  basic  functions  involve  the 
preparation  of  reports  in  the  countries  where  sovereign  risk  exists  (called  “financial  programs”),  tracking 
such risks, assigning ratings to these countries and, in general, supporting the Group in terms of  reporting 
requirements  for  any  transactions  involving  sovereign  risk.  The  risk  policies  established  in  the  financial 
programs are approved by the relevant risk committees. 

The  country  risk  unit  tracks  the  evolution  of  the  risks  associated  with  the  various  countries  to  which  the 
Group  are  exposed  (including  sovereign  risk)  on  an  ongoing  basis  in  order  to  adapt  its  risk  and  mitigation 
policies  to  any  macroeconomic  and  political  changes  that  may  occur.  Moreover,  it  regularly  updates  its 
internal  ratings  and  forecasts  for  these  countries.  The  methodology  is  based  on  the  assessment  of 
quantitative and qualitative parameters which are in line with those used by certain multilateral organizations 
such  as  the  International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF)  and  the  World  Bank,  rating  agencies  and  export  credit 
organizations. 

For additional information on sovereign risk in Europe see Appendix XII. 

Valuation and impairment methods 

The valuation methods used to assess the instruments that are subject to sovereign risks are the same ones 
used for other instruments included in the relevant portfolios and are detailed in Note 8.  

Specifically, the fair value of sovereign debt securities of European countries has been considered equivalent 
to their listed price in active markets (Level 1 as defined in Note 8). 

Risk related to the developer and Real-Estate sector in Spain 

The relative weight of the investment in Real Estate developments has dramatically decreased during the last 
years, especially since 2014. A corporate sales policy has been rolled out to eliminate those real estate assets 
from  the  balance  sheet  which  have  been  most  difficult  to  be  commercialized.  The  sales  of  80%  of  the 
Group’s  share  in  Divarian  and  of  other  performing  and  NPL  wholesale  portfolios  to  Funds  and  specialized 
investors have been some of the most relevant transactions (see Note 3). 

Policies  and strategies  established  by  the  Group  to  deal  with  risks  related  to  the  developer  and  real-estate 
sector 

BBVA  has  teams  specializing  in  the  management  of  the  Real-Estate  Sector  risk,  given  its  economic 
importance and specific technical component. This specialization is not only in the Risk-Acceptance teams, 
but  throughout  the  handling,  commercial,  problem  risks  and  legal,  etc.  It  also  includes  the  research 
department  of  the  BBVA  Group  (BBVA  Research),  which  helps  determine  the  medium/long-term  vision 
needed to manage this portfolio. 

The  policies  established  to  address  the  risks  related  to  the  developer  and  real-estate  sector,  aim  to 
accomplish, among others, the following objectives: to avoid concentration in terms of customers, products 
and regions; to estimate the risk profile for the portfolio; and to anticipate possible worsening of the portfolio 
within a sector is highly cyclic. 

Specific policies for analysis and admission of new developer risk transactions 

In the analysis of new operations, the assessment of the commercial operation in terms of the economic and 
financial viability of the project has been one of the constant. 

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The monitoring  of the  work,  the  sales  and  the  legal  situation  of  the  project  are  essential  aspects  for  the  
admission and follow-up of new real estate operations. With regard the participation of the Risk Acceptance 
teams, they have a direct link and participate in the committees of areas such as Valuation, Legal, Research 
and Recoveries. This guarantees coordination and exchange of information in all the processes. 

The following strategies have been implemented with customers in the developer sector: avoidance of large 
corporate transactions,  which  ha d already  reduced  their  share  in  the  years  of  greatest  market  growth.  
Additionally, very  restrictive  limits  have  been  established  for  the  second -home market  and  for  the  of  land  
operations. Feasibility  studies,  at  project  level, are  performed  by  doing  a  con trast  analysis in  the  pre -
commercialization phase, with an appropriate funding cycle and in locations with low commercialization risk. 

Risk monitoring policies 

The base information for analyzing the real estate portfolios is updated monthly. The tools used include the 
so-called “ watch-list”,  which is  updated  monthly  with  the  progress  of  each  client  under  watch,  and  the  
different strategic plans for management of special groups. There are plans that involve an intensification of 
the review  of  the  portfolio  fo r financing  land,  while,  in  the  case  of  ongoing  promotions,  they are  classified  
based on the rate of progress of the projects. This implies a comparison of the progress of the work and the 
sales, including a  scoreboard  which  enables  the  persons  in  charge  to detect timely any deviation  from  the 
project’s initial plan. 

These actions  have enabled  BBVA to identify possible  impairment situations, by always  keeping an eye  on 
BBVA’s position  with  each  customer  (whether  or  not  as  first  creditor).  In  this  regard,  key aspects  include  
management of the risk policy to be followed  with each customer, contract review,  improved collateral and  
rate review (repricing. Since 2013, there are no threats of new defaults in the portfolio 

Proper management of the relationship with each customer requires knowledge of various aspects such as 
an analysis  of  the  company ’s future  viability,  the updating  of  the  information  on  the  debtor  and  the  
guarantors (their current situation  and  business  course, economic -financial information, debt  analysis and 
generation of funds), and the updating of the appraisal of the assets offered as collateral. 

The volume of restructurings during the last period has been very low, being close to 0. 

Policies applied in the management of real estate assets in Spain 

Regarding the financing of real estate, a new regulation has been updated in 2018 in which recommendations 
for the promotion of residential real estate are established. 

The recommendations  represent  guidelines  about  how  to  manage  the  credit  admission  activity of  BBVA  
Group entities based  on  best practices  of markets  in  which  this  activity is  performed. It  is expected  that  a 
high percentage of the current transactions will be in compliance with the latter. 

The guidelines apply to new transactions with clients which are not classified as impaired or Watchlist (WL1 
or WL2). 

The policies deriving from the guidelines foresee a prudential intervention in a market which has changed its 
cycle in  almost  all of  the  geographies  and  which  is  showing  a  mor e sustainable  behavior  in  terms  of  
demography, employment and economic and investment capacities. 

For  quantitative  information  about  the  risk  related  to  the  developer  and  Real-Estate  sector  in  Spain  see 
Appendix XII.  

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Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

8.

Fair Value of financial instruments

Framework and processes control 

As part of the process established in the Group for determining the fair value in order to ensure that financial 
assets  and  liabilities  are  properly  valued,  BBVA  has  established,  at  a  geographic  level,  a  structure  of  Risk 
Operational Admission and Product Governance Committees responsible for validating and approving new 
products or types of financial assets and liabilities before being contracted. Local management responsible 
for valuation, which are independent from the business (see Note 7) are members of these committees. 

These  areas  are  required  to  ensure,  prior  to  the  approval  stage,  the  existence  of  not  only  technical  and 
human resources, but also adequate informational sources to measure the fair value of these financial assets 
and  liabilities,  in  accordance  with  the  rules  established  by  the  Group  and  using  models  that  have  been 
validated and approved by the responsible areas. 

Fair value hierarchy 

The fair value of financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly  transaction  between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.  It  is 
therefore a market-based measurement and not specific to each entity. 

All financial instruments, both assets and liabilities are initially recognized at fair value, which at that point is 
equivalent  to  the  transaction  price,  unless  there  is  evidence  to  the  contrary  in  the  market.  Subsequently, 
depending  on  the  type  of  financial  instrument,  it  may  continue  to  be  recognized  at  amortized  cost  or  fair 
value through adjustments in the consolidated income statement or equity. 

When possible, the fair value is determined as the market price of a financial instrument. However, for many 
of  the  financial  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Group,  especially  in  the  case  of  derivatives,  there  is  no  market 
price  available,  so  its  fair  value  is  estimated  on  the  basis  of  the  price  established  in  recent  transactions 
involving  similar  instruments  or,  in  the  absence  thereof,  by  using  mathematical  measurement  models  that 
are  sufficiently  tried  and  trusted  by  the  international  financial  community.  The  estimates  of  the  fair  value 
derived from the use of such models take into consideration the specific features of the asset or liability to be 
measured  and,  in  particular,  the  various  types  of  risk  associated  with  the  asset  or  liability.  However,  the 
limitations  inherent  in  the  measurement  models  and  possible  inaccuracies  in  the  assumptions  and 
parameters required by these models may mean that the estimated fair value of an asset or liability does not 
exactly  match  the  price  for  which  the  asset  or  liability  could  be  exchanged  or  settled  on  the  date  of  its 
measurement. 

Additionally,  for  financial  assets  and  liabilities  that  show  significant  uncertainty  in  inputs  or  model 
parameters used for valuation, criteria is established to measure said uncertainty and activity limits are set 
based  on  these.  Finally,  these  measurements  are  compared,  as  much  as  possible,  against  other  sources 
such as the measurements obtained by the business teams or those obtained by other market participants. 

The  process  for  determining  the  fair  value  requires  the  classification  of  the  financial  assets  and  liabilities 
according to the measurement processes used as set forth below: 

Level 1: Valuation using directly the quotation of the instrument, observable and readily and regularly 
available  from  independent  price  sources  and  referenced  to  active  markets  that  the  entity  can 
access  at  the  measurement  date.  The  instruments  classified  within  this  level  are  fixed-income 
securities, equity instruments and certain derivatives.  

Level  2:  Valuation  of  financial  instruments  with  commonly  accepted  techniques  that  use  inputs 
obtained from observable data in markets.  

P.137
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Level  3:  Valuation  of  financial 
instruments  with  valuation  techniques  that  use  significant 
unobservable inputs in the market. As of December 31, 2018, the affected instruments at fair value 
accounted for approximately 0.56% of financial assets and 0.46% of the Group’s financial liabilities 
registered  at  fair  value.  Model  selection  and  validation  is  undertaken  by  control  areas  outside  the 
business areas. 

8.1  Fair value of financial instrument 

Below  is  a  comparison  of  the  carrying  amount  of  the  Group’s  financial  instruments  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated balance sheets and their respective fair values. 

Fair Value and Carrying Amount (Millions of euros) 

2018 

Notes 

Carrying Amount 

Fair Value 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets held for trading 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Hedging derivatives 
LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 
Hedging derivatives 

Fair Value and Carrying Amount (Millions of euros) 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

10 

12 

22 
15 

58,196 

90,117 

5,135 

1,313 

56,337 

419,660 

2,892 

80,774 

6,993 

509,185 
2,680 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets held for trading 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Available-for-sale financial assets 
Loans and receivables 

Held-to-maturity investments 

Derivatives – Hedge accounting 
LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 
Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

Notes 

9 

10 

12 

15 

10 

12 

22 
15 

2017 

2016 

Carrying 
Amount 

42,680 

64,695 

2,709 

69,476 
431,521 

13,754 

2,485 

46,182 

2,222 

543,713 
2,880 

Fair Value 

42,680 

64,695 

2,709 

69,476 
438,991 

13,865 

2,485 

46,182 

2,222 

544,604 
2,880 

Carrying 
Amount 

40,039 

74,950 

2,062 

79,221 
465,977 

17,696 

2,833 

54,675 

2,338 

589,210 
2,347 

58,196 

90,117 

5,135 

1,313 

56,337 

419,857 

2,892 

80,774 

6,993 

510,300 
2,680 

Fair Value 

40,039 

74,950 

2,062 

79,221 
468,844 

17,619 

2,833 

54,675 

2,338 

594,190 
2,347 

The  years  2017  and  2016  are  presented  for  comparison  purpose  separately  due  to  the  implementation  of 
IFRS 9. 

Not  all  financial  assets  and  liabilities  are  recorded  at  fair  value,  so  below  we  provide  the  information  on 
financial instruments recorded at fair value and subsequently the information of those recorded at amortized 
cost (including their fair value), although this value is not used when accounting for these instruments. 

P.138
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

8.1.1 Fair value of financial instrument recognized at fair value, according 

to valuation criteria 

Below are the different elements used in the valuation technique of financial instruments. 

Active Market 

BBVA considers active market as “a market that allows the observation of bid and offer prices representative 
of the levels to which the market participants are willing to negotiate an asset, with sufficient frequency and 
volume”. 

By  default,  BBVA  would  consider  all  internally  approved  “Organized  Markets”  as  active  markets,  without 
considering this an unchangeable list.  

Furthermore,  BBVA  would  consider  as  traded  in  an  “Organized  Market”  quotations  for  assets  or  liabilities 
from OTC markets when they are obtained from independent sources, observable on a daily basis and fulfil 
certain conditions. 

The  following  table  shows  the  financial  instruments  carried  at  fair  value  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
balance sheets, broken down by the measurement technique used to determine their fair value: 

Fair Value of financial Instruments by Levels (Millions of euros) 

ASSETS- 
Financial assets held for trading 

Loans and advances to customers 
Debt securities  
Equity instruments  
Derivatives 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 

Loans and advances 
Debt securities 
Equity instruments 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Loans and advances 
Debt securities 
Equity instruments 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Debt securities 
Debt securities 
Equity instruments 

Hedging derivatives 
LIABILITIES- 
Financial liabilities held for trading  

Deposits 
Trading derivatives 
Other financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Customer deposits 
Debt certificates 
Other financial liabilities 
Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

2018 

Notes 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

10 

11 

12 

13 

15 

10 

12 

15 

26,730 
47 
17,884 
5,194 
3,605 

3,127 

25 
90 
3,012 
1,313 
- 
1,313 
- 
45,824 
33 
43,788 
2,003 
7 

22,932 
7,989 
3,919 
11,024 
- 
- 
- 
- 
223 

62,983 
28,642 
7,494 
- 
26,846 

404 
60 
199 
60 
85 

78 

1,929 

- 
71 
8 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9,323 
- 
9,211 
113 
2,882 

57,573 
29,945 
27,628 
- 
4,478 
976 
2,858 
643 
2,454 

1,778 
76 
75 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,190 
- 
711 
479 
3 

269 
0 
267 
1 
2,515 
- 
- 
2,515 
3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.139
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Fair Value of financial Instruments by Levels  (Millions of euros) 

ASSETS- 
Financial assets held for trading 

Loans and advances to customers 
Debt securities  
Equity instruments  
Derivatives 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Loans and advances to customers 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Debt securities 
Equity instruments 

Available-for-sale financial assets  

Debt securities 
Equity instruments 

Hedging derivatives 
LIABILITIES- 
Financial liabilities held for trading  

Derivatives 
Short positions  

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

2017 

2016 

Notes 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1 

Level 2  Level 3 

10 

11 

15 

10 

12 
15 

29,057 
- 
21,107 
6,688 
1,262 
2,061 
- 
- 
174 
1,888 
57,381 
54,850 
2,531 
- 

11,191 
1,183 
10,008 
- 
274 

35,349 
56 
1,444 
33 
33,815 
648 
648 
- 
- 
- 
11,082 
10,948 
134 
2,483 

34,866 
34,866 
- 
2,222 
2,606 

289 
- 
22 
80 
187 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
544 
454 
90 
2 

125 
119 
6 
- 
- 

32,544 
- 
26,720 
4,570 
1,254 
2,062 
- 
- 
142 
1,920 
62,125 
58,372 
3,753 
41 

12,502 
952 
11,550 
- 
94 

42,221 
154 
418 
9 
41,640 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
15,894 
15,779 
115 
2,792 

42,120 
42,120 
- 
2,338 
2,189 

184 
- 
28 
96 
60 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
637 
429 
208 
- 

53 
47 
6 
- 
64 

The years 2017 and 2016 are presented separately due to the implementation of IFRS 9. 

Financial instruments carried at fair value corresponding to the companies that belong to Banco Provincial 
Group in Venezuela whose balance is denominated in “bolivares fuertes” are classified under Level 3 in the 
above tables (see Note 2.2.20). 

The following table sets forth the main valuation techniques, hypothesis and inputs used in the estimation of 
fair value of the financial instruments classified under Levels 2 and 3, based on the type of financial asset and 
liability and the corresponding balances as of December 31, 2018:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.140 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Fair Value of financial Instruments by Levels. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Valuation technique(s) 

Observable inputs 

Unobservable inputs 

ASSETS 

Financial assets held for trading 

Loans and advances 

Debt securities  

Equity instruments  

Derivatives

Interest rate 

Equity 

62,983 

28,642 

404  
60  Present-value method 

(Discounted future cash flows) 

7,494 

199 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 
Observed prices in non active markets 

- 

60  Comparable pricing (Observable price in a similar market) 

Present-value method 

26,846

85

Interest rate products (Interest rate swaps, Call money Swaps y FRA): Discounted cash flows 
Caps/Floors: Black, Hull-White y  SABR 
Bond options: Black 
 Swaptions: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Other Interest rate options: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Constant Maturity Swaps: SABR 

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Equity Options: Local Volatility, Momentum adjustment  

Foreign exchange and gold 

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Foreign exchange Options: Local Volatility, moments adjustment 

Credit 

Commodities 

Credit Derivatives: Default model and Gaussian copula 

Commodities: Momentum adjustment and Discounted cash flows 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit 
or loss 

78 

1,929  

Loans and advances 

Debt securities  

Equity instruments 

- 

1,778 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 
Specific criteria for the liquidation of losses established by the EPA protocol 

71 

8 

76 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 

75 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

9,323 

1,190  

Debt securities  

Equity instruments 

Hedging derivatives 

Interest rate 

Equity 

Foreign exchange and gold 

Credit 

Commodities 

9,211 

711 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 
Observed prices in non active markets 

113 

2,882 

479  Comparable pricing (Observable price in a similar market) 

Present-value method 

3  

Interest rate products (Interest rate swaps, Call money Swaps y FRA): Discounted cash flows 
Caps/Floors: Black, Hull-White y  SABR 
Bond options: Black 
 Swaptions: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Other Interest rate options: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Constant Maturity Swaps: SABR 

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Equity Options: Local Volatility, Momentum adjustment  

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Foreign exchange Options: Local Volatility, moments adjustment 

Credit Derivatives: Default model and Gaussian copula 

Commodities: Momentum adjustment and Discounted cash flows 

- Issuer´s credit risk
- Current market interest rates 

- Issuer´s credit risk
- Current market interest rates 
- Non active markets prices

- Brokers quotes 
- Market operations
- NAVs published 

- Prepayment rates
- Issuer´s credit risk
- Recovery rates

- Prepayment rates
- Issuer´s credit risk
- Recovery rates

- NAV provided by the administrator of the fund

- Beta
- Implicit correlations between tenors 
- interest rates volatility 

- Exchange rates 
- Market quoted future prices
- Market interest rates
- Underlying assets prices: shares, funds, commodities 
- Market observable volatilities 
-
Issuer credit spread levels
- Quoted dividends
- Market listed correlations

- Volatility of volatility
- Implicit assets correlations
- Long term implicit correlations
- Implicit dividends and long term repos 

- Volatility of volatility
- Implicit assets correlations
- Long term implicit correlations

- Correlation default 
- Credit spread
- Recovery rates
- Interest rate yield
- Default volatility

- Prepayment rates
- Issuer credit risk
- Recovery rates
- PD and LGD 

- Prepayment rates
- Issuer credit risk
- Recovery rates

- Prepayment rates
- Issuer credit risk
- Recovery rates

- Prepayment rates
- Issuer credit risk
- Recovery rates

- NAV provided by the administrator of the fund

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- Issuer credit risk
- Current market interest rates 

- Issuer credit risk
- Current market interest rates 

- Issuer´s credit risk
- Current market interest rates 
- Non active market prices

- Brokers quotes 
- Market operations
- NAVs published 

- Exchange rates 
- Market quoted future prices
- Market interest rates
- Underlying assets prices: shares, funds, commodities 
- Market observable volatilities 
-
Issuer credit spread levels
- Quoted dividends
- Market listed correlations

P.141 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Fair Value of financial Instruments by Levels. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

LIABILITIES 

Financial liabilities held for trading  

57,573 

269 

Valuation technique(s) 

Observable inputs 

Unobservable inputs 

Deposits 

Derivatives 

Interest rate 

Equity 

Foreign exchange and gold 

Credit 

Commodities 

29,945 

- 

27,628 

267 

Interest rate products (Interest rate swaps, Call money Swaps y FRA): Discounted cash flows 
Caps/Floors: Black, Hull-White y  SABR 
Bond options: Black 
 Swaptions: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Other Interest rate options: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Constant Maturity Swaps: SABR 

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Equity Options: Local Volatility, Momentum adjustment  

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Foreign exchange Options: Local Volatility, moments adjustment 

  Credit Derivatives: Default model and Gaussian copula 

  Commodities: Momentum adjustment and Discounted cash flows 

Short positions  

- 

1 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 

- Exchange rates 
- Market quoted future prices
- Market interest rates
- Underlying assets prices: shares, funds, commodities
- Market observable volatilities
-
Issuer credit spread levels
- Quoted dividends
- Market listed correlations

- Beta 
- Correlation between tenors
- interest rates volatility

- Volatility of volatility
- Assets correlation 

- Volatility of volatility
- Assets correlation 

- Correlation default 
- Credit spread 
- Recovery rates 
- Interest rate yield 
- Default volatility

- 

- 

- Correlation default 
- Credit spread 
- Recovery rates 
- Interest rate yield 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit 
or loss 

4,478 

2,515 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 

- Prepayment rates 
- Issuer´s credit risk
- Current market interest rates

- Prepayment rates 
- Issuer´s credit risk
- Current market interest rates

Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

2,454 

3 

Interest rate 

Equity 

Interest rate products (Interest rate swaps, Call money Swaps y FRA): Discounted cash flows 
Caps/Floors: Black, Hull-White y  SABR 
Bond options: Black 
 Swaptions: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Other Interest rate options: Black, Hull-White y LGM 
Constant Maturity Swaps: SABR 

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Equity Options: Local Volatility, Momentum adjustment  

Foreign exchange and gold 

Future and Equity Forward: Discounted future cash flows 
Foreign exchange Options: Local Volatility, moments adjustment 

Credit 

Commodities 

  Credit Derivatives: Default model and Gaussian copula 

  Commodities: Momentum adjustment and Discounted cash flows 

- Beta 
- Implicit correlations between tenors
- interest rates volatility

- Exchange rates 
- Market quoted future prices
- Market interest rates
- Underlying assets prices: shares, funds, commodities
- Market observable volatilities
-
Issuer credit spread levels
- Quoted dividends
- Market listed correlations

- Volatility of volatility
- Implicit assets correlations
- Long term implicit correlations
- Implicit dividends and long term repos

- Volatility of volatility
- Implicit assets correlations
- Long term implicit correlations

- Correlation default 
- Credit spread 
- Recovery rates 
- Interest rate yield 
- Default volatility

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.142 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Main valuation techniques 

The main techniques used for the assessment of the majority of the financial instruments classified in Level 
3, and its main unobservable inputs, are described below: 

  The net present value (net present value method): This technique uses the future cash flows of each 
debt security, which are established in the different contracts, and discounted to their present value. 
This technique often includes many observable inputs, but may also include unobservable inputs, as 
described below: 

• 

• 

Credit Spread: This input represents the difference in yield of a debt security and the reference 
rate,  reflecting  the  additional  return  that  a  market  participant  would  require  to  take  the  credit 
risk of that debt security. Therefore, the credit spread of the debt security is part of the discount 
rate used to calculate the present value of the future cash flows. 

Recovery rate: This input represents the percentage of principal and interest recovered from a 
debt instrument that has defaulted. 

  Comparable  prices  (similar  asset  prices):  This  input  represents  the  prices  of  comparable  financial 
instruments and benchmarks used to calculate a reference yield based on relative movements from 
the  entry  price  or  current  market  levels.  Further  adjustments  to  account  for  differences  that  may 
exist  between  financial  instrument  being  valued  and  the  comparable  financial  instrument  may  be 
added.  It  can  also  be  assumed  that  the  price  of  the  financial  instrument  is  equivalent  to  the 
comparable instrument. 

  Net asset value: This input represents the total value of  the financial assets  and liabilities of a fund 

and is published by the fund manager thereof. 

  Gaussian  copula:  This  model  is  used  to  integrate  default  probabilities  of  credit  instruments 
referenced to more than one underlying CDS. The joint density function used to value the instrument 
is  constructed  by  using  a  Gaussian  copula  that  relates  the  marginal  densities  by  a  normal 
distribution,  usually  extracted  from  the  correlation  matrix  of  events  approaching  default  by  CDS 
issuers. 

  Black  76:  variant  of  Black  Scholes  model,  whose  main  application  is  the  valuation  of  bond  options, 
cap  floors  and  swaptions  where  the  behavior  of  the  Forward  and  not  the  Spot  itself,  is  directly 
modeled. 

  Black  Scholes:  The  Black  Scholes  model  postulates  log-normal  distribution  for  the  prices  of 
securities,  so  that  the  expected  return  under  the  risk  neutral  measure  is  the  risk  free  interest  rate. 
Under this assumption, the price of vanilla options can be obtained analytically, so that inverting the 
Black- Scholes formula, the implied volatility for process of the price can be calculated. 

  Heston:  This  model,  typically  applied  to  equity  OTC  options,  assumes  stochastic  behavior  of 
volatility. According to which, the volatility follows a process that reverts to a long-term level and is 
correlated with the underlying equity instrument. As opposed to local volatility models, in which the 
volatility evolves deterministically, the Heston model is more flexible, allowing it to be similar to that 
observed in the short term today. 

Libor  market  model:  This  model  assumes  that  the  dynamics  of  the  interest  rate  curve  can  be 
modeled  based  on  the  set  of  forward  contracts  that  compose  the  underlying  interest  rate.  The 
correlation matrix is parameterized on the assumption that the correlation between any two forward 
contracts decreases at a constant rate, beta, to the extent of the difference in their respective due 
dates.  The  input  “Credit  default  volatility”  is  a  volatility  input  of  the  credit  factor  dynamic.  The 
multifactorial frame of this model makes it ideal for the valuation of instruments sensitive to the slope 
or curve, including interest rate option. 

 
 
P.143 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Local Volatility: In the local volatility models of the volatility, instead of being static, evolves over time 
according  to  the  level  of  moneyness  of  the  underlying,  capturing  the  existence  of  smiles.  These 
models  are  appropriate  for  pricing  path  dependent  options  when  use  Monte  Carlo  simulation 
technique is used. 

Adjustments to the valuation for risk of default 

Under  IFRS  13  the  credit  risk  valuation  adjustments  must  be  considered  in  the  classification  of  assets  and 
liabilities  within  fair  value  hierarchy,  because  of  the  absence  of  observables  data  of  probabilities  of  default 
used in the calculation. 

The credit valuation adjustments (“CVA”) and debit  valuation adjustments (“DVA”) are a part of derivative 
instrument valuations, both financial assets and liabilities, to reflect the impact in the fair value of the credit 
risk of the counterparty and BBVA, respectively. 

These adjustments are calculated by estimating Exposure At Default, Probability of Default and Loss Given 
Default, for all derivative products on any instrument at the legal entity level (all counterparties under a same 
ISDA / CMOF) in which BBVA has exposure. 

As  a  general  rule,  the  calculation  of  CVA  is  done  through  simulations  of  market  and  credit  variables  to 
calculate  the  expected  positive  exposure,  given  the  Exposure  at  Default  and  multiplying  the  result  by  the 
Loss  Given  Default  of  the  counterparty.  Consequently,  the  DVA  is  calculated  as  the  result  of  the  expected 
negative exposure given the Exposure at Default and multiplying the result by the Loss Given Default of the 
counterparty. Both calculations are performed throughout the entire period of potential exposure. 

The information needed to calculate the exposure at default and the loss given default come from the credit 
markets (Credit Default Swaps or iTraxx Indexes), where rating is available. For those cases where the rating 
is not available, BBVA implements a mapping process based on the sector, rating and geography to assign 
probabilities  of  both  probability  of  default  and  loss  given  default,  calibrated  directly  to  market  or  with  an 
adjustment market factor for the probability of default and the historical expected loss.  

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 related to the 
valuation  adjustments  to  the  credit  assessment  of  the  derivative  asset  as  “Credit  Valuation  Adjustments” 
(“CVA”)  was  €-163  million  and  €-153  million  respectively,  and  the  valuation  adjustments  to  the  derivative 
liabilities as “Debit Valuation Adjustment” (DVA) was €214 million and €138 million respectively . The impact 
recorded under “Gains or (-) losses on financial assets and liabilities held for trading, net” in the consolidated 
income statement as for the years ended 2018 and 2017 corresponding to the mentioned adjustments was a 
net impact of €-24 million and €-23 million respectively. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, €-12 million 
related to the “Funding Valuation Adjustments” (“FVA”) were recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.  

 
 
 
 
P.144 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Unobservable inputs 

Quantitative information of unobservable inputs used to calculate Level 3 valuations is presented below as of 
December 31, 2018: 

Financial instrument  Valuation technique(s) 

Significant unobservable 
inputs 

Min 

Average 

Max 

Units 

Debt Securities 

Equity instruments 

Credit Option 

Corporate Bond Option 

Equity OTC Option 

Net Present  Value 

Comparable pricing 

Net  Asset Value 

Comparable pricing 

Gaussian Copula 

Black 76 

Heston 

Local Volatility 

Credit Spread 

Recovery Rate 

37 

152.22 

385.00 

b.p. 

0.00% 

32.06% 

40.00% 

1.00% 

88.00% 

275.00% 

% 

% 

Correlation Default 

0.00% 

37.98% 

60.26% 

% 

Price Volatility 

- 

- 

- 

vegas 

Forward Volatility Skew 

47.05 

47.05 

47.05 

Vegas 

Dividends 

Volatility 

13.79 

27.24 

65.02 

vegas 

FX OTC Options 

Black Scholes/Local Vol 

Volatility 

Interest Rate Option 

Libor Market Model 

Beta 

Correlation Rate/Credit 

Credit Default Volatility 

5.05 

0.25 

(100) 

- 

Financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 

7.73 

9.71 

vegas 

9.00 

18.00 

- 

- 

100 

- 

Vegas 

% 

% 

The  changes  in  the  balance  of  Level  3  financial  assets  and  liabilities  included  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated balance sheets during 2018, 2017 and 2016, are as follows: 

Financial Assets Level 3: Changes in the Period (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Group incorporations 

Changes in fair value recognized in profit and loss (*) 

Changes in fair value not recognized in profit and loss 

Acquisitions, disposals and liquidations (**) 

Net transfers to Level 3 

Exchange differences and others 

Balance at the end 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Assets 

Liabilities 

835 

125 

822 

116 

463 

182 

- 

(167) 

(4) 

- 

(95) 

- 

2,102 

2,710 

761 

- 
3,527 

47 

- 
2,787 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(24) 

(45) 

32 

106 

(55) 
835 

(21) 

- 

320 

(39) 

(250) 
125 

33 

(81) 

438 

16 

(47) 
822 

(86) 

(3) 

(25) 

- 

49 
116 

(*)  Profit or loss that is attributable to gains or losses relating to those financial assets and liabilities held as of December 31, 
2018,  2017  and  2016.  Valuation  adjustments  are  recorded  under  the  heading  “Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and 
liabilities, net”. 

(**)  Of which, in 2018, the assets roll forward is comprised of €2,400 million of acquisitions, €254 millions of disposals and 
€44 millions of liquidations. The liabilities roll forward is comprised of €2,716 million of acquisitions and €5 millions of 
liquidations. 

As of December 31, 2018, the profit/loss on sales of financial instruments classified as Level 3 recognized in 
the accompanying consolidated income statement was not material. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.145 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Transfers between levels 

The Global Valuation Area, in collaboration with the Group, has established the rules for a proper financials 
instruments  held  for  trading  classification  according  to  the  fair  value  hierarchy  defined  by  international 
accounting standards. 

On a monthly basis, any new assets added to the portfolio are classified, according to this criterion, by the 
accounting  subsidiary.  Then,  there  is  a  quarterly  review  of  the  portfolio  in  order  to  analyze  the  need  for  a 
change in classification of any of these assets. 

The  financial  instruments  transferred  between  the  different  levels  of  measurement  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2018 are recorded at the following amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 
as of December 31, 2018:  

Transfer Between Levels. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

ASSETS 

Financial assets held for trading 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value 
through profit or loss 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income 
Derivatives 
Total 
LIABILITIES- 
Financial liabilities held for trading 
Total 

From: 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

To: 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1  

Level 3 

Level 1 

Level2 

1,171 

- 

134 

- 
1,305 

- 
- 

2 

- 

72 

- 
74 

- 
- 

2 

9 

- 

- 
11 

- 
- 

6 

67 

515 

52 
641 

138 
138 

- 

- 

- 

118 
118 

- 
- 

2 

24 

- 

49 
75 

37 
37 

The  amount  of  financial  instruments  that  were  transferred  between  levels  of  valuation  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2018 is not material relative to the total portfolios, and corresponds to the above changes in 
the classification between levels these financial instruments modified some of their features, specifically: 

  Transfers between Levels 1 and 2 represent mainly debt and equity instruments, which are either no 
longer listed on an active market (transfer from Level 1 to 2) or have just started to be listed (transfer 
from Level 2 to 1). 

  Transfers from Level 2 Level 3 are mainly due to derivative transactions. 

  Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 generally affect derivative and debt instruments transactions, for 

which inputs observable in the market have been obtained. 

Sensitivity Analysis 

Sensitivity  analysis  is  performed  on  financial  instruments  with  significant  unobservable  inputs  (financial 
instruments included in level 3), in order to obtain a reasonable range of possible alternative valuations. This 
analysis is carried out on a monthly basis, based on the criteria defined by the Global Valuation Area taking 
into account the nature of the methods used for the assessment and the reliability and availability of inputs 
and proxies used. In order to establish, with a sufficient degree of certainty, the valuating risk that is incurred 
in such assets without applying diversification criteria between them. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.146 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  the  effect  on  profit  for  the  period  and  total  equity  of  changing  the  main 
unobservable inputs used for the measurement of Level 3 financial instruments for other reasonably possible 
unobservable inputs, taking the highest (most favorable input) or lowest (least favorable input) value of the 
range deemed probable, would be as follows: 

Financial Assets Level 3: Sensitivity Analysis (Millions of euros) 

Potential Impact on Consolidated 
 Income Statement  

Potential Impact on 
 Total Equity  

Most Favorable 
Hypothesis 

Least Favorable 
Hypothesis 

Most Favorable 
Hypothesis 

Least Favorable 
Hypothesis 

ASSETS 

Financial assets held for trading 

Loans and Advances 

Debt securities 

Equity instruments 

Derivatives 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair 
value through profit or loss 

Loans and Advances 

Debt securities 

Equity instruments 

Financial assets designated at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

LIABILITIES 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Total 

6 

- 

2 

3 

1 

291 

285 

3 

3 

- 

- 

1 
297 

(13) 

- 

(3) 

(9) 

(1) 

(181) 

(161) 

(12) 

(8) 

- 

- 

(1) 
(194) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

1 
1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

(1) 
(1) 

8.2  Fair value of financial instruments carried at cost 

The valuation technique used to calculate the fair value of financial assets and liabilities carried at cost as of 
December 31, 2018, are presented below: 

Financial assets 

Cash, balances  at central  banks  and  other  demand  deposits  /  loans  to  central  banks  / short -term 
loans to credit institutions / Repurchase agreements: in general, their fair value is assimilated to their 
book value, due to the nature of the counterparty and because they are mainly short-term balances 
in which the book value is the most reasonable estimation of the value of the asset. 

Loans to  credit  institutions  which  are  not  short- term and  loans  to  customers :  In general,  the  fair 
value  of  these  financial  assets  is  determined  by  the  discount  of  expected  future  cash  flows,  using 
market  interest  rates  at  the  time  of  valuation adjusted  by  the  credit  spread  and  taking  all  kind 
of behavior hypothesis if it is considered to be relevant (prepayment fees, optionality, etc.). 

Debt  securities:  Fair  value  estimated  based  on  the  available  market  price  or  by  using  internal 
valuation methodologies. 

Financial liabilities 

Deposits from central banks: for recurrent liquidity auctions and other monetary policy instruments 
of  central  banks,  /  short-term  deposits  from  credit  institutions  /  repurchase  agreements  /  short-
term customer deposits:  their book value is considered to be the best estimation of their fair value. 

P.147 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

  Deposits of credit institutions which are not short-term and term customer deposits: these deposits 
will be valued by discounting future cash flows using the interest rate curve in effect at the time of the 
adjustment  adjusted  by  the  credit  spread  and  incorporating  any  behavioral  assumptions  if  this 
proves relevant (early repayments , optionalities, etc.). 

  Debt certificate (Issuances): The fair value estimation of these liabilities depend on the availability of 
market  prices  or  by  using  the  present  value  method:  discount  of  future  cash  flows,  using  market 
interest rates at valuation time and taking into account the credit spread. 

The  following  table  presents  the  fair  value  of  key  financial  instruments  carried  at  amortized  cost  in  the 
accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  broken  down 
according to the method of valuation used for the estimation: 

Fair Value of financial Instruments at amortized cost by Levels (Millions of euros) 

2018 

Notes 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 
deposits 

9 

58,024 

- 

172 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

14 

21,419  204,619 

193,819 

LIABILITIES 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost  

22 

58,225  269,128 

182,948 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.148 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The main valuation techniques and inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments accounted 
for  at  cost  and  classified  in  levels  2  and  3  is  shown  below.  These  are  broken  down  by  type  of  financial 
instrument and the balances correspond to those as of December 31, 2018: 

Fair Value of financial Instruments at amortized cost by valuation technique. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Valuation technique(s) 

Main inputs used 

ASSETS  

Financial assets at amortized cost 

204,619  193,819 

Central Banks 

- 

1 

Loans and advances to credit 
institutions 

4,934 

4,291 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 

- Credit spread 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

- Credit spread 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

- Credit spread 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

- Credit spread 
- Interest rate yield 

Loans and advances to customers 

190,666  183,645 

Debt securities 

LIABILITIES 

9,019 

5,881 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost  

269,128  182,948 

Central Banks 
Loans and advances to credit 
institutions 
Loans and advances to customers 

Debt securities 

Other financial liabilities 

196 

- 

22,281 

9,852 

240,547  135,270 

6,104 

25,096 

- 

12,730 

Equity instruments at cost 

Present-value method 
(Discounted future cash flows) 

- Issuer´s credit risk 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

Until  2017,  there  were  equity  instruments  and  discretionary  profit-sharing  arrangements  in  some  entities 
which were recognized at cost in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets because their fair value could not 
be estimated in a sufficiently reliable manner for the amount of €469 and €565 million, as of December 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively. 

9.  Cash,  cash  balances  at  central  banks  and  other  demands 

deposits 

The breakdown of the balance under the heading “Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demands 
deposits” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows: 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits (Millions of euros) 

Cash on hand 

Cash balances at central banks 

Other demand deposits 

Total 

2018 

6,346 

43,880 

7,970 

58,196 

2017 

6,220 

31,718 

4,742 

42,680 

2016 

7,413 

28,671 

3,955 

40,039 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.149 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

10. Financial assets and liabilities held for trading

10.1  Breakdown of the balance 

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as 
follows: 

Financial Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Trading (Millions of euros) 

ASSETS 

Derivatives 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Equity instruments 

Total  Assets 

LIABILITIES 

Derivatives 

Short positions 

Deposits 

Total  Liabilities 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

7.3.2 

7.3.2 

7.3.2 

30,536 

25,577 

28,750 

5,254 

90,117 

31,815 

11,025 

37,934  

80,774 

35,265 

22,573 

56 

6,801 

64,695 

42,955 

27,166 

154 

4,675 

74,950 

36,169 

10,013 

43,118 

11,556 

46,182 

54,675 

As of December 31, 2018 “Short positions” include €10,255 million  held with General governments. 

10.2  Debt securities 

The  breakdown  by  type  of  issuer  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
balance sheets is as follows: 

Financial Assets Held-for-Trading. Debt securities by issuer (Millions of euros) 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by public administrations 

Issued by financial institutions 

Other debt securities 

Total 

2018 

1,001 

22,950 

790 

836 

25,577 

2017 

1,371 

19,344 

816 

1,041 

22,573 

2016 

544 

23,621 

1,652 

1,349 

27,166 

P.150 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

10.3  Loans and advances 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  is  as 
follows: 

Financial Assets Held-for-Trading. Loans and advances (Millions of euros) 

Loans and advances to central banks 

     Reverse repurchase agreements 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 

     Reverse repurchase agreements 

Loans and advances to customers 

     Reverse repurchase agreements 

Total  

10.4  Equity instruments 

Notes 

35 

35 

35 

2018 

2,163 

2,163 

14,566 

13,305 

12,021 

11,794 

28,750 

2017 

2016 

- 

- 

- 

- 

56 

- 

56 

- 

- 

- 

- 

154 

- 

154 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  is  as 
follows: 

Financial Assets Held-for-Trading. Equity instruments by Issuer (Millions of euros) 

Shares of Spanish companies 

Credit institutions 

Other sectors 

Subtotal  

Shares of foreign companies 

Credit institutions 

Other sectors 

Subtotal  

Total  

10.5  Deposits  

2018 

- 
576 

536 

1,112 

304 

3,838 

4,142 

5,254 

2017 

- 
617 

603 

1,220 

345 

5,236 

5,581 

6,801 

2016 

- 
781 

956 

1,737 

220 

2,718 

2,939 

4,675 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  is  as 
follows: 

Financial Liabilities Held-for-Trading. Deposits (Millions of euros) 

Deposits from central banks (*) 

Repurchase agreement 

Deposits from credit institutions (*) 

Repurchase agreement 

Deposits from customers (*) 

Repurchase agreement 

Total  

2017

2016

Notes 

35 

35 

35 

2018

10,511  
10,511  
15,687  
14,839  
11,736  
11,466  

37,934  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.151 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

10.6  Derivatives  

The  derivatives  portfolio  arises  from  the  Group’s  need  to  manage  the  risks  it  is  exposed  to  in  the  normal 
course of business and also to market products amongst the Group’s customers. As of December 31, 2018, 
2017  and  2016,  trading  derivatives  were  mainly  contracted  in  over-the-counter  (OTC)  markets,  with 
counterparties,  consisting  primarily  of  foreign  credit  institutions,  and  are  related  to  foreign-exchange, 
interest-rate and equity risk.  

Below  is  a  breakdown  of  the  net  positions  by  transaction  type  of  the  fair  value  and  notional  amounts  of 
derivatives  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets,  divided  into  organized  and  OTC 
markets: 

Derivatives by type of risk / by product or by type of market -  December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Interest rate 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Equity 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Foreign exchange and gold 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Credit 

Credit default swap 

Credit spread option 

Total return swap 

Other 

Commodities 

Other 

DERIVATIVES 

of which: OTC - credit institutions 

of which: OTC - other financial corporations 

of which: OTC - other 

Assets 

19,147 

1,940 

17,206 

- 

- 

2,799 

400 

230 

2,168 

- 

8,355 

226 

8,118 

- 

11 

232 

228 

2 

2 

- 

3 

- 

30,536 

16,979 

7,372 

4,005 

Liabilities 

Notional amount - 
Total 

18,769 

2,413 

16,356 

- 

- 

2,956 

341 

123 

2,492 

- 

9,693 

309 

9,329 

1 

54 

393 

248 

- 

145 

- 

3 

- 

31,815 

18,729 

7,758 

2,780 

2,929,371 

207,107 

2,702,909 

6,092 

13,263 

114,184 

32,906 

6,693 

72,062 

2,524 

432,283 

21,293 

405,659 

45 

5,286 

25,452 

22,791 

500 

2,161 

- 

67 

- 

3,501,358 

897,384 

2,355,784 

148,917 

 
 
 
 
P.152 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Derivatives by type of risk / by product or by type of market -  December 2017 (Millions of Euros) 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Notional amount - 
Total 

Interest rate 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Equity 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Foreign exchange and gold 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Credit 

Credit default swap 

Credit spread option 

Total return swap 

Other 

Commodities 

Other 

DERIVATIVES 

of which: OTC - credit institutions 

of which: OTC - other financial corporations 

of which: OTC - other 

22,606 
2,429 

20,177 

- 

- 

1,778 
495 

83 

1,200 

- 

10,371 
245 

10,092 

- 

34 

489 
480 

- 

9 

- 

3 

18 

35,265 
21,016 

8,695 

4,316 

22,546 
2,581 

19,965 

- 

- 

2,336 
1,118 

90 

1,129 

- 

10,729 
258 

10,430 

3 

37 

517 
507 

- 

9 

- 

3 

38 

36,169 
22,804 

9,207 

2,986 

2,152,490 
212,554 

1,916,920 

600 

22,416 

95,573 
34,140 

8,158 

48,644 

4,631 

380,404 
24,447 

348,857 

104 

6,997 

30,181 
27,942 

200 

2,039 

- 

36 

561 

2,659,246 
898,209 

1,548,919 

128,722 

 
 
P.153 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Derivatives by type of risk / by product or by type of market -  December 2016 (Millions of Euros) 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Notional amount - 
Total 

Interest rate 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Equity 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Foreign exchange and gold 

OTC options 

OTC other 

Organized market options 

Organized market other 

Credit 

Credit default swap 

Credit spread option 

Total return swap 

Other 

Commodities 

Other 

DERIVATIVES 

of which: OTC - credit institutions 

of which: OTC - other financial corporations 

of which: OTC - other 

25,770 
3,331 

22,339 

1 

100 

2,032 
718 

109 

1,205 

- 

14,872 
417 

14,436 

3 

16 

261 
246 

- 

2 

14 

6 

13 

42,955 
26,438 

8,786 

6,404 

25,322 
3,428 

21,792 

- 

102 

2,252 
1,224 

91 

937 

- 

15,179 
539 

14,624 

- 

16 

338 
230 

- 

108 

- 

6 

22 

43,118 
28,005 

9,362 

4,694 

1,556,150 
217,958 

1,296,183 

1,311 

40,698 

90,655 
44,837 

5,312 

36,795 

3,712 

425,506 
27,583 

392,240 

175 

5,508 

19,399 
15,788 

150 

1,895 

1,565 

169 

1,065 

2,092,945 
806,096 

1,023,174 

175,473 

11.  Non-trading  financial  assets  mandatorily  at  fair  value 

through profit or loss 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  is  as 
follows: 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss (Millions of Euros) 

Equity instruments 

Debt securities 
Loans and advances 
Total 

Notes 

7.3.2 

7.3.2 
7.3.2 

2018 

3,095 

237 
1,803 
5,135 

This heading is included with the implementation of IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018. Previously, this category did 
not exist in IAS 39 (see Note 2.2.1 and 2.3). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.154
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

12. Financial  assets  and  liabilities  designated  at  fair  value

through profit or loss

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as 
follows: 

Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss (Millions of euros) 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

ASSETS 

Equity instruments 

Unit-linked products 

Other securities 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Total Assets 

LIABILITIES 

Deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

Unit-linked products 

Total Liabilities 

7.3.2 

1,888 

1,621 

266 

174 

648 

1,920 

1,749 

171 

142 

- 

2,709 

2,062 

- 

- 

2,222 

2,222 

2,222 

- 

- 

2,338 

2,338 

2,338 

1,313 

- 

1,313 

976 

2,858 

3,159 

3,159 

6,993 

With  the  implementation  of  IFRS  9  on  January  1,  2018,  equity  instruments  under  this  heading  have  been 
reclassified to the heading: “Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss” (see 
Note 11). 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the most significant balances within financial liabilities designated 
at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  related  to  assets  and  liabilities  linked  to  insurance  products  where  the 
policyholder  bears  the  risk  ("Unit-Link").  This  type  of  product  is  sold  only  in  Spain,  through  BBVA  Seguros 
S.A., insurance and reinsurance and in Mexico through Seguros Bancomer S.A. de CV.

Since  the  liabilities  linked  to  insurance  products  in  which  the  policyholder  assumes  the  risk  are  valued  the 
same way as the assets associated to these insurance products, there is no credit risk component borne by 
the Group in relation to these liabilities. 

P.155 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

13.  Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 

income 

13.1  Balance details 

The breakdown of the balance by the main financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets is as follows: 

Financial assets designated at fair value through other comprehensive income (Millions of euros) 

Debt securities 

Impairment losses 

Subtotal 

Equity instruments 

Impairment losses 

Subtotal 

Loans and advances to credit entities 

Total  

Notes 

7.3.2 

7.3.2 

2018 

2017 

2016 

53,737 
(28) 

53,709 

2,595 
- 

2,595 

33 

66,273 
(21) 

66,251 

4,488 
(1,264) 

3,224 

- 

74,739 
(159) 

74,580 

4,814 
(174) 

4,641 

- 

56,337 

69,476 

79,221 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.156 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

13.2  Debt securities 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  the  heading  “Debt  securities”  of  the  accompanying  consolidated 
financial statements, broken down by the nature of the financial instruments, is as follows: 

Financial assets designated at fair value through other comprehensive income: Debt Securities. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Domestic Debt Securities 

Spanish Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Subtotal  

Foreign Debt Securities 

Mexico 

Mexican Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

The United States 

Government securities  

US Treasury and other US Government agencies 

States and political subdivisions  

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Turkey 
Turkey Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 
Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Other countries 
Other foreign governments and other general 
governments agencies debt securities 
Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Subtotal  

Total 

Amortized      
Cost (*) 

Unrealized 
Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

- 

17,205 

1,597 

- 

793 

804 

18,802 

6,299 

5,286 

1,013 

- 

35 

978 

14,507 

11,227 

7,285 

3,942 

3,280 

- 

49 

3,231 

4,164 

4,007 

157 

- 

157 

- 

9,551 

4,510 

5,041 

987 

1,856 

2,197 

34,521 

53,323 

- 

661 

100 

- 

63 

37 

761 

6 

4 

2 

- 

- 

2 

47 

37 

29 

8 

10 

- 

1 

9 

20 

20 

- 

- 

- 

- 

319 

173 

146 

2 

111 

33 

392 

1,153 

- 

(9) 

(1) 

- 

- 

(1) 

(10) 

(142) 

(121) 

(21) 

- 

(1) 

(20) 

(217) 

(135) 

(56) 

(79) 

(82) 

- 

- 

(82) 

(269) 

(256) 

(13) 

- 

(13) 

- 

(130) 

(82) 

(48) 

(4) 

(20) 

(25) 

(758) 

(768) 

Book  
Value 

- 

17,857 

1,696 

- 

855 

841 

19,553 

6,163 

5,169 

994 

- 

34 

961 

14,338 

11,130 

7,258 

3,872 

3,208 

- 

50 

3,158 

3,916 

3,771 

145 

- 

145 

- 

9,740 

4,601 

5,139 

986 

1,947 

2,206 

34,157 

53,709 

(*)  The amortized cost includes portfolio gains/losses linked to insurance contracts in which the policyholder assumes the 

risk in case of redemption. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.157 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Available-for-sale financial assets: Debt Securities. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Amortized      
Cost (*) 

Unrealized 
Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

Domestic Debt Securities 

Spanish Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Subtotal  

Foreign Debt Securities 

Mexico 

Mexican Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

The United States 

Government securities  

US Treasury and other US Government agencies 

States and political subdivisions  

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Turkey 
Turkey Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 
Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Other countries 
Other foreign governments and other general 
governments agencies debt securities 
Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Subtotal  

Total 

- 

22,765 

1,951 

- 

891 

1,061 

24,716 

- 

9,755 

8,101 

1,654 

- 

212 

1,442 

12,479 

8,625 

3,052 

5,573 

3,854 

- 

56 

3,798 

5,052 

5,033 

19 

- 

19 

- 

13,271 

6,774 

6,497 

1,330 

2,535 

2,632 

40,557 

65,273 

- 

791 

114 

- 

72 

43 

906 

- 

45 

34 

11 

- 

1 

10 

36 

8 

- 

8 

28 

- 

1 

26 

48 

48 

1 

- 

- 

- 

533 

325 

208 

2 

139 

66 

661 

1,567 

Book  
Value 

- 

- 

(17) 

23,539 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(17) 

- 

(142) 

(120) 

(22) 

- 

(3) 

(19) 

(198) 

(133) 

(34) 

(99) 

(65) 

- 

- 

(65) 

(115) 

(114) 

(1) 

- 

(1) 

- 

2,066 

- 

962 

1,103 

25,605 

- 

9,658 

8,015 

1,643 

- 

209 

1,434 

12,317 

8,500 

3,018 

5,482 

3,817 

- 

57 

3,759 

4,985 

4,967 

19 

- 

19 

- 

(117) 

13,687 

(77) 

(40) 

(1) 

(19) 

(19) 

(572) 

(589) 

7,022 

6,664 

1,331 

2,654 

2,679 

40,647 

66,251 

(*)  The amortized cost includes portfolio gains/losses linked to insurance contracts in which the policyholder assumes the 

risk in case of redemption. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.158 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Available-for-sale financial assets: Debt Securities. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Amortized       
Cost (*) 

Unrealized 
Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

Domestic Debt Securities 

Spanish Government and other general governments agencies 
debt securities 

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Subtotal  

Foreign Debt Securities 

Mexico 

Mexican Government and other general governments 
agencies debt securities 

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

The United States 

Government securities  

US Treasury and other US Government agencies 

States and political subdivisions  

Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Turkey 
Turkey Government and other general governments agencies 
debt securities 
Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Other countries 
Other foreign governments and other general government 
agencies debt securities 
Other debt securities 

Issued by Central Banks 

Issued by credit institutions 

Issued by other issuers 

Subtotal  

Total 

- 

22,427 

2,305 

- 

986 

1,319 

24,731 

- 

11,525 

9,728 

1,797 

- 

86 

1,710 

14,256 

8,460 

1,702 

6,758 

5,797 

- 

95 

5,702 

5,550 

5,055 

495 

- 

448 

47 

17,923 

7,882 

10,041 

1,657 

3,269 

5,115 

49,253 

73,985 

- 

711 

117 

- 

82 

36 

828 

- 

19 

11 

8 

- 

2 

6 

48 

9 

1 

8 

39 

- 

2 

37 

73 

70 

2 

- 

2 

- 

634 

373 

261 

4 

96 

161 

773 

1,601 

- 

(18) 

(1) 

- 

- 

(1) 

(19) 

- 

(343) 

(301) 

(42) 

- 

(1) 

(41) 

(261) 

(131) 

(19) 

(112) 

(130) 

- 

- 

(130) 

(180) 

(164) 

(16) 

- 

(15) 

(1) 

(203) 

(98) 

(105) 

(2) 

(54) 

(49) 

(987) 

(1,006) 

Book  
Value 

- 

23,119 

2,421 

- 

1,067 

1,354 

25,540 

- 

11,200 

9,438 

1,763 

- 

87 

1,675 

14,043 

8,337 

1,683 

6,654 

5,706 

- 

97 

5,609 

5,443 

4,961 

482 

- 

436 

46 

18,354 

8,156 

10,197 

1,659 

3,311 

5,227 

49,040 

74,580 

(*)  The amortized cost includes portfolio gains/losses linked to insurance contracts in which the policyholder assumes the 

risk in case of redemption. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.159 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The credit ratings of the issuers of debt securities as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, are as follows: 

Debt Securities by Rating 

AAA 

AA+ 

AA 

AA- 

A+ 

A 

A- 

BBB+ 

BBB 

BBB- 

BB+ or below 

Without rating 

Total 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

Fair Value 
(Millions of 
Euros) 
531 

% 

1.0% 

Fair Value 
(Millions of 
Euros) 
687 

% 

1.0% 

Fair Value 
(Millions of 
Euros) 
4,922 

% 

6.6% 

13,100  24.4% 

10,738  16.2% 

11,172  15.0% 

222 

409 

632 

687 

0.4% 

0.8% 

1.2% 

1.3% 

507 

291 

664 

683 

18,426  34.3% 

1,330 

0.8% 

0.4% 

1.0% 

1.0% 

2.0% 

594 

575 

1,230 

0.8% 

0.8% 

1.6% 

7,442  10.0% 

1,719 

2.3% 

9,195  17.1% 

35,175  53.1% 

29,569  39.6% 

4,607 

1,003 

4,453 

445 

8.6% 

1.9% 

8.3% 

0.8% 

7,958  12.0% 

5,583 

1,564 

1,071 

8.4% 

2.4% 

1.6% 

3,233 

6,809 

2,055 

5,261 

4.3% 

9.1% 

2.8% 

7.1% 

53,709 

100% 

66,251  100.0% 

74,580  100.0% 

13.3  Equity instruments 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  the  heading  "Equity  instruments"  of  the  accompanying  consolidated 
financial statements as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, are as follows: 

Financial assets designated at fair value through other comprehensive income: Equity Instruments. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Amortized 
Cost 

Unrealized 
Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

Fair 
Value 

Equity instruments listed 

Listed Spanish company shares 

Credit institutions 

Other entities 

Listed foreign company shares 

United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal  

Unlisted equity instruments 

Unlisted Spanish company shares 

Credit institutions 

Other entities 

Unlisted foreign companies shares  

United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal  

Total 

2,172 

- 

2,172 

90 

20 

1 

3 

66 

2,262 

6 

- 

6 

453 

388 

- 

6 

59 

459 

2,721 

- 

- 

- 

43 

17 

25 

- 

1 

43 

1 

- 

1 

54 

23 

- 

4 

27 

55 

98 

(210) 

1,962 

- 

(210) 

(12) 

- 

- 

(1) 

(11) 

- 

1,962 

121 

37 

26 

2 

56 

(222) 

2,083 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

(1) 

(223) 

7 

- 

7 

506 

411 

- 

10 

85 

513 

2,595 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.160
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Available-for-sale financial assets: Equity Securities. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Amortized 
Cost 

Unrealized 
Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

Equity instruments listed 

Listed Spanish company shares 

Credit institutions 

Other entities 

Listed foreign company shares 

United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal 

Unlisted equity instruments 

Unlisted Spanish company shares 

Credit institutions 

Other entities 

Unlisted foreign companies shares 

United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal 

Total 

- 

2,189 

- 

2,189 

215 

11 

8 

4 

192 

2,404 

- 

33 

4 

29 

665

498 

1 

15 

151 

698 

3,102 

- 

- 

- 

- 

33 

- 

25 

1 

7 

33 

- 

29 

- 

29 

77 

40 

- 

6 

31 

106 

139 

Fair 
Value 

- 

2,188 

- 

2,188 

241 

11 

33 

5 

192 

2,429

- 

62 

4 

58 

734 

532 

1 

19 

182 

796 

- 

(1) 

- 

(1) 

(7) 

- 

- 

- 

(7) 

(8)

- 

- 

- 

- 

(8) 

(6) 

- 

(2) 

- 

(8) 

(16)

3,224

P.161 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Available-for-sale financial assets: Equity Securities. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Equity instruments listed 

Listed Spanish company shares 

Credit institutions 

Other entities 

Listed foreign company shares 

United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal  

Unlisted equity instruments 

Unlisted Spanish company shares 

Credit institutions 

Other entities 

   Unlisted foreign companies shares  

United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal  

Total 

Amortized 
Cost 

Unrealized 
Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

- 

3,690 

- 

3,690 

793 

16 

8 

5 

763 

4,483 

- 

57 

4 

53 

708 

537 

1 

18 

152 

766 

- 

17 

- 

17 

289 

22 

33 

1 

234 

306 

- 

2 

- 

2 

46 

13 

- 

7 

26 

48 

- 

(944) 

- 

(944) 

(15) 

- 

- 

- 

(15) 

(960) 

- 

(1) 

- 

(1) 

(2) 

- 

- 

(2) 

- 

(3) 

Fair 
Value 

- 

2,763 

- 

2,763 

1,066 

38 

41 

6 

981 

3,829 

- 

59 

4 

55 

752 

550 

1 

24 

178 

811 

5,248 

355 

(962) 

4,641 

 
 
P.162 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

13.4  Gains/losses 

Debt securities 

The  changes  in  the  gains/losses,  net  of  taxes,  recognized  in  2018  under  the  equity  heading  “Accumulated 
other comprehensive income – Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss - Financial assets at fair value 
through other comprehensive income” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows: 

Accumulated other comprehensive income-Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss - Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income  (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Effect of changes in accounting policies (IFRS 9) 
Valuation gains and losses 
Amounts transferred to income 
Other reclassifications 
Income tax 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

30 

2018 

1,557 
(58) 
(640) 
(137) 
- 
221 

943 

In  2018,  the  debt  securities  impaired  recognized  in  the  heading  “Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on 
financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss - Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive  income”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statement  amounted  to  €1  million.  In 
2017 the recovery registered amounted €4 million; meanwhile, in 2016 the impairment registered amounted 
€157 million (see Note 47). 

Equity instruments 

The  changes  in  the  gains/losses,  net  of  taxes,  recognized  under  the  equity  heading  “Accumulated  other 
comprehensive  income  –  Items  that  will  not  be  reclassified  to  profit  or  loss  -  Fair  value  changes  of  equity 
instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income” in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheets are as follows: 

Accumulated other comprehensive income-Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss - Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income  (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Effect of changes in accounting policies (IFRS 9) 
Valuation gains and losses 
Amounts transferred to income 
Other reclassifications 
Income tax 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

30 

2018 

84 
(40) 
(174) 
- 
- 
(25) 

(155)

P.163 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In 2018, there has been no impairment registered under the heading “Impairment or reversal of impairment 
on  financial  assets not  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  -  Financial assets  at  fair value  through 
other  comprehensive  income”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statement.  In  2017  and  2016  the 
impairment registered were €1,131 and €46 million, respectively (see Note 47). 

Years 2017 and 2016 

2017 and 2016 are presented separately due to the implementation of IFRS 9: 

Accumulated other comprehensive income-Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss - Available-for-Sale Financial Assets (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning  
Valuation gains and losses 
Amounts transferred to income 
Other reclassifications 
Income tax 

Balance at the end 

Of which: 

Debt securities 

Equity instruments 

Notes 

2017 

30 

947 
321 
356 
(10) 
27 

1,641 

- 

1,557 

84 

2016 

1,674 
400 
(1,181) 
116 
(62) 

947 

- 

1,629 

(682) 

14.  Financial assets at amortized cost 

14.1  Balance details 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets, 
according to the nature of the financial instrument, is as follows: 

Financial assets at amortized cost (Millions of Euros) 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances to central banks 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Loans and advances to customers 

Government 

Other financial corporations 

Non-financial corporations 

Other 

Total 

December       
2018 

December  
2017 

December  
2016 

32,530 

3,941 

9,163 

374,027 

28,114 

9,468 

163,922 

172,522 

419,660 

24,093 

7,300 

26,261 

28,905 

8,894 

31,373 

387,621 

414,500 

31,645  

18,173  

164,510  

173,293  

445,275 

483,672 

During financial year 2018, there have been no significant reclassifications neither from “Financial assets at 
amortized cost” to other headings or from other headings to “Financial assets at amortized cost”. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.164 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

14.2  Loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets, 
according to their nature, is as follows: 

Loans and Advances to Central Banks and Credit Institutions (Millions of euros) 

Loans and advances to central banks 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Reverse repurchase agreements 

Other loans 

Total   

Of which: 

Notes 

7.3.2 

7.3.2 

35  

Impairment losses 

7.3.5 / 7.3.2 

14.3  Loans and advances to customers 

2018 

3,941 

9,163 

478 

8,685 

13,104 

- 

(18) 

2017 

2016 

7,300 

26,261 

13,861 

12,400 

33,561 

- 

(36) 

8,894 

31,373 

15,561 

15,812 

40,267 

- 

(43) 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets, 
according to their nature, is as follows: 

Loans and Advances to Customers (Millions of euros) 

On demand and short notice 

Credit card debt 

Trade receivables 

Finance leases 

Reverse repurchase loans 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

Total  

Of which: 

Impaired assets 

Impairment losses 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

3,641 

15,445 

17,436 

8,650 

294 

10,560 

15,835 

22,705 

8,642 

11,554 

11,251 

16,596 

23,753 

9,442 

7,291 

324,767 

313,336 

339,862 

3,794 

4,989 

6,306 

35  

7.3.2 

374,027 

387,621 

414,500 

7.3.5 

7.3.5 / 7.3.2 

- 

16,349 

(12,199) 

- 

19,390 

(12,748) 

- 

22,915 

(15,974) 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  38%,  38%  and  34%,  respectively,  of  "Loans  and  advances  to 
customers"  with  maturity  greater  than  one  year  have  fixed-interest  rates  and  62%,  62%  and  66%, 
respectively, have variable interest rates. 

The heading “Financial assets at amortized cost – Loans and advances to customers” in the accompanying 
consolidated  balance  sheets  also  includes  certain  secured  loans  that,  as  mentioned  in  Appendix  X  and 
pursuant to the Mortgage Market Act, are linked to long-term mortgage-covered bonds.  

This  heading  also  includes  some  loans  that  have  been  securitized.  The  balances  recognized  in  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets corresponding to these securitized loans are as follows: 

Securitized Loans (Millions of euros) 

Securitized mortgage assets 

Other securitized assets 

Total 

2018 

26,556 

3,221 

29,777 

2017 

28,950 

4,143 

33,093 

2016 

29,512 

3,731 

33,243 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.165
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

14.4  Debt securities 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets, 
according to the issuer of the debt securities, is as follows: 

Debt securities (Millions of euros) 

Government 

Credit institutions 

Other sectors 

Total gross 

Of which: 

Impairment losses 

Notes 

7.3.2 

2018 

25,014 

644 

6,872 

32,530 

- 

(51) 

2017 

17,030 

1,152 

5,911 

24,093 

- 

(15) 

2016 

20,736 

1,688 

6,481 

28,905 

- 

(17) 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  the  credit  ratings  of  the  issuers  of  debt  securities  classified  as 
follows: 

Financial assets at amortized cost. Debt Securities by Rating 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

Carrying amount 
(Millions of Euros) 

% 

Carrying amount 
(Millions of Euros) 

% 

Carrying amount
(Millions of Euros) 

AAA 

AA+ 

AA 

AA- 

A+ 

A 

A- 
BBB+ 

BBB 

BBB- 

BB+ or below 

Without rating 

Total 

49 

1,969 

62 

-

607 

21 

6,117 

13,894 

1,623 

2,694 

4,371 

1,123 

32,530 

0.2% 

6.1% 

0.2% 

0.0%

1.9% 

0.1% 

18.8% 

42.7% 

5.0% 

8.3% 

13.4% 

3.5% 

100% 

- 

- 

41 

- 

55 

- 

- 

5,667 

2,412 

2,818 

1,696 

1,064 

13,754 

- 

- 

0.3% 

- 

0.4% 

- 

- 

41.2% 

17.5% 

20.5% 

12.3% 

7.7% 

100.0% 

- 

- 

43 

134 

- 

- 

- 

10,472 

591 

5,187 

- 

1,270 

17,696 

% 

- 

- 

0.2% 

0.8% 

- 

- 

- 

59.2% 

3.3% 

29.3% 

- 

7.2% 

100.0% 

P.166 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  2016,  according  to  the  applicable  accounting  policy,  some  debt  securities  were  reclassified  between 
existing accounts from such policy (from “Available for sale financial assets” to “Loans and receivables” and 
“Held-to-maturity investments” of the consolidated balance sheet. As mentioned in Note 1.3, on January 1, 
2018,  IFRS  9  became  effective,  therefore,  the  debt  securities  previously  reclassified  are  recorded  under 
“Financial  assets  at  amortized  cost”  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  December  31,  2018.  The 
following table shows the fair value and carrying amounts of these reclassified financial assets: 

Debt Securities reclassified (Millions of euros) 

As of Reclassification 
date 

As of December 31, 
2018 

As of December 31, 
2017 

As of December 31, 
2016 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 

Carrying 
Amount 

Fair Value 

BBVA, S.A. 

12,024 

12,024 

TURKIYE GARANTI BANKASI, A.S 

6,488 

6,488 

Total 

18,512 

18,512 

1,467 

2,859 

4,326 

1,486 

2,668 

7,236 

5,381 

7,286 

5,392 

10,433 

6,230 

4,154 

12,617 

12,678 

16,663 

10,498 

6,083 

16,581 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the amount recognized in the income statement from the valuation 
at  amortized  cost  of  the  reclassified  financial  assets,  as  well  as  the  impact  recognized  on  the  income 
statement  and  under  the  heading  “Total  Equity  -  Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income”,  if  the 
reclassification was not performed is included in the following table. 

Effect on Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Recognized 
in 

Effect of not Reclassifying in 

Recognized 
in 

Effect of not Reclassifying 
in 

Recognized 
in 

Effect of not Reclassifying 
in 

Income 
Statement 

Income 
Statement 

Equity 
"Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income" 

Income 
Statement 

Income 
Statement 

Equity 
"Accumulated 
other 
comprehensiv
e income" 

Income 
Statement 

Income 
Statement 

Equity 
"Accumulated 
other 
comprehensiv
e income" 

BBVA, S.A. 
TURKIYE GARANTI BANKASI, 
A.S 
Total 

41 

414  

456 

41 

414  

456 

(2) 

(172) 

(173) 

198 

545 

743 

198 

545 

743 

(14) 

(16) 

(30) 

252 

326 

578 

252 

326 

578 

(91) 

(225) 

(316) 

15.  Hedging  derivatives  and  fair  value  changes  of  the  hedged 

items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk 

The balance of these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows: 

Derivatives – Hedge accounting and fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedge of interest rate risk (Millions of euros) 

ASSETS 

Hedging Derivatives 

Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk 

LIABILITIES 

Hedging Derivatives 

Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk 

2018 

0 

2,892 

(21) 

0 

2,680 

- 

2017 

0 

2,485 

(25) 

0 

2,880 

(7) 

2016 

0 

2,833 

17 

0 

2,347 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.167 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  the  main  positions  hedged  by  the  Group  and  the  derivatives 
designated to hedge those positions were: 

Fair value hedging: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Fixed-interest  debt  securities  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income  and  at 
amortized cost: The interest rate risk of these securities is hedged using interest rate derivatives 
(fixed-variable swaps) and forward sales. 

Long-term  fixed-interest  debt  securities  issued  by  the  Bank:  the  interest  rate  risk  of  these 
securities is hedged using interest rate derivatives (fixed-variable swaps). 

Fixed-interest  loans:  The  equity  price  risk  of  these  instruments  is  hedged  using  interest  rate 
derivatives (fixed-variable swaps). 

Fixed-interest and/or embedded derivative deposit portfolio hedges: it covers the interest rate 
risk through fixed-variable swaps. The valuation of the borrowed deposits corresponding to the 
interest rate risk is in the heading "Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of 
interest rate risk”. 

  Cash-flow hedges: Most of the hedged items are floating interest-rate loans and asset hedges linked 
to the inflation of the financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income portfolio. 
This risk is hedged using foreign-exchange, interest-rate swaps, inflation and FRA’s (“Forward Rate 
Agreement”).  

  Net  foreign-currency  investment  hedges:  These  hedged  risks  are  foreign-currency  investments  in 
the  Group’s  foreign  subsidiaries.  This  risk  is  hedged  mainly  with  foreign-exchange  options  and 
forward currency sales and purchases.  

Note 7 analyzes the Group’s main risks that are hedged using these derivatives. 

The details of the net positions by hedged risk of the fair value of the hedging derivatives recognized in the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows: 

 
 
P.168 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Hedging Derivatives Breakdown by type of risk and type of hedge (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Interest rate 
OTC options 
OTC other 
Organized market options 
Organized market other 
Equity 
OTC options 
OTC other 
Organized market options 
Organized market other 
Foreign exchange and gold 
OTC options 
OTC other 
Organized market options 
Organized market other 
Credit 
Commodities 
Other 
FAIR VALUE HEDGES 
Interest rate 
OTC options 
OTC other 
Organized market options 
Organized market other 
Equity 
Foreign exchange and gold 
OTC options 
OTC other 
Organized market options 
Organized market other 
Credit 
Commodities 
Other 
CASH FLOW HEDGES 
HEDGE OF NET INVESTMENTS IN A FOREIGN 
OPERATION 
PORTFOLIO FAIR VALUE HEDGES OF INTEREST 
RATE RISK 
PORTFOLIO CASH FLOW HEDGES OF INTEREST 
RATE RISK 
DERIVATIVES-HEDGE ACCOUNTING 
of which: OTC - credit institutions 
of which: OTC - other financial corporations 
of which: OTC - other 

982 
5 
978 
- 
- 
6 
6 
- 
- 
- 
587 
- 
587 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,575 
221 
- 
219 
- 
2 
- 
955 
- 
955 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,176 

92 

33 

15 

2,892 
2,534 
355 
2 

513 
158 
355 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
398 
- 
398 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
912 
562 
- 
562 
- 
- 
- 
873 
- 
873 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,435 

231 

90 

12 

2,680 
2,462 
216 
2 

1,141 
100 
1,041 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
625 
- 
625 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,766 
244 
- 
242 
- 
2 
- 
119 
- 
119 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
363 

301 

46 

9 

2,485 
1,829 
651 
2 

850 
111 
739 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
511 
- 
511 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,362 
533 
- 
533 
- 
- 
- 
714 
- 
714 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,247 

15 

256 

- 

2,880 
2,527 
234 
120 

1,154 
125 
1,029 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
817 
- 
817 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,970 
194 
- 
186 
- 
8 
- 
248 
89 
160 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
442 

362 

55 

4 

2,833 
2,381 
435 
9 

974 
118 
856 
- 
- 
50 
50 
- 
- 
- 
553 
- 
553 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,577 
358 
- 
358 
- 
- 
- 
118 
70 
48 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
476 

79 

214 

- 

2,347 
2,103 
165 
79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.169 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  cash  flows  forecasts  for  the  coming  years  for  cash  flow  hedging  recognized  on  the  accompanying 
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 are: 

Cash Flows of Hedging Instruments (Millions of euros) 

Receivable cash inflows 

Payable cash outflows 

3 Months or 
Less 

From 3 Months 
to 1 Year 

From 1 to 5 
Years 

More than 5 
Years 

116 

139 

277 

517 

1,828 

2,215 

2,181 

2,221 

Total 

4,401 

5,092 

The above cash flows will have an impact on the Group’s consolidated income statements until 2058.  

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, there was no reclassification in the accompanying consolidated income statements 
of any amount corresponding to cash flow hedges that was previously recognized in equity (see Note 41).  

The  amount  for  derivatives  designated  as  accounting  hedges  that  did  not  pass  the  effectiveness  test  in 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were not material.  

16.  Investments in joint ventures, associates  

16.1  Joint ventures and associates 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  of  “Investments  in  joint  ventures  and  associates”  (see  Note  2.1)  in  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:  

Joint Ventures and Associates Entities. Breakdown by entities (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Joint ventures 

Fideic F 403853 5 BBVA Bancom Ser.Zibata 
Fideicomiso 1729 Invex Enajenacion de Cartera 
PSA Finance Argentina Compañia Financier 
Altura Markets, S.V., S.A. 
RCI Colombia 

Other joint ventures 

Subtotal 

Associates Entities 

Metrovacesa Suelo y Promoción, S.A. 
Testa Residencial SOCIMI, S.A.U. 
Metrovacesa Promoción y Arrendamientos, S.A. 
Atom Bank, PLC 
Divarian Propiedad S.A.U. 
Servired 

Other associates 

Subtotal 

Total 

- 
55 
10 
69 
32 

7 

173 

- 

508 
- 
- 
138 
591 
9 

159 

27 
53 
14 
64 
19 

79 

256 

697 
444 
- 
66 
- 
9 

116 

1,405 

1,578 

1,332 

1,588 

33 
57 
21 
19 
17 

82 

229 

208 
91 
67 
43 
- 
11 

116 

536 

765 

Details of the joint ventures and associates as of December 31, 2018 are shown in Appendix II.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.170 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The following is a summary of the changes in the in December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 under this heading in 
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets: 

Joint Ventures and Associates Entities. Changes in the Year (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Acquisitions and capital increases 

Disposals and capital reductions 

Transfers and changes of consolidation method 

Share of profit and loss 

Exchange differences 

Dividends, valuation adjustments and others 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

39 

2018 

1,588 

309 

(516) 

211 

(7) 

2 

(8) 

2017 

765 

868 

(8) 

- 

3 

(29) 

(12) 

1,578 

1,588 

2016 

879 

456 

(91) 

(351) 

25 

(34) 

(118) 

765 

The  variation  during  the  year  2018  is  mainly  explained  by  the  decrease  of  BBVA  Group  stakes  in  Testa 
Residencial,  S.A.,  Metrovacesa  Suelo  y  Promoción,  S.A.  and  Divarian  Propiedad,  S.A.U.  (see  Note  3  and 
Appendix III). 

The  variation  during  the  year  2017  is  mainly  explained  by  the  increase  of  BBVA  Group  stakes  in  Testa 
Residencial, S.A. and Metrovacesa Suelo y Promoción, S.A. through its contribution to the capital increases 
carried out by both entities by contributing assets from the Bank’s real estate assets (see Note 21). 

During  the  year  2016,  two  capital  increases  in  Metrovacesa,  S.A.  were  made  through  a  debt  swap  and  a 
contribution of real estate assets, which provided the Group 357 million euros, after this there was a partial 
Split  of  Metrovacesa,  S.A.  in  favor  of  a  beneficiary  company  from  a  new  constitution  denominated 
Metrovacesa  Suelo  y  Promocion,  S.A.  In  the  fourth  quarter  of  the  year  2016,  there  was  a  total  split  of 
Metrovacesa,  S.A.  through  its  extinction  and  division  of  its  patrimony  in  three  parts,  two  of  which  merged 
with Merlin Properties, SOCIMI, S.A. and Testa Residencial, SOCIMI, S.A. As result of the previous mentioned 
splits, the Group received equity interests in the corresponding beneficiary companies, 6.41% of its capital 
was received, having been transferred to the heading "Available-for-sale” of the consolidated financial assets 
as of December 31, 2016. 

Appendix  III  provides  notifications  on  acquisitions  and  disposals  of  holdings  in  subsidiaries,  joint  ventures 
and associates, in compliance with Article 155 of the Corporations Act and Article 53 of the Securities Market 
Act 24/1988. 

16.2  Other information about associates and joint ventures 

If  these  entities  had  been  consolidated  rather  than  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method,  the  change  in 
each of the lines of balance sheet and the consolidated income statement would not be significant. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  there  was  no  financial  support  agreement  or  other  contractual 
commitment  to  associates  and  joint  ventures  entities  from  the  holding  or  the  subsidiaries  that  are  not 
recognized in the financial statements (see Note 53.2).  

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 there was no contingent liability in connection with the investments 
in joint ventures and associates (see Note 53.2).  

16.3  Impairment 

As  described  in  IAS  36,  when  there  is  indicator  of  impairment,  the  book  value  of  the  associates  and  joint 
venture entities should be compared with their recoverable amount, being the latter calculated as the higher 
between the value in use and the fair value minus the cost of sale. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 
there were no significant impairments recognized. 

P.171 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

17.  Tangible assets 

The  breakdown  and  movement  of  the  balance  and  changes  of  this  heading  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated balance sheets, according to the nature of the related items, is as follows: 

Tangible Assets: Breakdown by Type of Assets and Changes in the year 2018. (Millions of euros) 

Cost  
Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 
Balance at the end 

Accrued depreciation  
Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 
Balance at the end 

Impairment  
Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year 
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 
Balance at the end 

Net tangible assets 

Balance at the beginning  
Balance at the end 

For Own Use 

Notes 

Land and 
Buildings 

Work in 
Progress 

Furniture, 
Fixtures and 
Vehicles 

Total 
tangible 
asset of Own 
Use 

Investment 
Properties 

Assets 
Leased out 
under an 
Operating 
Lease 

Total 

5,490 
445 
(98) 
- 
- 
64 
38 
5,939 

1,076 
120 
(36) 
- 
(3) 
(31) 
12 
1,138 

315 
30 
- 
- 
- 
(77) 
(51) 
217 

234 
78 
(17) 
- 
- 
(177) 
(48) 
70 

 - 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

 - 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

6,628 
404 
(492) 
- 
- 
(12) 
(214) 
6,314 

4,380 
469 
(403) 
- 
- 
(22) 
(212) 
4,212 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

12,352 
927 
(607) 
- 
- 
(125) 
(224) 
12,323 

5,456 
589 
(439) 
- 
(3) 
(53) 
(200) 
5,350 

315 
30 
- 
- 
- 
(77) 
(51) 
217 

228 
11 
(149) 
- 
- 
(5) 
116 
201 

13 
5 
(8) 
- 
- 
(2) 
3 
11 

20 
(25) 
(27) 
- 
- 
(3) 
62 
27 

492 
- 
(1) 
- 
- 
- 
(105) 
386 

13,072 
938 
(757) 
- 
- 
(130) 
(213) 
12,910 

77 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1) 
76 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

5,546 
594 
(447) 
- 
(3) 
(55) 
(198) 
5,437 

335 
5 
(27) 
- 
- 
(80) 
11 
244 

45 

48 

4,099 
4,584 

234 
70 

2,248 
2,102 

6,581 
6,756 

195 
163 

415 
310 

7,191 
7,229 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.172 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Tangible Assets. Breakdown by Type of Assets and Changes in the year 2017 (Millions of euros) 

For Own Use 

Notes 

Land and 
Buildings 

Work in 
Progress 

Furniture, 
Fixtures and 
Vehicles 

Total tangible 
asset of Own 
Use 

Investment 
Properties 

Assets Leased 
out under an 
Operating 
Lease 

Total 

Cost  

Balance at the beginning 

Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 

Balance at the end 

Accrued depreciation  

Balance at the beginning 

Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 

Balance at the end 

Impairment  

Balance at the beginning 

Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year 
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 

Balance at the end 

Net tangible assets 

Balance at the beginning  

Balance at the end 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7,059 

13,473 

1,163 

958 

15,594 

0 

6,176 

49 
(42) 
 - 
 - 
(273) 
(420) 

5,490 

0 
0 

1,116 

127 
(26) 
 - 
 - 
(53) 
(88) 

1,076 

0 
0 

379 

5 
(2) 
 - 
 - 
(58) 
(9) 

315 

- 

- 

- 

0 

240 

128 
(29) 
 - 
 - 
(57) 
(48) 

234 

0 
0 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

0 
0 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

- 

- 

- 

45 

48 

397 
(264) 
 - 
 - 
(186) 
(378) 

574 
(335) 
 - 
 - 
(516) 
(844) 

6,628 

12,352 

0 
0 

0 
0 

4,461 

5,577 

553 
(235) 
 - 
 - 
(146) 
(253) 

680 
(261) 
 - 
 - 
(199) 
(341) 

4,380 

5,456 

0 
0 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

- 

- 

- 

0 
0 

379 

5 
(2) 
 - 
 - 
(58) 
(9) 

315 

- 

- 

- 

4,681 

4,099 

240 

234 

2,598 

2,248 

7,519 

6,581 

1 
(90) 
 - 
 - 
(698) 
(148) 

228 

0 
0 

63 

13 
(7) 
 - 
 - 
(31) 
(25) 

13 

0 
0 

409 

37 
(10) 
 - 
 - 
(276) 
(140) 

20 

- 

- 

- 

691 

195 

201 
(93) 
 - 
(552) 
 - 
(22) 

776 
(518) 
 - 
(552) 
(1,214) 
(1,014) 

492 

13,072 

0 
0 

216 

 - 
(21) 
 - 
(134) 
 - 
16 

0 
0 

5,856 

693 
(289) 
 - 
(134) 
(230) 
(350) 

77 

5,546 

0 
0 

10 

 - 
 - 
 - 
(10) 
 - 
 - 

 - 

- 

- 

- 

0 
0 

798 

42 
(12) 
 - 
(10) 
(334) 
(149) 

335 

- 

- 

- 

732 

415 

8,941 

7,191 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.173 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Tangible Assets. Breakdown by Type of Assets and Changes in the year 2016 (Millions of euros) 

For Own Use 

Notes 

Land and 
Buildings 

Work in 
Progress 

Furniture, 
Fixtures and 
Vehicles 

Total 
tangible 
asset of Own 
Use 

Investment 
Properties 

Assets Leased 
out under an 
Operating 
Lease 

Total 

Cost  

Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 

Balance at the end 

Accrued depreciation  

Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 

Balance at the end 

Impairment  

Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year 
Disposal of entities in the year 
Transfers 
Exchange difference and other 

Balance at the end 

Net tangible assets 

Balance at the beginning  

Balance at the end 

45 

48 

0 

5,858 
30 
(85) 
- 
(7) 
676 
(296) 

6,176 

0 
0 

1,103 
106 
(72) 
- 
- 
(1) 
(20) 

1,116 

0 
0 

354 
48 
(2) 
- 
- 
(1) 
(20) 

379 

- 

- 

- 

0 

545 
320 
(29) 
- 
- 
(544) 
(52) 

240 

0 
0 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

0 
0 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0 

7,628 
563 
(468) 
- 
(1) 
(386) 
(277) 

7,059 

0 
0 

4,551 
561 
(461) 
- 
- 
(37) 
(153) 

4,461 

0 
0 

- 
5 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(5) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0 

14,029 
913 
(582) 
- 
(8) 
(254) 
(625) 

13,473 

0 
0 

5,654 
667 
(533) 
- 
- 
(38) 
(173) 

5,577 

0 
0 

354 
53 
(2) 
- 
- 
(1) 
(25) 

379 

- 

- 

- 

0 

2,391 
62 
(117) 
- 
(3) 
(986) 
(184) 

1,163 

0 
0 

116 
23 
(10) 
- 
- 
(55) 
(11) 

63 

0 
0 

808 
90 
(9) 
- 
- 
(380) 
(100) 

409 

- 

- 

- 

0 

668 
337 
(97) 
- 
- 
84 
(34) 

958 

0 
0 

202 
- 
(17) 
- 
- 
55 
(24) 

216 

0 
0 

10 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

10 

- 

- 

- 

0 

17,088 
1,312 
(796) 
- 
(11) 
(1,156) 
(843) 

15,594 

0 
0 

5,972 
690 
(560) 
- 
- 
(38) 
(208) 

5,856 

0 
0 

1,172 
143 
(11) 
- 
- 
(381) 
(125) 

798 

- 

- 

- 

4,401 

4,681 

545 

240 

3,077 

2,598 

8,021 

7,519 

1,467 

691 

456 

732 

9,944 

8,941 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  the  cost  of  fully  amortized  tangible  assets  that  remained  in  use 
were €2,624, €2,660 and €2,313 million respectively while its recoverable residual value was not significant. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.174 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  the  amount  of  tangible  assets  under  financial  lease  schemes  on 
which  the  purchase  option  is  expected  to  be  exercised  was  not  material.  The  main  activity  of  the  Group  is 
carried out through a network of bank branches located geographically as shown in the following table: 

Branches by Geographical Location (Number of branches) 

Spain 

Mexico 
South America 
The United States  
Turkey 
Rest of Eurasia 
Total 

2018 

2,840 

1,836 
1,543 
646 
1,066 
32 
7,963 

2017 

3,019 

1,840 
1,631 
651 
1,095 
35 
8,271 

2016 

3,303 

1,836 
1,667 
676 
1,131 
47 
8,660 

The  following  table  shows  the  detail  of  the  net  carrying  amount  of  the  tangible  assets  corresponding  to 
Spanish and foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: 

Tangible Assets by Spanish and Foreign Subsidiaries. Net Assets Values (Millions of euros) 

BBVA and Spanish subsidiaries 

Foreign subsidiaries 

Total 

18.  Intangible assets 

18.1  Goodwill 

2018 

2,705 

4,524 

7,229 

2017 

2,574 

4,617 

7,191 

2016 

3,692 

5,249 

8,941 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets, 
according to the cash-generating units (CGUs), is as follows:  

Goodwill. Breakdown by CGU and Changes of the year (Millions of euros) 

The United 
States 

Turkey 

Mexico 

Colombia 

Chile 

Other 

Total 

Balance as of December 31, 2015 

Additions  

Exchange difference 

Impairment 

Other 

Balance as of December 31, 2016 

Additions  

Exchange difference 

Impairment 

Other 

Balance as of December 31, 2017 

Additions  

Exchange difference 

Impairment 

Other 

5,328 

- 

175 

- 

- 

5,503 

- 

727 

- 

(101) 

- 

(1) 

624 

- 

(666) 

(115) 

- 

- 

4,837 

- 

229 

- 

- 

- 

- 

509 

- 

(127) 

- 

- 

602 

- 

(79) 

- 

- 

523 

24 

(44) 

- 

(10) 

493 

- 

26 

- 

- 

176 

- 

14 

- 

- 

191 

- 

(22) 

- 

- 

168 

- 

(7) 

- 

- 

Balance as of December 31, 2018 

5,066 

382 

519 

161 

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were no significant business combinations.  

62 

- 

6 

- 

- 

68 

- 

(3) 

- 

(33) 

32 

- 

(3) 

- 

- 

29 

20  6,915 

8 

- 

- 

- 

8 

15 

- 

(1) 

28  6,937 

- 

(1) 

(4) 

- 

24 

(851) 

(4) 

(43) 

23  6,062 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

118 

- 

- 

23  6,180 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.175 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Impairment Test 

As mentioned in Note 2.2.8 of the consolidated financial statements for the year 2018, the cash-generating 
units  (CGUs)  to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated  are  periodically  tested  for  impairment  by  including  the 
allocated goodwill in their carrying amount. This analysis is performed at least annually and whenever there is 
any indication of impairment.  

Both  the  CGU’s  fair  values  and  the  fair  values  assigned  to  its  assets  and  liabilities  had  been  based  on  the 
estimates and assumptions that the Group’s Management has deemed most likely given the circumstances. 
However, some changes to the valuation assumptions used could result in differences in the impairment test 
result. 

Three  key  assumptions  are  used  when  calculating  the  impairment  test.  These  hypothesis  are  the  ones  to 
which the amount of the recoverable value is most sensitive:  

  The  forecast  cash  flows  estimated  by  the  Group's  management,  and  based  on  the  latest  available 

budgets for the next 5 years.  

  The constant sustainable growth rate for extrapolating cash flows, starting in the fifth year (2023), 

beyond the period covered by the budgets or forecasts. 

  The  discount  rate  on  future  cash  flows,  which  coincides  with  the  cost  of  capital  assigned  to  each 
CGU, and which consists of a risk-free rate plus a premium that reflects the inherent risk of each of 
the businesses evaluated. 

The focus used by the Group's management to determine the values of the hypotheses is based both on its 
projections and past experience. These values are uniform and use external sources of information. At the 
same  time,  the  valuations  of  the  most  significant  goodwill  have  in  general  been  reviewed  by  independent 
experts (not the Group's external auditors) who apply different valuation methods according to each type of 
asset and liability. The valuation methods used are: The method for calculating the discounted value of future 
cash flows, the market transaction method and the cost method. 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, no indicators of impairment have been identified in any of the main 
CGUs. 

Goodwill - United States CGU 

The  Group’s  most  significant goodwill corresponds  to  the  CGU  in  the  United  States,  the  main  significant 
hypotheses used in the impairment test of this mentioned CGU are: 

Impairment test hypotheses CGU Goodwill in the United States  

Discount rate 

Sustainable growth rate 

2018 

2017 

2016 

10,5% 

4,0% 

10.0% 

4.0% 

10.0% 

4.0% 

Given  the  potential  growth  of  the  sector,  in  accordance  with  paragraph  33  of  IAS  36,  as  of  December  31, 
2018, 2017 and 2016 the Group used a steady growth rate of 4.0% based on the real GDP growth rate of the 
United States and expected inflation. This 4.0% rate is less than the historical average of the past 30 years of 
the nominal GDP rate of the United States and lower than the real GDP growth forecasted by the IMF. 

 
 
 
 
 
P.176 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  assumptions  with  a  greater  relative  weight  and  whose  volatility  could  affect  more  in  determining  the 
present  value  of  the  cash  flows  starting  on  the  fifth  year  are  the  discount  rate  and  the  sustainable  growth 
rate.  Below  is  shown  the  increased  (or  decreased)  amount  of  the  recoverable  amount  as  a  result  of  a 
reasonable variation (in basis points) of each of the key assumptions: 

Sensitivity analysis for main hypotheses - USA (Millions of euros) 

Impact of an increase of 50 basis 
points (*) 

Impact of a decrease of 50 basis 
points (*) 

Discount rate 

Sustainable growth rate 

(1,009) 

526 

1,176 

(451) 

(*)  Based on historical changes, the use of 50 basis points to calculate the sensitivity analysis would be a reasonable 

variation with respect to the observed variations over the last five years. 

Another  assumption  used,  and  with  a  high  impact  on  the  impairment  test,  is  the  budgets  of  the  CGU  and 
specifically the effect that changes in interest rates have on cash flows.  

Goodwill - Turkey CGU 

The Group’s most significant goodwill corresponds to the CGU in the Turkey, the main significant hypotheses 
used in the impairment test of this mentioned CGU are: 

Impairment test assumptions CGU Goodwill in Turkey 

Discount rate 

Sustainable growth rate 

2018 

2017 

2016 

24.3% 

7.0% 

18.0% 

7.0% 

17.7% 

7.0% 

Given  the  potential  growth  of  the  sector,  in  accordance  with  paragraph  33  of  IAS  36,  as  of  December  31, 
2018,  2017  and  2016  the  Group  used  a  steady  growth  rate  of  7.0%  based  on  the  real  GDP  growth  rate  of 
Turkey and expected inflation.  

The  assumptions  with  a  greater  relative  weight  and  whose  volatility  could  affect  more  in  determining  the 
present  value  of  the  cash  flows  starting  on  the  fifth  year  are  the  discount  rate  and  the  sustainable  growth 
rate.  Below  is  shown  the  increased  (or  decreased)  amount  of  the  recoverable  amount  as  a  result  of  a 
reasonable variation (in basis points) of each of the key assumptions: 

Sensitivity analysis for main assumptions - Turkey (Millions of euros) 

Discount rate 

Sustainable growth rate 

Impact of an increase of 50 basis 
points (*) 

Impact of a decrease of 50 basis 
points (*) 

(149) 

40 

158 

(37) 

(*)  Based on historical changes, the use of 50 basis points to calculate the sensitivity analysis would be a reasonable 

variation with respect to the observed variations over the last five years. 

Goodwill in business combinations 

There were no significant business combinations during 2018, 2017 and 2016. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.177 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

18.2  Other intangible assets  

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  and  changes  of  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance 
sheets, according to the nature of the related items, is as follows: 

Other intangible assets (Millions of euros) 

Computer software acquisition expenses 

Other intangible assets with an infinite useful life 

Other intangible assets with a definite useful life 

Total 

2018 

1,605 

11 

518 

2,134 

2017 

1,682 

12 

708 

2,402 

2016 

1,877 

12 

960 

2,849 

The changes of this heading in December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, are as follows: 

Other Intangible Assets (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year 

Additions 

Amortization in the year 

Exchange differences and other  

Impairment 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

45 

2,402 

2,849 

3,137 

- 

552 

(614) 

(123) 

(83) 

- 

564 

(694) 

(305) 

(12) 

- 

645 

(735) 

(196) 

(3) 

2,134 

2,402 

2,849 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017and 2016, the cost of fully amortized intangible assets that remained in use 
were  €1,604  million,  €1,380  million  and  €1,501  million  respectively,  while  their  recoverable  value  was  not 
significant. 

19.  Tax assets and liabilities 

19.1  Consolidated tax group 

Pursuant  to  current  legislation,  the  BBVA  Consolidated  Tax  Group  includes  the  Bank  (as  the  parent 
company)  and  its  Spanish  subsidiaries  that  meet  the  requirements  provided  for  under  Spanish  legislation 
regulating the taxation regime for the consolidated profit of corporate groups. 

The Group’s non-Spanish other banks and subsidiaries file tax returns in accordance with the tax legislation 
in force in each country. 

19.2  Years open for review by the tax authorities 

The  years  open  to  review  in  the  BBVA  Consolidated  Tax  Group  as  of  December  31,  2018  are  2014  and 
subsequent years for the main taxes applicable. 

The remainder of the Spanish consolidated entities in general have the last four years open for inspection by 
the tax authorities for the main taxes applicable, except for those in which there has been an interruption of 
the limitation period due to the start of an inspection. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.178 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  the  year  2017  as  a  consequence  of  the  tax  authorities  examination  reviews,  inspections  were  initiated 
through the year 2013 inclusive, and all such years closed with acceptance during the year 2017. Therefore, 
these inspections did not constitute any material amount to record in the Consolidated Annual accounts as 
their impact was provisioned. 

In view of the varying interpretations that can be made of some applicable tax legislation, the outcome of the 
tax inspections of the open years that may be conducted by the tax authorities in the future may give rise to 
contingent  tax  liabilities  which  cannot  be  reasonably  estimated  at  the  present  time.  However,  the  Group 
considers  that  the  possibility  of  these  contingent  liabilities  becoming  actual  liabilities  is  remote  and,  in  any 
case,  the  tax  charge  which  might  arise  therefore  would  not  materially  affect  the  Group’s  accompanying 
consolidated financial statements. 

19.3  Reconciliation 

The reconciliation of the Group’s corporate income tax expense resulting from the application of the Spanish 
corporation  income  tax  rate  and  the  income  tax  expense  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
income statements is as follows: 

Reconciliation of Taxation at the Spanish Corporation Tax Rate to the Tax Expense Recorded for the Period   (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Profit or (-) loss before tax 
From continuing operations 
From discontinued operations 

Taxation at Spanish corporation tax rate 30% 

Lower effective tax rate from foreign entities  (*) 

Mexico  
Chile  
Colombia  
Peru  
Turkey 
Others 

Revenues with lower tax rate (dividends/capital gains) 
Equity accounted earnings 
Other effects 
Current income tax 

Of which: 

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 

Amount 

8,446 
8,446 
- 

2,534 

(234) 
(78) 
(18) 
10 
(12) 
(132) 
(4) 
(57) 
3 
49 
2,295 
- 
2,295 
- 

Effective 
Tax  
% 
0 
0% 
0% 

Amount 

6,931 
6,931 
- 

0% 

2,079 

28% 
21% 
33% 
28% 
20% 

0% 
0% 
0% 

(307) 
(100) 
(29) 
(3) 
(16) 
(182) 
23 
(53) 
(2) 
452 
2,169 

2,169 
- 

Effective 
Tax  
% 

Amount 

Effective 
Tax  
% 

27% 
21% 
29% 
27% 
21% 

6,392 
6,392 
- 

1,918 

(298) 
(105) 
(27) 
22 
(18) 
(176) 
6 
(69) 
(11) 
159 
1,699 

1,699 
- 

26% 
17% 
36% 
26% 
21% 

(*)  Calculated by applying the difference between the tax rate in force in Spain and the one applied to the Group’s earnings 

in each jurisdiction. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.179 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  effective  income  tax  rate  for  the  Group  in  the  years  ended  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  is  as 
follows: 

Effective Tax Rate (Millions of euros) 

Income from: 
Consolidated Tax Group 
Other Spanish Entities 
Foreign Entities 
Total 
Income tax and other taxes 
Effective Tax Rate 

2018 

2017 

2016 

1,482 
33 
6,931 
8,446 
2,295 
27.17% 

(678) 
29 
7,580 
6,931 
2,169 
31.3% 

(483) 
52 
6,823 
6,392 
1,699 
26.6% 

In  the  year  2018,  the  changes  in  the  nominal  tax  rate  on  corporate  income  tax,  in  comparison  with  those 
existing in the previous year, in the main countries in which the Group has a presence, have been in United 
States (federal tax from 35% to 21%), Turkey (from 20% to 22%), Argentina (from 35% to 30%), Chile (from 
25,5% to 27%) and Colombia (from 40% to 37%). In the year 2017, the changes in the nominal tax rate on 
corporate income tax, in comparison with those existing in the previous period, in the main countries in which 
the Group has a presence, have been in Chile (from 24,00% to 25,5%) and Peru (from 28,0% to 29,5%). 

19.4  Income tax recognized in equity 

In addition to the income tax expense recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statements, the 
Group has recognized the following income tax charges for these items in the consolidated total equity: 

Tax recognized in total equity (Millions of euros) 

Charges to total equity 
Debt securities and others 
Equity instruments 
Subtotal 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

(87) 
(56) 
(143) 
(143) 

(355) 
(74) 
(429) 
(429) 

(533) 
(2) 
(535) 
(535) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.180 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

19.5  Current and deferred taxes 

The  balance  under  the  heading  "Tax  assets"  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  includes 
current and deferred tax assets. The balance under the “Tax liabilities” heading includes the Group’s various 
current and deferred tax liabilities. The details of the mentioned tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

Tax assets and liabilities (Millions of euros) 

Tax assets 
Current tax assets 
Deferred tax assets  

Pensions 
Financial Instruments 
Other assets (investments in subsidiaries) 
Impairment losses 
Other 
Secured tax assets (*) 
Tax losses 

Total 
Tax Liabilities 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Financial Instruments 
Charge for income tax and other taxes 

Total 

(*) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

2,784 
15,316 
405 
1,401 
302 
1,375 
990 
9,363 
1,480 
18,100 

1,230 
2,046 
1,136 
910 
3,276 

2,163 
14,725 
395 
1,453 
357 
1,005 
870 
9,433 
1,212 
16,888 

1,114 
2,184 
1,427 
757 
3,298 

1,853 
16,391 
1,190 
1,371 
662 
1,390 
1,236 
9,431 
1,111 
18,245 

1,276 
3,392 
1,794 
1,598 
4,668 

Law  guaranteeing  the  deferred  tax  assets  has  been  approved  in  Spain  in  2013.  In  years  2016  and  2017  guaranteed 
deferred tax assets also existed in Portugal but  in year 2018 they lost the guarantee  due to  the merge between BBVA 
Portugal S.A. and BBVA, S.A.  

At the end of year 2018, a tax reform has taken place in Colombia, which is expected to hold a 37% tax rate 
for financial institutions in 2019 (prior to the reform, a 33% tax rate was planned). 

The most significant variations of the deferred assets and liabilities in the years 2018, 2017 and 2016 derived 
from the followings causes: 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Pensions 
Financials Instruments 
Other assets 
Impairment losses 
Others 
Guaranteed Tax assets 
Tax Losses 
Charge for income tax and other taxes 
Balance at the end 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Deferred 
Assets 

Deferred 
Liabilities 

Deferred 
Assets 

Deferred 
Liabilities 

Deferred 
Assets 

Deferred 
Liabilities 

14,725 
10 
(52) 
(55) 
370 
120 
(70) 
268 
- 
15,316 

2,184 
- 
(291) 
- 
- 
153 
- 
- 
- 
2,046 

16,391 
(795) 
82 
(305) 
(385) 
(366) 
2 
101 
- 
14,725 

3,392 
- 
(367) 
- 
- 
(841) 
- 
- 
- 
2,184 

15,878 
168 
(103) 
108 
44 
255 
(105) 
146 
- 
16,391 

3,418 
- 
(113) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
87 
3,392 

With  respect  to  the  changes  in  assets  and  liabilities  due  to  deferred  tax  contained  in  the  above  table,  the 
following should be pointed out: 

  The  decrease  in  guaranteed  tax  assets  is  motivated  because  those  corresponding  to  Portugal 

are no longer considered as guaranteed. 

  The increase in tax losses is mainly due to the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) return 2017 that has 
generated  differences  with  respect  to  the  estimate  of  Corporate  Tax  reflected  in  the  financial 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.181
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

statements, on the other hand, the increase in tax losses is also due to the generation of negative 
tax bases and deductions during year 2018. 

The  evolution  of  the  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  (without  taking  into  consideration  the 
guaranteed  deferred  tax  asset  and  the  tax  losses)  in  net  terms  is  a  decrease  of  €531  million 
mainly  due  to  the  first  implementation  of  IFRS9,  the  variations  in  the  valuation  of  portfolio 
securities  and  to  the  operation  of  the  corporate  income  tax  in  which  differences  between 
accounting and taxation produce movements in the deferred taxes. 

On the deferred tax assets and liabilities contained in the table above, those included in section 19.4 above 
have been recognized against the entity's equity, and the rest against earnings for the year or reserves. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  the  estimated  amount  of  temporary  differences  associated  with 
investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, which were not recognized deferred tax liabilities 
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, amounted to 443 million euros, 376 million euros and 874 
million euros, respectively. 

Of the deferred tax assets contained in the above table, the detail of the items and amounts guaranteed by 
the Spanish government, broken down by the items that originated those assets is as follows: 

Secured tax assets (Millions of euros) 

Pensions 
Impairment losses 
Total 

2018 

1,874 
7,489 
9,363 

2017 (*) 

2016 (*) 

1,897 
7,536 
9,433 

1,901 
7,530 
9,431 

(*) 

In 2017 and 2016 guaranteed deferred tax assets also existed in Portugal but in 2018 they lost the guarantee.  

As of  December  31, 2018,  non-guaranteed net deferred tax assets  of the above table amounted  to  €3,907 
million (€3,108 and €3,568 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively), which broken down by 
major geographies is as follows:  

Spain:  Net  deferred  tax  assets  recognized  in  Spain  totaled  €2,653  million  as  of  December  31, 
2018  (€2,052  and  €2,007  million  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  respectively).  €1,462 
million  of  the  figure  recorded  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  for  net  deferred  tax  assets 
related  to  tax  credits  and  tax  loss  carry  forwards  and  €1,191  million  relate  to  temporary 
differences.  

Mexico: Net deferred tax assets recognized in Mexico amounted to €826 million as of December 
31,  2018  (€615  and  €698  million  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  respectively).  99,97%  of 
deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018 relate to temporary differences. The remainders are 
tax credits carry forwards. 

South  America:  Net  deferred  tax  assets  recognized  in  South  America  amounted  to  €383 
thousand  as  of  December  31,  2018  (€26  and  €362  million  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016, 
respectively).  Practically  all  the  deferred  tax  assets  are  related  to  temporary  differences,  only 
1,03% are related to tax credits. 

The United States: Net deferred tax assets  recognized in The United States amounted  to €164 
million  as  of  December  31,  2018  (€180  and  €345  million  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016, 
respectively). All the deferred tax assets relate to temporary differences. 

Turkey: Net deferred tax assets recognized in Turkey amounted to €250 million as of December 
31,  2018  (€224  and  €135  million  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016  respectively).  As  of 
December 31, 2018, all the deferred tax assets correspond to €15 million of tax credits related to 
tax losses carry forwards and deductions and €235 million relate to temporary differences. 

P.182 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Based on  the  information  available  as  of  December  31,  201 8, including  historical levels  of  benefits  and  
projected results available to the Group for the coming years, it is considered that sufficient taxable income 
will be generated  for  the  recovery  of  above  mentioned  unsecured deferred  tax  assets  when  they become  
deductible according to the tax laws. 

On the  other  hand,  the  Group  has  not  recognized  certain  deductible temporary  differences,  n egative tax  
bases  and  deductions  for  which, 
legal  period  for  offsetting,  amounting  to 
approximately € 2,236 million, which are mainly originated by Catalunya Banc. 

in  general,  there  is  no 

20.  Other assets and liabilities

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as 
follows: 

Other assets and liabilities: (Millions of euros) 

ASSETS 

Inventories 

Real estate 
Others 

Transactions in progress 
Accruals 

Prepaid expenses 
Other prepayments and accrued income 

Other items 
Total Other Assets 

LIABILITIES 

Transactions in progress 

Accruals 

Accrued expenses 
Other accrued expenses and deferred income 

Other items 
Total Other Liabilities 

2018 

0 

635 
633 
2 
249 
702 
465 
237 
3,886 
5,472 

0 

39 
2,558 
2,119 
439 
1,704 
4,301 

2017 

0 

229 
226 
3 
156 
768 
509 
259 
3,207 
4,359 

0 

165 
2,490 
1,997 
493 
1,894 
4,550 

2016 

0 

3,298 
3,268 
29 
241 
723 
518 
204 
3,012 
7,274 

0 

127 
2,721 
2,125 
596 
2,131 
4,979 

"Inventories" includes the net book value of land and building purchases that the Group’s Real estate entities 
have  available  for  sale  or  as  part  of  their  business.  Balances  under  this  heading  include  mainly  real  estate 
assets  acquired  by  these  entities  from  distressed  customers  (mostly  in  Spain),  net  of  their  corresponding 
losses. The roll-forward of our inventories from distressed customers is provided below: 

Inventories from Distressed Customers (Millions of euros) 

Gross value 

Balance at the beginning 

Business combinations and disposals 

Acquisitions 

Disposals 

Others 

Balance at the end 

2018 

2017 

2016 

91 

- 

- 

(20) 

- 
71 

8,499 

- 

533 

(2,288) 

(6,653) 
91 

9,318 

- 

336 

(1,214) 

59 
8,499 

Accumulated impairment losses 

(5,385) 
Carrying amount 
3,114 
As  of  December  31,  2017,  the  majority  of  the  balance  of  real  estate  assets  acquired  from  distressed 
customers  was  reclassified  to  the  heading  "Non-current  assets  and  disposable  groups  of  items  that  have 
been classified as held for sale" (see Note 21) due to the agreement with Cerberus to transfer the Real Estate 
business in Spain (see Note 3). 

(21) 
49 

(26) 
65 

P.183 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The impairment included under the heading “Impairment or reversal of impairment of non- financial assets” 
of the accompanying consolidated financial statements were €51, €306 and €375 million in 2018, 2017 and 
2016, respectively (see Note 48). 

As indicated in Note 2.2.6, “Inventories” are valued at the lower amount between its fair value less costs to 
sell and its book value. As of December 31, 2018, practically all of the carrying amount of the assets recorded 
at fair value on a non-recurring basis coincides with their fair value. 

21. Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale

The composition of the balance under the heading “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held 
for  sale”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets,  broken  down  by  the  origin  of  the  assets,  is  as 
follows:  

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale Breakdown by items (Millions of euros) 

Foreclosures and recoveries 

Foreclosures (*) 

Recoveries from financial leases 

Other assets from tangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Operating leases 

Investment properties (*) 

Business sale - Assets (**) 

Accrued amortization (***) 

Impairment losses  

Total Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for 
sale 

2018 

2,211 

2,135 

76 

433 

276 

- 

158 

29 

(44) 

(628) 

2,001 

2017 

6,207 

6,047 

160 

447 

447 

- 

- 

18,623 

(77) 

(1,348) 

23,853 

2016 

4,225 

4,057 

168 

1,181 

378 

803 

- 

40 

(116) 

(1,727) 

3,603 

(*)  Corresponds mainly to the agreement with Cerberus to transfer the "Real Estate" business in Spain (see Note 3). 

(**)  Corresponds mainly to the BBVA´s stake in BBVA Chile (see Note 3). 

(***)  Amortization accumulated until related asset reclassified as “non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale” 

P.184
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The changes in the balances of “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale” in 2018, 
2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale Changes in the year 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Cost  (1) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 
Retirements (sales and other decreases) 

Transfers, other movements and exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Impairment  (2) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 

Retirements (sales and other decreases) 

Other movements and exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Balance at the end of Net carrying value (1)-(2) 

Foreclosed Assets 

Notes 

Foreclosed 
Assets through 
Auction 
Proceeding 

Recovered 
Assets from 
Finance Leases 

From Own Use 
Assets  
(*) 

Other assets (**) 

Total 

6,047 

637 

- 
(4,354) 

(195) 

2,135 

- 

1,102 

195 

- 

(793) 

(22) 

482 

1,653 

160 

55 

- 
(135) 

(4) 

76 

- 

52 

11 

- 

(37) 

(4) 

22 

54 

371 

4 

- 
(227) 

241 

389 

- 

194 

2 

- 

(101) 

29 

124 

265 

18,623 

25,201 

- 

- 
(18,594) 

- 

29 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

29 

696 

- 
(23,310) 

42 

2,629 

- 

1,348 

208 

- 

(931) 

3 

628 

2,001 

50 

(*)  Net of amortization accumulated until assets were reclassified as non-current assets held for sale 

(** )  The variation corresponds mainly to the BBVA’s stake in BBVA Chile and the agreement with Cerberus to transfer the 

Estate" business in Spain (see Note 3) 

"Real 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale Changes in the year 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Cost  (1) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 
Retirements (sales and other decreases) 

Transfers, other movements and exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Impairment  (2) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 

Retirements (sales and other decreases) 

Other movements and exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Balance at the end of Net carrying value (1)-(2) 

Foreclosed Assets 

Notes 

Foreclosed 
Assets through 
Auction 
Proceeding 

Recovered 
Assets from 
Finance Leases 

From Own Use 
Assets  
(*) 

Other assets 

Total 

0 

4,057 

791 

- 
(1,037) 

2,236 

6,047 

- 

0 

1,237 

143 

- 

(272) 

(6) 

1,102 

4,945 

0 

168 

45 

- 
(49) 

(4) 

160 

- 

0 

47 

14 

- 

(7) 

(2) 

52 

108 

0 

1,065 

1 

- 
(131) 

(564) 

371 

- 

0 

443  - 

1 

- 

(42) 

(208) 

194  - 

177 

0 

40 

- 

- 
- 

18,583 

18,623 

- 

0 

- 

- 

- 

- 

18,623 

0 

5,330 

837 

- 
(1,217) 

20,251 

25,201 

- 

0 

1,727 

158 

- 

(321) 

(216) 

1,348 

23,853 

50 

(*)  Net of amortization accumulated until assets were reclassified as non-current assets held for sale 

(** )  The variation corresponds mainly to the BBVA’s stake in BBVA Chile and the agreement with Cerberus to transfer the 

Estate" business in Spain (see Note 3) 

"Real 

P.185
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale Changes in the year 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Foreclosed Assets 

Notes 

Foreclosed Assets 
through Auction 
Proceeding 

Recovered Assets 
from Finance 
Leases 

From Own Use 
Assets  
(*) 

Other assets 
(**) 

Total 

Cost  (1) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 

Retirements (sales and other decreases) 

Transfers, other movements and exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Impairment  (2) 

Balance at the beginning 

Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 

Retirements (sales and other decreases) 

Other movements and exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

Balance at the end of Net carrying value (1)-(2) 

50 

0 

3,775 

582 

- 

(779) 

480 

4,057 

- 

0 

994 

129 

- 

(153) 

268 

1,237 

2,820 

0 

216 

57 

- 

(77) 

(28) 

168 

- 

0 

52 

3 

- 

(6) 

(2) 

47 

121 

0 

626 

23 

- 

(170) 

586 

1,065 

- 

0 

240 

5 

- 

(33) 

232 

443 

621 

0 

37 

- 

- 

3 

- 

40 

- 

0 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

40 

0 

4,654 

662 

- 

(1,023) 

1,037 

5,330 

- 

0 

1,285 

136 

- 

(192) 

499 

1,727 

3,603 

(*) Net of amortization accumulated until assets were reclassified as non-current assets held for sale 

As indicated in Note 2.2.4, “Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale” and “liabilities included in 
disposal groups classified as held for sale” are valued at the lower amount between its fair value less costs to 
sell and its book value. As of December 31, 2018, practically all of the carrying amount of the assets recorded 
at fair value on a non-recurring basis coincides with their fair value. 

Assets from foreclosures or recoveries 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, assets from foreclosures and recoveries, net of impairment losses, 
by nature of the asset, amounted  to €1,072, €1,924  and €2,326  million in assets  for residential use; €182, 
€491  and  €574  million  in  assets  for  tertiary  use  (industrial,  commercial  or  office)  and  €19,  €29  and  €41 
million in assets for agricultural use, respectively. 

In December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the average sale time of assets from foreclosures or recoveries was 
between 2 and 3 years. 

During  the  years  2018,  2017  and  2016,  some  of  the  sale  transactions  for  these  assets  were  financed  by 
Group companies. The amount of loans to buyers of these assets in those years amounted to €82, €207 and 
€219 million, respectively; with an average financing of 50% of the sales price. 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the amount of the profits arising from the sale of Group companies 
financed  assets  -  and  therefore  not  recognized  in  the  consolidated  income  statement  -  amounted  to  €1  in 
each financial year. 

P.186 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

22. Financial liabilities at amortized cost

22.1  Breakdown of the balance 

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as 
follows: 

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Deposits 

Deposits from Central Banks (*) 
Deposits from Credit Institutions 
Customer deposits 

435,229 
27,281 
31,978 
375,970 

467,949 
37,054 
54,516 
376,379 

Debt certificates 
Other financial liabilities 
Total 
(*)     As of December 31, 2018, balance relating to repurchase agreements in Central Banks is €375 million (see Note 35). 

63,915 
11,850 
543,713 

61,112 
12,844 
509,185 

499,706 
34,740 
63,501 
401,465 

76,375 
13,129 
589,210 

22.2  Deposits from credit institutions 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the consolidated balance sheets, according to the nature 
of the financial instruments, is as follows: 

Deposits from credit institutions (Millions of euros) 

Term deposits 
Demand deposits 

Repurchase agreements 

Total 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

35 

19,015 
8,370 

4,593 

31,978 

25,941 
3,731 

24,843 

54,516 

30,429 
4,651 

28,420 

63,501 

The  breakdown  by  geographical  area  and  the  nature  of  the  related  instruments  of  this  heading  in  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows: 

Deposits from Credit Institutions. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 
The United States 
Mexico 
Turkey 
South America 
Rest of Europe 
Rest of the world 

Total 

Demand Deposits & 
Reciprocal Accounts 

Term Deposits 

Repurchase 
Agreements 

1,981 
1,701 
280 
651 
442 
3,108 
207 

8,370 

2,527 
2,677 
286 
669 
1,892 
6,903 
4,061 

19,015 

55 
- 
- 
4 
- 
4,534 
- 

4,593 

Total 

4,563 
4,379 
566 
1,323 
2,335 
14,545 
4,268 

31,978 

P.187
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Deposits from Credit Institutions. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total 

Demand Deposits & 
Reciprocal Accounts 

Term Deposits 

Repurchase 
Agreements 

762 

1,563 

282 

73 

448 

526 

77 

3,731 

3,879 

2,398 

330 

836 

2,538 

12,592 

3,369 

25,941 

878 

- 

1,817 

44 

13 

21,732 

360 

24,843 

Deposits from Credit Institutions. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total 

Demand Deposits & 
Reciprocal Accounts 

Term Deposits 

Repurchase 
Agreements 

956 

1,812 

306 

317 

275 

896 

88 

4,651 

4,995 

3,225 

426 

1,140 

3,294 

13,751 

3,597 

30,429 

817 

3 

2,931 

5 

465 

23,691 

509 

28,420 

Total 

5,518 

3,961 

2,429 

953 

2,999 

34,849 

3,806 

54,516 

Total 

6,768 

5,040 

3,663 

1,463 

4,035 

38,338 

4,194 

63,501 

22.3  Customer deposits 

The  breakdown  of  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets,  by  type  of  financial 
instrument, is as follows: 

Customer deposits (Millions of euros) 

General Governments 

Current accounts 

Time deposits 
Repurchase agreements 
Subordinated deposits 
Other accounts 

Total 

Of which: 

 In Euros 

 In foreign currency 

2018 

2017 

2016 

26,459 

238,907 

105,257 
1,207 
220 
3,920 

375,970 

184,934 

191,036 

23,210 

223,497 

116,538 
9,076 
194 
3,864 

376,379 

184,150 

192,229 

21,396 

212,604 

153,388 
13,514 
233 
330 

401,465 

189,438 

212,027 

P.188 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown by geographical area of this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, by 
type of instrument is as follows: 

Customer Deposits. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 
The United States 
Mexico 
Turkey 
South America 
Rest of Europe 
Rest of the world 

Total 

Demand Deposits 

Term Deposits 

Repurchase 
Agreements 

138,236 
41,222 
38,383 
10,856 
23,811 
7,233 
831 

260,573 

28,165 
21,317 
11,837 
22,564 
14,159 
14,415 
1,731 

3 
- 
770 
7 
- 
429 
- 

114,188 

1,209 

Customer Deposits. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 
The United States 
Mexico 
Turkey 
South America 
Rest of Europe 
Rest of the world 

Total 

Demand Deposits 

Term Deposits 

Repurchase 
Agreements 

123,382 
36,728 
36,492 
12,427 
23,710 
6,816 
1,028 

240,583 

39,513 
21,436 
11,622 
24,237 
15,053 
13,372 
1,484 

126,716 

2,664 
- 
4,272 
152 
2 
1,989 
- 

9,079 

Customer Deposits. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 
The United States 
Mexico 
Turkey 
South America 
Rest of Europe 
Rest of the world 

Total 

Demand Deposits 

Term Deposits 

Repurchase 
Agreements 

102,730 
26,997 
36,468 
47,340 
9,862 
6,959 
1,190 

231,547 

56,391 
23,023 
10,647 
14,971 
28,328 
19,683 
3,382 

1,901 
263 
7,002 
- 
21 
4,306 
- 

156,425 

13,493 

Total 

166,403 
62,539 
50,991 
33,427 
37,970 
22,077 
2,563 

375,970 

Total 

165,559 
58,164 
52,387 
36,815 
38,764 
22,177 
2,511 

376,379 

Total 

161,022 
50,282 
54,117 
62,311 
38,211 
30,949 
4,572 

401,465 

P.189 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

22.4  Debt certificates 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading, by currency, is as follows: 

Debt certificates (Millions of euros) 

In Euros 

Promissory bills and notes 

Non-convertible bonds and debentures 

Covered bonds (*) 

Hybrid financial instruments 
Securitization bonds 
Wholesale funding 
Subordinated liabilities 
Convertible 

Convertible perpetual securities 
Convertible subordinated debt 

Non-convertible 

Preferred Stock 
Other subordinated liabilities 

In Foreign Currencies 

Promissory bills and notes 

Non-convertible bonds and debentures 
Covered bonds (*) 
Hybrid financial instruments 
Securitization bonds 
Wholesale funding 
Subordinated liabilities 
Convertible 

Convertible perpetual securities 
Convertible subordinated debt 

Non-convertible 

Preferred Stock 
Other subordinated liabilities 

 Total 
(*) Including mortgage-covered bonds (see Appendix III). 

2018 

2017 

2016 

37,436 
267 

9,638 

15,809 

814 
1,630 
142 
9,136 
5,490 
5,490 
- 
3,647 
107 
3,540 

38,735 
1,309 

9,418 

16,425 

807 
2,295 
- 
8,481 
4,500 
4,500 
- 
3,981 
107 
3,875 

45,619 
875 

8,766 

24,845 

468 
3,693 
- 
6,972 
4,070 
4,070 
- 
2,902 
359 
2,543 

23,676 
3,237 

25,180 
3,157 

30,759 
382 

9,335 
569 
1,455 
38 
544 
8,499 
873 
873 
- 
7,626 
74 
7,552 

61,112 

11,109 
650 
1,809 
47 
- 
8,407 
2,085 
2,085 
- 
6,323 
55 
6,268 

63,915 

15,134 
149 
2,059 
3,019 
- 
10,016 
1,548 
1,548 
- 
8,467 
620 
7,846 

76,375 

As of December 31, 2018, 67% of “Debt certificates” have fixed-interest rates and 33% have variable interest 
rates. 

Most of the foreign currency issues are denominated in U.S. dollars. 

22.4.1 Subordinated liabilities 

The issuances of BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U., BBVA  Global Finance, Ltd., Caixa Terrassa Societat 
de  Participacions  Preferents,  S.A.U.  and  CaixaSabadell  Preferents,  S.A.U.,  are  jointly,  severally  and 
irrevocably guaranteed by the Bank. The balance variances are mainly due to the following transactions: 

Convertible perpetual liabilities 

On  September  24,  2018,  BBVA  carried  out  the  seventh  issuance  of  perpetual  contingent  convertible 
securities (additional tier 1 instrument), with exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights of shareholders, for 
a total nominal amount of €1,000 million. This issuance is listed in the AIAF Fixed Income Securities Market 
and in any case the issuance shall be offered or sold to any retail clients. The issuance qualifies as additional 
tier 1 capital of the Bank and the Group in accordance with Regulation EU 575/2013.  

P.190
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  additional  five  issuances  of  perpetual  contingent  convertible  securities  (additional  tier  1  instruments) 
with  exclusion  of  pre-emptive  subscription  rights  of  shareholders  were  carried  out  in  February  2014  and 
February 2015 for an amount of €1.5 billion each one; in April 2016 for an amount of €1 billion; in May 2017 
for an amount of €500 million and in November 2017 for an amount of USD1 billion. These issuances were 
targeted  only  at  qualified  investors  and  foreign  private  banking  clients  not  being  offered  to,  and  not  being 
subscribed  for,  in  Spain  or  by  Spanish  residents.  The  first  issuance  is  listed  in  the  Singapore  Exchange 
Securities Trading Limited and the other issuances are listed in the Global Exchange Market of the Irish Stock 
Exchange.  Furthermore,  these  issuances  qualify  as  additional  tier  1  capital  of  the  Bank  and  the  Group  in 
accordance with Regulation UE 575/2013. 

These perpetual securities will be converted into newly issued ordinary shares of BBVA if the CET 1 ratio of 
the Bank or the Group is less than 5.125%, in accordance with their respective terms and conditions. 

These  issues  may  be  fully  redeemed  at  BBVA´s  option  only  in  the  cases  contemplated  in  their  respective 
terms and conditions, and in any case, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable legislation. 

In  particular,  on  May  9,  2018,  the  Bank  early  redeemed  the  issuance  of  preferred  securities  contingently 
convertible (additional tier 1 instrument) carried out by the Bank on May 9, 2013, for an amount of USD1.5 
billion on the First Reset Date of the issuance and once the prior consent from the Regulator was obtained.  

Additionally,  on  January  15,  2019,  the  Bank  has  notified  its  irrevocable  decision  to  early  redeem  next 
February 19, 2019 the issuance of preferred securities contingently convertible (additional tier 1 instrument), 
carried out by the Bank on February 19, 2014, for a total amount of €1,5 billion and once the prior consent 
from the Regulator has been obtained. 

Preferred securities 

The  breakdown  by  issuer  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance 
sheets is as follows: 

Preferred Securities by Issuer (Millions of euros) 

BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U. (1)
Unnim Group (2)
Compass Group 
BBVA Colombia, S.A. 
Others 

Total 
(1) Listed on the London and New York stock exchanges. 
(2) Unnim Group: Issuances prior to the acquisition by BBVA.

2018 

2017 

2016 

35 

98 

19 
19 
9 

181 

36 

98 

19 
1 
9 

163 

855 

100 

22 
1 
1 

979 

These issues were fully subscribed at the moment of the issue by qualified/institutional investors outside the 
Group and are redeemable at the issuer company’s option after five years from the issue date, depending on 
the terms of each issue and with prior consent from the Bank of Spain. 

Redemption of preferred securities 

On March 20, 2017 BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U. carried out the early redemption in full of its Series 
B preferred securities for an outstanding amount of €164,350,000. 

Likewise, on March 22, 2017 BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U. carried out the early redemption in full of 
its Series A preferred securities for an outstanding amount of €85,550,000. 

Finally,  on April  18,  2017  BBVA  International Preferred, S.A.U. carried  out the early redemption in full of its 
Series C preferred securities for an outstanding amount of USD 600,000,000. 

P.191 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

22.5  Other financial liabilities 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  is  as 
follows: 

Other financial liabilities (Millions of euros) 

Creditors for other financial liabilities 
Collection accounts 
Creditors for other payables 
Dividend payable but pending payment 

Total 

Notes 

4 

2018 

2,891 
4,305 
5,648 
- 

2017 

2,835 
3,452 
5,563 
- 

2016 

3,465 
2,768 
6,370 
525 

12,844 

11,850 

13,129 

23.  Assets  and  Liabilities  under  insurance  and  reinsurance 

contracts 

The  Group  has  insurance  subsidiaries  mainly  in  Spain  and  Latin  America  (mostly  in  Mexico).  The  main 
product offered by the insurance subsidiaries is life insurance to cover the risk of death (risk insurance) and 
life-savings insurance. Within life and accident insurance, a distinction is made between freely sold products 
and those offered to customers who have taken mortgage or consumer loans, which cover the principal of 
those loans in the event of the customer’s death. 

There  are  two  types  of  savings  products:  individual  insurance,  which  seeks  to  provide  the  customer  with 
savings for retirement or other events, and group insurance, which is taken out by employers to cover their 
commitments to their employees. 

The insurance business is affected by different risks, including those that are related to the BBVA Group such 
as  credit  risk,  market  risk,  liquidity  risk  and  operational  risk  and  the  methodology  for  risk  measurement 
applied in the insurance activity is similar (see Note 7), although it has a differentiated management due to 
the particular characteristics of the insurance business, such as the coverage of contracted obligations and 
the long term of the commitments. Additionally, the insurance business generates certain specific risks, of a 
probabilistic nature:  

  Technical  risk:  arises  from  deviations  in  the  estimation  of  the  casualty  rate  of  insurances,  either  in 

terms of numbers, the amount of such claims and the timing of its occurrence. 

  Biometric risk: depending on the deviations in the expected mortality behavior or the survival of the 

insured persons. 

The  insurance  industry  is  highly  regulated  in  each  country.  In  this  regard,  it  should  be  noted  that  the 
insurance  industry  is  undergoing  a  gradual  regulatory  transformation  through  new  risk-based  capital 
regulations, which have already been published in several countries. 

The most significant provisions recognized by consolidated insurance subsidiaries with respect to insurance 
policies issued by them are under the heading “Liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts” in the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.192 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading is as follows: 

Technical Reserves by type of insurance product (Millions of euros) 

2016 

7,813 

4,791 

3,943 

848 

 - 

3,022 

2,801 

221 

 - 

691 

635 

9,139 

Total 

9,834 

9,223 

9,139 

Mathematical reserves 
Individual life insurance  (1)

Savings 

Risk 

Others 

Group insurance (2)

Savings 

Risk 

Others 

Provision for unpaid claims reported 

Provisions for unexpired risks and other provisions 

2018 

8,504 

6,201 

5,180 

1,021 

- 

2,303 

2,210 

93 

- 

662 

668 

9,834 

2017 

7,961 

5,359 

4,391 

967 

1 

2,601 

2,455 

147 

- 

631 

631 

9,223 

Total 

(1)

(2)

Provides coverage in the event of death or disability.

The insurance policies purchased by employers (other than BBVA Group) on behalf of its employees

The cash flows of those Liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts are shown below:  

Maturity (Millions of euros) 
Liabilities under Insurance and Reinsurance Contracts 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 3 Years 

3 to 5 Years  Over 5 Years 

1,686 

1,560 

1,705 

1,041 

1,119 

1,214 

1,822 

1,502 

1,482 

5,285 

5,042 

4,738 

The  modeling  methods  and  techniques  used  to  calculate  the  mathematical  reserves  for  the  insurance 
products are actuarial and financial methods and modeling techniques approved by the respective country’s 
insurance  regulator  or  supervisor.  The  most  important  insurance  entities  are  located  in  Spain  and  Mexico 
(which  together  account  for  approximately  85%  of  the  insurance  revenues),  where  the  modeling  methods 
and  techniques  are  reviewed  by  the  insurance  regulator  in  Spain  (General  Directorate  of  Insurance)  and 
Mexico (National Insurance and Bonding Commission), respectively. The modeling methods and techniques 
used  to  calculate  the  mathematical  reserves  for  the  insurance  products  are  compliant  with  IFRS  and 
primarily involve the valuation of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the technical interest rate for 
each  policy.  To  ensure  this  technical  interest  rate,  asset-liability  management  is  carried  out,  acquiring  a 
portfolio  of  securities  that  generate  the  cash  flows  needed  to  cover  the  payment  commitments  assumed 
with the customers.  

P.193 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  table  below  shows  the  key  assumptions  as  of  December  31,  2018,  used  in  the  calculation  of  the 
mathematical reserves for insurance products in Spain and Mexico, respectively: 

Mathematical Reserves 

Mortality table 

Average technical interest type 

Spain 

Mexico 

Spain 

Mexico 

Individual life insurance (1) 

GRMF 80-2 
GKM 80 / GKMF 95 
PERMF 2000 
PASEM 

Group insurance(2) 

PERMF 2000 

Tables of the Comisión 
Nacional de Seguros y 
Fianzas 2000-individual 

Tables of the Comisión 
Nacional de Seguros y 
Fianzas 2000-grupo 

0.26%-3.27% 

2.50% 

Depending on the related 
portfolio  

5.50% 

(1) 

(2) 

Provides coverage in the case of one or more of the following events: death and disability. 

Insurance policies purchased by companies (other than Group BBVA entities) on behalf of their employees. 

The heading “Assets under reinsurance and insurance contracts” in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets  includes  the  amounts  that  the  consolidated  insurance  entities  are  entitled  to  receive  under  the 
reinsurance  contracts  entered  into  by  them  with  third  parties  and,  more  specifically,  the  share  of  the 
reinsurer in the technical provisions recognized by the consolidated insurance subsidiaries. As of December 
31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the balance under this heading amounted to €366 million, €421 million and €447 
million, respectively. 

24.  Provisions 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, based 
on type of provisions, is as follows: 

Provisions. Breakdown by concepts (Millions of euros) 

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 

Other long term employee benefits 

Provisions for taxes and other legal contingencies 

Provisions for contingent risks and commitments 

Other provisions 

Total 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

25 

25 

4,787 

5,407 

6,025 

62 

686 

636 

601 

67 

756 

578 

669 

6,772 

7,477 

69 

418 

950 

1,609 

9,071 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.194
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The change in provisions for pensions and similar obligations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 
and 2016 is as follows: 

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations. Changes Over the Year (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Add 

Charges to income for the year 

Interest expenses and similar charges 

Personnel expenses 

Provision expenses 

Charges to equity (1)

Transfers and other changes 

Less 

Benefit payments 

Employer contributions 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

5,407 

6,025 

6,299 

44.1 

25 

25 

25 

126 

78 

58 

(10) 

41 

95 

(779) 

(103) 

4,787 

391 

71 

62 

258 

140 

(264) 

(861) 

(25) 

5,407 

402 

96 

67 

239 

339 

66 

(926) 

(154) 

6,025 

(1)

Correspond to actuarial losses (gains) arising from certain defined-benefit post-employment pension commitments and other
similar benefits recognized in ‘‘Equity’’ (see Note 2.2.12). 

Provisions for Taxes, Legal Contingents and Other Provisions. Changes Over the Year (Millions of euros) 

Balance at beginning 

Additions 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Unused amounts reversed during the period 
Amount used and other variations 

Balance at the end 

Ongoing legal proceedings and litigation 

2018 

1,425 

455 

- 

(184)
(410)

1,286 

2017 

2,028 

868 

- 

(164)
(1,306)

1,425 

2016 

1,771 

1,109 

- 

(311) 
(540) 

2,028 

The 
financial  sector  faces  an  environment  of  increasing  regulatory  and  litigious  pressure.  In  this 
environment, different Group’s entities are often a party to individual or collective judicial proceedings arising 
from the ordinary activity of their businesses. In accordance with the procedural status of these proceedings 
and  according  to  the  criteria  of  the  attorneys  who  manage  them,  BBVA  considers  that  none  of  them  is 
material,  individually  or  in  aggregate,  and  that  no  significant  impact  will  derive  from  them  neither  in  the 
results of operations nor on liquidity, nor in the financial position at a consolidated level of the Group, nor at 
the  level  of  the  individual  bank.  The  Group  Management  considers  that  the  provisions  made  in  connection 
with these judicial proceedings are adequate.  

As  mentioned  in  Note  7.2  Risk  factors,  the  Group  is  subject  or  may  be  subject  in  the  future  to  a  series  of 
judicial and regulatory investigations, procedures and actions which, in case of a negative result, could have 
an adverse impact on the Group. 

P.195 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

25.  Post-employment 
commitments 

and 

other 

employee 

benefit 

As  stated  in  Note  2.2.12,  the  Group  has  assumed  commitments  with  employees  including  short-term 
employee benefits (see Note 44.1), defined contribution and defined benefit plans (see Glossary), healthcare 
and other long-term employee benefits. 

The  Group  sponsors  defined-contribution  plans  for  the  majority  of  its  active  employees  with  the  plans  in 
Spain and Mexico being the most significant. Most defined benefit plans are closed to new employees with 
liabilities relating largely to retired employees, the most significant being those in Spain, Mexico, the United 
States and Turkey. In Mexico, the Group provides medical benefits to a closed group of employees and their 
family members, both active service and in retirees. 

The breakdown of the balance sheet net defined benefit liability as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is 
provided below: 

Net Defined Benefit Liability (asset) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Millions of euros) 

Pension commitments 

Early retirement commitments 

Medical benefits commitments 

Other long term employee benefits 

Total commitments 

Pension plan assets 

Medical benefit plan assets 
Total plan assets (1) 

Total net liability / asset 

Of which: 

Net asset on the consolidated balance sheet  (2) 
Net liability on the consolidated balance sheet  for provisions for pensions and similar obligations 
(3) 
Net liability on the consolidated balance sheet  for other long term employee benefits (4) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

4,678 

1,793 

1,114 

62 

7,647 

1,694 

1,146 

2,840 

4,969 

2,210 

1,204 

67 

8,451 

1,892 

1,114 

3,006 

5,277 

2,559 

1,015 

69 

8,920 

1,909 

1,113 

3,022 

4,807 

5,445 

5,898 

0 

(41) 

0 

(27) 

0 

(194) 

4,787 

5,407 

6,025 

62 

67 

69 

(1) 

(2) 
(3)  

(4) 

In Turkey, the foundation responsible for managing the benefit commitments holds an additional asset of 181€ million 
which,  in  accordance  with  IFRS  regarding  the  asset  ceiling,  has  not  been  recognized  in  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements,  because  although  it  could  be  used  to  reduce  future  pension  contributions  it  could  not  be  immediately 
refunded to the employer. 

Recorded under the heading “Other Assets - Other” of the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 20). 

Recorded under the heading “Provisions - Provisions for pensions and similar obligations” of the consolidated balance 
sheet (see Note 24). 

Recorded under the heading “Provisions – Other long-term employee benefits” of the consolidated balance sheet. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.196 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The amounts relating to benefit commitments charged to consolidated income statement for the years 2018, 
2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

Consolidated Income Statement Impact (Millions of euros) 

Interest and similar expenses  

Interest expense 
Interest income 

Personnel expenses 

Defined contribution plan expense 
Defined benefit plan expense 

Provisions (net) 

Early retirement expense 
Past service cost expense 
Remeasurements (*) 
Other provision expenses 

Total impact on Consolidated Income Statement: Debit (Credit) 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

44.1 
44.1 
46 

78 

295 
(217) 

147 

89 
58 

125 

141 
(33) 

(10) 

28 

350 

71 

294 
(223) 

149 

87 
62 

343 

227 
3 

31 

82 

563 

96 

303 
(207) 

154 

87 
67 

332 

236 
(2) 

3 

95 

582 

(*)  Actuarial losses (gains) on remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability relating to early retirements in Spain and other long-

term employee benefits that are charged to the income statements (see Note 2.2.12). 

The amounts relating to post-employment benefits charged to the consolidated balance sheet correspond to 
the  actuarial  gains  (losses)  on  remeasurement  of  the  net  defined  benefit  liability  relating  to  pension  and 
medical commitments before income taxes. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

Equity Impact (Millions of euros) 

Defined benefit plans 

Post-employment medical benefits 

Total impact on equity: Debit (Credit)  

2018 

2017 

2016 

81 

(47) 

34 

(40) 

179 

140 

237 

119 

356 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.197
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

25.1  Defined benefit plans 

Defined benefit commitments relate mainly to employees who have already retired or taken early retirement, 
certain closed groups of active employees still accruing defined benefit pensions, and in-service death and 
disability benefits provided to most active employees. For the latter, the Group pays the required premiums 
to  fully  insure  the  related  liability.  The  change  in  these  pension  commitments  during  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is presented below: 

Defined Benefits (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Balance at the beginning 
Current service cost 
Interest income or expense 
Contributions by plan participants 
Employer contributions 
Past service costs (1) 
Remeasurements: 
Return on plan assets (2) 

From changes in demographic 
assumptions 
From changes in financial assumptions 
Other actuarial gain and losses 

Benefit payments 
Settlement payments 
Business combinations and disposals 
Effect on changes in foreign exchange rates 
Conversions to defined contributions 
Other  effects 
Balance at the end 

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 

Plan Assets 

Net Liability 
(asset) 

8,384 
61 
292 
4 
-
109 
(263)
-

14 

(274) 
(3)
(979)
- 
- 
(31)
- 
10 
7,585 

3,006 
- 
217 
3 
103
- 
(286)
(286)

- 

-
-
(200)
- 
- 
(9)
- 
6 
2,840 

5,378 
61 
76 
1 
(103)
109 
21 
286 

14 

(274) 
(5)
(779)
- 
- 
(22)
-
4 
4,745 

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 

8,851 
64 
290 
4 
-
231 
331 
- 

100 

220
12
(1,029)
- 
- 
(278)
(82)
(1) 
8,384 

Of which 
Spain 
Mexico 
The United States 
Turkey 
Including gains and losses arising from settlements. 
Excluding interest, which is recorded under "Interest income or expense".

4,547 
28 
39 
83 

260 
1,587 
287 
339 

4,807 
1,615 
326 
422 

5,442 
1,661 
360 
520 

(1)

(2)

Plan Assets 

Net Liability 
(asset) 

3,022 
- 
223 
4 
25 
- 
161 
161 

- 

- 
- 
(169) 
- 
- 
(258) 
- 
(1) 
3,006 

320 
1,602 
309 
424 

5,829 
64 
68 
- 
(25) 
231 
171 
(161) 

100 

220 
12 
(861)
- 
- 
(19)
(82)
- 
5,378 

5,122 
60 
51 
96 

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 

9,184 
67 
299 
5 
- 
235 
354 
- 

107 

106 
141 
(1,052)
(43) 
- 
(282)
-
84 
8,851 

6,157 
1,456 
385 
447 

Plan Assets 

Net Liability 
(asset) 

3,124 
- 
207 
5 
154 
- 
(5) 
(20) 

- 

- 
15 
(169) 
- 
- 
(293) 
- 
- 
3,022 

358 
1,627 
339 
348 

6,060 
67 
92 
- 
(154) 
235 
359 
20 

107 

106 
125 
(883) 
(43) 
- 
11 
- 
84 
5,829 

5,799 
(171) 
46 
99 

The  balance  under  the  heading  “Provisions  -  Pensions  and  other  post-employment  defined  benefit 
obligations” of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 includes €332 million 
relating  to  post-employment  benefit  commitments  to  former  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the 
Bank’s Management (see Note 54). 

The most significant commitments are those in Spain and Mexico and, to a lesser extent, in the United States 
and  Turkey.  The  remaining  commitments  are  located  mostly  in  Portugal  and  South  America.  Unless 
otherwise  required  by  local  regulation,  all  defined  benefit  plans  have  been  closed  to  new  entrants,  who 
instead are able to participate in the Group´s defined contribution plans. 

Both the costs and the present value of the commitments are determined by independent qualified actuaries 
using the “projected unit credit” method. 

In  order  to  guarantee  the  good  governance  of  these  plans,  the  Group  has  established  specific  benefits 
committees. These benefit committees include members from the different areas of the business to ensure 
that all decisions are made taking into consideration all of the associated impacts. 

P.198 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The following table sets out the key actuarial assumptions used in the valuation of these commitments as of 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: 

Actuarial Assumptions (Millions of euros) 

Discount rate 

Rate of salary increase 

Rate of pension increase 

Medical cost trend rate 

Mortality tables 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

Spain  

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

1.28% 

10.45% 

4.23% 

- 

- 

- 

4.75% 

2.51% 

7.00% 

- 

- 

- 

16.30% 

14.00% 

12.50% 

16.70% 

PERM/F 
2000P 

EMSSA09 

RP 2014 

CSO2001 

1.24% 

- 

- 

- 

PERM/F 
2000P 

9.48% 

4.75% 

2.13% 

7.00% 

3.57% 

11.60% 

- 

- 

- 

9.90% 

8.40% 

12.60% 

1.50% 

1.50% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

9.95% 

4.75% 

2.13% 

6.75% 

4.04% 

3.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

11.50% 

9.30% 

7.80% 

10.92% 

EMSSA09 

RP 2014 

CSO2001 

PERM/F 
2000P 

EMSSA97 
(adjustment 
EMSSA09) 

RP 2014 

CSO2001 

In Spain, the discount rate shown as of December, 31, 2018, corresponds to the weighted average rate, the 
actual discount rates used are 0.50% and 1.75% depending on the type of commitment. 

Discount  rates  used  to  value  future  benefit  cash  flows  have  been  determined  by  reference  to  high  quality 
corporate bonds (Note 2.2.12) denominated in Euro in the case of Spain, Mexican peso for Mexico and USD 
for the United States, and government bonds denominated in new Turkish Lira for Turkey. 

The expected return on plan assets has been set in line with the adopted discount rate. 

Assumed retirement ages have been set by reference to the earliest age at which employees are entitled to 
retire, the contractually agreed age in the case of early retirements in Spain or by using retirement rates. 

Changes  in  the  main  actuarial  assumptions  may  affect  the  valuation  of  the  commitments.  The  table  below 
shows the sensitivity of the benefit obligations to changes in the key assumptions: 

Sensitivity Analysis (Millions of euros) 

Discount rate 
Rate of salary increase 
Rate of pension increase 
Medical cost trend rate 
Change in obligation from each additional year of 
longevity 

Basis points 
change 

50 
50 
50 
100 

- 

2018 

2017 

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

(298) 
3 
19 
229 

108 

332 
(3) 
(18) 
(181) 

- 

(352) 
5 
23 
290 

155 

386 
(5) 
(22) 
(225) 

- 

The  sensitivities  provided  above  have  been  determined  at  the  date  of  these  consolidated  financial 
statements, and reflect solely the impact of changing one individual assumption at a time, keeping the rest of 
the  assumptions  unchanged,  thereby  excluding  the  effects  which  may  result  from  combined  assumption 
changes. 

In  addition  to  the  commitments  to  employees  shown  above,  the  Group  has  other  less  material  long-term 
employee  benefits.  These  include  long-service  awards,  which  consist  of  either  an  established  monetary 
award or some vacation days granted to certain groups of employees when they complete a given number of 
years of service. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the actuarial liabilities for the outstanding awards 
amounted to €62 million, €67 million, and €69 million, respectively. These commitments are recorded under 
the  heading  "Provisions  -  Other  long-term  employee  benefits"  of  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance 
sheet (see Note 24). 

As described above, the Group maintains both pension and medical post-employment benefit commitments 
with their employees. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.199 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
25.1.1 Post-employment commitments and similar obligations 

These commitments relate mostly to pensions in payment, and which have been determined based on salary 
and  years  of  service.  For  most  plans,  pension  payments  are  due  on  retirement,  death  and  long  term 
disability. 

In  addition,  during  the  year  2018,  Group  entities  in  Spain  offered  certain  employees  the  option  to  take 
retirement  or  early  retirement  (that  is,  earlier  than  the  age  stipulated  in  the  collective  labor  agreement  in 
force).  This  offer  was  accepted  by  489  employees  (731  and  613  employees  during  years  2017  and  2016, 
indemnities  due  as  well  as  the 
include  the  compensation  and 
respectively).  These  commitments 
contributions payable to external pension funds during the early retirement period. As of December 31, 2018, 
2017  and  2016,  the  value  of  these  commitments  amounted  to  €1,793  million,  €2,210  million  and  €2,559 
million, respectively. The change in the benefit plan obligations and plan assets as of December 31, 2018 was 
as follows: 

Post-employment commitments  2018 (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Current service cost 
Interest income or expense 
Contributions by plan participants 
Employer contributions 
Past service costs (1) 
Remeasurements: 

Return on plan assets (2) 

From changes in demographic assumptions 
From changes in financial assumptions 
Other actuarial gain and losses 

Benefit payments 
Settlement payments 
Business combinations and disposals 
Effect on changes in foreign exchange rates 
Conversions to defined contributions 
Other  effects 
Balance at the end 

Of which: 

Vested benefit obligation relating to current employees 
Vested benefit obligation relating to retired employees 

Defined Benefit Obligation 

Spain  Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

5,442 

4 

64 

- 

- 

148 

(32) 

- 

- 

- 

(32) 

(824) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5 

0 

4,807 

111 
4,696 

470 

5 

44 

- 

- 

(1) 

18 

- 

- 

(9) 

27 

(48) 

- 

- 

25 

- 

(2) 

512 
- 
- 
- 

360 

- 

13 

- 

- 

- 

(28) 

- 

(1) 

(28) 

1 

(35) 

- 

- 

17 

- 

(1) 

326 
- 
- 
- 

520 

21 

47 

3 

- 

2 

(18) 

- 

- 

(45) 

29 

(21) 

- 

- 

(134) 

- 

- 

422 
- 
- 
-

Rest of 
the 
world 

387 

4 

9 

1 

- 

2 

3 

- 

15 

(12) 

- 

(18) 

- 

- 

(2) 

- 

17 

402 
- 
- 
- 

P.200 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Post-employment commitments  2018 (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Current service cost 
Interest income or expense 
Contributions by plan participants 
Employer contributions 
Past service costs (1) 
Remeasurements: 
Return on plan assets (2) 

From changes in demographic assumptions 
From changes in financial assumptions 
Other actuarial gain and losses 

Benefit payments 
Settlement payments 
Business combinations and disposals 
Effect on changes in foreign exchange rates 
Conversions to defined contributions 
Other  effects 
Balance at the end 

Post-employment commitments  2018 (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Current service cost 
Interest income or expense 
Contributions by plan participants 
Employer contributions 
Past service costs (1) 
Remeasurements: 
Return on plan assets (2) 

From changes in demographic assumptions 
From changes in financial assumptions 
Other actuarial gain and losses 

Benefit payments 
Settlement payments 
Business combinations and disposals 
Effect on changes in foreign exchange rates 
Conversions to defined contributions 
Other  effects 
Balance at the end 
(1) 

Including gains and losses arising from settlements. 
Excluding interest, which is recorded under "Interest income or expense". 

(2) 

Plan Assets 

Spain  Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

Rest of 
the 
world 

320 

- 

5 

- 

- 

- 

(4) 

(4) 

- 

- 

- 

488 

- 

46 

- 

- 

- 

(70) 

(70) 

- 

- 

- 

309 

- 

11 

- 

2 

- 

(17) 

(17) 

- 

- 

- 

424 

351 

- 

39 

3 

13 

- 

(21) 

(21) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

7 

1 

18 

- 

(11) 

(11) 

- 

- 

- 

(61) 

(47) 

(33) 

(10) 

(15) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

26 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

15 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(108) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

17 

260 

441 

287 

339 

366 

Net Liability (Asset) 

Spain  Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

Rest of 
the 
world 

5,122 

4 

59 

- 

- 

148 

(28) 

4 

- 

- 

(32) 

(763) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5 

4,547 

(18) 

5 

(2) 

- 

- 

(1) 

88 

70 

20 

(29) 

27 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

71 

51 

- 

2 

- 

(2) 

- 

(11) 

17 

(1) 

(28) 

1 

(2) 

- 

- 

2 

- 

(1) 

39 

96 

21 

8 

- 

(13) 

2 

3 

21 

- 

(45) 

29 

(11) 

- 

- 

(26) 

- 

- 

83 

36 

4 

2 

1 

(18) 

2 

14 

11 

15 

(12) 

- 

(3) 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.201
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The change in net liabilities (assets) during the years ended 2017 and 2016 was as follows: 

Post-employment commitments (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Current service cost 

Interest income or expense 

Contributions by plan participants 

Employer contributions 

Past service costs (1) 

Remeasurements: 

Return on plan assets (2) 

From changes in demographic assumptions 

From changes in financial assumptions 

Other actuarial gain and losses 

Benefit payments 

Settlement payments 

Business combinations and disposals 

Effect on changes in foreign exchange rates 

Conversions to defined contributions 

Other  effects 

2017: Net liability (asset) 

2016: Net liability (asset) 

Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

Rest of the 
world 

Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

Rest of the 
world 

5,799 

(59) 

46 

4 

73 

- 

- 

235 

(67) 

(21) 

- 

(33) 

(13) 

(842) 

- 

- 

- 

(82) 

2 

5 

(6) 

- 

(1) 

1 

38 

3 

1 

- 

- 

- 

9 

99 

21 

9 

- 

(16) 

4 

12 

(10) 

(11) 

(101) 

22 

18 

7 

(1) 

- 

- 

5 

- 

- 

(2) 

22 

- 

(2) 

- 

- 

(5) 

- 

(1) 

- 

81 

32 

(11) 

- 

- 

(21) 

- 

- 

43 

6,109 

(79) 

5 

2 

- 

(8) 

3 

(1) 

2 

(3) 

4 

(4) 

(3) 

- 

- 

(5) 

- 

(1) 

36 

10 

98 

- 

- 

240 

188 

(35) 

- 

192 

31 

(867) 

(43) 

- 

- 

- 

63 

5,799 

6 

(7) 

- 

(14) 

1 

23 

23 

2 

(22) 

19 

- 

- 

- 

10 

- 

- 

(59) 

35 

4 

1 

- 

(1) 

- 

10 

3 

(5) 

13 

(1) 

(3) 

- 

- 

2 

- 

(3) 

46 

97 

22 

8 

- 

(17) 

4 

8 

(23) 

- 

(23) 

54 

(9) 

- 

- 

(15) 

- 

- 

99 

24 

5 

2 

- 

(9) 

(4) 

11 

(8) 

(1) 

37 

(17) 

(2) 

- 

- 

(4) 

- 

20 

42 

Balance at the end 
(1) 
(2)  Excludes interest which is reflected in the line item ‘‘Interest income and expenses’’. 

Includes gains and losses from settlements.

5,122 

(18) 

96 

51 

In  Spain,  local  regulation  requires  that  pension  and  death  benefit  commitments  must  be  funded,  either 
through a qualified pension plan or an insurance contract. 

In the Spanish entities these commitments are covered by insurance contracts which meet the requirements 
of the accounting standard regarding the non-recoverability of contributions. However, a significant number 
of the insurance contracts are with BBVA Seguros, S.A. – a consolidated subsidiary and related party – and 
consequently  these  policies  cannot  be  considered  plan  assets  under  IAS  19.  For  this  reason,  the  liabilities 
insured  under  these  policies  are  fully  recognized  under  the  heading  "Provisions  –  Pensions  and  other 
postemployment  defined  benefit  obligations"  of  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet  (see  Note 
24),  while  the  related  assets  held  by  the  insurance  company  are  included  within  the  Group´s  consolidated 
assets (recorded according to the classification of the corresponding financial instruments). As of December 
31,  2018  the  value  of  these  separate  assets  was  €2,543  million,  representing  direct  rights  of  the  insured 
employees held in the consolidated balance sheet, hence these benefits are effectively fully funded. 

On  the  other  hand,  some  pension  commitments  have  been  funded  through  insurance  contracts  with 
insurance companies not related to the Group, and can therefore be considered qualifying insurance policies 
and plan assets under IAS 19. In this case the accompanying consolidated balance sheet reflects the value of 
the obligations net of the fair value of the qualifying insurance policies. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016,  the  fair  value  of  the  aforementioned  insurance  policies  (€260,  €320  million  and  €358  million, 
respectively) exactly match the value of the corresponding obligations and therefore no amount for this item 
has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. 

Pensions  benefits  are  paid  by  the  insurance  companies  with  whom  BBVA  has  insurance  contracts  and  to 
whom all insurance premiums have been paid. The premiums are determined by the insurance companies 
using “cash flow matching” techniques to ensure that benefits can be met when due, guaranteeing both the 
actuarial and interest rate risk. 

In Mexico, there is a defined benefit plan for employees hired prior to 2001. Other employees participate in a 
defined contribution plan. External funds/trusts have been constituted locally to meet benefit payments as 
required by local regulation. 

P.202 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In the United States there are mainly two defined benefit plans, both closed to new employees, who instead 
are able to join a defined contribution plan. External funds/trusts have been constituted locally to fund  the 
plans, as required by local regulation. 

In 2008, the Turkish government passed a law to unify the different existing pension systems under a single 
umbrella Social Security system. Such system provides for the transfer of the various previously established 
funds. 

The financial sector is in this stage at present, maintaining these pension commitments managed by external 
pension funds (foundations) established for that purpose. 

The Foundation that maintains the assets and liabilities relating to employees of Garanti in Turkey, as per the 
local  regulatory  requirements,  has  registered  an  obligation  amounting  to  €241  million  as  of  December  31, 
2018 pending future transfer to the Social Security system. 

Furthermore,  Garanti  has  set  up  a  defined  benefit  pension  plan  for  employees,  additional  to  the  social 
security benefits, reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. 

Until the year 2016, the Bank also had commitments to pay indemnities to certain employees and members 
of the Group’s Senior Management in the event that they cease to hold their positions for reasons other than 
their own will, retirement, disability or serious dereliction of duties. The amount will be calculated according 
to the salary and professional conditions of each employee, taking into consideration fixed elements of the 
remuneration and the length of office at the Bank. Under no circumstances indemnities will be paid in cases 
of disciplinary dismissal for misconduct upon decision of the employer on grounds of the employee's serious 
dereliction of duties. 

25.1.2  Medical benefit commitments 

The  change  in  defined  benefit  obligations  and  plan  assets  during  the  years  2018,  2017  and  2016  was  as 
follows: 

Medical Benefits Commitments 

Balance at the beginning 

Current service cost 

Interest income or expense 

Contributions by plan participants 

Employer contributions 

Past service costs (1) 

Remeasurements: 

Return on plan assets (2) 

From changes in demographic assumptions 

From changes in financial assumptions 

Other actuarial gain and losses 

Benefit payments 

Settlement payments 

Business combinations and disposals 

Effect on changes in foreign exchange rates 

Other  effects 

Balance at the end 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 

Plan assets 

Net liability 
(asset) 

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 

Plan assets 

Net liability 
(asset) 

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 

Plan assets 

Net liability 
(asset) 

1,204 

1,114 

27 

116 

- 

- 

(42) 

(210) 

- 

- 

(182) 

(28) 

(34) 

- 

- 

62 

(9) 

- 

109 

- 

71 

- 

(164) 

(164) 

- 

- 

- 

(33) 

- 

- 

59 

(9) 

1,114 

1,146 

91 

27 

8 

- 

(71) 

(42) 

(47) 

164 

- 

(182) 

(28) 

(1) 

- 

- 

3 

(0) 

(32) 

1,015 

1,113 

26 

101 

- 

- 

(11) 

200 

- 

83 

128 

(10) 

(35) 

- 

- 

(92) 

- 

- 

112 

- 

- 

- 

21 

21 

- 

- 

- 

(33) 

- 

- 

(100) 

- 

(98) 

26 

(11) 

- 

- 

(11) 

179 

(21) 

83 

128 

(10) 

(2) 

- 

- 

8 

- 

1,022 

1,149 

(127) 

24 

86 

- 

- 

(5) 

59 

- 

110 

(91) 

39 

(33) 

- 

- 

- 

97 

- 

114 

- 

(60) 

(60) 

- 

- 

- 

(30) 

- 

- 

(138) 

(156) 

- 

- 

24 

(11) 

- 

(114) 

(5) 

119 

60 

110 

(91) 

39 

(2) 

- 

- 

18 

- 

(98) 

1,204 

1,114 

91 

1,015 

1,113 

(1)

(2)

Including gains and losses arising from settlements. 
Excluding interest, which is recorded under "Interest income or expense".

In Mexico, there is a medical benefit plan for employees hired prior to 2007. New employees from 2007 are 
covered  by  a  medical  insurance  policy.  An  external  trust  has  been  constituted  locally  to  fund  the  plan,  in 
accordance with local legislation and Group policy. 

P.203 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In Turkey, employees are currently provided with medical benefits through a foundation in collaboration with 
the  Social  Security  system,  although  local  legislation  prescribes  the  future  unification  of  this  and  similar 
systems into the general Social Security system itself. 

The  valuation  of  these  benefits  and  their  accounting  treatment  follow  the  same  methodology  as  that 
employed in the valuation of pension commitments. 

25.1.3 Estimated benefit payments 

As of December 31, 2018, the estimated benefit payments over the next ten years for all the entities in Spain, 
Mexico, The United States and Turkey are as follows: 

Estimated Benefit Payments (Millions of euros) 

Commitments in Spain 

Commitments in Mexico 

Commitments in United States 

Commitments in Turkey 

Total 

25.1.4 Plan assets 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024-2028 

684 

91 

16 

24 

815 

611 

92 

17 

14 

734 

518 

99 

17 

18 

652 

419 

106 

18 

20 

563 

333 

112 

19 

25 

489 

965 

680 

103 

231 

1,979 

The  majority  of  the  Group´s  defined  benefit  plans  are  funded  by  plan  assets  held  in  external  funds/trusts 
legally  separate  from  the  Group  sponsoring  entity.  However,  in  accordance  with  local  regulation,  some 
commitments  are  not  externally  funded  and  covered  through  internally  held  provisions,  principally  those 
relating to early retirements in Spain. 

Plan assets are those assets which will be used to directly settle the assumed commitments and which meet 
the following conditions: they are not part of the Group sponsoring entities assets, they are available only to 
pay post-employment benefits and they cannot be returned to the Group sponsoring entity. 

To  manage  the  assets  associated  with  defined  benefit  plans,  BBVA  Group  has  established  investment 
policies  designed  according  to  criteria  of  prudence  and  minimizing  the  financial  risks  associated  with  plan 
assets. 

The  investment  policy  consists  of  investing  in  a  low  risk  and  diversified  portfolio  of  assets  with  maturities 
consistent with the term  of the benefit  obligation and which, together with contributions made to the plan, 
will be sufficient to meet benefit payments when due, thus mitigating the plans‘ risks. 

In those countries where plan assets are held in pension funds or trusts, the investment policy is developed 
consistently with local regulation. When selecting specific assets, current market conditions, the risk profile 
of the assets and their future market outlook are all taken into consideration. In all the cases, the selection of 
assets  takes  into  consideration  the  term  of  the  benefit  obligations  as  well  as  short-term  liquidity 
requirements. 

The risks associated with these commitments are those which give rise to a deficit in the plan assets. A deficit 
could  arise  from  factors  such  as  a  fall  in  the  market  value  of  plan  assets,  an  increase  in  long-term  interest 
rates  leading  to  a  decrease  in  the  fair  value  of  fixed  income  securities,  or  a  deterioration  of  the  economy 
resulting in more write-downs and credit rating downgrades. 

P.204
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  table  below  shows  the  allocation  of  plan  assets  of  the  main  companies  of  the  BBVA  Group  as  of 
December 31, 2018: 

Plan Assets Breakdown (Millions of euros) 

Cash or cash equivalents 

Debt securities (Government bonds) 

Property 

Mutual funds 

Insurance contracts 

Other investments 

Total 

Of which: 

Bank account in BBVA 

Debt securities issued by BBVA 

Property occupied by BBVA 

2018 

26 

2,080 

- 

2 

132 

- 

2,241 

- 

3 

- 

- 

In  addition  to  the  above  there  are  plan  assets  relating  to  the  previously  mentioned  insurance  contracts  in 
Spain and the foundation in Turkey. 

The following table provides details of investments in listed securities (Level 1) as of December 31, 2018: 

Investments in listed markets 

Cash or cash equivalents 

Debt securities (Government bonds) 

Mutual funds 

Total 

Of which: 

Bank account in BBVA 

Debt securities issued by BBVA 

Property occupied by BBVA 

2018 

26 

2,080 

2 

2,109 

- 

3 

- 

- 

The  remainders  of  the  assets  are  mainly  invested  in Level  2  assets  in  in  accordance  with  the  classification 
established under IFRS 13  (mainly insurance contracts). As of  December 31, 2018, almost all  of the assets 
related to employee’s commitments corresponded to fixed income securities. 

25.2 Defined contribution plans 

Certain  Group  entities  sponsor  defined  contribution  plans.  Some  of  these  plans  allow  employees  to  make 
contributions which are then matched by the employer. 

Contributions  are  recognized  as  and  when  they  are  accrued,  with  a  charge  to  the  consolidated  income 
statement in the corresponding year. No liability is therefore recognized in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheet (see Note 44.1). 

P.205
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

26. Common stock

As  of  December  31,  2018  BBVA’s  common  stock  amounted  to  €3,267,264,424.20  divided 
into 
6,667,886,580  fully subscribed and paid-up registered shares, all of the same class and series, at €0.49 par 
value  each,  represented  through  book-entries.  All  of  the  Bank  shares  carry  the  same  voting  and  dividend 
rights,  and  no  single  stockholder  enjoys  special  voting  rights.  Each  and  every  share  is  part  of  the  Bank’s 
common stock.  

The Bank’s shares are traded on the stock markets  of Madrid,  Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia through the 
Sistema de Interconexión Bursátil Español (Mercado  Continuo), as well as on the London and Mexico stock 
markets. BBVA American Depositary Shares (ADSs) traded on the New York Stock Exchange. 

Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, the shares of BBVA Banco Continental, S.A.; Banco Provincial, S.A.; 
BBVA  Colombia,  S.A.;  BBVA  Banco  Francés,  S.A.  and  Turkiye  Garanti  Bankasi  A.S.,  were  listed  on  their 
respective  local  stock  markets.  BBVA  Banco  Francés,  S.A.  was  also  quoted  in  the  Latin  American  market 
(Latibex) of the Madrid Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. 

As of December 31, 2018, State Street Bank and Trust Co., Chase Nominees Ltd and The Bank of New York 
Mellon SA NV in their capacity as international custodian/depositary banks, held 10.69%, 6.33%, and 2.31% 
of BBVA common stock, respectively. Of said positions held by the custodian banks, BBVA is not aware of 
any  individual  shareholders  with  direct  or  indirect  holdings  greater  than  or  equal  to  3%  of  BBVA  common 
stock outstanding. 

On October 18, 2017, Blackrock, Inc. reported to the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV) 
that,  it  now  has  an  indirect  holding  of  BBVA  common  stock  totaling  5.939%,  of  which  5.708%  are  voting 
rights attributed to shares and 0,231% are voting rights through financial instruments. 

BBVA  is  not  aware  of  any  direct  or  indirect  interests  through  which  control  of  the  Bank  may  be  exercised. 
BBVA has not received any information on stockholder agreements including the regulation of the exercise of 
voting rights at its annual general meetings or restricting or placing conditions on the free transferability of 
BBVA shares. No agreement is known that could give rise to changes in the control of the Bank. 

The changes in the heading “Paid up Capital” of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are due to 
the following common stock increases: 

P.206 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Capital Increase 

As of December 31, 2015 

Dividend option - April 2016 

Dividend option - October 2016 

As of December 31, 2016 

Dividend option . April 2017 

As of December 31, 2017 

As of December 31, 2018 

Number of Shares 

Common Stock 
(Millions of Euros) 

6,366,680,118 

113,677,807 

86,257,317 

6,566,615,242 

101,271,338 

6,667,886,580 

6,667,886,580 

3,120 

56 

42 

3,218 

50 

3,267 

3,267 

“Dividend Option” Program in 2017: 

The  AGM  of  BBVA  held  on  March  17,  2017  adopted,  under  agenda  item  three,  a  capital  increase  to  be 
charged  to  voluntary  reserves  to  implement  the  shareholder  remuneration  system  called  the  “Dividend 
Option”  this  year  in  similar  conditions  to  those  agreed  in  2014,  2015  and  2016,  conferring  on  the  Board  of 
Directors, in accordance with article 297.1.a) of the Spanish Companies Act, the authority to set the date on 
which  the  capital  increase  should  be  carried  out,  within  one  year  of  the  date  of  approval  of  the  AGM 
resolution. 

By  virtue  of  such  resolution,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  BBVA  resolved,  on  March  29,  2017,  to  execute  the 
capital increase to be charged to voluntary reserves, in accordance with the terms and conditions approved 
by  the  AGM  mentioned  above.  As  a  result,  BBVA’s  share  capital  was  increased  by  an  amount  of 
49,622,955.62 euros through the issuance of 101,271,338 newly-issued BBVA ordinary shares at 0.49 euros 
par value each (see Note 4). 

“Dividend Option” Program in 2016: 

The AGM held on March 11, 2016, under agenda item three, adopted four capital increase resolutions to be 
charged  to  voluntary  reserves  to  once  again  implement  the  shareholder  remuneration  program  called  the 
“Dividend Option” (see Note 4), conferring on the Board of Directors, in accordance with article 297.1 a) of 
the Spanish Companies Act, the authority to set the date on which said capital increases should be carried 
out, within one year of the date of approval of the AGM resolution, including the power not to implement any 
of the resolutions, when deemed advisable. 

On  March  31,  2016,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  BBVA  approved  the  execution  of  the  first  of  the  capital 
increases  charged  to  voluntary  reserves,  in  accordance  with  the  terms  and  conditions  agreed  by  the 
aforementioned AGM. As a result of this increase, the Bank’s capital increased by €55,702,125.43 through 
the issuance of 113,677,807 ordinary shares at €0.49 par values each. 

On  September  28,  2016,  BBVA’s  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  execution  of  the  second  of  the  capital 
increases  charged  to  voluntary  reserves  in  accordance  with  the  terms  and  conditions  agreed  by  the 
aforementioned AGM. As a result of this increase, the Bank’s capital increased by €42,266,085.33 through 
the issuance of 86,257,317 ordinary shares at €0.49 par value each. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.207
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Convertible and/or exchangeable securities: 

The  AGM  held  on  March  17,  2017,  resolved,  under  agenda  item  five,  to  confer  authority  to  the  Board  of 
Directors to issue securities convertible into newly issued BBVA shares, on one or several occasions, within 
the maximum term of five years to be counted from the approval date of the authorization, up to a maximum 
overall amount of €8 billion or its equivalent in any other currency. Likewise, the AGM resolved to confer to 
the  Board  of  Directors  the  authority  to  totally  or  partially  exclude  shareholders’  pre-emptive  subscription 
rights  within  the  framework  of  a  specific  issue  of  convertible  securities,  although  this  power  was  limited  to 
ensure  the  nominal  amount  of  the  capital  increases  resolved  or  effectively  carried  out  to  cover  the 
conversion  of  mandatory  convertible 
issuances  of  this  authority  (without  prejudice  to  anti-dilution 
adjustments), with exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights and of those likewise resolved or carried out 
with  exclusion  of  pre-emptive  subscription  rights  in  use  of  the  authority  to  increase  the  share  capital 
conferred by the AGM held on March 17, 2017, under agenda item four, do not exceed the maximum nominal 
amount,  overall,  of  20%  of  the  share  capital  of  BBVA  at  the  time  of  the  authorization,  this  limit  not  being 
applicable to contingent convertible issues. 

In use of the authority mentioned above, BBVA carried out, on May 24, 2017 the fifth issuance of perpetual 
contingent  convertible  securities  (additional  tier  1  instrument),  with  exclusion  of  pre-emptive  subscription 
rights  of  shareholders,  for  a  total  nominal  amount  of  €500  million.  This  issuance  is  listed  in  the  Global 
Exchange Market of the Irish Stock Exchange and was targeted only at qualified investors, not being offered 
to, and not being subscribed for, in Spain or by Spanish residents. The issuance qualifies as additional tier 1 
capital of the Bank and the Group in accordance with Regulation EU 575/2013 (see Note 22.4). 

Likewise, in use of such authority, BBVA carried out, on November 14, 2017 the sixth issuance of perpetual 
contingent  convertible  securities  (additional  tier  1  instrument),  with  exclusion  of  pre-emptive  subscription 
rights  of  shareholders,  for  a  total  nominal  amount  of  $1,000  million.  This  issuance  is  listed  in  the  Global 
Exchange Market of the Irish Stock Exchange and was targeted only at qualified investors, not being offered 
to,  and  not  being  subscribed  for,  in  Spain  or  by  Spanish  residents.  The  qualification  of  this  issuance  as 
additional tier 1 capital has been requested (see Note 22.4). 

In past years, BBVA has carried out, in use of the authority to issue convertible securities conferred by the 
AGM  held  on  March  16,  2012  (in  effect  until  March  16,  2017),  four  additional  issuances  of  perpetual 
contingent  convertible  securities  (additional  tier  1  instrument),  with  exclusion  of  pre-emptive  subscription 
rights of shareholders (in April 2013 for an amount of $1.5 billion, in February 2014 and February 2015 for an 
amount of €1.5 billion each one, and in April 2016 for an amount of €1 billion). These issuances were targeted 
only at qualified investors and foreign private banking clients not being offered to, and not being subscribed 
for, in Spain or by Spanish residents. The first two issuances are listed in the Singapore Exchange Securities 
Trading  Limited  and  the  last  two  issuances  are  listed  in  the  Global  Exchange  Market  of  the  Irish  Stock 
Exchange. Furthermore, these four issuances qualify as additional tier 1 capital of the Bank and the Group in 
accordance with Regulation UE 575/2013 (see Note 22.4). 

Convertible and/or exchangeable securities: 

BBVA’s AGM held on March 17, 2017 resolved, under agenda item four, to confer authority on the Board of 
Directors to increase Bank’s share capital, on one or several occasions, subject to provisions in the law and in 
the Company Bylaws that may be applicable at any time, within the legal term of five years of the approval 
date of the authorization, up to the maximum amount corresponding to 50% of Bank’s share capital at the 
time on which the resolution was adopted, likewise conferring authority to the Board of Directors to totally or 
partially  exclude  shareholders’  pre-emptive  subscription  rights  over  any  specific  issue  that  may  be  made 
under such authority; although the power to exclude pre-emptive subscription rights was limited, such that 
the  nominal  amount  of  the  capital  increases  resolved  or  effectively  carried  out  with  the  exclusion  of  pre-
emptive subscription rights in use of the referred authority and those that may be resolved or carried out to 
cover the conversion  of  mandatory convertible issues that may equally be made with the exclusion of pre-

P.208 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

emptive subscription rights in use of the authority to issue convertible securities conferred by the AGM held 
on  March  17,  2017,  under  agenda  item  five  (without  prejudice  to  the  anti-dilution  adjustments)  shall  not 
exceed  the  nominal  maximum  overall  amount  of  20%  of  the  share  capital  of  BBVA  at  the  time  of  the 
authorization. 

As of the date of this document, the Bank’s Board of Directors has not exercised the authority conferred by 
the AGM. 

27. Share premium

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated 
balance sheets was €23,992 million.  

The amended Spanish Corporation Act expressly permits the use of the share premium balance to increase 
capital and establishes no specific restrictions as to its use (see Note 26). 

28. Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet  is  as 
follows: 

Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves. Breakdown by concepts (Millions of euros) 

Legal reserve 

Restricted reserve 

Reserves for regularizations and balance revaluations 

Voluntary reserves 
Total reserves holding company (*) 

Consolidation reserves attributed to the Bank and dependent consolidated 
companies. 
Total 

(*)  Total reserves of BBVA, S.A. (See Appendix IX). 

2018 

2017 

2016 

653 

133 

3 

8,010 
8,799 

644 

159 

12 

8,643 
9,458 

624 

201 

20 

8,521 
9,366 

14,164 

14,132 

12,439 

22,963 

23,590 

21,805 

The  impact  of  the  first  application  of  IFRS  9  and  the  change  in  accounting  policies  due  to  hyperinflation  is 
registered  in  the  heading  "Consolidation  reserves  attributed  to  the  Bank  and  dependent  consolidated 
companies" of the previous table (see Notes 1.3, 2.4 and 2.2.20). 

28.1 Legal reserve 

Under  the  amended  Corporations  Act,  10%  of  any  profit  made  each  year  must  be  transferred  to  the  legal 
reserve. The transfer must be made until the legal reserve reaches 20% of the common stock. 

The  legal  reserve  can  be  used  to  increase  the  common  stock  provided  that  the  remaining  reserve  balance 
does not fall below 10% of the increased capital. While it does not exceed 20% of the common stock, it can 
only be allocated to offset losses exclusively in the case that there are not sufficient reserves available. 

P.209 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

28.2 Restricted reserves 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Bank’s restricted reserves are as follows: 

Restricted Reserves (Millions of euros) 

Restricted reserve for retired capital 

Restricted reserve for Parent Company shares and loans for those shares 

Restricted reserve for redenomination of capital in euros 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

88 

44 

2 
133 

88 

69 

2 
159 

88 

111 

2 
201 

The  restricted  reserve  for  retired  capital  resulted  from  the  reduction  of  the nominal  par  value  of  the  BBVA 
shares made in April 2000. 

The second heading corresponds to restricted reserves related to the amount of shares issued by the Bank 
in its possession at each date, as well as the amount of customer loans outstanding at those dates that were 
granted for the purchase of, or are secured by, the Parent Company shares. 

Finally,  pursuant  to  Law  46/1998  on  the  Introduction  of  the  Euro,  a  restricted  reserve  is  recognized  as  a 
result of the rounding effect of the redenomination of the Parent Company common stock in euros. 

P.210
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

28.3  Retained  earnings,  revaluation  reserves  and  other  reserves  by 

entity 

The  breakdown,  by  company  or  corporate  group,  under  the  headings  “Retained  earnings,  revaluation 
reserves and other reserves” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows: 

Retained earnings, Revaluation reserves and Other reserves (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

15,625 

14,101 

Retained earnings and Revaluation reserves 

Holding Company 

BBVA Bancomer Group 

BBVA Seguros, S.A. 

Corporacion General Financiera, S.A. 

BBVA Banco Provincial Group 

BBVA Chile Group 

BBVA Paraguay 

Compañía de Cartera e Inversiones, S.A. 

Anida Grupo Inmobiliario, S.L. 

BBVA Suiza, S.A. 

BBVA Continental Group 

BBVA Luxinvest, S.A. 

BBVA Colombia Group 

BBVA Banco Francés Group 

Banco Industrial De Bilbao, S.A. 

Uno-E Bank, S.A 

Gran Jorge Juan, S.A. 

BBVA Portugal Group 

Participaciones Arenal, S.L. 

BBVA Propiedad S.A. 

14,643 

10,014 

(127) 

1,084 

(124) 

552 

119 

108 

363 

(53) 

756 

(48) 

998 

103 

- 

- 

(33) 

(66) 

(4) 

- 

9,442 

(215) 

1,202 

(113) 

951 

108 

(20) 

515 

(57) 

681 

25 

926 

999 

25 

- 

(47) 

(436) 

(183) 

(503) 

Anida Operaciones Singulares, S.L. 

(5,317) 

(4,881) 

Grupo BBVA USA Bancshares 

Garanti Turkiye Bankasi Group 

Unnim Real Estate 

Bilbao Vizcaya Holding, S.A. 

Pecri Inversión S.L. 

Other 
Subtotal 

Other reserves or accumulated losses of investments in joint ventures 
and associates 

Metrovacesa, S.A. 

Metrovacesa Suelo, S.A. 

Other 
Subtotal 

Total 

(586) 

1,415 

(587) 

49 

(74) 

(164) 
23,021 

- 

- 

(61) 

2 
(59)

(794) 

751 

(576) 

145 

(73) 

127 
23,624 

- 

- 

(53) 

18 
(35)

22,963 

23,590 

21,805 

For  the  purpose  of  allocating  the  reserves  and  accumulated  losses  to  the  consolidated  entities  and  to  the 
parent company, the transfers of reserves arising from the dividends paid and transactions between these 
entities are taken into account in the period in which they took place.  

9,108 

(62) 

1,187 

(92) 

1,264 

98 

(27) 

528 

(1) 

611 

16 

803 

827 

61 

- 

(30) 

(477) 

(180) 

(431) 

(4,127) 

(1,053) 

127 

(477) 

139 

(75) 

25 
21,864 

- 

- 

(52) 

(7) 
(59) 

P.211 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

29. Treasury shares

In  the  years  ended  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  the  Group  entities  performed  the  following 
transactions with shares issued by the Bank: 

Treasury Shares (Millions of euros) 

Balance at beginning 

 + Purchases 
- Sales and other changes 
 +/- Derivatives on BBVA shares 
 +/- Other changes 
Balance at the end 

Of which: 

Held by BBVA, S.A. 
Held by Corporación General Financiera, S.A. 
Held by other subsidiaries 

Average purchase price in Euros 
Average selling price in Euros 

Net gain or losses on transactions 
 (Shareholders' funds-Reserves) 

2018

2017

2016

Number of 
Shares 

Millions of 
Euros 

Number of 
Shares 

Millions of 
Euros 

Number of 
Shares 

Millions of 
Euros 

13,339,582 

279,903,844 
(245,985,735) 
- 
-
47,257,691 

- 
- 
47,257,691
- 
6.11 
6.25 

96 

7,230,787 

48 

38,917,665 

1,683 
(1,505) 
- 
23
296 

238,065,297 
(231,956,502) 
- 
-
13,339,582 

1,674 
(1,622) 
(4) 
- 
96 

379,850,939 
(411,537,817) 
- 
-
7,230,787 

- 
- 
13,339,582
- 
7.03 
6.99 

-
-
296 
-
- 
- 

(24)

-
2,789,894
4,440,893
-
5.27
5.50

- 
- 
96 
- 
-
-

1

309 

2,004 
(2,263) 
(1) 
- 
48 

- 
22
26
- 
- 
- 

(30)

The percentages of treasury shares held by the Group in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 
are as follows:  

Treasury Stock 

2018

2017

2016

Min

Max 

Closing

Min

Max 

Closing

Min

Max 

Closing

% treasury stock 

0.200% 

0.850% 

0.709% 

0.004% 

0.278% 

0.200% 

0.081% 

0.756% 

0.110% 

The number of BBVA shares accepted by the Group in pledge of loans as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016 is as follows: 

Shares of BBVA Accepted in Pledge 

Number of shares in pledge 

Nominal value 

% of share capital 

2018 

2017 

2016 

61,632,832 

64,633,003 

90,731,198 

0.49 

0.92% 

0.49 

0.97% 

0.49 

1.38% 

The number of BBVA shares owned by third parties but under management of a company within the Group 
as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

Shares of BBVA Owned by Third Parties but Managed by the Group 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Number of shares owned by third parties 

25,306,229 

34,597,310 

85,766,602 

Nominal value 

% of share capital 

0.49 

0.38% 

0.49 

0.52% 

0.49 

1.31% 

P.212 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

30. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  is  as 
follows: 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Millions of euros) 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 

Actuarial gains or losses on defined benefit pension plans 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

 Share of other recognized income and expense of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Notes 

2018 

2017(*) 

2016(*) 

(1,284) 

(1,183) 

(1,095) 

(1,245) 

(1,183) 

(1,095) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 

13.4 

(155) 

Hedge ineffectiveness of fair value hedges for equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 
(hedged item) 
Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 
(hedging instrument) 
Fair value changes of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss attributable to changes in their 
credit risk  

- 

- 

- 

116 

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 

Hedge of net investments in foreign operations (effective portion) 

Foreign currency translation  

Hedging derivatives. Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 

Financial assets available for sale 

Fair value changes of debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Hedging instruments (non-designated items) 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Share of other recognized income and expense of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Total 

(*) 

See Note 1.3. 

The balances recognized under these headings are presented net of tax. 

31. Minority interest

13.4 

13.4 

(5,932) 

(5,755) 

(2,527) 

(218) 

1 

(118) 

(6,643) 

(7,297) 

(3,349) 

(6) 

(34) 

1,641 

943 

- 

1 

(9) 

- 

(26) 

(40) 

16 

947 

- 

- 

(31) 

(7,215) 

(6,939) 

(3,622) 

The breakdown by groups of consolidated entities of the balance under the heading “Minority interests (non-
controlling interest)” of total equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows: 

Non-Controlling Interests (Millions of euros) 

BBVA Colombia Group 

BBVA Chile Group (*) 

BBVA Banco Continental Group 

BBVA Banco Provincial Group 

BBVA Banco Francés Group 

Garanti Group 
Other entities 
Total 

(*) See Note 3. 

2018 

67 

-

1,167 

67 

352 

4,058 
53 
5,764 

2017 

65 

399

1,059

78 

420 

4,903 
55 
6,979 

2016 

67 

377 

1,059 

97 

243 

6,157 
64 
8,064 

P.213
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

These  amounts  are  broken  down  by  groups  of  consolidated  entities  under  the  heading  “Attributable  to 
minority interests (non-controlling interest)” in the accompanying consolidated income statements: 

Profit attributable to Non-Controlling Interests (Millions of euros) 

BBVA Colombia Group 

BBVA Chile Group (*) 

BBVA Banco Continental Group 

BBVA Banco Provincial Group 

BBVA Banco Francés Group 

Garanti Group 

Other entities 
Total 

(*) See Note 3. 

2018 

2017 

2016 

9 

26 

227 

(5) 

(18) 

585 

4 
827 

7 

51 

208 

(2) 

93 

883 

4 
1,244 

9 

40 

193 

(2) 

55 

917 

8 
1,218 

Dividends distributed to non-controlling interest of the Group during the year 2018 are: Garanti Group €233 
million, BBVA Banco Continental  Group €108  million,  BBVA Chile  Group €14  million, BBVA Banco Francés  
Group €13 million and other Spanish entities accounted for €10 million. 

32.  Capital base and capital management

32.1 Capital base 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, equity is  calculated in accordance to  the applicable regulation  of 
each period on minimum capital base requirements for Spanish credit institutions –both as individual entities 
and as  consolidated  group – and  how  to  calculate  them,  as well as  the  various  internal  capital  adequacy  
assessment processes they should have in place and the information they should disclose to the market. 

The minimum capital  base  requireme nts established  by the  current  regulation  are  calculated  acc ording to  
the Group’s  exposure to  credit  and  dilution  risk,  counterparty  and  liquidity  risk  relating  to  the  trading  
portfolio, exchange- rate risk  and  operational  risk. In  addition,  the Group  must  fulfill the  risk  concentration  
limits established in said regulation and the internal corporate governance obligations. 

At the  date  of  preparation  of  these  consolidated  financial statements , BBVA  has  not  received  an  official 
communication of  the  ECB  about  the  results  of  the  SREP  process  which  had  been  carried  out  during  the  
financial year  2018  and  which  will include  requirements  regarding  the  capital  ratio  (both  at  individual and  
consolidated level) applicable to  BBVA and its Group as from the date indicated in that communication.  As 
soon as this communication will be available, BBVA will disclose it to the markets by means of public relevant 
events. 

Taking  into  account  fully  application  of  capital  buffers  since  January  1,  2019  and  considering  last  capital 
requirement communicated from ECB, BBVA has to maintain since January 1, 2019  i) a CET1 ratio of 9.26% 
at  consolidated  level  and  ii)  a  total  capital  ratio  of  12.76%  at  consolidated  level.  This  total  consolidated 
capital  ratio  includes  i)  the  minimum  common  equity  tier  1  capital  (CET1)  requirement  under  Pillar  1 
(4.5%);  ii)  the  additional  tier  1  capital  (AT1)  requirement  under  Pillar  1  (1.5%);  iii)  the  tier  2  capital 
requirement  under  Pillar  1  (2%);  iv)  the  CET1  capital  requirement  under  Pillar  2  (1.5%);  v)  the  capital 
conservation  buffer  (2.5%  of  CET1);  vi)  the  Other  Systemic  Important  Institution  buffer  (OSII)  (0.75%  of 
CET1); and vii) the countercyclical capital buffer (0.01% of CET1). 

P.214
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The Group’s bank capital in accordance with the aforementioned applicable regulation, considering entities 
scope required by the above regulation, as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is shown below: 

Eligible capital resources (Millions of euros) 

Capital 
Share premium 
Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves 
Other equity instruments, net 
Treasury shares 
Attributable to the parent company 
Attributable dividend 
Total equity 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Non-controlling interest 
Shareholders' equity 
Intangible assets 
Fin. treasury shares 
Indirect treasury shares 
Deductions 
Temporary CET 1 adjustments 
Capital gains from the Available-for-sale debt instruments portfolio 
Capital gains from the Available-for-sale equity portfolio 
Differences from solvency and accounting level 
Equity not eligible at solvency level 
Other adjustments and deductions 
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) 
Additional Tier 1 before Regulatory Adjustments 
Total Regulatory Adjustments of Additional Tier 1 
Tier 1 
Tier 2 
Total Capital (Total Capital=Tier 1 + Tier 2) 

Total Minimum equity required 

(*)

Provisional data. 

Capital Base 

Tier 1 (millions of euros) (a) 
Exposure (millions of euros) (b) 
Leverage ratio (a)/(b) (percentage) 
(*) 

Provisional data 

Notes 

December 2018 (*) 

December 2017 

 December 2016 

26 
27 
28 
28 
29 
6 
4 

30 
31 

3,267 
23,992 
22,963 
50 
(296) 
5,324 
(975) 
54,325 
(7,215) 
5,764 
52,874 
(8,199) 
(27) 
(108) 
(8,334) 
- 
- 
- 
(176) 
(176) 
(4,053) 
40,311 
5,634 
-
45,945 
8,754 
54,699 
- 
41,607 

3,267 
23,992 
23,590 
54 
(96) 
3,519 
(1,043) 
53,283 
(6,939) 
6,979 
53,323 
(6,627) 
(48) 
(134) 
(6,809) 
(273) 
(256) 
(17) 
(189) 
(462) 
3,711 
42,341 
6,296 
(1,657)
46,980 
8,798 
55,778 
- 
40,370 

3,218 
23,992 
21,805 
54 
(48) 
3,475 
(1,510) 
50,985 
(3,622) 
8,064 
55,428 
(5,675) 
(82) 
(51) 
(5,808) 
(129) 
(402) 
273 
(120) 
(249) 
(2,001) 
47,370 
6,114 
(3,401) 
50,083 
8,810 
58,893 
- 
37,923 

2018 (*) 

2017 

2016 

45,945 
705,406 
6.51% 

46,980 
700,443 
6.71% 

50,083 
747,216 
6.70% 

As  of  December  31,  2018  Common  Equity  Tier  1  (CET1)  phased-in  ratio  stood  at  11.6%  (in  terms  of  fully 
loaded,  CET1  stood  at  11.3%).  Excluding  the  effect  of  the  phased-in  calendar  in  minority  interest  and 
deductions that goes from 80% in 2017 to 100% in 2018, and including the positive impact of the sale of the 
stake in BBVA Chile (+50 bps), the CETI phased-in ratio has increased by +48 bps. This increase is mainly 
explained by the generation of profit, net of dividend payments and remunerations of AT1 instruments and 
dividends received by the Bank, and the stability in the level of risk weighted assets (RWA). 

This  CET1  phased-in  ratio  includes  the  impact  of  the  initial  implementation  of  IFRS9.  In  this  context,  the 
European Commission and Parliament have established temporary arrangements that are voluntary for the 
institutions,  adapting  the  impact  of  IFRS9  on  capital  ratios.  BBVA  has  informed  the  supervisory  board  its 
adherence to these arrangements. 

In addition, transfer of the real estate business of BBVA in Spain to Cerberus has no material impact on the 
ratios (see Note 3). 

TIER1 phased-in ratio stood at 13.2% as of December 31, 2018. During the year the Group has computed two 
new  issuances  of  contingent  convertible  bonds  (CoCos)  as  TIER1  instruments  for  US$1,000  million  and 
€1,000 million, respectively. In addition, the Group has no longer includes a US$1,500 million issuance which 
was  early  redeemed  in  May  2018  and  announced  in  January  2019  its  intention  to  exercise  the  early 
redemption of an issuance of €1,500 million. The net effect on TIER1 phased-in ratio was -15 bps. 

P.215
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Regarding  TIER2  ratio,  in  the  third  quarter  the  Group  has  received  authorization  from  the  supervisor  to 
include  a  subordinated  issuance  of  US$300  million  and  no  longer  includes  BBVA  Chile  subordinated 
instruments. As result of the above mentioned effects, the total capital phased-in ratio stood at 15.7%. 

In  addition,  the  Group  has  continued  its  program  to  meet  the  MREL  requirements  by  carrying  two  public 
senior  non-preferred  instruments  by  a  total  amount  of  €2.5  billion.  In  terms  of  MREL  (which  stands  for 
Minimum  Requirement  for  own  funds  and  Eligible  Liabilities),  BBVA  has  to  reach,  by  January  1,  2020,  an 
amount  of  own  funds  and  eligible  liabilities  equal  to  15.08%  of  the  total  liabilities  and  own  funds  of  its 
resolution group (BBVA, S.A. and its subsidiaries from the same European resolution group) as of December 
31, 2016. This MREL requirement would be equal to 28.04% in terms of risk-weighted assets of the resolution 
group as of December 31, 2016. The Group believes that it is currently in line with this requirement. 

Risk-weighted assets (RWA) have decreased during the year, largely due to the sale of BBVA Chile and the 
depreciation  of  currencies  against  euro.  The  Group  has  performed  three  securitizations  during  the  year:  a 
traditional one in June of an automobile loan portfolio of consumer finance amounting to €800 million, and 
two synthetic ones in March and December, on which the European Investment Fund (EIF, a subsidiary of the 
European  Investment  Bank)  provided  a  financial  guarantee.  These  three  securitizations  have  produced  a 
positive impact on capital of €971 million via RWA release. Additionally, during the first half of the year, BBVA 
has received an authorization from the ECB to update the calculation of RWA on structural FX risk under the 
standard model. 

A  reconciliation  of  the  consolidated  accounting  and  regulatory  perimeters  as  of  December  31st  2018  is 
presented below (provisional data): 

Public balance sheet headings (Millions of euros) 

Public balance 
sheet 

Insurance 
companies and 
real estate 
companies (1) 

Jointly-controlled 
entities and other 
adjustments (2) 

Regulatory 
balance sheet 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 
deposits 

Financial assets held for trading 

Non- trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or 
loss 

Financial assets designated at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Hedging derivatives 

Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges 
of interest rate risk 

Investments in entities accounted for using the equity 
method 

Non- current assets and disposal groups held for sale 

Other 

Total assets 

 58,196  

 90,117  

 (3) 

 1,277  

 5,135  

 (2,768) 

 1,313  

 (1,313) 

 56,337  

 419,660  
 2,892  

 (14,318) 

 (6,279) 
 (87) 

 (21) 

 -  

 1,578  

 2,001  

 39,481  
676,689 

 2,587  

 (2) 

 715  
(20,191) 

 103  

-

-

 -  

-

 593  
 -  

-  

(80)

 2  

 3  
621 

 58,296  

91,394

2,367

-  

42,019

413,974

 2,805  

 (21) 

4,085

2,001

40,199
657,119 

(1)

(2)

Correspond  to  balances  of  entities  fully  consolidated  in  the  public  balance  sheet  but  consolidated  by  the 
equity method in the regulatory balance sheet.

Correspond to intragroup adjustments and other consolidation adjustments. 

P.216 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

32.2 Capital management 

Capital management in the BBVA Group has a twofold aim: 

Maintain  a  level  of  capitalization  according  to  the  business  objectives  in  all  countries  in  which  it 
operates and, simultaneously, 

Maximize the return on shareholders’ funds through the efficient allocation of capital to the different 
units,  a  good  management  of  the  balance  sheet  and  appropriate  use  of  the  various  instruments 
forming the basis of the Group’s equity: shares, preferred securities and subordinate debt. 

This capital management is carried out determining the capital base and the solvency ratios established by 
the prudential and minimum capital requirements also have to be  met for the entities subject to prudential 
supervision in each country. 

The  current  regulation  allows  each  entity  to  apply  its  own  internal  ratings-based  (IRB)  approach  to  risk 
assessment  and  capital  management,  subject  to  Bank  of  Spain  approval.  The  BBVA  Group  carries  out  an 
integrated  management  of  these  risks  in  accordance  with  its  internal  policies  and  its  internal  capital 
estimation model has received the Bank of Spain’s approval for certain portfolios (see Note 7). 

33. Commitments and guarantees given

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as 
follows: 

Loan commitments, financial guarantees and other commitments (Millions of euros) 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Loan commitments given 

of which: defaulted 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households 

Financial guarantees given (*) 

of which: defaulted 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households 

7.3.2 

7.3.2 

Other commitments and guarantees given 

7.3.2 

of which: defaulted 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households 

118,959 
247 
- 
2,318 
9,635 
5,664 
58,405 
42,936 

16,454 
332 
2 
159 
1,274 
730 
13,970 
319 

35,098 
408 
1 
248 
5,875 
2,990 
25,723 
261 

94,268 
537 
1 
2,198 
946 
3,795 
58,133 
29,195 

16,545 
278 
- 
248 
1,158 
3,105 
11,518 
516 

45,738 
461 
7 
227 
15,330 
3,820 
25,992 
362 

107,254 
411 
1 
4,354 
1,209 
4,155 
71,710 
25,824 

18,267 
278 
- 
103 
1,553 
722 
15,354 
534 

42,592 
402 
12 
372 
9,880 
4,892 
27,297 
138 

Total Loan commitments and financial guarantees 

170,511 

156,551 

168,113 

(*)

Non performing financial guarantees given amounted to €740, €739 and €680 million, respectively, as of December 31, 
2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.  

P.217
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As of December 31, 2018, the provisions for loan commitments given, financial guarantees given and other 
commitments  and  guarantees  given,  recorded  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  amounted  €338  million, 
€252 million and €45 million, respectively.  

Since  a  significant  portion  of  the  amounts  above  will  expire  without  any  payment  being  made  by  the 
consolidated entities, the aggregate balance of these commitments cannot be considered the actual future 
requirement for financing or liquidity to be provided by the BBVA Group to third parties. 

In  the  years  2018,  2017  and  2016,  no  issuance  of  debt  securities  carried  out  by  associates  of  the  BBVA 
Group, joint venture entities or non-Group entities have been guaranteed. 

34. Other contingent assets and liabilities

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  there  were  no  material  contingent  assets  or  liabilities  other  than 
those disclosed in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

35. Purchase  and  sale  commitments  and  future  payment

obligations

The breakdown of purchase and sale commitments of the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016 is as follows: 

Purchase and Sale Commitments (Millions of euros) 

Financial instruments sold with repurchase commitments 

42,993 

40,077 

46,562 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Central Banks 

Credit Institutions 

General governments 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Central Banks 

Credit Institutions 

Customer deposits 

Financial instruments purchased with resale commitments 

Financial assets held for trading 

Central Banks 

Credit Institutions 

General governments 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Central Banks 

Credit Institutions 

General governments 

10 

22 

10 

14 

36,815 

10,511 

14,839 

11,466 

6,178 

375 

4,593 

1,209 
28,034 

27,262 

2,163 

13,305 

11,794 

772 

- 

478 

294 

- 

- 

- 

- 

40,077 

6,155 

24,843 

9,079 
26,368 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

46,562 

4,649 

28,421 

13,491 
22,921 

- 

- 

- 

- 

26,368 

22,921 

305 

13,861 

12,202 

81 

15,561 

7,279 

P.218 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

A  breakdown  of  the  maturity  of  other  payment  obligations,  not  included  in  previous  notes,  due  after 
December 31, 2018 is provided below: 

Maturity of Future Payment Obligations (Millions of euros) 

Finance leases 
Operating leases 
Purchase commitments 
Technology and systems projects 
Other projects 
Total 

Up to 1 
Year 

1 to 3 
Years 

3 to 5 
Years 

Over 5 
Years 

- 
251 
28 
7 
20 
279 

- 
253 
- 
- 
- 
253 

- 
554 
- 
- 
- 
554 

- 
1,879 
- 
- 
- 
1,879 

Total 

- 
2,937 
28 
7 
20 
2,965 

36.  Transactions on behalf of third parties 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 the details of the most transactions on behalf of third parties are as 
follows: 

Transactions on Behalf of Third Parties (Millions of euros) 

Financial instruments entrusted to BBVA by third parties 
Conditional bills and other securities received for collection 
Securities lending 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

628,417 
13,484 
4,866 
646,768 

624,822 
14,775 
5,485 
645,081 

637,761 
16,054 
3,968 
657,783 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 the customer funds managed by the BBVA Group are as follows: 

Customer Funds by Type (Millions of euros) 

Asset management by type of customer (*): 
Collective investment 
Pension funds 
Customer portfolios managed  

Of which: 

Portfolios managed on a discretionary basis 

Other resources 

Customer resources distributed but not managed by type of product: 
Collective investment 
Insurance products 
Other 
Total 

(*) 

Excludes balances from securitization funds.  

2018 

2017 

2016 

- 
61,393 
33,807 
29,953 
- 
23,657 
2,949 

- 
3,468 
32 
- 
131,603 

- 
60,939 
33,985 
36,901 
- 
19,628 
3,081 

- 
3,407 
35 
- 
138,347 

- 
55,037 
33,418 
40,805 
0 
18,165 
2,831 

- 
3,695 
39 
- 
135,824 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.219 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

37.  Net interest income 

37.1  Interest income and other income 

The  breakdown  of  the  interest  income  and  other  income  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
income statement is as follows: 

Interest income and other income. Breakdown by Origin (Millions of euros) 

Central Banks 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Loans and advances to customers 

Debt securities 

Held for trading 

Other portfolios 

Adjustments of income as a result of hedging transactions  

Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 

Fair value hedges 

Insurance activity 

Other income 

Total 

Of which: 

Notes 

2018 

482 

458 

2017 

406 

410 

2016 

229 

217 

22,831 

22,699 

21,608 

4,395 

1,552 

2,843 

(201) 

(3) 

(198) 

1,142 

722 

3,809 

1,263 

2,546 

427 

15 

412 

1,058 

487 

4,128 

1,014 

3,114 

(385) 

12 

(397) 

1,219 

692 

55.2 

29,831 

29,296 

27,708 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income  
Financial assets at amortized cost 
Other 

2,306 
24,668 
2,856 

1,962 
23,803 
3,531 

- 
24,578 
3,130 

The  amounts  recognized  in  consolidated  equity  in  connection  with  hedging  derivatives  and  the  amounts 
derecognized from consolidated equity and taken to the consolidated income statement during the years are 
given in the accompanying “Consolidated statements of recognized income and expenses”.  

37.2  Interest expense 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as 
follows: 

Interest Expenses. Breakdown by Origin (Millions of euros) 

Central banks 
Deposits from credit institutions 
Customers deposits 
Debt certificates 
Adjustments of expenses as a result of hedging transactions 

Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 
Fair value hedges 

Cost attributable to pension funds 
Insurance activity 
Other expenses 

Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

80 
2,023 
6,523 
1,936 
(323) 
46 
(368) 
119 
607 
1,274 

123 
1,880 
5,814 
1,930 
665 
38 
627 
125 
682 
316 

192 
1,367 
5,766 
2,323 
(574) 
42 
(616) 
96 
846 
634 

12,239 

11,537 

10,648 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.220 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
37.3  Average return on investments and average borrowing cost 

The detail of the average return on investments in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as 
follows: 

Assets (Millions of euros) 

2018

2017

2016

Average 
Balances 

Interest 
income 

Average 
Interest 
Rates (%) 

Average 
Balances 

Interest 
income 

Average 
Interest 
Rates (%) 

Average 
Balances 

Interest 
income 

Average 
Interest 
Rates (%) 

Cash and balances with central banks 
and other demand deposits

42,730

135

0.32 

33,917

83

0.25 

26,209

10

Securities portfolio and derivatives  

179,672 

5,707 

3.18 

177,164 

4,724 

2.67 

202,388 

5,072 

Loans and advances to central banks 

5,518 

258 

4.67 

10,945 

258 

2.36 

15,326 

229 

Loans and advances to credit 
institutions

25,634

657

2.56 

26,420

485

1.83 

28,078

218

Loans and advances to customers 

378,996 

22,804 

6.02 

407,153 

23,261 

5.71 

410,895 

21,853 

Euros 

Foreign currency 

  181,668 

3,381

1.86 

196,893 

3,449

1.75 

201,967 

3,750

  197,328 

19,423

9.84 

210,261 

19,812

9.42 

208,928 

18,104

Other assets
Total 
The average borrowing cost in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

48,872
704,471 

52,748
735,645 

46,343
678,893 

270
29,831 

485
29,296 

0.99 
4.16 

0.58 
4.39 

325
27,708 

0.04

2.51 

1.50 

0.78

5.32 

1.86

8.67

0.62
3.77 

Liabilities (Millions of euros) 

2018

2017

2016

Average 
Balances 

Interest 
expenses 

Average 
Interest 
Rates (%) 

Average 
Balances 

Interest 
expenses 

Average 
Interest 
Rates (%) 

Average 
Balances 

Interest 
expenses 

Average 
Interest 
Rates (%) 

Deposits from central banks and credit 
institutions

Customer deposits 

  Euros 

  Foreign currency 

Debt certificates 

Other liabilities 

65,044 

370,078 

2,192 

6,559 

3.37 

90,619 

1.77  392,057 

2,212 

7,007 

2.44  101,975 

1,866

1.79  398,851 

5,944 

  178,370 

337 

0.19  186,261 

461 

0.25  195,310 

766 

  191,709 

6,222 

3.25  205,796 

6,546 

3.18  203,541 

5,178 

75,927 

115,638 

1,753 

1,735 

2.31 

84,221 

1,631 

1.94 

89,876 

1.50 

82,699 

687 

0.83 

89,328 

1,738 

1,101 

1.83

1.49 

0.39 

2.54 

1.93 

1.23 

Equity
Total 
The change in the balance under the headings “Interest income and other income” and “Interest expense” in 
the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statements  is  the  result  of  exchange  rate  effect,  changing  prices 
(price effect) and changing volume of activity (volume effect), as can be seen below: 

54,874
1.80  704,471 

55,616
1.64  735,645 

52,206
678,893 

-
12,239 

-
10,648 

- 
11,537 

-
1.45 

- 

- 

 
P.221 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Interest Income and Expenses : Change in the Balance (Millions of euros) 

Cash and balances with central banks and other demand 
deposits 

Securities portfolio and derivatives 

Loans and advances to Central Banks 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Loans and advances to customers 

 Euros 
 Foreign currencies 

Other assets 
Interest income 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Customer deposits  

 Euros 

 Foreign currencies 

Debt securities issued 

Other liabilities 
Interest expenses 

Net Interest Income 

2018 / 2017 

2017 / 2016 

Volume 
Effect (1) 

Price 
Effect  (2) 

Total 
Effect 

Volume 
Effect (1) 

Price 
Effect  (2) 

Total 
Effect 

22 

67 

(128) 

(14) 

(1,609) 
(267) 

(1,219) 

(25) 
- 

(624) 

(393) 

(20) 

(448) 

(161) 

274 
- 

- 

30 

916 

128 

187 

1,152 
199 

830 

(190) 
- 

604 

(55) 

(104) 

124 

282 

774 
- 

- 

51 

983 

(0) 

172 

(456) 
(68) 

(389) 

(215) 
535 

(20) 

(448) 

(124) 

(324) 

122 

1,048 
702 

(167) 

3 

(632) 

(66) 

(13) 

(199) 
(94) 

115 

(24) 
- 

(208) 

(101) 

(35) 

57 

(109) 

(82) 
- 

- 

71 

285 

94 

279 

1,606 
(206) 

1,593 

184 
- 

554 

1,164 

(269) 

1,311 

3 

(332) 
- 

- 

74 

(347) 

29 

266 

1,408 
(301) 

1,708 

160 
1,588 

346 

1,063 

(305) 

1,368 

(106) 

(414) 
889 

699 

(1) 

The volume effect is calculated as the result of the interest rate of the initial period multiplied by the difference between 
the average balances of both periods.  

(2)  The price effect is calculated as the result of the average balance of the last period multiplied by the difference between 

the interest rates of both periods.  

38.  Dividend income 

The balances for this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements correspond to dividends 
on  shares  and  equity  instruments  other  than  those  from  shares  in  entities  accounted  for  using  the  equity 
method (see Note 39), as can be seen in the breakdown below: 

Dividend Income (Millions of euros) 

Dividends from: 

Financial assets held for trading and financial assets at fair value through profit 
or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

19 

138 
157 

145 

188 
334 

161 

307 
467 

39.  Share  of  profit  or  loss  of  entities  accounted  for  using  the 

equity method 

Net  income  from  “Investments  in  Entities  Accounted  for  Using  the  Equity  Method”  resulted  in  a  negative 
impact  of  €7  million  as  of  December  31,  2018,  compared  with  the  positive  impact  of  €4    and  €25  million 
recorded as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.222 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

40. Fee and commission income and expense

The breakdown of the balance under these heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is 
as follows: 

Fee and Commission Income (Millions of euros) 

Bills receivables 

Demand accounts 

Credit and debit cards 

Checks 

Transfers and other payment orders 

Insurance product commissions 

Commitment fees 

Contingent risks 

Asset Management 

Securities fees 

Custody securities 

Other fees and commissions 
Total 

2018 

39 

451 

2,900 

194 

605 

171 

223 

390 

1,023 

325 

122 

689 
7,132 

2017 

46 

507 

2,834 

212 

601 

192 

231 

396 

923 

385 

122 

2016 

52 

469 

2,679 

207 

578 

178 

237 

406 

839 

335 

122 

700 
7,150 

701 
6,804 

The  breakdown  of  fee  and  commission  expense  under  these  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
income statements is as follows: 

Fee and Commission Expense (Millions of euros) 

Credit and debit cards 
Transfers and other payment orders 
Commissions for selling insurance 
Other fees and commissions 
Total 

2018 

1,502 
96 
48 
607 
2,253 

2017 

1,458 
102 
60 
610 
2,229 

2016 

1,334 
102 
63 
587 
2,086 

P.223 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

41.  Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  net  and 

Exchange differences  

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  this  heading,  by  source  of  the  related  items,  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statement is as follows: 

Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities and exchange differences: Breakdown by Heading of the Consolidated Income 
Statements (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Gains or losses on derecognition of financial assets and liabilities not measured 
at fair value through profit or loss, net 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Other financial assets and liabilities  

Gains or losses on financial assets and liabilities held for trading, net 

Reclassification of financial assets from fair value through other comprehensive 
income 

Reclassification of financial assets from amortized cost 

Other gains or (-) losses 

Gains (losses) on non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through 
profit or loss, net 

Reclassification of financial assets from fair value through other comprehensive 
income 

Reclassification of financial assets from amortized cost 

Other gains or (-) losses 

Gains or losses on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through 
profit or loss, net 

Gains or losses from hedge accounting, net  

Subtotal Gains or (losses) on financial assets and liabilities 

Exchange Differences 
Total 

216 

51 

164 

707 

-  

-  

707  

96  

-  

-  

96  

143 

72 
1,234 

(9) 
1,223 

985 
133 

852 

218 

1,375 
95 

1,281 

248 

(56) 

(209) 
938 

1,030 
1,968 

114 

(76) 
1,661 

472 
2,133 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  (excluding  exchange  rate  differences)  under  this  heading 
accompanying income statements by the nature of financial instruments is as follows: 

in  the 

Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities: Breakdown by nature of the Financial Instrument (Millions of euros) 

Debt instruments 
Equity instruments 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading derivatives and hedge accounting 
Customer deposits 
Other 
Total 

2018 

354 
(253) 
(172) 
927 
240 
137 
1,233 

2017 

545 
845 
97 
(470) 
(96) 
18 
938 

2016 

906 
459 
65 
109 
87 
35 
1,661 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.224
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown of the balance of the impact of the derivatives (trading and hedging) under this heading in the 
accompanying consolidated income statements is as follows: 

Derivatives - Hedge accounting (Millions of euros) 

Derivatives 

Interest rate agreements 

Securities agreements 

Commodity agreements 

Credit derivative agreements 

Foreign-exchange agreements 

Other agreements 
Subtotal 

Hedging Derivatives Ineffectiveness 

Fair value hedges 

Hedging derivative 

Hedged item 

Cash flow hedges 
Subtotal 
Total 

- 

- 

2018 

2017 

2016 

- 

- 

90 

294 

(2) 

(109) 

606 

(24) 
856 

87 
(150) 

237 

(15) 
72 
927 

- 

- 

165 

(139) 

99 

(564) 

315 

(137) 
(261) 

(177) 
(236) 

59 

(32) 
(209) 
(470) 

431 

86 

(29) 

(118) 

186 

(371) 
185 

(76) 
(330) 

254 

- 
(76) 
109 

In  addition,  in  the  years  ended  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  under  the  heading  “Gains  or  losses  on 
financial  assets  and  liabilities  held  for  trading,  net”  of  the  consolidated  income  statement,  net  amounts  of 
negative  €113  million,  positive  €235  million  and  positive  €151  million,  respectively,  were  recognized  for 
transactions with foreign exchange trading derivatives. 

42. Other operating income and expense

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  the  heading  “Other  operating  income”  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statements is as follows: 

Other operating income (Millions of euros) 

Gains from sales of non-financial services 

Of which: Real estate 

Other 

Of which: net profit from building leases 

Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

458 

283 

491 
21 

949 

1,109 

884 

330 
61 

1,439 

882 

588 

390 
76 

1,272 

P.225 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  the  heading  “Other  operating  expense”  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated income statements is as follows: 

Other operating expense (Millions of euros) 

Change in inventories 

Of Which: Real estate 

Other 
Total 

2018 

292 
248 

1,808 

2,101 

2017 

886 
816 

1,337 

2,223 

2016 

617 
511 

1,511 

2,128 

43.  Income  and  expense  from  insurance  and  reinsurance 

contracts 

The  detail  of  the  headings  “Income  and  expense  from  insurance  and  reinsurance  contracts”  in  the 
accompanying consolidated income statements is as follows: 

Other operating income and expense on insurance and reinsurance contracts (Millions of euros) 

Income on insurance and reinsurance contracts 

Expenses on insurance and reinsurance contracts 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

2,949 

(1,894) 
1,055 

3,342 

(2,272) 
1,069 

3,652 

(2,545) 
1,107 

The  table  below  shows  the  contribution  of  each  insurance  product  to  the  Group´s  income  for  the  years 
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: 

Income by type of insurance product (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Life insurance 

Individual 

Savings 

Risk 

Group insurance 

Savings 

Risk 

Non-Life insurance 

Home insurance 

Other non-life insurance products 

Total 

682 

486 

56 

430 

196 

39 

157 

373 

110 

263 

604 

346 

38 

308 

258 

(4) 

263 

464 

118 

346 

634 

268 

30 

238 

366 

8 

357 

474 

131 

342 

1,055 

1,069 

1,107 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.226 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

44. Administration costs

44.1   Personnel expenses 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as 
follows:  

Personnel Expenses (Millions of euros) 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Defined contribution plan expense 

Defined benefit plan expense 

Other personnel expenses 

Total 

Notes 

25 

25 

2018 

4,786 

722 

89 

58 

465 

2017 

5,163 

761 

87 

62 

497 

2016 

5,267 

784 

87 

67 

516 

6,120 

6,571 

6,722 

The  breakdown  of  the  average  number  of  employees  in  the  BBVA  Group  in  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2018, 2017 and 2016 by professional categories and geographical areas is as follows: 

Average Number of Employees 

Spanish banks 
Management Team 
Other line personnel 
Clerical staff 
Branches abroad 
Subtotal 

Companies abroad 
Mexico 
United States 
Turkey 
Venezuela 
Argentina 
Colombia 
Peru 
Other 
Subtotal 

Pension fund managers 
Other non-banking companies 
Total 

Of which: 
 Men 
 Women 
Of which: 
 BBVA, S.A. 

2018 

2017 

2016 

1,047  
21,840  
2,818  
589  
26,294 

31,655  
9,786  
22,322  
3,631  
6,074  
5,185  
5,879  
3,767  
88,299 

395  
14,349  
129,336 

59,547 
69,790 

0 

0 

1,026  
22,180  
3,060  
603  
26,869 

30,664  
9,532  
23,154  
4,379  
6,173  
5,374  
5,571  
5,501  
90,348 

362  
14,925  
132,504 

60,730 
71,774 

0 

0 

1,044  
23,211  
3,730  
718  
28,703 

30,378  
9,710  
23,900  
5,097  
6,041  
5,714  
5,455  
5,037  
91,332 

335  
16,307  
136,677 

62,738 
73,939 

26,294 

26,869 

25,979 

0 

0 

P.227
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown of the number of employees in the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 by 
category and gender is as follows: 

Number of Employees at the period end. Professional Category and Gender 

Management Team 

Other line personnel 

Clerical staff 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Male 

Female 

Male 

Female 

Male 

Female 

1,197 

37,461 

19,315 
57,973 

339 

38,918 

28,397 
67,654 

1,244 

38,670 

20,639 
60,553 

342 

39,191 

31,770 
71,303 

1,331 

38,514 

22,066 
61,911 

350 

39,213 

33,318 
72,881 

44.1.1  Share-based employee remuneration 

The amounts recognized under the heading “Administration costs - Personnel expenses - Other personnel 
expenses”  in  the  consolidated  income  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016, 
corresponding    to  the  remuneration  plans  based  on  equity  instruments  in  each  year,  amounted  to  €29 
million,  €38  million  and  €57  million,  respectively.  These  amounts  have  been  recognized  with  a 
corresponding  entry  under  the  heading  “Shareholders’  funds  -  Other  equity 
in  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets, net of tax effect. 

instruments” 

The characteristics of the Group's remuneration plans based on equity instruments are described below. 

System of Variable Remuneration in Shares  

In BBVA, the annual variable remuneration applying generally to all employees consists of one incentive, to 
be  paid  in  cash,  awarded  once  a  year  and  linked  to  the  achievement  of  predetermined  objectives  and  to  a 
sound risk management (hereinafter, the “Annual Variable Remuneration”). 

According  to  the  remuneration  policy  for  BBVA  Group,  in  force  since  2017,  the  specific  settlement  and 
payment system for the Annual Variable Remuneration applicable to those employees and senior managers 
whose  professional  activities  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  Group’s  risk  profile  including  the  executive 
directors  and  members  of  BBVA  Senior  Management  (hereinafter,  the  "Identified  Staff"),  which  includes, 
among others, the payment in shares of part of their Annual Variable Remuneration.  

This remuneration policy was approved, with respect to BBVA directors, by the Board of  Directors held on 
February 9, 2017, and by the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting held on March 17, 2017. 

This  remuneration  policy  includes  a  specific  settlement  and  payment  system  of  the  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration  applicable  to  the  Identified  Staff,  including  directors  and  senior  management,  under  the 
following rules, among others:  

A  significant  percentage  of  variable  remuneration  –  60%  in  the  case  of  executive  directors, 
Senior  Management  and  those  Identified  Staff  members  with  particularly  high  variable 
remuneration,  and  40%  for  the  rest  of  the  Identified  Staff–  shall  be  deferred  over  a  five-year 
period, in the case of executive directors and Senior Management, and over a three-year period, 
for the remaining Identified Staff. 

50%  of  the  variable  remuneration  of  each  year  (including  both  upfront  and  deferred  portions), 
shall be established in BBVA shares, albeit a larger proportion (60%) in shares shall be deferred 
in the case of executive directors and Senior Management. 

The variable remuneration will be subject to ex ante adjustments, so that it will not be accrued, or 
will  be  accrued  in  a  reduced  amount,  should  a  certain  level  of  profit  or  capital  ratio  not  be 
obtained.  Likewise,  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  will  be  reduced  upon  performance 

P.228 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

assessment in the event of negative evolution of the Bank’s results or other parameters such as 
the level of achievement of budgeted targets.  

  The deferred component of the variable remuneration (in shares and in cash) may be reduced in 
its entirety, yet not increased, based on the result of multi-year performance indicators aligned 
with  the  Bank’s  fundamental  risk  management  and  control  metrics,  related  to  the  solvency, 
capital, liquidity, funding or profitability, or to the share performance and recurring results of the 
Group.  

  During  the  entire  deferral  period  (5  or  3  years,  as  applicable)  and  retention  period,  variable 
remuneration shall be subject to malus and clawback arrangements, both linked to a downturn in 
financial  performance  of  the  Bank,  specific  unit  or  area,  or 
individual,  under  certain 
circumstances.  

  All  shares  shall  be  withheld  for  a  period  of  one  year  after  delivery,  except  for  those  shares 

required to honor the payment of taxes. 

  No personal hedging strategies or insurance may be used in connection with remuneration and 

responsibility that may undermine the effects of alignment with sound risk management.  

  The deferred amounts in cash subject to multi-year performance indicators that are finally paid 
shall  be  subject  to  updating,  in  the  terms  determined  by  the  Bank’s  Board  of  Directors,  upon 
proposal  of  the  Remunerations  Committee,  whereas  deferred  amounts  in  shares  shall  not  be 
updated. 

Finally,  the  variable  component  of  the  remuneration  of  the  Identified  Staff  members  shall  be 
limited to a maximum amount of 100% of the fixed component of total remuneration, unless the 
General Meeting resolves to increase this percentage up to 200%. 

In  this  regard,  the  General  Meeting  held  on  March  16,  2018  resolved  to  increase  the  maximum  level  of 
variable  remuneration  to  200%  of  the  fixed  component  for  a  number  of  the  Identified  Staff,  in  the  terms 
indicated  in  the  Report  of  Recommendations  issued  for  this  purpose  by  the  Board  of  Directors  dated 
February 12, 2018. 

In  accordance  with  the  new  remuneration  policy  applicable  to  the  Identified  Staff,  malus  and  clawback 
arrangements will be applicable to the Annual Variable Remuneration awarded as of the year 2016, inclusive, 
for each member of the Identified Staff. 

According  to  the  settlement  and  payment  scheme  indicated,  during  2018,  members  of  the  Identified  Staff 
received  a  total  amount  of  3,932,268  shares  corresponding  to  the  initial  payment  corresponding  to  2017 
Annual Variable Remuneration to be delivered in shares. 

Additionally,  the  remuneration  policy  prevailing  until  2014  provided  for  a  specific  settlement  and  payment 
scheme for the variable remuneration of the Identified Staff that established a three-year deferral period for 
the Annual Variable Remuneration, being the deferred amount paid in thirds over this period in equal parts, in 
cash and in BBVA shares. 

According  to  this  prior  scheme,  during  2018,  the  members  of  the  Identified  Staff  received  the  shares 
corresponding  to  the  deferred  parts  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  from  previous  years,  and  their 
corresponding  adjustments  in  cash,  delivery  of  which  corresponded  in  2018,  were  delivered  to  the 
beneficiary members of the Identified Staff, resulting in a total amount of 941,366  shares corresponding to 
the last deferred third of the 2014 Annual Variable Remuneration and €903,711 as adjustments for updates 
of the shares granted. 

The information on the delivery of shares to executive  Directors and senior management corresponding to 
the  deferred  parts  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  from  previous  years  and  their  corresponding 
adjustments in cash, are detailed in Note 54. 

 
 
P.229 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Additionally,  in  line  with  specific  regulation  applicable  in  Portugal  and  Brazil,  BBVA  identifies  those 
employees  that,  according  to  local  regulators,  should  be  subject  to  a  specific  settlement  and  payment 
scheme of the Annual Variable Remuneration.  

According to this regulation, during 2018 a number of 39,555 shares corresponding to the initial payment of 
2017 Annual Variable Remuneration were delivered to these beneficiaries.  

Additionally,  during  2018  the  shares  corresponding  to  the  deferred  parts  of  the  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration and their corresponding adjustments in cash, were delivered to these beneficiaries, giving rise 
in  2018,  of  a  total  of  12,120  shares  corresponding  to  the  first  deferred  third  of  the  2016  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration,  and  €2,679  as  adjustments  for  updates  of  the  shares  granted;  a  total  of  10,485  shares 
corresponding to the second third of the 2015 Annual Variable Remuneration, and €6,186 as adjustments for 
updates of the shares granted; and a total of 7,158 shares corresponding to the final third of the 2014 Annual 
Variable Remuneration, and €6,872 as adjustments for updates of the shares granted.  

44.2 Other administrative expenses 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as 
follows: 

Other Administrative Expenses (Millions of euros) 

Technology and systems 
Communications 
Advertising 
Property, fixtures and materials 
Of which: Rent expenses (*) 

Taxes other than income tax 
Other expenses 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

1,133 
235 
336 
982 
552 

417 
1,271 
4,374 

692 
269 
352 
1,033 
581 

456 
1,738 
4,541 

673 
294 
398 
1,080 
616 

433 
1,766 
4,644 

(*) The consolidated companies do not expect to terminate the lease contracts early. 

45. Depreciation and Amortization

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as 
follows:  

Depreciation and amortization (Millions of euros) 

Tangible assets 
For own use 
Investment properties 
Assets leased out under operating lease 

Other Intangible assets 
Total 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

17 

594 
589 
5 
- 

613 
1,208 

694 
680 
13 
- 

694 
1,387 

690 
667 
23 
- 

735 
1,426 

46. Provisions or (reversal) of provisions

In the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 the net provisions registered in this income statement 
line item were as follows: 

P.230 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Provisions or (reversal) of provisions (Millions of euros) 

Pensions and other post employment defined benefit obligations 

Commitments and guarantees given 
Pending legal issues and tax litigation 
Other Provisions  
Total 

Notes 

25 

2018 

125 

(48) 
133 
163 
373 

2017 

343 

(313) 
318 
397 
745 

2016 

332 

56 
76 
722 
1,186 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.231 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

47.  Impairment or (reversal) of impairment on financial assets 

not measured at fair value through profit or loss 

The  breakdown  of  Impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  on  financial  assets  not  measured  at  fair  value 
through profit or loss by the nature of those assets in the accompanying consolidated income statements is 
as follows: 

Impairment or (reversal) of impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss (Millions of euros) 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Debt securities 
Equity instruments 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Of which: Recovery of written-off assets 

Held to maturity investments 
Total 

Notes 

13.4 

7.3.5 

2018 

1 
1 
- 

3,980 
589 

3,981 

2017 

1,127 
(4) 
1,131 

3,677 
558 

(1) 
4,803 

2016 

202 
157 
46 

3,597 
541 

1 
3,801 

48.  Impairment  or  (reversal)  of  impairment  on  non-financial 

assets  

The  impairment  losses  on  non-financial  assets  broken  down  by  the  nature  of  those  assets  in  the 
accompanying consolidated income statements are as follows: 

Impairment or (reversal) of impairment on non-financial assets (Millions of euros) 

Tangible assets 
Intangible assets 
Others    
Total 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

17 
18.2 
20 

5 
83 
51 
138 

42 
16 
306 
363 

143 
3 
375 
521 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.232 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

49. Gains  (losses)  on  derecognition  of  non  -  financial  assets

and subsidiaries, net

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as 
follows: 

Gains (losses) on derecognition of non-financial assets and subsidiaries, net (Millions of euros) 

Gains 

Disposal of investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries 

Disposal of tangible assets and other 

Losses: 

Disposal of investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries 

Disposal of tangible assets and other 
Total 

2018 

2017 

2016 

- 

55 

81 

- 

(13)

(45)
78 

- 

38 

69 

- 

(27)

(33)
47 

- 

111 

64 

- 

(58) 

(47) 
70 

50. Profit  (loss)  from  non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups
classified  as  held  for  sale  not  qualifying  as  discontinued
operations

The  main  items  included  in  the  balance  under  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income 
statements are as follows: 

Profit (loss) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations (Millions of 
euros) 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

Gains on sale of real estate 
Impairment of non-current assets held for sale 

21 

Gains on sale of investments classified as non-current assets held for sale (*) 

Gains on sale of equity instruments classified as non-current assets held for 
sale 
Total 

(*)  The change is mainly as a result of the sale of the BBVA stake in BBVA Chile (see Note 3). 

129 
(208)

894 

- 
815 

102 
(158)

82

- 
26 

66 
(136) 

39 

- 
(31) 

51. Consolidated statements of cash flows

In the consolidated statements of cash flows, Balance of “Cash equivalent in central banks” includes short-
term deposits at central banks under the heading "Financial assets at amortized cost" in the accompanying 
consolidated balance sheets and does not include demand deposits with credit institutions registered in the 
chapter "Cash, balances in cash at Central Bank and other demand deposits". 

Cash  flows  from  operating  activities  increased  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  by  €6,609  million 
(compared with a decrease of €4,568 million in December 31, 2017), mainly due to the change in “Financial 
assets held for trading”. 

P.233 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Cash  flows  from  investing  activities  increased  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  by  €4,614  million 
(compared  with  an  increase  of  €3,462  million  in  December  31,  2017),  mainly  due  to  the  change  in  “Joint 
Ventures and Associates”. 

Cash  flows  from  financing  activities  decreased  in  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  by  €4,994  million 
(compared  with  an  increase  of  €1,015  million  in  December  31,  2017),  mainly  due  to  the  change  in 
“Subordinated Liabilities”. 

The variation between 2018 and 2017 of the financial liabilities from financing activities is the following: 

Liabilities from financing activities (Millions of Euros) 

Non-cash changes 

December 
31, 2017 

Cash flows 

Acquisition 

Disposal 

Debt certificates 

Subordinated debt certificates 

Short-term debt 

Other financial liabilities 

Total 

50,635 

17,443 

10,013 

8,891 

86,982 

(1,621) 

857 

931 

1,574 

1,741 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,900) 

(694) 

- 

(643) 

(3,237) 

Foreign 
exchange 
movement 
(779) 

29 

81 

(1,328) 

(1,997) 

Fair value 
changes 

December 
31, 2018 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

46,335 

17,635 

11,025 

8,495 

83,490

Liabilities from financing activities (Millions of Euros) 

December 
31, 2016 

Cash flows 

Acquisition 

Disposal 

Foreign 
exchange 
movement 

Fair value 
changes 

December 
31, 2017 

Non-cash changes 

Debt certificates 

59,388 

(5,958) 

Subordinated debt certificates 

Short-term debt 

Other financial liabilities 

Total 

16,987 

11,556 

10,179 

98,111 

1,679 

(1,319) 

(378) 

(5,976) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,796) 

(1,223) 

(224) 

(910) 

(5,153) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

50,635 

17,443 

10,013 

8,891 

86,982

52. Accountant fees and services

The  details  of  the  fees  for  the  services  contracted  by  entities  of  the  BBVA  Group  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2018 with their respective auditors and other audit entities are as follows: 

Fees for Audits Conducted and Other Related Services (Millions of euros) (**) 

Audits of the companies audited by firms belonging to the KPMG worldwide organization and other 
reports related with the audit (*) 
Other reports required pursuant to applicable legislation and tax regulations issued by the national 
supervisory bodies of the countries in which the Group operates, reviewed by firms belonging to the 
KPMG worldwide organization 

Fees for audits conducted by other firms 

2018 

26.1 

1.5 

0.1 

2017 

27.2 

1.9 

0.1 

(*) 

Including fees pertaining to annual legal audits (€22.4 and 22.6 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 
respectively). 

(**)  Regardless of the billed period. 

P.234
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In the year ended December 31, 2018, other entities in the BBVA Group contracted other services (other than 
audits) as follows: 

Other Services rendered (Millions of euros) 

Firms belonging to the KPMG worldwide organization 

2018 

0.3 

2017 

0.5 

This  total  of  contracted  services  includes  the  detail  of  the  services  provided  by  KPMG  Auditores,  S.L.  to 
BBVA, S.A. or its controlled companies at the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements 
as follows: 

Fees for Audits Conducted (*) (Millions of euros) 

Legal audit of BBVA,S.A. or its companies under control 

Other audit services of BBVA, S.A. or its companies under control 

Limited Review of BBVA, S.A. or its companies under control 

Reports related to issuances 

Assurance jobs and other required by the regulator 

Other 

2018 

2017 

6.7 

5.9 

1.1 

0.3 

0.9 

- 

6.8 

5.0 

0.9 

0.4 

0.6 

- 

(*)    Services provided by KPMG Auditores, S.L. to companies located in Spain, to  the branch of BBVA in New York and to the 

branch of BBVA in London. 

The  services  provided  by  the  auditors  meet  the  independence  requirements  of  the  external  auditor 
established under Audit of Accounts Law (Law 22/2015) and under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 adopted 
by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

53. Related-party transactions

As financial institutions, BBVA and other entities in the Group engage in transactions with related parties in 
the  normal  course  of  their  business.  All  of  these  transactions  are  not  material  and  are  carried  out  under 
normal market conditions. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the following are the transactions with 
related parties: 

53.1 Transactions with significant shareholders 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were no shareholders considered significant (see Note 26). 

P.235
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

53.2 Transactions with BBVA Group entities 

The  balances  of  the  main  aggregates  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  arising  from  the 
transactions  carried  out  by  the  BBVA  Group  with  associates  and  joint  venture entities  accounted  for  using 
the equity method are as follows: 

Balances arising from transactions with Entities of the Group (Millions of euros) 

Assets: 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Loans and advances to customers 

Liabilities: 

Deposits from credit institutions 
Customer deposits 
Debt certificates 

Memorandum accounts: 

Financial guarantees given 

Contingent commitments 

Other 

2018 

2017 

2016 

132 
1,866 

2 
521 
- 

78 

1,358 

152 

91 
510 

5 
428 
- 

78 

114 

69 
442 

1 
533 
- 

42 

121 

1,175 

1,466 

The balances of the main aggregates in the accompanying consolidated income statements resulting from 
transactions with associates and joint venture entities that are accounted for under the equity method are as 
follows: 

Balances of Income Statement arising from transactions with Entities of the Group (Millions of euros) 

Income statement: 
Financial incomes 
Financial costs 
Fee and Commission Income 
Fee and Commission Expenses 

2018 

2017 

2016 

55 
2 
5 
48 

26 
1 
5 
49 

26 
1 
5 
58 

There were no other material effects in the consolidated financial statements arising from dealings with these 
entities, other than the effects from using the equity method (see Note 2.1) and from the insurance policies 
to  cover  pension  or  similar  (see  Note  25)  commitments  and  the  futures  transactions  arranged  by  BBVA 
Group with these entities, associates and joint ventures. 

In addition, as part of its normal activity, the BBVA Group has entered into agreements and commitments of 
various  types  with  shareholders  of  subsidiaries  and  associates,  which  have  no  material  effects  on  the 
accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

53.3  Transactions  with  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  Senior 

Management 

The  information  on  the  remuneration  of  the  members  of  the  BBVA  Board  of  Directors  and  Senior 
Management is included in Note 54. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  t h e  a m o u n t  a v a i l e d  a g a i nst  t h e  loans  granted  by  the  Group’s  entities 
to the  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  amounted  to  €611  thousand.  As  of  December  31,  2017  and 
loans  granted  by  the  Group’s  entities  to  the  members  of  the  Board  of 
2016,  there  were  no 
Directors.  The  amount  availed  against  the  loans  granted  by  the  Group’s  entities  to  the  members  of 
Senior  Management on  those  same  dates  (excluding  the  executive  directors)  amounted  to  €3,783, 
€4,049  and  €5,573 thousand, respectively. 

Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were no loans granted to parties  related to the members of 
the Board of Directors. As  of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 the amount availed against the loans
granted  to parties  related  to  members  of  the  Senior  Management  amounted  to  €69,  €85  and  €98 
thousand, respectively. 

P.236 

As  of  December 31,  2018,  2017  and 2016  no guarantees  had been granted  to any  member of  the  Board  of 
Directors. 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the amount availed against guarantees arranged with members of 
the Senior Management amounted to €38, €28 and €28 thousand, respectively.  

As of December 31, 2018, no commercial loans and guarantees has been granted with parties related to the 
members of the Bank´s Board of Directors and the Senior Management. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 
the amount availed against commercial loans and guarantees arranged with parties related to the members 
of the Bank’s Board of Directors and the Senior Management totaled €8 thousand. 

53.4 Transactions with other related parties 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  the  Group  did  not  conduct  any  transactions  with  other  related 
parties that are not in the ordinary course of its business, which were not carried out at arm's-length market 
conditions and of marginal relevance; whose information is not necessary to give a true picture of the BBVA 
Group’s consolidated net equity, net earnings and financial situation.   

54. Remuneration and other benefits to the Board of Directors
and to the members of the Bank’s Senior Management

Remuneration received by non-executive directors during the 2018 financial year 

The remunerations paid to non-executive members of the Board of Directors during the 2018 financial 
year are indicated below, individually and itemized:  

Remuneration for non-executive directors (thousands of euro) 

Board of 
Directors 

Executive 
Committee 

Audit and 
Compliance 
Committee 

Risk 
Committee 

Remunerations 
Committee

Appointments 
Committee 

Technology 
and 
Cybersecurity 
Committee 

Tomás Alfaro Drake 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas
Jaime  Félix  Caruana  Lacorte 
(1) 

Belén Garijo López 

Sunir Kumar Kapoor
Carlos  Loring  Martínez  de 
Irujo 

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

José Maldonado Ramos 

Ana Peralta Moreno (1) 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

Jan Verplancke (1) 
Total (2) 

129 

129 

75 

129 

129 

129 

129 

129 

86 

129 

129 

107 
1.427 

-

-

83 

-

- 

167 

-

167 

-

-

167 

- 
584 

18

179

-

71

- 

-

71

-

36

71

-

- 
446 

-

107 

53

-

- 

107

-

53

-

214 

107

-
642

43

-

-

107

- 

43 

43

-

21

-

-

- 
257 

25 

71 

- 

20 

- 

- 

41 

41 

- 

- 

41 

- 
239 

43 

-

25 

-

43 

- 

-

-

- 

43 

-

25 
179 

Total 

258 

485

237

328

172

445

284

390

143

457

443

132
3.773

(1) Directors appointed by the General Meeting held on 16 March 2018.  This includes the remunerations paid for membership of the
various  Board  Committees  throughout  the  2018  financial  year.  The  composition  of  these  Committees  was  modified  on  27  June 
2018. Remunerations paid in accordance with the date of acceptance of said appointment.

(2) In addition, José Antonio Fernández Rivero, who stepped down as director on 16 March 2018, received a total of €95 thousand in

2018, for his membership of the Board and of a number of Board Committees. 

 
P.237
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Also, during the 2018 financial year, €107 thousand has been paid out in casualty and healthcare insurance 
premiums for non-executive members of the Board of Directors. 

Remuneration received by executive directors during the 2018 financial year 

Over the course of financial year 2018, the executive directors have received the amount of the Annual Fixed 
Remuneration  corresponding  to  said  financial  year,  established  in  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA 
Directors applicable in 2018, which was approved by the General Meeting held on 17 March 2017. 

In addition, the executive directors have received the Annual Variable Remuneration for 2017 financial year, 
which, in accordance with the settlement and payment system set out in said Policy, was due to be paid to 
them during the first quarter of financial year 2018. 

In application of this settlement and payment system: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

40% of the 2017 Annual Variable Remuneration corresponding to executive directors has been paid,
having the conditions been met, in the first quarter of financial year 2018 (hereinafter, the "Upfront
Portion"), in equal parts in cash and in shares.

The  remaining  60%  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration,  both  in  cash  and  in  shares,  has  been
deferred  in  its  entirety  for  a  period  of  five  years,  and  its  accrual  and  payment  will  be  subject  to
compliance  with  a  series  of  multi-year  indicators  (hereinafter,  the  "Deferred  Portion").  The
application  of  these  indicators,  calculated  over  the  first  three  years  of  deferral,  may  lead  to  a
reduction of the  Deferred  Portion, even in its entirety, but in no event may be increased. Provided
that the relevant conditions have been met, the resulting amount will then be paid (40% in cash and
60% in shares), according to the following schedule: 60% in 2021, 20% in 2022 and the remaining
20% in 2023.

All  the  shares  delivered  to  the  executive  directors  as  Annual  Variable  Remuneration,  both  of  the
Upfront Portion and the Deferred Portion will be withheld for a period of one year after their delivery;
this will not apply to those shares transferred to honor the payment of taxes arising therefrom.

The Deferred Portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration in cash will be subject to updating under
the terms established by the Board of Directors.

Executive  directors  may  not  use  personal  hedging  strategies  or  insurance  in  connection  with  the
remuneration  and  responsibility  that  may  undermine  the  effects  of  alignment  with  prudent  risk
management.

The  variable  component  of  the  remuneration  for  executive  directors  corresponding  financial  year
2017 is limited to a maximum amount of 200% of the fixed component of the total remuneration, as
agreed by the General Meeting.

• Over  the  entire  deferral  and  withholding  period,  the  entire  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  the
executive  directors  will  be  subject  to  reduction  and  recovery  ("malus"  and  "clawback")
arrangements.

Additionally, upon receipt of the shares, executive directors will not be allowed to transfer a number of shares 
equivalent to twice their Annual Fixed Remuneration (AFR) for at least three years after their delivery. 

Similarly, in application of the settlement and payment system of the annual variable remuneration for 2014 
financial  year,  in  accordance  with  the  remuneration  policy  applicable  at  that  time,  the  executive  directors 
have  received  in  2018  the  last  third  of  the  deferred  annual  variable  remuneration  for  2014  financial  year, 
delivery of which corresponded in 2018, thus concluding payment of the deferred variable remuneration for 
2014. 

In accordance with the above, the remunerations paid to executive directors during financial year 2018 are 
indicated below, individually and itemized: 

P.238
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Annual Fixed Remuneration (thousands of euro), received in 2018 

Carlos Torres Vila 

José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo 

Total 

1,965 

834 

2,799 

Variable remuneration for financial year 2017, received in 2018 

Carlos Torres Vila 
José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo 

Total* 

In cash (1)  
(thousands of 
euro) 

562 

87 

649 

In shares (1)  

77,493 

12,029 

89,522 

(1) Remunerations  corresponding to  the Upfront  Portion  (40%) of  the  Annual Variable  Remuneration  for  financial  year

2017, 50% in cash and 50% in shares.

Deferred variable remuneration for financial year 2014, received in 2018 

Carlos Torres Vila 
José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo 

Total 

In cash (1) 
(thousands of 
euro) 

105 

33 

137 

In shares (1)  

11,766 

3,678 

15,444 

(1) Remunerations corresponding to the last third of the deferred annual variable remuneration for financial year 2014,

50% in cash and 50% in shares, along with its update in cash.

In addition, the executive directors received remuneration in kind throughout financial year 2018, including 
insurance  premiums  and  others,  amounting  to  a  total  of  €236  thousand,  of  which  €154  thousand 
correspond to Carlos Torres Vila and €82 thousand to José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo.  

Former  Group  Executive  Chairman,  Francisco  González  Rodríguez,  who  stepped  down  from  this  position 
with  effect  on  21  December  2018,  received,  during  2018,  €2,475  thousand  as  Annual  Fixed  Remuneration; 
€660  thousand  and  90,933  BBVA  shares  corresponding  to  40%  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for 
financial  year  2017;  and  €332  thousand  and  37,390  BBVA  shares  as  settlement  of  the  last  third  of  the 
deferred  variable  remuneration  for  financial  year  2014,  payment  of  which  corresponded  in  first  quarter  of 
financial year 2018, including the corresponding update; as well as €20 thousand as remuneration in kind. 

On the other hand, it is indicated that in 2018, CEO Onur Genç—who was appointed by resolution of BBVA's 
Board of Directors on 20 December 2018— has not received any remuneration for said role in 2018, having 
received fixed and variable remuneration in accordance with his previous position as Chairman and CEO of 
BBVA Compass, this remuneration being subject to the settlement and payment system applicable to said 
position.  Thus,  over  the  course  of  the  financial  year  2018,  he  has  received  €2,240(*)  thousand  as  Annual 
Fixed Remuneration; €191(*) thousand and 26,531 BBVA ADSs corresponding to 40% of the Annual Variable 
Remuneration for financial year 2017; and €376 thousand as remuneration in kind, which includes benefits 
for his expatriate status in the United States. 

(*) Amounts paid in US Dollars. Euro details are for information purposes. 

• Annual Variable Remuneration for executive directors for financial year 2018

Following  year-end  2018,  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  executive  directors  corresponding  to  said 
period has been determined, applying the conditions established at the beginning of the year, as established 
in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors approved by the General Meeting on 17 March 2017 with the 
following settlement and payment system: 

P.239 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

• The Upfront Portion (40%) of the Annual Variable Remuneration of the executive directors for 2018 will
be  paid,  if  conditions  are met,  in  equal  parts  in  cash  and  shares,  during  the  first  quarter  of  2019,  which
amounts  to  €479  thousand  and  100,436  BBVA  shares  in  the  case  of  Carlos  Torres  Vila;  and  €79
thousand and 16,641 BBVA shares in the case of José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo.

• The Deferred Portion (60%) remaining will be deferred for a five-year period, subject to compliance with
the multi-year performance indicators determined by the Board of Directors at the start of financial year
2018,  calculated  over  the  first  three-year  deferral  period.  Provided  that  the  conditions  are  met,  the
resulting amount will vest (40% in cash and 60% in shares), under the following schedule: 60% after the
third year of deferral, 20% after the fourth year of deferral and the remaining 20% after the fifth year of
deferral.  All  the  above  is  subject  to  the  settlement  and  payment  system  conditions  set  out  in  the
Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA  Directors,  which  includes  malus  and  clawback  arrangements  and
retention periods for shares.

As  regards  former  Group  Executive  Chairman,  Francisco  González  Rodríguez,  his  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration for 2018 has been determined. This Annual Variable Remuneration for 2018 will be received, 
provided that conditions are met, in accordance with the same settlement and payment system applicable to 
executive directors which includes deferral rules, malus and clawback arrangements and retention periods 
for  shares.  Thus,  the  Upfront  Portion  (40%)  has  been  determined  in:  €528  thousand  and  110,814  BBVA 
shares. Accrual and payment of the Deferred Portion (remaining 60%), 40% in cash and 60% in shares, will 
be subject to compliance with multi-year performance indicators approved by the Board of Directors. All the 
above  is  subject  to  the  conditions  of  the settlement  and  payment  system  established  in  the  Remuneration 
Policy  for  BBVA  Directors,  which  includes  malus  and  clawback  arrangements  and  withholding  periods  for 
shares. 

As regards CEO Onur Genç and as aforementioned, his Annual Variable Remuneration for financial year 2018 
is  linked  to  his  previous  position  as  Chairman  and  CEO  of  BBVA  Compass  and  has  been  determined  in 
accordance  with  the  settlement  and  payment  system  applicable  for  such  position.  Thus,  providing  that 
applicable conditions are met, 40% of Annual Variable Remuneration for 2018 will be paid in the first quarter 
of  2019,  amounting  to  a  total  of  €196  thousand(*)  and  41,267  BBVA  shares.  Accrual  and  payment  of  the 
remaining 60% of the Annual Variable Remuneration for financial year 2018, 50% in cash and 50% in shares, 
will  be  deferred  for  a  three-year  period  and  will  be  subject  to  compliance  with  multi-year  performance 
indicators set by the Board of Directors for the whole Identified Staff at the beginning of 2018 and measured 
over the course of the three-year period. 

(*)Euro details are for information purposes. Year-end 2018 exchange rate applied: EUR/USD 1,145001. 

At the time of drafting of these consolidated Annual Accounts none of these remunerations have been paid. 

The  amounts  corresponding  to  deferred  shares  is  detailed  in  the  section  "Remuneration  based  on 
Capital/Equity  Instruments"  and  the  cash  part  in  "Other  Liabilities/Other  Accruals"  in  the  consolidated 
balance sheet at 31 December 2018. 

• Deferred Annual Variable Remuneration of executive directors for financial year 2015

Following year-end 2018, the deferred Annual Variable Remuneration of executive directors for financial year 
2015  has  been  determined,  with  delivery,  if  conditions  are  met,  corresponding  during  the  first  quarter  of 
financial  year  2019,  subject  to  the  conditions  established  for  this  purpose  in  the  Remuneration  Policy  for 
BBVA Directors approved by the General Meeting on 13 March 2015.  

Thus,  based  on  the  result  of  each  of  the  multi-year  performance  indicators  set  by  the  Board  in  2015  to 
calculate  the  deferred  portion  of  this  remuneration,  and  in  application  of  the  corresponding  scales  of 
achievement and their corresponding targets and weightings, likewise approved by the Board, the deferred 
portion  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  financial  year  2015  has  been  adjusted  downwards  as  a 
consequence  of  result  of  the  TSR  indicator,  which  scale  has  determined  a  10%  reduction  in  the  deferred 
amount  associated  to  this  indicator.  The  final  amount  of  the  deferred  portion  of  the  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration  for  financial  year  2015,  after  the  corresponding  adjustment  in  light  of  the  result  of  the  TSR 
indicator,  has  been  determined  in  an  amount  of  €612  thousand  and  79,157  BBVA  shares,  in  the  case  of 

P.240 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Carlos Torres Vila, and €113 thousand and 14,667 BBVA shares in the case of José Manuel González-Páramo 
Martínez-Murillo, which includes the corresponding updating. 

As  regards  the  former  Group  Executive  Chairman,  Francisco  González  Rodríguez,  his  deferred  Annual 
Variable Remuneration for financial year 2015 has been determined, to be received, providing that conditions 
are  met,  in  accordance  with  the  same  settlement  and  payment  system  applicable  to  executive  directors, 
amounting  to  a  total  of  €1,035  thousand  and  133,947  BBVA  shares,  which  includes  the  corresponding 
updating. 

At the time of drafting of these consolidated Annual Accounts none of these remunerations have been paid. 

Lastly, as at year-end 2018 and in accordance with the conditions established in the remuneration policies 
applicable  in  the  corresponding  years,  50%  and  60%  of  the  annual variable  remuneration  of  the  executive 
directors corresponding to 2016 and 2017 financial years, respectively, has been deferred, to be received in 
future years, if applicable conditions are met, in accordance with the terms established in the remuneration 
policy applicable for each of such financial years. 

Remuneration received by the members of Senior Management in the 2018 financial year  

The  members  of  Senior  Management,  excluding  executive  directors,  who  held  that  position  as  at  20 
December  2018(*) (15  members) have, over  the course of the  2018 financial year, received the amount  of 
the  fixed  remuneration  corresponding  to  that  financial  year  and  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  the 
2017  financial  year,  which,  in  accordance  with  the  settlement  and  payment  system  set  out  in  the 
remuneration  policy  applicable  to  Senior  Management  in  this  financial  year,  was  due  to  be  paid  to  them 
during the first quarter of 2018.  

In application of this settlement and payment system: 

−

−

−

−

40% of the Annual Variable Remuneration due to members of the Senior Management for the 2017
financial year, 40% has been paid, as the conditions have been met, in the first quarter of the 2018
financial year (the "Upfront Portion"), in equal parts in cash and in shares.

The  remaining  60%  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration,  in  both  cash  and  shares,  has  been
deferred  in  its  entirety  for  a  period  of  five  years,  and  its  accrual  and  payment  will  be  subject  to
compliance  with  a series  of  multi-year  indicators  (the  "Deferred  Portion").  The application  of  these
indicators, calculated over the first three years of deferral,  may lead to a  reduction of the Deferred
Portion, even in its entirety, but in no event may be increased. Provided that the relevant conditions
have been met, the resulting amount will then be paid (40% in cash and 60% in shares), according to
the following payment schedule: 60% in 2021, 20% in 2022 and the remaining 20% in 2023.

The shares received as Annual Variable Remuneration will be withheld for a period of one year after
their  delivery,  with  the  exception  of  those  transferred  to  honor  the  payment  of  taxes  arising  from
their delivery.

The deferred portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration in cash will be subject to updating under
the terms established by the Board of Directors.

− No personal hedging strategies or insurance may be used in connection with the remuneration and

the responsibility that may undermine the effects of alignment with prudent risk management.

−

The variable component of the remuneration corresponding to the financial year 2017 will be limited
to a maximum amount of 200% of the fixed component of the total remuneration, as agreed by the
General Meeting.

− Over  the  entire  deferral  and  withholding  period,  the  total  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  will  be

subject to variable "malus" and "clawback" arrangements.

Similarly, in application of the settlement and payment system of the annual variable remuneration for 2014 
financial  year,  in  accordance  with  the  remuneration  policy  applicable  at  that  time,  the  Senior  Management 
who  were  beneficiaries  of  such  remuneration,  have  received  the  deferred  last  third  of  the  annual  variable 

(*)  Date  of  the  Board  of  Directors'  resolution  by  which  organizational  changes  were  approved  in  the  Group.  

P.241 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

remuneration  for  that  financial  year,  which  delivery  corresponded  to  the  first  quarter  of  2018,  thus 
concluding payment of the deferred variable remuneration for the 2014 financial year. 

In accordance with the above, the remuneration paid to members of the Senior Management as a whole, who 
held that position as at 20 December 2018, excluding executive directors, during the 2018 financial year  is 
indicated below (itemized): 

Annual Fixed Remuneration (thousands of euro) received in 2018 

Senior Management total 

16,129 

Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2017 financial year, received in 2018 

Senior Management total 

In cash  
(thousands of euro) 

In shares  

1,489 

205,104 

Deferred variable remuneration for the 2014 financial year, received in 2018 

Senior Management total  

In cash  
(thousands of 
euro) 

573 

In shares  

64,853 

In addition, all members of Senior Management who held that position as at 20 December 2018, excluding 
executive  directors,  received  remuneration  in  kind  throughout  the  2018  financial  year,  including  insurance 
premiums and others, amounting to a total of €875 thousand.  

At the year-end 2018 and subject to the conditions established in the remuneration policies applicable to the 
corresponding  year  for,  components  of  the  annual  variable  remuneration  of  members  of  the  Senior 
Management who were beneficiaries of remunerations for the 2016 and 2017 financial years, are deferred to 
be received in future years, if conditions are met, in accordance with the policy applicable for each of such 
financial years. 

As regards of those members of the Senior Management who were appointed by resolution of BBVA's Board 
of  Directors  on  20  December  2018  (5  members)  have  not  received  any  remuneration  for  such  condition, 
having received fixed and variable remuneration in line with their former positions and functions amounting 
in aggregate €1,757 thousand as Annual Fixed Remuneration; €337 thousand and 24,293 BBVA shares for 
Upfront  Portion  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  the  2017  financial  year;  and  €33  thousand  and 
3,684 BBVA shares as settlement of the deferred last third of the Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2014 
financial  year  to  the  Senior  Management  who  were  beneficiaries  of  such  remuneration,  including  the 
corresponding  update,  as  well  as  remuneration  in  kind  and  others  for  an  amount  of  €158  thousand,  all  in 
application of the remuneration policy to which they were entitled in their condition as risk taker. 

•  Annual Variable Remuneration for Senior Management for financial year 2018  

Following  year-end  2018,  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  of  Senior  Management  corresponding  to  said 
period has been determined, excluding executive directors, who held that position as at 20 December 2018 
(15 members).  

Therefore,  the  2018  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  to  all  of  the  Senior  Management,  excluding  executive 
directors, has been determined in a total amount  of €7,074  thousand, in application of the settlement and 
payment system for this group. The 40% of the Annual Variable Remuneration corresponding to each of will 
be  paid,  providing  the  conditions  are  met,  in  equal  parts  in  cash  and  in  shares,  during  the  first  quarter  of 
2019.  The  remaining  60%  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  (40%  in  cash  and  60%  in  shares)  will  be 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.242 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

subject to compliance with a series of multi-year indicators and to the rest of the settlement and payment 
system  conditions  set  out  in  the  remuneration  policy  applicable  to  Senior  Management,  which  includes 
malus and clawback arrangements and retention periods for shares. 

As regards those members of the Senior Management who were appointed by resolution of BBVA's Board of 
Directors  on  20  December  2018  (5  members),  their  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  the  2018  year-end 
has been calculated in line with their former positions and functions, amounting in aggregate €633 thousand, 
being  subject  to  the  conditions  set  out  in  the  remuneration  policy  to  which  they  were  entitled  in  their 
condition as risk taker. 

At the time of drafting of these consolidated Annual Accounts none of these remunerations have been paid. 

•  Deferred Annual Variable Remuneration of Senior Management for financial year 2015 

Following  year-end  2018,  the  deferred  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  of  Senior  Management  for  financial 
year  2015  has  been  determined,  excluding  executive  directors,  who  held  that  position  as  at  20  December 
2018 (15 members).  

Thus,  based  on  the  result  of  each  of  the  multi-year  performance  indicators  set  by  the  Board  in  2015  to 
calculate  the  deferred  portion  of  this  remuneration,  and  in  application  of  the  corresponding  scales  of 
achievement and their corresponding targets and weightings, likewise approved by the Board, the deferred 
portion  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  financial  year  2015  has  been  adjusted  downwards  as  a 
consequence  of  result  of  the  TSR  indicator,  which  scale  has  determined  a  10%  reduction  in  the  deferred 
amount  associated  to  this  indicator.  The  final  amount  of  the  deferred  portion  of  the  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration for financial year 2015 to be paid to Senior Management beneficiaries of such remuneration, if 
applicable conditions are met, after the corresponding adjustment in light of the result of the TSR indicator, 
has  been  determined  in  an  amount  of  €2,936  thousand  and  382,407  BBVA  shares,  which  includes  the 
corresponding updating. 

As regards those members of the Senior Management who were appointed by resolution of BBVA's Board of 
Directors on 20 December 2018 (5 members) that were entitled to such deferred remuneration, their Annual 
Variable  Remuneration  for  financial  year  2015  has  been  calculated  in  line  with  their  former  positions  and 
functions,  amounting 
includes  the 
corresponding updating and being subject to the conditions set out in the remuneration policy to which they 
were entitled in their condition as a Group's risk takers. 

in  aggregate  €110  thousand  and  14,203  BBVA  shares,  which 

At the time of drafting of these consolidated Annual Accounts none of these remunerations have been paid. 

•  Remuneration system with deferred delivery of shares for non-executive directors 

BBVA has a remuneration system in shares with deferred delivery for its non-executive directors, which was 
approved by the General Shareholders' Meeting held on 18 March 2006 and extended by resolutions of the 
General  Shareholders'  Meetings  held  on  11 March  2011  and  11 March  2016  for  an  additional  period  of  five 
years in each case. 

This system involves the annual allocation to non-executive directors of a number of "theoretical shares" of 
BBVA equivalent to 20% of the total remuneration received in cash received by each director in the previous 
financial  year.  This  is  calculated  according  to  the  average  closing  prices  of  BBVA  shares  during  the 
60 trading  sessions  prior  to  the  dates  of  the  Annual  General  Shareholders'  Meetings  that  approve  the 
corresponding financial statements for each financial year. 

These  shares  will  be  delivered  to  each  beneficiary,  where  applicable,  after  they  leave  their  positions  as 
directors for reasons other than serious breach of their duties. 

The "theoretical shares" allocated in 2018 to each non-executive director beneficiaries of the remuneration 
system in shares with deferred delivery, corresponding to 20% of the total remuneration in cash received by 
each of them in 2017, are as follows: 

 
P.243 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Tomás Alfaro Drake 
José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Belén Garijo López 
Sunir Kumar Kapoor 
Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
José Maldonado Ramos 
Juan Pi Llorens 
Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

Total (1) 

Theoretical shares 
allocated in 2018 

Theoretical shares 
accumulated as at 
31 December 2018 

10,367 
12,755 
7,865 
4,811 
11,985 
7,454 
11,176 
11,562 
12,425 
90,400 

83,449 
36,565 
34,641 
8,976 
98,876 
23,160 
78,995 
54,171 
104,983 
523,816 

(1)

In  addition,  in  2018,  10,188  "theoretical  shares"  were  allocated  to  José  Antonio  Fernández  Rivero,  who  stepped  down  as  a
director on 16 March 2018. 

•

Pension commitments

At the end of the 2018 financial year, the Bank has pension commitments in favor of the executive directors 
Carlos  Torres  Vila  and  José  Manuel  González-Páramo  Martínez-Murillo  to  cover  contingencies  for 
retirement, disability and death, in accordance with the Bylaws, the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors 
and their respective contracts entered into with the Bank. 

With  regard  to  Carlos  Torres  Vila,  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA  Directors  provides  for  a  benefits 
framework according to which he is entitled, provided that he does not leave his position as Chief Executive 
Officer  due  to  serious  breach  of  duties,  to  receive  a  retirement  pension  when  he  reaches  the  legally 
established retirement age, in the form of capital or income. The amount of this pension shall result from the 
funds accumulated by the Bank up to December 2016 to cover the commitments under his previous benefits 
scheme,  plus  the  sum  of  the  annual  contributions  made  by  the  Bank  from  1 January  2017  to  cover  said 
pension, as well as the corresponding accumulated yields.  

The  amount  set  out  in  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA  Directors  as  annual  contribution  to  cover 
retirement benefit under the defined-contribution scheme for Carlos Torres Vila is €1,642 thousand.  

15% of the aforementioned agreed annual contribution will be based on variable components and considered 
"discretionary  pension  benefits",  therefore  subject  to  the  conditions  regarding  delivery  in  shares,  retention 
and clawback established in the applicable regulations, as well as any other conditions concerning variable 
remuneration that may be applicable in accordance with this Policy. 

Should  the  contractual  relationship  be  terminated  before  he  reaches  the  retirement  age  for  reasons  other 
than  serious  breach  of  duties,  the  retirement pension  due  to  Carlos  Torres  Vila  upon  reaching  the  legally 
established retirement age will be calculated based on the total contributions made by the Bank under the 
terms set out, up to that date, plus the corresponding accumulated yield, with no additional contributions to 
be made by the Bank from the time of termination. 

With  respect  to  the  commitments  to  cover  the  contingencies  for  death  and  disability  benefits  for  Carlos 
Torres Vila, the Bank will undertake the payment of the corresponding annual insurance premiums in order 
to top up the coverage the death and disability contingencies of his benefits system. 

In line with the above, during the 2018 financial year, €1,896 thousand has been recorded to meet the benefits 
commitments  for  Carlos  Torres  Vila,  amount  which  includes  the  contribution  to  the  retirement  contingency 
(€1,642 thousand) and to death and disability (€212 thousand), as well as €42 thousand corresponding to the 
adjustments made to the amount of "discretionary pension benefits" from 2017, as declared at 2017 year-end 
and which had to be registered in the accumulated fund in 2018. As a result, the total accumulated amount of 
the  fund  to  meet  retirement  commitments  with  Carlos  Torres  Vila  amounts  to  €18,581  thousand  as  at  31 
December 2018.   

Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

15% of the agreed annual contribution to retirement (€246 thousand) has been registered in 2018 
as  "discretionary  pension  benefits".  Following  year-end  2018,  this  amount  has  been  adjusted  according  to 
the  criteria  es tablished  to  determine  Carlos  Torres  Vila's  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  2018. 
Accordingly,  the  "discretionary  pension  benefits"  for  the  financ
ial  year  have  been  determined  in  an 
amount  of  €245  t housand,  which  will  be  included  in  the  accumulated  fund  for  2019,  subject  t
same conditions as t he Deferred Component of Annual Variable Remuneration for 2018, as well as 
the  remaining  conditions  established for these benefits in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors.  

o  the 

P.244 

In  the  case  of  José  Manuel  González-P
the  Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA  Directors  establishes  an  annual  contribution  of  30%  of  his  Annual 
Fixed  Remuneration,  to  cover  the  contingency  of  his  retirement,  as  well  as  the  payment  of  the 
corresponding  insurance premiums in order to top up the coverage of death and disability. 

áramo  Martínez -Murillo,  the  pension  s ystem  provided  for  in 

15%  of  the  aforementioned  agreed  annual  contribution  will  be  based  on  variable  components  and 
considered  "discretionary  pension  benefits",  therefore  subject  to  the  condit
ions  regarding  delivery  in 
shares, retention and c lawback established in the applicable regulations, as  well as any ot her conditions 
concerning variable remuneration that may be applicable in accordance with this Policy. 

José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo, upon reaching retirement age, will be entitled to receive, in 
the  form  of  capital  or  income,  the  benefits  arising  from  contributions  made  by  the  Bank  to  cover  pension 
hat  dat e,  provided  he  does   not  leave 
commitments,  plus  the  corresponding  yield  accumulated  up  to  t
his  position  due  t o  serious  breach  of  dut ies.  In  the  event   of  voluntary  termination  of  contract ual 
relationship by the director before retirement, the benefits will be limited to 50% of the contributions made 
by  the  Bank  up  to  that  date,  as  well  as  the  corresponding  accumulated  yield,  with  no  additional 
contributions to be made by the Bank upon termination.  

With respect to the commitments to cover the contingencies for death and disability benefits for José Manuel 
González-Páramo  Martínez-M urillo,  the  Bank  will  undertake  the  payment  of  the  corresponding 
annual  insurance  premiums  in  order  to  top  up  the  coverage  the  death  and  disability  contingencies  of  his 
benefits  system. 

In line with the above, during the 2018 financial year, €405 thousand has been recorded to meet the benefits 
commitments for José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo, amount which includes the contribution 
to the retirement contingency (€250 thousand) and to death and disability (€147 thousand), as well as €8 
thousand  corresponding  to  the  adjustments  made  to  the  amount  of  "discretionary  pension  benefits"  from 
2017,  as  declared  at  2017  year-end  and  which  had  to  be  registered  in  the  accumulated  fund  in  2018.  As  a 
result,  the  total  accumulated  amount  of  the  fund  to  meet  retirement  commitments  with  José  Manuel 
González-Páramo amounts to €1,067 thousand as at 31 December 2018.  

15% of the agreed annual contribution to retirement (€38 thousand) has been registered in 201
8 
as  "discretionary  pension  benefits".  Following  year-end  2018,  this  amount  has  been  adjusted  according  to 
the  criteria  established  to  determine  José  Manuel  González-P
áramo  Martínez-M urillo’s  Annual 
Variable  Remuneration  for  2018.  Accordingly,  the  "discretionary  pension  benefits"  for  the  financial  year 
have  been  determined  in  an  amount  of  €42  thousand,  which  will  be  included  in  the  accumulated  fund  for 
2019,  subject  to  the  same  conditions  as  the  Deferred  Component  of  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for 
2018, as well as the remaining conditions established for these benefits in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA 
Directors.  

As  of  31 December 2018  there are no other pension commitments undertaken in favor of other executive 
directors.  

Likewise,  during  the  2018  financial  year,  €4,754  thousand  has  been  recorded  to  meet  the  benefits 
commitments undertaken with members of the Senior Management, excluding executive directors, who held 
said  position  as  at  20  December  2018  (15  members),  amount  which  includes  the  contribution  to  the 
retirement  contingency  (€3,883  thousand)  and  to  death  and  disability  (€831  thousand),  as  well  as  €40 
thousand  corresponding  to  the  adjustments  made  to  the  amount  of  "discretionary  pension  benefits"  from 
2017,  as  declared  at  2017  year-end  and  which  had  to  be  registered  in  the  accumulated  fund  in  2018.  As  a 
result, the total accumulated amount of the fund to meet retirement commitments with Senior Management 
amounts to €57,429 thousand as at 31 December 2018. 

P.245 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

15% of the agreed annual contributions for members of Senior Management who held that position as at 20 
December  2018  will  be  based  on  variable  components  and  considered  "discretionary  pension  benefits", 
therefore  subject  to  the  conditions  regarding  delivery  in  shares,  retention  and  clawback  established  in  the 
applicable  regulations,  as  well  as  any  other  conditions  concerning  variable  remuneration  that  may  be 
applicable in accordance with the remuneration policy applicable to members of Senior Management. 

To  this  end,  of  the  agreed  annual  contribution  to  retirement,  an  amount  of  €571  thousand  has  been 
registered  in  2018  as  "discretionary  pension  benefits".  Following  year-end  2018,  this  amount  has  been 
adjusted according to the criteria established to determine the Annual Variable Remuneration of the Senior 
Management for 2018. Accordingly, the "discretionary pension benefits" for the financial year, corresponding 
to  members  of  the  Senior  Management  who  held  that  position  as  at  20  December  2018,  have  been 
determined in an amount of €555 thousand, which will be included in the accumulated fund for 2019, subject 
to the same conditions as the Deferred Component of Annual Variable Remuneration for 2018, as well as the 
remaining conditions established for these benefits in the remuneration policy applicable to members of the 
Senior Management. 

During  the  2018  financial  year,  €146  thousand  has  been  recorded  to  meet  the  benefits  commitments 
undertaken  with  the  members  of  the  Senior  Management,  excluding  executive  directors,  who  were 
appointed  by  BBVA's  Board  of  Directors  on  20  December  2018  (five  members),  pursuant  to  the 
commitments made by the Bank with each of them in relation to their previous positions and functions, with 
such amount including both the contribution to retirement contingency(€97 thousand) as well as to death 
and  disability  (€49  thousand),  with  the  fund  accumulated  to  meet  retirement  commitments  for  this  group 
amounting to a total of €1,713 thousand. 

Termination of the contractual relationship 

In  accordance  with  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA  Directors,  the  Bank  has  no  commitments  to  pay 
severance payments to executive directors. 

The contractual framework defined in the aforementioned Policy for Carlos Torres Vila and for the executive 
director  José  Manuel  González-Páramo  Martínez-Murillo, 
includes  a  post-contractual  non-compete 
agreement for a period of  two years after they cease as BBVA executive directors, in accordance to which 
they will receive remuneration from the Bank for an amount equivalent to one Annual Fixed Remuneration for 
each year of duration of the non-compete arrangement , which shall be paid periodically over the course of 
the  two  years,  provided  that  they  leave  their  positions  as  executive  directors  for  reasons  other  than 
retirement, disability or serious breach of duties. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.246 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

55.  Other information 

55.1  Environmental impact 

Given  the  activities  BBVA  Group  entities  engage  in,  the  Group  has  no  environmental  liabilities,  expenses, 
assets,  provisions  or  contingencies  that  could  have  a  significant  effect  on  its  consolidated  equity,  financial 
situation and profits. Consequently, as of December 31, 2018, there is no item in the Group’s accompanying 
consolidated financial statements that requires disclosure in an environmental information report pursuant 
to Ministry of Justice Order JUS/471/2017, of May 19, and consequently no specific disclosure of information 
on environmental matters is included in these financial statements. 

55.2  Reporting requirements of the Spanish National Securities Market 

Commission (CNMV) 

Dividends paid in the year 

The  table  below  presents  the  dividends  per  share  paid  in  cash  during  2016,  2017  and  2018  (cash  basis 
dividend,  regardless  of  the  year  in  which  they  were  accrued),  but  without  including  other  shareholder 
remuneration, such as the “Dividend Option”. See Notes 4 and 26  for a complete analysis of all remuneration 
awarded to the shareholders. 

Dividends Paid ("Dividend Option" not included) 

2018 

2017 

2016 

% Over 
Nominal 

Euros per 
Share 

Amount 
(Millions of 
Euros) 

% Over 
Nominal 

Euros per 
Share 

Amount 
(Millions of 
Euros) 

% Over 
Nominal 

Euros per 
Share 

Amount 
(Millions of 
Euros) 

51.02% 

0.25 

1,667 

34.69% 

0.17 

1,125 

32.65% 

0.16 

1,028 

- 

0.25 

0.25 

- 

- 

- 

1,667 

1,667 

- 

34.69% 

34.69% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.17 

0.17 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,125 

32.65% 

1,125 

32.65% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.16 

0.16 

- 

- 

- 

1,028 

1,028 

- 

- 

Ordinary shares 

Rest of shares 

- 

Total dividends paid in cash  

51.02% 

Dividends with charge to income 

51.02% 

Dividends with charge to reserve 
or share premium 

Dividends in kind 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.247 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Ordinary earnings and ordinary income by operating segment 

The detail of the consolidated profit for each operating segment is as follows as of December 31 2018, 2017 
and 2016: 

Profit Attributable by Operating Segments 

Banking Activity in Spain 
Non-Core Real Estate 
United States 
Mexico 
Turkey 
South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Subtotal operating segments 

Corporate Center 

Profit attributable to parent company 

Non-assigned income 
Elimination of interim income (between segments) 
Other gains (losses) (*) 
Income tax and/or profit from discontinued operations  

Operating profit before tax 

(*) Profit attributable to non-controlling interests. 

Interest income by geographical area 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

1,522 
(78) 
735 
2,384 
569 
591 

93 

5,818 

(494) 

5,324 

- 
- 
827 
2,295 

8,446 

1,374 
(490) 
486 
2,187 
826 
861 

125 

5,368 

(1,848) 

3,519 

- 
- 
1,243 
2,169 

6,931 

912 
(595) 
459 
1,980 
599 
771 

151 

4,276 

(801) 

3,475 

- 
- 
1,218 
1,699 

6,392 

6 

6 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  of  “Interest  income  and  other  income”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated 
income statements by geographical area is as follows: 

Interest Income. Breakdown by geographical area (Millions of euros) 

Domestic  

Foreign 
European Union 

Eurozone 

No eurozone 

Other countries 

Total 

Notes 

2018 

2017 

2016 

4,952  

24,879  

509  

391  

117  

24,370  
29,831 

5,093  

24,203  

422  

239  

183  

23,781  
29,296 

5,962  

21,745  

291  

291  

- 

21,455  
27,708 

37.1 

55.3  Mortgage market policies and procedures 

The information on “Mortgage market policies and procedures” (for the granting of mortgage loans and for 
debt  issues  secured  by  such  mortgage  loans)  required  by  Bank  of  Spain  Circular  5/2011,  applying  Royal 
Decree  716/2009, dated  April 24 (which developed certain aspects of Act  2/1981, dated March  25,  on the 
regulation  of  the  mortgage  market  and  other  mortgage  and  financial  market  regulations),  can  be  found  in 
Appendix III. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.248 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

56.  Subsequent events 

On January 15,  2019,  BBVA announced its irrevocable decision to early redeem, on  February  19,  2019, the 
issuance  of  preferred  securities  contingently  convertible  (additional  tier  1  instrument)  carried  out  by  the 
Bank on February 19, 2014, for an amount of €1.5 billion on the First Reset Date of the issuance and once the 
prior consent from the Regulator was obtained (see Note 22.4).  

The Board of Directors, in their meeting on January 31, 2019, agreed on carrying out an issuance of bonds 
convertible into ordinary shares of BBVA with exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights, under the power 
delegated by the General Shareholders' Meeting of the Company held on March 17, 2017 under the fifth item 
on the agenda which is pending to be executed. 

On  February  1,  2019  it  was  announced  that  it  was  foreseen  to  submit  to  the  consideration  of  the 
corresponding government bodies the proposal of cash payment in a gross amount of euro 0.16 per share to 
be paid in April as final dividend for 2018 (see Note 4). 

From  January  1,  2019  to  the  date  of  preparation  of  these  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  no  other 
subsequent  events  not  mentioned  above  in  these  financial  statements  have  taken  place  that  could 
significantly affect the Group’s earnings or its equity position.  

57.  Explanation added for translation into English 

These  accompanying  consolidated  financial statements  are  presented  on  the  basis  of  IFRS, as adopted by 
the  European  Union.  Certain  accounting  practices  applied  by  the  Group  that  conform  to  EU-IFRS  may  not 
conform to other generally accepted accounting principles. 

 
P.249 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Appendices 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.250 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

APPENDIX  I  Additional  information  on  consolidated  subsidiaries  and  consolidated  structured  entities 
composing the BBVA Group 

Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and consolidated structured entities composing the BBVA Group 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect

Total

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

% Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

ACTIVOS MACORP SL 
ALCALA 120 PROMOC. Y GEST.IMMOB. S.L. 
ANIDA GERMANIA IMMOBILIEN ONE, GMBH 
ANIDA GRUPO INMOBILIARIO SL 
ANIDA INMOBILIARIA, S.A. DE C.V. 
ANIDA OPERACIONES SINGULARES, S.A. 
ANIDA PROYECTOS INMOBILIARIOS, S.A. DE C.V. 
ANIDAPORT INVESTIMENTOS IMOBILIARIOS, UNIPESSOAL, LTDA 
APLICA NEXTGEN OPERADORA S.A. DE C.V. 
APLICA NEXTGEN SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V 
APLICA TECNOLOGIA AVANZADA SA DE CV 
ARIZONA FINANCIAL PRODUCTS, INC 
ARRAHONA AMBIT, S.L. 
ARRAHONA IMMO, S.L. 
ARRAHONA NEXUS, S.L. 
ARRAHONA RENT, S.L.U. 
ARRELS CT FINSOL, S.A. 
ARRELS CT LLOGUER, S.A. 
ARRELS CT PATRIMONI I PROJECTES, S.A. 
ARRELS CT PROMOU SA 
AZLO BUSINESS, INC 
BAHIA SUR RESORT S.C. 
BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA URUGUAY SA 
BANCO INDUSTRIAL DE BILBAO SA 
BANCO OCCIDENTAL SA 
BANCO PROVINCIAL OVERSEAS NV 
BANCO PROVINCIAL SA - BANCO UNIVERSAL 
BANCOMER FOREIGN EXCHANGE INC. 
BANCOMER PAYMENT SERVICES INC. 
BBV AMERICA SL 
BBVA AGENCIA DE SEGUROS COLOMBIA LTDA 
BBVA ASSET MANAGEMENT CONTINENTAL SA SAF 

BBVA ASSET MANAGEMENT SA SGIIC 
BBVA ASSET MANAGEMENT SA SOCIEDAD FIDUCIARIA (BBVA FIDUCIARIA) 
BBVA AUTOMERCANTIL COMERCIO E ALUGER DE VEICULOS AUTOMOVEIS LDA. 
BBVA BANCO CONTINENTAL SA 
BBVA BANCO FRANCES SA 
BBVA BANCOMER GESTION, S.A. DE C.V. 
BBVA BANCOMER OPERADORA, S.A. DE C.V. 
BBVA BANCOMER SA INSTITUCION DE BANCA MULTIPLE GRUPO FINANCIERO BBVA 
BANCOMER 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
GERMANY 
SPAIN 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
MEXICO     
PORTUGAL     
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
MEXICO     
UNITED STATES  
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
URUGUAY  
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
CURAÇAO 
VENEZUELA 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
COLOMBIA   
PERU     

SPAIN 
COLOMBIA   
PORTUGAL     
PERU     
ARGENTINA 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
IN LIQUIDATION 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
REAL ESTATE 
     REAL ESTATE 
     REAL ESTATE 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
     SERVICES 
     FINANCIAL SERVICES 
     REAL ESTATE 
     REAL ESTATE 
     REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
SERVICES 
INACTIVE 
    BANKING 
BANKING 
BANKING 
BANKING 
BANKING 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
   INSURANCES SERVICES 
    FINANCIAL SERVICES 
OTHER INVESTMENT 
COMPANIES 

   FINANCIAL SERVICES 
     FINANCIAL SERVICES 
    BANKING 
BANKING 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 

50.63 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
99.95 
100.00 
- 
49.43 
- 
1.46 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 
- 

17.00 
- 
100.00 
- 
39.97 
- 
- 

49.37 
100.00
100.00
- 
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
- 
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
- 
- 
99.93
50.57 
100.00
53.75 
100.00
100.00
- 
100.00
100.00

83.00 
100.00
- 
46.12
26.58 
100.00
100.00

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
99.95
100.00 
99.93 
100.00 
100.00 
55.21 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
46.12 
66.55 
100.00 
100.00 

21 
17 
- 
1,569 
113 
1,485 
53 
23 
1 
- 
203 
855 
12 
53 
58 
9 
64 
5 
22 
28 
11 
1 
110 
46 
17 
48 
52 
21 
1 
79 
- 
15 

38 
29 
4 
998 
157 
14 
69 

MEXICO 

BANKING 

- 

100.00

100.00 

8,633 

24 
26 
- 
1,642 
80 
2,381 
57 
62 
10 
3 
232 
855 
34 
118 
131 
12 
114 
27 
52 
60 
12 
1 
2,850 
45 
18 
403 
296 
21 
2 
614 
- 
18 

111 
32 
26 
19,382 
8,189 
31 
269 

87,919 

3 
8 
- 
38 
- 
893 
4 
53 
9 
3 
21 
- 
10 
4 
67 
1 
35 
21 
28 
23 
1 
- 
2,652 
- 
- 
355 
174 
- 
1 
- 
- 
3 

55 
4 
21 
17,212 
7,166 
17 
199 

79,560 

20 
16 
- 
1,863 
59
1,678 
32 
6 
1 
- 
214 
855 
14 
105 
58 
10 
64 
5 
22 
28 
18 
1 
168 
60
18
44 
140 
16
1 
604 
- 
11 

(41)
19 
4 
1,747 
1,047 
9 
60 

6,374 

1 
2 
- 
(259) 
21 
(190) 
21 
2 
- 
- 
(3) 
1 
9 
9 
6 
- 
15 
1 
2 
9 
(8) 
- 
30 
(15) 
- 
5 
(18) 
5 
- 
10 
- 
4 

98
10 
- 
423 
(23) 
5 
9 

1,985 

P.251 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect

Total

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

% Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

BBVA BANCOMER SEGUROS SALUD SA DE CV 
BBVA BANCOMER SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS, S.A. DE C.V. 
BBVA BRASIL BANCO DE INVESTIMENTO SA 
BBVA BROKER CORREDURIA DE SEGUROS Y REASEGUROS SA 
BBVA BROKER SA 
BBVA COLOMBIA SA 
BBVA COMPASS BANCSHARES INC 
BBVA COMPASS FINANCIAL CORPORATION 
BBVA COMPASS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC 
BBVA COMPASS PAYMENTS INC 
BBVA CONSOLIDAR SEGUROS SA 
BBVA CONSULTING ( BEIJING) LIMITED 
BBVA CONSULTORIA, S.A. 
BBVA CONSUMER FINANCE ENTIDAD DE DESARROLLO A LA PEQUEÑA Y MICRO EMPRESA EDPYME SA 
(BBVA CONSUMER FINANCE - EDPYME) 
BBVA DATA & ANALYTICS SL 
BBVA DISTRIBUIDORA DE SEGUROS S.R.L. 
BBVA FINANZIA SPA 

MEXICO 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
ARGENTINA 
COLOMBIA   
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES  
UNITED STATES  
UNITED STATES  
UNITED STATES  
CHINA 
SPAIN 

PERU     

SPAIN 
URUGUAY  
ITALY 

INSURANCES SERVICES 
SERVICES 
BANKING 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 

   BANKING 
   INVESTMENT COMPANY 
   FINANCIAL SERVICES 
   INSURANCES SERVICES 
   INVESTMENT COMPANY 
   INSURANCES SERVICES 
   FINANCIAL SERVICES 

SERVICES 

- 
- 
100.00 
99.94 
- 
77.41 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
87.78 
- 
- 

100.00 
100.00 
- 
0.06 
99.99
18.06 
- 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
12.22 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00
100.00 
99.99 
95.47 
100.00
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

13 
38 
16 
- 
- 
355 
11,703 
230 
38 
88 
8 
2 
2 

  FINANCIAL SERVICES 

- 

100.00 

100.00 

SERVICES 

  INSURANCES SERVICES 

IN LIQUIDATION 

- 
- 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
- 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00

BBVA FRANCES ASSET MANAGMENT S.A. SOCIEDAD GERENTE DE FONDOS COMUNES DE INVERSIÓN.  ARGENTINA 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

BBVA FRANCES VALORES, S.A. 

BBVA FUNDOS S.GESTORA FUNDOS PENSOES SA 

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE LTD 
BBVA GLOBAL MARKETS BV 
BBVA HOLDING CHILE SA 
BBVA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ESPAÑA SL 
BBVA INSTITUIÇAO FINANCEIRA DE CREDITO SA 
BBVA INTERNATIONAL PREFERRED SOCIEDAD ANONIMA 
BBVA IRELAND PLC 
BBVA LEASING MEXICO SA DE CV 

BBVA LUXINVEST SA 

BBVA MEDIACION OPERADOR DE BANCA-SEGUROS VINCULADO, S.A. 
BBVA NEXT TECHNOLOGIES SLU 
BBVA NOMINEES LIMITED  
BBVA OP3N S.L. 
BBVA OPEN PLATFORM INC 
BBVA PARAGUAY SA 

BBVA PENSIONES SA ENTIDAD GESTORA DE FONDOS DE PENSIONES 

BBVA PLANIFICACION PATRIMONIAL SL 

BBVA PREVISION AFP SA ADM.DE FONDOS DE PENSIONES 

BBVA PROCUREMENT SERVICES AMERICA DEL SUR SpA 
BBVA RE DAC 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018

ARGENTINA 

PORTUGAL     

CAYMAN ISLANDS 
NETHERLANDS 
CHILE 
SPAIN 
PORTUGAL     
SPAIN 
IRELAND 
MEXICO 

LUXEMBOURG 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
UNITED KINGDOM 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
PARAGUAY     

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

BOLIVIA    

CHILE 
IRELAND 

SECURITIES DEALER 
PENSION FUNDS 
MANAGEMENT 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
SERVICES 
 FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
PENSION FUNDS 
MANAGEMENT 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
IN LIQUIDATION 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
   BANKING 

PENSION FUNDS 
MANAGEMENT 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
PENSION FUNDS 
MANAGEMENT 
SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 

- 

- 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
61.22 
76.00 
49.90 
100.00 
100.00 
- 

- 

- 
- 
38.78 
- 
50.10 
- 
- 
100.00 

100.00

100.00
100.00
100.00 
76.00
100.00 
100.00
100.00
100.00 

36.00 

64.00 

100.00 

- 
100.00 
100.00 
- 
- 
100.00 

100.00 

80.00 

75.00 

100.00 
- 
- 
100.00 
100.00 
- 

- 

100.00 
100.00
100.00
100.00 
100.00 
100.00

100.00

20.00 

100.00 

5.00 

80.00 

- 
- 

100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 

23 
197 
28 
15 
9 
16,793 
11,817 
432 
40 
88 
82 
2 
5 

135 

5 
5 
13 

15 

5 

10 

179 
2,562 
348 
6 
422 
36 
52 
888 

2 

96 
41 
- 
3 
2 
1,923 

40 

1 

26 

8 
68 

10 
159 
3 
3 
2 
15,572 
41 
210 
2 
- 
55 
- 
3 

115 

2 
- 
10 

5 

1 

- 

175 
2,561 
- 
5 
369 
35 
48 
751 

1 

69 
18 
- 
4 
1 
1,741 

13 

- 

15 

1 
25 

12 
27 
25 
8 
2 
1,035 
11,131 
217 
29 
73
22 
2 
2 

17 

3 
3 
4 

11 

5 

8 

4 
- 
273
1 
50 
- 
2 
127 

(1) 

10 
20 
- 
(1) 
8 
150 

16 

1 

5 

6 
48 

2 
11 
- 
4 
5 
186 
645 
5 
9 
15 
4 
- 
- 

3 

1 
2 
- 

- 

(1) 

2 

- 
- 
75 
- 
3 
- 
1 
10 

1 

17 
3 
- 
(1) 
(7) 
32 

11 

- 

7 

1 
(6) 

21 

6 
5 
4 

11 

4 

10 

- 
- 
139 
1 
39 
- 
2 
51 

- 

10 
19 
- 
- 
1 
23 

13 

- 

1 

6 
39 

 
P.252 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

BBVA REAL ESTATE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V. 
BBVA SECURITIES INC 
BBVA SEGUROS COLOMBIA SA 
BBVA SEGUROS DE VIDA COLOMBIA SA 
BBVA SEGUROS SA DE SEGUROS Y REASEGUROS 
BBVA SERVICIOS, S.A. 
BBVA SUIZA SA (BBVA SWITZERLAND) 
BBVA TRADE, S.A. (**) 

BBVA TRANSFER SERVICES INC 
BBVA VALORES COLOMBIA SA COMISIONISTA DE BOLSA 
BBVA WEALTH SOLUTIONS, INC. 
BEEVA TEC OPERADORA, S.A. DE C.V. 
BEEVA TEC SA DE CV 
BILBAO VIZCAYA HOLDING SA 
CAIXA MANRESA IMMOBILIARIA ON CASA SL 
CAIXA MANRESA IMMOBILIARIA SOCIAL SL 

CAIXA TERRASSA SOCIETAT DE PARTICIPACIONS PREFERENTS SAU 
CAIXASABADELL PREFERENTS SA 
CARTERA E INVERSIONES SA CIA DE 
CASA DE BOLSA BBVA BANCOMER SA DE CV 
CATALONIA GEBIRA, S.L. 
CATALONIA PROMODIS 4, S.A. 
CATALUNYACAIXA CAPITAL SA 
CATALUNYACAIXA IMMOBILIARIA SA 

CATALUNYACAIXA SERVEIS SA 
CDD GESTIONI S.R.L. 
CETACTIUS SL 
CIDESSA DOS, S.L. 
CIDESSA UNO SL 
CIERVANA SL 
CLUB GOLF HACIENDA EL ALAMO, S.L.
COMERCIALIZADORA CORPORATIVA SAC 

COMERCIALIZADORA DE SERVICIOS FINANCIEROS, S.A. 
COMPAÑIA CHILENA DE INVERSIONES SL 
COMPASS BANK 
COMPASS CAPITAL MARKETS, INC. 
COMPASS GP, INC. 
COMPASS INSURANCE TRUST 
COMPASS LIMITED PARTNER, INC. 
COMPASS LOAN HOLDINGS TRS, INC. 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018
(**) This company has an equity loan from CARTERA E INVERSIONES S.A., CIA DE.  

MEXICO  
UNITED STATES 
COLOMBIA     
COLOMBIA     
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SWITZERLAND 
SPAIN 

UNITED STATES 
COLOMBIA     
UNITED STATES 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
SPAIN
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

SPAIN 
ITALY 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN
PERU

COLOMBIA     
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 

     FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

       INSURANCES SERVICES 
       INSURANCES SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
COMMERCIAL 
BANKING 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
       SECURITIES DEALER 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 

     INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
SECURITIES DEALER 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
REAL ESTATE 

SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 

     IN LIQUIDATION 
     FINANCIAL SERVICES 

       SERVICES 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 
BANKING 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

- 
- 
94.00 
94.00 
99.96 
- 
100.00 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
89.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 
- 

- 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

100.00
100.00
6.00 
6.00 
- 
100.00
- 
100.00

100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
11.00 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
100.00
100.00
100.00
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
100.00
100.00
- 
97.87
50.00

100.00
0.03 
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
99.96
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
97.87 
50.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

- 
192  
10  
14  
713  
- 
98  
4  

66  
5  
8  
- 
1  
51  
2  
4  

1  
- 
92  
48  
- 
1  
79  
328  

2  
5  
1  
15  
5  
53  
1  
- 

- 
398 
90 
402 
17,303 
8 
832 
42 

- 
205 
68 
282 
16,509 
- 
719 
37 

118 
6 
8 
2 
6 
234 
2 
3 

76 
91 
224 
57 
1 
4 
88 
324 

8 
12 
1 
15 
283 
60 
2 
1 

51 
1 
- 
2 
3 
141 
- 
- 

74 
90 
120 
8 
1 
2 
7 
8 

6 
2 
- 
1 
251 
6 
1 
1 

- 
187 
13 
86 
484 
7 
108 
5 

57 
4 
6 
- 
2 
90 
2 
3 

2 
1 
(83)
21 
- 
2 
76 
303 

3 
6 
1 
15 
(50)
54 
- 
- 

4  
221  
10,950  
7,203  
43  
- 
6,305  
72  

9 
719 
84,383 
7,203 
54 
- 
6,305 
72 

5 
280 
73,398 
- 
10 
- 
- 
- 

3 
(59)
10,267 
7,116 
43 
- 
6,218 
71 

- 
6 
9 
33 
309 
- 
4 
- 

9 
1 
2 
- 
1 
3 
- 
- 

- 
- 
186
27 
- 
- 
5 
14 

- 
4 
- 
- 
83
- 
1 
- 

1 
498
718 
88 
- 
- 
87 
1 

P.253 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

COMPASS MORTGAGE CORPORATION 
COMPASS MORTGAGE FINANCING, INC. 

COMPASS SOUTHWEST, LP 
COMPASS TEXAS MORTGAGE FINANCING, INC 
CONSOLIDAR A.F.J.P SA 
CONTENTS AREA, S.L. 
CONTINENTAL BOLSA SDAD. AGENTE DE BOLSA SA 
CONTINENTAL DPR FINANCE COMPANY 
CONTINENTAL SOCIEDAD TITULIZADORA SA 
CONTRATACION DE PERSONAL, S.A. DE C.V. 

COPROMED SA DE CV 
CORPORACION GENERAL FINANCIERA SA 
COVAULT, INC 
DALLAS CREATION CENTER, INC 
DATA ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY S.L. 
DENIZEN FINANCIAL, INC 
DENIZEN GLOBAL FINANCIAL SAU 
DEUTSCHE BANK MEXICO SA FIDEICOMISO F/1859 

DEUTSCHE BANK MEXICO SA FIDEICOMISO F/1860 
DISTRITO CASTELLANA NORTE, S.A. 
ECASA, S.A. 
EL ENCINAR METROPOLITANO, S.A. 
EL MILANILLO, S.A. 
EMPRENDIMIENTOS DE VALOR S.A. 
ENTIDAD DE PROMOCION DE NEGOCIOS SA 
ENTRE2 SERVICIOS FINANCIEROS E.F.C SA 

ESPAIS SABADELL PROMOCIONS INMOBILIARIES, S.A. 
EUROPEA DE TITULIZACION SA SGFT . 
EXPANSION INTERCOMARCAL SL 

F/11395 FIDEICOMISO IRREVOCABLE DE ADMINISTRACION CON DERECHO DE REVERSION 

F/253863 EL DESEO RESIDENCIAL 
F/403035-9 BBVA HORIZONTES RESIDENCIAL 
FIDEICOMISO 28991-8 TRADING EN LOS MCADOS FINANCIEROS 

FIDEICOMISO F/29764-8 SOCIO LIQUIDADOR DE OPERACIONES FINANCIERAS DERIVADAS 

MEXICO  
UNITED STATES 

   FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
ARGENTINA 
SPAIN 
PERU   
CAYMAN ISLANDS 
PERU   
MEXICO 

MEXICO 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
MEXICO 

MEXICO 
SPAIN 
CHILE 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
URUGUAY    
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

MEXICO 

MEXICO 
MEXICO  
MEXICO  

MEXICO 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
IN LIQUIDATION 
SERVICES 
 SECURITIES DEALER 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
 FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 

SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
PAYMENT ENTITIE 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 

  FINANCIAL SERVICES 

HOLDING 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 
   REAL ESTATE 
   FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FIDEICOMISO F/403112-6 DE ADMINISTRACION DOS LAGOS 
FIDEICOMISO HARES BBVA BANCOMER F/ 47997-2 
FIDEICOMISO LOTE 6.1 ZARAGOZA 
FIDEICOMISO N.989 EN THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON SA INSTITUCION DE BANCA MULTIPLE 
FIDUCIARIO (FIDEIC.00989 6 EMISION) 

MEXICO 
MEXICO 
COLOMBIA     

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
    REAL ESTATE 

MEXICO 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018

- 
- 

- 
- 
46.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 

- 
88.24 
100.00 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
53.89 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
- 
100.00 
100.00 
51.00
100.00 
- 
100.00 

100.00 
75.54
100.00 
99.05
100.00 
100.00 
99.88
- 

100.00 
- 
- 

42.40

65.00
65.00
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
51.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
75.54 
100.00 
99.05 
100.00 
100.00 
99.88 
100.00 

100.00 
88.24 
100.00 

42.40 

65.00 
65.00 
100.00 

2,857  
- 

5,213  
- 
1  
6  
6  
- 
1  
6  

- 
510  
1  
4  
- 
- 
2  
- 

- 
98  
25  
6  
7  
3  
15  
9  

6  
2  
16  

- 

- 
- 
2  

100.00 

100.00 

46  

100.00 
100.00 
59.99

100.00 
100.00 
59.99 

100.00 

100.00 

- 
4  
- 

- 

2,950 
- 

5,229 
- 
2 
8 
103 
52 
1 
11 

- 
1,577 
1 
8 
4 
- 
4 
- 

- 
147 
30 
6 
13 
6 
17 
9 

8 
34 
17 

1 

1 
- 
2 

46 

- 
8 
2 

79 

98 
- 

5 
- 
1 
1 
98 
52 
- 
5 

- 
- 
1 
4 
1 
1 
1 
- 

- 
20 
4 
- 
6 
3 
- 
- 

- 
2 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
5 
- 

79 

2,783 
- 

5,151 
- 
2 
6 
4 
- 
1 
5 

- 
1,642 
2 
- 
2 
3 
4 
- 

- 
133 
14 
6 
9 
3 
17 
9 

8 
28 
16 

1 

1 
- 
2 

41 

- 
4 
2 

(3) 

69 
- 

73 
- 
- 
1 
2 
- 
- 
1 

- 
(65) 
(2) 
3 
- 
(3) 
(1) 
- 

- 
(5) 
11 
- 
(3) 
- 
- 
- 

- 
4 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

6 

- 
- 
- 

3 

P.254 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

FIDEICOMISO Nº 711 EN BANCO INVEX SA INSTITUCION DE BANCA MULTIPLE INVEX GRUPO 
FINANCIERO FIDUCIARIO (FIDEIC. INVEX 1ª EMISION) 
FIDEICOMISO Nº 752 EN BANCO INVEX SA INSTITUCION DE BANCA MULTIPLE INVEX GRUPO 
FINANCIERO FIDUCIARIO (FIDEIC. INVEX 2ª EMISION) 
FIDEICOMISO Nº 847 EN BANCO INVEX SA INSTITUCION DE BANCA MULTIPLE INVEX GRUPO 
FINANCIERO FIDUCIARIO (FIDEIC. INVEX 4ª EMISION) 
FIDEICOMISO SCOTIABANK INVERLAT S A F100322908 
FINANCEIRA DO COMERCIO EXTERIOR SAR. 
FINANCIERA AYUDAMOS S.A. DE C.V., SOFOMER 
FOMENTO Y DESARROLLO DE CONJUNTOS RESIDENCIALES S.L. 
FORUM COMERCIALIZADORA DEL PERU SA 
FORUM DISTRIBUIDORA DEL PERU SA 
FORUM DISTRIBUIDORA, S.A. 

FORUM SERVICIOS FINANCIEROS, S.A. 
FUTURO FAMILIAR, S.A. DE C.V. 
G NETHERLANDS BV 
GARANTI BANK SA 
GARANTI BILISIM TEKNOLOJISI VE TIC TAS 
GARANTI DIVERSIFIED PAYMENT RIGHTS FINANCE COMPANY 
GARANTI EMEKLILIK VE HAYAT AS 
GARANTI FACTORING HIZMETLERI AS 

GARANTI FILO SIGORTA ARACILIK HIZMETLERI A.S. 
GARANTI FILO YONETIM HIZMETLERI A.S. 
GARANTI FINANSAL KIRALAMA AS 
GARANTI HIZMET YONETIMI AS 
GARANTI HOLDING BV 
GARANTI KONUT FINANSMANI DANISMANLIK HIZMETLERI AS (GARANTI MORTGAGE) 
GARANTI KULTUR AS 
GARANTI ODEME SISTEMLERI AS (GOSAS) 

GARANTI PORTFOY YONETIMI AS 
GARANTI YATIRIM MENKUL KIYMETLER AS 
GARANTI YATIRIM ORTAKLIGI AS 
GARANTIBANK INTERNATIONAL NV 
GARRAF MEDITERRANIA, S.A. 
GESCAT GESTIO DE SOL SL 
GESCAT LLEVANT, S.L. 
GESCAT LLOGUERS SL 

GESCAT POLSKA SP ZOO 
GESCAT SINEVA, S.L. 
GESCAT VIVENDES EN COMERCIALITZACIO SL 

GESTION DE PREVISION Y PENSIONES SA 

GESTION Y ADMINISTRACION DE RECIBOS, S.A. - GARSA 
GRAN JORGE JUAN SA 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018

MEXICO 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

MEXICO  

   FINANCIAL SERVICES 

MEXICO  

   FINANCIAL SERVICES 

MEXICO 
PORTUGAL   
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
PERU   
PERU   
CHILE 

CHILE 
MEXICO 
NETHERLANDS 
ROMANIA 
TURKEY 
CAIMAN ISLANDS 
TURKEY 
TURKEY 

TURKEY 
TURKEY 
TURKEY 
TURKEY 
NETHERLANDS 
TURKEY 
TURKEY 
TURKEY 

TURKEY 
TURKEY 
TURKEY 
NETHERLANDS 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

POLAND 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 

REAL ESTATE 

  INACTIVE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
IN LIQUIDATION 
 SERVICES 
 FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
BANKING 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

INSURANCES SERVICES 
OTHER HOLDING 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
BANKING 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
   REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
PENSION FUNDS 
MANAGEMENT 
SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 

- 

- 

- 

- 
100.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 
100.00 

100.00 
- 
100.00 

60.00 

- 
100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00 
- 
100.00 
60.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
84.91 
81.84 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
3.61 
100.00 
100.00 
- 
100.00 
- 

- 
100.00 
- 

- 

100.00 
- 

100.00 
100.00
100.00 
60.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
84.91 
81.84 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
95.49 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00
100.00 
100.00

100.00
100.00 
100.00

60.00 

100.00 
100.00

- 

- 

- 

7  
- 
11  
- 
2  
5  
39  

244  
1  
340  
269  
13  
- 
126  
19  

- 
2  
149  
- 
228  
- 
- 
- 

16  
29  
- 
578  
2  
8  
3  
3  

10  
6  
93  

9  

1  
409  

13 

7 

39 

13 
- 
12 
- 
1 
46 
373 

3,014 
4 
348 
2,216 
17 
3,316 
266 
399 

1 
302 
995 
1 
340 
1 
- 
6 

19 
56 
6 
4,278 
2 
20 
5 
4 

10 
6 
107 

28 

2 
966 

14 

7 

38 

6 
- 
1 
- 
- 
41 
336 

2,785 
3 
50 
1,930 
4 
3,321 
120 
376 

- 
301 
846 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3 

2 
27 
- 
3,703 
1 
8 
2 
- 

- 
- 
14 

1 

- 
558 

(1) 

- 

- 

6 
- 
16 
- 
1 
5 
32 

161 
1 
299 
258 
12 
(3) 
67 
29 

- 
- 
133 
1 
340 
- 
- 
3 

11 
19 
6 
560 
2 
14 
2 
3 

9 
6 
98 

21 

2 
395 

- 

- 

1 

1 
- 
(6) 
- 
- 
- 
5 

68 
- 
(1) 
28 
2 
(3) 
79 
(6) 

- 
1 
16 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1 

5 
11 
- 
14 
- 
(2) 
1 
- 

1 
- 
(6) 

6 

- 
14 

P.255 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

GRUPO FINANCIERO BBVA BANCOMER SA DE CV 
GUARANTY BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION 
GUARANTY PLUS HOLDING COMPANY 
HABITATGES FINVER, S.L. 

HABITATGES JUVIPRO, S.L. 
HOLAMUNO AGENTE DE SEGUROS VINCULADO, S.L.U.(**) 
HOLVI DEUTSCHLAND SERVICE GMBH 
HOLVI PAYMENT SERVICE OY 
HUMAN RESOURCES PROVIDER, INC 
HUMAN RESOURCES SUPPORT, INC 
INMESP DESARROLLADORA, S.A. DE C.V. 
INMUEBLES Y RECUPERACIONES CONTINENTAL SA 

INPAU, S.A. 
INVERAHORRO SL 
INVERPRO DESENVOLUPAMENT, S.L. 
INVERSIONES ALDAMA, C.A. 
INVERSIONES BANPRO INTERNATIONAL INC NV 
INVERSIONES BAPROBA CA 
INVERSIONES DE INNOVACION EN SERVICIOS FINANCIEROS, S.L. 
INVERSIONES P.H.R.4, C.A. 

IRIDION SOLUCIONS IMMOBILIARIES SL 
JALE PROCAM, S.L.  
L'EIX IMMOBLES, S.L. 
LIQUIDITY ADVISORS LP 
MADIVA SOLUCIONES, S.L. 
MICRO SPINAL LLC 
MISAPRE, S.A. DE C.V. 
MOMENTUM SOCIAL INVESTMENT HOLDING, S.L. 

MOTORACTIVE IFN SA 
MOTORACTIVE MULTISERVICES SRL 
MULTIASISTENCIA OPERADORA S.A. DE C.V. 
MULTIASISTENCIA SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V. 
MULTIASISTENCIA, S.A. DE C.V. 
NEWCO PERU SAC 
NOIDIRI SL 
NOVA TERRASSA 3, S.L. 

OPCION VOLCAN, S.A. 
OPENPAY S.A.P.I DE C.V. 
OPENPAY SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V. 
OPERADORA DOS LAGOS S.A. DE C.V. 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018 
 (**) These companies have an equity loan from BILBAO VIZCAYA HOLDING, S.A. 

MEXICO 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
GERMANY 
FINLAND 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
MEXICO 
PERU     

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
VENEZUELA 
CURAÇAO 
VENEZUELA 
SPAIN 
VENEZUELA 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 

ROMANIA 
ROMANIA 
#N/A 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
PERU     
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

MEXICO     
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
     REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
IN LIQUIDATION 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
INACTIVE 

REAL ESTATE 
IN LIQUIDATION 

  REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
     INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 

  REAL ESTATE 

PAYMENT ENTITIES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 

99.98 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
100.00 
- 
- 
48.00 
100.00 
- 
- 

100.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 
100.00 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
- 
100.00 
100.00 
- 
- 
100.00 
60.46 

- 
50.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
- 
- 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

99.98
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00
100.00 
100.00 
48.01
100.00
100.00 
60.46 

100.00
50.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00
100.00
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

6,678  
32  
- 
1  

1  
- 
- 
32  
404  
399  
26  
40  

25  
101  
4  
- 
16  
1  
40  
- 

2  
- 
2  
1,116  
9  
- 
2  
7  

37  
- 
- 
- 
22  
124  
- 
6  

19  
15  
- 
1  

9,642 
32 
- 
2 

1 
2 
- 
5 
404 
399 
34 
41 

25 
103 
10 
- 
52 
1 
41 
- 

3 
3 
9 
1,124 
3 
- 
2 
7 

185 
16 
1 
1 
35 
1,005 
- 
6 

23 
2 
- 
2 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
4 
- 
2 
- 
- 
9 
1 

- 
- 
2 
- 
2 
- 
1 
- 

1 
56 
7 
2 
1 
- 
- 
- 

158 
14 
1 
- 
13 
- 
- 
- 

4 
1 
- 
1 

7,323 
32 
- 
1 

1 
(1) 
- 
12 
398 
393 
25 
39 

25 
105 
4 
- 
45 
- 
40 
- 

2 
(49)
2 
1,108 
2 
- 
2 
7 

23 
1 
- 
- 
15 
829 
- 
6 

20 
1 
- 
1 

2,318 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(2) 
- 
(9) 
6 
6 
- 
1 

- 
(3) 
3 
- 
5 
1 
- 
- 

- 
(4) 
- 
14 
1 
- 
- 
- 

3 
1 
- 
- 
6 
176 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

P.256 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect

Total

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

OPPLUS OPERACIONES Y SERVICIOS SA 
OPPLUS SAC 
P.I. HOLDINGS NO. 3, INC. 
PARCSUD PLANNER, S.L. 

PECRI INVERSION SA 

PENSIONES BBVA BANCOMER, S.A. DE C.V., GRUPO FINANCIERO BBVA BANCOMER 
PERSONAL DATA BANK SLU 
PHOENIX LOAN HOLDINGS, INC. 
PI HOLDINGS NO. 1, INC. 
PORTICO PROCAM, S.L. 
PROMOCIONES Y CONSTRUCCIONES CERBAT, S.L.U. 

PROMOTORA DEL VALLES, S.L. 
PROMOU CT 3AG DELTA, S.L. 
PROMOU CT EIX MACIA, S.L. 
PROMOU CT GEBIRA, S.L. 
PROMOU CT OPENSEGRE, S.L. 
PROMOU CT VALLES, S.L. 
PROMOU GLOBAL, S.L. 
PRONORTE UNO PROCAM, S.A. 

PROPEL VENTURE PARTNERS GLOBAL, S.L 
PROPEL VENTURE PARTNERS US FUND I, L.P. 
PRO-SALUD, C.A. 
PROVINCIAL DE VALORES CASA DE BOLSA CA 
PROVINCIAL SDAD.ADMIN.DE ENTIDADES DE INV.COLECTIVA CA 
PROV-INFI-ARRAHONA, S.L. 

PROVIVIENDA ENTIDAD RECAUDADORA Y ADMIN.DE APORTES, S.A. 

PUERTO CIUDAD LAS PALMAS, S.A. (**) 
QIPRO SOLUCIONES S.L. 
RALFI IFN SA 
RENTRUCKS ALQUILER Y SERVICIOS DE TRANSPORTE SA 
RESIDENCIAL CUMBRES DE SANTA FE, S.A. DE C.V. 

RPV COMPANY 
RWHC, INC 
SAGE OG I, INC 
SATICEM GESTIO SL 
SATICEM HOLDING SL 
SATICEM IMMOBILIARIA SL 
SATICEM IMMOBLES EN ARRENDAMENT SL 
SEGUROS BBVA BANCOMER SA DE CV GRUPO FINANCIERO BBVA BANCOMER 

SPAIN 
PERU   
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 

SPAIN 

MEXICO 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

SERVICES 
 IN LIQUIDATION 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
OTHER INVESTMENT 
COMPANIES 
INSURANCES SERVICES 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 

SPAIN 
SPAIN  
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN  

REAL ESTATE 
   REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
   REAL ESTATE 
   REAL ESTATE 
   REAL ESTATE 

SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
VENEZUELA 
VENEZUELA 
VENEZUELA  
SPAIN 

BOLIVIA

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
ROMANIA 
SPAIN 
MEXICO 

CAYMAN ISLANDS 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
MEXICO 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
VENTURE CAPITAL 
INACTIVE 
SECURITIES DEALER 
   FINANCIAL SERVICES 
   REAL ESTATE 

PENSION FUNDS 
MANAGEMENT 

   REAL ESTATE 

SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INACTIVE 
REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
   FINANCIAL SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
INSURANCES SERVICES 

SEGUROS PROVINCIAL CA 

VENEZUELA 

INSURANCES SERVICES 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018 
(**) These companies have an equity loan from CATALUNYA CAIXA INMOBILIARIA, S.A 

100.00 
- 
- 
- 

100.00 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
100.00 
- 

- 
- 
- 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
- 

- 

- 
100.00
100.00
100.00

- 

100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

99.50
100.00
58.86
90.00
100.00
100.00

100.00

96.64
100.00
100.00
- 
100.00

100.00
100.00
100.00
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00

100.00

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

99.50 
100.00 
58.86 
90.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 

96.64 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 

1  
1  
1  
1  

163  

185  
- 
339  
83  
26  
8  

39  
1  
4  
2  
5  
2  
18  
- 

31  
71  
- 
1  
- 
6  

2  

- 
5  
39  
1  
3  

- 
742  
- 
4  
5  
15  
2  
335  

7  

41 
1 
1 
4 

164 

4,629 
- 
361 
83 
26 
8 

101 
10 
5 
8 
29 
8 
45 
5 

64 
71 
- 
2 
- 
9 

8 

21 
15 
126 
1 
3 

1,324 
739 
- 
4 
6 
15 
2 
4,199 

7 

11 
- 
- 
2 

- 

4,449 
- 
20 
- 
- 
- 

65 
9 
- 
6 
22 
6 
28 
4 

20 
- 
- 
1 
- 
3 

7 

45 
3 
109 
- 
- 

1,324 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3,865 

7 

24 
1 
1 
1 

148 

140 
- 
336 
83 
25 
8 

49 
1 
5 
1 
6 
2 
7 
- 

33 
70 
- 
- 
- 
4 

2 

(18) 
10 
15 
2 
2 

- 
725 
- 
4 
5 
15 
2 
124 

- 

6 
- 
- 
- 

15 

41 
- 
5 
- 
- 
- 

(13) 
- 
- 
1 
1 
- 
11 
- 

10 
- 
- 
1 
- 
2 

- 

(6) 
2 
2 
(1) 
- 

- 
14 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
210 

- 

P.257 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Additional Information on Consolidated Subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

SERVICIOS CORPORATIVOS BANCOMER, S.A. DE C.V. 
SERVICIOS CORPORATIVOS DE SEGUROS, S.A. DE C.V. 
SERVICIOS EXTERNOS DE APOYO EMPRESARIAL, S.A DE C.V. 
SERVICIOS TECNOLOGICOS SINGULARES, S.A. 
SIMPLE FINANCE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 
SOCIEDAD DE ESTUDIOS Y ANALISIS FINANCIERO SA 

MEXICO 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 

SERVICES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SERVICES 

SOCIEDAD GESTORA DEL FONDO PUBLICO DE REGULACION DEL MERCADO HIPOTECARIO SA 

SPAIN 

PAYMENT INSTITUIONS 

SPORT CLUB 18 SA (**) 
TEXAS LOAN SERVICES LP 
TMF HOLDING INC. 
TRIFOI REAL ESTATE SRL 

TUCSON LOAN HOLDINGS, INC. 
TURKIYE GARANTI BANKASI AS 
UNIVERSALIDAD TIPS PESOS E-9 
UNNIM SOCIEDAD PARA LA GESTION DE ACTIVOS INMOBILIARIOS SA 
UPTURN FINANCIAL INC 
URBANIZADORA SANT LLORENC SA 
VERIDAS DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION SOLUTIONS S.L. 

(*) Information on foreign companies at exchange rate on December 31, 2018 
(**) This company has an equity loan from BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. 

SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
UNITED STATES 
ROMANIA 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
BANKING 

UNITED STATES 
TURKEY 
COLOMBIA                  FINANCIAL SERVICES 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

REAL ESTATE 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
INACTIVE 
SERVICES 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100.00 

77.20 

100.00 
- 
- 
- 

- 
49.85 
- 
100.00 
- 
60.60 
- 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
- 

- 

- 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
- 
100.00 
- 
100.00 
- 
51.00 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

77.20 

100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

100.00 
49.85 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
60.60 
51.00 

5  
3  
10  
- 
50  
79  

- 

10  
1,129  
15  
1  

33  
5,509  
- 
359  
1  
- 
- 

6 
17 
26 
1 
59 
83 

- 

13 
1,130 
22 
1 

35 
59,390 
49 
1,038 
1 
- 
3 

2 
14 
15 
1 
9 
8 

- 

1 
- 
8 
- 

- 
51,556 
20 
496 
- 
- 
2 

5 
2 
8 
- 
80 
81 

- 

13 
1,112 
14 
1 

34 
6,670 
27 
500 
2 
- 
- 

- 
- 
2 
- 
(30) 
(5) 

- 

(1) 
17 
1 
- 

1 
1,163 
2 
42 
(1) 
- 
- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.258 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

APPENDIX II Additional information on investments joint ventures and associates in the BBVA Group 

Acquisitions or increases of interest ownership in consolidated subsidiaries 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net Carrying 
Amount 

Assets 
31.12.18 

Liabilities 
31.12.18 

Equity  
31.12.18 

Profit (Loss)  
31.12.18 

%  Legal share of participation 

Millions of Euros (**) 

Affiliate Entity Data 

FIDEICOMISO F/00185 FIMPE - FIDEICOMISO F/00185 PARA EXTENDER A LA SOCIEDAD LOS 
BENEFICIOS DEL ACCESO A LA INFRAESTRUCTURA DE LOS MEDIOS DE PAGO ELECTRONICOS 

MEXICO 

ASSOCIATES 

ADQUIRA ESPAÑA, S.A. 

ATOM BANK PLC 

AUREA, S.A. (CUBA) 

BANK OF HANGZHOU CONSUMER FINANCE CO LTD 

CANCUN SUN & GOLF COUNTRY CLUB, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. 

COMPAÑIA ESPAÑOLA DE FINANCIACION DEL DESARROLLO SA 

COMPAÑIA PERUANA DE MEDIOS DE PAGO SAC (VISANET PERU) 

DIVARIAN PROPIEDAD, S.A.U. 

METROVACESA SA 

REDSYS SERVICIOS DE PROCESAMIENTO SL 

ROMBO COMPAÑIA FINANCIERA SA 

SERVICIOS ELECTRONICOS GLOBALES SA DE CV 

SERVIRED SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE MEDIOS DE PAGO SA 

SOLARISBANK AG 

TELEFONICA FACTORING ESPAÑA SA 

TF PERU SAC 

JOINT VENTURES (*) 

ADQUIRA MEXICO SA DE CV 

ALTURA MARKETS SOCIEDAD DE VALORES SA 

COMPAÑIA MEXICANA DE PROCESAMIENTO SA DE CV 

CORPORACION IBV PARTICIPACIONES EMPRESARIALES, S.A. 

DESARROLLOS METROPOLITANOS DEL SUR, S.L. 

FIDEICOMISO F/402770-2 ALAMAR 

FIDEICOMISO 1729 INVEX ENAJENACION DE CARTERA 

INVERSIONES PLATCO CA 

PROMOCIONS TERRES CAVADES, S.A. 

PSA FINANCE ARGENTINA COMPAÑIA FINANCIERA SA 

SPAIN 

COMMERCIAL 

UNITED KINGDOM 

BANKING 

CUBA 

CHINA 

MEXICO 

SPAIN 

PERU 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

ARGENTINA 

MEXICO 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

PERU 

MEXICO 

SPAIN 

MEXICO 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

MEXICO 

MEXICO 

- 

39.06 

- 

30.00 

- 

REAL ESTATE 

BANKING 

REAL ESTATE 

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS 

16.67 

ELECTRONIC MONEY 
ENTITIES 

REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

BANKING 

SERVICES 

- 

- 

- 

9.44 

20.00 

- 

- 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

28.72 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 

30.00 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 

COMMERCIAL 

- 

- 

SECURITIES DEALER 

50.00 

SERVICES 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

GERMANY 

BANKING 

- 

40.00 

- 

49.00 

- 

33.33 

- 

20.96 

- 

40.00 

39.06 

49.00 

30.00 

33.33 

16.67 

20.96 

20.00 

28.50 

28.50 

11.41 

- 

40.00 

46.14 

- 

18.76 

- 

24.30 

50.00 

- 

50.00 

50.00 

50.00 

42.40 

32.25 

50.00 

39.11 

50.00 

49.00 

- 

51.00 

51.00 

20.85 

20.00 

40.00 

46.14 

28.72 

18.76 

30.00 

24.30 

50.00 

50.00 

50.00 

50.00 

50.00 

42.40 

32.25 

50.00 

39.11 

50.00 

49.00 

20.06 

51.00 

51.00 

3 

138 

5 

18 

27 

22 

2 

591 

3 

508 

12 

12 

9 

9 

37 

4 

1 

2 

69 

7 

29 

13 

7 

55 

1 

4 

10 

32 

4 

5 

15 

18 

11 

3,078 

2,796 

10 

753 

75 

138 

49 

3,014 

12 

2,577 

121 

209 

18 

38 

212 

59 

5 

1 

693 

22 

6 

37 

57 

- 

184 

60 

179 

- 

8 

158 

46 

1 

5 

2 

7 

330 

9 

58 

52 

124 

4 

2,936 

12 

2,402 

51 

31 

17 

27 

56 

7 

3 

3 

2,711 

2,574 

127 

15 

63 

77 

17 

171 

2 

15 

96 

379 

20 

16 

195 

- 

5 

52 

- 

- 

- 

- 

76 

314 

- 

8 

166 

14 

58 

25 

17 

171 

4 

15 

22 

61 

18 

6 

34 

1 

(48) 

1 

3 

1 

9 

8 

20 

- 

(9) 

11 

(2) 

1 

3 

(2) 

6 

2 

- 

10 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

(2) 

- 

(2) 

5 

2 

2 

(5) 

VENEZUELA 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

SPAIN 

REAL ESTATE 

ARGENTINA 

BANKING 

RCI COLOMBIA SA COMPAÑIA DE FINANCIAMIENTO 

COLOMBIA 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE DEAL II SA 

VITAMEDICA ADMINISTRADORA, S.A. DE C.V 

VOLKSWAGEN FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPAÑIA FINANCIERA SA 

SPAIN 

MEXICO 

ARGENTINA 

IN LIQUIDATION 

20.06 

SERVICES 

BANKING 

- 

- 

(*) Joint ventures incorporated by the equity method. 
(**) In foreign companies the exchange rate of December 31, 2018 is applied. 

P.259 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

APPENDIX III Changes and notification of participations in the BBVA Group in 2018 

Acquisitions or Increases of Interest Ownership in Consolidated Subsidiaries 

Company 

Type of 
Transaction 

Activity 

ENTIDAD DE PROMOCION DE NEGOCIOS SA 

ACQUISITION 

RENT HOLDING 

BBVA BROKER SA 

BBVA HOLDING CHILE SA 

HOLVI DEUTSCHLAND SERVICE GMBH 

PERSONAL DATA BANK SLU 

DOMICILIA TREBOLBLUE SA 

ONUTPEN 2018 SL 

GARANTI YATIRIM ORTAKLIGI AS 

ACQUISITION 
FOUNDING AND 
SPLIT 
FOUNDING  

FOUNDING  

FOUNDING  

FOUNDING  

INSURANCES SERVICES 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

HOLDING ENT. 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

CAPITAL INCREASE 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

Millions of Euros 

% of Voting Rights 

Price Paid in the 
Transactions + 
Expenses directly 
attributable to the 
Transactions 

Fair Value of Equity 
Instruments 
issued for the 
Transactions 

% Participation 
(net) 
Acquired 
in the Year 

Total Voting Rights 
Controlled after the 
Transactions 

Effective Date for the 
Transaction (or 
Notification Date) 

Category 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.02% 

4.99% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

0.31% 

99.88% 

99.99% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

95.49% 

10-May-18 

01-Oct-18 

23-Jan-18 

01-May-18 

01-Jun-18 

03-Jul-18

21-Aug-18

01-Dec-18

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

P.260 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Changes and notification of participations in the BBVA Group in 2018 (continued) 

Disposals or Reduction of Interest Ownership in Consolidated Subsidiaries 

Millions of Euros 

% of Voting Rights 

Company 

Type of Transaction 

Activity 

Profit (Loss) 
in the Transaction 

Changes in the 
Equity due to the 
transaction 

% Participation 
Sold 
in the Year 

Total Voting Rights 
Controlled after the 
Disposal 

Effective Date for the 
Transaction (or 
Notification Date) 

Category 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA (PORTUGAL) SA 

PROMOCION EMPRESARIAL XX SA 

BBVA RENTING, S.A. 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA CHILE, S.A. 

BBVA CORREDORES DE BOLSA LIMITADA 

BBVA SOCIEDAD DE LEASING INMOBILIARIO, S.A. 

BBVA ASESORIAS FINANCIERAS, S.A. 

MERGER 

MERGER 

MERGER 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

BANKING 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

BANKING 

SECURITIES DEALER 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

BBVA ASSET MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRADORA GENERAL DE FONDOS S.A. 

DISPOSAL 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

BBVA FACTORING LIMITADA (CHILE) 

BBVA CORREDORA TECNICA DE SEGUROS LIMITADA 

BANCOMER FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. 

APLICA TECNOLOGIA AVANZADA OPERADORA, S.A. DE C.V. 

APLICA TECNOLOGIA AVANZADA SERVICIOS, S.A. DE C.V. 

BBVA SUBORDINATED CAPITAL SOCIEDAD ANONIMA 

BBVA SENIOR FINANCE SAU 

BBVA INMOBILIARIA E INVERSIONES, S.A. 

HOMEOWNERS LOAN CORPORATION 

BBVA RENTAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA 

BBVA SERVICIOS CORPORATIVOS LIMITADA 

DIVARIAN DESARROLLOS INMOBILIARIOS, S.L.U 

BBVA INVERSIONES CHILE, S.A. 

BBVA SEGUROS DE VIDA, S.A. 

GUARANTY PLUS PROPERTIES, INC-1 

GUARANTY PLUS PROPERTIES LLC-2 

4D INTERNET SOLUTIONS, INC 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

MERGER 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

DISPOSAL 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

INSURANCES SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 

LIQUIDATION 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

MERGER 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

MERGER 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(8) 

- 

- 

- 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

863 

- 
- 

(1) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

68.19% 

100.00% 

97.49% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

68.11% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 
100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

1-Oct-18 

17-Dec-18 

2-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Dec-18 

18-Jul-18 

18-Jul-18 

18-Dec-18 

18-Dec-18 

6-Jul-18 

1-Dec-18 

30-Apr-18 

6-Jul-18 

10-Oct-18 

6-Jul-18 

6-Jul-18 

31-Dec-18 

1-Aug-18 

18-Dec-18 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

P.261 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Changes and notification of participations in the BBVA Group in 2018 (continued) 

Disposals or Reduction of Interest Ownership in Consolidated Subsidiaries 

Millions of Euros 

% of Voting Rights 

Company 

Type of Transaction 

Activity 

Profit (Loss) 
in the Transaction 

Changes in the Equity due 
to the transaction 

% Participation 
Sold 
in the Year 

Total Voting Rights 
Controlled after the 
Disposal 

Effective Date for the 
Transaction (or 
Notification Date) 

Category 

PARTICIPACIONES ARENAL, S.L. 

CAIXASABADELL TINELIA, S.L. 

HABITATGES INVERVIC, S.L. 

PROCAMVASA, S.A. 

CATALUNYACAIXA ASSEGURANCES GENERALS, S.A. 

VOLJA LUX, SARL 

CX PROPIETAT, FII 

VOLJA PLUS SL  

UNITARIA GESTION DE PATRIMONIOS INMOBILIARIOS SA 

SCALDIS FINANCE, S.A. 

ONUTPEN 2018 SL 

DOMICILIA TREBOLBLUE SA 

LIQUIDATION 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

MERGER 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

MERGER 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

DISPOSAL 

MERGER 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE  

REAL ESTATE  

INSURANCES SERVICES 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

REAL ESTATE 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

OTHER HOLDING 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00% 

100.00% 

35.00% 

51.00% 

100.00% 

71.78% 

94.96% 

75.40% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

7-Aug-18

18-Jul-18

22-Feb-18

4-May-18 

23-Jan-18 

29-Jan-19 

30-Jun-18 

1-Oct-18 

20-Dec-18

1-Apr-18

31-Oct-18 

19-Dec-18

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

SUBSIDIARY 

P.262 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Changes and notification of participations in the BBVA Group in 2018 (continued) 

Business Combinations and Other Acquisitions or Increases of Interest Ownership in Associates and Joint-Ventures Accounted for Under the Equity Method 

Millions of Euros 

% of Voting Rights 

Company 

Type of Transaction 

Activity 

Price Paid in the 
Transactions + 
Expenses Directly 
Attributable to the 
Transactions 

Fair Value of Equity 
Instruments 
Issued for the 
Transactions 

% Participation (Net) 
Acquired 
in the Year 

Total Voting Rights 
Controlled After the 
Transactions 

Effective Date for the 
Transaction (or Notification 
Date) 

Category 

LEVENT YAPILANDIRMA YONETIMI AS 

ATOM BANK PLC 

SR2 SOCIEDAD DE MEDIOS DE PAGO S.A. 

FOUNDING 
INCREASE TO WHICH OTHER 
MEMERS DO NOT ASSIST 
FOUNDING AND SPLIT 

SERVICES 

BANKING 

PAYMENT ENTITIES 

SOCIEDADE ALTITUDE SOFTWARE-SISTEMA E SERCIÇOS SA 

FOUNDING 

SERVICES 

SISTEMAS DE TARJETAS Y MEDIOS DE PAGO SA 

SOLARISBANK AG 

ANTHEMIS BBVA VENTURE PARTNERSHIP LLP 

FOUNDING 

ACQUISITION 

FOUNDING 

COMPAÑIA PERUANA DE MEDIOS DE PAGO SAC (VISANET PERU)  CAPITAL INCREASE 

PAYMENT ENTITIES 

BANKING 

INVESTMENT COMPANY 

ELECTRONIC MONEY 
ENTITIES 

- 

99 

1 

- 

- 

38 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

22.13% 

9.16% 

28.72% 

31.55% 

18.11% 

18.76% 

75.00% 

22.13% 

39.06% 

28.72% 

31.55% 

18.11% 

18.76% 

75.00% 

14-Dec-18

01-May-18 

01-Jan-18 

ASSOCIATED 

ASSOCIATED 

ASSOCIATED 

02-Apr-18

JOINT VENTURE 

30-Apr-18

01-Oct-18 

01-Dec-18

ASSOCIATED 

ASSOCIATED 

JOINT VENTURE 

ASSOCIATED 

0.68% 

20.96% 

01-Aug-18

P.263 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Changes and notification of participations in the BBVA Group in 2018 (continued) 

Disposal or Reduction of Interest Ownership in Associates and Joint-Ventures Companies Accounted for Under the Equity Method 

Millions of Euros 

% of Voting Rights 

Company 

Type of Transaction 

Activity 

Profit (Loss) 
in the Transaction 

% Participation 
Sold 
in the Year 

Total Voting Rights 
Controlled after the 
Disposal 

Effective Date for the 
Transaction (or 
Notification Date) 

Category 

FIDEICOMISO F/404180-2 BBVA BANCOMER SERVICIOS GOLF ZIBATA 

SISTARBANC S.R.L. 

FIDEICOMISO F 403853- 5 BBVA BANCOMER SERVICIOS ZIBATA 

OPERADORA ZIBATA S. DE R.L. DE C.V. 

FERROMOVIL 3000, S.L. 

FERROMOVIL 9000, S.L. 

DIVARIAN PROPIEDAD, S.A.U. 

TELEFONICA FACTORING CHILE, S.A. 

ALTITUDE SOFTWARE SGPS, S.A. 

METROVACESA SA 

TESTA RESIDENCIAL SOCIMI SAU 

PARQUE RIO RESIDENCIAL, S.L. 

AVANTESPACIA INMOBILIARIA, S.L. 

BATEC ORTO DISTRIBUCION S.L. 

HABITATGES CIMIPRO, S.L. 

SOLARVOLAR, S.L. 

PROMOCIONES MIES DEL VALLE, S.L. 

TEIN CENTRO TECNOLOGICO DEL PLASTICO, S.L. 

HABITATGES SOCIALS DE CALAF S.L 

SR2 SOCIEDAD DE MEDIOS DE PAGO S.A. 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

MERGER 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

DILUTION EFFECT 

DILUTION EFFECT 

DISPOSAL 

MERGER 

REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT 
TRUST 
REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 

COMMERCIAL 

REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 

SERVICES 

REAL ESTATE 

PAYMENT ENTITIES 

- 

- 

22 

- 

12 

8 

- 

- 

- 

2 

28 

8 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

30.00% 

26.66% 

30.00% 

30.00% 

20.00% 

20.00% 

80.00% 

24.30% 

31.55% 

7.66% 

26.87% 

50.00% 

30.01% 

100.00% 

50.00% 

45.00% 

51.00% 

40.00% 

40.00% 

28.72% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

20.00% 

- 

- 

20.85% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

15-Feb-18 

13-Sep-18 

15-Feb-18 

15-Feb-18 

29-May-18 

29-May-18 

10-Oct-18 

06-Jul-18 

01-Apr-18 

06-Feb-18 

21-Dec-18 

27-Apr-18 

28-Dec-18 

07-Jun-18 

12-Mar-18 

08-Feb-18 

01-Oct-18 

01-Sep-18 

04-Apr-18 

01-Apr-18 

JOINT VENTURE 

ASSOCIATE 

JOINT VENTURE 

ASSOCIATE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

ASSOCIATE 

ASSOCIATE 

JOINT VENTURE 

ASSOCIATE 

ASSOCIATE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

JOINT VENTURE 

ASSOCIATE 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.264
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

APPENDIX IV Fully consolidated subsidiaries with more than 10% owned by non-Group shareholders as of 
December 31, 2018 

Company 

Activity 

BBVA BANCO CONTINENTAL SA 
BANCO PROVINCIAL SA - BANCO UNIVERSAL 
INVERSIONES BANPRO INTERNATIONAL INC NV 
PRO-SALUD, C.A. 
INVERSIONES P.H.R.4, C.A. 
COMERCIALIZADORA CORPORATIVA SAC 
DISTRITO CASTELLANA NORTE, S.A. 
GESTION DE PREVISION Y PENSIONES SA 
URBANIZADORA SANT LLORENC SA 
F/403035-9 BBVA HORIZONTES RESIDENCIAL 
F/253863 EL DESEO RESIDENCIAL 
DATA ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY S.L. 
FIDEICOMISO LOTE 6.1 ZARAGOZA 
F/11395 FIDEICOMISO IRREVOCABLE DE ADMINISTRACION CON DERECHO DE REVERSION 
VERIDAS DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION SOLUTIONS S.L. 
GARANTI EMEKLILIK VE HAYAT AS 
FOMENTO Y DESARROLLO DE CONJUNTOS RESIDENCIALES S.L.  
BBVA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ESPAÑA SL 
JALE PROCAM, S.L.  

BANKING 
BANKING 
INVESTMENT COMPANY 
NO ACTIVITY 
NO ACTIVITY 
FINANCIAL SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
PENSION FUND MANAGEMENT 
NO ACTIVITY 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE 
REAL ESTATE 
SERVICES 
INSURANCES 
IN LIQUIDATION 
SERVICES 
IN LIQUIDATION 

.

% of Voting Rights Controlled by the Bank 

Direct 

- 
1.46 
48.00 
- 
- 
- 
- 
60.00 
60.60 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
76.00 
- 

Indirect 

46.12 
53.75 
- 
58.86 
60.46 
50.00 
75.54 
- 
- 
65.00 
65.00 
51.00 
59.99 
42.40 
51.00 
84.91 
60.00 
- 
50.00 

Total 

46.12 
55.21 
48.00 
58.86 
60.46 
50.00 
75.54 
60.00 
60.60 
65.00 
65.00 
51.00 
59.99 
42.40 
51.00 
84.91 
60.00 
76.00 
50.00 

P.265
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX V BBVA Group’s structured entities. Securitization funds 

Securitization Fund (consolidated) 

Company 

Millions of Euros 

Origination 
Date 

Total Securitized 
Exposures at the 
Origination Date 

Total Securitized 
Exposures as of December 
31, 2018 (*) 

AYT CAIXA SABADELL HIPOTECARIO I, FTA 

AYT HIPOTECARIO MIXTO IV, FTA 

AYT HIPOTECARIO MIXTO, FTA 

BBVA CONSUMER AUTO 2018-1 

BBVA CONSUMO 6 FTA 

BBVA CONSUMO 7 FTA 

BBVA CONSUMO 8 FT 

BBVA CONSUMO 9 FT 

BBVA EMPRESAS 4 FTA 

BBVA LEASING 1 FTA 

BBVA PYME 10 FT 

BBVA RMBS 1 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 10 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 11 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 12 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 13 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 14 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 15 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 16 FT 

BBVA RMBS 17 FT 

BBVA RMBS 18 FT 

BBVA RMBS 2 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 3 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 5 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 9 FTA 

BBVA VELA SME 2017-1 

BBVA VELA SME 2018 

BBVA-5 FTPYME FTA 

BBVA-6 FTPYME FTA 

FTA TDA-22 MIXTO 

FTA TDA-27 

FTA TDA-28 

GAT ICO FTVPO 1, F.T.H 

GC FTGENCAT TARRAGONA 1 FTA 

HIPOCAT 10 FTA 

HIPOCAT 11 FTA 

HIPOCAT 7 FTA 

HIPOCAT 8 FTA 

HIPOCAT 9 FTA 

TDA 19 FTA 

TDA 20-MIXTO, FTA 

TDA 23 FTA 

TDA TARRAGONA 1 FTA 

VELA CORPORATE 2018-1 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

BBVA SA 

07/2008 

06/2005 

03/2004 

06/2018 

10/2014 

07/2015 

07/2016 

03/2017 

07/2010 

06/2007 

12/2015 

02/2007 

06/2011 

06/2012 

12/2013 

07/2014 

11/2014 

05/2015 

05/2016 

11/2016 

11/2017 

03/2007 

07/2007 

05/2008 

04/2010 

06/2017 

03/2018 

11/2006 

06/2007 

12/2004 

12/2006 

07/2007 

jun.-09 

06/2008 

07/2006 

03/2007 

06/2004 

05/2005 

11/2005 

03/2004 

06/2004 

03/2005 

12/2007 

12/2018 

300 

100 

100 

800 

299 

1,450 

700 

1,375 

1,700 

2,500 

780 

2,500 

1,600 

1,400 

4,350 

4,100 

700 

4,000 

1,600 

1,800 

1,800 

5,000 

3,000 

5,000 

1,295 

3,000 

1,950 

1,900 

1,500 

112 

275 

250 

358 

283 

1,500 

1,600 

1,400 

1,500 

1,000 

200 

100 

300 

397 

1,000 

80 

18 

13 

746 

54 

572 

502 

1,229 

37 

43 

201 

1,000 

1,150 

1,006 

3,197 

3,138 

488 

3,185 

1,345 

1,576 

1,686 

1,858 

1,414 

2,350 

844 

1,321 

1,387 

11 

13 

24 

87 

88 

84 

23 

291 

299 

221 

261 

201 

25 

15 

53 

116 

916 

Securitization Fund (not consolidated) 

Company 

FTA TDA-18 MIXTO 

HIPOCAT 6 FTA 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

(*)  Solvency scope. 

Origination 
Date 

nov.-03 

  jul.-03 

Millions of Euros 

Total Securitized 
Exposures at the 
Origination Date 

Total Securitized 
Exposures as of December 
31, 2018 (*) 

91 

850 

12 

108 

P.266 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX  VI  Details  of  the  outstanding  subordinated  debt  and 
preferred  securities  issued  by  the  Bank  or  entities  in  the  Group 
consolidated as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016  

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 of subordinated issues 

Millions of Euros 

Issuer Entity and Issued Date(*) 

Currency 

December 
2018 

December 
2017 

December 
2016 

Prevailing Interest Rate 
as of December 31, 
2018 

Maturity 
Date 

Issues in Euros 

BBVA, S.A 

February-07 

March-08 

July-08 

February-14 

April-14 

February-15 

April-16 

February-17 

February-17 

May-17 

May-17 

September-18 

Various 

Subtotal 

BBVA SUBORDINATED CAPITAL, S.A.U. (*) 

October-05 

April-07 

May-08 

July-08 

April-14 

Subtotal 

Others 

Total issued in Euros 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

- 

125 

100 

1,500 

1,494 

1,500 

1,000 

1,000 

165 

150 

500 

990 

384 

8,906 

-

- 

- 

-

- 

-

- 

255 

125 

100 

1,500 

1,494 

1,500 

1,000 

997 

165 

150 

500 

- 

255 

125 

100 

1,500 

- 

1,500 

1,000 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

386 

8,171 

277 

4,756 

99

- 

- 

20

- 

119

- 

99 

68 

50 

20 

1,500 

1,737 

- 

8,906 

8,290 

6,493 

0.47% 

6.03% 

6.20% 

7.00% 

3.50% 

6.75% 

8.88% 

3.50% 

4.00% 

2.54% 

5.88% 

5.87% 

0.47% 

0.57% 

3.00% 

6.11% 

3.50% 

16-Feb-22

3-Mar-33

4-Jul-23

Perpetual 

11-Apr-24

Perpetual 

Perpetual 

10-Feb-27

24-Feb-32

24-May-27

Perpetual 

Perpetual 

13-Oct-20

4-Apr-22

19-May-23

22-Jul-18

11-Apr-24

(*)  The issuances of BBVA Subordinated Capital, S.A.U. are jointly, severally and unconditionally guaranteed by the Bank. 

P.267
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 of subordinated issues (continued) 

Issuer Entity and Issued Date 

Currency 

December 
2018 

December 
2017 

December 
2016 

Prevailing Interest 
Rate 
as of December 31, 
2018 

Maturity 
Date 

Millions of Euros 

Issues in foreign currency 

BBVA, S.A 

May-13 

March-17 

November-17 

May-18 

Subtotal 

May-17 

Subtotal 

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE, LTD. (*) 

December-95 

Subtotal 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, CHILE 

Different issues 

Subtotal 

BBVA BANCOMER, S.A. de C.V. 

May-07 

April-10 

March-11 

July-12 

November-14 

Jan-18 

Subtotal 

BBVA PARAGUAY 

November-14 

November-15 

Subtotal 

TEXAS REGIONAL STATUTORY TRUST I 

February-04 

Subtotal 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

CHF 

CHF 

USD 

USD 

CLP 

CLP 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

-

1,251

1,423 

9.00% 

Perpetual 

105 

873 

260 

100

834 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,238 

2,185 

1,423 

18 

18 

169 

169 

-

-

- 

874 

1,092 

1,311 

175 

874 

17 

17 

162 

162 

574

574

- 

831 

1,039 

1,247 

166 

- 

- 

- 

189 

189 

609 

609 

474 

947 

1,184 

1,421 

189 

- 

4,325 

3,283 

4,214 

19 

23 

42 

- 

- 

17 

21 

38 

- 

- 

19 

24 

43 

47 

47 

5.70% 

31-Mar-32

6.13% 

Perpetual 

5.25% 

29-May-33

1.60% 

24-may-27

7.00% 

01-Dec--25

Various 

6,01% 

17-May-22

7.25% 

22-Apr-20

6.50% 

10-Mar-21

6.75% 

30-Sep-22

5.35% 

12-Nov-29

5.13% 

18-Jan-33

6.75% 

05-Nov-21

6.70% 

22-Nov-22

3.13% 

49,020 

(*)   The issuances of BBVA Global Finance, Ltd, are guaranteed (secondary liability) by the Bank 

P.268
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 of subordinated issues 

Millions of Euros 

Issuer Entity and Issued Date (continued) 

Currency 

December 
2018 

December 
2017 

December 
2016 

Prevailing Interest 
Rate 
as of December 31, 
2018 

Maturity 
Date 

STATE NATIONAL CAPITAL TRUST I 

July-03 

Subtotal 

STATE NATIONAL STATUTORY TRUST II 

March-04 

Subtotal 

TEXASBANC CAPITAL TRUST I 

June-04 

Subtotal 

COMPASS BANK 

March-05 

March-06 

September-07 

April-15 

Subtotal 

BBVA COLOMBIA, S.A. 

September-11 

September-11 

September-11 

February-13 

February-13 

November-14 

November-14 

January-00 

December-15 

Subtotal 

April-15 

Subtotal 

BANCO CONTINENTAL, S.A. 

September-07 

Subtotal 

May-07 

May-07 

June-07 

November-07 

July-08 

September-08 

December-08 

October-13 

September-14 

Subtotal 

TURKIYE GARANTI BANKASI A.S 

May-17 

Subtotal 
Total issues in foreign currencies(Millions 
of Euros) 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

- 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

USD 
USD 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

199 

62 

- 

611 

872 

- 

28 

42 

53 

44 

24 

43 

(9) 

(9) 

215 

332 

332 

- 

- 

- 

17 

20 

18 

16 

17 

10 

40 

252 

410 

652 
652 

8,274 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

190 

59 

- 

584 

833 

28 

30 

44 

56 

46 

25 

45 

- 

- 

273 

313 

313 

- 

- 

- 

17 

20 

18 

16 

17 

10 

38 

244 

395 

623 
623 

14 

14 

9 

9 

24 

24 

212 

65 

332 

655 

1,264 

32 

33 

49 

63 

52 

28 

51 

- 

- 

308 

379 

379 

19 

19 

11 

19 

21 

19 

17 

18 

11 

43 

273 

451 

- 
- 

8,695 

8,994 

3.32% 

30-Sep-33

3.07% 

17-Mar-34

2.88% 

23-Jul-34

5.50% 

5.90% 

6.40% 

3.88% 

8.31% 

8.48% 

8.72% 

7.65% 

7.93% 

8.53% 

8.41% 

1-Apr-20

1-Apr-26

1-Oct-17

10-Apr-25

19-Sep-18

19-Sep-21

19-Sep-26

19-Feb-23

19-Feb-28

26-Nov-26

26-Nov-34

4.88% 

21-Apr-25

2.16% 

24-Sep-17

5.85% 

6.00% 

3.47% 

3.56% 

3.06% 

3.09% 

4.19% 

6.53% 

5.25% 

7-May-22

14-May-27

18-Jun-32

19-Nov-32

8-Jul-23

9-Sep-23

15-Dec-33

2-oct.-28

22-sep.-29

6.13% 

24-May-27

- 

P.269 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 of subordinated issues (Millions of euros) 

Issuer Entity and Issued Date 

BBVA S.A 

December 2007 

BBVA COLOMBIA SA 

December 1993 

BBVA PARAGUAY, S.A. 

September 2005 

September 2006 

April 2007 

BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U. 

July 2007 

Phoenix Loan Holdings Inc. 

 December 2000 

Caixa Terrasa Societat de Participacion 

August 2005 

Caixasabadell Preferents, S.A. 

December 2004 

July 2006 

Others 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

Currency 

Amount 
Issued 

Currency 

Amount 
Issued 

Currency 

Amount 
Issued 

EUR 

- 

COP 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

GBP 

- 

USD 

- 

EUR 

- 

- 

EUR 

- 

- 

- 

EUR 

- 

19 

PESO COL 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

35 

- 

18 

- 

52 

- 

- 

56 

- 

- 

EUR 

EUR 

USD 

- 

GBP 

- 

USD 

- 

EUR 

- 

- 

EUR 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

35 

- 

18 

- 

51 

- 

- 

56 

1 

EUR 

- 

PESO COL 

- 

EUR 

EUR 

USD 

- 

GBP 

- 

USD 

- 

EUR 

- 

EUR 

EUR 

- 

14 

- 

- 

- 

86 

164 

569 

- 

36 

- 

22 

- 

51 

- 

- 

53 

1 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.270 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX VII Consolidated balance sheets held in foreign currency as of 
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Assets 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 
deposits 

Financial assets held for trading Financial assets 

Non- Trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through 
profit or loss

Loans and receivables 

Financial assets at amortized cost

Investments in entities accounted for using the equity method 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total 

Liabilities 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Other liabilities 

Total 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Assets 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other 
demand deposits 

Financial assets held for trading 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Loans and receivables 

Investments in entities accounted for using the 
equity method 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total 

Liabilities 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Other liabilities 

Total 

USD 

Mexican 
Pesos 

Turkish Lira 

Other Foreign 
Currencies 

Total Foreign 
Currencies 

15,184 

3,133 

650 

16,566 

101,366 

5 

670 

3,444 

141,019 

2,372 

136,307 

3,874 

142,552 

6,869 

15,500 

2,303 

4,704 

47,550 

54 

1,964 

2,911 

81,856 

13,626 

48,169 

6,081 

67,876 

476 

366 

3 

5,547 

3,614 

58 

28,076 

22,614 

3,014 

3,031 

2,931 

27,232 

28,094 

34,075 

211,085 

- 

1,007 

1,361 

34,336 

360 

20,878 

750 

21,987 

267 

850 

326 

4,490 

2,879 

50,221 

10,595 

307,433 

1,507 

17,864 

37,342 

242,696 

7,200 

46,049 

17,904 

278,464 

USD 

Mexican 
Pesos 

Turkish Lira 

Other Foreign 
Currencies 

Total Foreign 
Currencies 

17,111 

2,085 

14,218 

93,069 

5 

659 

7,309 

134,456 

935 

135,546 

3,907 

140,387 

4,699 

14,961 

8,051 

39,717 

124 

1,953 

5,041 

74,546 

5,714 

51,492 

8,720 

65,926 

827 

484 

4,904 

32,808 

- 

1,289 

4,426 

44,738 

506 

27,079 

1,039 

28,623 

4,264 

4,583 

3,010 

26,902 

22,113 

30,183 

34,488 

200,081 

147 

673 

18,662 

65,826 

533 

39,062 

16,593 

56,188 

276 

4,573 

35,438 

319,566 

7,688 

253,178 

30,259 

291,124 

P.271 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Assets 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other 
demand deposits 

Financial assets held for trading 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Loans and receivables 

Investments in entities accounted for using the 
equity method 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total 

Liabilities 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Other liabilities 

Total 

USD 

Mexican 
Pesos 

Turkish Lira 

Other Foreign 
Currencies 

Total Foreign 
Currencies 

15,436 

5,048 

18,525 

109,167 

5 

788 

4,482 

153,451 

3,908 

150,035 

1,812 

155,755 

4,947 

15,541 

9,458 

41,344 

135 

2,200 

5,214 

78,839 

5,957 

53,185 

8,774 

67,916 

426 

732 

4,889 

34,425 

- 

1,376 

5,219 

47,066 

693 

28,467 

1,418 

30,578 

4,547 

2,695 

5,658 

25,357 

24,016 

38,530 

46,629 

231,565 

106 

844 

4,358 

64,839 

1,426 

53,858 

1,957 

57,241 

247 

5,207 

19,273 

344,194 

11,983 

285,546 

123,961 

311,490 

P.272 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX VIII Consolidated income statements for the first and second 
half of 2018 and 2017 

Six months ended 
June 30, 2018 

Six months ended 
December 31, 2018 

Six months ended 
June 30, 2017 

Six months ended 
December 31, 2017 

Interest income and other income 

Interest expenses 

NET INTEREST INCOME 

Dividend income 

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method 

Fee and commission income 

Fee and commission expenses 

Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities 

Gains or (-) losses on derecognition of financial assets and liabilities 
not measured at fair value through profit or loss. net 

Gains or (-) losses on financial assets and liabilities held for trading, net 

Gains or (-) losses on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair 
value through profit or loss, net 

Gains or (-) losses from hedge accounting, net 

Exchange differences, net 

Other operating income 

Other operating expenses 

Income on insurance and reinsurance contracts 

Expenses on insurance and reinsurance contracts 

GROSS INCOME 

Administration costs 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Provisions or (-) reversal of provisions 
Impairment or (-) reversal of impairment on financial assets 
not measured at fair value through profit or loss 

NET OPERATING INCOME 
Impairment or (-) reversal of impairment of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates 

Impairment or (-) reversal of impairment on non-financial assets 

Gains (losses) on derecognized of non financial assets and subsidiaries, net 

Negative goodwill recognized in profit or loss 

Profit or (-) loss from non-current assets and disposal groups classified 
as held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations 

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE TAX 

Tax expense or (-) income related to profit or loss from continuing operation 

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Profit from discontinued operations, net 

PROFIT 

Attributable to minority interest [non-controlling interests] 

Attributable to owners of the parent 

Euros 

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic earnings per share from continued operations 

Diluted earnings per share from continued operations 

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations 

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 

14,418 

(5,828) 

8,590 

83 

14 

3,553 

(1,073) 

130 

329 

3 

107 

51 

74 

554 

(1,062) 

1,601 

(1,091) 

11,865 

(5,297) 

(3,103) 

(2,195) 

(599) 

(184) 

(1,606) 

4,179 

- 

(0) 

80 

- 

29 

4,286 

(1,222) 

3,063 

- 

3,063 

528 

2,536 

15,413 

(6,411) 

9,001 

74 

(21) 

3,579 

(1,180) 

86 

378 

93 

36 

21 

(83) 

395 

(1,039) 

1,348 

(803) 

11,882 

(5,197) 

(3,017) 

(2,179) 

(609) 

(189) 

(2,375) 

3,512 

- 

(138) 

- 

- 

786 

4,160 

(1,073) 

3,088 

- 

3,088 

299 

2,788 

14,305 

(5,502) 

8,803 

212 

(8) 

3,551 

(1,095) 

683 

139 

- 

(88) 

(193) 

528 

562 

(945) 

1,863 

(1,295) 

12,718 

(5,599) 

(3,324) 

(2,275) 

(712) 

(364) 

(1,941) 

4,102 

- 

(80) 

30 

- 

(18) 

4,033 

(1,120) 

2,914 

- 

2,914 

607 

2,306 

14,991 

(6,035) 

8,955 

122 

12 

3,599 

(1,134) 

302 

79 

- 

32 

(16) 

502 

877 

(1,278) 

1,479 

(977) 

12,552 

(5,513) 

(3,247) 

(2,266) 

(675) 

(381) 

(2,862) 

3,120 

- 

(284) 

17 

- 

44 

2,898 

(1,049) 

1,848 

- 

1,848 

636 

1,213 

Six months ended 
June 30, 2018 

Six months ended 
December 30, 2018 

Six months ended 
June 30, 2017 

Six months ended 
December 30, 2017 

- 

0.37 

0.37 

- 

- 

- 

0.39 

0.39 

- 

- 

- 

0.33 

0.33 

- 

- 

- 

0.16 

0.16 

- 

- 

P.273 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX  IX.  Financial  Statements  of  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

ASSETS (Millions of euros) 

December 2018  December 2017(*) 

CASH, CASH BALANCES AT CENTRAL BANKS AND OTHER DEMAND DEPOSITS 

FINANCIAL ASSETS HELD FOR TRADING 

Derivatives 
Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Loans and advances to customers 

NON-TRADING FINANCIAL ASSETS MANDATORILY AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Loans and advances to customers 

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 
Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Loans and advances to customers 

FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 

FINANCIAL ASSETS AT AMORTIZED COST 

Debt securities 
Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Loans and advances to customers 

HEDGING DERIVATIVES 

FAIR VALUE CHANGES OF THE HEDGED ITEMS IN PORTFOLIO HEDGES OF INTEREST RATE RISK 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 

Subsidiaries 
Joint ventures 
Associates 
TANGIBLE ASSETS 

Property, plants and equipment 

For own use 
Other assets leased out under an operating lease 

Investment properties 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
TAX ASSETS 

Current 
Deferred 
OTHER ASSETS 

Insurance contracts linked to pensions 
Inventories 
Other 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS AND DISPOSAL GROUPS HELD FOR SALE 

30,922 

75,210 

30,217 
4,850 
11,453 
2,073 
14,588 
12,029 

1,726 

200 
150 
- 
- 
1,376 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

19,273 

2,020 
17,253 

219,127 

19,842 
5 
5,271 
194,009 

1,090 

(21) 

30,734 

29,634 
58 
1,042 
1,739 

1,737 
1,737 
- 
2 

898 
- 
898 
13,990 

1,410 
12,580 
4,187 

2,032 
- 
2,155 

1,065 

18,503 

50,424 

36,536 
6,202 
7,686 
- 
- 
- 

648 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

24,205 

2,378 
21,827 

252,586 

18,856 
28 
22,105 
211,597 

1,561 

(25) 

30,795 

30,304 
58 
433 
1,599 

1,587 
1,587 
- 
12 

882 
- 
882 
12,911 

1,030 
11,881 
3,768 

2,142 
- 
1,626 

2,226 

TOTAL ASSETS 

399,940 

400,083 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

P.274 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Millions of euros) 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES HELD FOR TRADING  

Trading derivatives 

Short positions 

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR 
LOSS  

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

Of which: Subordinated liabilities 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT AMORTIZED COST  

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

Of which: Subordinated liabilities 

HEDGING DERIVATIVES 

FAIR VALUE CHANGES OF THE HEDGED ITEMS IN PORTFOLIO HEDGES OF INTEREST 
RATE RISK 

PROVISIONS 

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 

Other long term employee benefits 

Provisions for taxes and other legal contingencies 

Provisions for contingent risks and commitments 

Other provisions 

TAX LIABILITIES  

Current 

Deferred 

OTHER LIABILITIES  

LIABILITIES INCLUDED IN DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE 

December 2018 

68,242 

29,748 

9,235 

5,149 

15,642 

8,468 

- 

- 

1,746 

- 

- 

1,746 

- 

- 

- 

283,157 

26,605 

20,539 

192,419 

35,769 

7,825 

10,588 

1,068 

- 

5,125 

4,043 

29 

348 

238 

467 

1,197 

126 

1,071 

1,996 

- 

December 
2017(*) 

43,703 

36,097 

7,606 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

305,797 

28,132 

40,599 

194,645 

34,166 

8,255 

10,887 

1,327 

(7) 

7,605 

4,594 

31 

329 

272 

2,379 

1,240 

124 

1,116 

2,207 

- 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

362,531 

361,872 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.275 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Continued) (Millions of euros) 

SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 

Capital 
Paid up capital 
Unpaid capital which has been called up 
Share premium 
Equity instruments issued other than capital 
Equity component of compound financial instruments 
Other equity instruments issued 
Other equity 
Retained earnings 
Revaluation reserves 
Other reserves  
Less: Treasury shares 
Profit or loss of the year 
Less: Interim dividends 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 

Actuarial gains or (-) losses on defined benefit pension plans 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Share of other recognized income and expense of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 

Hedge ineffectiveness of fair value hedges for equity instruments measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive income 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income (hedged item) 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income (hedging instrument) 

Fair value changes of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss attributable to 
changes in their credit risk  
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 

Hedge of net investments in foreign operations (effective portion) 
Foreign currency translation  

Hedging derivatives. Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 

Available for sale financial assets 
Available for sale financial assets Fair value changes of debt instruments measured at fair 
value through other comprehensive income 

Hedging instruments (non-designated items) 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 
TOTAL EQUITY 

TOTAL EQUITY AND TOTAL LIABILITIES 

MEMORANDUM  ITEM - OFF BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES (Millions of euros) 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Contingent commitments given 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

December 2018  December 2017(*) 

37,417 

3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
46 
- 
46 
- 
- 
3 
8,796 
(23) 
2,316 
(980) 
(8) 

(152) 

(78) 

- 

- 

(190) 

- 

- 

- 

116 

144 

- 

- 

(116) 

260 

- 

- 

37,409 

399,940 

37,802 

3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
47 
- 
47 
- 
- 
12 
9,445 
- 
2,083 
(1,044) 
409 

(38) 

(38) 

- 

- 

- 

447 

- 

- 

(136) 

583 

- 

38,211 

400,083 

December 2018  December 2017(*) 

69,513 
9,197 
27,202 

54,631 
11,336 
36,503 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.276 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

INCOME STATEMENTS (Millions of euros) 

December 2018  December 2017(*) 

Interest income and other incomes 

Finanancial assets and liabilities at fair value through other comprehensive income  

Finanacial assets at amortized cost 

Other interest incomes 

Interest expenses 
NET INTEREST INCOME 
Dividend income 
Fee and comission income 

Fee and comission expenses 
Gains (losses) on decognition of financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss, net 
Financial assets at amortized cost 

Other financial assets and liabilities 

Gains or (-) losses from hedge accounting, net  

Reclasification of financial assets from fair value through other comprehensive income 
Reclasification of financial assets from amortized cost 
Other gains or losses 

Gains (losses) on on-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 

Reclasification of financial assets from fair value through other comprehensive income 

Reclasification of financial assets from amortized cost 

Other gains or losses 
Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss, 
net 
Gains (losses) from hedge accounting, net 

Exchange differences, 

Other operating income 

Other operating expenses 
GROSS INCOME 
Administration costs  

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation and amortization 

Provisions or (-) reversal of provisions 

Impairment or (-) reversal of impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Financial asssets at amortized cost 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income  
NET OPERATING INCOME 
Impairment or reversal of impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates 

Impairment or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets  

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Other assets 

Gains or losses on derecognized assets not classified as non-current assets held for sale 

Negative goodwill recognized in profit or loss 
Profit or loss froma non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale not 
qualifying as discontinued operations 

PROFIT OR LOSS BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  

Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations 

PROFIT OR LOSS AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations 

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

4,877 

394 

4,293 

190 

(1,386) 
3,491 
3,115 
2,083 

(407) 

109 

3 

106 

364 

- 
- 
364 

78 

- 

- 

78 

(41) 

46 

(60) 

108 

(474) 
8,412 
(4,077) 

(2,328) 

(1,749) 

(452) 

(566) 

(267) 

(278) 

11 
3,050 
(1,537) 

(27) 

(23) 

- 

(4) 

(16) 

- 

1,004 

2,474 

(159) 

2,316 

- 

2,316 

4,860 

393 

4,343 

124 

(1,397) 
3,463 
3,555 
2,003 

(386) 

634 

565 

69 

32 

- 
- 
- 

- 

18 

(227) 

435 

159 

(466) 
9,220 
(4,038) 

(2,382) 

(1,656) 

(540) 

(802) 

(1,585) 

(451) 

(1,134) 
2,256 
207 

(8) 

(8) 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

(14) 

2,440 

(357) 

2,083 

- 

2,083 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.277 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

STATEMENTS OF RECOGNIZED INCOME AND EXPENSES (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

PROFIT RECOGNIZED IN INCOME STATEMENT 

OTHER RECOGNIZED INCOME (EXPENSES) 

ITEMS NOT SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION TO INCOME STATEMENT 

Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit pension plans 

Non-current assets available for sale 

Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income  

Gains or losses from hedge accounting of equity instruments at fair value through other 
comprehensive income, net  

Fair value changes of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss attributable to changes 
in their credit risk 

Other valuation adjustments 

Income tax related to items not subject to reclassification to income statement 

ITEMS SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION TO INCOME STATEMENT 

Hedge of net investments in foreign operations [effective portion] 

Foreign currency translation  

Translation gains or (-) losses taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Other reclassifications 

Cash flow hedges [effective portion] 

Valuation gains or (-) losses taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items 

Other reclassifications 

Available for sale financial assets 

Valuation gains or (losses) taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Other reclassifications 

Debt securities at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Valuation gains/(losses) 

Amounts reclassified to income statement 

Reclassifications (other) 

Non-current assets held for sale and disposal groups held for sale 

Income tax related to items subject to reclassification to income statement 

TOTAL RECOGNIZED INCOME/EXPENSES 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

2018 

2,316 

(382) 

(125) 

(47) 

- 

(199) 

- 

166 

- 

(45) 

(257) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

29 

29 

- 

- 

- 

(396) 

(292) 

(104) 

- 

- 

110 
1,934 

2017 

2,083 

771 

4 

6 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2) 

767 

- 

(18) 

- 

(18) 

- 

(12) 

(9) 

(3) 

- 

- 

751 

142 

609 

- 

- 

46 
2,854 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.278 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2018 of BBVA, S.A. 

December 2018 

Capital 

Share Premium 

Equity instruments issued 
other than capital 

Other Equity 

Retained 
earnings 

Revaluation 
reserves 

Other reserves 

(-) Treasury 
shares 

Millions of Euros 

Profit or loss 
attributable to 
owners of the 
parent 

Interim 
dividends 

Accumulated other 
comprehensive 
income 

Total 

2,083 

(1,045) 

409 

38,210 

Balances as of January 1, 2018 

3,267 

23,992 

Effect of correction of errors 

Adjusted initial balance 

Total income/expense recognized 

Other changes in equity 

Issuances of common shares 

Issuances of preferred shares 

Issuance of other equity instruments 

Period or maturity of other issued equity instruments 

Conversion of debt on equity 

Common Stock reduction 

Dividend distribution 

Purchase of treasury shares 

Sale or cancellation of treasury shares 

Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments 

Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities 

Transfers between total equity entries 

Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 

Share based payments 

Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 

Balance as of December 31, 2018 

- 

- 

3,267 

23,992 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,267 

23,992 

47 

- 

47 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

- 

46 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

12 

- 

12 

- 

(9) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

9,445 

(666) 

8,779 

- 

17 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,000) 

- 

(5) 

- 

- 

(9) 

1,048 

- 

- 

- 

3 

(25) 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,288) 

1,265 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2,083 

(1,045) 

2,316 

(23) 

(2,083) 

- 

65 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(980) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,083) 

1,045 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(35) 

374 

(701) 

37,509 

(382) 

1,934 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,034) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,980) 

(1,288) 

1,260 

- 

- 

- 

(25) 

- 

(1) 

8,796 

(23) 

2,316 

(980) 

(8) 

37,409 

 
 
P.279 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2017 of BBVA, S.A. 

December 2017(*) 

Capital 

Share Premium 

Equity instruments issued 
other than capital 

Other Equity 

Retained 
earnings 

Revaluation 
reserves 

Other reserves 

(-) Treasury 
shares 

Profit or loss 
attributable to 
owners of the 
parent 

Interim 
dividends 

Accumulated other 
comprehensive income 

Total 

Millions of Euros 

Balances as of January 1, 2017 

3,218 

23,992 

Total income/expense recognized 

Other changes in equity 

Issuances of common shares 

Issuances of preferred shares 

Issuance of other equity instruments 

Period or maturity of other issued equity instruments 

Conversion of debt on equity 

Common Stock reduction 

Dividend distribution 

Purchase of treasury shares 

Sale or cancellation of treasury shares 

Reclassification of financial liabilities to other equity instruments 

Reclassification of other equity instruments to financial liabilities 

Transfers between total equity entries 

Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 

Share based payments 

Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 

Balance as of December 31, 2017 

- 

49 

49 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,267 

23,992 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

46 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

2 

47 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

20 

- 

(8) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(8) 

- 

- 

- 

12 

9,346 

(23) 

1,662 

(1,513) 

(362) 

36,386 

- 

99 

(49) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4 

- 

- 

158 

- 

- 

(14) 

9,445 

- 

23 

2,083 

(1,662) 

- 

469 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,354) 

1,377 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(901) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1,662) 

1,513 

- 

- 

- 

2,083 

- 

- 

(143) 

(1,044) 

771 

2,854 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

409 

(1,029) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(901) 

(1,354) 

1,381 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(155) 

38,211 

 
 
 
P.280 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS (Millions of euros) 

December 2018 

December 
2017(*) 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (1) 

Profit for the period 

Adjustments to obtain the cash flow from operating activities: 

Depreciation and amortization 

Other adjustments 

Net increase/decrease in operating assets  

Financial assets held for trading 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value throught profit or loss 

Other financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Loans and receivables 

Other operating assets 

Net increase/decrease in operating liabilities  

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Other financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Other operating liabilities 

Collection/Payments for income tax 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (2) 

Investment  

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Investments 

Subsidiaries and other business units 

Non-current assets held for sale and associated liabilities 

Held-to-maturity investments 

Other settlements related to investing activities 

Divestments 

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Investments 

Subsidiaries and other business units 

Non-current assets held for sale and associated liabilities 

Held-to-maturity investments 

Other collections related to investing activities 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

16,944 
2,316 

1,227 

452 

775 

10,926 

2,178 

3,087 

-

3,409 

3,081 

(829)

2,317 

(2,718) 

754 

5,735 

(1,454) 

158 

(2,049) 

(7,081) 

(372)

(314)

(6,083) 

- 

(312)

- 

5,032 

50 

- 

1,678 

- 

3,304 

- 

(20) 

2,083 

2,261 

540 

1,721 

17,516 

7,016 

(648)

4,799

7,255

(906)

(22,237)

(4,562) 

- 

(15,228) 

(2,447) 

357 

1,995 

(2,118) 

(100)

(276)

(1,117)

- 

(625)

- 

- 

4,113 

21 

- 

508 

- 

815 

2,576 

193 

P.281 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS (Continued) (Millions of euros) 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (3) 

Investment  

Dividends 

Subordinated liabilities 

Common stock amortization 

Treasury stock acquisition 

Other items relating to financing activities 

Divestments 

Subordinated liabilities 

Common stock increase 

Treasury stock disposal 

Other items relating to financing activities 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES (4) 

NET INCREASE/DECREASE IN CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENTS (1+2+3+4) 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR 
COMPONENTS OF CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR (Millions of euros) 

Cash 

Balance of cash equivalent in central banks 

Other financial assets 

Less: Bank overdraft refundable on demand 

December 2018 

December 
2017(*) 

(2,334) 

(4,872) 

(1,980) 

(1,627) 

- 

106 

(4,090) 

(1,570) 

(919) 

- 

(1,265) 

(1,354) 

- 

2,538 

1,262 

- 

1,260 

16 

(143) 

12,418 

18,503 

30,921 

(247) 

4,196 

2,819 

- 

1,377 

- 

566 

2,647 

15,856 

18,503 

December 2018  December 2017 

975 

27,290 

2,656 

- 

906 

15,858 

1,739 

- 

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR 

30,921 

18,503 

(*)  Presented for comparison purposes only. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.282 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX  X  Information  on  data  derived  from  the  special  accounting 
registry and other information about bonds 

The  Bank  counts  with  explicit  policies  and  procedures  for  its  activities  in  the  mortgage  market  and  in  the 
financing of exportation of goods and services or the process of internationalization of companies, which allow 
ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations of the mortgage market and for the issuance of bonds. 

Mortgage market policies and procedures 

Information required pursuant to Circular 5/2011 of the Bank of Spain is indicated as follows. 

The  mortgage  origination  policy  is  based  in  principles  focused  on  assessing  the  adequate  ratio  between  the 
amount  of  the  loan,  and  the  payments,  and  the  income  of  the  applicant.  Applicants  must  in  all  cases  prove 
sufficient  repayment  ability  (present  and  future)  to  meet  their  repayment  obligations,  for  both  the  mortgage 
debt and for other debts detected in the financial system. Therefore,  the applicant’s repayment ability is  a key 
aspect within the credit decision-making tools and retail risk acceptance manuals, and has a high weighting in 
the final decision.  

During  the  mortgage  risk  transaction  analysis  process,  documentation  supporting  the  applicant’s  income 
(payroll,  etc.)  is  required,  and  the  applicant’s  position  in  the  financial  system  is  checked  through  automated 
database queries (internal and external). This information is used for calculation purposes in order to determine 
the  level  of  indebtedness/compliance  with  the  remainder  of  the  system.  This  documentation  is  kept  in  the 
transaction’s file. 

In addition, the mortgage origination policy assesses the adequate ratio between the amount of the loan and the 
appraisal  value  of  the  mortgaged  asset.  The  policy  also  establishes  that  the  property  to  be  mortgaged  be 
appraised by an independent appraisal company as established by Circular 3/2010 and Circular 4/2016. BBVA 
selects  those  companies  whose  reputation,  standing  in  the  market  and  independence  ensure  that  their 
appraisals adapt to the market reality in each region. Each appraisal is reviewed and checked before the loan is 
granted and, in those cases where the loan is finally granted, it is kept in the transaction’s file. 

As  for  issues  related  to  the  mortgage  market,  the  Finance  area  annually  defines  the  strategy  for  wholesale 
finance  issues,  and  more  specifically  mortgage  bond  issues,  such  as  mortgage  covered  bonds  or  mortgage 
securitization. The Assets and Liabilities Committee tracks the budget monthly. The volume and type of assets in 
these transactions is determined in accordance with the wholesale finance plan, the trend of the Bank’s “Loans 
and receivables” outstanding balances and the conditions in the market. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Bank  authorizes  each  of  the  issues  of  Mortgage  Transfer  Certificates  and/or 
Mortgage Participations issued by BBVA to securitize the credit rights derived from loans and mortgage loans. 
Likewise,  the  Board  of  Directors  authorizes  the  establishment  of  a  Base  Prospectus  for  the  issuance  of  fixed-
income securities through which the mortgage-covered bonds are implemented. 

As  established  in  article  24  of  Royal  Decree  716/2009,  of  April,  24,  by  virtue  of  which  certain  aspects  of  Law 
2/1981, of 25 March, of regulation of the mortgage market and other rules of the mortgage and financial system 
are developed, “the volume of outstanding mortgage-covered bonds issued by a bank may not exceed 80% of a 
calculation base determined by adding the outstanding principal of all the loans and mortgage loans in the bank’s 
portfolio that are eligible” and which are not covered by the issue of Mortgage Bonds, Mortgage Participations or 
Mortgage  Transfer  Certificates.  For  these  purposes,  in  accordance  with  the  aforementioned  Royal  Decree 
716/2009,  in  order  to  be  eligible,  loans  and  mortgage  loans,  on  a  general  basis:  (i)  must  be  secured  by a  first 

 
P.283 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
mortgage  on  the  freehold;  (ii)  the  loan’s  amount  may  not  exceed  80%  of  the  appraisal  value  for  residential 
mortgages,  and  60%  for  other  mortgage  lending;  (iii)  must  be  established  on  assets  exclusively  and  wholly 
owned by the mortgagor; (iv) must have been appraised by an independent appraisal company unrelated to the 
Group  and  authorized  by  the  Bank  of  Spain;  and  (v)  the  mortgaged  property  must  be  covered  at  least  by  a 
current damage insurance policy.  

The Bank has set up a series of controls for mortgage covered bonds, which regularly control the total volume of 
issued  mortgage  covered  bonds  issued  and  the  remaining  eligible  collateral,  to  avoid  exceeding  the  maximum 
limit set by Royal Decree 716/2009, and outlined in the preceding paragraph. In the case of securitizations, the 
preliminary  portfolio  of  loans  and  mortgage  loans  to  be  securitized  is  checked  according  to  an  agreed 
procedures  engagement,  by  the  Bank’s  external  auditor  as  required  by  the  Spanish  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission.  There  is  also  a  series  of  filters  through  which  some  mortgage  loans  and  credits  are  excluded  in 
accordance with legal, commercial and risk concentration criteria. 

 
P.284 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

b)  Quantitative information on activities in the mortgage market 

The quantitative information on activities in the mortgage market required by Bank of Spain Circular 5/2011 as of 
December 31, 2018 and 2017 is shown below. 

b.1) Ongoing operations 

Mortgage loans. Eligibility for the purpose of the mortgage market (Millions of euros) 

Nominal value of outstanding loans and mortgage loans 

Minus: Nominal value of all outstanding loans and mortgage loans that form part of the 
portfolio, but have been mobilized through mortgage bond holdings or mortgage transfer 
certificates. 

Nominal value of outstanding loans and mortgage loans, excluding securitized loans 

Of which:  

Loans and mortgage loans which would be eligible if the calculation limits set forth in 
Article 12 of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009 were not applied.  

Minus: Loans and mortgage loans which would be eligible but, according to the 
criteria set forth in Article 12 of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009, cannot be used 
to collateralize any issuance of mortgage bonds.  

Eligible loans and mortgage loans that, according to the criteria set forth in Article 12 
of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009, can be used as collateral for the issuance of 
mortgage bonds 

Issuance limit: 80% of eligible loans and mortgage loans that can be used as collateral 

Issued Mortgage-covered bonds 

Outstanding Mortgage-covered bonds 

Capacity to issue mortgage-covered bonds 

Memorandum items:  

Percentage of overcollateralization across the portfolio  

Percentage of overcollateralization across the eligible used portfolio 

Nominal value of available sums (committed and unused) from all loans and 
mortgage loans. 
Of which: 

Potentially eligible 

Ineligible 

December 2018  December 2017 

(A) 

97,519 

105,539 

(B) 

(A)-
(B) 

(C) 

(D) 

(C)-
(D) 

(E) 

(F) 

(E)-
(F) 

(29,781) 

(32,774) 

67,738 

72,765 

45,664 

48,003 

(1,240) 

(1,697) 

44,424 

46,306 

35,539 

24,301 

15,207 

11,238 

279% 

183% 

5,267 

4,517 

750 

37,045 

20,153 

16,065 

16,892 

361% 

230% 

3,084 

2,471 

613 

Nominal value of all loans and mortgage loans that are not eligible, as they do not meet the 
thresholds set in Article 5.1 of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009, but do meet the rest of 
the eligibility requirements indicated in Article 4 of the Royal Decree. 

Nominal value of the replacement assets subject to the issue of mortgage-covered bonds. 

12,827 

16,272 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.285 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Mortgage loans. Eligibility for the purpose of the mortgage market  (Millions of euros) 

Total loans 

Issued mortgage participations 

Of which: recognized on the balance sheet 

Issued mortgage transfer certificates 

Of which: recognized on the balance sheet 

Mortgage loans as collateral of mortgages bonds 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

Loans supporting the issuance of mortgage-covered bonds  

1-2-3-4 

Non elegible loans 
Comply requirements to be eligible except the limit provided for under the article 5.1 of 
the Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009 

Other 

Elegible loans 
That cannot be used as collateral for issuances  

That can be used as collateral for issuances  

Loans used to collateralize mortgage bonds 

Loans used to collateralize mortgage-covered bonds 

Mortgage loans. Classification of the nominal values according to different characteristics (Millions of euros) 

December 2018  December 2017 

97,519 

105,539 

4,360 

2,927 

25,422 

23,590 

67,738 

22,074 

12,827 

9,247 

45,664 

1,240 

44,424 

- 

1,809 

- 

30,965 

28,954 

72,765 

24,762 

16,272 

8,490 

48,003 

1,697 

46,306 

- 

44,424 

46,306 

TOTAL 
By source of the operations 
Originated by the bank 
Subrogated by other institutions 
Rest 
By Currency 
In euros 
In foreign currency 
By payment situation 
Normal payment 
Other situations 
By residual maturity 
Up to 10 years 
10 to 20 years 
20 to 30 years 
Over 30 years 
By Interest Rate 
Fixed rate 
Floating rate 
Mixed rate 
By Target of Operations 
For business activity 

From which: public housing 
For households 
By type of guarantee 
Secured by completed assets/buildings 
Residential use 

From which: public housing 

Commercial 
Other 
Secured by assets/buildings under construction 
Residential use 

From which: public housing 

Commercial 
Other 
Secured by land 
Urban 
Non-urban 

December 2018 

December 2017 

Total mortgage 
loans 

Eligible 
Loans(*) 

Eligible that can 
be used as 
collateral for 
issuances (**) 

Total mortgage 
loans 

Eligible 
Loans(*) 

Eligible that can 
be used as 
collateral for 
issuances (**) 

67,738 

45,664 

44,424 

72,765 

48,003 

46,306 

62,170 
797 
4,771 

67,255 
483 

56,621 
11,117 

15,169 
28,317 
18,195 
6,057 

10,760 
56,978 
- 

13,308 
2,770 
54,430 

65,535 
56,880 
4,464 
8,618 
37 
1,014 
721 
18 
293 
- 
1,189 
478 
711 

40,962 
664 
4,038 

45,362 
302 

41,688 
3,976 

11,226 
22,907 
9,973 
1,558 

5,545 
40,119 
- 

7,107 
1,455 
38,557 

44,912 
40,098 
3,423 
4,803 
11 
369 
234 
1 
135 
- 
383 
134 
249 

39,799 
660 
3,965 

44,122 
302 

41,057 
3,367 

10,808 
22,344 
9,752 
1,520 

5,467 
38,957 
- 

6,196 
682 
38,228 

43,884 
39,276 
3,278 
4,597 
11 
261 
150 
1 
111 
- 
279 
47 
232 

67,134 
795 
4,836 

72,070 
695 

61,013 
11,752 

15,482 
29,131 
18,470 
9,682 

5,578 
67,187 
- 

17,111 
4,520 
55,654 

70,922 
53,543 
4,124 
4,610 
12,769 
1,433 
522 
8 
174 
737 
410 
8 
402 

43,315 
692 
3,996 

47,623 
380 

43,578 
4,425 

10,268 
23,344 
11,565 
2,826 

2,697 
45,306 
- 

7,788 
1,670 
40,215 

47,619 
39,050 
3,029 
2,535 
6,034 
245 
61 
1 
48 
136 
139 
5 
134 

41,694 
686 
3,926 

45,945 
361 

43,187 
3,119 

9,659 
22,748 
11,153 
2,746 

2,614 
43,692 
- 

6,569 
726 
39,737 

45,989 
38,499 
2,981 
2,414 
5,076 
191 
61 
1 
48 
82 
126 
2 
124 

(*) Not taking into account the thresholds established by Article 12 of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009 

(**) Taking into account the thresholds established by Article 12 of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.286 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2018. Nominal value of the total mortgage loans (Millions of euros) 

Home mortgages 

Other mortgages 
Total 

Loan to Value (Last available appraisal risk) 

Less than or 
equal to 
40% 

Over 40% but 
less than or 
equal to 60% 

Over 60% but 
less than or 
equal to 80% 

Over 80% 

Total 

13,792 

2,506 
16,298 

15,459 
2,203  
17,662 

11,704 

11,704 

- 

- 

40,955 

4,709 
45,664 

December 2017. Nominal value of the total mortgage loans (Millions of euros) 

Home mortgages 

Other mortgages 
Total 

Loan to Value (Last available appraisal risk) 

Less than 
or equal to 
40% 

14,535 

1,827 
16,362 

Over 40% 
but less 
than or 
equal to 
60% 
17,225  
1,749  
18,974 

Over 60% 

Over 60% 
but less 
than or 
equal to 
80% 

12,667 

- 

12,667 

Over 80% 

Total 

- 

- 

44,427 

3,576 
48,003 

Eligible and non eligible mortgage loans. Changes of the nominal values in the period (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

Retirements 

Held-to-maturity cancellations 

Anticipated cancellations 

Subrogations to other institutions 

Rest 

Additions 

Originated by the bank 

Subrogations to other institutions 

Rest 
Balance at the end 

2018 

2017 

Eligible (*) 

Non eligible 

Eligible (*) 

Non eligible 

48,003 

24,762 

46,987 

33,313 

7,994 

4,425 

2,227 

25 

1,317 

5,655 

2,875 

15 

7,483 

1,883 

2,625 

13 

2,962 

4,795 

3,376 

7 

2,765 
45,664 

1,412 
22,074 

9,820 

4,614 

2,008 

33 

3,165 

10,835 

2,645 

15 

8,176 
48,003 

15,015 

2,562 

2,582 

23 

9,848 

6,464 

3,392 

5 

3,067 
24,762 

2017 

2,471 

613 

3,084 

(*) Not taking into account the thresholds established by Article 12 of Spanish Royal Decree 716/2009 

Mortgage loans supporting the issuance of mortgage-covered bonds. Nominal value (Millions of euros) 

Potentially eligible 

Ineligible 
Total 

2018 

4,517 

750 

5,267 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.287 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
b.2) Liabilities operations 

Issued Mortgage Bonds (Millions of euros) 

2018 

2017 

Nominal value 

Average 
residual 
maturity 

Nominal value 

Average 
residual 
maturity 

Mortgage bonds 

Mortgage-covered bonds  

Of which: Not recognized as liabilities on balance 

Of Which: Outstanding 

Debt securities issued through public offer 

Residual maturity up to 1 year 
Residual maturity over 1 year and less than 2 years 
Residual maturity over 2 years and less than 3 years 
Residual maturity over 3 years and less than 5 years 
Residual maturity over 5 years and less than 10 years 
Residual maturity over 10 years 

Debt securities issued without public offer 

Residual maturity up to 1 year 
Residual maturity over 1 year and less than 2 years 
Residual maturity over 2 years and less than 3 years 
Residual maturity over 3 years and less than 5 years 
Residual maturity over 5 years and less than 10 years 
Residual maturity over 10 years 

Deposits 

Residual maturity up to 1 year 
Residual maturity over 1 year and less than 2 years 
Residual maturity over 2 years and less than 3 years 
Residual maturity over 3 years and less than 5 years 
Residual maturity over 5 years and less than 10 years 
Residual maturity over 10 years 

Mortgage participations 

Issued through public offer  

Issued without public offer 

Mortgage transfer certificates 
Issued through public offer  
Issued without public offer 

- 

24,301 
9,093  
15,207  
12,501  
-  
2,051  
2,750  
3,500  
4,000  
200  
9,161  
-  
50  
1,500  
2,500  
5,111  
-  
2,640  
380  
246  
425  
468  
471  
650  

2,927 

2,927 

- 

23,590 
23,590 
- 

- 

20,153 
4,088  
16,065  
12,501  
-  
-  
2,051  
4,000  
6,250  
200  
4,162  
-  
-  
50  
1,500  
2,612  
-  
3,491  
791  
380  
246  
793  
571  
710  

- 
- 
- 

269 

269 
- 

28,954 
28,954 
- 

279 

279 
- 

Given  the  characteristics  of  the  type  of  covered  bonds  issued  by  the  Bank,  there  is  no  substituting  collateral 
related to these issues. 

The Bank does not hold any derivative financial instruments relating to mortgage bond issues, as defined in the 
aforementioned Royal Decree. 

c) Quantitative information on internationalization covered bonds  

Below is the quantitative information of BBVA, S.A. internationalization covered bonds required by Bank of Spain 
Circular 4/2015 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.288 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

c.1) Assets operations 

Principal outstanding payment of loans (Millions of euros) 

Eligible loans according to article 34.6 y 7 of the Law 14/2013 
Minus: Loans that support the issuance of internationalization bonds 
Minus: NPL to be deducted in the calculation of the issuance limit, according to 
Article 13 del Royal Decree 579/2014 
Total Loans included in the base of all issuance limit 

c.2) Liabilities operations 

Internationalization covered bonds (Millions of euros) 

(1) Debt securities issued through public offer (a) 

of which: Treasury shares 

Residual maturity up to 1 year 

Residual maturity over 1 year and less than 2 years 

Residual maturity over 2 years and less than 3 years 

Residual maturity over 3 years and less than 5 years 

Residual maturity over 5 years and less than 10 years 

Residual maturity over 10 years 

(2) Debt securities issued without public offer (a) 

(3) Deposits (b) 
TOTAL: (1) + (2) + (3) 

Coverage ratio of internationalization covered bonds on loans (c) 

Nominal value  
2018 
3,369 
- 

Nominal value 
2017 
3,075 
- 

4 

3,365 

74 

3,001 

Nominal value  
2018 

Nominal value 
2017 

1,500 

1,500 

- 

1,500 

1,500 

- 

1,500 

1,500 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
1,500 

- 
1,500 

Percentage 

Percentage 

45% 

50% 

(a)  Balance that includes all internationalization covered bonds issued by the entity pending amortization, although they are 

not recognized in the liability (because they have not been placed to third parties or have been repurchased). 

(b)  Nominative bonds.  
(c)  Percentage that results from the value of the quotient between the nominal value of the issued and non-overdue bonds, 
even if they are not recognized in the liability, and the nominal value balance pending collection of the loans that serve as 
guarantee 

Given  the  characteristics  of  the  Bank's  internationalization  covered  bonds,  there  are  no  substitute  assets 
assigned to these issuances. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.289 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

d) Territorial bonds 

d.1) Assets operations 

Decemeber 2018. Loans that serves as collateral for the territorial bonds  

Nominal Value(a) 

Total 

Spanish Residents 

Residents in other countries of the 
European Economic Area 

Central Governments 

Regional Governments 

Local Governments 

Total loans 

(a) Principal pending payment of loans. 

1,637 

8,363 

5,145 

15,145 

1,592 

8,333 

5,145 

15,070 

December 2017. Loans that serves as collateral for the territorial bonds (Millions of euros) 

Nominal Value (a) 

45 

30 

- 

75 

Total 

Spanish Residents 

Residents in other countries of 
the European Economic Area 

Central Governments 

Regional Governments 

Local Governments 

Total loans 

(a) Principal pending payment of loans. 

473 

8,882 

7,040 

16,395 

420 

8,851 

7,040 

16,311 

53 

31 

- 

84 

d.2) Liabilities operations 

Territorial bonds (Millions of euros) 

Territorial bonds issued (a) 

Issued through a public offering 

Of which: Treasury stock 

Residual maturity up to 1 year 

Residual maturity over 1 year and less than 2 years 

Residual maturity over 2 years and less than 3 years 

Residual maturity over 3 years and less than 5 years 

Residual maturity over 5 years and less than 10 years 

Residual maturity over 10 years 

Other issuances 

Of which: Treasury stock 

Residual maturity over 1 year and less than 2 years 

Residual maturity over 2 years and less than 3 years 

Residual maturity over 3 years and less than 5 years 

Residual maturity over 5 years and less than 10 years 

Residual maturity over 10 years 

Nominal value2018  Nominal value 2017 

- 

7,540 
7,540 

7,040 

- 

4,500 

2,000 

1,040 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

9,690 
9,540 

9,040 

- 

- 

6,500 

2,840 

200 

- 

150 

- 

150 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.290 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Coverage ratio of the territorial bonds on loans (b) 

Percentage 

Percentage 

50% 

59% 

(a) Includes the nominal value of all loans that serve as collateral for the territorial bonds, regardless of the item in 
which they are included in the balance sheet. Principal pending payment of loans. The territorial bonds include all 
the instruments issued by the entity pending amortization, although they are not recognized in the liability (because 
they have not been placed to third parties or have been repurchased). 

(b) Percentage that results from the value of the quotient between the nominal value of the issued and non-overdue     
bonds, even if they are not recognized in the liability, and the nominal value balance pending collection of the loans 
that serve as guarantee 

 
 
  
P.291 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX  XI.  Quantitative  information  on  refinancing  and  restructuring 
operations and other requirement under Bank of Spain Circular 6/2012 

a)  Quantitative information on refinancing and restructuring operations 

The  breakdown  of  refinancing  and  restructuring  operations  as  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  is  as 
follows: 

DECEMBER 2018 BALANCE OF FORBEARANCE 
    (Millions of Euros) 

TOTAL 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Maximum amount of 
secured loans that can be 
considered 

Real estate 
mortgage 
secured 

Rest of 
secured 
loans 

Accumulated 
impairment or 
accumulated losses 
in fair value due to 
credit risk 

- 

75 

252 

- 

111 

13 

- 

46 

29,360 

- 

64 

5 

- 

52 

3 

- 

- 

0 

- 

15 

6 

44,271 

4,483 

15,493 

4,177 

2,200 

221 

3,148 

Credit institutions 

General Governments 

Other financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (financial business) 

Non-financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (corporate non-financial activities) 

Of which: financing the construction and 
property (including land) 

Rest homes (*) 

Total 

193,061 

1,326 

355,466 

6,990 

5,083 

237,659 

5,933 

400,365 

11,236 

7,338 

150 

371 

734 

258 

1,627 

962 

501 

12 

517 

1,716 

4,885 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Of  which:  IMPAIRED 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Maximum amount of 
secured loans that can be 
considered 

Real estate 
mortgage 
secured 

Rest of 
secured 
loans 

Accumulated 
impairment or 
accumulated losses 
in fair value due to 
credit risk 

Credit institutions 

General Governments 

Other financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (financial business) 

Non-financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (corporate non-financial activities) 

Of which: financing the construction and 
property (including land) 

Rest homes (*) 

Total 

- 

46 

133 

- 

65 

4 

- 

12 

29,320 

- 

16 

4 

- 

8 

2 

- 

- 

0 

- 

10 

5 

25,420 

2,723 

9,922 

2,777 

1,192 

100 

2,773 

631 

116,916 

200 

741 

1,145 

656 

254 

42,403 

3,673 

2,435 

1 

26 

142,515 

3,533 

81,657 

6,470 

3,636 

126 

477 

1,414 

4,202 

(*)    Number of operations does not include Garanti Bank. 

Includes mortgage-backed real estate operations with loan to value ratio of greater than 1, and secured operations, other 
than transactions secured by real estate mortgage regardless of their loan to value ratio. 

The  accumulated  impairment  or  accumulated  losses  in  fair  value  due  to  credit  risk  correspond  to  €682  million  of 
collective impairment losses and €4,202 million of specific impairment losses.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.292 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

DECEMBER 2017 BALANCE OF FORBEARANCE 
    (Millions of Euros) 

TOTAL 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Maximum amount of 
secured loans that can be 
considered 

Real estate 
mortgage 
secured 

Rest of 
secured 
loans 

Accumulated 
impairment or 
accumulated losses 
in fair value due to 
credit risk 

Credit institutions 

General Governments 

Other financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (financial business) 

Non-financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (corporate non-financial activities) 

Of which: financing the construction and 
property (including land) 

Rest homes (*) 

Total 

- 

69 

4,727 

- 

105 

36 

- 

135 

93 

- 

430 

8 

- 

- 

112 

302 

1 

- 

- 

18 

21 

113,464 

4,672 

17,890 

6,258 

3,182 

251 

3,579 

1,812 

398 

3,495 

163,101 

1,325 

109,776 

2,345 

8,477 

1,995 

6,891 

281,361 

6,138 

127,894 

15,173 

10,186 

- 

18 

571 

1,327 

1,373 

4,991 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Of  which:  IMPAIRED 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Maximum amount of 
secured loans that can be 
considered 

Real estate 
mortgage 
secured 

Rest of 
secured 
loans 

Accumulated 
impairment or 
accumulated losses 
in fair value due to 
credit risk 

Credit institutions 

General Governments 

Other financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (financial business) 

Non-financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (corporate non-financial activities) 

Of which: financing the construction and 
property (including land) 

Rest homes (*) 

Total 

- 

50 

126 

- 

72 

5 

- 

45 

16 

- 

29 

2 

- 

22 

+ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

16 

5 

95,427 

2,791 

10,994 

4,144 

1,983 

66 

3,361 

1,538 

105,468 

208 

747 

2,779 

1,961 

1,273 

47,612 

4,330 

3,270 

201,071 

3,615 

58,667 

8,506 

5,275 

- 

6 

72 

1,282 

1,231 

4,612 

(*)    Number of operations does not include Garanti Bank. 

Includes  mortgage-backed  real  estate  operations  with  loan  to  value  ratio  of  greater  than  1,  and  secured 
operations, other than transactions secured by real estate mortgage regardless of their loan to value ratio. 

The accumulated impairment or accumulated losses in fair value due to credit risk correspond to €378 million of 
collective impairment losses and €4,612 million of specific impairment losses.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.293 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

DECEMBER 2016 BALANCE OF FORBEARANCE 
    (Millions of Euros) 

TOTAL 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Maximum amount of 
secured loans that can be 
considered 

Real estate 
mortgage 
secured 

Rest of 
secured 
loans 

Accumulated 
impairment or 
accumulated losses 
in fair value due to 
credit risk 

Credit institutions 

General Governments 

Other financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (financial business) 

Non-financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (corporate non-financial activities) 

Of which: financing the construction and 
property (including land) 

Rest homes (*) 

Total 

- 

24 

3,349 

- 

8 

59 

- 

112 

71 

- 

711 

18 

- 

98 

5 

- 

584 

- 

- 

6 

8 

125,328 

5,057 

25,327 

9,643 

4,844 

124 

5,310 

1,519 

496 

5,102 

116,961 

1,550 

103,868 

4,395 

9,243 

694 

7,628 

245,662 

6,674 

129,378 

19,615 

12,576 

- 

18 

726 

2,552 

1,474 

6,798 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Of  which:  IMPAIRED 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of 
operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Maximum amount of 
secured loans that can be 
considered 

Real estate 
mortgage 
secured 

Rest of 
secured 
loans 

Accumulated 
impairment or 
accumulated losses 
in fair value due to 
credit risk 

Credit institutions 

General Governments 

Other financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (financial business) 

Non-financial corporations and individual 
entrepreneurs (corporate non-financial activities) 

Of which: financing the construction and 
property (including land) 

Rest homes (*) 

Total 

- 

12 

131 

- 

8 

8 

- 

53 

22 

- 

33 

2 

- 

27 

- 

- 

- 

- 

103,310 

2,857 

16,327 

6,924 

3,002 

53 

1,191 

72,199 

304 

672 

4,188 

3,848 

494 

47,767 

4,366 

3,271 

175,652 

3,545 

64,169 

11,325 

6,300 

- 

3 

57 

- 

4 

5 

4,986 

2,499 

1,285 

6,281 

(*)    Number of operations does not include Garanti Bank. 

Includes  mortgage-backed  real  estate  operations  with  loan  to  value  ratio  of  greater  than  1,  and  secured 
operations, other than transactions secured by real estate mortgage regardless of their loan to value ratio. 

The accumulated impairment or accumulated losses in fair value due to credit risk correspond to €517 million of 
collective impairment losses and €6,281 million of specific impairment losses.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.294
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In  addition  to  the  restructuring  and  refinancing  transactions  mentioned  in  this  section,  loans  that  were  not 
considered  impaired  or  renegotiated  have  been  modified  based  on  the  criteria  set  out  in  the  accounting 
regulation  that  applies.  These  loans  have  not  been  classified  as  renegotiated  or  impaired,  since  they  were 
modified for commercial or competitive reasons (for instance, to improve relationships with clients) rather than 
for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower's financial situation. 

The table below provides a roll forward of refinanced assets during 2018 and 2017: 

Refinanced assets Roll forward. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

(+) Additions 

(-) Decreases (payments or repayments) 

(-) Foreclosures 

(-) Write-offs 
(+)/(-) Other 
Ending Balance 

Stages 1&2 

Stage 3 

TOTAL 

Risk 

Coverage 

Risk 

Coverage 

Risk 

Coverage 

9,191 

1,599 

(1,098) 

 - 

(2)
(2,524) 
7,166 

378 

397 

(47)

- 

(1)
(45)
682

12,120 

4,612 

21,311 

4,991 

1,417 

767 

3,017 

(2,280)

(339)

(857)
(58)
10,003

(1,282) 

(3,378) 

(216)

(606)
927
4,202

(339)

(859)
(2,582)
17,169

1,164 

(1,330) 

(216) 

(607)
882
4,885

Refinanced assets Roll forward. December 2017 (*) (Millions of euros) 

Balance at the beginning 

(+) Additions 

(-) Decreases (payments or repayments) 

(-) Foreclosures 
(-) Write-offs 

(+)/(-) Other 
Ending Balance 

Normal 

Impaired 

TOTAL 

Risk 

Coverage 

Risk 

Coverage 

Risk 

Coverage 

11,418 

3,095 

(2,462) 

(2) 
(63)

(2,795) 
9,191 

517 

182 

(145)

- 
(2)

(174)
378 

14,869 

6,281 

26,288 

6,798 

1,614 

599 

4,709 

(2,754)

(463)
(1,667)

521
12,120

(1,180) 

(267)
(1,413)

593
4,612

(5,216) 

(465)
(1,730) 

(2,275) 
21,311 

781 

(1,325) 

(267)
(1,415)

419
4,991

(*) Data presenting under the accounting regulation that applied in 2017. 

The  table  below  provides  a  breakdown  by  segments  of  the  forbearance  operations  (net  of  provisions)  as  of 
December 31, 2018 and 2017: 

Forbearance operations. Breakdown by segments (Millions of euros) 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

Credit institutions 
Central governments 

Other financial corporations and individual entrepreneurs 
(financial activity) 

Non-financial corporations and individual entrepreneurs 
(non-financial activity) 

Of which: Financing the construction and property 
development (including land) 

Households 
Total carrying amount 

Financing classified as non-current assets and disposal 
groups held for sale 

- 
160 

13 

5,512 

702 

6,600 
12,284 

- 

- 
518 

24 

7,351 

1,416 

8,428 
16,321 

- 

- 
713 

69 

9,390 

2,339 

9,319 
19,491 

- 

P.295 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in Spanish and  prepared in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS, as  adopted  by the European  Union 
(see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

NPL ratio by type of renegotiated loan 

The non performing ratio of the renegotiated portfolio is defined as the impaired balance of renegotiated loans 
that shows signs of difficulties as of the closing of the reporting period, divided by the total payment outstanding 
in that portfolio. 

As of December 31, 2018, the non performing ratio for each of the portfolios of renegotiated loans is as follows: 

December 2018. NPL ratio renegotiated loan portfolio 

General governments 
Commercial 
Of which: Construction and developer 
Other consumer 

December 2017. NPL ratio renegotiated loan portfolio 

General governments 
Commercial 
Of which: Construction and developer 
Other consumer 

Ratio of Impaired loans - Past due 

47% 
64% 
70% 
53% 

Ratio of Impaired loans - Past due 

19% 
63% 
79% 
52% 

 
 
 
 
 
P.296 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the 
Spanish-language version prevails. 

b)  Qualitative information on the concentration of risk by activity and guarantees 

Loans and advances to customers by activity (carrying amount)  

December 2018 (Millions OF Euros) 

1 General governments 

2 Other financial institutions 

3 Non-financial institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

3.1 Construction and property development  

3.2 Construction of civil works 

3.3 Other purposes 

3.3.1 Large companies  

3.3.2 SMEs (**) and individual entrepreneurs  

4 Rest of households and NPISHs (***) 

4.1 Housing  

4.2 Consumption  

4.3 Other purposes  

6    TOTAL 

MEMORANDUM: 

Collateralized loans and receivables -Loans and advances to customers. Loan to 
value 

Total (*) 

Of which: 
Mortgage loans 

Of which: 
Secured 
loans 

Less than or 
equal to 40% 

Over 40% but 
less than or 
equal to 60% 

Over 60% but 
less than or 
equal to 80% 

Over 80% but 
less than or 
equal to 100% 

Over 100% 

30,488 

20,802 

173,493 

14,323 

7,775 

151,394 

97,132 

54,262 

163,068 

111,007 

40,124 

11,938 

1,056 

233 

29,001 

5,226 

1,082 

22,694 

9,912 

12,782 

109,578 

105,817 

522 

3,239 

7,750 

12,549 

32,371 

2,539 

620 

29,212 

19,069 

10,143 

5,854 

2,419 

2,600 

835 

1,729 

1,167 

1,856 

221 

25,211 

11,121 

1,979 

703 

22,529 

13,918 

8,611 

21,974 

19,981 

489 

1,505 

2,556 

285 

8,281 

3,979 

4,302 

27,860 

26,384 

587 

888 

1,119 

93 

9,793 

2,140 

195 

7,459 

4,019 

3,440 

33,200 

32,122 

306 

772 

3,514 

11,209 

5,087 

486 

200 

4,401 

2,245 

2,156 

21,490 

19,345 

1,597 

547 

588 

92 

10,160 

605 

319 

9,235 

4,820 

4,416 

10,908 

10,404 

142 

362 

387,850 

139,868 

58,524 

50,082 

41,058 

44,206 

41,300 

21,747 

Forbearance operations (****) 

12,284 

8,325 

523 

1,508 

1,421 

1,769 

1,527 

2,623 

(*) 

    The amounts included in this table are net of impairment losses. 

(**) 

    Small and medium enterprises 

(***)       Nonprofit institutions serving households. 

(****)    Net of provisions  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.297 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the 
Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

1 General governments 

2 Other financial institutions 

3 Non-financial institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

3.1 Construction and property development  

3.2 Construction of civil works 

3.3 Other purposes 

3.3.1 Large companies  

3.3.2 SMEs (**) and individual entrepreneurs  

4 Rest of households and NPISHs (***) 

4.1 Housing  

4.2 Consumption  

4.3 Other purposes  

6    TOTAL 

MEMORANDUM: 

Collateralized Credit Risk. Loan to value 

Total (*) 

Of which: 
Mortgage loans 

Of which: 
Secured 
loans 

Less than or 
equal to 40% 

Over 40% but 
less than or 
equal to 60% 

Over 60% but 
less than or 
equal to 80% 

Over 80% but 
less than or 
equal to 100% 

Over 100% 

32,294 

18,669 

172,338 

14,599 

7,733 

150,006 

93,604 

56,402 

165,024 

114,709 

40,705 

9,609 

998 

319 

39,722 

10,664 

1,404 

27,654 

10,513 

17,142 

114,558 

111,604 

670 

2,284 

7,167 

12,910 

24,793 

1,066 

521 

23,206 

16,868 

6,338 

8,395 

128 

4,784 

3,483 

388,325 

155,597 

53,266 

1,540 

314 

11,697 

1,518 

449 

9,729 

2,769 

6,960 

19,762 

18,251 

1,058 

452 

33,312 

179 

277 

5,878 

876 

358 

4,644 

1,252 

3,392 

22,807 

22,222 

256 

330 

475 

106 

5,183 

1,049 

289 

3,845 

1,023 

2,823 

25,595 

25,029 

192 

374 

532 

11,349 

9,167 

1,313 

162 

7,692 

3,631 

4,061 

22,122 

21,154 

316 

652 

5,440 

1,183 

32,591 

6,974 

667 

24,950 

18,706 

6,244 

32,667 

25,076 

3,632 

3,959 

29,142 

31,359 

43,170 

71,882 

Forbearance operations (****) 

16,321 

6,584 

5,117 

1,485 

1,315 

1,871 

1,580 

5,451 

(*) 

    The amounts included in this table are net of impairment losses. 

(**) 

    Small and medium enterprises 

(***)       Nonprofit institutions serving households. 

(****)    Net of provisions  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.298 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the 
Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

1 General governments 

2 Other financial institutions 

3 Non-financial institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

3.1 Construction and property development  

3.2 Construction of civil works 

3.3 Other purposes 

3.3.1 Large companies  

3.3.2 SMEs (**) and individual entrepreneurs  

4 Rest of households and NPISHs (***) 

4.1 Housing  

4.2 Consumption  

4.3 Other purposes  

6    TOTAL 

MEMORANDUM: 

Total (*) 

Of which: 
Mortgage loans 

Of which: 
Secured 
loans 

Less than or 
equal to 40% 

Over 40% but 
less than or 
equal to 60% 

Over 60% but 
less than or 
equal to 80% 

Over 80% but 
less than or 
equal to 100% 

Over 100% 

Collateralized Credit Risk. Loan to value 

34,820 

17,181 

183,871 

19,283 

8,884 

155,704 

107,550 

48,154 

178,781 

127,606 

44,504 

6,671 

4,722 

800 

47,105 

12,888 

1,920 

32,297 

16,041 

16,257 

129,590 

124,427 

3,181 

1,982 

3,700 

8,168 

380 

650 

715 

464 

22,663 

17,000 

13,122 

1,736 

478 

20,449 

16,349 

4,100 

5,257 

477 

3,732 

1,048 

3,074 

508 

13,417 

7,311 

6,106 

21,906 

18,802 

2,535 

569 

4,173 

547 

8,402 

5,149 

3,253 

24,764 

23,120 

1,278 

366 

39,065 

414,654 

182,216 

39,789 

39,936 

1,266 

319 

11,667 

3,843 

469 

7,356 

4,777 

2,579 

34,434 

32,713 

1,230 

491 

47,687 

2,740 

6,846 

3,320 

690 

14,445 

13,533 

2,217 

379 

1,316 

494 

11,850 

11,722 

7,160 

4,689 

34,254 

32,148 

1,322 

784 

7,993 

3,729 

19,489 

18,122 

547 

820 

58,286 

37,032 

Forbearance operations (****) 

19,491 

8,031 

6,504 

3,703 

1,845 

2,316 

2,091 

4,580 

(*) 

    The amounts included in this table are net of impairment losses. 

(**) 

    Small and medium enterprises 

(***)       Nonprofit institutions serving households. 

(****)    Net of provisions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.299 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the 
Spanish-language version prevails. 

c) Information on the concentration of risk by activity and geographical areas. 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Credit institutions 
General governments 

Central Administration 

Other 

Other financial institutions 

Non-financial institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

Construction and property development  

Construction of civil works 

Other purposes 

Large companies  

SMEs and individual entrepreneurs  

Other households and NPISHs 

Housing  

Consumer 

Other purposes  

TOTAL 

TOTAL(*) 

Spain 

European Union 
Other 

America 

Other 

113,978 

123,382 

87,611 

35,771 

49,166 

226,487 

17,697 

11,430 

197,361 

137,150 

60,211 

163,443 

111,007 

40,124 

12,312 

676,456 

35,728 

53,686 

35,691 

17,995 

13,784 

70,536 

3,497 

5,789 

61,250 

36,964 

24,286 

91,977 

78,414 

10,303 

3,259 

265,710 

33,440 

11,081 

10,756 

325 

17,977 

24,565 

244 

1,535 

22,786 

22,114 

672 

3,383 

765 

629 

1,989 

90,447 

31,234 

50,092 

32,735 

17,357 

15,345 

87,419 

10,113 

1,762 

75,543 

53,423 

22,120 

56,777 

28,034 

22,036 

6,707 

13,575 

8,523 

8,428 

95 

2,061 

43,967 

3,843 

2,343 

37,781 

24,649 

13,132 

11,306 

3,794 

7,155 

357 

240,867 

79,432 

(*)The definition of risk for the purpose of this statement includes the following items on the public balance sheet: Loans and advances to credit institutions, Loans and advances, Debt 
securities,  Equity  instruments,  Other  equity  securities,  Derivatives  and  hedging  derivatives,  Investments  in  subsidiaries,  joint  ventures  and  associates  and  guarantees  given  and 
Contingent risks. The amounts included in this table are net of impairment losses. 

 
 
 
 
 
P.300 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the 
Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Credit institutions 
General governments 

Central Administration 

Other 

Other financial institutions 

Non-financial institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

Construction and property development  

Construction of civil works 

Other purposes 

Large companies  

SMEs and individual entrepreneurs  

Other households and NPISHs 

Housing  

Consumer 

Other purposes  

TOTAL 

TOTAL(*) 

70,141 

121,863 

83,673 

38,190 

48,000 

228,227 

18,619 

12,348 

197,260 

134,454 

62,807 

165,667 

114,710 

40,705 

10,251 

633,899 

Spain 

European Union 
Other 

America 

Other 

10,606 

55,391 

35,597 

19,794 

19,175 

78,507 

4,623 

6,936 

66,948 

43,286 

23,662 

93,774 

81,815 

8,711 

3,248 

34,623 

11,940 

11,625 

316 

14,283 

20,485 

339 

1,302 

18,843 

17,470 

1,373 

3,609 

2,720 

649 

241 

13,490 

44,191 

26,211 

17,980 

12,469 

80,777 

8,834 

2,267 

69,676 

48,016 

21,660 

53,615 

24,815 

22,759 

6,041 

257,453 

84,940 

204,542 

11,422 

10,341 

10,240 

101 

2,074 

48,458 

4,822 

1,843 

41,793 

25,681 

16,112 

14,669 

5,361 

8,587 

721 

86,964 

(*)The definition of risk for the purpose of this statement includes the following items on the public balance sheet: Loans and advances to credit institutions, Loans and advances, Debt 
securities,  Equity  instruments,  Other  equity  securities,  Derivatives  and  hedging  derivatives,  Investments  in  subsidiaries,  joint  ventures  and  associates  and  guarantees  given  and 
Contingent risks. The amounts included in this table are net of impairment losses. 

 
 
 
 
 
P.301
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the 
Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Credit institutions 
General governments 

Central Administration 

Other 

Other financial institutions 

Non-financial institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

Construction and property development 

Construction of civil works 

Other purposes 

Large companies 

SMEs and individual entrepreneurs 

Other households and NPISHs 

Housing 

Consumer 

Other purposes 

TOTAL 

TOTAL(*) 

Spain 

European Union 
Other 

America 

Other 

84,381 

134,261 

92,155 

42,105 

47,029 

249,322 

23,141 

14,185 

211,996 

158,356 

53,640 

179,051 

127,607 

44,504 

6,939 

694,044 

12,198 

61,495 

39,080 

22,415 

16,942 

69,833 

5,572 

6,180 

58,080 

35,514 

22,566 

96,345 

85,763 

7,230 

3,352 

40,552 

14,865 

14,550 

315 

14,881 

26,335 

371 

2,493 

23,471 

22,074 

1,397 

3,796 

3,025 

642 

129 

17,498 

47,072 

27,758 

19,314 

12,631 

98,797 

11,988 

3,803 

83,005 

64,940 

18,065 

62,836 

32,775 

27,398 

2,663 

14,133 

10,829 

10,768 

61 

2,576 

54,357 

5,209 

1,709 

47,439 

35,828 

11,611 

16,073 

6,044 

9,234 

795 

256,813 

100,428 

238,834 

97,968 

(*)The definition of risk for the purpose of this statement includes the following items on the public balance sheet: Loans and advances to credit institutions, Loans and advances, Debt 
securities,  Equity  instruments,  Other  equity  securities,  Derivatives  and  hedging  derivatives,  Investments  in  subsidiaries,  joint  ventures  and  associates  and  guarantees  given  and 
Contingent risks. The amounts included in this table are net of impairment losses. 

P.302 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX XII Additional information on Risk Concentration 

a) Sovereign risk exposure

The  table  below  provides  a  breakdown  of  exposure  to  financial  assets  (excluding  derivatives  and  equity 
instruments), as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and  2016 by type of counterparty and the country of residence 
of such counterparty. The below figures do not take into account accumulated other comprehensive income, 
impairment losses or loan-loss provisions: 

Risk Exposure by Countries (Millions of euros) 

Spain 
Turkey 
Italy 
France 
Portugal 
Germany 
United Kingdom 
Ireland 
Greece 
Rest of Europe 
Subtotal Europe 

Mexico 
The United States 
Venezuela 
Rest of countries 
Subtotal Rest of Countries 

Sovereign Risk 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

52,970  
7,998  
9,249  
122  
529  
362  
51  
- 
- 
699  
71,981 

26,562  
18,645  
1  
4,910  
50,118 

54,625  
9,825  
9,827  
383  
722  
259  
41  
- 
- 
662  
76,343 

25,114  
14,059  
137  
5,809  
45,119 

60,434  
10,478  
12,206  
518  
586  
521  
17  
- 
- 
940  
85,699 

26,942  
16,039  
179  
3,814  
46,974 

Total Exposure to Financial Instruments 

122,099 

121,462 

132,674 

The  exposure  to  sovereign  risk  set  out  in  the  above  table  includes  positions  held  in  government  debt 
securities in countries where the Group operates. They are used for ALCO’s management of the interest-rate 
risk  on  the  balance  sheets  of  the  Group’s  entities  in these  countries,  as  well  as  for  hedging  of  pension  and 
insurance commitments by insurance entities within the BBVA Group. 

Sovereign risk exposure in Europe 

The  table  below  provides  a  breakdown  of  the  exposure  of  the  Group’s  credit  institutions  to  European 
sovereign risk as of December 31, 2018 and December 2017 by type of financial instrument and the country 
of residence of the counterparty, under EBA (European Banking Authority) requirements: 

P.303 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
Exposure to Sovereign Risk by European Union Countries. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 

Italy 

France 

Germany 

Portugal 

United Kingdom 

Greece 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Rest of European Union 
Total Exposure to Sovereign Counterparties (European 
Union) 

5,237 

1,726 

591 

310 

265 

- 

- 

- 

-

300 

8,428 

Debt securities 

Loans and 
advances 

Direct exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Derivatives 

Notional value 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

43,236 

8,270 

77 

334 

430 

45 

- 

- 

548

31

1,264 

57 

(15)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

277 

57 

(57)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Notional 
value 

(3,224)

(795)

150 

182 

67

- 

- 

- 

- 

(36) 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Total 

% 

1,130 

210

(1,117) 

46,568 

(298)

9,112

79% 

15% 

1

74

37

- 

- 

- 

- 

3 

(32)

(87)

(26)

- 

- 

- 

- 

(3)

787

813

1,050

45 

-

-

548 

295

1% 

1% 

2% 

0% 

0%

0%

1%

0%

52,971 

1,541 

113 

(71)

(3,656)

1,454 

(1,563) 

59,218 

100% 

This table shows sovereign risk balances with EBA criteria. Therefore, sovereign risk of the Group’s insurance companies (€10,883 million as of December 31, 
2018) is not included. Includes credit derivatives CDS (Credit Default Swaps) shown at fair value. 

Exposure to Sovereign Risk by European Union Countries. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Debt securities 

Spain 

Italy 

France 

Germany 

Portugal 

United Kingdom 

Greece 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Rest of European Union 
Total Exposure to Sovereign 
Counterparties (European Union) 

Financial 
Assets Held-
for-Trading 

7,065 

4,606 

622 

517 

832 

- 

- 

- 

- 

38 

13,681 

-

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

8 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

505 

18,835

Available-for-
Sale Financial 
Assets 

Held -to-
maturity 
investment 

14,029

4,292

5,754 

2,349 

Direct exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Derivatives 

Loans and 
receivables 

Notional 
value 

Fair value +  Fair value - 

Notional 
value 

Fair value +  Fair value - 

Total 

% 

22,101 

1,513 

62 

(15)

55 

27

- 

202

37

- 

- 

- 

32

- 

- 

- 

1,019 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(44)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

591

(57)

329 

826 

176

(2)

- 

- 

- 

31 

1,082 

648

15

26

87

-

- 

- 

- 

5 

(773)

(237)

(19)

(17)

(53)

- 

- 

- 

- 

51,410   75.3%

11,657   17.1%

983

1.4% 

1,352

2.0% 

2,221

3.3% 

35 

0.1% 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(5)

607

0.9% 

-

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

8,103 

22,453 

2,533 

64 

(59)

1,896

1,863 

(1,104) 

68,265  100% 

This table shows sovereign risk balances with EBA criteria. Therefore, sovereign risk of the Group’s insurance companies (€10,474 million as of December 31, 
2017) is not included. Includes credit derivatives CDS (Credit Default Swaps) shown at fair value. 

P.304
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Exposure to Sovereign Risk by European Union Countries. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Debt securities 

Derivatives (2) 

Direct exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Financial 
Assets Held-
for-Trading 

Financial 
assets 
designated at 
fair value 
through profit 
or loss 

927 

1,973 

250 

82 

54 

- 

- 

- 

- 

195 

3,482 

-

-

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

Spain 

Italy 

France 

Germany 

Portugal 

United Kingdom 

Greece 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Rest of European Union 
Total Exposure to Sovereign 
Counterparties (European 
Union) 

Available-
for-Sale 
Financial 
Assets 

Held -to-
maturity 
investment 

13,385

4,806

8,063 

2,719 

- 

- 

1

-

-

-

-

469

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

Loans and 
receivables 

Notional value  Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Notional 
value 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Total 

% 

24,835 

1,786 

88 

(27)

60 

28 

- 

285

16

- 

- 

- 

36

- 

- 

- 

1,150 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(215)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(744)

(1,321)

(13)

(5)

10 

(9)

- 

- 

- 

993 

1,271 

46

203

1

1

- 

- 

- 

(1,569) 

47,737  81.4% 

(866)

(63)

(249)

8,641   14.7%

248   0.4%

30   0.1%

(6)

1,280   2.2%

-

- 

- 

- 

8   0.0%

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  0.0% 

30 

13 

(6)

736   1.3%

18,660

10,783 

25,259 

2,936 

88 

(242)

(2,053)

2,527 

(2,759) 

58,680  100% 

This table shows sovereign risk balances with EBA criteria. Therefore, sovereign risk of the Group’s insurance companies (€10,443 million as of December 31, 
2016) is not included. Includes credit derivatives CDS (Credit Default Swaps) shown at fair value. 

P.305 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 
As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 the breakdown of total exposure faced by the Group’s credit institutions to Spain and other countries, by maturity of 
the financial instruments, is as follows: 

Maturities of Sovereign Risks European Union. December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Debt securities 

Loans and 
advances 

Direct exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Derivatives 

Spain 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 5 Years 

Over 5 Years 

Rest of European Union 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 5 Years 

Over 5 Years 

Total Exposure to European Union Sovereign 
Counterparties 

Notional value 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

5,237  

2,821  

761  

1,654  

3,192  

1,155  

250  

1,787  

8,428 

43,236  

13,381  

7,904  

21,950  

9,735  

2,328  

1,184  

6,224  

1,264  

383  

640  

242  

277  

220  

57  

- 

57  

1  

42  

13  

57  

0  

57  

- 

52,971 

1,541 

113 

(15) 

- 

(8) 

(7) 

(57) 

(5) 

- 

(52) 

(71) 

Notional 
value 

(3,224) 

(3,224) 

- 

- 

(431) 

(865) 

10  

423  

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

1,130  

1,130  

(1,117) 

(1,117) 

- 

- 

324  

297  

16  

12  

- 

- 

(446) 

(355) 

(24) 

(67) 

Total 

% 

46,568  

13,375  

9,340  

23,853  

12,651  

2,776  

1,548  

8,327  

79% 

23% 

16% 

40% 

21% 

5% 

3% 

14% 

(3,656) 

1,454 

(1,563) 

59,218 

100% 

Maturities of Sovereign Risks European Union. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Debt securities 

Financial 
Assets Held-
for-Trading 

Available-for-
Sale Financial 
Assets 

Held -to-
maturity 
investment 

Loans and 
receivables 

Direct exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Derivatives 

Notional 
value 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Notional 
value 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Total 

% 

Spain 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 5 Years 

Over 5 Years 

Rest of European Union 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 5 Years 

Over 5 Years 

Total Exposure to European 
Union Sovereign 
Counterparties 

7,065  

1,675  

2,196  

3,195  

6,616  

2,212  

2,932  

1,473  

14,029  

3,363  

1,335  

9,332  

4,806  

1,663  

192  

2,951  

5,754  

2,900  

106  

2,747  

2,349  

1,895  

- 

454  

22,101  

1,513  

7,852  

7,978  

6,271  

352  

54  

162  

137  

69  

1,131  

314  

1,019  

466  

3  

550  

62  

1  

44  

17  

1  

1  

- 

- 

13,681 

18,835 

8,103 

22,453 

2,533 

64 

(15) 

- 

(1) 

(14) 

(44) 

(6) 

- 

(38) 

(59) 

591  

591  

- 

- 

1,305  

744  

243  

318  

1,082  

1,082  

- 

- 

781  

756  

17  

8  

(773) 

(773) 

- 

- 

(331) 

(252) 

(21) 

(58) 

51,410  

12,312  

16,883  

22,215  

16,856  

3,614  

7,313  

5,928  

75%  

25%  

19%  

32%  

25%  

11%  

5%  

8%  

1,896 

1,863 

(1,104) 

68,265 

100% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.306 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  (see  Notes  1  and  56).  In  the  event  of  a  discrepancy,  the  Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Maturities of Sovereign Risks European Union. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Debt securities 

Financial Assets 
Held-for-
Trading 

Available-for-
Sale Financial 
Assets 

Held -to-
maturity 
investment 

Loans and 
receivables 

Notional 
value 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Direct exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Derivatives 

Spain 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 5 Years 

Over 5 Years 

Rest of European Union 

Up to 1 Year 

1 to 5 Years 

Over 5 Years 
Total Exposure to 
European Union 
Sovereign Counterparties 

927 

913 

1,272 

(1,259) 

2,554 

(395) 

1,535 

1,414 

13,385 

889 

3,116 

9,380 

5,275 

38 

2,050 

3,186 

8,063 

1,989 

3,319 

2,755 

2,719 

- 

1,958 

761 

24,835 

1,786 

9,087 

7,059 

4,595 

424 

2 

247 

175 

- 

1,209 

577 

1,150 

- 

381 

770 

88 

- 

32 

56 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Notional 
value 

(744) 

(736) 

(3) 

(6) 

(27) 

- 

(1) 

(27) 

(215) 

(1,309) 

- 

(1,721) 

(12) 

(203) 

194 

218 

Fair value + 

Fair value - 

Total 

% 

993 

993 

- 

- 

1,534 

1,507 

19 

8 

(1,569) 

47,737 

81% 

(1,564) 

11,571 

20% 

- 

(4) 

16,004 

27% 

16,068 

27% 

(1,191) 

10,943 

19% 

(1,054) 

(1,623) 

-3% 

(50) 

(86) 

6,322 

11% 

6,243 

11% 

3,482 

18,660 

10,783 

25,259 

2,936 

88 

(242) 

(2,053) 

2,527 

(2,759) 

58,680  100% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.307 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

b) Concentration  of  risk  on  activities  in  the  real-estate  market  in 

Spain 

Quantitative information on activities in the real-estate market in Spain 

The  following  quantitative  information  on  real-estate  activities  in  Spain  has  been  prepared  using  the 
reporting models required by Bank of Spain Circular 5/2011, of November 30.  

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  exposure  to  the  construction  sector  and  real-estate  activities  in 
Spain  stood  at  €11,045,  €11,981  and  €15,285  million,  respectively.  Of  that  amount,  risk  from  loans  to 
construction  and  real-estate  development  activities  accounted  for  €3,183,  €5,224  and  €7,930  million, 
respectively,  representing  1.7%,  2.9%  and  5.0%  of  loans  and  advances  to  customers  of  the  balance  of 
business in Spain (excluding the general governments) and 0.5%, 0.8% and 1.1% of the total assets  of the 
Consolidated Group.  

Lending for real estate development of the loans as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is shown below: 

December 2018. Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase (Millions of euros) 

Gross Amount 

Drawn Over the 
Guarantee Value 

Accumulated 
impairment 

Financing to construction and real estate development (including land) (Business in Spain) 

    Of which: Impaired assets 

Memorandum item: 

    Write-offs 

Memorandum item: 

Total loans and advances to customers, excluding the General Governments (Business in Spain) 

Total consolidated assets (total business) 

Impairment and provisions for normal exposures 

3,183 

875 

2,619  

183,196  

676,689  

4,938  

941 

440 

(537) 

(463) 

December 2017. Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase (Millions of euros) 

Gross Amount 

Drawn Over the 
Guarantee Value 

Accumulated 
impairment 

Financing to construction and real estate development (including land) (Business in Spain) 

Of which: Impaired assets 

Memorandum item: 

Write-offs 

Memorandum item: 

Total loans and advances to customers, excluding the General Governments (Business in Spain) 

Total consolidated assets (total business) 

Impairment and provisions for normal exposures 

5,224 

2,660 

2,289  

174,014  

690,059  

(5,843)  

2,132 

1,529 

(1,500) 

(1,461) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.308 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2016. Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase (Millions of euros) 

Gross Amount 

Drawn Over the 
Guarantee Value 

Accumulated 
impairment 

Financing to construction and real estate development (including land) (Business in Spain) 

Of which: Impaired assets 

Memorandum item: 

Write-offs 

Memorandum item: 

Total loans and advances to customers, excluding the General Governments (Business in Spain) 

Total consolidated assets (total business) 

Impairment and provisions for normal exposures 

7,930 

5,095 

2,061  

159,492  

731,856  

(5,830)  

3,449 

2,680 

(2,944) 

(2,888) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.309 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The following is a description of the real estate credit risk based on the types of associated guarantees: 

Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase (Millions of euros) 

Without secured loan 

With secured loan  

Terminated buildings 

Homes 

Other 

Buildings under construction 

Homes 

Other 

Land 

Urbanized land 

Rest of land 

Total 

2018 

324 

2,859 

1,861 

1,382 

479 

432 

408 

24 

566 

364 

202 
3,183 

2017 

552 

4,672 

2,904 

2,027 

877 

462 

439 

23 

1,306 

704 

602 
5,224 

2016 

801 

7,129 

3,875 

2,954 

921 

760 

633 

127 

2,494 

1,196 

1,298 
7,930 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 58.5%, 55.6%, and 48.9% of loans to developers were guaranteed 
with buildings (74.3%, 69.8% and 76.2%, are homes), and only 17.8%, 25.0% and 31.5% by land, of which 
64.3%, 53.9% and 48.0% % are in urban locations, respectively. 

The table below provides the breakdown of the financial guarantees given as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016: 

Financial guarantees given (Millions of euros) 

Houses purchase loans 

Without mortgage 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

48 

24 

64 

12 

62 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
P.310 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The information on the retail mortgage portfolio risk (housing mortgage) as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016 is as follows: 

December 2018. Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase. 
(Millions of euros) 

Houses purchase loans 
Without mortgage 

With mortgage 

Gross amount 

Of which: impaired 
loans 

80,159 

1,611 

78,548 

3,852 

30 

3,822 

December 2017. Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase. 
(Millions of euros) 

Houses purchase loans 
Without mortgage 

With mortgage 

Gross amount 

Of which: impaired 
loans 

83,505 

1,578 

81,927 

4,821 

51 

4,770 

December 2016. Financing Allocated by credit institutions to Construction and Real Estate Development and lending for house purchase. 
(Millions of euros) 

Houses purchase loans 
Without mortgage 

With mortgage 

Gross amount 

Of which: impaired 
loans 

87,874 

1,935 

85,939 

4,938 

93 

4,845 

The loan to value (LTV) ratio of the above portfolio is as follows: 

LTV Breakdown of mortgage to households for the purchase of a home (Business in Spain) (Millions of euros)" 

Total risk over the amount of the last valuation available (Loan To Value-LTV) 

Less than or 
equal to 40% 

Over 40% but 
less than or 
equal to 60% 

Over 60% but 
less than or 
equal to 80% 

Over 80% but 
less than or 
equal to 100% 

Over 100% 

Total 

Gross amount 2018 

of which: Impaired loans 

Gross amount 2017 

of which: Impaired loans 

Gross amount 2016 

of which: Impaired loans 

14,491 
204 

14,485 
293 

13,780 
306 

18,822 
323 

18,197 
444 

18,223 
447 

21,657 
507 

20,778 
715 

20,705 
747 

13,070 
610 

14,240 
897 

15,967 
962 

10,508 
2,178 

14,227 
2,421 

17,264 
2,383 

78,548 
3,822 

81,927 
4,770 

85,939 
4,845 

Outstanding  home  mortgage  loans  as  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  had  an  average  LTV  of  49%, 
51%, and 47% respectively. 

The  breakdown  of  foreclosed,  acquired,  purchased  or  exchanged  assets  from  debt  from  loans  relating  to 
business in Spain, as well as the holdings and financing to non-consolidated entities holding such assets is as 
follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.311 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Information about Assets Received in Payment of Debts (Business in Spain) (Millions of euros) 

December 2018 

Gross 
Value 

Provisions 

Of which: Valuation 
adjustments on 
impaired assets, from 
the time of foreclosure 

Carrying 
Amount 

Real estate assets from loans to the construction and real estate development sectors in 
Spain. 

2,165 

1,252 

Terminated buildings 

Homes 

Other 

Buildings under construction 

Homes 

Other 

Land 

Urbanized land 

Rest of land 

Real estate assets from mortgage financing for households for the purchase of a home 

Rest of foreclosed real estate assets  

Equity instruments, investments and financing to non-consolidated companies holding 
said assets 

Total 

991 

588 

403 

209 

194 

15 

965 

892 

73 

1,797 

348 

1,345 

5,655 

445 

245 

200 

131 

117 

14 

676 

633 

43 

932 

192 

828 

274 

144 

130 

96 

85 

11 

458 

421 

37 

331 

40 

913 

546 

343 

203 

78 

77 

1 

289 

259 

30 

865 

156 

234 

2,610 

234 

1,433 

1,111 

3,045 

Additionally,  in  December  18,  there  was  an  increase  of  BBVA,  S.A.’s  stake  in  Garanti  Yatirim  Ortakligi  AS 
through its contribution to the capital increase carried out by the latter entity. 

Information about Assets Received in Payment of Debts (Business in Spain) (Millions of euros) 

Real estate assets from loans to the construction and real estate development sectors in 
Spain. 

Terminated buildings 

Homes 

Other 

Buildings under construction 

Homes 

Other 

Land 

Urbanized land 

Rest of land 

Real estate assets from mortgage financing for households for the purchase of a home 

Rest of foreclosed real estate assets  

Equity instruments, investments and financing to non-consolidated companies holding 
said assets 

Total 

December 2017 

Gross 
Value 

Provisions 

Of which: Valuation 
adjustments on impaired 
assets, from the time of 
foreclosure 

Carrying 
Amount 

6,429 

2,191 

1,368 

823 

541 

521 

20 

3,697 

1,932 

1,765 

3,592 

1,665 

1,135 

12,821 

4,350 

1,184 

742 

442 

359 

347 

12 

2,807 

1,458 

1,349 

2,104 

905 

325 

7,684 

2,542 

606 

366 

240 

192 

188 

4 

1,744 

1,031 

713 

953 

268 

273 

4,036 

2,079 

1,007 

626 

381 

182 

174 

8 

890 

474 

416 

1,488 

760 

810 

5,137 

Additionally,  in  March  2017,  there  was  an  increase  of  BBVA,  S.A.’s  stake  in  Testa  Residencial  through  its 
contribution to the capital increase carried out by the latter entity by contributing assets from the Bank’s real 
estate assets.  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.312 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Information about Assets Received in Payment of Debts (Business in Spain) (Millions of euros) 

Real estate assets from loans to the construction and real estate development sectors 
in Spain. 

Finished buildings 

Homes 

Other 

Buildings under construction 

Homes 

Other 

Land 

Urbanized land 

Rest of land 

Real estate assets from mortgage financing for households for the purchase of a 
home 

Rest of foreclosed real estate assets  

Foreclosed equity instruments 

Total 

December 2016 

Gross 
Value 

Provisions 

Of which: Valuation 
adjustments on impaired 
assets, from the time of 
foreclosure 

Carrying Amount 

8,017 

2,602 

1,586 

1,016 

665 

642 

23 

4,750 

3,240 

1,510 

4,332 

1,856 

1,240 

15,445 

5,290 

1,346 

801 

545 

429 

414 

15 

3,515 

2,382 

1,133 

2,588 

1,006 

549 

9,433 

2,790 

688 

408 

280 

203 

195 

8 

1,899 

1,364 

535 

1,069 

225 

451 

4,535 

2,727 

1,256 

785 

471 

236 

228 

8 

1,235 

858 

377 

1,744 

850 

691 

6,012 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  2017  and  2016,  the  gross  book  value  of  the  Group’s  real-estate  assets  from 
corporate  financing  of  real-estate  construction  and  development  was  €2,165,  €6,429  and  €8,017  million, 
respectively, with an average coverage ratio of 57.8%, 67.7% and 66.0%, respectively. 

The  gross  book  value  of  real-estate  assets  from  mortgage  lending  to  households  for  home  purchase  as  of 
December 31, 2018, 2017  and 2016, amounted to €1,797, €3,592 and €4,332  million, respectively, with an 
average coverage ratio of 51.9%, 58.6% and 59.7%. 

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the gross book value of the BBVA Group’s total real-estate assets 
(business in Spain), including other real-estate assets received as debt payment, was €4,310, €11,686 and 
€14,205  million,  respectively.  The  coverage  ratio  was  55.1%,  63.0%  and  62.5%,  respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.313 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

c) Concentration of risk by geography 

Below  is  a  breakdown  of  the  balances  of  financial  instruments  registered  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  by  their  concentration  in 
geographical areas and according to the residence of the customer or counterparty. It does not take into account impairment losses or loan-loss provisions: 

Risks by Geographical Areas. December 2018 (millions of euros) 

Derivatives 
Equity instruments (*) 
Debt securities 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Loans and advances 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households 
Total Risk in Financial Assets 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Other Commitments given 
Off-balance sheet exposures 

Spain 

Europe, Excluding 
Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

South America 

Other 

Total 

3,979 
3,228 
43,777 
- 
36,553 
1,130 
5,769 
325 
177,077 
294 
16,671 
5,422 
4,616 
51,942 
98,131 
228,061 

32,582 
3,242 
15,995 
51,819 

16,055 
3,669 
14,908 
- 
10,675 
1,821 
1,048 
1,364 
43,034 
- 
329 
13,600 
10,893 
14,317 
3,783 
77,666 

21,983 
1,708 
9,229 
32,920 

1,550 
2,459 
23,134 
- 
20,891 
573 
227 
1,443 
55,248 
- 
5,727 
1,476 
1,303 
22,426 
24,316 
82,392 

14,503 
1,528 
532 
16,563 

7,057 
1,139 
16,991 
- 
13,276 
74 
2,595 
1,046 
62,193 
- 
5,369 
696 
2,255 
32,480 
21,393 
87,381 

32,136 
796 
2,118 
35,050 

161 
29 
8,048 
- 
7,887 
155 
5 
1 
45,285 
3,688 
99 
956 
766 
26,813 
12,963 
53,523 

7,914 
6,900 
2,230 
17,043 

1,150 
212 
5,274 
1,982 
2,431 
297 
432 
132 
40,007 
342 
1,923 
984 
637 
18,518 
17,602 
46,644 

8,590 
989 
2,782 
12,360 

583 
207 
1,312 
71 
164 
463 
114 
500 
7,089 
1,674 
453 
639 
304 
3,852 
168 
9,191 

1,252 
1,291 
2,213 
4,756 

30,536 
10,944 
113,445 
2,052 
91,877 
4,514 
10,190 
4,812 
429,933 
6,110 
30,572 
23,774 
20,773 
170,349 
178,355 
584,858 

118,959 
16,454 
35,098 
170,511 

Total Risks in Financial Instruments 

279,880 

110,586 

98,955 

122,430 

70,567 

59,004 

13,947 

755,369 

(*)  Equity instruments are shown net of valuation adjustment. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.314 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Risks by Geographical Areas. December 2017 (Millions of euros) 

Spain 

Europe, Excluding 
Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

South America 

Other 

Total 

Derivatives 
Equity instruments (*) 
Debt securities 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Loans and advances 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households 
Total Risk in Financial Assets 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Other Commitments given 
Off-balance sheet exposures 

6,336 
3,539 
44,773 
49 
36,658 
1,364 
6,492 
259 
185,597 
- 
18,116 
5,564 
7,769 
54,369 
99,780 
240,245 

31,100 
4,635 
25,279 
61,014 

20,506 
4,888 
15,582 
- 
11,475 
2,095 
994 
1,018 
41,426 
626 
352 
15,493 
6,231 
14,615 
4,110 
82,401 

16,203 
1,427 
9,854 
27,484 

1,847 
2,050 
21,594 
- 
19,323 
289 
337 
1,645 
50,352 
- 
5,868 
1,889 
588 
19,737 
22,269 
75,842 

1,691 
82 
1,582 
3,356 

4,573 
991 
13,280 
2,734 
8,894 
98 
3,026 
1,262 
54,315 
- 
5,165 
789 
1,732 
29,396 
17,233 
73,159 

29,539 
717 
1,879 
32,134 

113 
36 
10,601 
- 
9,668 
884 
7 
42 
56,062 
5,299 
152 
1,073 
1,297 
31,691 
16,550 
66,812 

2,944 
7,993 
1,591 
12,527 

977 
333 
5,861 
2,685 
2,246 
387 
315 
228 
42,334 
1,375 
2,354 
1,145 
664 
19,023 
17,773 
49,504 

11,664 
1,174 
3,750 
16,588 

921 
71 
1,450 
- 
221 
752 
194 
234 
4,585 
- 
398 
345 
270 
3,345 
227 
7,027 

1,126 
519 
1,804 
3,450 

35,273 
11,908 
113,141 
5,468 
88,485 
5,869 
11,365 
4,688 
434,670 
7,300 
32,405 
26,297 
18,551 
172,175 
177,942 
594,990 

94,268 
16,546 
45,738 
156,552 

Total Risks in Financial Instruments 

301,259 

109,885 

79,198 

105,293 

79,339 

66,092 

10,477 

751,542 

(*)  Equity instruments are shown net of valuation adjustment. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.315 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Risks by Geographical Areas. December 2016 (Millions of euros) 

Derivatives 
Equity instruments (*) 
Debt securities 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Loans and advances 
Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households 
Total Risk in Financial Assets 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Other Commitments given 
Off-balance sheet exposures 

Spain 

Europe, 
Excluding Spain 

Mexico 

USA 

Turkey 

South America 

Other 

Total 

7,143 
4,641 
49,355 
- 
40,172 
1,781 
6,959 
443 
187,717 
- 
20,741 
5,225 
5,339 
54,112 
102,299 
248,856 

31,477 
1,853 
16,610 
49,940 

26,176 
2,303 
20,325 
- 
14,282 
2,465 
1,181 
2,397 
45,075 
158 
424 
19,154 
6,213 
14,818 
4,308 
93,880 

19,219 
3,504 
14,154 
36,878 

2,719 
2,383 
22,380 
- 
19,771 
257 
352 
2,000 
52,230 
21 
7,262 
1,967 
1,171 
19,256 
22,552 
79,712 

13,060 
121 
1,364 
14,545 

4,045 
831 
18,043 
- 
11,446 
112 
4,142 
2,343 
61,739 
- 
4,593 
1,351 
1,648 
34,330 
19,818 
84,657 

34,449 
819 
2,911 
38,179 

175 
57 
11,695 
- 
10,258 
1,331 
15 
90 
61,090 
5,722 
217 
1,194 
1,620 
34,471 
17,866 
73,016 

2,912 
9,184 
2,002 
14,098 

1,359 
316 
7,262 
2,237 
2,257 
1,459 
347 
961 
58,020 
2,994 
1,380 
1,515 
886 
26,024 
25,221 
66,956 

5,161 
2,072 
3,779 
11,012 

1,339 
706 
1,923 
16 
240 
869 
379 
418 
5,067 
- 
256 
1,011 
214 
3,371 
216 
9,036 

976 
714 
1,771 
3,461 

42,955 
11,236 
130,983 
2,253 
98,426 
8,275 
13,376 
8,653 
470,938 
8,894 
34,873 
31,416 
17,091 
186,384 
192,281 
656,112 

107,254 
18,267 
42,592 
168,113 

Total Risks in Financial Instruments 

298,796 

130,757 

94,257 

122,836 

87,114 

77,968 

12,497 

824,225 

The breakdown of the main figures in the most significant foreign currencies in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is set forth in Appendix VII. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.316 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

The breakdown of loans and advances in the heading of Loans and receivables, impaired by geographical area as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as 
follows: 
Impaired Financial Assets by geographic area (Millions of euros) 

December 2018 

December 2017 

December 2016 

Spain 

Rest of Europe 

Mexico 

South America 

The United States 

Turkey 

Rest of the world 
IMPAIRED RISKS 

10,025 

225 

1,138 

1,715 

733 

2,520 

2 
16,359 

13,318 

549 

1,124 

1,468 

631 

2,311 

- 
19,401 

16,812 

704 

1,152 

1,589 

975 

1,693 

- 
22,925 

 
 
P.317 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX XIII. Information  in  accordance  with  Article  89  of  Directive 
2013/36/EU  of  the  European  Parliament  and  its  application  to  Spanish 
Law through Law 10/2014 

December 31, 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Country 

Mexico 

Spain 

Turkey 

United States  

Colombia 

Argentina 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Chile 

Romania 

Uruguay 

Paraguay 

Bolivia 

Netherlands 

Switzerland 

Finland 

Ireland 

Brasil 

Curaçao 

Portugal 

United Kingdom 

Hong Kong 

France 

Italy 

Germany 

Belgium 

China 

South Korea 

Singapore 

Japan 

Taiwan 

Luxembourg 

Cyprus  

Malta  

Poland 

Total  

CIT payments 
cash basis 

CIT expense 
consol 

PBT consol 

Turnover 

Nº Employees 
(*) 

Activity 

Main Entity 

903 

534 

422 

165 

85 

32 

146 

- 

365 

1 

15 

9 

2 

7 

9 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6 

3 

- 

14 

8 

17 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

3 

6 

- 

902 

383 

269 

188 

117 

116 

163 

20 

43 

4 

6 

3 

2 

5 

1 

- 

2 

- 

- 

27 

2 

1 

12 

8 

1 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

7 

10 

- 

3,241 

1,295 

1,225 

977 

355 

66 

584 

2 

205 

38 

37 

35 

9 

20 

4 

(12) 

10 

- 

6 

59 

21 

14 

36 

29 

16 

2 

(1) 

- 

7 

- 

(2) 

- 

30 

136 

2 

7,070 

5,649 

3,511 

2,991 

1,013 

661 

1,140 

102 

502 

118 

162 

87 

25 

84 

36 

- 

8 

2 

8 

109 

65 

44 

52 

55 

44 

7 

2 

- 

10 

1 

2 

- 

33 

153 

1 

36,118 

29,375 

20,305 

10,682 

6,633 

5,740 

6,262 

3,371 

923 

1,313 

578 

430 

396 

256 

122 

83 

4 

6 

13 

468 

126 

89 

72 

52 

41 

24 

22 

- 

8 

3 

9 

- 

107 

13 

- 

Finance, banking and insurance 
services and real estate 
Finance, banking and insurance 
services and real estate 
Finance, banking and insurance 
services 

Finance and banking services 
Finance, banking and insurance 
services 
Finance, banking and insurance 
services 

Finance and banking services 
Finance, banking and insurance 
services 

Financial services 

BBVA Bancomer SA 

BBVA SA 

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi 

Compass Bank, Inc. 

BBVA Colombia SA 

BBVA Banco Frances SA 

BBVA Banco Continental SA 

BBVA Banco Provincial SA 
Forum Servicios Financieros, 
S.A. 

Finance and banking services 

Garanti Bank SA 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA Uruguay SA 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA Paraguay SA 

Pensiones 

BBVA Previsión AFP SA 

Finance and banking services 

Garantibank International NV 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA -Switzerland SA 

Financial services 
Finance, banking and insurance 
services 

Financial services 

Holvi Payment Service OY 

BBVA Ireland PCL 
BBVA Brasil Banco de 
Investimento, S.A. 

Finance and banking services 

Banco Provincial Overseas NV 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA - Sucursal de Portugal 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Financial services 

Real estate 

BBVA -Sucursal de Londres 

BBVA -Sucursal de Hong-Kong 

BBVA -Sucursal de Paris 

BBVA -Sucursal de Roma 

BBVA -Sucursal de Frankfurt 

BBVA -Sucursal de Bruselas 

BBVA -Sucursal de Shanghai 

BBVA -Sucursal de Seúl 

BBVA -Sucursal de Singapur 

BBVA -Sucursal de Tokio 

BBVA -Sucursal de Taipei 

BBVA Luxinvest, S.A. 

Garanti -Sucursal de Nicosia 

Garanti -Sucursal de la Valeta 

Geskat Polska SP. ZOO 

2,753 

2,295 

8,446 

23,747 

123,644 

(*)  Full  time  employees.  The  15  employees  of  representative  offices  are  not  included  in  the  total 
number. 
The results of this breakdown of the branches are integrated in the financial statements of the parent 
companies on which they depend. 

As of December 31, 2018, the return of the Group’s assets calculated by dividing the “Profit” between “Total 
Assets” is 0.91%.  

In 2018 (*), BBVA group has not received public aid for the financial sector which has the aim of promoting 
the  carrying  out  of  banking  activities  and  which  is  significant.  This  statement  is  made  for  the  purposes  of 
article 89 of Directive 2013/36/UE of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26 (on access to 
the  activity  of  credit  institutions  and  the  prudential  supervision  of  credit  institutions  and  investment  firms) 
and  its  transposition  to  Spanish  legislation  by  means  of  Law  10/2014  on  Monitoring,  Supervision  and 
Solvency of Credit Institutions of June 26. 

(*) BBVA disclosed by means of public relevant events: (i) on 07/27/2012 the closing of the acquisition of 
UNNIM Banc, S.A. and (ii) on 04/24/2015 the closing of the acquisition of Catalunya Banc, S.A. 

 
 
 
P.318 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Glossary 

Additional Tier 1 
Capital 
Adjusted acquisition 
cost 

Amortized cost 

Associates 

Available-for-sale 
financial assets 

Baseline 
macroeconomic 
scenarios 

Basic earnings per 
share  

Basis risk 

Business 
combination 

Business Model 

Cash flow hedges 

Commissions  

Includes: Preferred stock and convertible perpetual securities and deductions. 

The acquisition cost of the securities less accumulated amortizations, plus interest 
accrued, but not net of any other valuation adjustments. 
The amortized cost of a financial asset or financial liability is the amount at which the 
financial  asset  or  financial  liability  is  measured  at  initial  recognition  minus  the 
principal repayments, plus or minus, the cumulative amortization using the effective 
interest  rate  method  of  any  difference  between  the  initial  amount  and  the  maturity 
amount and, for financial assets, adjusted for any loss allowance.  
Companies  in  which  the  Group  has  a  significant  influence,  without  having  control. 
Significant  influence  is  deemed  to  exist  when  the  Group  owns  20%  or  more  of  the 
voting rights of an investee directly or indirectly. 
Available-for-sale (AFS) financial assets are debt securities that are not classified as 
held-to-maturity investments or as financial assets designated at fair value through 
profit or loss (FVTPL) and equity instruments that are not subsidiaries, associates or 
jointly  controlled  entities  and  have  not  been  designated  as  at  FVTPL.  The  AFS 
category  belongs  to  IAS  39  standard,  replaced  by  “Financial  Assets  at  fair  value 
through other comprehensive income” under IFRS 9. 

losses, 

IFRS  9  requires  that  an  entity  must  evaluate  a  range  of  possible  outcomes  when 
estimating  provisions  and  measuring  expected  credit 
through 
macroeconomic  scenarios.  The  baseline  macroeconomic  scenario  presents  the 
situation of the particular economic cycle. 
Calculated  by  dividing  “Profit  attributable  to  Parent  Company”  corresponding  to 
ordinary  shareholders  of  the  entity  by  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares 
outstanding  throughout  the  year  (i.e.,  excluding  the  average  number  of  treasury 
shares held over the year). 
Risk arising from hedging exposure to one interest rate with exposure to a rate that 
reprices under slightly different conditions. 
A business combination is a transaction, or any other event, through which a single 
entity obtains the control of one or more businesses. 
The assessment as to how an asset shall be classified is made on the basis of both 
the  business  model  for  managing  the  financial  asset  and  the  contractual  cash  flow 
characteristic  of  the  financial  asset  (SPPI  Criterion).  Financial  assets  are  classified 
on  the  basis  of  its  business  model  for  managing  the  financial  assets.  The  Group’s 
business models shall be determined at a level that reflects how groups of financial 
assets are managed together to achieve a particular business objective and generate 
cash flows. 
Those that hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows attributable to a particular 
risk  associated  with  a  recognized  asset  or  liability  or  a  highly  probable  forecast 
transaction and could affect profit or loss. 
Income and expenses relating to commissions and similar fees are recognized in the 
consolidated  income  statement  using  criteria  that  vary  according  to  their  nature. 
The  most  significant 
in  this  connection  are: 
liabilities 
     ·     Fees  and  commissions  relating 
measured at fair value through profit or loss, which are recognized when collected. 
     ·    Fees and commissions arising from transactions or services that are provided 
over  a  period  of  time,  which  are  recognized  over  the  life  of  these  transactions  or 
services. 
     ·    Fees and commissions generated by a single act are accrued upon execution of 
that act. 

linked  to  financial  assets  and 

income  and  expense 

items 

 
P.319 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

flows: 

The  indirect  method  has  been  used  for  the  preparation  of  the  consolidated 
statement of cash flows. This method starts from the entity’s consolidated profit and 
adjusts its amount for the effects of transactions of a non-cash nature, any deferrals 
or  accruals  of  past  or  future  operating  cash  receipts  or  payments,  and  items  of 
income or expense associated with cash flows classified as investment or finance. As 
well as cash, short-term, highly liquid investments subject to a low risk of changes in 
value,  such  as  cash  and  deposits  in  central  banks,  are  classified  as  cash  and 
equivalents. 
When preparing these financial statements the following definitions have been used: 
·     Cash 
equivalents. 
·    Operating activities: The typical activities of credit institutions and other activities 
that 
activities. 
·    Investing activities: The acquisition, sale or other disposal of long-term assets and 
other  investments  not  included  in  cash  and  cash  equivalents  or  in  operating 
activities. 
·    Financing activities: Activities that result in changes in the size and composition of 
the Group’s equity and of liabilities that do not form part of operating activities. 
The  consolidated  statements  of  changes  in  equity  reflect  all  the  movements 
generated in each year in each of the headings of the consolidated equity, including 
those  from  transactions  undertaken  with  shareholders  when  they  act  as  such, and 
those  due  to  changes  in  accounting  criteria  or  corrections  of  errors,  if  any. 

investment 

classified 

financing 

outflows 

Inflows 

cannot 

cash 

and 

and 

be 

as 

or 

of 

included 

The  applicable  regulations  establish  that  certain  categories  of  assets  and  liabilities 
are recognized at their fair value with a charge  to equity. These charges, known as 
“Valuation  adjustments”  (see  Note  31),  are 
in  the  Group’s  total 
consolidated  equity  net  of  tax  effect,  which  has  been  recognized  as  deferred  tax 
assets or liabilities, as appropriate. 
The consolidated statements of recognized income and expenses reflect the income 
and expenses generated each year. Such statement distinguishes between income 
and expenses recognized in the consolidated income statements and “Other 
recognized income (expenses)” recognized directly in consolidated equity. “Other 
recognized income (expenses)” include the changes that have taken place in the 
year in the “Valuation adjustments” broken down by item. 

The sum of the changes to the heading “Other comprehensive income ” of the 
consolidated total equity and the consolidated profit for the year comprise the “Total 
recognized income/expenses of the year”. 
Method used for the consolidation of the accounts of the Group’s subsidiaries. The 
assets and liabilities of the Group entities are incorporated line-by-line on the 
consolidate balance sheets, after conciliation and the elimination in full of intragroup 
balances, including amounts payable and receivable. 
Group entity income statement income and expense headings are similarly 
combined line by line into the consolidated income statement, having made the 
following consolidation eliminations:  
a)     income and expenses in respect of intragroup transactions are eliminated in full. 
b)     profits and losses resulting from intragroup transactions are similarly 
eliminated. The carrying amount of the parent's investment and the parent's share 
of equity in each subsidiary are eliminated.  
Current obligations of the entity arising as a result of past events whose existence 
depends on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events 
independent of the will of the entity. 

Consolidated 
statements of cash 
flows 

Consolidated 
statements of 
changes in equity 

Consolidated 
statements of 
recognized income 
and expenses 

Consolidation 
method 

Contingencies 

 
 
 
P.320 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Contingent   
commitments 

Control 

Correlation risk 

Credit Valuation 
Adjustment (CVA) 

Current service cost 

Current tax assets 

Current tax liabilities 

Debit Valuation 
Adjustment (DVA) 

Debt certificates 

Possible obligations of the entity that arise from past events and whose existence 
depends on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events 
independent of the entity’s will and that could lead to the recognition of financial 
assets. 
An investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns 
from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the investee. An investor controls an investee if and only if the 
investor has all the following: 
     a)     Power; An investor has power over an investee when the investor has existing 
rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities, i.e. the activities 
that significantly affect the investee’s returns. 
     b)     Returns; An investor is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its 
involvement with the investee when the investor’s returns from its involvement have 
the potential to vary as a result of the investee’s performance. The investor’s returns 
can be only positive, only negative or both positive and negative. 
     c)     Link between power and returns; An investor controls an investee if the 
investor not only has power over the investee and exposure or rights to variable 
returns from its involvement with the investee, but also has the ability to use its 
power to affect the investor’s returns from its involvement with the investee. 
Correlation risk is related to derivatives whose final value depends on the 
performance of more than one underlying asset (primarily, stock baskets) and 
indicates the existing variability in the correlations between each pair of assets. 
An adjustment to the valuation of OTC derivative contracts to reflect the 
creditworthiness of OTC derivative counterparties. 
Current service cost is the increase in the present value of a defined benefit 
obligation resulting from employee service in the current period. 

Taxes recoverable over the next twelve months. 
Corporate income tax payable on taxable profit for the year and other taxes payable 
in the next twelve months. 
An adjustment made by an entity to the valuation of OTC derivative liabilities to 
reflect within fair value the entity’s own credit risk. 
Obligations and other interest-bearing securities that create or evidence a debt on 
the part of their issuer, including debt securities issued for trading among an open 
group of investors, that accrue interest, implied or explicit, whose rate, fixed or 
benchmarked to other rates, is established contractually, and take the form of 
securities or book-entries, irrespective of the issuer. 

Default 

An asset will be considered as defaulted whenever it is more than 90 days past due. 

Deferred tax assets 

Taxes recoverable in future years, including loss carry forwards or tax credits for 
deductions and tax rebates pending application. 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Income taxes payable in subsequent years. 

Defined benefit plans 

Post-employment obligation under which the entity, directly or indirectly via the 
plan, retains the contractual or implicit obligation to pay remuneration directly to 
employees when required or to pay additional amounts if the insurer, or other entity 
required to pay, does not cover all the benefits relating to the services rendered by 
the employees when insurance policies do not cover all of the corresponding post-
employees benefits. 

 
P.321 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Defined contribution 
plans 

Deposits from central 
banks  
Deposits from credit 
institutions 

Deposits from 
customers 

Derivatives 

Derivatives - Hedging 
derivatives 

Diluted earnings per 
share  

Dividends and 
retributions 

Early retirements 

Economic capital 

Effective interest rate 
(EIR) 

Employee expenses 

Equity 

Equity instruments 

Defined contribution plans are retirement benefit plans under which amounts to be 
paid as retirement benefits are determined by contributions to a fund together with 
investment earnings thereon. The employer's obligations in respect of its employees 
current and prior years' employment service are discharged by contributions to the 
fund. 
Deposits of all classes, including loans and money market operations, received from 
the Bank of Spain and other central banks. 
Deposits of all classes, including loans and money market operations received, from 
credit entities. 
Redeemable cash balances received by the entity, with the exception of debt 
certificates, money market operations through counterparties and subordinated 
liabilities, which are not received from either central banks or credit entities. This 
category also includes cash deposits and consignments received that can be readily 
withdrawn. 
The fair value in favor (assets) or again (liabilities) of the entity of derivatives not 
designated as accounting hedges. 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an accounting hedge. The fair 
value or future cash flows of those derivatives is expected to offset the differences in 
the fair value or cash flows of the items hedged. 
Calculated by using a method similar to that used to calculate basic earnings per 
share; the weighted average number of shares outstanding, and the profit 
attributable to the parent company corresponding to ordinary shareholders of the 
entity, if appropriate, is adjusted to take into account the potential dilutive effect of 
certain financial instruments that could generate the issue of new Bank shares 
(share option commitments with employees, warrants on parent company shares, 
convertible debt instruments, etc.). 
Dividend income collected announced during the year, corresponding to profits 
generated by investees after the acquisition of the stake. 
Employees that no longer render their services to the entity but which, without being 
legally retired, remain entitled to make economic claims on the entity until they 
formally retire. 
Methods or practices that allow banks to consistently assess risk and attribute 
capital to cover the economic effects of risk-taking activities. 
Discount rate that exactly equals the value of a financial instrument with the cash 
flows estimated over the expected life of the instrument based on its contractual 
period as well as its anticipated amortization, but without taking the future losses of 
credit risk into consideration. 
All compensation accrued during the year in respect of personnel on the payroll, 
under permanent or temporary contracts, irrespective of their jobs or functions, 
irrespective of the concept, including the current costs of servicing pension plans, 
own share based compensation schemes and capitalized personnel expenses. 
Amounts reimbursed by the state Social Security or other welfare entities in respect 
of employee illness are deducted from personnel expenses. 
The residual interest in an entity's assets after deducting its liabilities. It includes 
owner or venturer contributions to the entity, at incorporation and subsequently, 
unless they meet the definition of liabilities, and accumulated net profits or losses, 
fair value adjustments affecting equity and, if warranted, non-controlling interests. 
An equity instrument that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity, that 
is after deducting all of its liabilities. 

 
P.322 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Equity instruments 
issued other than 
capital 

Equity Method 

Exchange/translation 
differences 

Includes equity instruments that are financial instruments other than “Capital” and 
“Equity component of compound financial instruments”.  

Is a method of accounting whereby the investment is initially recognized at cost and 
adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition change in the investor’s share of the 
investee’s net assets. The investor’s profit or loss includes its share of the investee’s 
profit or loss and the investor’s other comprehensive income includes its share of 
the investee’s other comprehensive income. 
Exchange differences (P&L): Includes the earnings obtained in currency trading and 
the differences arising on translating monetary items denominated in foreign 
currency to the functional currency. Exchange differences (valuation adjustments): 
those recorded due to the translation of the financial statements in foreign currency 
to the functional currency of the Group and others recorded against equity. 
Expected credit losses are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses over the 
expected life of the financial instrument. Hence, credit losses are the present value of 
expected cash shortfalls. The measurement and estimate of these expected credit 
losses should reflect: 

Expected Credit Loss 
(ECL) 

1. An unbiased and probability-weighted amount. 
2. The time value of money by discounting this amount to the reporting date using a 
rate that approximates the EIR of the asset, and 
3. Reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or 
effort. 

Exposure at default 

Fair value 

Fair value hedges 

The expected credit losses must be measured as the difference between the asset’s 
gross carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows 
discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate or an approximation 
thereof (forward looking). 
EAD is the amount of risk exposure at the date of default by the counterparty. 

The price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 
Derivatives that hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of assets and 
liabilities or firm commitments that have not be recognized, or of an identified 
portion of said assets, liabilities or firm commitments, attributable to a specific risk, 
provided it could affect the income statement. 

Financial Assets at 
Amortized Cost 

Financial assets that do not meet the definition of financial assets designated at fair 
value through profit or loss and arise from the financial entities' ordinary activities to 
capture funds, regardless of their instrumentation or maturity. 

Financial Assets at 
fair value through 
other comprehensive 
income 

Financial guarantees 

Financial guarantees 
given 

Financial instruments with determined or determinable cash flows and in which the 
entire payment made by the entity will be recovered, except for reasons attributable 
to the solvency of the debtor. This category includes both the investments from the 
typical lending activity as well as debts contracted by the purchasers of goods, or 
users of services, that form part of the entity’s business. It also includes all finance 
lease arrangements in which the consolidated subsidiaries act as lessors. 
Contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the 
holder for a loss it incurs when a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in 
accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument, irrespective of 
its instrumentation. These guarantees may take the form of deposits, technical or 
financial guarantees, insurance contracts or credit derivatives. 
Transactions through which the entity guarantees commitments assumed by third 
parties in respect of financial guarantees granted or other types of contracts. 

 
 
 
P.323 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial instrument 

Financial liabilities at 
amortized cost 

Goodwill 

Hedges of net 
investments in 
foreign operations 

Held for trading 
(assets and liabilities) 

Held-to-maturity 
investments 

Impaired financial 
assets 

Income from equity 
instruments 

Insurance contracts 
linked to pensions 

Inventories 

Investment 
properties 

Joint arrangement 

A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity 
and to a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. 
Financial liabilities that do not meet the definition of financial liabilities designated at 
fair value through profit or loss and arise from the financial entities' ordinary 
activities to capture funds, regardless of their instrumentation or maturity. 
Goodwill acquired in a business combination represents a payment made by the 
acquirer in anticipation of future economic benefits from assets that are not able to 
be individually identified and separately recognized. 

Foreign currency hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. 

Financial assets and liabilities acquired or incurred primarily for the purpose of 
profiting from variations in their prices in the short term. 

This category also includes financial derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting, 
and in the case of borrowed securities, financial liabilities originated by the firm sale 
of financial assets acquired under repurchase agreements or received on loan 
(“short positions”). 
Held-to-maturity investments are financial assets traded on an active market, with 
fixed maturity and fixed or determinable payments and cash flows that an entity has 
the positive intention and financial ability to hold to maturity. The Held-to-maturity 
category belongs to IAS 39 standard, replaced by IFRS 9. 
An asset is credit-impaired according to IFRS 9 if one or more events have occurred 
and they have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the asset. 
Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired includes observable data about the 
following events: 

a)  significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower, 
b)  a breach of contract (e.g. a default or past due event), 
c)  a lender having granted a concession to the borrower --- for economic or 

contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty --- that the 
lender would not otherwise consider, 

d)  it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other 

financial reorganization, 

e)  the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of 

financial difficulties, or 

f)  the purchase or origination of a financial asset at a deep discount that 

reflects the incurred credit losses. 

Dividends and income on equity instruments collected or announced during the year 
corresponding to profits generated by investees after the ownership interest is 
acquired. Income is recognized gross, i.e., without deducting any withholdings 
made, if any. 

The fair value of insurance contracts written to cover pension commitments. 

Assets, other than financial instruments, under production, construction or 
development, held for sale during the normal course of business, or to be consumed 
in the production process or during the rendering of services. Inventories include 
land and other properties held for sale at the real estate development business. 
Investment property is property (land or a building—or part of a building—or both) 
held (by the owner or by the lessee under a finance lease) to earn rentals or for 
capital appreciation or both, rather than for own use or sale in the ordinary course of 
business. 
An arrangement of which two or more parties have joint control. 

 
 
P.324 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Joint control 

Joint operation 

Joint venture 

Leases 

Liabilities included in 
disposal groups 
classified as held for 
sale 

Liabilities under 
insurance contracts 

Loans and advances 
to customers 

Loans and 
receivables 

Loss given default 
(LGD) 

The contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only 
when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the 
parties sharing control. 
A joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement 
have rights to the assets of the arrangement and obligations for the liabilities. A joint 
venturer shall recognize the following for its participation in a joint operation: 
     a) its assets, including any share of the assets of joint ownership; 
     b) its liabilities, including any share of the liabilities incurred jointly; 
     c) income from the sale of its share of production from the joint venture; 
     d) its share of the proceeds from the sale of production from the joint venturer; 
and 
     e) its expenses, including any share of the joint expenses. 
A joint venturer shall account for the assets, liabilities, income and expenses related 
to its participation in a joint operation in accordance with IFRS applicable to the 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses specific question.  

A joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement 
have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. A joint venturer shall recognize its 
interest in a joint venture as an investment and shall account for that investment 
using the equity method in accordance with IAS 28 Investments in Associates and 
Joint Ventures. 
A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee in return for a 
payment or series of payments the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time, 
a stream of cash flows that is essentially equivalent to the combination of principal 
and interest payments under a loan agreement. 
a)     A lease is classified as a finance lease when it substantially transfers all the risks 
and rewards incidental to ownership of the asset forming the subject-matter of the 
contract. 
b)     A lease will be classified as operating lease when it is not a financial lease. 

The balance of liabilities directly associated with assets classified as non-current 
assets held for sale, including those recognized under liabilities in the entity's 
balance sheet at the balance sheet date corresponding to discontinued operations. 

The technical reserves of direct insurance and inward reinsurance recorded by the 
consolidated entities to cover claims arising from insurance contracts in force at 
period-end.  
Loans and receivables, irrespective of their type, granted to third parties that are not 
credit entities. 
Financial instruments with determined or determinable cash flows and in which the 
entire payment made by the entity will be recovered, except for reasons attributable 
to the solvency of the debtor. This category includes both the investments from the 
typical lending activity (amounts of cash available and pending maturity by 
customers as a loan or deposits lent to other entities, and unlisted debt certificates), 
as well as debts contracted by the purchasers of goods, or users of services, that 
form part of the entity’s business. It also includes all finance lease arrangements in 
which the consolidated subsidiaries act as lessors. The Loans and receivables 
category belongs to IAS 39 standard, replaced by “Financial Assets at Amortized 
Cost” under IFRS 9. 
It is the estimate of the loss arising in the event of default. It depends mainly on the 
characteristics of the counterparty, and the valuation of the guarantees or collateral 
associated with the asset. 

 
  
P.325 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Mortgage-covered 
bonds 
Non performing 
financial guarantees 
given 

Non Performing 
Loans (NPL) 

Non-controlling 
interests 

Non-current assets 
and disposal groups 
held for sale  

Non-monetary assets 

Option risk 

Other financial 
assets/liabilities at 
fair value through 
profit or loss 

Financial asset or security created from mortgage loans and backed by the 
guarantee of the mortgage loan portfolio of the entity. 
The balance of non performing risks, whether for reasons of default by customers or 
for other reasons, for financial guarantees given. This figure is shown gross: in other 
words, it is not adjusted for value corrections (loan loss reserves) made. 
The balance of non performing risks, whether for reasons of default by customers or 
for other reasons, for exposures on balance loans to customers. This figure is shown 
gross: in other words, it is not adjusted for value corrections (loan loss reserves) 
made. 
The net amount of the profit or loss and net assets of a subsidiary attributable to 
associates outside the group (that is, the amount that is not owned, directly or 
indirectly, by the parent), including that amount in the corresponding part of the 
consolidated earnings for the period. 
A non-current asset or disposal group, whose carrying amount is expected to be 
realized through a sale transaction, rather than through continuing use, and which 
meets the following requirements: 
     a)     it is immediately available for sale in its present condition at the balance sheet 
date, i.e. only normal procedures are required for the sale of the asset. 
     b)     the sale is considered highly probable. 
Assets and liabilities that do not provide any right to receive or deliver a determined 
or determinable amount of monetary units, such as tangible and intangible assets, 
goodwill and ordinary shares subordinate to all other classes of capital instruments. 

Risks arising from options, including embedded options. 
Instruments designated by the entity from the inception at fair value with changes in 
profit or loss.  
An entity may only designate a financial instrument at fair value through profit or 
loss, if doing so more relevant information is obtained, because: 
     a) It eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition 
inconsistency (sometimes called "accounting mismatch") that would otherwise arise 
from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains and losses on them on 
different bases. It might be acceptable to designate only some of a number of similar 
financial assets or financial liabilities if doing so a significant reduction (and possibly 
a greater reduction than other allowable designations) in the inconsistency is 
achieved. 
     b) The performance of a group of financial assets or financial liabilities is managed 
and evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk 
management or investment strategy, and information about the group is provided 
internally on that basis to the entity´s key management personnel. 
These are financial assets managed jointly with “Liabilities under insurance and 
reinsurance contracts” measured at fair value, in combination with derivatives 
written with a view to significantly mitigating exposure to changes in these contracts' 
fair value, or in combination with financial liabilities and derivatives designed to 
significantly reduce global exposure to interest rate risk. 
These headings include customer loans and deposits effected via so-called unit-
linked life insurance contracts, in which the policyholder assumes the investment 
risk. 

 
P.326 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

This heading is broken down as follows: 

Other Reserves 

i) Reserves or accumulated losses of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associate: include the accumulated amount of income and expenses generated by 
the aforementioned investments through profit or loss in past years. 

ii) Other: includes reserves different from those separately disclosed in other items 
and may include legal reserve and statutory reserve. 

Other retributions to 
employees long term 
Own/treasury shares  The amount of own equity instruments held by the entity. 

Includes the amount of compensation plans to employees long term. 

Past service cost 

Post-employment 
benefits 

Probability of default 
(PD) 

Property, plant and 
equipment/tangible 
assets 

Provisions 

Provisions for 
contingent liabilities 
and commitments 

Provisions for 
pensions and similar 
obligation 

Provisions or (-) 
reversal of provisions 

Refinanced 
Operation 

Refinancing 
Operation 

Renegotiated 
Operation 

It is the change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation for employee 
service in prior periods, resulting in the current period from the introduction of, or 
changes to, post-employment benefits or other long-term employee benefits. 
Retirement benefit plans are arrangements whereby an enterprise provides benefits 
for its employees on or after termination of service. 
It is the probability of the counterparty failing to meet its principal and/or interest 
payment obligations. The PD is associated with the rating/scoring of each 
counterparty/transaction.  

Buildings, land, fixtures, vehicles, computer equipment and other facilities owned by 
the entity or acquired under finance leases. 

Provisions include amounts recognized to cover the Group’s current obligations 
arising as a result of past events, certain in terms of nature but uncertain in terms of 
amount and/or cancellation date. 
Provisions recorded to cover exposures arising as a result of transactions through 
which the entity guarantees commitments assumed by third parties in respect of 
financial guarantees granted or other types of contracts, and provisions for 
contingent commitments, i.e., irrevocable commitments which may arise upon 
recognition of financial assets. 
Constitutes all provisions recognized to cover retirement benefits, including 
commitments assumed vis-à-vis beneficiaries of early retirement and analogous 
schemes. 
Provisions recognized during the year, net of recoveries on amounts provisioned in 
prior years, with the exception of provisions for pensions and contributions to 
pension funds which constitute current or interest expense. 
An operation which is totally or partially brought up to date with its payments as a 
result of a refinancing operation made by the entity itself or by another company in 
its group. 
An operation which, irrespective of the holder or guarantees involved, is granted or 
used for financial or legal reasons related to current or foreseeable financial 
difficulties that the holder(s) may have in settling one or more operations granted by 
the entity itself or by other companies in its group to the holder(s) or to another 
company or companies of its group, or through which such operations are totally or 
partially brought up to date with their payments, in order to enable the holders of the 
settled or refinanced operations to pay off their loans (principal and interest) 
because they are unable, or are expected to be unable, to meet the conditions in a 
timely and appropriate manner. 
An operation whose financial conditions are modified when the borrower is not 
experiencing financial difficulties, and is not expected to experience them in the 
future, i.e. the conditions are modified for reasons other than restructuring. 

 
  
 
P.327 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Repricing risk 

Restructured 
Operation 

Retained earnings 

Securitization fund 

Share premium 

Shareholders' funds 

Risks related to the timing mismatch in the maturity and repricing of assets and 
liabilities and off-balance sheet short and long-term positions.  
An operation whose financial conditions are modified for economic or legal reasons 
related to the holder's (or holders') current or foreseeable financial difficulties, in 
order to enable payment of the loan (principal and interest), because the holder is 
unable, or is expected to be unable, to meet those conditions in a timely and 
appropriate manner, even if such modification is provided for in the contract. In any 
event, the following are considered restructured operations: operations in which a 
haircut is made or assets are received in order to reduce the loan, or in which their 
conditions are modified in order to extend their maturity, change the amortization 
table in order to reduce the amount of the installments in the short term or reduce 
their frequency, or to establish or extend the grace period for the principal, the 
interest or both; except when it can be proved that the conditions are modified for 
reasons other than the financial difficulties of the holders and, are similar to those 
applied on the market on the modification date for operations granted to customers 
with a similar risk profile. 
Accumulated net profits or losses recognized in the income statement in prior years 
and retained in equity upon distribution. 
A fund that is configured as a separate equity and administered by a management 
company. An entity that would like funding sells certain assets to the securitization 
fund, which, in turn, issues securities backed by said assets. 
The amount paid in by owners for issued equity at a premium to the shares' nominal 
value. 

Contributions by stockholders, accumulated earnings recognized in the 
income statement and the equity components of compound financial 
instruments. 

Short positions 

Financial liabilities arising as a result of the final sale of financial assets acquired 
under repurchase agreements or received on loan. 

Significant increase 
in credit risk 

In order to determine whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk for 
lifetime expected losses recognition, the Group has develop a two-prong approach: 
a)  Quantitative criterion: based on comparing the current expected probability 
of default over the life of the transaction with the original adjusted expected 
probability of default. The thresholds used for considering a significant 
increase in risk take into account special cases according to geographic 
areas and portfolios. 

b)Qualitative criterion: most indicators for detecting significant risk increase 
are included in the Group's systems through rating/scoring systems or 
macroeconomic scenarios, so quantitative analysis covers the majority of 
circumstances. The Group will use additional qualitative criteria when it 
considers it necessary to include circumstances that are not reflected in the 
rating/score systems or macroeconomic scenarios used. 

 
 
P.328 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Significant influence 

Solely Payments of 
Principle and Interest 
(SPPI) 

Stages 

Structured credit 
products 

Structured Entities 

Is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the 
investee but is not control or joint control of those policies. If an entity holds, directly 
or indirectly (i.e. through subsidiaries), 20 per cent or more of the voting power of 
the investee, it is presumed that the entity has significant influence, unless it can be 
clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Conversely, if the entity holds, directly 
or indirectly (i.e. through subsidiaries), less than 20 per cent of the voting power of 
the investee, it is presumed that the entity does not have significant influence, unless 
such influence can be clearly demonstrated. A substantial or majority ownership by 
another investor does not necessarily preclude an entity from having significant 
influence. 
The existence of significant influence by an entity is usually evidenced in one or more 
of the following ways:  
     a)     representation on the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the 
investee; 
     b)      participation in policy-making processes, including participation in decisions 
about dividends or other distributions; 
     c)     material transactions between the entity and its investee; 
     d)     interchange of managerial personnel; or  
     e)       provision of essential technical information. 
The assessment as to how an asset shall be classified is made on the basis of both 
the business model for managing the financial asset and the contractual cash flow 
characteristic of the financial asset (SPPI Criterion). To determine whether a 
financial asset shall be classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI, a 
Group assesses (apart from the business model) whether the cash flows from the 
financial asset represent, on specified dates, solely payments of principal and 
interest on the principal amount outstanding (SPPI). 
IFRS  9  classifies  financial  instruments  into  three  categories,  which  depend  on  the 
evolution of their credit risk from the moment of initial recognition. The first category 
includes  the  transactions  when  they  are  initially  recognized  -  without significant 
increase in credit risk  (Stage  1);  the  second  comprises  the  operations  for  which  a 
significant  increase  in  credit  risk  has  been  identified  since  its  initial  recognition  - 
significant increase in credit risk (Stage 2) and the third one, the impaired operations 
Impaired (Stage 3). 
The transfer logic is defined in a symmetrical way, whenever the condition that 
triggered a transfer to Stage 2 is no longer met, the exposure will be transferred to 
Stage  1.  In  the  case  of  forbearances  transferred  to  stage  2,  as  long  as  the  loan  is 
flagged as forbearance it  will keep its status as Stage 2. However, when the loan is 
not flagged as forbearance it will be transferred back to Stage 1. 
Special  financial  instrument  backed  by  other  instruments  building  a  subordination 
structure. 
A structured entity is an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights 
are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such as when any 
voting rights relate to administrative tasks only and the relevant activities are 
directed by means of contractual arrangements. A structured entity often has some 
or all of the following features or attributes: 
     a)     restricted activities. 
     b)     a narrow and well-defined objective, such as to effect a tax-efficient lease, 
carry out research and development activities, provide a source of capital or funding 
to an entity or provide investment opportunities for investors y passing on risks and 
rewards associated with the assets of the structured entity to investors. 
     c)       insufficient equity to permit the structured entity to finance its activities 
without subordinated financial support. 
     d)    financing in the form of multiple contractually linked instruments to investors 
that create concentrations of credit or other risks (tranches). 

 
P.329 
Translation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  originally  issued  in  Spanish  and  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU-IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  European 
Union (see Notes 1 and 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Subordinated 
liabilities 

Subsidiaries 

Tax liabilities 

Territorial bonds 

Tier 1 Capital 

Financing received, regardless of its instrumentation, which ranks after the common 
creditors in the event of a liquidation. 
Companies over which the Group exercises control. An entity is presumed to have 
control over another when it possesses the right to oversee its financial and 
operational policies, through a legal, statutory or contractual procedure, in order to 
obtain benefits from its economic activities. Control is presumed to exist when the 
parent owns, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, more than one half of an 
entity's voting power, unless, exceptionally, it can be clearly demonstrated that 
ownership of more than one half of an entity's voting rights does not constitute 
control of it. Control also exists when the parent owns half or less of the voting power 
of an entity when there is: 

a)

an agreement that gives the parent the right to control the votes of other

shareholders; 

b) power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity under a

statute or an agreement; power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of 
the board of directors or equivalent governing body and control of the entity is by 
that board or body; 

c) power to cast the majority of votes at meetings of the board of directors or

equivalent governing body and control of the entity is by that board or body. 
All tax related liabilities except for provisions for taxes. 
Financial assets or fixed asset security issued with the guarantee of portfolio loans of 
the public sector of the issuing entity. 
Mainly includes: Common stock, parent company reserves, reserves in consolidated 
companies,  non-controlling  interests,  deductions  and  others  and  attributed  net 
income. 

Tier 2 Capital 

Mainly includes: Subordinated, preferred shares and non- controlling interest. 

Unit-link 

This is life insurance in which the policyholder assumes the risk. In these policies, the 
funds  for  the  technical  insurance  provisions  are  invested  in  the  name  of  and  on 
behalf  of  the  policyholder  in  shares  of  Collective  Investment  Institutions  and  other 
financial assets chosen by the policyholder, who bears the investment risk. 
Value at Risk (VaR) is the basic variable for measuring and controlling the Group’s 
market risk. This risk metric estimates the maximum loss that may occur in a 
portfolio’s market positions for a particular time horizon and given confidence level 

VaR figures are estimated following two methodologies: 

Value at Risk (VaR) 

a) VaR without smoothing, which awards equal weight to the daily information

for the immediately preceding last two years. This is currently the official 
methodology for measuring market risks vis-à-vis limits compliance of the risk. 
b) VaR with smoothing, which weighs more recent market information more

heavily. This is a metric which supplements the previous one. 

VaR with smoothing adapts itself more swiftly to the changes in financial market 
conditions, whereas VaR without smoothing is, in general, a more stable metric that 
will tend to exceed VaR with smoothing when the markets show less volatile trends, 
while it will tend to be lower when they present upturns in uncertainty. 
Risks arising from changes in the slope and the shape of the yield curve. 

Yield curve risk 

Management 
Report 2018

Contents 

About BBVA 

Group information 

Relevant events 

Results 

Balance sheet and business activity 

Solvency 

Risk management 

The BBVA share 

Business areas 

Banking activity in Spain 

Non Core Real Estate 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America

Rest of Eurasia 

Corporate Center 

Other Non-financial Information Report 

Strategy and business model 

Customer relationship 

Staff information 

Ethical behaviour 

Sustainable Finance 

Contribution to society 

Other Non-financial risks 

GRI indicators 

Other information 

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) 

Annual Corporate Governance Report 

2 

3 

4

7

11

13

15

19

22 

25

28

31

34

37

40

44

46

48 

54

63

71

84

93

100

108

109

115 

118 

125 

2 

About BBVA 

BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. Its Purpose is to bring the age of opportunity 
to  everyone.  This  motto  reflects  the  Entity’s  role  as  enabler,  offering  its  customers  the  best  banking  solutions,  helping 
them  make  the  best  financial  decisions  and  making  a  true  difference  in  their  lives.  We  live  in  the  era  of  opportunities, 
where technology offers universal access to education and offers many more people than ever before the possibility of 
embarking on projects and chasing their dreams. BBVA helps people make their dreams come true. 

The Group operates in more than 30 countries. The Group has a solid position in Spain, is the largest financial institution 
in  Mexico  and  has  leading  franchises  in  South  America  and  the  Sunbelt  Region  of  the  United  States.  It  is  also  Turkish 
bank Garanti’s leading shareholder. Its diversified business is based on high-growth markets and it relies on technology 
as a key sustainable competitive advantage. 

BBVA  has  a  responsible  banking  model  based  on  seeking  out  a  return  adjusted  to  principles,  legal  compliance,  best 
practices and the creation of long-term value for all its stakeholders. 

This  Management  Report  includes  information  on  the  Group's  performance  in  2018:  the  financial  performance  in  the 
Group's  Information  chapter  and  the  different  countries  and  business  areas  in  the  corresponding  Business  Areas; 
and  the  rest  of  the  activity  more  related  to  the  stakeholders,  in  the  chapters  of  the  Other  Non-financial  Information 
Report. 

Group information 

BBVA Group highlights  

BBVA Group highlights (Consolidated figures) 

Balance sheet (millions of euros) 
Total assets 

Loans and advances to customers (gross) 

Deposits from customers 

Other customer funds 

Total customer funds 

Total equity 

Income statement (millions of euros) 
Net interest income 

Gross income 

Operating income 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Net attributable profit 

The BBVA share and share performance ratios 
Number of shares (million) 

Share price (euros) 
Earning per share (euros) (1)
Book value per share (euros)

Tangible book value per share (euros) 

Market capitalization (millions of euros) 

Yield (dividend/price; %) 

Significant ratios (%) 

ROE (net attributable profit/average shareholders' funds +/- 
average accumulated other comprehensive income) (2) 
ROTE (net attributable profit/average shareholders' funds 
excluding average intangible assets  +/- average accumulated 
other comprehensive income) (2) 
ROA (Profit or loss for the year/average total assets) 

RORWA (Profit or loss for the year/average risk-weighted assets - 
RWA) 

Efficiency ratio 

Cost of risk 

NPL ratio  

NPL coverage ratio 

Capital adequacy ratios (%) 
CET1 fully-loaded 
CET1 phased-in (3)
Tier 1 phased-in (3)
Total ratio phased-in (3)
Other information
Number of shareholders 

Number of employees 

Number of branches 

Number of ATMs 
General note: data as of 31-12-17 and 31-12-16 are presented for comparison purposes only. 
(1) Adjusted by additional Tier 1 instrument remuneration. 

3 

∆ % 

31-12-17

31-12-16

IAS 39 

(1.9) 

(3.5) 

(0.1)

(5.0) 

(1.4) 

(0.8) 

(0.9) 

(6.0) 

(5.7) 

9.4 

51.3 

- 

(34.8) 

55.9

2.2

2.9 

(34.8) 

690,059 

400,369 

376,379 

134,906 

511,285 

53,323 

17,758 

25,270 

12,770 

6,931 

3,519 

6,668

7.11 

0.48

6.96

5.69 

47,422 

4.2 

7.4

9.1

0.68 

1.27

49.5 

0.89 

4.6 

65 

11.1 

11.7

13.0

15.5

731,856 

430,474 

401,465

132,092 

533,557 

55,428 

17,059 

24,653 

11,862 

6,392 

3,475 

6,567 

6.41 

0.49

7.22

5.73 

42,118 

5.8 

7.3

9.2

0.64 

1.19

51.9 

0.85 

5.0 

70 

10.9 

12.2

12.9

15.1

IFRS 9 

31-12-18

676,689 

386,225 

375,970

128,103 

504,073 

52,874 

17,591 

23,747 

12,045 

7,580 

5,324 

6,668 

4.64 

0.76

7.12

5.86 

30,909 

5.4 

11.6

14.1

0.91 

1.74

49.3 

1.01 

3.9 

73 

11.3 

11.6 

13.2 

15.7

902,708

125,627

7,963 

32,029 

1.3

(4.7)

(3.7) 

1.1 

891,453 

131,856 

8,271 

31,688 

935,284

134,792

8,660 

31,120 

(2) The  ROE  and  ROTE  ratios  include,  in  the  denominator,  the  Group’s  average  shareholders’  funds  and  take  into  account   the  item  called  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive
income”, which forms part of the equity. Excluding this item, the ROE would stand at 10.1%, in 2018; 6.7%, in  2017; and 6.9%, in  2016; and the ROTE at 12.0%, 8.0% and 8.6%,
respectively. 

(3) As  of  December,31    2018  phased-in  ratios  include  the  temporary  treatment  on  the  impact  of  IFRS  9,  calculated  in  accordance  with  Article  473  bis  of  Capital  Requirements
Regulation (CRR). The capital ratios are calculated under CRD IV from Basel III regulation, in which a phase-in of 80% is applied for 2017 and a phase-in of 60% for 2016. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 

Relevant events 

Results  

  Generalized growth in the more recurring revenue items for almost all business areas. 
  Containment trend in operating expenses, whose performance is affected by exchange rates trends. 
 

Lower  amount  of  impairment  on  financial  assets  not  measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss 
(hereinafter, "impairment on financial assets") affected by the negative impact of the recognition in the fourth 
quarter of 2017 of impairment losses, amounting €1,123m from BBVA’s stake in Telefónica, S.A. 

  The  financial  statements  of  the  Group  for  2018  include,  on  one  hand,  the  negative  impact  derived  from  the 
accounting for hyperinflation in Argentina (-€266m) in the net attributable profit, and on the other hand, the 
positive impact on equity of €129m. 

  The  result  of  corporate  operations  amounted  to  €633m  and  includes  the  capital  gains  (net  of  taxes)  arising 

from the sale of BBVA's equity stake in BBVA Chile. 

  The net attributable profit was €5,324m, 51.3% higher than in 2017. 
 

 Net  attributable  profit  excluding  results  from  corporate  operations  stood  at  €4,691m,  up  33.3%  higher 
than the result reached in 2017. 

Net attributable profit 
(Millions of Euros) 

Net attributable profit breakdown (1) 
(Percentage. 2018) 

(1) Excludes the Corporate Center. 
(2) Includes the areas Banking activity in Spain and Non Core Real Estate. 

Balance sheet and business activity 

 

Lower volume of loans and advances to customers (gross); however, by business areas, in the United States, 
Mexico, South America (excluding BBVA Chile) and Rest of Eurasia volumes increased.   

  Non-performing loans continue to reduce in 2018. 
  Within off-balance-sheet funds, mutual funds continue to perform positively. 

Solvency  

  The capital position is above regulatory requirements. 
  BBVA  has  once  again  excelled  in  EU-wide  bank  stress  tests  thanks  to  its  resilience  in  the  face  of  potential 
economic  shocks.  According  to  the  exercise  results,  under  the  adverse  scenario,  BBVA  is  the  second  bank 
among its European peers with lower negative impact in CET1 fully-loaded capital ratio and one of the few banks 
with  the  ability  to  generate  an  accumulated  profit  in  the  three-year  period  under  analysis  (2018,  2019,  and 
2020), under this scenario. 

Capital and leverage ratios (Percentage as of 31-12-18) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management 



Solid indicators of the main credit-risk metrics: as of 31-December-2018, the NPL ratio closed at 3.9%, the NPL 
coverage ratio at 73% and the cumulative cost of risk at 1.01%.

NPL and NPL coverage ratios (Percentage) 

5 

Transformation 



The  Group's  digital  and  mobile  customer  base  and  digital  sales  continue  to  increase  in  all  the  geographic
areas where BBVA operates with a positive impact in efficiency.

Digital and mobile customers (Millions) 

Appointments 



BBVA’s Board of Directors, in its meeting held on December 20, 2018, approved the succession plans for the
Group Executive Chairman and for the Chief Executive Officer and appointed Carlos Torres Vila as Executive
Chairman  of  BBVA,  replacing  Francisco  González  Rodríguez  and  Onur  Genç  as  member  of  the  Board  of
Directors and as Chief Executive Officer of BBVA. The Board of Directors also approved organisational changes,
which involve changes at the senior management level of BBVA Group. On December, 21st, BBVA received the
required administrative authorisations to give full effect to the resolutions approved.

Other matters of interest 





On  December,  26th,  BBVA  reached  an  agreement  with  Voyager  Investing  UK  Limited  Partnership,  an  entity
managed  by  Canada  Pension  Plan  Investment  Board  (“CPPIB”)  for  the  transfer  of  a  credit  portfolio  mainly
composed by non-performing and defaulted mortgage loans. The closing of the Transaction will be completed
as soon as the relevant conditions are fulfilled, which is expected to occur within the second quarter of 2019. In
addition,  it  is  expected  that  the  impact  in  the  Group’s  attributable  profit,  which  is  currently  expected  to  be
positive  by  €150m,  net  of  taxes  and  other  adjustments,  and  the  impact  in  the  Common  Equity  Tier  1  (fully-
loaded), which is expected to be slightly positive.

Impact  of  the  initial  implementation  of  IFRS  9:  The  figures  corresponding  to  2018  are  prepared  under
International  Financial  Reporting  Standard  9  (IFRS  9),  which  entered  into  force  on  January  1,  2018.  This  new
accounting  standard  did  not  require  the  restatement  of  comparative  information  from  prior  periods,  so  the
comparative figures shown for the year 2017 have been prepared in accordance with the IAS 39 (International
Accounting  Standard  39)  regulation  applicable  at  that  time.  The  impacts  derived  from  the  first  application  of
IFRS 9, as of January 1, 2018, were registered with a charge to reserves of approximately €900m (net of fiscal
effect)  mainly  due  to  the  allocation  of  provisions  based  on  expected  losses,  compared  to  the  model  of  losses
incurred under the previous IAS 39.

In  capital,  the  impact  derived  from  the  first  application of  IFRS  9  has  been  a  reduction  of  31  basis  points  with
respect to the fully-loaded CET1 ratio of December 2017.

6 

 

IFRS 16 came into effect on January 1, 2019, a standard on leases introduces a single lessee accounting model 
and will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities of all lease contracts. The main impact in the Group is 
the  recognition  of  the  right-of-use  assets  and  lease  liabilities  in  an  approximate  amount  of  €3,600m  mainly 
coming from the Group’s activity in Spain and lease of premises of its branch network. The estimated impact in 
terms of capital for the Group amounts to approximately -12 basis points in terms of CET1. 

  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.  (“BBVA,  S.A.”)  stand-alone  financial  statements:  BBVA  has  estimated 
that, mainly due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira, there is an impairment of its participation in Garanti Bank 
that only affects the stand-alone financial statements of BBVA, S.A. For this reason, a negative adjustment for a 
net  amount  of  €1,517m  has  been  registered  in  the  income  statement  of  BBVA,  S.A.  for  the  year  2018.  Total 
equity  for  BBVA,  S.A.  as  of  December  31,  2018  has  decreased  by  this  same  amount.  The  impact  on  the  fully-
loaded CET1 capital ratio of BBVA, S.A. is approximately -10 basis points. 

It is important to note that the recognition of this accounting impact in the stand-alone financial statements of 
BBVA,  S.A.  does  not  generate  any  impact  on  the  Consolidated  Group  (neither  on  the  attributed  profit,  total 
equity  or  capital  ratios),  it  does  not  generate  any  additional  cash  outflow  and  will  not  affect  the  proposal  of  a 
dividend distribution to shareholders. 

 
 
7 

Results 

BBVA  generated  a  net  attributable  profit  of  €5,324m  in  2018,  which  represents  a  year-on-year  increase  of  51.3% 
(+78.2% at constant exchange rates) that includes the results from corporate operations originated by the capital gains 
(net  of  taxes)  from  the  sale  of  BBVA  Chile.  Moreover,  at  constant  exchange  rates,  it  is  worth  mentioning  the  good 
performance of recurring revenue, lower loan-loss impairments (affected by the negative impact of the recognition in the 
fourth  quarter  of  2017  of  impairment  losses,  amounting  €1,123m  from  BBVA  stake  in  Telefónica,  S.A.)  and  provisions, 
which offsets the lower contribution from net trading income (NTI) compared to the same period the previous year. 

Consolidated income statement (Millions of euros) 

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Dividend income 

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity 
method 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions 

Other gains (losses) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) after tax from ongoing operations 

Results from corporate operations (1) 
Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 
Net attributable profit excluding results from corporate 
operations 
Earning per share (euros) (2) 

(1) Includes net capital gains  from the sale of BBVA Chile. 

(2) Adjusted by additional Tier 1 instrument remuneration. 

IFRS 9 

2018 
17,591 
4,879 

1,223 

157 

(7) 

(96) 

23,747 
(11,702) 

(6,120) 

(4,374) 

(1,208) 

12,045 

(3,981) 

(373) 

(110) 

7,580 
(2,062) 

5,518 

633 

6,151 
(827) 

5,324 

4,691 

0.76 

∆ % 
(0.9) 
(0.8) 

(37.8) 

(52.9) 

n.s. 

n.s. 

(6.0) 
(6.4) 

(6.9) 

(3.7) 

(12.9) 

(5.7) 

(17.1) 

(49.9) 

(62.1) 

9.4 
(4.9) 

15.9 

- 

29.2 
(33.5) 

51.3 

33.3 

  ∆ % at constant 
exchange rates 

IAS 39 

2017 
17,758 
4,921 

1,968 

334 

4 

285 

25,270 
(12,500) 

(6,571) 

(4,541) 

(1,387) 

12,770 

(4,803) 

(745) 

(292) 

6,931 
(2,169) 

4,762 

- 

4,762 
(1,243) 

3,519 

3,519 

0.48 

10.8 
8.9 

(33.9) 

(52.0) 

n.s. 

n.s. 

4.3 
2.5 

2.0 

6.1 

(6.5) 

6.2 

(12.0) 

(47.1) 

(63.0) 

30.4 
9.2 

40.6 

- 

56.7 
(11.7) 

78.2 

57.0 

Unless  expressly  indicated  otherwise,  to  better  understand  the  changes  in  the  main  headings  of  the  Group's  income 
statement, the year-on-year percentage changes provided below refer to constant exchange rates. 

Gross income 

Gross  income  accumulated  in  the  period  grew  by  4.3%  year-on-year,  supported  by  the  positive  performance  of  the 
more recurring items. 

Net interest income grew by 10.8% year-on-year, leveraged mainly by higher contribution from  inflation-linked bonds in 
Turkey. The other business areas, with the exception of Spain and Rest of Eurasia, also registered positive year-on-year 
changes, with Mexico, South America and the United States standing out, in this order, for its contribution.  

On the other hand, cumulative net fees and commissions (up 8.9% year-on-year) also registered a favorable evolution 
highly driven by their diversification.  

As a result, the more recurring revenue items (net interest income plus net fees and commissions) increased by 10.4% 
year-on-year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8 

NTI  in  2018  moderated  in  comparison  with  the  previous  year,  when  it  was  exceptionally  high,  largely  due  to  the 
registration  of  the  capital  gains  of  €228m  before  taxes,  from  market  sales  of  the  stake  in  China  Citic  Bank  (CNCB): 
€204m  in  the  first  quarter,  from  the  sale  of  1.7%  stake,  and  €24m  in  the  third  quarter  from  the  sale  of  the  remaining 
0.34%. There have also been lower sales of ALCO portfolios in Spain in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the 
same period of the previous year. By business areas, NTI had a good performance in South America and Turkey. 

Other operating income and expenses closed at -€96m in 2018 compared to €285m in 2017, mainly due to negative 
impact of the hyperinflation in Argentina which meant -€323m in this line of the income statement. The change is also 
explained by the higher contribution, amounting to €44m, to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF) and Deposit Guarantee 
Fund (DGF) in Spain. The net contribution of the insurance business grew by 8.7% in cumulative terms. 

Operating income 

Operating expenses in 2018 registered an increase of 2.5%, year-on-year, well below the inflation rate recorded in the 
main countries where BBVA is present (down 6.4% at current exchange rates). Cost discipline has been maintained in all 
the Group's areas through various efficiency plans. By business area the biggest year-on-year reductions were in Banking 
activity in Spain and Non Core Real Estate.  In the United  States, Mexico and Turkey  the growth  of  operating expenses 
was lower than the growth of gross income. 

Breakdown of operating expenses and efficiency calculation (Millions of euros) 

Personnel expenses 
Wages and salaries 

Employee welfare expenses 

Training expenses and other 

Other administrative expenses 

Property, fixtures and materials 

IT 

Communications 

Advertising and publicity 

Corporate expenses 

Other expenses 

Levies and taxes 

Administration costs 

Depreciation 

Operating expenses 

Gross income 

Efficiency ratio (operating expenses/gross income; %) 

2018 
6,120 
4,786 

869 

465 

4,374 
982 

1,133 

235 

336 

109 

1,162 

417 

10,494 

1,208 

11,702 

23,747 

49.3 

∆ % 
(6.9) 
(7.3) 

(4.6) 

(6.4) 

(3.7) 
(5.0) 

11.2 

(12.7) 

(4.5) 

(0.8) 

(10.7) 

(8.6) 

(5.6) 

(12.9) 

(6.4) 

(6.0) 

2017 
6,571 
5,163 

911 

497 

4,541 
1,033 

1,018 

269 

352 

110 

1,301 

456 

11,112 

1,387 

12,500 

25,270 

49.5 

 
 
 
 
 
Number of employees 

Number of branches 

9 

Number of ATMs 

As  a  consequence  of  this  evolution  of  operating  expenses,  the  efficiency  ratio  stood  at  49.3%  and  the  operating 
income posted a year-on-year growth of 6.2% (+9.4% in the last quarter of 2018). 

Efficiency ratio (Percentage) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 

Provisions and other 

Impairment  on  financial  assets  in  2018  decreased  by  12.0%  in  comparison  with  the  figure  for  2017,  affected  by  the 
negative impact of the recognition in 2017 of impairment losses, amounting €1,123m from BBVA stake in Telefónica, S.A. 
as a result of the evolution of the price of the latter and in compliance with the requirements of the accounting standard 
IAS 39 which was in force at that point in time. By business area, they continued to fall in Spain, due to lower loan-loss 
provisioning requirements for large customers. In contrast, they increased, especially in Turkey, due to the deterioration 
of the macroeconomic scenario and some wholesale-customers and to a lesser extent in South America. On the other 
hand, Mexico stood in line with 2017. 

The heading provisions or reversal of provisions (hereinafter, provisions) was 47.1% lower than the figure of 2017, as a 
result  of  lower  restructuring  costs  in  2018.  The  line  other  gains  (losses)  showed  a  negative  balance,  due  mainly  to 
certain operations with an unfavorable effect from the Non Core Real Estate area, recorded in the last quarter. 

The  heading  results  from  corporate  operations  amounted  to  €633m  and  registered  the  capital  gains  (net  of  taxes) 
originated by the sale of BBVA’S equity stake in BBVA Chile. 

Results 

As a result of the above, the Group's net attributable profit accumulated in 2018 reached an amount of €5,324m and 
continued  to  show  a  very  positive  year-on-year  evolution  (up  78.2%  at  constant  exchange  rates,  up  51.3%  at  current 
exchange  rates).  The  net  attributable  profit,  excluding  results  from  corporate  operations,  stood  at  €4,691m,  or 
33.3%  higher  than  the  amount  recorded  for  the  previous  year,  when  operations  of  this  kind  were  not  carried  out  (up 
57.0%  at constant exchange rates). 

By  business  area,  Banking  activity  in  Spain  generated  a  profit  of  €1,522m,  Non  Core  Real  Estate  a  loss  of  €78m,  the 
United States contributed a profit of €735m, Mexico registered €2,384m, Turkey contributed a profit of €569m, South 
America €591m and the Rest of Eurasia €93m. 

ROE and ROTE (1) (Percentage) 

ROA and RORWA (Percentage) 

(1) 

The  ROE  and  ROTE  ratios  include,  in  the  denominator,  the  Group’s  average 
shareholders’  funds  and  take  into  account  the  item  called  “Accumulated  other 
comprehensive income”, which forms part of  the equity. Excluding this item, the 
ROE would stand at 6.9% in 2016, 6.7% in 2017 and 10.1% in 2018; and the 
ROTE on 8.6%, 8.0% and 12.0%, respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11 

Balance sheet and business activity 

The year-on-year comparison of the Group´s balance sheet and business activity has been affected by the sale of BBVA 
Chile, completed in July 2018 and therefore as of December 31, 2018, was not included within BBVA’s perimeter. 

The evolution of the Group's balance sheet and activity are presented below, from the opening balance sheet after the 
first implementation of IFRS 9 until the end of December 2018. These figures include the new categories comprised in the 
aforementioned standard. 

Regarding the Group's activity, the most significant aspects during this period are summarized below: 

 

Lower volume of loans and advances to customers (gross); however, by business area, in the United States, 
Mexico, South America (excluding BBVA Chile) and Rest of Eurasia volumes increased.   

  Non-performing loans fell mainly due to a favorable trend in Spain and, to a lesser extent, in South America and 

Rest of Eurasia.  

  The  headings  of  other  assets  and  other  liabilities  are  affected  by  the  sale  of  BBVA  Chile  completed  in  July 
2018.  Until  then,  these  items  included  BBVA  Chile's  balance  sheet  reclassified  in  the  category  of  non-current 
assets and liabilities held for sale. 
In  deposits  from  customers,  time  deposits  showed  a  decrease,  offset  by  an  increase  in  demand  deposits, 
particularly in Spain.  
In off-balance-sheet funds, mutual funds continued to perform well. 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet (Millions of euros) 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets held for trading 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

31-12-18 
58,196 

90,117 

5,135 

1,313 

56,337 

419,660 

∆ % 
36.4 

(1.9) 

15.4 

28.9 

(9.3) 

(0.5) 

  Loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions 

13,103 

(26.0) 

  Loans and advances to customers 

  Debt securities 

Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates 

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets 

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Other financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

  Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

  Deposits from customers 

 Debt certificates 

  Other financial liabilities 

Liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities  

Non-controlling interests 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

Shareholders’ funds 

Total equity 

Total liabilities and equity  

Memorandum item: 
Guarantees given 

01-01-18 
42,680 

91,854 

4,451 

1,019 

62,115 

421,685 

17,716 

374,009 

29,959 

1,589 

7,191 

8,464 

374,027 

32,530 

1,578 

7,229 

8,314 

0.0 

8.6 

(0.7) 

0.5 

(1.8) 

28,809 

(40.4) 

48,368 

676,689 

80,774 

6,993 

509,185 

(1.8) 

(0.0) 

27.3 

0.6 

59,259 

(14.0) 

689,414 

80,783 

5,495 

506,118 

68,928 

375,970 

3.4 

363,689 

61,112 

12,844 

9,834 

17,029 

623,814 
5,764 

(7,215) 

54,326 

52,874 

(0.9) 

61,649 

8.4 

6.6 

(51.9) 

(2.1) 
(17.7) 

2.6 

3.6 

0.9 

11,851 

9,223 

35,392 

637,010 
7,008 

(7,036) 

52,432 

52,404 

676,689 

(1.8) 

689,414 

47,574 

5.2 

47,668 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and advances to customers (Millions of euros) 

Public sector 

Individuals 
   Mortgages 

   Consumer 

   Credit cards 

   Other loans 

Business 

Non-performing loans 

Loans and advances to customers (gross) 

Loan-loss provisions 

Loans and advances to customers 

12 

IAS 39 

31-12-17 

29,921 

164,578 
112,274 

32,092 

13,630 

6,581 

186,479 

19,390 

400,369 

(12,748) 

387,621 

∆ % 
(4.7) 

3.6 
(0.7) 

3.0 

(0.9) 

88.5 

(8.4) 

(15.7) 

(3.5) 

(4.3) 

(3.5) 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18 

28,504 

170,501 
111,527 

33,063 

13,507 

12,404 

170,872 

16,348 

386,225 

(12,199) 

374,027 

Loans  and  advances  to  customers  (gross)  (Billions  of 
Euros) 

Customer funds (Billions of Euros) 

(1) At constant exchange rates: -0.2%. 

(1) 

At constant exchange rates: +0.6%. 

Customer funds (Millions of euros) 

Deposits from customers 

Of which current accounts 

Of which time deposits 

Other customer funds 
Mutual funds and investment companies 

Pension funds 

Other off-balance sheet funds 

Customer portfolios 

Total customer funds 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18 

375,970 
260,573 

108,313 

128,103 
61,393 

33,807 

2,949 

29,953 

504,073 

∆ % 
(0.1) 
8.2 

(6.4) 

(5.0) 
0.7 

(0.5) 

(4.3) 

(18.8) 

(1.4) 

IAS 39 

31-12-17 

376,379 
240,750 

115,761 

134,906 
60,939 

33,985 

3,081 

36,901 

511,285 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 

Solvency 

Capital base 

The fully-loaded CET1 ratio stood at 11.3% for the period ended December 31, 2018. In the third quarter of 2018, the sale 
of the stake in BBVA Chile generated a positive impact on the fully-loaded CET1 ratio of 50 basis points. Additionally, the 
transfer  of  BBVA’s  real  estate  business  in  Spain  to  Cerberus  had  a  positive  impact  on  the  ratio,  although  it  was  not 
material. It is noted that this ratio includes the impact of -31 basis points for first application of IFRS 9, which came into 
force  January  1,  2018.  In  this  context,  the  Parliament  and  the  European  Commission  have  established  transitional 
arrangements that are voluntary for the institutions, adapting the impact of IFRS 9 on capital adequacy ratios. The Group 
has informed the supervisory body of its adherence to these arrangements. 

Risk-weighted assets (RWA) have decreased in the year, mainly due to the sale of BBVA Chile and the depreciations of 
currencies against the euro. During 2018, the Group carried out three securitizations whose impact, through the release 
of risk weighted assets, was a positive in the amount of €971m. In addition, BBVA received European Central Bank (ECB) 
authorization to update the RWA calculation by structural exchange rate risk under the standard model. 

Capital base  (Millions of euros) 

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) 

Tier 1 

Tier 2 

Total Capital (Tier 1 + Tier 2)  

Risk-weighted assets  

CET1 (%) 

Tier 1 (%) 

Tier 2 (%)  

Total capital ratio (%)  

CRD IV phased-in 

CRD IV fully-loaded 

31-12-18 (1) 

31-12-17 

31-12-18 (1) 

31-12-17 

40,311 

45,945 

8,754 

54,699 

348,254 

11.6 

13.2 

2.5 

15.7 

42,341 

46,980 

9,134 

56,114 

39,569 

45,044 

8,859 

53,903 

40,061 

46,316 

8,891 

55,207 

361,686 

348,795 

361,686 

11.7 

13.0 

2.5 

15.5 

11.3 

12.9 

2.5 

15.5 

11.1 

12.8 

2.5 

15.3 

General note: as of December 31 and September 30 of 2018, the main difference between the phased-in and fully loaded ratios arises from the temporary treatment of 
the impact of IFRS 9, to which the BBVA Group has adhered voluntarily (in accordance with Article 473bis of the CRR). 

(1) Preliminary data. Excludes the February 2014 issuance of 1,500 million euros from AT1 and which will be amortized in advance in February 2019. 

Regarding  capital  issues,  during  the  first  part  of  the  year,  the  Group  computed  a  new  issuance  in  the  amount  of 
US$1,000m, carried out in November 2017, of contingent convertible bonds that may be converted into ordinary shares 
(CoCos)  as  an  AT1  instrument.  In  May,  another  AT1  instrument  for  US$1,500m  issued  in  2013  was  redeemed  early. 
During the second part of the year, in September, the Group carried out a new issuance of contingent convertible bonds 
for €1,000m and more recently, in January 2019, announced that it would exercise the early redemption option for the 
AT1 instrument for €1,500m issued in February 2014. 

The Group has continued with its program to meet the MREL requirements, published in May 2018, by closing two public 
issuances of non-preferred senior debt for a total of €2,500m. The Group estimates that it is currently in line with this 
MREL requirement. 

Regarding shareholder remuneration, on October, 10th BBVA paid a cash dividend with a gross amount of €0.10 per 
share  against  the  2018  fiscal  year  account.  In  addition,  on  April  10,  2018,  BBVA  paid  a  final  dividend  against  the  2017 
fiscal  year  account  for  an  amount  of  €0.15  gross  per  share,  also  in  cash.  Both  distributions  are  consistent  with  the 
Group’s shareholder remuneration policy, which consists of maintaining a pay-out ratio of 35-40% of recurring profit. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  the  phased-in  CET1  ratio  stood  at  11.6%,  taking  into  account  the  impact  of  the  initial 
implementation  of  IFRS  9.  Tier  1  capital  stood  at  13.2%  and  Tier  2  at  2.5%  resulting  in  a  total  capital  ratio  of  15.7%. 
These  levels  are  above  the  requirements  established  by  the  regulator  in  its  SREP  letter  and  the  systemic  buffers 
applicable  in  2018  for  BBVA  Group.  Since  January  1,  2018,  the  requirement  has  been  established  at  8.438%  for  the 
phased-in  CET1  ratio  and  11.938%  for  the  total  capital  ratio.  The  change  with  respect  to  2017  is  due  to  the  steady 
implementation  of  the  capital  conservation  buffers  and  the  capital  buffer  applicable  to  other  systemically  important 
banks. The regulatory requirement for 2018 in fully-loaded terms remained unchanged (CET1 of 9.25% and total ratio of 
12.75%) compared with the previous year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14 

Finally,  the  Group's  leverage  ratio  maintained  a  solid  position,  at  6.4%  fully-loaded  (6.5%  phased-in),  which  is  still  the 
highest of its peer group. 

Ratings 

During the first half of the year 2018, Moody's, S&P and DBRS upgraded one notch BBVA's rating to A3, A- and A (high), 
respectively.  During  the  second  half  of  2018,  the  three  leading  agencies  Moody´s,  S&P  and  Fitch  reaffirmed  the  rating 
given to BBVA (A3, A- and A-, respectively), although both S&P and Fitch placed its perspective in negative due to the 
evolution  of  the  economy  in  Turkey  (both  agencies)  and  Mexico  (Fitch).  At  present,  all  agencies  assign  to  BBVA  a 
category  “A”  rating,  which  did  not  occur  since  mid-2012,  thus  recognizing  the  strength  and  robustness  of  BBVA’s 
business model. 

Ratings 

Rating agency 
DBRS 

Fitch
Moody's (1)
Scope Ratings 

Long term 
A (high) 

A-

A3

A+ 

Standard & Poor's 
(1) Additionally, Moody’s assigns an A2 rating to BBVA’s long term deposits. 

A- 

Short term 
R-1 (middle) 

F-2 

P-2

S-1+ 

A-2 

Outlook 
Stable 

Negative

Stable

Stable 

Negative 

Risk management 

Credit risk 

BBVA Group's risk metrics continued to perform well along 2018: 

15 

 

  Credit risk decreased by 3.6% throughout 2018 or -0.4% isolating the impact of the sale of BBVA Chile (-1.8% 
and +1.3%, respectively, at constant exchange rates), mainly due to lower activity in Non Core Real Estate and 
contraction in Turkey and South America due to the exchange rates evolution. During the fourth quarter credit 
risk increased by +1.3% (+0.6% at constant exchange rates). 
The  balance  of  non-performing  loans  decreased  throughout  2018  by  -16.6%  (-11.1%  in  constant  terms), 
highlighting  the  good  performance  of  the  Banking  activity  in  Spain  and  Non  Core  Real  Estate.  Wholesale 
customers  in  Turkey  and  the  United  States  deteriorated,  having  a  negative  impact  in  its  balance  of  non-
performing loans. In the last quarter of 2018 there was a decrease of 3.4% at current exchange rates (-0.5% at 
constant exchange rates). 
The NPL ratio stood at 3.9% as of December 31, 2018, a reduction of 19 basis points with respect to September 
30, 2018 and of 61 basis points throughout the year. 
Loan-loss  provisions  decreased  by  6.2%  during  the  last  12  months  (-0.3%  at  constant  exchange  rates) 
whereas the decrease over the quarter amounted to 3.1% (-2.5% at constant exchange rates). 

 

 

  NPL coverage ratio closed at 73% with an improvement of 812 basis points over the year and 26 basis points in 

 

the last 3 months. 
The cumulative cost of risk  (1) through December 2018 was 1.01%, +13 basis points higher than the figure for 
2017. 

Non-performing loans and provisions (Millions of 
Euros) 

(1) 

The cumulative cost of risk, including provisions for real estate assets stood at 0.93% in 2016, 0.97% in 2017 and 1.03% in 2018. 

Credit risk (1) (Millions of euros) 

Credit risk 

Non-performing loans  
Provisions 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 
(1) Include gross loans and advances to customers plus guarantees given. 
(2) Figures without considering the classification of non-current assets held for sale. 

31-12-18 
433,799 
17,087 

12,493 

3.9 

73 

30-09-18  30-06-18 (2) 
451,587 
19,654 

428,318 
17,693 

31-03-18 (2) 
442,446 
19,516 

31-12-17 (2) 
450,045 
20,492 

12,890 

13,954 

14,180 

13,319 

4.1 

73 

4.4 

71 

4.4 

73 

4.6 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing loans evolution (Millions of euros) 

Beginning balance 
Entries 

Recoveries 

Net variation  
Write-offs 

Exchange rate differences and other 

Period-end balance 

Memorandum item: 
Non-performing loans 

Non performing guarantees given 

(1) Preliminary data. 

4Q178 (1) 
17,693 
3,005 

(1,548) 

1,456 
(1,681) 

(382) 

17,087 

16,348 

739 

3Q18 
19,654 
2,168 

(1,946) 

222 
(1,606) 

(576) 

17,693 

17,045 

649 

2Q18 (2) 
19,516 
2,596 

(1,655) 

942 
(863) 

59 

19,654 

18,627 

1,027 

1Q18 (2) 
20,492 
2,065 

(1,748) 

317 
(913) 

(380) 

19,516 

18,569 

947 

(2) Figures without considering the classification of non-current assets held for sale.  

Structural risks 

Liquidity and funding 

16 

4Q17 (2) 
20,932 
3,757 

(2,142) 

1,616 
(1,980) 

(75) 

20,492 

19,753 

739 

Management of liquidity and funding in BBVA aims to finance the recurring growth of the banking business at suitable 
maturities and costs, using a wide range of instruments that provide access to a large number of alternative sources of 
financing, always in compliance with current regulatory requirements. 

Due  to  its  subsidiary-based  management  model,  BBVA  Group  is  one  of  the  few  large  European  banks  that  follows  the 
MPE  resolution  strategy  ("Multiple  Point  of  Entry"):  the  parent  company  sets  the  liquidity  and  risk  policies,  but  the 
subsidiaries are self-sufficient and responsible for the managing their liquidity (taking deposits or accessing the market 
with  their  own  rating),  without  funds  transfer  or  financing  occurring  between  either  the  parent  company  and  the 
subsidiaries  or  between  different  subsidiaries.  This  principle  limits  the  spread  of  a  liquidity  crisis  among  the  Group's 
different areas and ensures that the cost of liquidity and funding is correctly reflected in the price formation process. 

The  financial  soundness  of  the  Group's  banks  continues  to  be  based  on  the  funding  of  lending  activity,  fundamentally 
through the use of stable customer funds. During 2018, liquidity conditions remained comfortable across BBVA Group's 
global footprint: 

 

 

 

 

 

In  the  Eurozone,  the  liquidity  situation  is  still  comfortable,  reducing  the  credit  gap  and  growth  in  customer 
deposits. 
In  the  United  States,  the  liquidity  situation  is  adequate.  The  credit  gap  increased  during  the  year  due  to  the 
dynamism of consumer and commercial credit as well as to the cost-containment strategy for deposits, in an 
environment of competition in prices and rising rates. 
In Mexico, the  liquidity position is sound as the environment has improved after the electoral process and the 
new  commercial  agreement  with  the  United  States.  The  credit  gap  has  widened  year-to-date  due  to  deposits 
growing less than lending. 
The liquidity situation in Turkey is stable, showing a reduction in the credit gap as a result of deposits growing 
faster than lending.  
In  South  America,  the  liquidity  situation  remains  comfortable  in  all  geographies.  In  Argentina,  despite  the 
volatility of the markets which has been reducing at the end of the year, the liquidity situation is adequate. 

The  wholesale  funding  markets  in  the  geographic  areas  where  the  Group  operates  continued  to  be  stable,  with  the 
exception of Turkey where the volatility increased during the third quarter, having stabilized in the fourth quarter with the 
renewal of the maturities of syndicated loans of different entities.  

The main operations carried out by the entities that form part of the BBVA Group during 2018 were: 

  BBVA, S.A. completed three operations: an issuance of senior non-preferred debt for €1.5 billion, with a floating 
coupon  at  3-month  Euribor  plus  60  basis  points  and  a  maturity  of  five  years.  It  also  carried  out  the  largest 
issuance made by a financial institution in the Eurozone of the so-called “green bonds" (€1 billion). It was a 7-
year  senior  non-preferred  debt  issuance,  which  made  BBVA  the  first  Spanish  bank  to  carry  out  this  type  of 
issuance.  The  high  demand  allowed  the  price  to  be  lowered  to  mid-swap  plus  80  basis  points.  Finally,  BBVA 
carried  out  an  issuance  of  preferred  securities  contingently  convertible  into  newly  issued  ordinary  shares  of 
BBVA  (CoCos).  This  transaction  was,  for  the  first  time,  available  to  Spanish  institutional  investors  and  it  was 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17 

registered with the CNMV for an amount of  €1 billion, an annual coupon of 5.875% for the first five years and 
amortization option from the fifth year. Additionally, it closed a private issuance of Tier 2 subordinated debt for 
US$300m, with a maturity of 15 years, with a coupon of 5.25%. 
In the United States, BBVA Compass issued in June a senior debt bond for US$1.15 billion in two tranches, both
at  three  years:  US$700m  at  a  fixed  rate  with  a  reoffer  yield  of  3.605%,  and  US$450m  at  a  floating  rate  of  3-
month Libor plus 73 basis points. 
In Mexico, BBVA Bancomer completed an international issuance of subordinated Tier 2 debt of US$1 billion. The
instrument was issued at a price equivalent to Treasury bonds plus 265 basis points at a maturity of 15 years,
with a ten-year call (BBVA Bancomer 15NC10). In addition, two new Banking Securities Certificates were issued
for 7 billion Mexican pesos in two tranches, one of them being the first green bond issued by a private bank in
Mexico (3.5 billion Mexican pesos at three years at TIIE28 + 10 basis points). 
In  Turkey,  Garanti  issued  the  first  private  bond  in  emerging  markets  for  US$75m  over  six  years,  to  support
women's entrepreneurship, and renewed the financing of two syndicated loans. 
On  the  other  hand,  in  South  America,  in  Chile,  Forum  issued  senior  debt  on  the  local  market  for  an  amount
equivalent  to  €108m  and  BBVA  Peru  issued  a  three-year  senior  debt  in  the  local  market  for  an  aggregate
amount of €53m. 









As of December 31, 2018, the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) in BBVA Group remained comfortably above 100% in the 
period and stood at 127%. For the calculation of the ratio it is assumed that there is no transfer of liquidity among 
subsidiaries; i.e. no kind of excess liquidity levels in the subsidiaries abroad are considered in the calculation of the 
consolidated ratio. When considering this excess liquidity levels, the ratio would stand at 154% (27 percentage points 
above 127%). All the subsidiaries remained comfortably above 100% (Eurozone, 145%; Mexico, 154%; Turkey, 209%; 
and the United States, 143%). 

Foreign exchange 

Foreign-exchange risk management of BBVA’s long-term investments, basically stemming from its franchises abroad, 
aims to preserve the Group's capital adequacy ratios and ensure the stability of its income statement. 

The year 2018 was notable for the depreciation against the euro of the Turkish lira (down 25.0%) and the Argentine peso 
(down 47.8%), while the Mexican peso (+5.2%) and the U.S. Dollar (+4.7%) appreciated. BBVA has maintained its policy 
of  actively  hedging  its  main  investments  in  emerging  countries,  covering  on  average  between  30%  and  50%  of  the 
earnings for the year and around 70% of the excess of CET1 capital ratio. In accordance with this policy, the sensitivity of 
the CET1 ratio to a depreciation of 10% of the main emerging currencies (Mexican peso or Turkish lira) against the euro 
remains  at  around  a  negative  two  basis  points  for  each  of  these  currencies.  In  the  case  of  the  dollar,  the  sensitivity  is 
approximately a positive eleven basis points to a depreciation of 10% of the dollar against the euro, as a result of RWAs 
denominated in U.S. Dollar outside the United States. The coverage level of the expected earnings for 2019, at the closing 
of January, 2019 is, 85% for Mexico and 30% for Turkey. 

Interest rates 

The  aim  of  managing  interest-rate  risk  is  to  maintain  a  sustained  growth  of  net  interest  income  in  the  short  and 
medium-term, irrespective of interest-rate fluctuations, while controlling the impact on capital through the valuation of 
the portfolio of financial assets at fair value with changes reflected in other accumulated comprehensive income. 

The Group's banks have fixed-income portfolios to manage their balance-sheet structure. During 2018, the results of this 
management were satisfactory, with limited risk strategies in all the Group's banks. Their capacity of resilience to market 
events has allowed them to face the cases of Italy and Turkey. 

After  the  formation  of  the  new  government  in  Italy,  the  reaction  of  the  market  to  the  budget  negotiation  process  has 
contributed to the sustained pressure on the Italian debt, however without significant impact on the capital ratio. 

In Turkey, an excessive economic growth have given rise to inflationary tensions that, together with the level of current 
account deficits, have weakened the Turkish Lira. In this context, the Central Bank of Turkey (CBRT) has raised rates to 
contain the depreciation of the currency. Risk management and bond portfolio with a high component of inflation-linked 
bonds have stabilized the net interest income and limited impact on the capital ratio. 

Finally, it is worth noting the following monetary policies pursued by the different central banks in the main geographical 
areas where BBVA operates: 






No relevant changes in the Eurozone, where interest rates remain at 0% and the deposit facility rate at -0.40%.
In  the  United  States  the  upward  trend  in  interest  rates  continues.  The  increases  of  25  basis  points  each  in
March, June, September and December, left the rate at 2.50%. 
In Mexico, after making two increases in the first half of the year, Banxico raised them again twice in the fourth
quarter from 7.75% to 8.25%. 

18 

 

 

In  Turkey,  after  the  increases  in  the  first  three  quarters  of  the  year,  the  central  bank  maintained  the  average 
interest rate at 24.00% in the fourth quarter. 
In  South  America,  the  monetary  authorities  of  Colombia  and  Peru  have  maintained  their  reference  rates  flat 
throughout the quarter, considering in its decision the behavior of inflation next to the established goals, as well 
as  the  dynamics  of  domestic  demand.  In  Argentina,  the  adopted  measures  at  the  beginning  of  the  quarter  in 
terms of monetary policy (increase in reserve requirements and the reference rate) in order not to increase the 
monetary base and curb inflation which have delivered their results, with a certain deceleration in inflation. 

Economic capital 

Consumption  of  economic  risk  capital  (ERC)  at  the  close  of  December  2018,  in  consolidated  terms,  was  €31,177m, 
equivalent  to  a  decline  of  0.8%  compared  to  September  2018.  Variation  within  exact  time  period  and  at  constant 
exchange rates was down 2.1%, which is mainly explained by structural risk associated with the transfer of the real estate 
assets of BBVA in Spain to Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (Cerberus). There were also less relevant decreases in 
credit risk and equity (goodwill). 

Consolidated  economic 
(Percentage as of December 2018) 

risk  capital  breakdown 

 
 
19 

The BBVA share 

Global  economic  growth  maintained  a  robust  growth  of  approximately  3.6%  in  2018,  although  slowed  more  than 
expected during the second half of 2018, due to both the poorer performance seen by retailers and the industrial sector 
along  with  a  strong  increase  in  financial  tensions,  especially  in  the  developed  economies,  as  a  result  of  higher  
uncertainty.  Poorer  economic  figures  in  Europe  and  China  was  accompanied  by  downwards  trends  in  Asian  countries 
and a cyclical deterioration in the United States. In this context, both the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the ECB have been 
more  cautious  and  patient  in  the  path  towards  monetary  policy  normalization  and  their  decisions  going  forward  will 
depend on the performance of the economy. The main short-term risk continues to be protectionism, not only because 
of  the  direct  impact  of  the  commercial  channel,  but  also  because  its  indirect  effect  on  confidence  and  on  financial 
volatility. Additionally, there are concerns about the intensity of the adjustment on economic activity during the following 
quarters, both in the United States and in China. 

Most stock-market indices showed a downward trend during 2018. In Europe, the Stoxx 50 and the Euro Stoxx 50 fell by 
13.1% and 14.3%, respectively. On the other hand, in Spain, the Ibex 35 lost 15.0% over the same period. Finally, in the 
United States the S&P 500 index fell 6.2% in the last twelve months, mainly due to the decline in the last quarter (down 
14.0%). 

In  particular,  the  banking  sector  indices  were  notably  more  negative  during  2018  than  these  general  indices.  The 
European  Stoxx  Banks  index,  which  includes  British  banks,  lost  28.0%,  and  the  Eurozone  bank  index,  the  Euro  Stoxx 
Banks, was down 33.3%, while in the United States the S&P Regional Banks index declined 20.5% in comparison at the 
close of 2017. 

The BBVA share closed 2018 at €4.64, a fall of 34.8% for this year. 

BBVA share evolution compared with European indices (Base indice 100=31-12-17) 

The BBVA share and share performance ratios 

Number of shareholders 

Number of shares issued 

Daily average number of shares traded

Daily average trading (million euros) 

Maximum price (euros) 

Minimum price (euros) 

Closing price (euros) 

Book value per share (euros) 

Tangible book value per share (euros) 

Market capitalization (million euros) 
Yield (dividend/price; %) (1) 
(1) Calculated by dividing shareholder remuneration over the last twelve months by the closing price of the period. 

31-12-18
902,708

6,667,886,580

35,909,997 

31-12-17
891,453

6,667,886,580

35,820,623

213 

7.73

4.48

4.64

7.12

5.86 

30,909 

5.4

252 

7.93

5.92

7.11

6.96

5.69 

47,422 

4.2

Regarding shareholder remuneration, on October 10, BBVA paid in cash a gross amount of €0.10 per share on account 
of  the  2018  fiscal  year.  This  payment  is  consistent  with  the  shareholder  remuneration  policy  announced  by  Relevant 

Event of February 1, 2017, that envisages, subject to the pertinent approvals by the corresponding corporate bodies, the 
payment of two dividends in cash, foreseeably on October and April of each year. It is expected to be proposed for the 
consideration of the competent governing bodies a cash payment in a gross amount of euro 0.16 per share to be paid in 
April 2019 as final dividend for 2018. 

Shareholder remuneration (Euros gross/share) 

20 

As of December 31, 2018, the number of BBVA shares remained at 6,668 million, and the number of shareholders was 
902,708. By type of investor, residents in Spain held 44.82% of the share capital, while the remaining 55.18% was owned 
by non-resident shareholders.  

.Shareholder structure (31-12-2018) 

Number of shares 

Up to 150 

151 to 450  

451 to 1800 

1,801 to 4,500  

4,501 to 9,000 

9,001 to 45,000 

More than 45,001 

Total 

Shareholders 

Number 

179,213 

179,572 

284,225 

136,369 

63,647 

53,104 

6,578 

% 

19.9 

19.9 

31.5 

15.1 

7.1 

5.9 

0.7 

902,708 

100.0 

Shares 

Number 

12,701,058 

49,210,098 

278,003,301 

388,215,619 

401,194,972 

921,740,895 

4,616,820,637 

6,667,886,580 

% 

0.2 

0.7 

4.2 

5.8 

6.0 

13.8 

69.2 

100.0 

BBVA shares are included on the main stock-market indices, including the Ibex 35, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 50, with a 
weighting of 7.0%, 1.4% and 0.9% respectively. They also form part of several sector indices, including the Euro Stoxx 
Banks, with a weighting of 8.3%, and the Stoxx Banks, with a weighting of 3.8%. 

Finally,  BBVA  maintains  a  significant  presence  on  a  number  of 
international  sustainability  indices  or  ESG 
(environmental, social and governance) indices, which evaluate the performance of companies in this area. In September 
2018,  BBVA  joined  the  Dow  Jones  Sustainability  Index  (DJSI),  benchmark  in  the  market,  which  measures  the 
performance of nearly 3,400 listed companies in environmental, social and corporate governance matters. Among the 
aspects most valued in BBVA's analysis are the fiscal strategy, the information security and cybersecurity policies, the 
management  of  environmental  risks  and  opportunities,  financial  inclusion  and,  above  all,  Pledge  2025  announced  this 
year (see responsible banking section). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Main sustainability indices on which BBVA is listed as of 31-12-2018 

21 

Listed on the DJSI World and DJSI Europe indices 

(1) 

Listed on the MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes 

AAA Rating  

Listed on the FTSE4Good Global Index Series 

Listed  on  the  Euronext  Vigeo  Eurozone  120  and  Europe  120 
indices 

Listed  on  the  Ethibel  Sustainability  Excellence  Europe  and 
Eithebel Sustainability Excellence Global indices 

In 2018, BBVA obtained a “B” rating 

(1) The inclusion of BBVA in any MSCI index, and the use of MSCI logos, trademarks, service marks or index names herein, do not constitute a 
sponsorship, endorsement or promotion of BBVA by MSCI or any of its affiliates. The MSCI indices are the exclusive property of MSCI. MSCI and 
the MSCI index names and logos are trademarks or service marks of MSCI or its affiliates. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 

Business areas 

This  section  presents  and  analyzes  the  most  relevant  aspects  of  the  Group's  different  business  areas.  Specifically,  it 
shows  a  summary  of  the  income  statement  and  balance  sheet,  the  business  activity  figures  and  the  most  significant 
ratios in each of them. 

At the closing of 2018 the reporting structure of BBVA Group's business areas remained basically the same even if its 
composition differs from the one presented in 2017 due to the sale of BBVA Chile announced on November 28, 2017, and 
which  was  closed  on  July  6,  2018.  This  operation,  which  has  affected  the  composition  of  the  business  area  of  South 
America, will be detailed in the following sections as well as the rest of the Group’s business areas: 

  Banking  activity  in  Spain  includes  the  Retail  Network  in  Spain,  Corporate  and  Business  Banking  (CBB), 
Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), BBVA Seguros and Asset Management units in Spain. It also includes 
the new loan production to developers or loans that are no longer in difficulties as well as the portfolios, funding 
and structural interest-rate positions of the euro balance sheet. 

  Non  Core  Real  Estate  covers  the  specialized  management  in  Spain  of  loans  to  developers  in  difficulties  and 
real-estate assets mainly coming from foreclosed assets, originated from both, residential mortgages, as well as 
loans  to  developers.  On  November  29,  2017,  BBVA  Group  signed  an  agreement  with  Cerberus  Capital 
Management, L.P. (Cerberus) for the creation of a joint venture in which the real-estate business area of BBVA 
in  Spain  would  be  transferred.  At  a  later  stage,  80%  of  this  entity  would  be  sold  to  a  subsidiary  of  Cerberus 
(Divarian). On October 10, 2018, the stated operation was closed and, at the close of 2018, the participation in 
Divarian which BBVA maintains at 20%, is recorded in the Corporate Center. 

  The United States includes the Group's business activity in the country through the BBVA Compass group and 

the BBVA New York branch. 

  Mexico  basically  includes  all  the  banking  and  insurance  businesses  carried  out  by  the  Group  in  the  country. 
Since 2018 it has also included the BBVA Bancomer branch in Houston (in previous years located in the United 
States).  Consequently,  the  figures  from  previous  years  have  been  reworked  to  incorporate  this  change  and 
show comparable series. 

  Turkey includes the activity of the Garanti group.  
  South America basically includes BBVA's banking and insurance businesses in the region. On July 6, 2018, the 
sale of BBVA Chile to The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) was completed which affects the comparability of 
the results, the balance sheet, the activity and the most significant ratios of this business area with prior periods.  

  The Rest of Eurasia includes the Group's retail and wholesale business activity in the rest of Europe and Asia. 

In addition to the above, all the areas include a remainder made up basically of other businesses and a supplement that 
includes deletions and allocations not assigned to the units making up the above areas. 

Lastly,  the  Corporate  Center  is  an  aggregate  that  contains  the  rest  of  the  items  that  have  not  been  allocated  to  the 
business areas, as it corresponds to the Group's holding function. It includes: the costs of the head offices that have a 
corporate function; management of structural exchange-rate positions;  specific issues of equity instruments to ensure 
adequate management of the Group’s global solvency; portfolios and their corresponding results, whose management is 
not linked to customer relations, such as industrial holdings; certain tax assets and liabilities; funds due to commitments 
with employees; goodwill and other intangibles. At the close of 2018, the participation in Davarian, which BBVA maintains 
at 20%, is included in this unit. 

Finally, as usual, in the case of the Americas and Turkey areas, the results of applying constant exchange rates are given 
in addition to the year-on-year variations at current exchange rates. 

The  information  by  areas  is  based  on  units  at  the  lowest  level  and/or  companies  making  up  the  Group,  which  are 
assigned to the different areas according to the main geographical area in which they carry out their activity. 

 
23 

Major income statement items by business area (Millions of euros) 

Business areas 

BBVA 
Group 

Banking 
activity in 
Spain 

Non 
Core 
Real 
Estate 

The 
United 
States 

Mexico  Turkey 

South 
America 

Rest of 
Eurasia 

∑ 
Business 
areas 

Corporate 
Center 

2018 
Net interest income 

Gross income 

Operating income 

17,591 

23,747 

12,045 

3,672 

5,943 

2,680 

32 

38 

2,276 

5,568 

2,989 

7,193 

3,135 

3,901 

(28) 

1,127 

4,825 

2,658 

3,009 

3,701 

2,011 

175 

415 

124 

17,867 

24,179 

13,397 

(276) 

(432) 

(1,352) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

7,580 

2,017 

(129) 

919 

3,294 

1,448 

1,307 

144 

9,000 

(1,420) 

Net attributable profit 

5,324 

1,522 

(78) 

735 

2,384 

569 

591 

93 

5,818 

(494) 

2017 
Net interest income 

Gross income 

Operating income 

17,758 

25,270 

12,770 

3,738 

6,180 

2,790 

71 

2,119 

5,476 

(17) 

(116) 

2,876 

1,025 

7,122 

4,671 

3,331 

4,115 

2,612 

3,200 

4,451 

2,444 

180 

468 

160 

18,115 

25,196 

13,585 

(357) 

73 

(815) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

6,931 

1,854 

(656) 

748 

2,984 

2,147 

1,691 

177 

8,944 

(2,013) 

Net attributable profit 

3,519 

1,374 

(490) 

486 

2,187 

826 

861 

125 

5,368 

(1,848) 

Gross income(1), operating income(1) and net attributable profit(1) breakdown (Percentage. 2018) 

(1) Excludes the Corporate Center. 
(2) Includes the areas Banking activity in Spain and Non Core Real Estate. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 

Major balance-sheet items and risk-weighted assets by business area (Millions of euros) 

Business areas

BBVA 
Group 

Banking 
activity in 
Spain 

Non 
Core 
Real 
Estate 

The 
United 
States 

Mexico  Turkey 

South 
America 

Rest of 
Eurasia 

∑ 
Business 
areas 

Corporate 
Center 

AyPNCV 
variation (1) 

31-12-18 
Loans and advances to
customers 

374,027

169,856

582 

60,808 

51,101 

41,478 

34,469 

15,731 

374,027

Deposits from customers 

375,970 

180,891 

36 

63,891 

50,530 

39,905 

35,842 

4,876 

375,970 

Off-balance sheet funds 

98,150 

62,557 

2 

-

20,647 

2,894 

11,662 

388 

98,150 

-

- 

- 

Total assets/liabilities and 
equity 

676,689 

335,294 

4,163 

82,057 

96,455 

66,250 

52,385 

18,000 

654,605 

22,084 

Risk-weighted assets 

348,254 

100,950 

3,022 

64,146 

53,359 

56,486 

42,736 

15,449 

336,149 

12,105 

31-12-17 
Loans and advances to
customers 

387,621

183,172 

3,521 

53,718 

45,768 

51,378 

48,272 

14,864 

400,693

Deposits from customers 

376,379 

177,763

13 

60,806 

49,964 

44,691 

45,666 

6,700 

385,604

Off-balance sheet funds 

98,005 

62,054 

4 

-

19,472 

3,902 

12,197 

376 

98,005 

-

- 

- 

Total assets/liabilities and 
equity 

690,059

319,417 

9,714 

75,775

94,061 

78,694 

74,636 

17,265 

669,562 

20,497 

Risk-weighted assets 

361,686 

108,141 

9,692 

58,688 

44,941 

62,768 

55,975 

15,150 

355,354 

6,332 

(1) Includes non-current assets and liabilities held for sale (AyPNCV for its acronym in Spanish) of the BBVA Chile and real estate operations. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(13,072)

(9,225)

- 

- 

- 

Interest rates (Quarterly averages. Percentage) 

Official ECB rate 

Euribor 3 months 

Euribor 1 year 

USA Federal rates 

TIIE (Mexico) 

CBRT (Turkey)  

2018 

4Q

3Q

2Q

0.00 

(0.32) 

(0.14) 

2.28 

8.26 

0.00 

(0.32) 

(0.17) 

2.01 

8.11 

24.00 

19.29 

0.00 

(0.33) 

(0.19) 

1.81

7.88 

14.82 

1Q   
0.00 

(0.33)  

(0.19)  

1.58

7.84 

12.75 

4Q 
0.00 

(0.33) 

(0.19) 

1.30

7.42 

12.17 

2017 

3Q 
0.00 

(0.33) 

(0.16) 

1.25 

7.37 

11.97 

2Q 
0.00 

(0.33) 

(0.13) 

1.05 

7.04 

11.80 

1Q 
0.00 

(0.33) 

(0.10) 

0.80

6.41 

10.10 

Exchange rates (Expressed in currency/euro) 

Mexican peso
U.S. dollar 

Argentine peso 

Chilean peso 

Colombian peso 

Peruvian sol 

Turkish lira 

Year-end exchange rates 

Average exchange rates 

31-12-18
22.4921
1.1450 

43.2900 

795.54 

3,745.32 

3.8621 

6.0588 

∆ % on 

∆ % on 

31-12-17
5.2
4.7

(47.8)

(7.2) 

(4.3) 

0.5

(25.0) 

30-09-18
(3.2)
1.1

5.7

(3.8) 

(7.6) 

(1.2)

15.0 

2018
22.7046
1.1810

43.2900

757.00 

3,484.32 

3.8787

5.7058 

∆ % on 

2017
(6.1)
(4.3)

(56.7)

(3.2) 

(4.3) 

(5.1)

(27.8) 

25 

Banking activity in Spain 

Highlights 

  Activity growth in high profitable segments.  
  Good performance of net fees and commissions. 
  Operating expenses decline during all quarters.  
  Solid asset-quality indicators: lower impairments and provisions. 

Business activity(1) (Year-on-year change. Data as of 31-
12-18) 

Net interest income/ATAs (Percentage) 

(1) 

Excluding repos. 

Operating income (Millions of Euros) 

Net attributable profit (Millions of Euros) 

Breakdown of performing loans under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

Breakdown of customer funds under management(1) 
(31-12-18) 

(1) 

Excluding repos.                                                           

  (1)      Excluding repos. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements and relevant business indicators (Millions of euros and percentage) 

Income statement  
Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 
    of which Insurance activities (1) 
Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 
(1) Includes premiums received net of estimated technical insurance reserves. 

Balance sheets 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Inter-area positions 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Inter-area positions 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

Relevant business indicators  
Performing loans and advances to customers under management (1) 
Non-performing loans  
Customer deposits under management (1) 
Off-balance sheet funds (2) 
Risk-weighted assets 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 
(1) Excluding repos. 
(2) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

26 

IAS 39 

2017 
3,738 
1,561 

555 

327 

433 

6,180 
(3,390) 

(1,917) 

(1,154) 

(319) 

2,790 

(567) 

(369) 

1,854 
(477) 

1,377 
(3) 

1,374 

IFRS 9 

2018 
3,672 
1,681 

466 

124 

485 

5,943 
(3,262) 

(1,862) 

(1,113) 

(288) 

2,680 

(371) 

(292) 

2,017 
(492) 

1,525 
(3) 

1,522 

∆ % 
(1.8) 
7.7 

(16.1) 

(62.0) 

12.0 

(3.8) 
(3.8) 

(2.9) 

(3.6) 

(9.8) 

(3.9) 

(34.6) 

(20.9) 

8.8 
3.1 

10.8 
7.1 

10.8 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

31-12-18 
27,841 

100,094 

28,451 

193,936 

169,856 

7,314 

1,263 

4,846 

335,294 

66,255 

44,043 

180,891 

30,451 

- 

5,756 

7,898 

31-12-18 
166,131 

9,101 

181,119 

62,557 

100,950 

54.9 

4.6 

57 

0.21 

∆ % 
106.8 

25.9 

n.s. 

(12.4) 

(7.3) 

n.s. 

44.1 

103.6 

5.0 

31-12-17 
13,463 

79,501 

1,312 

221,391 

183,172 

1,806 

877 

2,380 

319,417 

80.0 

36,817 

(29.2) 

1.8 

(8.6) 

- 

n.s. 

(11.5) 

∆ % 
(0.7) 

(16.0) 

3.6 

0.8 

(6.6) 

62,226 

177,763 

33,301 

- 

391 

8,920 

31-12-17 
167,291 

10,833 

174,822 

62,054 

108,141 

54.9 

5.5 

50 

0.32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
27 

Macro and industry trends 

According to the latest information from the National Institute of Statistics (INE for its acronym in Spanish), the Spanish 
economy grew 0.6% on a quarterly basis during the  the third quarter of 2018, consolidating a solid growth throughout 
the year  but at a more moderate pace than the two previous years. The most recent indicators show that this progress of 
the GDP has continued in the last quarter of 2018, supported by robust domestic factors related to the improvement of 
the  labor  market  and  favorable  financial  conditions.  Both  monetary  and  fiscal  policy  continue  to  support  growth,  while 
the depreciation of the euro and demand in the euro zone must continue to support exports. All in all, the economy could 
have grown around 2.5% in 2018. 

Regarding  the  Spanish banking  system and according  to October 2018 data from  the Bank of Spain (latest published 
data),  the  total  volume  of  lending  to  the  private  sector  (household  and  corporate)  continued  to  decline  year-on-year 
(down 3.0%). Non-performing loans in the sector decreased significantly (down 28.2% year-on-year as of October 2018) 
driven by the completion of several transactions of non-performing loans and real-estate assets during 2018. At the end 
of October, the sector’s NPL ratio was 6.08%, that is 26.0% below the figure registered in the previous year. 

Activity 

The most relevant aspects related to the area’s activity during 2018 were: 

 

 

Lending  (performing  loans  under  management)  closed  in  line  with  the  figure  at  the  end  of  December  2017 
(down  0.7%  year-on-year),  mainly  due  to  the  reduction  in  the  mortgage  portfolio  (down  3.6%)  and  other 
commercial  portfolios  (-11.2%).  In  contrast,  consumer  financing  and  credit  cards  maintained  a  very  positive 
performance  (during  the  course  of  the  year  up  21.9%),  which,  together  with  the  good  evolution  of  the  SME 
portfolio  (+6.5%),  offset  the  reduction  of  mortgage  loans.  In  the  last  three  months  of  2018  there  has  been  a 
transfer  of  outstanding  portfolio  of  performing  loans  from  Non  Core  Real  Estate  to  Banking  Activity  in  Spain, 
amounting  to  €60m,  which,  in  addition  to  the  e  one  completed  in  the  first  semester  amounts  to  a  total  of 
€260m in the year.  
In  asset  quality,  the  non-performing  loans  balance  showed  a  downward  trend  over  the  year  that  positively 
affected  the  area’s  NPL  ratio,  which  reduced  to  4.6%  from  the  5.5%  as  of  31-December-2017.  The  NPL 
coverage ratio closed at 57%, 660 basis points above the closing of 2017. 

  Customer deposits under management grew by 3.6% compared to the close of December 2017 (up 3.5% in the 
last quarter of 2018). By products, there was a decline in time deposits (down 20.4% year-on-date), that has by 
far offset by the increase in demand deposits (up 12.7%), which as of December represent approximately 80% 
of total liabilities. 
The  off-balance-sheet  funds  showed  a  slight  increase  with  respect  to  the  figure  registered  twelve  months 
before (+0.8%), despite of the unfavorable evolution of the markets, especially in the last quarter. 

 

Results 

The net attributable profit generated by the Banking Activity in Spain in 2018 reached €1,522m, which represents a year-
on-year  increase  of  10.8%,  strongly  supported  by  the  favorable  performance  of  commissions,  a  strict  control  of 
operating expenses and provisions. The highlights of the area’s income statement are: 

  Net interest income showed a decline of 1.8% year-on-year although it increased slightly in the fourth quarter 
of 2018 (+1.2%). The smaller contribution from targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTRO) explained 
most of this evolution. 

interest 

  Positive performance of net fees and commissions (up 7.7% year-on-year), which offset by far the decline in 
income.  There  was  a  significant  contribution  from  asset  management  fees  and  banking 

net 
commissions.  
Lower  contribution  from  NTI  compared  to  the  same  period  of  previous  year  (down  16.1%),  associated  with 
lower ALCO portfolio sales in 2018.  

 

  Reduction  in  other  income/expenses  (down  62.0%  year-on-year).  One  of  the  aspects  explaining  this  is  the 
greater  contribution  made  to  the  DGF  and  SRF  compared  to  2017.  Also,  net  earnings  from  the  insurance 
business showed an increase of 12.0%. 

  Operating  expenses  declined  by  3.8%  and  the  efficiency  ratio  closed  at  54.9%,  in  line  with  the  figure 

registered at the close of 2017.  

  Decline  in  impairment  losses  on  financial  assets  (down  34.6%  year-on-year)  explained  by  lower  gross 
additions to NPLs and loan-loss provisions for large customers. As a result, the cumulative cost of risk stood at 
0.21% as of December 31, 2018. 
Lastly, provisions (net) and other gains (losses) showed a year-on-year decline of 20.9%, mainly favoured by 
lower restructuring costs. 

 

 
 
28 

Non Core Real Estate 

Highlights 

  Continued positive trend in the Spanish real-estate market, although with a more moderate growth rate. 
  Minimum levels of the net real-estate exposure. 
  Closing of the sale agreement of the participation in Testa.  
  Significant reduction in net losses in the area. 

Industry trends 

The  Spanish  real  estate  market  continues  to  show  a  growth  trend,  somewhat  more  moderated.  The  macroeconomic 
context continues to be favorable for residential demand: interest rates  remain at minimum levels and the economy is 
still  generating  jobs.  However,  the  uncertainty  regarding  economic  policy  could  affect  the  decision  of  households  and 
entrepreneurs of the sector. 

 

Investment in housing accelerated its growth in the third quarter of 2018, after the slowdown registered in the 
previous  quarter.  According  to  data  from  the  National  Quarterly  Accounting  Office  of  the  INE  investment  in 
housing grew by 1.6% between July and September, an evolution that, once again, exceeded the economy as a 
whole.   

  Between  January  and  November,  526,840  homes  were  sold  in  Spain,  a  year-on-year  increase  of  8.5%, 

according to information from the General Council of Spanish Notaries (CIEN). 

  Housing prices accelerated in the third quarter of 2018 to 7.2% in year-on-year terms (INE figures), exceeding 

the figures registered in the two previous quarters. 

  The interest rate applied to new loan operations remains at 2.3% and the cost of mortgage financing remains 

 

at relatively low levels. As a result, new home loans grew by 17.1% in the first eleven months of the year. 
Finally,  the  evolution  of  the  construction  activity  continued  to  be  robust,  in  response  to  the  increase  in 
residential  demand.  According  to  data  from  the  Ministry  of  Public  Works,  nearly  84,000  new  housing 
construction  permits  were  approved  in  the  first  ten  months  of  the  year  2018,  23.2%  more  than  in  the  same 
period of 2017. 

Activity 

The net real-estate exposure amounted to €2,498m as of 31-December-2018, which means a very significant reduction 
in year-on-year terms (-61.1%). 

With regards to the loans to developers, in the last three months of 2018 outstanding performing loans to developers for 
an  amount  of  €60m  were  transferred  from  Non  Core  Real  Estate  to  Banking  Activity  in  Spain,  that  together  with  the 
transfer  already  made  during  the  first  half  of  2018  stood  at  €260m  in  the  year.  In  addition,  the  agreement  with  the 
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for the sale of non-performing and written-off loans to developers for a 
gross amount of approximately €1 billion was closed in July.  

Having received the regulatory authorizations, BBVA closed on October 10, 2018 the operation of the transfer of its real-
estate business in Spain to Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (Cerberus). The closing of this operation implies the sale 
of 80% of the share capital of Divarian, the joint venture to which the real-estate business had been transferred, however  
the effective transfer of some real estate owned assets (“REOs”) is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions and in 
the meanwhile, BBVA will continue to manage those assets. As of December 31, 43,900 assets with a value 2,828 million 
euros would have been transferred to Divarian. 17,485 assets with a value of approximately €900m are pending transfer, 
subject to specific authorizations in process of obtaining them. 

As of December 31, 2018 the participation in Divarian which BBVA maintains at 20%, is recorded in Corporate Center.  

In  addition,  on  December  21,  2018  BBVA  reached  an  agreement  with  Blackstone  for  the  sale  of  its  participation  of  its 
25.24% stake in Testa for €478m. 

 
Evolution of Net exposure to real estate (Millions of 
Euros) 

29 

(1) 

(2) 

Compared  to  Bank  of  Spain's  Transparency  scope  (Circular  5/2011  dated 
November  30),  real-estate  developer  loans  do  not  include  €2.1Bn  (December 
2018) mainly related performing loans to developers transferred to the Banking 
Activity in Spain area. 
Other real-estate assets not originated from foreclosures. 

Coverage of real-estate exposure (Millions of Euros as of 31-12-18) 

Gross Value 

Provisions 

Net exposure 

% Coverage 

Real-estate developer loans (1) 
   Performing  

   Finished properties 

   Construction in progress 

   Land 

   Without collateral and other 

   NPL 

   Finished properties 

   Construction in progress 

   Land 

   Without collateral and other 

Foreclosed assets 

   Finished properties 

   Construction in progress 

   Land 

Other real-estate assets (2) 

Real-estate exposure 

1,006 

174 
145 

14 

14 

1 

832 
361 

23 

392 

55 

4,310 
3,037 

209 

1,064 

25 

5,341 

465 

23 
18 

3 

1 

- 

442 
160 

11 

237 

35 

2,376 
1,501 

131 

744 

3 

2,843 

541 

150 
127 

11 

13 

- 

390 
201 

13 

156 

21 

1,934 
1,536 

78 

320 

22 

2,498 

46% 

13% 
13% 

23% 

8% 

46% 

53% 
44% 

45% 

60% 

62% 

55% 
49% 

63% 

70% 

11% 

53% 

(1)  Compared  to  Bank  of  Spain's  Transparency  scope  (Circular 5/2011  dated November  30),  real-estate developer loans  do  not include  €2.1  Bn (December  2018)  mainly related 
performing loans to developers transferred to the Banking activity in Spain area. 
(2) Other real-estate assets not originated from foreclosures. 

Total real-estate exposure, including loans to developers, foreclosures and other assets, had a coverage ratio of 53% at 
the close of December 2018. The coverage ratio of foreclosed assets stood at 55%. 

Non-performing loan balances showed a downward trend along the year, thanks to lower NPL entries and the recovery 
of activity over the quarter. The NPL coverage ratio was maintained at 53%. 

 
 
 
 
Results 

At the close of December 2018 this business area posted a cumulative loss in 2018 of €78m, which represents a positive 
evolution compared to a loss of €490m in the same period the previous year.  

30 

Financial statements (Millions of euros) 

Income statement  

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 

Balance sheet 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Inter-area positions 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Inter-area positions 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

Memorandum item: 
Risk-weighted assets 

IFRS 9 

2018 

32 
1 

64 

(59) 

38 
(65) 

(39) 

(22) 

(5) 

(28) 

(12) 

(89) 

(129) 
52 

(78) 
(0) 

(78) 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18 
14 

1,358 

1,368 

582 

582 

- 

30 

2,179 

4,163 

- 

36 

36 

239 

2,691 

205 

956 

∆ % 
(55.8) 
(56.7) 

n.s. 

(35.7) 

n.s. 
(33.9) 

(23.3) 

(28.1) 

(73.3) 

(76.1) 

(91.0) 

(77.8) 

(80.3) 
(68.8) 

(84.2) 
n.s. 

(84.2) 

∆ % 
19.8 

n.s. 

n.s. 

(83.5) 

(83.5) 

- 

n.s. 

(64.7) 

(57.1) 

- 

n.s. 

187.5 

(69.6) 

(53.4) 

n.s. 

(69.6) 

IAS 39 

2017 
71 
3 

0 

(91) 

(17) 
(99) 

(51) 

(30) 

(18) 

(116) 

(138) 

(403) 

(656) 
166 

(491) 
1 

(490) 

IAS 39 

31-12-17 
12 

9 

- 

3,521 

3,521 

- 

0 

6,172 

9,714 

- 

0 

13 

785 

5,775 

- 

3,141 

3,022 

(68.8) 

9,692 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The United States 

Highlights 

31 

Lending growth supported by business financing and retail segments. 

 
  Good performance of net interest income and provisions. 
 
  Net attributable profit affected by the tax reform at the end of 2017. 

Improvement in efficiency. 

Business activity (1) (Year-on-year change at constant 
exchange rate. Data as of 31-12-18) 

Net interest income/ATAs 
(Percentage. Constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

Excluding repos. 

Operating income 
(Millions of Euros at constant exchange rate) 

Net attributable profit 
(Millions of Euros at constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: +10.0%. 

 (1)      At current exchange rate: +51.3%. 

Breakdown of performing loans under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

Breakdown of customer funds under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

(1) 

Excluding repos.                                                           

(1)      Excluding repos. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements and relevant business indicators (Millions of euros and percentage) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

32 

Income statement  

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests

Net attributable profit 

Balance sheets 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 
deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Inter-area positions

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Inter-area positions 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

Relevant business indicators 
Performing loans and advances to customers under 
management (2) 
Non-performing loans  
Customer deposits under management (2)
Off-balance sheet funds (3)
Risk-weighted assets 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 
(1) Figures at constant exchange rate. 

(2) Excluding repos. 

(3) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

2018 

2,276 
596 

109 

9 

2,989 
(1,862) 

(1,051) 

(633) 

(178) 

1,127 

(225)

16 

919 
(184)

735 
- 

735 

∆ % 
7.4
(7.5) 

(1.9) 

n.s. 

3.9 
0.6 

(1.6) 

6.0 

(4.6) 

10.0

(6.8)

n.s. 

22.9
(29.8)

51.3 
- 

51.3 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18

∆ % 

4,835

(32.3)

(5.3) 

179.2

16.1

13.2 

- 

1.5 

14.8 

8.3 

68.2

(5.9) 

5.1 

78.4 

127.8

(0.7) 

12.9 

∆ % 

12.5

15.1 

5.1 

- 

9.3 

10,481 

156

63,539

60,808 

- 

668 

2,534 

82,057 

234

3,370 

63,891 

3,599 

2,528

5,395 

3,040 

31-12-18

60,784

802 

63,888 

- 

64,146 

62.3 

1.3 

85 

0.39 

∆ % (1)
12.1
(3.8) 

0.9 

256.4 

8.3 
4.9 

2.7 

10.5 

(0.4)

14.5 

(2.6)

n.s. 

27.6
(26.9)

56.9 
-

56.9 

∆ % (1)

(35.3)

(9.6) 

n.s.

10.9 

8.1 

-

(3.1) 

9.6 

3.4 

60.6

(10.1) 

0.3 

70.3 

117.5

(5.2) 

7.8 

2017
2,119
644 

111 

2 

2,876 
(1,851) 

(1,067) 

(598) 

(187)

1,025 

(241)

(36) 

748 
(262)

486 
- 

486 

IAS 39 

31-12-17

7,138

11,068 

56

54,705

53,718 

- 

658 

2,207 

75,775 

139

3,580 

60,806 

2,017 

1,110

5,431 

2,693 

∆ % (1)

31-12-17

7.4

9.9 

0.3 

-

4.4 

54,036

696 

60,806

- 

58,688 

64.4 

1.2 

104 

0.43 

33 

Macro and industry trends 

According to the latest available information from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in the third quarter of 2018, 
annualized US GDP growth  moderated from 4.2% to 3.4% as a result of the moderation of non-residential investment 
and  the  drop  in  exports  after  the  strong  rebound  in  the  previous  quarter.  Furthermore,  private  consumption  remains 
robust, supported by the dynamism of the labor market and the growth in wages, as well as public spending, driven by a 
more  expansive  fiscal  policy.  According  to  the  most  recent  indicators  growth  could  reach  approximately  2.9%  during 
2018.  Despite  the  strength  of  domestic  demand  and  an  unemployment  rate  below  4%  last  year,  core  inflation  (PCE) 
remained  relatively  stable  at  approximately  2%  in  2018,  while  the  fall  of  prices  of  energy  products  was  reflected  in  a 
strong moderation of headline inflation to 1.9% in November from rates close to 3% in the middle of the year. The Fed 
continued with the normalization process, with four increases of 25 basis points each in 2018 (up to the 2.25%-2.50% 
range).  

The persistence of the expansive cycle in the country, together with the resurgence of uncertainty and financial volatility, 
associated with a combination of factors (among them, the fear of an escalating protectionism and a greater perception 
of risk on the vulnerability of emerging markets) have substantially revalued the dollar since the second quarter of 2018, 
which appreciated by around 7% during the year, with December closing data of the effective exchange rate weighted by 
the importance of its main trading partners. 

The general situation of the country's banking system continued to be favorable. According to the latest available data 
from the Fed through November 2018, the total volume of bank credit in the system increased by 5.0% over the same 
month of the previous year, with a particularly positive performance in commercial loans (up 17.0% year-on-year), while 
real  estate  loans  (including  the  mortgage  loans)  stayed  flattish  in  the  last  twelve  months.  On  the  other  hand,  deposits 
remained  basically  at  the  same  level  as  the  prior  year  (down  0.6%).  Lastly,  non-performing  loans  continued  their 
downward trend, with an NPL ratio of 1.58% at the end of the third quarter of 2018. 

Activity 

Unless  expressly  stated  otherwise,  all  the  comments  below  on  rates  of  change,  for  both  activity  and  earnings,  will  be 
given  at  constant  exchange  rate.  These  rates,  together  with  changes  at  current  exchange  rate,  can  be  seen  in  the 
attached tables of financial statements and relevant business indicators. 

The most relevant aspects related to the area’s activity in 2018 were: 








Lending activity in the area (performing loans under management) showed an increase by 7.4% year-on-year. 
By  portfolio,  higher  interest  rates  continued  affecting  negatively  the  mortgages  and  loans  to  developers
(construction real estate). By contrast, the consumer and credit card loans, which have higher margins and are
therefore more profitable, increased by 28.2% year-on-year. Both other commercial (up 7.0%) and corporates
also performed well (up 12.3%). 
Regarding  the  risk  indicators,  slight  rebound  of  the  NPL  ratio  in  the  quarter,  which  stood  at  1.3%  from  1.1%
registered as of 30-September-2018, due to the deterioration of certain singular clients. On the other hand, the
NPL coverage ratio closed at 85%.
Customer  deposits  under  management  closed  in  line  with  the  figure  of  December  2017  (+0.3%),  affected  by
the  deposit-gathering  campaigns,  with  an  increase  the  time  deposits  (+2.2%)  and  a  decrease  in  the  demand
deposits (-4.0%). 

Results 

The  United  States  generated  a  cumulative  net  attributable  profit  of  €735m  during  2018,  56.9%  higher  than  the  one 
registered  twelve  months  earlier,  due  mainly  to  the  increase  in  net  interest  income,  lower  provisions  and  lower  tax 
expenses. Also worth noting are the following: 

 Net interest income continued to perform positively, with the cumulative figure up by 12.1% year-on-year and
2.9% over the last quarter of 2018. This was due partly to the Fed's interest-rate hikes, but also the measures
adopted by BBVA Compass to improve loan yields and contain the increase in the cost of deposits (improved
deposit mix and wholesale funding).

 Net  fees  and  commissions  declined  by  3.8%  year-on-year,  due  to  a  lower  contribution  from  markets,

investment banking and money transfers. 



 Operating  expenses  grew  by  4.9%  year-on-year,  mainly  due  to  greater  activity  related  to  the  growth  of
consumer loans. This increase is lower than that shown by the gross margin (+8.3%), as a result, the efficiency
ratio improved.
Impairment  losses  on  financial  assets  fell  by  2.6%  in  the  last  twelve  months,  due  to  the  lower  provisioning
requirements in those portfolios affected by the 2017 hurricanes. As a result, the cumulative cost of risk through
31-December-2018 declined to 0.39%. 
Lastly, income tax declined as a result of a reduction in the effective tax rate following the tax reform approved
at the end of 2017, which in addition generated a one-off charge in the amount of €78m due to the valuation of
deferred tax assets.



34 

Mexico 

Highlights 

  Good performance of the activity, with growth in all segments. 
Expenses continue to grow below the rate of gross income. 
 
  Double-digit year-on-year growth in net attributable profit. 
  Good asset quality indicators. 

Business activity (1) (Year-on-year change at constant 
exchange rate. Data as of 31-12-18) 

Net interest income/ATAs 
(Percentage. Constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

Excluding repos. 

Operating income 
(Millions of Euros at constant exchange rate) 

Net attributable profit 
(Millions of Euros at constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: +3.3%.                                                                                      

(1)      At current exchange rate: +9.0%. 

Breakdown of performing loans under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

Breakdown of customer funds under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

(1) 

Excluding repos.                                                           

(1)      Excluding repos. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Financial statements and relevant business indicators (Millions of euros and percentage) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

35 

Income statement  

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 

Balance sheets 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 
deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

Relevant business indicators  
Performing loans and advances to customers under 
management (2) 
Non-performing loans  
Customer deposits under management (2) 
Off-balance sheet funds (3) 
Risk-weighted assets 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 
(1) Figures at constant exchange rate. 
(2) Excluding repos. 
(3) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

2018 

5,568 
1,205 

223 

197 

7,193 
(2,368) 

(1,024) 

(1,091) 

(253) 

4,825 

(1,555) 

24 

3,294 
(909) 

2,385 
(0) 

2,384 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18 

8,274 

26,022 

∆ % 
1.7 
(1.2) 

(10.4) 

11.2 

1.0 
(3.4) 

(2.6) 

(4.7) 

(1.3) 

3.3 

(5.8) 

n.s. 

10.4 
14.0 

9.0 
9.1 

9.0 

∆ % 

(6.3) 

(9.1) 

72 

(95.4) 

21.0 

11.7 

2.2 

(62.8) 

2.5 

91.7 

(88.3) 

1.1 

17.1 

(17.7) 

6.2 

∆ % 

13.7 

1.3 

10.3 

6.0 

18.7 

57,709 

51,101 

1,788 

2,663 

96,455 

18,028 

683 

50,530 

8,566 

14,508 

4,140 

31-12-18 

51,387 

1,138 

49,740 

20,647 

53,359 

32.9 

2.1 

154 

3.07 

∆ % (1)  
8.2 
5.1 

(4.6) 

18.3 

7.5 
2.8 

3.7 

1.5 

5.1 

10.0 

0.2 

n.s. 

17.5 
21.4 

16.1 
16.1 

16.1 

∆ %(1) 

(11.0) 

(13.6) 

(95.6) 

15.0 

6.1 

(2.8) 

(64.7) 

(2.5) 

82.2 

(88.9) 

(3.9) 

11.4 

(21.8) 

0.9 

2017 
5,476 
1,219 

249 

177 

7,122 
(2,452) 

(1,051) 

(1,145) 

(256) 

4,671 

(1,651) 

(35) 

2,984 
(797) 

2,187 
(0) 

2,187 

IAS 39 

31-12-17 

8,833 

28,627 

1,558 

47,691 

45,768 

1,749 

7,160 

94,061 

9,405 

5,853 

49,964 

7,312 

17,627 

3,901 

∆ % (1) 

31-12-17 

8.1 

(3.7) 

4.9 

0.8 

12.9 

45,196 

1,124 

45,093 

19,472 

44,941 

34.4 

2.3 

123 

3.24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
36 

Macro and industry trends 

The quarterly GDP growth in Mexico was 0.8% in the third quarter of 2018, measured in figures adjusted by seasonality. 
This expansion, after a growth by 1.1% in the first quarter and a slight contraction of 0.1% in the second quarter, is mainly 
explained  by  the  expansion  of  services  and  the  manufacturing  sector.  On  the  demand  side,  the  main  contribution  to 
growth in the third quarter has been from consumption. While private investment has shown new signs of weakness. The 
trade agreement reached by Mexico, the United States and Canada, as well as the reduction in uncertainty regarding the 
economic policy of the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who assumed the presidency of the country on 
December 1, could help to maintain in the following periods the dynamism observed in the third quarter. 

With  respect  to  inflation,  the  increase  observed  in  recent  months  seems  to  be  transitory,  since  it  is  mainly  due  to  the 
increase in energy prices, while core inflation remains relatively stable. This, together with contained inflation pressures, 
suggests that additional interest rate hikes by Banxico might not be necessary for the remainder of the year. 

For yet another quarter, the Mexican banking system showed excellent levels of solvency and asset quality. According 
to the latest available information from the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) in November 
2018, activity remained as strong as in previous quarters, with year-on-year growth in the volume of lending and deposits 
(demand and time deposits) at 10.6% and 8.4%, respectively. Both the NPL ratio (2.2%) and NPL coverage ratio (150%) 
were stable. Finally, solvency in the system is at a comfortable level, with a capital adequacy ratio of 15.65% as of the end 
of October 2018. 

Activity 

Unless  expressly  stated  otherwise,  all  the  comments  below  on  rates  of  change,  for  both  activity  and  earnings,  will  be 
given  at  constant  exchange  rate.  These  rates,  together  with  changes  at  current  exchange  rate,  can  be  seen  in  the 
attached tables of financial statements and relevant business indicators.  

The most relevant aspects related to the area’s activity year in 2018 were: 

  Year-on-year increase in lending (performing loans and advances to customers under management) of 8.1%. 
BBVA  maintains  its  leading  position  in  the  country,  with  a  market  share  of  22.6%  in  outstanding  performing 
loans, according to local figures from the CNBV at the end of November 2018. 

  By portfolios: the wholesale portfolio, which represents 51.8% of total lending, increased by 9.4% in year-on-
year terms, driven mainly by medium-sized companies and the corporates segment. As for the retail portfolio, 
it increased by 6.7% (including SMEs), which was heavily supported by consumer loans (payroll, personal and 
auto), which rose by 8.7%.  

  With  respect  to  the  asset  quality  indicators,  the  NPL  ratio  closed  at  2.1%  from  the  2.3%  registered  twelve 

months earlier. The NPL coverage ratio closed at 154%. 

  Total customer funds (customer deposits under management, mutual funds and other off-balance sheet funds) 
showed a year-on-year increase of 3.6%, with remarkable growth in demand deposits (+7.6%), in time deposits 
(+4.0%) and mutual funds (+2.6%). 

  A profitable funding mix: low-cost accounts represent 77% of total customer deposits under management. 

Results 

BBVA  in  Mexico  posted  in  2018  a  net  attributable  profit  of  €2,384m,  a  year-on-year  increase  of  16.1%.  The  main 
highlights in the evolution of income statement in Mexico is summarized below: 

  Positive performance of the net interest income, which showed a year-on-year growth of +8.2%, highly aligned 

with  lending activity (+8.1%). 

  Good performance of net fees and commissions, which showed an increase of 5.1% as a result of increased 
activity  in  mutual  funds,  as  well  as  a  higher  volume  of  transactions  with  on-line  banking  and  credit  card 
customers. 
 NTI registered a decrease (-4.6%) due to the unfavorable performance of the Global Markets unit during 2018. 

 
  The  other  income/expenses  line  registered  year-on-year  growth  of  18.3%,  mainly  due  to  the  positive 

 

 

performance of the insurance activity. 
 Operating  expenses  continued  to  grow  at  a  very  controlled  pace  (up  +2.8%  year-on-year)  and  below  the 
area's  gross  income  growth  (+7.5%).  As  a  result,  the  efficiency  ratio  has  continued  to  improve  and  stood  at 
32.9% as of December 31, 2018. 
 Adequate risk management has been reflected in the change in the impairment losses on financial assets line 
item, which remains at the same level as 2017 (+0.2% year-on-year), despite the loan growth during the year, 
mainly explained by a change in the mix of the loan portfolio. As a result, the cumulative cost of risk in the area 
closed at 3.07% versus 3.24% as of December 2017. 

  The positive evolution in the other gains (losses) line, that included the extraordinary income from the sale of 
BBVA Bancomer's stake in a real-estate development and the capital gain from the sale of a corporate building 
by Bancomer. 

 
 
37 

Turkey 

Highlights 

  Activity impacted by the evolution of exchange rates. 
  Good performance of recurring revenue items, as a result of the inflation-linked bonds performance. 
  Operating expenses growth below inflation. 
  Risk  indicators  affected  by the  update  of  the  macroeconomic  scenario  and  certain  negative  impacts  of 

the portfolio of wholesale customers. 

Business activity (1) (Year-on-year change at constant 
exchange rate. Data as of 31-12-18) 

Net interest income/ATAs 
(Percentage. Constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

Excluding repos. 

Operating income 
(Millions of Euros at constant exchange rate) 

Net attributable profit 
(Millions of Euros at constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: +1.8%.  

(1)      At current exchange rate: -31.0% 

Breakdown of performing loans under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

Breakdown of customer funds under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

(1) 

Excluding repos.                                                           

(1)      Excluding repos. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38 

Financial statements and relevant business indicators (Millions of euros and percentage) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

Income statement  

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 

Balance sheets 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

2018 

3,135 
686 

11 

70 

3,901 
(1,243) 

(656) 

(449) 

(138) 

2,658 

(1,202) 

(8) 

1,448 
(294) 

1,154 
(585) 

569 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18 

7,853 

5,506 

410 

50,315 

41,478 

1,059 

1,517 

66,250 

∆ % 
(5.9) 
(2.4) 

(24.2) 

3.4 

(5.2) 
(17.3) 

(17.9) 

(14.6) 

(22.4) 

1.8 

165.3 

(33.7) 

(32.5) 
(31.0) 

(32.9) 
(34.6) 

(31.0) 

∆ % 

94.6 

(14.2) 

n.s. 

(22.7) 

(19.3) 

(21.2) 

(16.3) 

(15.8) 

∆ %(1) 
30.3 
35.1 

5.0 

43.1 

31.3 
14.5 

13.6 

18.2 

7.5 

40.9 

267.4 

(8.2) 

(6.6) 
(4.5) 

(7.1) 
(9.5) 

(4.5) 

∆ %(1) 

159.3 

14.3 

n.s. 

3.0 

7.6 

5.1 

11.6 

12.2 

1,852 

185.9 

281.0 

6,734 

39,905 

5,964 

9,267 

2,529 

(39.8) 

(10.7) 

(28.5) 

(18.1) 

1.4 

(19.8) 

19.0 

(4.8) 

9.1 

35.2 

2017 
3,331 
703 

14 

67 

4,115 
(1,503) 

(799) 

(526) 

(178) 

2,612 

(453) 

(12) 

2,147 
(426) 

1,720 
(895) 

826 

IAS 39 

31-12-17 

4,036 

6,419 

- 

65,083 

51,378 

1,344 

1,811 

78,694 

648 

11,195 

44,691 

8,346 

11,321 

2,493 

Relevant business indicators  
Performing loans and advances to customers under 
management (2) 
Non-performing loans  
Customer deposits under management (2) 
Off-balance sheet funds (3) 
Risk-weighted assets 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 
(1) Figures at constant exchange rate. 
(2) Excluding repos. 
(3) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

∆ % 

(20.3) 

12.7 

(10.4) 

(25.8) 

(10.0) 

31-12-18 

40,996 

2,876 

39,897 

2,894 

56,486 

31.9 

5.3 

81 

2.44 

∆ %(1) 

31-12-17 

6.2 

50.1 

19.4 

(1.2) 

19.9 

51,438 

2,553 

44,539 

3,902 

62,768 

36.5 

3.9 

85 

0.82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
39 

Macro and industry trends 

According to the most recent figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkey’s year-on-year economic growth was 
1.6% in the third quarter of 2018, supported by the considerable positive external demand contribution, while domestic 
demand, including inventories, hindered growth.  
Year-on-year inflation experienced a rapid correction as it declined from 24.5% in September to 20.3% in December, as 
a result of tax reductions in certain items, price discount campaigns, the contraction in oil prices and the appreciation of 
the Turkish lira by around 20% in the last four months of 2018. 
Throughout the year, the Central Bank (CBRT) increased its funding interest rate by 1.125 basis points. However, in its 
December  meeting  the  CBRT  decided  to  keep  it  at  24.0%.  With  this  decision,  the  CBRT  strengthened  its  message 
against the easing expectations of the market, saying that risks on price stability continue to prevail despite the recent 
improvement in inflation outlook due to the developments in import prices and domestic demand conditions. Regarding 
fiscal policy stance, the government’s budget targets were met at the end of 2018 with the support of one-off revenues. 
Regarding the evolution of the Turkish financial sector, year-on-year credit growth has continued to decelerate during 
the  last  quarter  of  2018,  mainly  due  to  business  lending.  By  the  last  week  of  December  2018,  the  year-on-year  total 
lending growth rate (adjusted for the depreciation of the lira effect) fell to 3.1%. On the other hand, customer deposits 
have  also  shown  sign  of  a  slowdown.  The  year-on-year  total  deposits  growth  rate  fell  to  6.2%  (adjusted  for  the 
depreciation of the lira effect). Turkish-lira deposits grew by 10.6% and foreign-currency deposits (mainly in U.S. dollars) 
contracted by 7.6%. Lastly, the NPL ratio closed at 3.66% for December 28th (an increase of 59 basis points in the last 
quarter). 

 Activity  

Unless expressly stated and communicated otherwise, rates of changes explained ahead, both for activity and for income 
will  be  presented  at  constant  exchange  rates.  These  rates,  together  with  changes  at  current  exchange  rates,  can  be 
observed in the attached tables of the financial statements and relevant business indicators.  

The most relevant aspects related to the area’s activity year-to-date as of December 31, 2018 have been: 











Lending  activity  (performing  loans  under  management)  grew  by  6.2%  in  the  year  driven  by  the  evolution  of
exchange rates (down 11.2% in the quarter). On the one hand, Garanti Bank continued to reduce its exposure in
foreign-currency  loans  (in  U.S.  dollars)  in  all  quarters  of  2018  in  line  with  its  corporate  strategy;  while  on  the
other  hand,  Turkish-lira  loan  growth  decelerated  in  the  third  quarter  and  decreased  significantly  in  the  last
quarter of 2018.
By segments, contraction has accelerated in the fourth quarter in all types of loans except auto loans and credit
cards,  which  grew  above  the  sector.  On  the  contrary,  the  contraction  in  consumer  and  mortgage  loans
accelerated  in  the  quarter  in  line  with  the  sector  and  there  was  a  contraction  in  Turkish-lira  business  banking
loans which is in line with the private banks.
In terms of asset quality, the NPL ratio increased to 5.3% due to the macroeconomic conditions and the inflow
of certain doubtful clients. The NPL coverage ratio stood at 81%.
Customer deposits (60% of total liabilities in the area as of December 31, 2018) remained the main source of
funding for the Turkish´s balance sheet and grew by 19.4% in 2018 mainly supported by the growth of Garanti
Bank Turkish-lira deposits. On the other hand, shrinkage in foreign-currency customer deposits (in U.S. dollars)
continued due to higher interest rates in Turkish-lira deposits. 
All  funding  and  liquidity  ratios  remained  within  comfort  levels,  and  Garanti  maintained  its  solvency  levels  well
above requirements.

Results 

In  2018,  Turkey  generated  a  cumulative  attributable  profit  of  €569m,  a  year-on-year  decline  of  4.5%.  The  most 
significant aspects of the year-on-year evolution in the income statement were as follows: 







Positive performance of net interest income (up to 30.3%) despite the pressure on customer spreads, mainly
due  to  the  significant  income  from  inflation-linked  bonds,  whose  contribution,  compared  to  previous  year,  is
more than double.
Income  from  net  fees  and  commissions  grew  by  35.1%.  This  significant  increase  was  mainly  driven  by  the
positive performance in payment systems, advances, money transfers and other commissions.
Increase in NTI (by 5.0%) where the high performance of global markets, asset and liabilities management and
derivatives offsets the Turkish lira depreciation.

 Gross income was up 31.3% in 2018 compared to 2017, thanks to the increase in core banking activities and the 

aforementioned higher inflation-linked bonds contribution.

 Operating expenses increased by 14.5%, below the average inflation rate (16.2%) and well below the year-on-
year  growth  rate  in  gross  income.  As  a  result  of  strict  cost-control  discipline,  the  efficiency  ratio  declined  to
31.9%.
Impairment on financial assets increased in year-on-year terms by 267.4%, mainly denominated by big ticket
provisions  coming  from  the  wholesale-customer  portfolio  and  also  the  macroeconomic  scenario  update.  As  a
result, the cumulative cost of risk of the area increased to 2.44%.



40 

South America 

Highlights 

  Activity affected by the sale of BBVA Chile. 
 
  Argentina hyperinflation adjustment impacts in every item of the income statement. 

In other countries, the activity evolves at a good pace. 

Business activity (1) (Year-on-year change at constant 
exchange rates. Data as of 31-12-18) 

Net interest income/ATAs 
(Percentage. Constant exchange rate) 

(1) 

 Excluding repos. 

Breakdown of performing loans under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

Breakdown of customer funds under management (1) 
(31-12-18) 

(1) 

Excluding repos.                                                           

  (1)      Excluding repos. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements and relevant business indicators (Millions of euros and percentage) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

41 

Income statement  

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 

Balance sheets 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 
deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

2018 

3,009 
631 

405 

(344) 

3,701 
(1,690) 

(846) 

(719) 

(125) 

2,011 

(638) 

(65) 

1,307 
(475) 

833 
(241) 

591 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18 

8,987 

5,634 

129 

36,649 

34,469 

813 

302 

52,385 

∆ % 
(6.0) 
(11.4) 

(15.7) 

n.s. 

(16.9) 
(15.8) 

(18.3) 

(15.5) 

3.2 

(17.7) 

(1.9) 

(36.3) 

(22.7) 
(2.2) 

(30.9) 
(29.9) 

(31.3) 

∆ % 

(0.6) 

(51.5) 

n.s. 

(28.4) 

(28.6) 

12.1 

(85.2) 

(29.8) 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value 
through profit or loss 

1,357 

(51.9) 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

3,076 

35,842 

3,206 

6,551 

2,355 

(59.3) 

(21.5) 

(55.5) 

(23.0) 

(18.3) 

∆ % (1)  
12.8 
10.9 

5.2 

n.s. 

1.9 
7.7 

5.9 

7.4 

24.7 

(2.5) 

5.2 

(15.5) 

(5.1) 
23.9 

(16.3) 
(15.9) 

(16.5) 

∆ %(1) 

11.0 

(47.0) 

n.s. 

(21.3) 

(21.6) 

33.3 

(83.9) 

(22.7) 

(48.4) 

(57.9) 

(13.0) 

(53.0) 

(10.4) 

(7.5) 

Relevant business indicators  
Performing loans and advances to customers under 
management (2) 
Non-performing loans  
Customer deposits under management (3) 
Off-balance sheet funds (4) 
Risk-weighted assets 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 
(1) Figures at constant exchange rates. 
(2) Excluding repos. 
(3) Excluding repos and including specific marketable debt securities. 
(4) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

∆ % 

(28.2) 

(7.3) 

(21.7) 

(4.4) 

(23.7) 

∆ % (1) 

(21.2) 

(3.2) 

(13.2) 

(1.1) 

(14.4) 

31-12-18 

34,518 

1,747 

35,984 

11,662 

42,736 

45.7 

4.3 

97 

1.44 

2017 
3,200 
713 

480 

59 

4,451 
(2,008) 

(1,035) 

(851) 

(121) 

2,444 

(650) 

(103) 

1,691 
(486) 

1,205 
(345) 

861 

IAS 39 

31-12-17 

9,039 

11,627 

3 

51,207 

48,272 

725 

2,038 

74,636 

2,823 

7,552 

45,666 

7,209 

8,505 

2,881 

31-12-17 

48,068 

1,884 

45,970 

12,197 

55,975 

45.1 

3.4 

89 

1.32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
South America. Data per country (Million of euros) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

Operating income 

Net attributable profit 

42 

Country 

Argentina 

Chile 

Colombia 

2018 
179 

289 

645 

∆ % 
(65.7) 

(31.2) 

0.3 

∆ % (1) 
(20.6) 

(28.9) 

4.8 

2017 
522  

421  

644  

736 

Peru 
Other countries (2) 
Total 
(1) Figures at constant exchange rates. 
(2) Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. Additionally, it includes eliminations and other charges. 

(17.7) 

2,011 

(2.5) 

23.0 

29.7 

161 

6.7 

1.3 

131  
2,444  

726  

2018 
(29) 

137 

229 

195 

59 

591 

∆ % 
n.s. 

(27.1) 

11.6 

8.4 

(13.6) 

(31.3) 

∆ % (1) 
n.s. 

(24.7) 

16.6 

14.3 

(8.2) 

(16.5) 

2017 
219 

188 

206 

180 

68 

861 

South America. Relevant business indicators per country (Millions of euros) 

Performing loans and advances to 
customers under management (1)(2) 
Non-performing loans and 
guarantees given (1) 
Customer deposits under 
management (1)(3) 

Argentina 

Chile 

Colombia 

Peru 

31-12-18 

31-12-17 

31-12-18 

31-12-17 

31-12-18 

31-12-17 

31-12-18 

31-12-17 

4,221 

2,982 

2,045 

13,542 

11,835 

11,385 

13,351 

13,021 

87 

24 

5,986 

3,531 

58 

10 

- 

390 

768 

643 

709 

648 

8,975 

12,543 

11,702 

12,843 

12,263 

1,201 

1,287 

1,070 

1,666 

1,589 

Off-balance sheet funds (1)(4) 

783 

654 

Risk-weighted assets 

8,036 

9,364 

2,243 

14,398 

12,672 

12,299 

15,760 

14,879 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 

73.0 

2.0 

111 

1.60 

56.1 

0.8 

198 

0.61 

42.1 

45.2 

2.8 

93 

2.6 

60 

0.81 

0.76 

36.3 

6.0 

100 

2.16 

36.0 

35.4 

35.6 

5.3 

88 

4.0 

93 

2.59 

0.98 

3.8 

100 

1.14 

(1) Figures at constant exchange rates. 
(2) Excluding repos. 
(3) Excluding repos and including specific marketable debt securities. 
(4) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

Macro and industry trends 

The activity of the South American economies has exhibited, in general, a positive performance in the third quarter of 
2018, mainly in the Andean countries, supported by a relatively expansive monetary policy. In contrast, economic activity 
in  Argentina  contracted  once  again,  although  significantly  less  than  in  the  second  quarter,  in  an  environment  in  which 
stabilization  signs  are  beginning  to  appear  after  the  financial  tensions  that  were  previously  present,  and  in  which 
restrictive economic policies continue to be maintained. In the rest of the countries in the region, consumption continues 
to recover, supported by relatively low levels of inflation, and also investment, driven by the increase in domestic demand 
and the recovery of confidence. 

Inflation in the region remains generally under control, at levels close to the objectives of the respective central banks. In 
this  sense,  an  end  to  the  lax  monetary  policy  phase  could  be  coming,  and  gradual  increases  in  interest  rates  by  the 
monetary authorities could begin in the coming months. As with the case of economic activity, the situation in Argentina 
contrasts with that of the other countries in the region. Despite recent signs of moderation, inflation remains high, in a 
context  in  which  the  restrictive  tone  of  monetary  policy  is  implemented  through  the  nominal  stability  of  monetary 
aggregates. 

Regarding  the  banking  systems  within  BBVA's  regional  footprint,  the  macroeconomic  backdrop  and  low  levels  of 
banking penetration in these countries in aggregate terms (obviously with differences between countries) led to strong 
results  in  the  main  indicators  of  profitability  and  solvency,  while  non-performing  loans  remained  under  control.  In 
addition, there has been sustained growth in lending and deposits. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
43 

Activity  

On 6-July-2018, after obtaining all required authorizations, BBVA completed the sale to The Bank of Nova Scotia of its 
direct  and  indirect  stake  in  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  Chile  (BBVA  Chile)  as  well  as  in  other  companies  of  its 
group  in  Chile  whose  operations  are  complementary  to  the  banking  business  (particularly,  BBVA  Seguros  Vida,  S.A.). 
The  impacts  of  this  transaction  were  reflected  in  the  financial  statements  of  the  BBVA  Group  for  the  third  quarter  of 
2018. In addition, as it was announced to the market through relevant event on December 19, 2018 BBVA has decided to 
initiate a strategic review of alternatives for its automobile financing business in Chile mainly carried out by the company 
Forum  Servicios  Financieros,  S.A.  (“Forum”).  Despite  Forum  being  a  highly  attractive  business,  BBVA´s  sale  of  its 
banking business in Chile, advises the initiation of this review process. 

Unless  expressly  stated  otherwise,  all  the  comments  below  on  rates  of  change,  for  both  activity  and  earnings,  will  be 
provided at constant exchange rates, and will be impacted by the divestment in BBVA Chile. These rates, together with 
changes  at  current  exchange  rates,  can  be  found  in  the  attached  tables  of  financial  statements  and  relevant  business 
indicators. 

The most relevant aspects related to the area’s activity in 2018 were: 

 

Lending  (performing  loans  under  management)  in  South  America  was  21.2%  below  the  same  period  the 
previous year. Excluding BBVA Chile from the comparison, loans to customers grew by 8.6% since 31-12-2017. 
By  country,  the  most  significant  increase  was  in  Argentina  (up  41.6%  year-on-year)  together  with  the 
improvement  in  lending  in  Colombia  and  Peru.  By  portfolios,  excluding  BBVA  Chile  from  the  comparison, 
performance was especially positive in the mortgage, consumer and business banking segments. 

  Regarding asset quality of the portfolio, the NPL ratio, as of 31-December-2018 stood at 4.3%, in line with the 

previous quarter, while the NPL coverage ratio decreased to 97% (101% as of 30-September-2018). 

  Customer  funds  decreased  by  13.2%,  although  on  a  comparable  basis,  i.e.  excluding  BBVA  Chile  from  the 
comparison, they grew by 10.7%. Off-balance-sheet funds, on a comparable basis, increased by 10.1% year-on-
year.  By  country  there  was  a  positive  trend  in  Argentina,  Colombia  and  to  a  lesser  extent  in  Peru,  with  a  total 
customer funds increase of +61.8, +8.3 and +4.7%, respectively. 

Results 

South America generated a net attributable profit of €591m, which represents year-on-year variation of -16.5% (-31.3% 
at current exchange rates). This evolution is affected by the negative impact of accounting for hyperinflation in Argentina 
in the net attributable profit of the area (€-266m) as well as by the change in the perimeter originated from the sale of 
BBVA Chile. Excluding  these two impacts,  the most  recurrent income  (net interest income and commissions) and NTI 
increased  by  11.7%  in  year-on-year  terms,  which  offsets  the  increase  of  the  impairment  losses  on  financial  assets  (up 
5.2% compared to the close of 2017). As a result, the cumulative cost of risk at the close of December stood at 1.44%.  

By country, the trends in 2018 were as follows: 

 

 

 

In  Argentina,  there  was  year-on-year  growth  in  gross  income  of  29.2%.  This  increase  was  based  both  on  the 
performance of recurring revenue (boosted by higher volumes of business) and the positive performance of NTI 
(mainly due to exchange rates). The aforementioned in combination with the increase in impairment losses on 
financial assets and the negative effect of hyperinflation adjustment posted a net attributable profit of -€29m. 
In  Colombia,  the  increase  in  earnings  was  based  on  the  good  performance  of  net  interest  income  (due  to  a 
positive  performance  in  activity  and  customer  spreads)  and  higher  net  fees  and  commissions,  which  boosted 
gross  income  (up  5.3%).  The  aforementioned,  together  with  the  reduction  of  impairment  losses  on  financial 
assets, this led to a year-on-year increase of 16.6% in the net attributable profit.  
In  Peru,  net  attributable  profit  increased  by  14.3%  year-on-year,  leveraged  by  the  good  performance  of  net 
interest  income  (increase  in  lending),  higher  net  fees  and  commissions  and  a  good  performance  of  the 
impairment losses on financial assets. 

 
  
44 

Rest of Eurasia 

Highlights 






Positive trend in lending activity.
Performance of deposits strongly influenced by the environment of negative interest rates.
Despite de control costs, earnings affected by decrease in revenues.
Improvement of the NPL and NPL coverage ratios.

Financial statements and relevant business indicators (Millions of euros and percentage) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

Income statement 

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation 

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit 
or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 

Balance sheets 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Inter-area positions 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Inter-area positions

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

2018 

175 
138 

101 

(0) 

415 
(291) 

(136) 

(149) 

(6)

124 

24

(3) 

144 
(51)

93 
- 

93 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18

273 

504 

- 

16,930 

15,731 

- 

39

254

18,000 

42

1,316 

4,876 

213

9,977 

819

757 

∆ % 
(2.5)
(15.9) 

(17.3) 

n.s. 

(11.4)
(5.6) 

(12.8) 

5.4 

(44.2)

(22.5) 

4.0

(40.4)

(18.5)
(2.6)

(25.2)
- 

(25.2) 

∆ %

(68.9) 

(49.1) 

- 

12.8 

5.8 

- 

10.4

(27.8)

4.3 

(6.3)

(44.3) 

(27.2) 

(39.9)

76.8

(34.2)

(17.1) 

2017 
180
164 

123 

1 

468
(308) 

(156) 

(141) 

(11)

160 

23

(6) 

177 
(52)

125 
- 

125 

IAS 39 

31-12-17

877 

991 

-

15,009 

14,864 

-

36

352

17,265 

45

2,364 

6,700 

354

5,643

1,246

913 

Relevant business indicators  
Performing loans and advances to customers under management (1) 
Non-performing loans  
Customer deposits under management (1) 
Off-balance sheet funds (2) 
Risk-weighted assets 

Efficiency ratio (%) 

NPL ratio (%) 

NPL coverage ratio (%) 

Cost of risk (%) 
(1) Excluding repos. 
(2) Includes mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds. 

∆ % 
7.7 

(22.7) 

(27.2) 

3.2 

(0.3) 

31-12-18 
16,553 

430 

4,876 

388 

15,449 

70.2 

1.7 

83 

(0.11) 

45 

31-12-17 
15,362 

556 

6,700 

376 

15,150 

65.9 

2.4 

74 

(0.16) 

Macroeconomic environment 

Growth  in  the  Eurozone  moderated  in  the  third  quarter  of  2018  to  0.2%  quarterly  from  0.4%  in  the  second  quarter, 
according  to  the  latest  Eurostat  information.  This  performance  is  mainly  explained  by  a  worse  exports  evolution,  while 
the  contribution  of  domestic  demand  remained  stable  despite  the  lower  growth  of  private  consumption.  Domestic 
fundamentals  remain  solid,  with  an  improvement  in  the  labor  market  which,  together  with  the  moderation  in  prices, 
continues  to  support  the  growth  of  private  spending,  while  favorable  financial  conditions  and  the  absorption  of  the 
economy's idle capacity will continue to sustain the recovery of investment. For its part, the depreciation of the euro from 
the second quarter of 2018 will continue to support the competitiveness of exports. As a result, GDP growth could have 
been somewhat below 2% in 2018, after a total of 2.5% in 2017. 

Headline  inflation  moderated  to  1.6%  in  December  after  the  strong  rebound  since  mid-year  due  to  the  significant 
deceleration in the prices of energy products, while core inflation remained relatively stable at low levels (1.1%). In this 
context, the ECB announced the completion of asset purchases in December of 2018, although it will continue to reinvest 
in those that reach their maturity term and will maintain interest rates at low levels until, at least, the summer of 2019. 
The recent increase in downside risks to growth will keep the ECB cautious. 

Activity and results 

This business area basically includes the Group's retail and wholesale business in Europe (excluding Spain) and Asia. 

The key aspects of the activity and results as of 31-December-2018 in this area were: 

Lending (performing loans under management) showed a year-on-year change of 7.7%.  

 
  Credit risk indicators improved in the last twelve months: the NPL ratio closed at 1.7% (2.4% as of the close of 

2017) and the NPL coverage ratio closed at 83% (74% as of 31-December-2017).  

  Customer deposits under management were still strongly influenced by the negative interest rate environment 

in the region and showed a decline of 27.2%. 

  Regarding  results,  gross  income  declined  (-11.4%  year-on-year):  Europe  (excluding  Spain)  fell  by  13.6%  and 
Asia grew by 11.0%. On the other hand, operating expenses continued to fall (down 5.6%), due to tight control of 
personnel costs. Impairments on financial assets recorded a release of provisions that were 4.0% higher than 
the previous year, as a result of lower loan-loss provisions in Europe. As a result, the cumulative net attributable 
profit of 2018 stood at €93 million (down 25.2% year-on-year). 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
46 

Corporate Center 

The  Corporate  Center  basically  includes  the  costs  of  the  head  offices  that  have  a  corporate  function;  management  of 
structural  exchange-rate  positions;  certain  issuances  of  equity  instruments  to  ensure  adequate  management  of  the 
Group's  global  solvency;  portfolios  and  their  corresponding  earnings,  whose  management  is  not  linked  to  customer 
relationships, such as industrial holdings; certain tax assets and liabilities; funds due to commitments with employees; 
goodwill  and  other  intangibles.  As  of  the  end  of  2018,  the  area  includes  the  20%  participation  that  BBVA  maintains  in 
Divarian. 

Financial statements (Millions of euros and percentage) 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

Income statement 

Net interest income 
Net fees and commissions  

Net trading income 

Other operating income and expenses 

Gross income 
Operating expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other administrative expenses 

Depreciation

Operating income 

Impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Provisions or reversal of provisions and other results 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 

Profit/(loss) after tax from ongoing operations 
Results from corporate operations (1)
Profit/(loss) for the year 
Non-controlling interests 

Net attributable profit 
Net attributable profit excluding results from corporate 
operations 

(1) Includes net capital gains  from the sale of BBVA Chile. 

Balance sheets 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

Financial assets designated at fair value  

of which loans and advances 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

    of which loans and advances to customers 

Inter-area positions 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total assets/liabilities and equity 

Financial liabilities held for trading and designated at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Deposits from central banks and credit institutions 

Deposits from customers 

Debt certificates 

Inter-area positions 

Other liabilities 

Economic capital allocated 

Shareholders' funds 

2018 
(276)
(59) 

(155) 

57 

(432)
(920) 

(507) 

(199) 

(214) 

(1,352) 

(2)

(65) 

(1,420) 
290

(1,130) 
633

(497)
3 

(494) 

(1,127) 

IFRS 9 

31-12-18

119 

3,304 

- 

- 

- 

(7,314) 

1,567 

24,406 

22,084 

- 

- 

- 

8,874 

(15,195)

153 

(21,674) 

49,927 

∆ % 
(22.8)
(32.1) 

n.s. 

(29.2) 

n.s.
3.6 

2.4 

106.3 

(27.8)

65.9 

(99.8)

(10.8) 

(29.5)
75.0

(38.8)

-

(73.1)
n.s.

(73.3) 

(39.0) 

∆ %

n.s.

31.5 

- 

- 

- 

n.s. 

(17.2) 

38.8 

7.7 

- 

- 

- 

1.2 

(7.3)

(65.5) 

(13.1) 

(5.1) 

2017 
(357)
(86) 

436 

80 

73 
(888) 

(496) 

(96) 

(297)

(815) 

(1,125)

(73) 

(2,013) 
166

(1,847)

- 

(1,847) 
(1) 

(1,848) 

(1,848) 

IAS 39 

31-12-17

5 

2,514 

-

- 

- 

(1,501) 

1,893 

17,585 

20,497 

-

- 

- 

8,772 

(16,384)

443 

(24,941) 

52,606 

47 

The Corporate Center registered a net attributable loss of €494m during 2018, which positively compares with a loss of 
€1,848m in 2017. By entries, the most relevant are the following: 







Negative contribution from NTI, compared to the capital gains recorded, in the amount of €436m before taxes
as of the end of 2017, from the market sales of the stakes in CNCB (€204m in the first quarter, for the sale of
1.7%, and €24m in the third quarter for the sale of the remaining 0.34%).
Lower impairment on financial assets, as in 2017 this line registered the recognition of impairment losses of
€1,123m from BBVA’s stake in Telefónica, S.A.
The results from corporate operations includes the capital gains (net of taxes) originated by the sale of BBVA
Chile,  which  amounts  to  €633m.  Excluding  this  effect,  the  attributable  profit  without  corporate  operations,
amounted to -€1,127m, representing a loss 39.0% lower than the amount registered twelve months earlier.

48 

Other Non-financial Information Report 

Law 11/2018 of December 28 came into effect at the end of 2018, modifying the Commercial Code, the revised text of 
the  Capital  Companies  Law  approved  by  Royal  Legislative  Decree  1/2010  of  July  2,  and  Law  22/2015  of  July  20  on 
Accounts  Auditing,  regarding  non-financial  information  and  diversity  (hereinafter,  Law  11/2018);  the  latter  replaces 
Royal  Decree  Law  18/2017  of  November  24,  by  which  Directive  2014/95/EU  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of 
the  Council  was  transposed  into  Spanish  law,  as  regards  disclosure  of  non-financial  information  and  diversity 
information. 

Pursuant  to  Law  11/2018,  certain  companies,  such  as  BBVA,  are  required  to  prepare  a  non-financial  information 
report.  This  must  be  included  either  in  the  management  report  or  in  a  separate  report  for  the  same  year  that 
includes  the  same  content  and  meets  the  all  specified  requirements,  including,  but  not  limited  to:  the  information 
needed  to  understand  the  performance,  results,  and  position  of  the  Group,  and  the  impact  of  its  activity  on 
environmental,social,  respect  for  human  rights,  and  the  fight  against  corruption  and  bribery  matters,  as  well  as 
include  any  measures  taken  to  promote  the  principle  of  equal  treatment  and 
employee  matters,  and  should 
opportunities  for  women  and  men,  non-discrimination  and  inclusion  of  people  with  disabilities  and  universal 
accessibility. 

In this context, BBVA prepares the consolidated non-financial information report in the Group's Management Report, 
which is attached to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the 2018 fiscal year. 

Calculation of the non-financial key performance indicators included (KPI) in this consolidated non-financial statement is 
performed using the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) guide, an international reporting framework, and is covered in the 
new article 49.6.e) of the Commercial Code introduced by Law 11/2018. 

In  addition,  for  the  preparation  of  the  non-financial  information  contained  in  this  Management  Report,  the  Group  has 
considered  the  Communication  from  the  Commission  of  July  5,  2017  on  Guidelines  on  non-financial  reporting 
(methodology for reporting non-financial information, 2017/C 215/01). 

The  information  included  in  the  consolidated  non-financial  information  report  is  verified  by  KPMG  Asesores  S.L.,  in  its 
capacity as independent provider of verification services, in accordance with the new wording given by Law 11/2018 to 
article 49 of the Commercial Code. 

49 

The Group’s organizational chart 

At  the  end  of  2018,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  BBVA  approved  a  new  organizational  structure,  aimed  at  fostering  the 
Group’s transformation and businesses, while further specifying responsibilities for executive functions. 

The main aspects of the new organizational structure are as follows: 



The Group Executive Chairman is responsible for the management and well-functioning of the Board of Directors,
the  supervision  of  the  management  of  the  Group,  the  institutional  representation,  and  leading  and  boosting  the
Group’s strategy and its transformation process. 

The  areas  reporting  directly  to  the  executive  chairman  are  those  related  to  the  transformation’s  key  levers:
Engineering & Organization, Talent & Culture and Data; those related to the Group’s strategy: Global Economics &
Public Affairs, Strategy & M&A, Communications and the new figure Senior Advisor to the Chairman; and the Legal-
related and Board-related areas: Legal and General Secretary. 



The  Chief  Executive  Officer  (CEO)  is  in  charge  of  the  daily  management  of  the  Group’s  businesses,  reporting
directly to BBVA’s Board of Directors. 

The  areas  reporting  to  the  CEO  are  the  Business  Units  in  the  different  countries  and  Corporate  &  Investment
Banking,  as  well  as  the  following  global  functions:  Client  Solutions,  Finance  &  Accounting,  that  integrates  the
functions of accounting and tax, and Global Risk Management. 

Additionally,  certain  control  areas  strengthen  their  independence,  establishing  a  direct  reporting  of  their  heads  to  the 
Board  of  Directors  through  the  corresponding  committees.  These  control  areas  are  Internal  Audit  and  the  new 
Supervisors,  Regulation  &  Compliance,  area  that  is  in  charge  of  the  relationship  with  regulators  and  supervisors,  the 
monitoring  and  analysis  of  regulatory  trends  and  the  development  of  the  Group’s  regulatory  agenda,  and  the 
management of compliance-related risks. 

50 

Environment 

Macroeconomic environment 

Global  economic  growth  maintained  robust  throughout  2018  (approximately  3.6%),  although  it  slowed  more  than 
expected  in  the  second  half  of  the  year  and  the  latest  data  on  activity  and  confidence  have  generally  given  negative 
surprises.  In  particular,  indicators  linked  to  the  industrial  sector  and  international  trade  showed  a  clear  deterioration, 
while those most closely linked to consumption and investment have resisted better. Poorer economic figures in Europe 
and China were accompanied by downwards trends in Asian countries and a certain cyclical deterioration in the United 
States that was new. The fear of a rapid global slowdown and the rise of protectionist risks also led to a sharp increase in 
the  prices  of  refuge  assets  and  capital  outflows.  Given  this  context  of  greater  global  uncertainty,  and  with  inflation 
moderating  as  a  result  of  lower  oil  prices,  the  main  central  banks,  particularly  the  Federal  Reserve  (Fed),  reacted  with 
caution in their plans for normalization of monetary policy, which has been a key factor in the containment and partial 
reversal of tensions since the beginning of the year. 

Global GDP growth and inflation in 2018. (Real percentage growth) 

World 

Eurozone 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

South America (1) 

Turkey 

China 

GDP

Inflation

3.6

1.8

2.5

2.9

2.2

1.3

3.0

6.6

3.9

1.7

1.7

2.4

4.9

8.4

16.3

1.9

Source: BBVA Research estimates. 

(1) It includes Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. 

Digitalization and changing consumer behavior 

Digital activity is outpacing growth in overall economic activity. Society is changing in line with the exponential growth in 
technology (internet, mobile devices, social networks, cloud, etc.). As a result, digitalization is therefore revolutionizing 
financial services worldwide. Consumers are altering their purchasing habits through use of digital  technologies, which 
increase  their  ability  to  access  financial  products  and  services  at  any  time  and  from  anywhere.  Greater  availability  of 
information  is  creating  more  demanding  customers,  who  expect  swift,  easy  and  immediate  responses  to  their  needs. 
And digitalization is what enables the financial industry to meet these new customer demands. 

Technology is the lever for change which allows the value proposition to be redefined to focus on customers' real needs. 
The use of mobile devices as the preferred and often only tool for customers' interactions with their financial institutions 
has  changed  the  nature  of  this  relationship  and  the  way  in  which  financial  decisions  are  made.  It  is  crucial  to  offer 
customers  a  simple,  consistent  and  user-friendly  experience,  without  jeopardizing  security  and  making  the  most  of 
technological resources. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are two of the technologies that are currently driving the transformation of the 
financial  industry.  Their  adoption  by  various  entities  translates  into  new  services  for  clients  that  more  accessible  and 
agile,  and  a  transformation  in  internal  processes.  AI  allows,  among  other  things,  offering  personalized  products  and 
recommendations to customers and make decisions more intelligently. These technologies are not only in the hands of 
traditional companies but Fintech also makes use of them. 

Data are the cornerstone of the digital economy. Financial institutions must make the most of the opportunities offered 
by technology and innovation, analyzing customer behavior, needs and expectations in order to offer them personalized 
and value-added services, and help them in making decisions. The development of algorithms based on big data can lead 
to  the  development  of  new  advisory  tools  for  managing  personal  finances  and  access  to  products  which  until  recently 
were only available to high-value segments. 

The digital transformation of the financial industry is boosting efficiency through automation of internal processes, with 
the  use  of  new  technologies  to  remain  relevant  in  the  new  environment,  such  as  blockchain  and  the  cloud;  data 
exploitation; and new business models (platforms). Participation in digital ecosystems through alliances and investments 
provides a way to learn and take advantage of the opportunities emerging in the digital world. 

51 

The financial services market is also evolving with the arrival of new players: companies offering financial services to a 
specific segment or focused on a part of the value chain (payment, finance, etc.). These companies are digital natives, 
rely on data use and offer a good customer experience, sometimes exploiting a laxer regulatory framework than that for 
the banking sector. 

Regulatory Environment 

1. Banking package for the reduction and distribution of risks to finalize the banking union

The most important focus in the European regulatory agenda in 2018 was the negotiation  of the banking package that 
includes the measures proposed by the Commission intended to reduce and share risks in the banking industry. In recent 
years, the construction of the banking union project has made significant progress but there are still elements pending 
development, which regulators have been adjusting at the technical level throughout the year. 

a) Prudential measures

The  prudential  measures  proposed  are  intended  to  implement  internationally  agreed  reforms  between  the  years  of 
2014  and  2016  (which  do  not  correspond  to  the  standards  known  as  Basel  IV).  Additional  requirements  include  the 
requirement of a net stable financing ratio, or a leverage ratio, and the review of the capital requirements of the financial 
liabilities held for trading (fundamental review of the trading book - FRTB). At the same time, 2018 was the first year in 
which the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) communicated the Minimum Required Eligible Liabilities (MREL) for each 
European bank on the basis of the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive 1 (BRRD 1). 

b) Non-Performing Loans

In the advances made in the package of measures for the adequate recognition and valuation of non-performing loans, 
two provision backstops stand out: the addendum to the Guide on NPLs (Non-Performing Loans) of the ECB, within the 
supervisory dialog ensconced in Pillar II, already in force, and the proposal of the European Commission, for mandatory 
compliance  contained  within  Pillar  I,  still  under  discussion.  Minimum  coverage  levels  are  established  for  these  loans 
based  on  the  time  they  have  been  classified  as  non-performing  and  based  on  whether  or  not  they  have  applicable 
guarantees in effect. Any lack of provisions must be deducted from the CET1 capital. 

c) Guarantee systems

On  the  one  hand,  an  agreement  was  reached  to  begin  political  negotiations  involving  the  European  deposit  insurance 
scheme (EDIS). On the other hand, it was agreed at the June Euro Summit that the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) 
will evolve into the backstop for the Single Resolution Fund (SRF), with a maximum provision of €60.0 billion. 

d) Sovereign risk

At the global level, the work performed by the Basel Committee establishes not to modify  the regulatory treatment  of 
sovereign exposures in the short term.  

At the European level, the discussion focused on the development of a new low-risk asset backed by a set of Eurozone 
sovereign  bonds  (sovereign  bond-backed  securities  -  SBBS).  According  to  the  European  Commission,  these  assets 
could  potentially  contribute  to  the  diversification  of  the  sovereign  portfolios  of  credit  institutions,  as  well  as  to  reduce 
financial fragmentation. 

These  measures  were  encouraged  in  order  to  get  all  Banking  Union  elements  operational  in  2019,  and  thus  to  create 
greater  integration  and  diversification  in  the  European  financial  sector  and  to  build  a  stronger  and  more  resilient 
economic and monetary union. 

2. Culmination of the Capital Markets Union (CMU)

In  2018,  the  European  Commission  advanced  a  number  of  its  pending  action  plans  to  complete  the  Capital  Markets 
Union (CMU) in mid-2019. These include: i) review of the Directive and Regulation of mortgage-covered bonds and the 
Regulation of simple, transparent and standardized securitization (STS) to boost both markets with the goal of lowering 
the  cost  of  financing  for  the  real  economy  and  SMEs;  ii)  measures  to  facilitate  the  cross-border  distribution  of  mutual 
funds  and  securities  and  boost  the  growth  of  SME  markets;  iii)  a  pan-European  venture  capital  fund  program 
(VentureEU) intended to stimulate investment in emerging and expanding innovative companies throughout Europe; and 
iv) a sustainable finance action plan, consolidating the regulatory importance of integrating this type of finance into the
EU  financial  system,  as  well  as  the  inclusion  of  environmental,  social  and  governance  issues  (ESG)  in  long-term
investment decision-making.. 

3. Reference indices: EONIA and Euribor

52 

The revision of interbank offering rates (IBORs) continues in order to adapt them to international principles and European 
regulations  on  indexes  in  terms  of  methodology,  transparency,  governance  and  others.  In  2018,  the  ECB  formed  a 
working  group  with  representatives  of  the  financial  industry  (ERFR)  with  the  goal  of  identifying  and  recommending 
alternative risk-free indices to those existing in the eurozone today. 





The  ERFR  recommended  the  Euro  Short-Term  Rate  (ESTER)  prepared  by  the  ECB  as  the  alternative  index  to
EONIA. The transition from EONIA to ESTER will be carried out in 2019 according to the ERFR work plan. 
The hybrid methodology that combines real operations and expert judgment advances in accordance with the
deadlines established and could be implemented in 2019. The Euribor supervisor, FSMA (Financial Services and
Markets  Authority),  confirmed  that  the  results  of  the  parallel  exercise,  between  the  current  methodology  and
the new hybrid methodology, carried out by its administrator, EMMI (European Money Markets Institute), would
allow to approve the new methodology during the second quarter of 2019. 

4. Global discussions focused on the implementation of capital and resolution measures

Upon completion of the Basel III framework in December 2017, which is set to come into force in January 2022 (although 
some  of  its  elements  will  not  be  fully  operational  until  2027),  the  European  Commission  began  its  preparation  work  in 
2018 by publishing a Call for Advice (CfA) to the EBA on the implementation of Basel III in European legislation. For this 
reason, the EBA launched an ad-hoc quantitative impact study (QIS) in August. This exercise was based on the Basel QIS 
exercise, in which BBVA also participated.  

With  regard  to  financial  institutions'  recovery  and  resolution  framework,  there  are  open  discussions  that  revolve 
around the implementation of the bail-in tool and the need for liquidity in resolution. For this reason, the Financial Stability 
Board  (FSB)  published  its  final  guidelines  on  resolution  funding,  as  well  as  a  review  on  the  implementation  of  the  total 
loss-absorbing capacity guidelines (TLAC), in addition to bank resolution plans. 

5. Regulation in the field of the digital transformation of the financial sector

In 2018, the digital transformation of the financial sector was specified as a priority for the authorities. In Europe, the 
Commission  and  the  European  Banking  Authority  published  action  plans,  and  in  Mexico,  a  Law  to  Regulate  Financial 
Technology Institutions was enacted. At the global level, the regulatory debate that began in 2017 intensified, and calls for 
greater international cooperation in the definition of the new regulatory framework for digital financial services increased.  

The authorities have agreed on their identification of priorities. They have highlighted: i) the identification of measures to 
favor the controlled development of new business models, and barriers to the adoption of innovative technologies in the 
financial sector; and ii) the implementation of schemes to facilitate innovation (regulatory sandboxes -scheme to enable 
firms  to  test,  pursuant  to  a  specific  testing  plan  agreed  and  monitored  by  a  dedicated  function  of  the  competent 
authority, innovative financial products, financial services or business models- and innovation hubs -point of contact for 
firms to raise enquiries with competent authorities on FinTech-related issues and to seek non-binding guidance on the 
conformity  of  innovative  financial  products,  financial  services  or  business  models  with  licensing  or  registration 
requirements  and  regulatory  and  supervisory  expectations-).  A  legislative  proposal  was  presented  in  Spain  in  2018  to 
create a regulatory sandbox, which will be operational in 2019. 

Cybersecurity also remained among the top priorities of the financial sector and authorities. Increases in the frequency 
and sophistication of cyberattacks explain why work continued to improve harmonization and international cooperation 
throughout 2018. Cybersecurity took center stage in the agenda of the European Commission and the European Central 
Bank in 2018.   

The  new  Payment  Services  Directive  (PSD2)  came  into  force  in  January  2018,  and  work  continued  on  the  process 
defining  the  technical  details  throughout  the  course  of  the  year.  This  Directive  seeks  to  encourage  competition  and 
strengthen the security of payments in Europe. To this end, it regulates access to customer payment accounts by third 
parties that may offer information-aggregation services and initiate payments. 

Digitization makes it possible to store, process and exchange large volumes of data. This trend facilitates the adoption of 
technologies,  such  as  big  data  or  artificial  intelligence,  but  also  raises  concerns  about  how  to  ensure  the  privacy  and 
integrity of customer data. In Europe, this has materialized in the form of two regulations: the General Regulation of Data 
Protection (GDPR), which came into force in May 2018, and the e-Privacy Regulation, which is still under debate. 

The  recognition  of  data  as  a  strategic  asset  in  the  digital  economy  increased  in  2018,  making  it  necessary  to  create 
attractive value propositions and strengthen customer confidence. In 2018, the approval of the new European regulation 
of free flow of non-personal data joined the open-banking regulations, such as the aforementioned PSD2 and GDPR, or 
the standards included under the Fintech law in Mexico, which regulate accessibility and the right to portability of data, 
was added in 2018.  

In  addition,  the  public  debate  on  the  role  of  large  technology  companies  in  the  digital  economy  and  financial  sector 
intensified throughout the course of the year. In Europe, the Commission presented a proposal for regulations to delimit 

53 

certain obligations in its role as a platform for the intermediation of online services, in the interest of transparency and 
equity. It is expected that this trend will continue throughout 2019. 

Economic outlook 

The global environment has deteriorated during the second half of 2018, with a more evident effect of the increase in 
protectionism in global trade and the industrial sector together with the signs of a slowdown in China, the Eurozone and 
the  United  States.  Faced  with  this  scenario  of  further  global  uncertainty,  the  main  central  banks  have  shown  signs  of 
caution in their normalization plans, and have been key to containing the sharp rise in financial tensions. The update of 
the BBVA Research scenario takes into account this new environment, and is based on the assumption that high financial 
volatility  may  continue  during  the  first  half  of  the  year  2019,  should  some  the  uncertainties  weighing  on  the  global 
panorama  not  dissipate  (an  agreement  between  the  United  States  and  China  to  curb  trade  disputes  and  avoid  a  new 
tariff  hike,  a  solution  that  avoids  a  no-deal  Brexit,  and  confirmation  of  a  more  deliberate  tone  in  the  Fed's  monetary 
policy).  In  consideration  of  this,  BBVA  Research's  forecast  is  for  a  smooth  deceleration  of  the  global  economy,  from 
3.6% in 2018 to 3.5% in 2019 and 3.4% in 2020. 

 In terms of countries, the moderation of growth will be more evident in developed economies. In the United States, the 
moderation  observed  in  the  second  half  of  last  year,  linked  to  the  poorer  performance  of  domestic  demand  and  the 
recent  appreciation  of  the  dollar,  is  likely  to  continue.  The  aforementioned,  linked  to  the  gradual  disappearance  of  the 
effects of the fiscal stimuli introduced last year and without private investment taking over as an economic engine, this 
will  lead  to  a  projected  slowdown  in  growth  from  2.9%  in  2018  to  2.5%  in  2019  and  2%  in  2020.  The  recovery  in  the 
Eurozone has  already suffered from lower global demand and more moderate growth is expected, around 1.4% in the 
2019-20 period, after the 1.8% estimated in 2018. This growth is based on the strength of domestic fundamentals and 
the support of an accommodative monetary and fiscal policy. This dynamic will also have an impact on Spain's growth, 
although it will still remain above the Eurozone average, with a gradual slowdown from 2.5% in 2018 to 2% in 2020. 

Growth in the emerging economies will remain relatively stable, although it will hide a different pattern among countries. 
In  general,  a  slowdown  is  expected  in  the  Asian  economies  being  negatively  affected  by  lower  growth  in  China,  from 
6.6% in 2018 to 6.0% in 2019 and 5.8% in 2020, while the recovery will gain traction in Latin American countries (1.6% 
in  2018,  2.1%  in  2019  and  2.4%  in  2020).  Growth  is  set  to  remain  relatively  stable  in  Mexico  and  Peru  in  the  2018-20 
period, while a gradual recovery is expected in Colombia and Brazil. In Argentina, the activity could contract again by 
around 1.0% in 2019 after the sharp decrease of 2.4% in 2018, due to the contractionary policies applied; however, these 
will be smoothed over time, which will allow growth of approximately 2.5% in 2020. In Turkey, the adjustment process of 
the  economy  continues  after  the  tightening  of  monetary  and  fiscal  policies  to  correct  the  imbalances  generated  in 
previous  years,  so  that  the  slowdown  in  growth  will  persist  in  2019  (1.0%)  before  starting  to  gain  some  degree  of 
momentum in 2020 (2.5%). 

The scenario continues to be that of a mild slowdown of the global economy, but remains increasingly uncertain due to 
risks  as  protectionism;  the  adjustment  of  activity,  both  in  the  United  States  as  well  as  China;  and  the  increasing 
uncertainty in Europe, mainly linked to the Brexit and other political factors. 

54 

Strategy and business model  

BBVA  made  significant  progress  in  its  transformation  process  during  2018,  based  on  its  Purpose,  the  six  Strategic 
Priorities, and its Values, all of which are fundamental pillars of the Organization's overall strategy. 

Vision and aspiration 

BBVA  is  a  transformation  process  that  is  necessary  for  adapting  to  the  new  environment  in  the  financial  industry, 
characterized  by  trends  that  confirm  the  Group's  strategic  vision,  that  is,  a  reconfiguration  of  the  entire  financial 
services industry is taking place. These trends are the following: 













A complex macroeconomic environment, characterized by strong regulatory pressure, low interest rates, high
currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. 

A highly regulated banking industry, that is, traditional banking subject to a large number of legal regulations,
both globally and locally. 

A shift in the needs and expectations of customers who demand higher value-added services that enable them
to achieve their objectives, with a simple, transparent and immediate relationship model similar to the one they
already enjoy with a number of other highly digitized industries. 

Certain data that is evolving into a strategic asset. Given the large amount of data stored within organizations,
the  ability  to  interpret  and  make  value  proposals  to  customers  is  considered  to  be  critical,  provided  there  is
customer consent under all circumstances.

Certain  technological  giants,  with  business  models  based  on  data  that  create  ecosystems  where  the  lines
between different types of businesses are getting blurred. 

Greater  competition  as  a  result  of  the  arrival  of  new  players  who  focus  on  the  most  profitable  aspects  of  the
value chain. 

In  this  context,  the  main  objective  of  the  Group's  transformation  strategy  its  aspiration  is  to  strengthen  the 
relationship with its customers. 

55 

Progress in BBVA´s transformation journey 

BBVA advanced in fulfillment of its Purpose in 2018: To bring the age of opportunity to everyone, which is reflected in the 
tagline: Creating Opportunities. We want to help our customers make better financial decisions and attain their life goals; 
we want to be more than a bank, we want to be an engine of opportunities and have a positive impact on peoples’ lives 
and companies’ businesses.  

In this respect, important steps were taken in the development of the six Strategic Priorities of the Group throughout 
the year in order to continue its advances in the transformation process. These advances were reflected in the results of 
key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Strategic priorities 

1. A new standard in customer experience

BBVA Group's main focus is based on providing a new standard in customer experience that stands out for its simplicity, 
transparency and swiftness, further empowering its customers while offering them personalized advice. 

BBVA's business model is customer-oriented, with the goal of being a leader in customer satisfaction  across its global 
footprint. In order to learn more about the degree of customer recommendation, and, in turn, their degree of satisfaction, 
the  Group  uses  the  Net  Promoter  Score  (NPS)  methodology,  which  recognizes  BBVA  as  one  of  the  most 
recommendable banking entities in every country where it operates. 

Likewise,  progress  in  customer  satisfaction  is  reflected  in  the  positive  performance  of  strategic  indicators  such  as  the 
target  customers  (segment  of  customers  which  the  Group  wishes  to  grow  and  retain),  as  well  as  its  corresponding  
client  attrition  rate.  The  digital  customers  base  are  more  satisfied  and  this  translate  into  digital  clients  attrition  rate 
reduction (-47% vs non digital clients). In short, BBVA is making progress in its strategy, and succeeding in attracting a 
greater number of customers, who are also more satisfied and more loyal. 

2. Digital sales

BBVA's relationship model is evolving to adapt to the growing multi-channel customer profile, which is why it is essential 
to foster digitalization. For this purpose, it is developing an important digital offering including products and services that 
let customers use the most convenient channel for them.  

The number of digital and mobile customers of the Group grew considerably in 2018, reaching the tipping point of 50% 
in  digital  customers  at  the  Group  level  and  in  six  countries  where  BBVA  operates:  Spain,  The  United  States,  Turkey, 
Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. 

Digital and mobile customers (BBVA Group. Millions) 

56 

Furthermore, a significant boost to digital channel sales is being made, which is having a very positive evolution across 
the  global  footprint.  In  2018,  41%  of  sales  were  made  through  the  Group's  digital  channels  compared  to  28%  in  the 
previous year. 

3. New business models

Throughout 2018, BBVA continued to consolidate itself as one of the leading banks in terms of digital transformation and 
activity in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Group is actively participating in the disruption of the financial industry in 
order  to  incorporate  key  findings  into  the  Bank's  value  proposition,  both  through  the  search  for  new  digital  business 
models  as  well  as  the  leveraging  of  the  FinTech  ecosystem.  This  activity  is  being  implemented  in  five  key  levers:  i) 
exploring  (Open  Talent  y  Open  Summit);  ii)  constructing  (Upturn  and  Azlo);  iii)  partnering  (Alipay);  iv)  acquiring  and 
investing (Solaris and the increase of participation in Atom); and v) venture capital (Sinovation and Propel). 

4. Optimize capital allocation

The objective of this priority is to improve the profitability and sustainability of the business while simplifying and focusing 
it on the most relevant activities. Throughout 2018, efforts continued to promote the correct allocation of capital and this 
is allowing the Group to continue improving in terms of solvency. Thus, the fully-loaded CET1 capital ratio stood at 11,3% 
at the end of the year, up 26 basis points on the close of 2017. 

CET1 fully-loaded (Percentage) 

5. Unrivaled efficiency

In  an  environment  of  lower  profitability  for  the  financial  industry,  efficiency  has  become  an  essential  priority  in  BBVA's 
transformation plan. This priority is based on building a new organizational model that is as agile, simple and automated 
as possible. In 2018, the Group's efficiency ratio stood at 49,3%, which is lower than the previous year (49,5%). 

Efficiency ratio (Percentage) 

6. A first class workforce 

BBVA Group’s most important asset is its people; therefore, a first class workforce is one of the six Strategic Priorities, 
which entails attracting, selecting, training, developing and retaining top-class talent. 

BBVA Group has developed new people management models and new ways of working which have enabled the Bank to 
keep transforming its operational model, but have also promoted cultural transformation and have favored the ability to 
become  a  purpose-driven  company,  or,  in  other  words,  a  company  where  staff  guide  their  actions  according  to  the 
Values, and are genuinely inspired and motivated by the same Purpose. 

57 

 
 
  
 
 
 
58 

Our values 

BBVA is engaged in an open process to identify the Group's Values, which took on board the opinion of employees from 
across  the  global  footprint  and  units  of  the  Group.  These  Values  define  our  identity  and  are  the  pillars  for  making  our 
Purpose a reality: 

1. Customer comes first

BBVA has always been customer-focused, but the customer now comes first before everything else. The Bank aspires to 
take  a  holistic  customer  vision,  not  just  financial.  This  means  working  in  a  way  which  is  empathetic,  agile  and  with 
integrity, among other things. 

 We are empathetic: we take the customer's viewpoint into account from the outset, putting ourselves in their

shoes to better understand their needs. 

 We  have  integrity:  everything  we  do  is  legal,  publishable  and  morally  acceptable  to  society.  We  always  put

customer interests' first. 

 We meet their needs: We are swift, agile and responsive in resolving the problems and needs of our customers,

overcoming any difficulties we encounter. 

2. We think big

It is not about innovating for its own sake but instead to have a significant impact on the lives of people, enhancing their 
opportunities. BBVA Group is ambitious, constantly seeking to improve, not settling for doing things reasonably well, but 
instead seeking excellence as standard. 

 We  are  ambitious:  we  set  ourselves  ambitious  and  aspirational  challenges  to  have  a  real  impact  on  people's

lives. 

 We break the mold: we question everything we do to discover new ways of doing things, innovating and testing

new ideas which enables us to learn. 

 We amaze our customers: we seek excellence in everything we do in order to amaze our customers, creating

unique experiences and solutions which exceed their expectations. 

3. We are one team

People are what matters most to the Group. All employees are owners and share responsibility in this endeavor. We tear 
down silos and trust in others as we do ourselves. We are BBVA. 







I am committed: I am committed to my role and my objectives and I feel empowered and fully responsible for
delivering them, working with passion and enthusiasm. 

I  trust  others:  I  trust  others  from  the  outset  and  work  generously,  collaborating  and  breaking  down  silos
between areas and hierarchical barriers. 

I  am  BBVA:  I  feel  ownership  of  BBVA.  The  Bank's  objectives  are  my  own  and  I  do  everything  in  my  power  to
achieve them and make our Purpose a reality. 

The Values are reflected in the daily life of all BBVA Group employees, influencing every decision.  

59 

The implementation and adoption of these Values is supported by the entire Organization, including senior management, 
launching  local  and  global  initiatives  which  ensure  these  Values  are  adopted  uniformly  throughout  the  Group.  Thus,  in 
2018 the core values were present in the various people management levers (recruitment, training, development, etc.), 
as well as in agile and budget management processes. Within the people management levers, a new people assessment 
model  was  launched,  in  which  the  cultural  skills  of  97%  of  employees  were  evaluated.  In  the  global  report  it  has  been 
verified that the best rated value (4.66 out of 5) and, therefore, the most focused-on principle for the Entity is the concept 
of Customer comes first. 

In addition, in July 2018, BBVA held its first global Values Day, an event that took place across its global footprint, with 
the objective that employees reflect on the implications of values and propose actions for their effective implementation. 
The  main  activity  at  this  global  event  was  workshops  organized  to  identify  improvement  projects  and  determine 
opportunities has for implementing its values in the Group. In these workshops: 

 more than 23,000 employees (nearly 20% of the total) from different countries and areas participated; 



they  took  place  both  at  corporate  headquarters  around  the  world,  as  well  as  through  activities  in  the  branch
network;

 Mexico was the country with the highest participation in the workshops, with a total of 11,475 participants (31%); 





Customer comes first value was the most cited value at a global level, 47% of the participants focused on this
value, and one in four employees focused on We meet their needs behavior; 

the online and individual version of the workshop that was made available to all employees through an ad-hoc
web app for this event had participation levels of 63%. 

In  short,  Values  Day  helped  to  create  listening  mechanisms  and  transform  employees'  feedback  into  data  through 
machine-learning algorithms; thus becoming an event specific to a data-driven organization. 

In addition, in 2018 BBVA shared Our Values with other stakeholders: with customers through the actions carried out in 
branches  during  the  Values  Day;  with  shareholders  in  the  framework  of  the  General  Shareholders'  Meeting;  and  with 
society  in  general,  with  the  publication  of  articles  specialized  in  media  of  different  countries.  More  than  500  local 
initiatives have also been launched to consolidate the relationship with customers, promote the transforming vocation 
of teams and collaborative work schemes and encourage the feeling of belonging to BBVA. 

60 

Materiality 

BBVA performs a materiality analysis in order to become aware of and prioritize the most relevant issues, both for its key 
stakeholders  and  for  its  overall  strategy.  In  other  words,  it  is  an  analysis  that  contributes  to  the  development  of  the 
business strategy in line with what is expected of the Group, as well as a way to determine what information should be 
reported. 

In  2018,  in  addition  to  the  data-based  analysis  already  in  use  in  recent  years,  there  has  been  participation  from  the 
Strategy & M&A area, and the collaboration of different stakeholder teams (Client Solutions, Talent & Culture, Investor 
Relations,  Supervisory  Relations,  Legal  Services,  and  Responsible  Business).  This  has  improved  the  process  of 
identifying relevant issues and led to a deeper debate on the relationship between the priorities of the stakeholders and 
business strategies. 

The materiality analysis phases were as follows: 

1. 

Identification  of  relevant  issues  for  each  of  the  stakeholders  based  on  interviews  with  the  teams  they  interact 
with. These, in turn, relied on information that was obtained from the usual listening and dialog tools.  

2.  Agregation  into  a  single  list,  based  on  all  issues  identified  for  each  of  the  stakeholders.  BBVA  made  a  list  of 

twelve issues. 

3.  Prioritization of issues according to their importance to the stakeholders. BBVA carried out a series of surveys 
and  interviews  with  various  stakeholders,  as  well  as  an  analysis  of  social  media  and  networks.  In  order  to 
complete the prioritization, an analysis on trends and sectoral data was made, based on data from Datamaran, 
from which the issues most relevant to their peers were obtained. 

4.  Subjects were prioritized according to their impact on BBVA's strategy. The strategy team assessed how each 
issue  impacts  the  six  Strategic  Priorities.  The  most  relevant  issues  for  BBVA  are  those  that  help  it  achieve  its 
strategy to a greater extent 

The result of this analysis is contained in the Group's materiality matrix. 

 
 
61 

Therefore, the five most relevant issues for BBVA's business strategy and its stakeholders are (in order of joint 
importance):  











Easy, fast and DIY (do it yourself): stakeholders expect to operate in an agile and simple way with BBVA, at
any  time  and  from  anywhere,  leveraging  in  the  use  of  new  technologies.  These  new  technologies  will  allow
greater efficiency in the operation, generating value for the shareholders. 

Solvency  and  sustainable  results:  stakeholders  expect  BBVA  to  be  a  robust,  solvent  and  sustainable  bank,
thus contributing to the stability of the system. They demand a business model that responds to changes in the
context: disruptive technologies, new competitors, geopolitical issues, etc. 

Ethical behavior and consumer protection: stakeholders expect BBVA to behave in a comprehensive manner
and to protect clients or depositors by acting transparently, offering products that are appropriate to their risk
profile and managing the ethical challenges presented by certain new technologies with integrity. 

Adequate  and  timely  advice  to  customers:  stakeholders  expect  BBVA  to  provide  appropriate  solutions  to
clients'  personal  needs  and  circumstances.  It  is  also  expected  that  the  Bank  will  help  them  in  managing  their
finances, proactively and with proper handling. 

Cybersecurity and responsible use of data: stakeholders expect their data to be secure at BBVA and to used
only for agreed purposes, always complying with current law. This is critical to maintaining trust. 

Information  on  the  Group's  performance  in  these  relevant  matters  in  2018  is  reflected  in  the  different  chapters  of  this 
Management Report. 

62 

Responsible banking model 

At  BBVA  we  have  a  differential  banking  model  that  we  refer  to  as  responsible  banking,  based  on  seeking  out  a  return 
adjusted to principles, strict legal compliance, best practices and the creation of long-term value for all stakeholders. It is 
reflected  in  the  Bank's  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  or  Responsible  Banking  Policy.  The  Policy's  mission  is  to 
manage the responsibility for the Bank's impact on people and society, which is key to the delivery of BBVA's Purpose. 

All the Group’s business and support areas integrate this policy into their operational models. The Responsible Business 
Unit coordinates the implementation and basically operates as a second line for defining standards and offering support. 

The  responsible  banking  model  is  supervised  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  its  committees,  as  well  as  by  the  Bank's 
senior management. 

The four pillars of BBVA's responsible banking model are as follows: 









Balanced relations with its customers, based on transparency, clarity and responsibility.

Sustainable  finance  to  combat  climate  change,  respect  human  rights  and  achieve  the  UN  Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).

Responsible practices with employees, suppliers and other stakeholders.

Community investment to promote social change and create opportunities for all. 

In 2018, BBVA approved its climate change and sustainable development strategy to contribute to the achievement of 
the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  (SDGs)  and  aligned  with  the  Paris  Agreement.  This  strategy  is  described  in  the 
Sustainable finance chapter. 

63 

Customer relationship 

Customer experience 

One of the Group's Strategic Priorities is a new standard in customer experience, that is, to ensure that the customer 
experience is distinguished by its simplicity, transparency, and swiftness, to further the customers empowerment and to 
offer  them  personalized  advice.  In  2018,  BBVA's  value  proposition  with  its  clients  evolved  with  focus  on  several  value 
streams: DIY – Do it yourself, Open Market, Physical & Human touchpoints, Advice and Smart Interactions, for both retail 
and company projects. In this sense, the solutions were more aligned with the needs of the customers, which had a direct 
effect on the customer experience. In parallel, BBVA also wants to be prepared to face possible disruptive trends that can 
change  the  current  paradigm,  which  is  why  we  also  work  on  projects  that  may  have  an  impact  over  a  time  horizon  of 
more than 5 years. 

Through new ways of doing things and organizing (working in agile and applying a new operating model) the development 
of  solutions  is  prioritized,  a  greater  alignment  and  coordination  at  the  Group  level  is  created  and  the  development  of 
global  solutions  is  motivated.  All  this  contributes  to  offer  better  solutions  in  less  time  for  customers  while  improving 
internal efficiency. In addition, BBVA works with an  open banking mentality, which means working  with third parties to 
offer  customers  the  best  solutions  available  in  the  market  and  also  to  be  able  to  offer  these  solutions  to  the  clients  of 
these third parties. 

Over the 2018, BBVA continued to build global products and capabilities. One example of this is GloMo (GLobal Mobile), 
a mobile banking platform developed globally by BBVA that is already available in Mexico and Uruguay, and is expected 
to be launched in Peru in 2019. This new BBVA application is the first one that has been built on a global development 
platform,  which  provides  efficiency  and  optimizes  resources,  allowing  for  the  reuse  of  components.  This  type  of 
development  allows  for  service  modularity,  making  it  possible  to  unify  the  customer  experience  in  all  countries  with  a 
unique design, but with a navigation logic adapted to the needs of the client in each country. 

Net Promoter Score 

In  2018,  BBVA  consolidated  the  quality  and  customer  experience  model  that  was  launched  in  the  previous  year,  year, 
placing  the  customer  at  the  center  of  decisions,  with  a  very  clear  and  ambitious  goal:  to  offer  a  differential  service, 
regardless  of  the  channel  of  communication  they  choose  and  to  allow  to  be  leaders  in  customer  satisfaction  in  all  the 
geographical areas in which it operates. 

The  internationally  recognized  Net  Promoter  Score  (NPS  or  Net  Recommendation  Index  –  (IReNe,  for  its  acronym  is 
Spanish)) methodology calculates the level of recommendation, and hence, the level of satisfaction of BBVA customers 
with its different products, channels and services. This  index is based  on a survey that measures  on a scale of 0  to 10 
whether a bank's customers are positive (score of 9 or 10), neutral (score of 7 or 8) or negative (score of 0 to 6) when 
asked  if  they  would  recommend  their  bank,  a  specific  product  or  a  channel  to  a  friend  or  family  member.  This  is  vital 
information  for  identifying  their  needs  and  drawing  up  improvement  plans,  on  multidisciplinary  teams  work  to  create 
unique and personal experiences. 

The Group's internalization and application of this methodology over the last eight years has led to a steady increase in 
the  customers'  level  of  trust,  as  they  recognize  BBVA  to  be  one  of  the  most  secure  and  recommendable  banking 
institutions in every country where it operates. 

In 2018, BBVA ranked first in the NPS indicator in six countries: Spain, Mexico, Turkey, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay and 
second in Colombia. 

TCR Communication 

The Transparent, Clear and Responsible (TCR) Communication project promotes transparent, clear and responsible 
relations between BBVA and its customers.  







T is for transparency: providing customers with all relevant information at the right time, maintaining a balance
between benefits and costs. 

C is for clarity, meaning easy to understand. It is achieved by the Group through language, structure and design. 

R is for responsibility, and means looking after the customers' interests in the short, medium and long term. 

The objectives are to help customers make informed decisions, improve customer relations with the Bank, look out for 
their interests and make BBVA the most transparent and clearest bank in all the markets where it operates. It also means 
BBVA can attract new customers and encourage existing customers to recommend it.  

64 

In 2018, the project had three lines of work: 







Implement  the TCR principles as they pertain to new digital  solutions, with the participation  of TCR experts in
the  global  design  of  the  BBVA  mobile  application,  whose  development,  adaptation  and  implementation  was
made for Mexico and Peru, and collaboration in the development of the new Public Web in Mexico, Colombia and
Peru. Work continues on a large number of global digital projects, both for mobile and for the web. 

Incorporate the TCR principles in the key content intended for customers, with the performance of maintenance
works of TCR materials (files deliverable to customers, contracts, sales scripts, and claim letter responses) and
the objective of continuing with all applicable updates, putting focus on improving the customer experience. 

Spread TCR principles throughout the Group, by means of training provided in workshops directed principally to
digital project teams in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. In addition, two new editions of the Clear
Language in BBVA program were launched, which earned a satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5; the online course
TCR Apply was created to help apply these principles on a day-to-day basis; and the TCR training was extended
to the legal departments in Spain, Argentina, Colombia. 

The  project  is  coordinated  by  a  global  team  working  together  with  a  network  of  local  TCR  owners  located  in  the  main 
countries in which the Group has a presence, and various Bank areas and individuals participate in its implementation. 

TCR Indicators 

BBVA  uses  an  indicator,  the  Net  TCR  Score  (NTCRS),  which  allows  us  to  measure  the  degree  to  which  customers 
perceive BBVA as a transparent and clear bank compared to its peers in the main localities.  

65 

Customer care 

Complaints and claims 

BBVA has an appropriate claims management and service model that positively transforms the customer experience. In 
this way, every interaction that the Group has with its customers is an opportunity to improve this model, thus ensuring 
that  the  business  is  customer-centric  and  transforming  these  interactions  into  positive  experiences.  This  is  important 
because one of the key moments determining customer experience is considered to be when a customer communicates 
dissatisfaction with a product or service, that is, when complaints and claims are received. 

Following the path of digital transformation, any type of opinion that the customer provides by any means (NPS, digital 
feedback, complaints, claims, etc.) is examined, with the objective of learning more about their opinions and of having the 
opportunity to help them resolve any problem by offering simple, clear, agile and personalized responses. 

Main indicators of claims (BBVA Group) 

Number of claims before the banking authority (for each 10,000 active customers) 

Average time for settling claims (normal days) 

Claims settled by First Contact Resolution (FCR) (% over total claims) 

2018

9.40 

7 

26 

2017

10.02 

7 

31 

The various Group claims units are constantly evolving, optimizing processes and improving the management and care 
model,  as  a  key  aspect  of  differentiation  in  an  increasingly  competitive  environment,  thus  reinforcing  the  objective  of 
offering a unique experience to customers and the fulfillment of BBVA's aspiration: to strengthen the relationship with its 
customers. 

These claims units focus their efforts on: 







reviewing and constantly monitoring claim metrics trends and the causes that generate these claims;

implementing action plans focused on solving the root causes that generate these claims; and 

improving  the  execution  of  processes  through  their  optimization  or  automation,  finding  a  suitable  balance  of
efficiency and improvement in the customer experience. 

All  of  the  registered  and  available  information  regarding  claims  in  the  Group  is  reviewed  periodically  through  a  global 
online site, with customized queries generated depending on the indicator or variable that is to be analyzed. The Group's 
senior management has a direct involvement in the follow-up of customer claims and complaints.  

In short, BBVA’s claim management is an opportunity to offer greater value to customers and strengthen their loyalty to 
the  Group,  to  achieve  its  aspiration  to  strengthen  the  relationship  with  its  customers.  In  this  respect,  BBVA  aims  to 
promote  greater  agility  and  simplicity  in  the  management  of  complaints  and  claims,  through  the  implementation  of 
optimal processes in this management, with the focus on the elimination of the main causes that generate the claims and 
with resolution of alternatives upon first contact. 

As a result of the improvements implemented in the claims management process in BBVA, these registered a significant 
decrease  in  2018  (-39.0%  with  respect  to  the  figure  of  the  previous  year),  basically  in  Spain  and  Mexico.  This  last 
country, with the biggest active customer base of the Group, is also the country with the biggest number of claims. 

Number of claims before the banking authority by country (Number for each 10,000 active customers) (1)  

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Argentina 

Chile 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Portugal 

Scope: BBVA Group 

2018

3.54

4.56

17.94

4.03

1.11

-

21.56

1.19

0.47

1.19

0.68

21.92

66 

2017

4.87

4.96

16.12

3.21

2.68

5.55

21.65

2.21

1.04

0.79

0.41

34.84

(1) The banking authority refers to the external body in which the customers can complain against BBVA. 

The average time for resolving claims in the Group is maintained in 7 days, improving in Spain (10 days compared to 25 
the previous year) and in Peru. 

Average time for setting claims by countries (Normal days) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Argentina 

Chile 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Portugal 

2018

10

2017

25

4

5

2

7

-

5

9

13

6

7

4

3

4

2

7

5

4

12

13

6

8

5

The  claims  settled  by  the  First  Contact  Resolution  (FCR)  model  account  for  26%  of  total  claims,  thanks  to  the 
management  and  handling  of  these  claims  aims  to  reduce  resolution  times  and  increase  the  service  quality,  thus 
improving the customer experience. 

Claims settled by First Contact Resolution (FCR. Percentage over total claims) 

Spain(1) 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey (2) 

Argentina 

Chile 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Portugal (3) 

n.a. = not applicable 

67 

2017

n.a.

63

38

44

27

6

73

4

1

28

12

n.a.

2018

n.a.

54

30

38

21

-

69

8

0

39

14

n.a.

(1) In Spain, is applicable a FCR type called IRR (Immediate resolution response) to credit card incidents, but not claims. 

(2) In Turkey, the weighting is calculated by the total number of customers. 

(3) This kind of management does not apply in Portugal. 

Customer Care Service and Customer Ombudsman 

In 2018, the activities of the Customer Care Service and Customer Ombudsman were carried out in accordance with the 
stipulations  of  article  17  of  the  Ministerial  Order  (OM)  ECO/734/2004,  dated  March  11,  of  the  Ministry  of  Economy, 
regarding customer care and consumer ombudsman departments at financial institutions, and in line with BBVA Group's 
Regulation  for  Customer  Protection  in  Spain,  approved  in  2015  by  the  Bank's  Board  of  Directors,  with  regard  to 
regulation of the activities and powers of the Customer Care Service and Customer Ombudsman. 

In accordance with the aforementioned regulation, the Customer Ombudsman has been made aware of and resolved, in 
the first instance, all complaints and claims submitted by the participants and beneficiaries of the pension plans, as well 
as  those  related  to  insurance  and  other  financial  products  that  BBVA  Group  Customer  Care  Service  considered 
appropriate to escalate, based on the amount or particular complexity, as established under article 4 of the Regulation 
for Customer Protection. 

Likewise, the Customer Ombudsman has been made aware of and resolved, in the second instance, all complaints and 
claims  that  customers  opted  to  submit  for  their  consideration  after  having  obtained  a  dismissal  resolution  from  the 
Customer Care Service. 

Activity report on the Customer Care Service in Spain 

The activity of the Customer Care Service takes place within the scope of the O.M ECO / 734 and in compliance with the 
competences and procedures established in the Regulation for the Defense of Customers in Spain of the BBVA Group. As 
stipulated  in  the  Regulations,  the  Customer  Care  Service  is  entrusted  with  the  task  of  dealing  with  and  resolving  the 
complaints  received  from  customers  in  relation  to  the  products  and  services  marketed  and  contracted  in  Spanish 
territory by the entities of the BBVA Group. 

The  Customer  Care  Service  in  compliance  with  the  European  guidelines  on  claims  established  by  the  competent 
authorities  ESMA  (European  Securities  Market  Authority)  and  EBA  (European  Banking  Authority),  works  to  detect  the 
recurrent, systemic or potential problems of the Entity. 

Like previous years, 2018 has been characterized by a complex environment. The main types of claims have been related 
to mortgage loans.  

The Customer Care Service (SAC) continued the training plan that was launched in 2017 for the whole team. This plan 
has  addressed,  among  other  issues,  regulations  on  transparency  and  protection  of  customers,  as  well  as  obligations 
arising  from  contracts  for  products  and  services.  The  objective  of  the  plan  is  to  guarantee  adequate  knowledge  for 
managers in order to facilitate the continuous improvement in the claims management and the identification of the root 
causes thereof.  

Claims of customers admitted to BBVA's Customer Care Service in Spain amounted to 84,533 cases in 2018, 51% less 
than  in  2017,  of  which  81,626  were  resolved  by  the  Customer  Care  Service  and  concluded  in  the  same  year,  which 
represents  97%  of  the  total.  2,907  claims  remained  pending  analysis.  On  the  other  hand,  42,688  claims  were  not 
admitted  for  processing  as  they  did  not  meet  the  requirements  set  out  in  OM  ECO/734.  Nearly  40%  of  the  claims 
received corresponded to mortgage loans, mainly mortgage arrangement expenses. 

Complaints handled by Customer Care Service by complaint type (Percentage) 

68 

Type 

Resources 

Assets products/ loans 

Insurances 

Collection and payment services 

Financial counselling and quality service 

Credit cards 

Securities and equity portfolios 

Other 

Total 

Complaints handled by Customer Care Service according to resolution (Number) 

In favor of the person submitting the complaint 

Partially in favor of the person submitting the complaint 

In favor of the BBVA Group 

Total 

2018 

29 

39 

3 

5 

4 

13 

1 

6 

2017 

9 

79 

1 

2 

2 

4 

1 

2 

100 

100 

2018 

25,970 

18,563 

37,093 

81,626 

2017 

29,041 

90,047 

52,058 

171,146 

Activity report of the BBVA Group´s customer ombudsman in Spain 

In  2018,  the  Customer  Ombudsman,  along  with  the  BBVA  Group,  has  maintained  the  objective  of  unifying  criteria  and 
fostering  the  protection  and  security  of  customers,  making  progress  in  compliance  with  transparency  and  customer 
protection regulations. In order to efficiently translate their observations and criteria on the matters submitted for their 
consideration,  the  Ombudsman  promoted  several  meetings  with  the  Group's  areas  and  units:  Insurance,  Pension  Plan 
Manager, Business, Legal Services, etc. 

In this sense, the Customer Ombudsman has been holding a Claims Follow-up Committee on a monthly basis, with the 
main objective of keeping a permanent dialog with the BBVA Group Services that contribute to positioning the Group in 
relation to its customers. The Directors of Quality, Legal Services and the Customer Care Service attend this committee. 
Likewise,  the  Customer  Ombudsman  participates  in  the  Transparency  and  Good  Practices  Committee,  in  which  the 
Bank's actions are analyzed, in order to adapt them to the regulations on transparency and good banking practices and 
standards. 

Customer claims managed in the Customer Ombudsman's Office for a decision during the year 2018 have amounted to 
3,020  cases.  Of  these,  114  have  not  been  finally  admitted  for  processing  as  they  did  not  meet  the  requirements  of 
Ministerial Order (OM) ECO/734/2004, and 133 remained as pending as of 31-12-18. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Complaints handled by the Customer Ombudsman office by complaint type (Number) 

Type 

Insurance and welfare products 

Assets operations 

Investment services 

Liabilities operations 

Other banking products (credit card, ATM, etc.) 

Collection and payment services 

Other 

Total 

69 

2017 

600 

367 

133 

257 

140 

69 

95 

2018 

753 

709 

146 

753 

437 

106 

116 

3,020 

1,661 

The  categorization  of  the  claims  managed  in  the  previous  table  follows  the  criteria  established  by  the  Claims 
Department of the Bank of Spain, in its requests for information. 

Complaints handled by Customer Ombudsman office according to resolution (Number) 

In favor of the person submitting the complaint 

Partially in favor of the person submitting the complaint 

In favor of the BBVA Group 

Processing suspended 

Total 

2018 

- 

1,482 

1,290 

1 

2,773 

2017 

- 

797 

622 

8 

1,427 

51.3% of customers who brought claims before the Customer Ombudsman during the course of the year obtained some 
type  of  satisfaction,  total  or  partial,  by  resolution  of  the  Customer  Ombudsman  in  2018.  Customers  unsatisfied  by  the 
Customer  Ombudsman's  response  may  appear  before  the  official  supervisory  bodies  (Bank  of  Spain,  CNMV  and 
General  Directorate  of  Insurance  and  Pension  Funds).  The  number  of  claims  submitted  by  customers  to  supervisory 
bodies was 260 in 2018. 

In  2018,  the  BBVA  Group  continued  to  make  progress  in  the  implementation  of  the  different  recommendations  and 
suggestions of the Customer Ombudsman  with regard to  adapting products to the customer profiles and the need for 
transparent,  clear  and  responsible  information.  All  recommendations  and  suggestions  of  the  Customer  Ombudsman 
focus on  raising the level of transparency and  clarity of the information that BBVA Group provides  for its customers, 
both in terms of commercial offers available to them for each product, and in compliance with the orders and instructions 
thereof, so that the following is guaranteed: 

 

 

 

an understanding by customers of the nature and risks of the financial products offered to them, 

the suitability of the product for the customer profile, and  

the  impartiality  and  clarity  of  the  information  that  the  Entity  targets  at  customers,  including  advertising 
information. 

In addition, and with the advance in the digitalization of the products offered to customers and the increasing complexity 
thereof, a degree of special sensitivity is required with certain groups that, due to their profile, age or personal situation, 
present a certain degree of vulnerability. 

Operational risk management and customer protection 

The  security  measures  at  BBVA  continued  to  be  reinforced  in  2018  through  its  monitoring  and  cyberprotection 
capabilities,  for  both  employees  and  customers.  In  this  respect,  and  alongside  the  strategy  of  using  data  as  the  main 
point  of  relationship  with  customers,  analytical  capabilities  were  developed  that  allow  for  the  new  threats  associated 
with  cybersecurity  through  data,  and  to  combat  them  from  a  preventive  viewpoint.  Furthermore,  a  new  program  was 
created focusing on providing suitable protection of the Group's information, which is considered one of the main assets 
and which also allows it to adapt to any new regulations that may arise within the industry. 

During the year 2018, a series of process services and security services in the field of Engineering has been introduced 
and  improved.  All  this  has  been  a  direct  result  of  the  teamwork  of  the  different  technical  areas  that  collaborated  in 
improving the user experience and security. It is worth mentioning the improvement of the process of digital onboarding 
in  Spain,  introduced  in  the  financial  market  in  a  pioneering  manner  in  2016;  the  improvement  in  the  time  required  to 

 
 
 
 
 
 
70 

become a customer through new validation techniques that guarantee customer identity; and the set-up of our own in-
house  developments  allowing  facial  biometric  payment,  already  underway  with  employees  and  planned  for 
implementation with customers. 

Various initiatives have been taken in 2018 in the area of business continuity, i.e., for incidents with  low probability of 
occurrence but very high impact, mainly with regard to the enhancement of the Continuity Plan management tools. To be 
specific, the business impact analysis was updated, and the technological dependences on which the critical processes 
are based were reviewed, informing  the corresponding continuity committees of their results so that,  when applicable, 
they  are  aware  of  them  and  are  able  to  improve  their  responses  in  case  of  unavailability  due  to  information  system 
failures. 

Over  the  course  of  the  year,  various  business  continuity  strategies  were  activated  within  the  Group,  including  those 
related  to  torrential  rains  and  hurricanes  in  the  United  States,  and  others  pertaining  to  one-time  social  conflict  events, 
problems  with  electrical/water  supplies,  and  the  extraordinary  monitoring  of  the  process  of  monetary  reconversion  in 
Venezuela. 

With regard to personal data protection, the project for the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation 
(GDPR) was finalized in the Group companies and branches in 2018. It is a continuous and living process, which means 
that each new product or service must comply with privacy requirements from its design, requiring a firm commitment to 
ensure respect for the fundamental right to the personal data protection. In addition, the protection of personal data is 
being strengthened in other areas with regard to suppliers and employees, where new protocols have been adopted in 
accordance with aforementioned regulation.  

In  addition,  BBVA  carried  out  a  communication  process  with  its  customers  on  the  new  requirements  imposed  by  the 
GDPR  and  the  new  range  of  rights  that  the  data  holders  hold.  For  that,  different  communication  channels  were  used: 
branches, postal mail, ATM and digital channels. 

Educational and awareness-raising actions were carried out in this regard, in the area of employee training, planned for 
all those who form part of the Group, by areas and departments, and which culminate in the incorporation of a specific 
course on data protection in the corporate training catalog. 

The position of the data protection delegate as a guarantor of the respect of the fundamental right to the personal data 
protection was reinforced and strengthened in 2018. Its team has progressively equipped itself with the resources and 
tools necessary to undertake all tasks entrusted to it in accordance with regulations, in order to guarantee the fulfillment 
of its duties and functions. 

Finally,  work  is  being  carried  out  on  the  internal  adaptation  required  by  the  new  Organic  Law  for  the  Personal  Data 
Protection. 

 
  
 
 
 
71 

Staff information 

People management 

BBVA's most important asset is its team,  the people who make up the Group. For  this reason, one  of the six Strategic 
Priorities is having a first-class workforce. In this context, BBVA accompanies its transformation strategy with different 
initiatives in questions involving employees, such as: 

  Development  of  a  more  transversal,  transparent  and  effective  model  of  people  management,  in  such  a  way 
that each employee can occupy the most appropriate role for their profile in order to bring the greatest value to 
the Organization, with the greatest commitment; and, in turn, learn and grow professionally. 

 

Evolution  in  the  forms  of  working  towards  an  agile  organizational  model,  in  which  teams  are  directly 
responsible for what they do, building everything from customer feedback and which are focused on the delivery 
of solutions that best meet current and future needs of the clients. 

  Promoting a corporate culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship, which revolves around a set of values and 
behaviors that are shared by the individuals of the Group and which generate identity traits that differentiate it 
from other entities (see Our Values in the corresponding section of the Strategy and business model chapter). 

 

Incorporation of talent in a range of capacities not usually found in the financial sector, but which are key in the 
new stage in which the Group finds itself (data specialists, customer experience, etc.). 

All this has enabled to become a purpose-driven company, that is, a company where staff guide their actions according 
to the Values, and are genuinely inspired and motivated by the same Purpose. 

As  of  December  31,  2018,  the  BBVA  Group  had  125,627  employees  located  in  more  than  30  countries,  54%  of  whom 
were  women  and  46%  men.  The  average  age  of  the  staff  was  37.6  years.  The  average  length  of  service  in  the 
Organization was 10.3 years, with a turnover of 6.5% in the year. 

In 2018, the number of Group employees decreased (-6,229) due, to a large extent, to perimeter variations 
such as the sale of BBVA Chile (-4,005), completed in the third quarter of the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
72 

Professional development 

The new people management model was consolidated and rolled out in 2018, a process that culminated with the global 
launch  of  a  new  people  assessment  system.  All  Group  employees  were  invited  to  participate  in  this  system  in  a  360º 
review, while the group of around 1,400 people who work for projects did so through a model specially designed for them. 
The  calibrated  assessments  resulting  from  this  process  are  the  basis  for  building  the  BBVA  talent  map,  on  which  the 
segmentation of the workforce rests, as well as the differentiated management policies. 

The combination of the above with the identification and assessment of the existing roles in the Group makes it possible 
to get to know the professional possibilities of the employees even better, as well as to establish individual development 
plans, which promote functional mobility and professional growth. 

Recruitment and development 

In  2018,  18,656  professionals  joined  the  Group,  with  one  of  the  focuses  being  the  attraction,  recruitment  and 
incorporation of new capacities profiles needed by BBVA in its transformation process.  

In this manner, in order to be a data-driven organization, in 2018 the first edition of the Young Data Professionals global 
program  was  launched.  Through  this  program,  35  recent  graduates  from  universities  in  Spain,  Argentina  or  Colombia 
participated  in  real  projects  with  empowered  and  multidisciplinary  teams,  receiving  first-level  training,  both  in  their 
specialty as well as in transversal competencies, accompanied at all times by mentors to aid in their development. 

As  a  result  of  the  initiatives  involving  brand  positioning  and  promotion  of  the  professional  opportunities  available  at 
BBVA  through  various  channels,  204,148  candidates  were  attracted.  In  2018,  BBVA  eliminated  gender  and  age  as 
differential fields of the candidates, to avoid discrimination in the selection for both reasons, so the distribution by gender 
and age of the external candidates cannot be facilitated. 

For its part, BBVA reinforced its internal mobility model throughout the year, placing the employee at the center of the 
process as  the protagonist  of their  own career. In this sense, a new in-house portal was set-up in the Group, where  all 
employees can learn about the opportunities available in the different locations, register for those that they are interested 
in,  and  see  their  progress  in  the  different  recruitment  processes  in  which  they  participate.  New  policies  based  on 
transparency, trust and flexibility are thus brought into existence. 

Training 

BBVA's  training  priority  in  2018  was  to  develop  a  continuous  learning  culture,  necessary  to  drive  the  Group's 
transformation  strategy.  The  people  management  model  positions  the  employee  as  the  true  protagonist  of  their  own 
development,  and  for  this,  the  necessary  knowledge  for  the  performance  of  their  functions  is  made  available  to  all 
employees, with quick access to the training catalog. During 2018, existing training resources were incorporated into the 
market from platforms, suppliers and speakers of recognized prestige, which made it possible to offer a global catalog of 
training which included more than 9,000 training actions. 

The training contents of 2018 focused on training involving the Group's core values, on regulatory requirements, on the 
necessary  competencies  linked  to  the  people  management  model  and,  in  particular,  on  the  new  required  capacities: 
Agile,  Design  Thinking,  Data  or  Behavioral  Economics,  among  others.  This  training  allowed  BBVA  to  have  more  than 
1,000 Design Ambassadors, more than 50 Agile Coaches and 250 Data Scientists.  

The legal requirements of the MiFID II Directive (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) was another priority focus of 
training  through  the  different  programs  designed,  and  which  guarantee  the  knowledge  that  employees  who  distribute 
information or advise on financial products and services to clients at the European level must possess. In 2018, 14,021 
professionals were officially certified in Spain, in the different forms of the European Financial Planner Advisor (DAF/EIP, 
EFA and EFP). 

Regarding training channels, online remains the priority channel and represents 71% of the total training provided in the 
Group. The main new development in online training in 2018 was the B-Token launch within the Group, a new model that 
allows access to training through a system of tokens that puts employees in charge of their own development, as they are 
the ones who choose which training to undertake, as well as how and when to undertake it. 

 
 
Basic training data (BBVA Group) 

Total investment in training (millions of euros) 

Investment in training per employee (euros) (1) 

Hours of training per employee (2) 

Employees who received training (%) 

Satisfaction with the training (rating out of 10) 

Amounts received from FORCEM for training in Spain (millions of euros) 

(1) Ratio calculated considering the Group´s workforce at the end of each year (125,627). 

(2) Ratio calculated considering the workforce of BBVA with access to the training. 

Training dara by professional category and gender (BBVA Group. 2018. Number) 

73 

2017 

52.2 

396 

38.9 

84 

8,6 

3.1 

2018 

49.5 

394 

47.3 

88 

9.3 

3.3 

Management team (1) 

Middle men 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

Total 

Number of employees with training 

Training hours 

Total 

Male 

Female 

Total 

Male 

Female 

2,501 

6,599 

26,831 

35,794 

37,004 

1,773 

3,947 

13,231 

16,665 

14,069 

728 

2,652 

118,099 

80,542 

37,557 

265,789 

160,147 

105,643 

13,600 

1,102,703 

570,189 

532,514 

19,129 

2,198,559 

1,020,344 

1,178,215 

22,935 

1,462,670 

544,211 

918,458 

108,729 

49,685 

59,044 

5,147,820 

2,375,433 

2,772,387 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management.  

Diversity and inclusion 

BBVA considers diversity in its workforce to be one of the key elements it uses to attract and retain the best talent and 
offer the best possible service to its customers. It is proven that teams made up of people with different ways of thinking, 
dealing with problems, and making decisions obtain better results. 

In  terms  of  gender  diversity,  women  make  up  53.9%  of  the  Group's  workforce.  Women  hold  48%  of  management 
positions, 30.3% of technology and engineering positions, and 58.1% of business and profit generation positions. 

In  2018,  initiatives  were  launched  to  break  down  barriers  that  prevent  greater  diversity,  with  a  focus  placed  on 
facilitating access to positions of responsibility for women. The most important initiatives put in place are: 

 

 

 

Implementation  of  the  Rooney  Rule,  which  requires  that  50%  of  all  candidates  for  management  positions  be 
women. 

Training in unconscious biases: various programs, both physical and online, so that team supervisors at BBVA 
become  more  aware  of  their  unconscious  biases,  which  mainly  harm  women  and  minorities,  and  learn  to 
neutralize them. 

Improvement  in  the  way  in  which  job  offers  are  drafted  so  as  to  make  them  more  attractive  for  women  and 
minorities. 

  Coaching  programs  for  women  with  high  potential  to  help  them  assume  positions  of  maximum  responsibility 

and, in turn, for them to support other women in their careers. 

BBVA's  effort  in  favor  of  diversity  has  led  to  it  being  included  in  the  Bloomberg  Gender  Equality  Index,  a  ranking  that 
includes the 100 best global companies in gender diversity, and in the Equileap Global Report on Gender Equality, which 
selects the 200 best global companies in terms of gender equality. BBVA is also a signatory of the Diversity Charter at 
European level and of the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles. 

In  Spain,  in  2018,  BBVA  renewed  its  Company  Equality  Seal  granted  by  the  Ministry  of  the  Presidency,  Parliamentary 
Relations and Equality to companies that are a model for good practices in this area. Likewise, the Equal Treatment and 
Opportunities  Plan  signed  with  the  workers'  representation  allowed  for  progress  in  women's  access  to  positions  of 
greater responsibility in the Organization.  

In addition, BBVA Spain won the good practices contest for companies in the network. This contest was created by the 
same Ministry to analyze indicators and evaluation tools, both through the semi-annual monitoring of metrics undertaken 

 
 
 
 
 
 
74 

by  the  Equal  Treatment  and  Opportunities  Commission  and  with  the  participation  of  the  Trade  Union  Representation, 
and through  the creation of  the Diversity Dashboard. This board  gives visibility  to the  metrics by gender, age, training, 
country of origin, etc. within the Bank itself, through which you can check the degree of diversity of the teams and areas 
for improvement. 

Additionally,  BBVA  renewed  the  Family-friendly  Company  certificate  granted  by  the  Más  Familia  Foundation  for  the 
practices and regulations in place at BBVA involving equal treatment and labor, work-family and personal life balance. It 
was also included in the Variable D2019 report that recognizes the 30 companies in Spain with best practices in diversity 
and inclusion. 

In the United States, BBVA Compass received the highest possible score (100%) in the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, 
an index that assesses corporate practices and policies for LGBT employees (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender). 
This index also functions as a national comparison between the main and most influential companies in the country.  

In  Mexico,  BBVA  Bancomer  conducted  the  Women  Matter  study  at  country  level,  in  order  to  better  understand 
opportunities for improvement in diversity issues. In line with this, the maternity and paternity program was continued as 
a  supportive  measure  to  help  employees  through  this  new  stage  and  to  have  useful  information  to  generate  new 
initiatives.  

In  Turkey,  Garanti  implemented  its  maternity  program  by  redesigning  the  process  before  and  after  maternity  leave. 
Among other policies to support women who suffer from domestic violence, the Bank maintains a direct helpline for its 
employees.  

Finally, at the end of 2018, all the banks of the Group’s footprint, have protocols for the prevention of sexual harassment, 
in Spain and the United States for several years, and prepared during the year in the rest of countries. 

In  particular,  in  the  Bank's  protocol  in  Spain,  the  Entity  and  the  trade  union  representatives  signing  the  document 
expressly state their rejection of any behaviour with sexual nature or connotation that has the purpose or produces the 
effect  of  threatening  the  dignity  of  a  person,  particularly  when  an  intimidating,  degrading  or  offensive  environment  is 
created, and they commit themselves to the application of this agreement as a solution to prevent, detect, correct and 
sanction this type of conduct in the company. 

 
Employees by countries and gender (BBVA Group) 

2018 

2017 

Number of 
employees 

Male 

Female 

Number of 
employees 

Male 

Female 

75 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

  Argentina 

  Colombia 

  Venezuela 

  Peru 

  Chile 

  Paraguay 

  Uruguay 

  Bolivia 

  Brazil 

  Cuba 

Rest of Eurasia 

  France 

  United Kingdom 

  Italy 

  Germany 

  Begium 

  Portugal 

  Switzerland 

  Ireland 

  Luxembourg 

  Finland 

  Hong Kong 

  China 

  Japan 

  Singapore 

  United Arab Emirates 

  Russia 

  India 

  Indonesia 

  South Korea 

  Taiwan 

Total 

30,338 

14,930 

15,408 

30,584 

15,097 

10,984 

36,123 

21,994 

25,050 

6,262 

6,803 

3,384 

6,267 

923 

430 

578 

396 

6 

1 

4,566 

16,843 

9,505 

11,492 

3,372 

2,819 

1,148 

3,027 

436 

219 

314 

154 

2 

1 

1,138 

637 

72 

126 

52 

41 

24 

469 

122 

4 

- 

83 

89 

25 

3 

8 

2 

3 

2 

2 

2 

9 

46 

87 

29 

24 

15 

235 

77 

3 

- 

54 

46 

9 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

6,418 

19,280 

12,489 

13,558 

2,890 

3,984 

2,236 

3,240 

487 

211 

264 

242 

4 

- 

501 

26 

39 

23 

17 

9 

234 

45 

1 

- 

29 

43 

16 

1 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

6 

10,928 

37,207 

22,615 

29,423 

6,264 

6,769 

4,159 

5,955 

4,852 

446 

592 

379 

6 

1 

1,099 

72 

125 

56 

44 

27 

472 

121 

4 

3 

39 

85 

20 

3 

8 

2 

3 

2 

2 

2 

9 

4,470 

17,271 

9,719 

13,385 

3,389 

2,765 

1,400 

2,873 

2,244 

228 

330 

153 

2 

1 

611 

44 

87 

31 

27 

17 

234 

76 

3 

2 

29 

42 

7 

2 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

3 

15,487 

6,458 

19,936 

12,896 

16,038 

2,875 

4,004 

2,759 

3,082 

2,608 

218 

262 

226 

4 

- 

488 

28 

38 

25 

17 

10 

238 

45 

1 

1 

10 

43 

13 

1 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

6 

125,627 

57,973 

67,654 

131,856 

60,553 

71,303 

 
 
 
 
76 

Promoted employees by gender (BBVA Group) 

2018

2017

Number of 
promoted 
employees 

4,827 

1,049 

11,422 

4,284 

3,266 

75 

Male 

Female 

2,172 

461 

3,844 

1,749 

1,243 

36 

2,655 

588 

7,578 

2,535 

2,023 

39 

Number of 
promoted 
employees 

3,878 

450 

8,928 

4,082 

3,131 

290 

Male 

Female 

2,066 

292 

4,391 

1,822 

1,318 

186 

1,812

158 

4,537

2,260

1,813 

104 

24,923 

9,505 

15,418 

20,759 

10,075 

10,684 

Spain

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

Employees average age and distribution by stages (BBVA Group. Years and percentage) 

2018

<25 

0.9 

6.7 

10.8 

4.8

7.3 

1.5 

6.2 

25-45

63.7 

58.0 

75.1 

87.9

67.3 

56.0 

71.4 

Average 

42.8 

41.1 

33.8 

34.3

37.8 

43.1 

37.6 

>45

35.4 

35.2 

14.1 

7.2

25.4 

42.5 

22.4 

Average 

42.5 

40.9 

34.2 

33.7

37.8 

43.1 

37.5 

2017

<25 

0.8 

6.4 

10.3 

5.3

6.7 

0.5 

6.0 

25-45

65.6 

58.8 

74.6 

88.7

68.7 

57.7 

72.2 

Spain

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

Average length of service by gender (BBVA Group. Years) 

2018

2017

Spain

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

Total

16.3 

6.6

7.4

8.1

10.8 

12.1 

10.3 

Male 

17.0 

5.3

7.4

8.2

11.4 

11.4 

10.7 

Female

15.5 

7.5

7.4

7.9

10.2 

13.0 

10.0 

Total

16.1 

7.2

7.9

7.6

10.1 

12.2 

10.2 

Employee distribution by professional category and gender (BBVA Group. Percentage) 

Management team (1)

Middle men 

Specialists

Sales force

Base positions 

Total 

2018

Male 

77.9 

50.8 

47.5 

45.4

40.7 

Female

22.1

49.2 

52.5 

54.6

59.3 

Total

1.2 

10.6 

33.1 

35.4

19.6 

100.0 

Total

1.2 

9.4 

31.9 

37.0

20.6 

100.0 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management.

Male 

17.1 

5.8

8.0

7.7

10.9 

11.5 

10.7 

2017

Male 

78.4 

52.8 

48.2 

44.7

39.6 

>45

33.6

34.8 

15.1

6.0

24.6 

41.8 

21.8 

Female

15.1

8.1

7.9

7.4

9.4 

13.1 

9.7 

Female

21.6

47.2 

51.8

55.3

60.4 

Employee distribution by type of contract and gender (BBVA Group. Percentage) 

Permanent employee. 
Whole day 

Permanent employee. Part-
time 

Temporary employee 

Total 

Total 

93.1

1.5

5.4 

100.0 

2018

Male

46.7

18.3

44.1 

Female

53.3

81.7

55.9 

2017

Male

46.5

20.2

44.2 

Total 

92.8

1.7

5.5 

100.0 

77 

Female

53.5

79.8

55.8 

Employee distribution by type of contract and stages (BBVA Group. Percentage) 

2018

2017

Permanent employee. 
Whole day 

Permanent employee. 
Part-time 

Temporary employee 

Total 

Total 

93.1

1.5

5.4 

100.0 

<25 

4.5

13.1

33.2 

25-45

71.7

76.4

64.3

>45

23.7

10.5

2.5

Total 

92.8

1.7

5.5

100.0 

<25 

4.3

17.9

32.4

25-45

72.6

72.6

65.0

>45

23.2

9.5

2.6

Employee distribution by professional category and gender (BBVA Group. Percentage) 

2018

2017

Permanent 
employee. Whole 
day 

Permanent 
employee. Part-
time 

Temporary 
employee 

Permanent 
employee. Whole 
day 

Permanent 
employee. Part-
time 

Temporary 
employee 

Management team (1)

Middle men 

Specialists

Sales force 

Base positions 

Group average 

99.6

99.5 

95.6

95.0 

81.4 

93.1 

0.4

0.3 

1.2 

1.5 

3.0 

1.5 

-

0.2

3.1 

3.6 

15.6 

5.4 

99.5

99.4

94.9

94.6 

82.9 

92.8 

0.5

0.4 

0.6 

1.4 

4.3 

1.7 

-

0.2

4.4

3.9 

12.7 

5.5 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management.

Different capabilities 

BBVA manifests its commitment to the labor integration of people with different skills through the Integra Plan, which is 
born  of  the  conviction  that  employment  serves  as  a  fundamental  pillar  in  the  promotion  of  equal  opportunities  for  all 
people. The Integra Plan is developed through alliances with the main Spanish organizations in the disability sector and is 
a  transversal  plan  that  seeks  to  promote  accessibility,  labor  integration  and  greater  knowledge  and  awareness  of  the 
needs and potential of people with disabilities. As part of the Plan, the BBVA Integra Awards have been presented every 
year in Spain since 2009, recognizing the work of organizations that carry out labor integration projects and promote the 
development of initiatives and good practices in this field of activity. 

In  Mexico,  BBVA  made  agreements  with  the  Ministry  of  Education  and  the  Secretariat  of  Public  Education  so  that 
students  with  intellectual  disabilities  could  carry  out  their  professional  practices  in  the  Bank,  as  well  as  a  pilot  test 
program for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the circuit de Bancomer races. 

As of December 31, 2018, BBVA had 727 people with different capabilities in the Group's staff, of which 215 are in Spain, 
192 in the United States, 28 in Mexico, 279 in Turkey and 33 in South America. 

Additionally, progress is being made in the accessibility of the branches of the different banks that make up the Group. 
The  corporate  headquarters  of  BBVA  in  Madrid,  BBVA  Bancomer  in  Mexico  and  BBVA  Francés  in  Argentina  are  all 
accessible. And in 2018, BBVA Spain launched a new mobile application aimed at facilitating cashier operations for blind 
people and those with a mild physical or intellectual disability. 

78 

Work environment 

BBVA carries out, on a general and biennial basis, a survey to measure its employees' commitment and discover their 
opinions. In 2017, the last survey performed, 87% of the employees that BBVA has worldwide participated. One of the 
highlights of the results is the average of the 12 main questions of the survey, which was 4.02 out of 5, representing an 
increase of 11 basis points. The level of commitment of BBVA employees was maintained at 4.40, out of 5, improving due 
to the more than 11,000 action plans that were agreed as a result of the previous survey. 

Freedom of association and representation 

In accordance with the different regulations in force in the countries in which BBVA is present, the working conditions 
and  the  rights  of  the  employees,  such  as  freedom  of  association  and  union  representation,  are  included  in  the  rules, 
conventions  and  agreements  signed,  in  their  case,  with  the  corresponding  representations  of  the  workers.  Dialog  and 
negotiation  are  part  of  our  way  of  dealing  with  any  difference  or  conflict  in  the  Group,  for  which  there  are  specific 
procedures for consultation with union representatives.  

In  BBVA  Spain,  the  banking  sector  collective  agreement  is  applied  to  the  entire  workforce,  complemented  by  the 
company  collective  agreements  which  build  upon  and  improve  the  provisions  of  sector  agreement,  and  which  are 
entered into on behalf of workers.  Employee representatives are elected every four years by personal, free, direct and 
secret ballot, and are informed of the relevant changes that may occur in the organization of work in the Entity, under the 
terms provided in accordance with the legislation in force. 

In other countries, the employees of the Group are included in any collective agreement in such a way that in Mexico 35% 
of the workforce is covered by an agreement, reaching 100% in Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Paraguay, and 6% 
in Peru . As an example of this type of coverage,  under Colombian legislation there are two forms of representation for 
employees, which has led to the existence of two agreements in the Bank: the Collective Pact, which covers 77% of the 
staff, with representation exercised directly by the employees, and the Collective Convention, which benefits 22% of the 
workforce  and  is  agreed  with  the  trade  union  organizations,  whose  representatives  are  the  individuals  chosen  by  each 
union.  On  its  part,  the  regulations  in  force  in  the  United  States  and  Turkey  do  not  require  the  same  application  of  the 
agreement to its staff. 

Health and labor safety 

BBVA considers the promotion of health and safety as one of the basic principles and fundamental objectives, which is 
addressed through the continuous improvement of working conditions. 

In this sense, the work risk prevention model in BBVA Spain is legally regulated and is based on the right of workers to 
consult  and  participate  in  these  areas,  which  they  exercise  and  develop  through  the  assistance  of  the  employee 
representatives  in  the  existing  equality  committees,  where  the  consultations  are  discussed  and  matters  of  health  and 
safety at work are dealt with, monitoring any and all activity related to prevention. 

The Occupational Risk Prevention Service is the unit responsible for defining and carrying out the preventive policy that 
affects  100%  of  the  Bank’s  workforce,  and  which  is  embodied  in  two  lines  of  action:  a)  preventive-technical,  including 
periodic workstation assessments, implementation of emergency and evacuation plans, and coordination of preventive 
initiatives; and b) occupational medicine, including medical examinations for employees, protection of specially sensitive 
employees,  and  the  adaptation  of  workstations  with  specific  ergonomic  equipment,  as  well  as  carrying  out  preventive 
initiatives and campaigns to maintain and improve employee health and contribute to the development of a preventive 
culture and the promotion of healthy habits. 

Occupational health (BBVA Spain. Number) 

Number of technical preventive actions 

Number of preventive actions to improve working conditions 

Appointments for health checks 

Employees represented in health and safety committees (%) 

Absenteeism rate (%)  

2018

3,078 

3,854 

15,590 

100 

2.8

2017

2,655 

3,429 

18,471 

100 

2.6

In other geographical areas in which the Group is present, there were also advances in 2018 in the field of occupational 
health and safety, many of them as a result of the activity of the health and safety committees in which the employees are 
100% represented in most of the countries. That is: 

79 

 

 

 

 

In  the  United  States,  BBVA  Compass'  Wellthy  for  Life  wellness  program  provides  employees  with  a 
comprehensive  wellness  program  that  they  can  customize  according  to  their  needs  and  interests  (physical, 
medical, and socioeconomic) no matter where they are. During the year, six technical-preventive actions were 
made and the absenteeism rate was 1.1%. 

In  Mexico,  whose  workforce  is  100%  represented  in  health  and  safety  committees,  various  campaigns  were 
carried  out  to  promote  awareness  and  prevention  in  the  area  of  health  and  safety  at  work,  specifically  the 
national  campaign  for  the  prevention  of  breast  and  prostate  cancer,  as  well  as  the  national  campaign  for  the 
prevention and control  of seasonal flu.  During the year, 106 technical-preventive actions were carried out and 
the absenteeism rate was 2.0%. 
In Turkey, the Bank uses occupational health and safety (OHS) software to track various activities, including risk 
assessment,  training  programs,  and  corrective  and  preventive  actions,  etc.  During  the  year,  174  technical-
preventive actions were carried out, 816 preventive actions to improve working conditions, more than 40,000 
appointments for health checks and an absenteeism rate of 1.1%. 100% of employees are represented on the 
health and safety committees. 

In  South  America,  there  is  no  uniform  health  and  safety  management  model  for  the  entire  area.  By  country, 
during the year, 24 technical-preventive actions were carried out in Argentina, 2,256 in Colombia, 116 in Peru, 9 
in Venezuela and 5 in Paraguay. Preventive actions to improve working conditions were 15, 5,621, 662, 6, and 10, 
respectively,  and  an  absenteeism  rate  of  1.6%,  3.6%,  1.2%,  13.6%  and  0,9%,  was  recorded  respectively. 
Altogether, about 10,000 appointments for health checks were issued. 100% of employees in Colombia, Peru 
and  Paraguay  are  represented  in  the  health  and  safety  committees,  3%  in  Argentina  and  60%  in  Venezuela. 
Uruguay has a labor safety committees composed of union and bank representatives to  oversee the working, 
health, and occupational safety conditions of its employees. Likewise, it offers a complete medical check-up of 
100% of its staff as a benefit. 

Volume and absenteeism typology of employees (BBVA Group) 

2018 

2017 

Number of 
employees 

Male 

Female 

Number of 
employees 

Male 

Female 

Number withdrawn 

30,696 

10,181 

20,515 

40,187 

13,513 

26,673 

Total number of withdrawn 
hours by illness or accident 
during the year 

Number of accidents with 
medical withdrawn 

Frequency index 

Severity index 

Absenteeism rate (%) 

4,027,728 

1,335,408 

2,692,320 

4,826,776 

1,597,272 

3,229,504 

437 

2.58 

2.24 

1.2 

147 

1.84 

1.62 

0.9 

290 

3.23 

2.79 

1.5 

473 

2.93 

2.30 

1.5 

132 

2.09 

1.38 

1.1 

341 

3.66 

3.09 

1.9 

In 2018, BBVA registered a total of 437 cases of work-related accidents with medical leave throughout the Group (only 
two out of every 100 casualties are due to accidents), most of them commuting accident which represent 7.6% less than 
the last year. 

In  Spain,  no  case  of  occupational  disease  was  registered,  while  the  number  of  work  accidents  was  200  in  the  year,  a 
figure  that  represents  a  very  low  severity.  Thus,  the  Bank's  severity  index  stands  at  0.15  (0.11  men  and  0.19  women), 
while the frequency index stands at 3.92 (2.68 men and 5.14 women). 

Organization of work 

In 2018, practical ideas have been promoted to favor work-life balance, such as setting a deadline for leaving work that 
serves as a reference for the whole team, and thus avoiding presenteeism and to respect the digital disconnection time 
with the initiative of not sending emails between 8 pm and 8 am or at weekends. 

Regarding the organization of working time, and with the aim of being more productive and more efficient, initiatives have 
been implemented such as making better use of meetings, reducing the number of meetings, their duration (by default 
45 minutes) and the number of people called to attend, being more punctual and using more concise, clear and simple 
documentation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voluntary resignations (turnover) (1) and breakdown by gender (BBVA Group. Percentage) 

2018

2017

Total workforce 
turnover 

Male

Female

Total workforce 
turnover 

Male

Female

80 

Spain

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

1.3

13.0 

13.3

3.9 

7.7 

4.5 

7.6 

62.6

41.2 

50.7

41.2 

42.7 

46.0 

47.1 

37.4

58.8 

49.3

58.8

57.3 

54.0 

52.9 

1.0

14.0 

12.9

3.4 

7.6 

5.4 

7.3 

66.3

39.1 

51.3

36.8 

45.6 

63.1 

47.5 

(1) Turnover= [Resignations (excluding early retirement)/Number of employees at start of period] x 100 

Recruitment of employees by gender (BBVA Group. Number) 

2018

2017

Spain

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

Of which new hires are (1): 

Spain

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

(1) Including hires through consolidations. 

Total

3,242 

2,657 

8,133 

2,223 

3,386 

155 

19,796 

1,252 

2,650 

5,951 

2,186 

2,521 

142 

14,702 

Male 

1,494 

1,184

4,184 

987 

1,569 

96 

9,514 

786 

1,177

2,997 

973 

1,213 

88 

7,234 

33.7

60.9 

48.7

63.2

54.4 

36.9 

52.5 

Female

1,539

1,614

3,640

1,104

2,079 

32 

10,008 

410

1,601

3,154

1,028

1,338 

25 

7,556 

Female

483

570

5,162

1,268

4,142

Female

1,748

1,473

3,949 

1,236

1,817 

59 

Total

2,714

2,987

7,664 

1,931

3,787 

68 

10,282 

19,151 

466 

1,473

2,954 

1,213

1,308 

54 

7,468 

1,237 

2,951

6,468 

1,823

2,765 

55 

15,299 

Total 

1,397

1,125

9,826

2,629

7,110

Male 

1,175

1,373

4,024 

827

1,708 

36 

9,143 

827 

1,350

3,314 

795

1,427 

30 

7,743 

2017

Male

914

555

4,664

1,361

2,968

Discharge of employees by discharge type and gender (BBVA Group. Number) 

Retirement and early 
retirement 

Voluntary redundancies 

Resignations

Dismissals

Others (1)

Total 

Total 

1,116

714

9,963 

3,156 

11,076 

2018

Male

643

385

4,696 

1,469 

4,902 

Female

473

329

5,267

1,687

6,174 

(1) Others include permanent termination and death. Including the sale of BBVA Chile in 2018.

26,025 

12,095 

13,930 

22,087 

10,462 

11,625 

Dismissals by category and age stages (BBVA Group.  Number) 

2018

2017

Total

<25

25-45

>45 

Total

<25

25-45

Management team (1)

Middle men

Specialists

Sales force 

Base positions 

Total 

27

54

1,456 

1,081 

538 

3,156 

-

-

44

53 

77 

3

19

969 

786 

409 

174 

2,186 

24

35

443

242 

52 

796 

28

146

1,504

279 

672 

-

-

40

13 

82 

7

79

1,113

209 

448 

2,629 

135 

1,856

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management.

81 

>45

21

67

351

57 

142 

638 

Volunteer work 

In  the  Corporate  Volunteer  Work  Policy,  BBVA  expresses  its  commitment  to  this  type  of  activity  and  facilitates  the 
conditions  for  its  employees  to  carry  out  corporate  volunteer  work  actions  that  generate  social  impact.  This  policy  is 
applied in all countries in which the Group is present. 

Corporate volunteer work activities empower the development of employees, channeling their spirit of solidarity, allowing 
them  to  make  a  personal  contribution  of  their  time  and  knowledge  in  order  to  help  the  people  who  need  it  most.  This 
results in an improvement of self-esteem, increasing the sense of pride in belonging to the company, and, consequently, 
in  the  attraction  and  retention  of  talent.  It  also  generates  a  positive  impact  in  terms  of  the  Group's  level  of  social 
responsibility. 

In September 2018, BBVA celebrated its first Global Volunteer Work Week. More than 7,000 BBVA employees carried 
out around 325 volunteer and solidarity activities, organized by the Bank, by employees and by other non-governmental 
organizations in more than 15 countries, to contribute to the Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals established 
by the United Nations for 2030. 

82 

Remuneration 

BBVA  has  a  remuneration  policy  designed  within  the  framework  of  the  specific  regulations  applicable  to  credit 
institutions,  and  geared  towards  the  recurring  generation  of  value  for  the  Group,  seeking  also  the  alignment  of  the 
interests of its employees and shareholders, with prudent risk management. This policy is adapted at all times to what is 
established under applicable legal standards at all times, and incorporates the standards and principles of national and 
international best practices.  

This policy is part of the elements designed by the Board of Directors as part of the BBVA corporate governance system 
to ensure proper management of the Group, and meets the following requirements: 











it is compatible and promotes prudent and effective risk management, not offering incentives to assume risks
that exceed the level tolerated by the Group;

it  is  compatible  with  BBVA's  business  strategy,  objectives,  values  and  long-term  interests,  and  will  include
measures intended to avoid conflicts of interest;

clearly distinguishes the criteria for the establishment of fixed remuneration and variable remuneration;

promotes  equal  treatment  for  all  staff,  not  introducing  differences  due  to  gender  or  personal  reasons  of  any
kind; and 

ensures that remuneration is not based exclusively or primarily on quantitative criteria and takes into account
adequate qualitative criteria that reflect compliance with the applicable standards. 

The remuneration model applicable in general to the entire staff of the BBVA Group contains two different elements: 





Fixed  remuneration,  which  takes  into  account  the  level  of  responsibility,  the  functions  carried  out  and  the
professional  career  of  each  employee,  the  principles  of  internal  equity,  and  the  value  of  the  function  in  the
market,  constituting  a  relevant  part  of  the  total  compensation.  The  concession  and  the  amount  of  the  fixed
remuneration are based on a predetermined objective and are non-discretionary criteria.

Variable remuneration constituted by those payments or benefits additional to the fixed remuneration, whether
monetary  or  not,  that  are  based  on  variable  parameters.  This  remuneration  must  be  linked,  in  general,  to  the
achievement of previously specified objectives, and will take current and future risks into account. 

The  remuneration  policy  of  the  BBVA  Group  promotes  equal  treatment  between  men  and  women,  which  does  not 
establish  or  encourage  wage  differentiation.  The  remuneration  model  rewards  the  level  of  responsibility  and  career 
pathway, ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness. 

The wage gap by homogeneous professional categories in the Group as a whole is -10.6%. The differences observed in 
the average remunerations of some groups are derived from factors such as seniority, and its wide composition, and are 
not representative of the wage gap. The aforementioned is due to the fact that these average remunerations include very 
diverse  professional  categories,  and  therefore  are  influenced  by  aspects  such  as  the  different  distribution  of  men  and 
women by professional category or the greater proportion of women in countries with lower average remunerations. 

In this sense, the Group has launched various initiatives to continue improving in a more balanced representation of all 
the groups in the different areas and levels of responsibility (see the Professional Development section). 

Wage gap (1) (Percentage) 

BBVA Grupo 

2018

(10.6)

2017

(10.1)

(1) Wage gap measured as a difference in average wages between women and men, expressed as a percentage of the average remuneration of men 

Total average remuneration by professional category (BBVA Group. Euros) 

Management team (1) 

Middle men 

Specialists 

Base Positions 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management.

2018

110,159

59,594

28,384

20,757

2017

106,651

59,866

28,194

19,510

Total average remuneration by stages and gender (BBVA Group. Euros) 

<25 years 

25-45 years

>45 years 

Female

8,880 

23,651 

44,755 

2018

Male

10,829 

31,884 

66,114 

Total 

9,714 

27,263 

56,358 

Female

8,333 

23,413 

42,487 

2017

Male

9,722 

32,317 

63,952 

Total

8,897 

27,293 

54,324 

83 

The remunerations of the members of the Board are disclosed at an individual level and by remunerative concept in the 
Note  54  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  With  regards  to  the  members  of  the  senior  management,  the  total 
remuneration amounted to €1,965 million in the case of men and to €1,759 million in the case of women. 

Pensions and other benefits 

BBVA  has  an  employee  welfare  system  which  is  ordered  according  to  the  geographical  areas  and  coverage  offered  to 
different  groups  of  employees.  In  general,  the  social  security  system  has  a  defined  contribution  for  the  retirement 
provision.  The  Group's  pension  policy  is  compatible  with  the  Entity's  business  strategy,  objectives  and  long-term 
interests. 

Contributions  to  the  social  security  systems  of  the  Group's  employees  are  made  within  the  framework  of  applicable 
labor regulations and individual or collective agreements applicable in each entity, sector or geographical area. The bases 
of  calculation  on  which  the  benefits  revolve  (commitments  for  retirement,  death  and  disability)  reflect  fixed  annual 
amounts, there being no temporary fluctuations derived from variable components or individual results. 

Regarding  the other benefits, the Group provides for a local framework of application, according to  which each entity, 
depending on its activity sector and the geographical area in which it operates, has a package of benefits for employees 
within the entity’s specific remuneration scheme. 

In 2018, the Bank in Spain made a payment of 23.5 million euros by way of savings contributions to pension plans and life 
and accident insurance premiums, of which 13.3 million euros corresponds to contributions to men and 10.2 million to 
women. This payment represents more than 95% of the expenditure on pensions in Spain, excluding single policies. On 
average,  the  contribution  received  by  each  employee  is  964  euros  during  the  year  (1,105  euros  men  and  826  euros 
women). 

84 

Ethical behaviour 

Compliance system 

Mission and scope of action 

The Group's compliance system constitutes one of the bases on which BBVA consolidates the institutional commitment 
to conduct all its activities and businesses in strict compliance with current legislation at all times and in accordance with 
strict codes of ethical conduct. To achieve this, the cornerstone of the BBVA compliance system, the Code of Conduct, 
was available on the BBVA corporate website (bbva.com), the model for internal controls and Compliance requirements. 

The Code of Conduct establishes the behavior guidelines that, according to the principles of the BBVA Group, ensure 
that  conduct  adheres  to  the  internal  values  of  the  organization.  To  this  end,  it  establishes  the  duty  of  respect  for 
applicable  laws  and  regulations  for  all  its  members  in  an  integral  and  transparent  manner,  with  the  prudence  and 
professionalism  that  correspond  to  the  social  impact  of  the  financial  activity,  and  to  the  trust  that  shareholders  and 
clients have placed in BBVA. 

The  BBVA  internal  control  model,  built  in  accordance  with  the  guidelines  and  recommendations  of  regulators  and 
supervisors and with best international practices, on the existence of three different levels of control, which is commonly 
known as a three-lines model of defense, is intended to identify, prevent and correct the situations of risk inherent to the 
performances of their activity in the areas and locations in which it operates. 

Compliance is a global unit integrated within the second line of defense and is entrusted, by the Board of Directors, with 
the function of promoting and supervising, with independence and objectivity, measures to ensure that BBVA acts with 
integrity,  particularly  in  areas  such  as  the  prevention  of  money  laundering,  conduct  with  customers,  behavior  in  the 
securities  market,  prevention  of  corruption  (compliance  issues)  and  others  that  may  represent  a  reputational  risk  for 
BBVA. 

Compliance functions include: 

 

 

promoting  a  culture  of  compliance  within  BBVA,  as  well  as  the  knowledge  by  its  members  of  the  rules  and 
regulations applicable to the above matters, through advisory, dissemination, training and awareness actions; 

defining  and  promoting  the  implementation  and  total  ascription  of  the  organization  to  the  risk  management 
frameworks and measures related to compliance issues. 

For  an  adequate  performance  of  its  functions,  Compliance  maintains  a  configuration  and  systems  of  internal 
organization in accordance with the principles of internal governance established under the European guidelines for this 
matter and in its configuration and development of the activity is attached to the principles established by the Bank for 
International Settlements (BIS), as well as the reference regulations applicable to compliance issues. 

To reinforce these aspects and specifically, the independence of the control areas, on December 20, 2018, the Board of 
Directors held a meeting where they agreed to the creation of a new area, Supervisors, Regulation & Compliance, within 
the framework of a new organizational structure, in which the Compliance unit is integrated, and which will have a direct 
report to the Board of Directors through its corresponding Committees. 

Organization, internal government and management model 
The Compliance function is handled globally at BBVA, and is composed of a corporate unit, with a transversal scope for 
the entire Group, and local units that, sharing the mission entrusted, carry out the function in the countries where BBVA 
carries out its activities. For this purpose, it has a global compliance manager, as well as those who are responsible for 
requirements in the local units. 

The function carried out by the Chief Compliance Officers relies on a set of departments specialized in different activities, 
which,  in  turn,  have  their  own  designated  officers.  Thus,  the  function  is  addressed  by  individuals  responsible  for  each 
discipline related to compliance issues, for the definition and articulation of the strategy, and for the management model 
of  the  function  or  for  the  execution  and  continuous  improvement  of  the  area’s  internal  operational  processes,  among 
others functions. 

Included among the main functions of the compliance units at BBVA are as follows: 

  Review and periodic analysis of the applicable norms and regulations. 

 

Issue, promotion or updating of compliance-related policies and procedures. 

  Advice to the organization in the interpretation of the code of conduct or compliance policies. 

 
 
 
85 



Continuous supervision of activities with compliance risk. 

 Management of complaint channels. 











Participation in committees that deal with issues related to compliance matters.

Participation in independent review processes on the subject. 

Periodic reporting to the management and to governing bodies.

Representation of the function before regulatory bodies and supervisors in matters of compliance. 

Representation of the function in national and international forums.

In 2018, the structure of the compliance units in the different countries evolved to better align with these foundations. 

The scope and complexity of  the activities, as well as the international presence of BBVA, give rise to  a wide variety of 
regulatory  requirements  and  expectations  of  the  supervisory  bodies  that  must  be  addressed  in  relation  to  risk 
management  associated  with  compliance  issues.  This  makes  it  necessary  to  have  internal  mechanisms  that  establish 
transversal mechanisms for managing this risk in a homogeneous and integral manner. 

For  this  purpose,  Compliance  has  a  global  model  for  estimating  and  managing  said  risk,  which,  with  an  integral  and 
preventive approach, has evolved over time to reinforce the elements and pillars on which it is based and to anticipate the 
developments and initiatives that may arise in this area. 

This model starts from periodic cycles of identification and assessment of compliance risk, upon which its management 
strategy  is  based.  The  aforementioned  results  in  the  revision  and  updating  of  the  multi-year  strategy  and  its 
corresponding  annual  action  lines,  both  of  which  are  aimed  at  strengthening  the  applicable  mitigation  and  control 
measures, as well as improvement the model itself. 

The basic pillars of the model are the following elements: 





A  suitable  organizational  structure  with  a  clear  assignment  of  roles  and  responsibilities  throughout  the
Organization. 

A set of policies and procedures that clearly define positions and requirements to be applied. 

 Mitigation processes and controls applied to enforce these policies and procedures. 





An  adequate  organizational  structure,  with  a  clear  assignment  of  roles  and  responsibilities  throughout  the
Organization. 

Communication and training systems and policies implemented to raise employee awareness of the applicable
requirements. 

 Metrics and indicators that allow for the supervision of the global model implementation. 



Independent periodic review of effective model implementation.

Throughout  2018,  work  continued  on  strengthening  the  documentation  and  management  of  this  model.  Thus,  the 
Compliance Unit continued with the review and update of the global typologies of compliance risks, both at a general level 
as well as in different geographical areas. 

The effectiveness of the model and compliance risk management is subject to extensive and different annual verification 
processes, including the testing activity carried out by the compliance units, BBVA’s internal audit activities, the reviews 
carried out by prestigious auditing firms and the regular or specific inspection processes carried out by the supervisory 
bodies in each of the geographical areas. 

Additionally, during the year, the Compliance function reinforced the compliance testing framework, evolving the global 
methodology to adapt it to the applicable regulations and to the best industry practices regarding in compliance. 

On the other hand, in recent years, one of the most relevant axes of application of the compliance model focuses on the 
digital  transformation  of  BBVA.  For  this  reason,  in  2018,  the  Compliance  Unit  continued  reinforcing  the  governance, 
supervision  and  advisory  mechanisms  for  the  activities  of  the  areas  that  promote  and  develop  business  initiatives  and 
digital projects in the Group. 

Anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism 

Anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML) is a constant factor in the objectives that the BBVA Group 
associates with its commitment to improving the various social environments in which it carries out its activities, and a 
requirement that is indispensable in preserving corporate integrity and one of its main assets: the trust of the people and 

86 

institutions  with  which  it  works  on  a  daily  basis  (customers,  employees,  shareholders,  suppliers,  etc.)  in  the  different 
jurisdictions where it operates. 

In addition, the Group is exposed to the risk of violating the AML regulation and the restrictions imposed by national or 
international  organizations  to  operate  with  certain  jurisdictions  and  individuals  or  legal  entities,  which  could  entail 
sanctions and/or significant economic fines imposed by the competent authorities of the various geographical locations 
in which the Group operates. 

As  a  result  of  the  above,  as  a  global  financial  group  with  branches  and  subsidiaries  operating  in  numerous  countries, 
BBVA  applies  the  compliance  model  described  above  for  AML  risk  management  in  all  the  entities  that  make  up  the 
Group. This model takes into account all regulations of the jurisdictions in which BBVA is present, the best practices of 
the international financial industry regarding this matter, and recommendations issued by international bodies, such as 
the International Financial Action Group (FATF).  

This management model is constantly evolving. Thus, the risk analyses that are carried out annually allow us to tighten 
controls and to establish, where appropriate, additional mitigating measures to enhance it. In 2018, the regulated entities 
of the Group carried out this AML risk assessment exercise, under the supervision of the corporate AML area.  

The BBVA Code of Conduct, in Sections 4.1 and 4.2, establishes the basic guidelines for action in this area. In line with 
these  guidelines,  BBVA  has  established  a  series  of  corporate  procedures  that  are  applied  in  each  geographical  area, 
including the Corporate Procedure of Action for the Establishment of Business Relations with Politically Exposed Persons 
(PEPs),  the  Corporate  Procedure  of  Action  for  the  Prevention  of  Money  Laundering  and  the  Financing  of  Terrorist 
Activities  in  the  Provision  of  Cross-Border  Correspondent  Services  or  the  Standard  that  establishes  the  Operational 
Restrictions  with  Countries,  Jurisdictions  and  Entities  designated  by  National  or  International  Organizations.  All 
applicable standards are available for consultation by employees in each zone. 

During  2018,  BBVA  continued  to  roll  out  its  monitoring  tool  in  Turkey  and  Mexico,  already  implemented  in  Spain. 
Likewise,  the  Group  continued  with  its  strategy  to  apply  new  technologies  to  its  AML  processes  (machine  learning, 
artificial  intelligence,  etc.),  in  order  to  reinforce  both  the  detection  capabilities  of  suspicious  activities  of  the  different 
entities that make up the Group, as well as the efficiency of the said processes. For this reason it participated in the IIF 
Working  Group  Machine  Learning  Application  to  AML,  among  others.  One  result  of  the  above  has  been  the 
implementation, in several countries, of improvements in processes and/or systems that have allowed for increases in 
efficiency in AML equipment. 

In  2018,  the  BBVA  Group  handled  144,576 
communications, which were then sent to the corresponding authorities in each country. 

investigation  files  that  resulted 

in  66,636  suspicious  transaction 

In terms of training related to AML, each of the BBVA Group entities offers an annual training plan for employees. In this 
plan,  defined  according  to  the  training  needs  identified  in  each  of  the  entities,  training  activities  of  different  nature  are 
established (face-to-face or e-learning courses, videos, brochures, etc.), both for new hires as well as for the employees 
on staff. Likewise, the content of each training action is adapted to the target group, including general concepts derived 
from  the  regulation  of  applicable  AML  standards,  both  internal  and  external,  as  well  as  specific  issues  that  affect  the 
functions developed by the target group for the training. In 2018, 69,572 attendees participated in AML training activities, 
of which 15,035 belonged to the most sensitive groups, from the perspective of AML. 

The AML risk management model is subject to continuous independent review. This review is complemented by internal 
and external audits carried out by local supervisory bodies, both in Spain as well as in other jurisdictions. In accordance 
with  Spanish  regulations,  an  external  expert  performs  a  yearly  review  of  the  Group's  parent.  In  2018,  no  material 
deficiencies  were  identified.  In  turn,  the  internal  control  body,  which  BBVA  maintains  at  the  corporate  level,  meets 
periodically,  and  oversees  the  implementation  and  effectiveness  of  the AML  risk  management  model.  This  supervision 
scheme is replicated at the local level as well. 

It  is  important  to  mention  BBVA's  collaboration  work  with  the  different  government  agencies  and  international 
organizations in this field: attendance at the meetings of the AML & Financial Crime Committee of the European Banking 
Federation, member of the AML Working Group of the IIF, participation in initiatives and forums to increase and improve 
exchanges  of  information  for  AML  purposes,  as  well  as  contributions  to  public  consultations  issued  by  national  and 
international organizations (European Commission, FATF/GAFI, European Supervisory Authorities). 

Conduct with customers 

BBVA's Code  of Conduct puts its customers at the center of its activities, with  the aim of establishing lasting relations 
based on mutual confidence and the contribution of value.  

As  mentioned  in  the  chapter  on  customer  relationship,  BBVA's  main  focus  is  to  satisfy  the  needs  of  its  customers, 
simultaneously  combining  innovative  solutions,  experience  and  the  highest  standards  of  conduct.  Providing  the  best 
possible customer experience is one of the Group's Strategic Priorities. 

In order achieve this objective, BBVA has implemented policies and procedures aimed at getting to know its customers 
better,  with  the  purpose  of  being  able  to  offer  them  products  and  services  in  line  with  their  financial  needs,  as  well  as 
providing  them  with  clear  and  accurate  information,  sufficiently  in  advance,  on  the  risks  of  the  products  in  which  they 
invest.  BBVA  has  also  implemented  processes  geared  towards  prevention,  or,  when  this  has  not  been  possible, 
management of the possible conflicts of interest that might arise in the marketing of its products. 

87 

is 

increasingly  uniform  at  global 

In 2018, progress continued on a global customer compliance model, which aims to establish a minimum framework of 
standards  of  conduct  to  be  respected  in  the  relationship  with  customers,  applicable  in  all  jurisdictions  of  the  Group 
aligned with the principles of the Code of Conduct. This model responds to a regulation governing customer protection 
that 
level,  and  contributes  to  a  better  customer  experience  at  BBVA. 
With this in mind, the Compliance Unit focused its activity on the promotion of plans to adapt the Community regulations 
and internal processes to the obligations derived from new regulatory developments. Among them, the following stand 
out  due  to  their  importance  to  customer  protection:  the  Directive  on  Markets  in  Financial  Instruments  (MiFID  II);  the 
Regulation  on  packaged  products  and  based  on  insurance  for  the  retail  public  (PRIIPs);  and  the  Private  Insurance 
Distribution Directive; and (iv) the European Union Directive on real-estate loans. 

During the year, BBVA continued with the deployment of the adaptation plan to MiFID II through the implementation of 
policies and procedures on different areas. Procedures that help to get to know its customers better, with the purpose of 
being able to offer them products and services in line with their financial needs, as well as providing them with clear and 
accurate information on the risks of the products in which they invest, sufficiently in advance. As part of this adaptation 
plan,  regarding  the  knowledge  and  skills  of  the  personnel  that  inform  or  advise,  BBVA  continued  to  develop  a  training 
program that concluded with the accreditation of practically all of the employees and agents affected. In the Group, the 
number  of  certified  sales  representatives,  following  the  requirements  of  local  regulations  in  each  country,  amounts  to 
39,157 employees as of 12/31/18. 

In  addition,  BBVA  continues  to  develop  processes  aimed  at  prevention  or,  failing  that,  the  management  of  possible 
conflicts  of  interest  that  may  arise  in  the  marketing  of  its  products.  In  this  regard,  in  2018,  internal  communication 
channels  and  the  transparency  framework  were  strengthened  in  relation  to  the  income  obtained  from  the  provision  of 
services. Furthermore, something new for the 2018 fiscal year, the corporate policy of product governance was deployed 
in the different countries where the Group is present. This policy establishes the guiding principles that BBVA must follow 
when launching its products; and it introduces the variables to take into account when identifying the group of customers 
to whom to direct their products, according to their different needs and objectives. 

Other measures focused on customer protection during 2018 were the following:  













Analysis of the characteristics, risks and costs of the new products, services and activities of BBVA, as well as its
distribution channels, through the different Committees for new products implemented in the Group. Over the
course of the year, 103 new products, services or activities in the Bank were approved within these committees. 

Close and continuous collaboration with wholesale and retail product and business development units, focusing
on digital banking initiatives, with the aim of including the customers' point of view, and investor protection in its
projects from the outset. 

The evolution of product classification tools, allowing a better adaptation of the same to the characteristics and
needs of the customers. 

Promoting communication and training actions for the sales network and support departments, particularly on
how to advise customers and how to sell products in the branch network. 

Enhancement of the compliance risk monitoring metrics and indicators to promote a proactive approach, with a
particular focus on customer complaints. In this context, during 2018, BBVA, S.A. has focused on collaboration
with the Customer Care Services. 

Evaluation  of  the  internal  measures  in  force,  based  on  internal  and  external  audit  reviews  and  regulatory
inspections and requirements. 

Conduct on securities markets 

The  BBVA  Code  of  Conduct  includes  the  basic  principles  for  action  aimed  at  preserving  the  integrity  of  the  markets, 
setting  the  standards  to  be  followed  aimed  at  preventing  market  abuse,  and  guaranteeing  transparency  and  free 
competition in the professional activity carried out on the market by the BBVA collective. 

These  basic  principles  are  specifically  developed  in  the   Policy  on  Conduct  in  the  Field  of  Securities  Markets,  which 
applies  to  all  the  individuals  who  form  a  part  of  the  BBVA  Group.  Specifically,  this  policy  establishes  the  minimum 
standards  that  are  to  be  respected  with  the  activity  carried  out  in  the  securities  markets  in  terms  of  privileged 
information, market manipulation, and conflicts of interest; furthermore, it is complemented in each jurisdiction with an 
internal  code  of  conduct  (ICC)  addressed  to  the  subject  group  with  the  greatest  exposure  in  the  markets.  The  ICC 
develops the contents established in the policy, adjusting them, where appropriate, to local legal requirements. 

88 

The BBVA's policy and ICC were updated in 2017, and in 2018 in the rest of the geographical areas in which the Group 
operates. The degree of adhesion to the new ICC approached 100% of the individuals in question. 

Furthermore, during 2018, training on Market Abuse has been reinforced for the groups affected by the ICC in order to 
keep  them  updated  as  to  their  obligations  and  all  related  new  developments.  Particularly  noteworthy  is  the  global  and 
mandatory  training course of the Internal Code of Conduct aimed at all  persons subject to this  Regulation, a collective 
that amounts to 6,849 people. 

 In relation to the market abuse prevention program, the process of improving the detection tools of suspicious market 
abuse operations continued. Thus, the training of employees in this area continues to be a priority, to the extent that, in 
2018, specific internal and external training actions were carried out, highlighting courses on privileged information and 
market manipulation in Spain and Latin America.  

In addition, in 2018, training actions have been carried out for teams dedicated to the sale of financial instruments, in light 
of the adhesion of BBVA in Spain and in Mexico to the Foreign Exchange (FX) global code of conduct; the swap dealer 
activity control program was reinforced in accordance with the American Dodd Frank regulation, both in its governance 
as well as in several of its elements, including the training of sales personnel (Associated Persons) who sell derivatives to 
customers considered as US. Persons; and the annual Volcker Rule training was given to a group of 2,417 employees in 
the Group, with essentially entirety being affected. 

Other standards of conduct 

One of the main mechanisms for managing conduct risk in the Group is its whistleblowing channels. As set out in the 
Code of Conduct, BBVA employees have the obligation not to tolerate any conduct that is contrary to the Code, or any 
conduct in the performance of their professional duties that may bring harm the reputation or good name of BBVA. This 
whistleblowing channel serves as a means for enabling employees to report any breaches they observe or are notified by 
their collaborators, customers, suppliers or colleagues. The channel is available 24/7, all year round, and is also open to 
the Group's suppliers. All reports are processed diligently and promptly. They are reviewed, and measures are taken to 
resolve any issues. The information is analyzed in an objective, impartial and confidential manner. 

BBVA has 16 complaints channels accessible to employees in all its main countries, which can be accessed through email 
and  telephone.  In  2018,  1,649  complaints  were  received  in  the  Group,  whose  main  complaint  aspects  refer  to  the 
categories of behavior with our colleagues (44%), and behavior with the company (36.5%). Approximately 44% of the 
complaints processed during the year ended with the imposition of disciplinary penalties. 

The work carried out in 2018 included ongoing advice on applying the Code of Conduct. Specifically, the Group formally 
received  510  different  kinds  of  individual,  written  and  telephone  queries,  such  as  the  resolution  of  possible  conflicts  of 
interest, the management of personal assets, or the development of other professional activities. Over the year, BBVA 
continued with the work of communication and dissemination of the new Code of Conduct, as well as the training on its 
contents, whose online course has been carried out by a total of 115,085 employees. 

In addition, since the introduction in Spain of the new criminal liability regime of the legal entity, BBVA has developed a 
model  of  criminal  risk  management,  framed  within  its  general  internal  control  model,  with  the  aim  of  specifying 
measures directly aimed at preventing criminal acts through a government structure suited to this purpose. This model, 
which  is  periodically  subjected  to  independent  review  processes,  is  intended  to  be  a  dynamic  process  in  continuous 
evolution,  so  that  the  experience  in  its  application,  the  changes  in  the  activity  and  the  structure  of  the  Entity  and,  in 
particular  in  its  control  model,  as  well  as  the  legal,  economic,  social  and  technological  developments  that  occur  will 
facilitate their adaptation and improvement.  

Among the possible crimes included in the crime prevention model are those related to corruption and bribery, as there 
are  a  number  of  risks  that  could  arise  in  this  respect  in  an  entity  of  the  nature  of  BBVA.  Among  such  risks  are  those 
related  to  activities  such  as  the  offering,  delivery  and  acceptance  of  gifts  or  personal  benefits,  promotional  events, 
facilitation  payments,  donations  and  sponsorships,  expenses,  hiring  of  personnel,  relationships  with  suppliers,  agents, 
intermediaries and business partners, the processes of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures or the accounting and 
recording of operations. 

In  order  to  regulate  the  identification  and  management  of  risks,  BBVA  has  a  body  of  internal  regulations  made  up  of 
principles, policies and other internal arrangements, including: 

Principles: 





Principles  applicable  to  the  disinvestment  processes  for  BBVA  Group  goods  or  services  in  favor  of  Group
employees.
Principles to be applied to those involved in BBVA’s procurement process.

89 

Policies:  











Anti-corruption policy.

Policy for the prevention and management of conflicts of interest within BBVA. 

Responsible procurement policy.

Event policy and policy for the acceptance of gifts related to major sporting events. 

Corporate travel policy.

Other internal developments: 

 Management model for corporate and travel expenses for personnel. 

 Management model for expenses and investment. 



















Code of ethics for the recruitment of personnel.

Code of ethics for suppliers.

Rules relating to the acquisition of goods and services. 

Rules relating to gifts for employees from persons/entities outside the bank.

Rules for delivery of gifts and organization of promotional events. 

Rules for authorizing the hiring of consultancy services. 

Rules on dealing with individuals of public importance in matters of finance and guarantees.

Rules for delegating credit risk.

Requirements for establishing and maintaining business relations with politically exposed persons (PEP). 

 Manual for management of donations in the Responsible Business Department. 







Procedural manual (treatment and registration of communications in the whistleblower channel). 

Corporate rules for managing the outsourcing life cycle. 

Disciplinary regime (internal procedural rules). 

The BBVA Group's anti-corruption policy develops the principles and guidelines contained, primarily, in section 4.3 of 
the  Code  of  Conduct  and  conforms  to  the  spirit  of  national  and  international  standards  on  the  subject,  taking  into 
consideration the recommendations of international organizations for the prevention of corruption and those established 
by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

The  BBVA  anti-corruption  framework  is  not  only  composed  of  the  aforementioned  regulatory  body,  but  also,  in 
compliance with the crime prevention model, has a program that includes the following elements: i) a risk map, ii) a set of 
mitigation measures aimed at reducing these risks, iii) action procedures in the face of the emergence of risk situations, 
iv) training and communication programs and plans, v) indicators aimed at understanding the situation of risks and their
mitigation and control framework, vi) a whistleblower channel, vii) a disciplinary regime, and viii) a specific government
model.

In this context, it should be noted that the Entity takes into account the corruption risk present in the main jurisdictions 
in  which  it  operates,  based  on  the  valuations  published  by  the  most  relevant  international  organizations  in  this  area. 
Additionally,  BBVA  has  provided  other  specific  instruments  for  the  management  of  basic  commitments  in  each 
functional area. The most salient of these are: 





Basic risk management principles and the risk management policy manual. 

Rules on dealing with individuals and entities of public importance in matters of finances and guarantees. 

Other basic commitments taken Within the general training program in this area, there is an online course that describes 
matters  such  as  the  basic  principles  related  to  the  Group's  prevention  framework  on  anti-corruption  that  reminds 
employees  of  BBVA's  zero  tolerance  policy  with  respect  to  any  form  of  corruption  or  bribery  in  its  business  activities. 
Finally,  BBVA  obtained  AENOR  certification,  which  certifies  that  its  criminal  compliance  management  system  is  in 
compliance with UNE 19601:2017 Standard in 2017; this certification was revised in 2018 with satisfactory results.  

Other basic commitments acquired by the Group are: 









Rules of conduct in defense. 

Environmental policy. 

Responsible procurement policy. 

Commitment to human rights. 

90 

Commitment to human rights  

BBVA adheres to a Commitment to Human Rights that seeks to guarantee respect for the dignity of all people and the 
rights that are inherent to them. This is the perspective under which the bank has decided to identify the social and labor 
risks that derive from its activity in the different areas and countries in which it carries out its business. Once these risks 
have been identified, the Group manages its possible impacts through processes specifically designed for this purpose 
(for example, the due diligence processes in Project finance under the Equator Principles or through existing processes 
that integrate the Human Rights perspective such as the supplier approval process or the diversity policy). On the other 
hand,  the  methodology  for  the  identification,  evaluation  and  management  of  BBVA's  reputational  risk  is  an  essential 
complement to this management, since the assessment of reputational risks highlights the fact that human rights issues 
have the potential to affect the bank's reputation. 

In  order  to  reinforce  this  detection  and  evaluation  of  risks  from  a  human  rights  perspective,  in  2017,  an  external 
consultant carried out a due diligence process in all the countries and businesses in which the Group is present, mainly 
in order to comply with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and with the responsibility 
of preventing, mitigating, and remedying the potential impacts on human rights in all of its operating environments 
and  in  all  its  businesses.  The  procedure  used  to  identify  and  evaluate  these  risks  or  impacts  was  based  on  the 
aforementioned  Principles.  In  this  manner,  guidelines  were  followed  that  indicate  that  companies  must  activate  due 
diligence processes through three fundamental steps: 







Identify the potential impacts of their operations on human rights;

Design mechanisms within the company to prevent and mitigate these; and, 

Provide channels and processes that ensure that, in case of violation, there are adequate mechanisms in place
to ensure that victims are compensated. 

As a result of the process, the potential impacts of the operations on human rights were identified and mechanisms were 
designed within the Entity to prevent and mitigate them, making the adequate channels and procedures available to the 
affected party in order to ensure that, in case of any violation, the appropriate mechanisms remain in place to ensure all 
necessary  repairs.  In  this  process,  certain  key  issues  were  identified  that  could  potentially  serve  as  levers  for  the 
improvement of the management system within the organization.   

These issues are grouped into four areas that serve as the basis and foundation of the Group's Action Plan on Human 
Rights 2018-2020, which is public and is updated every year. 

1. Policy and structure

The  updating  of  the  Human  Rights  Commitment,  which  was  renewed  in  2018,  was  recommended  in  the  due  diligence 
process. For this update, the Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights guidelines, backed on June 16, 2011 by the 
United  Nations  Human  Rights  Council  and,  on  the  other  hand,  the  results  of  the  global  process  itself,  were  taken  as 
reference markers for due diligence. 

This  commitment  is  articulated  around  the  stakeholders  with  which  BBVA  is  related:  employees,  customers,  suppliers 
and society; and it includes the three pillars on which the aforementioned Guiding Principles are based, which are: 







state duty to protect,

corporate responsibility to respect human rights, 

and the joint duty to implement mechanisms that ensure the remedy of possible human rights abuses.

All  the  individuals  employed  in  the  Group  are  responsible  for  making  this  commitment  a  reality  on  a  day-to-day  basis. 
Each  area  and  employee  has  the  duty  to  be  familiar  with  all  matters  that  pertain  to  them  that  may  imply  a  violation  of 
human  rights,  and  implement  the  measures  of  due  diligence  to  avoid  it.  However,  BBVA  has  a  structured  governance 
model following the internal control model, composed of three lines of defense: 







The first line of defense consists of the Group's units directly responsible for the management of these risks. 

The  second  line  of  defense  lies  with  the  Responsible  Business  Department,  which  is  also  responsible  for
designing, implementing and improving commitment as well as acting as a second line of defense. 

The third line of defense is the Internal Audit Area. 

Likewise, the CEO, with the support of senior management, decides on its definition and updating within the framework 
of the CSR Policy approved by the Board of Directors. 

2. Training and cultural transformation

With regard to the due diligence process, it was advisable to integrate the human rights perspective into: 

91 







Internal and external communication plan. 

Plan on diversity and conciliation. 

General and specialized training plan for employees. 

Respect  for  the  equality  of  people  and  their  diversity  is  reflected  in  the  corporate  culture  and  management  style,  is  a 
guiding principle of employee policies, especially those of selection, development and compensation, which guarantee 
non-discrimination based on gender, race, religion or age, and, as such, is included in the BBVA Code of Conduct. 

Thus,  this  Code,  among  other  matters,  includes  the  treatment  of  discrimination,  harassment  or  intimidation  in  labor 
relations, objectivity in the selection, hiring and promotion that avoids discrimination or conflicts of interest, among other 
issues, as well as safety and health in the workplace, employees must communicate any situation they understand that 
poses a risk to safety or health at work. 

Within the framework of the diversity and inclusion plan for employees and with a focus on gender diversity, three lines 
of action have been strengthened during 2018: i) promoting transparency using new metrics, ii) promoting these issues 
in  the  corporate  culture,  iii)  mitigate  the  glass  ceiling,  for  example  with  the  extension  of  the  Rooney  Rule  to  all  Group 
vacancies. 

In  addition,  BBVA’s  Commitment  to  Human  Rights  assumes  the  commitment  to  the  application,  for  example,  of  the 
content  of  the  fundamental  conventions  of  the  International  Labor  Organization  (ILO)  such  as  those  related  to  the 
elimination of all forms of forced labor; the effective abolition of child labor (minimum age and worst forms of child labor); 
and the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation, among other commitments. 

3. Process improvement

After the analysis, the importance of strengthening the process of approval and evaluation of suppliers, and the operation 
and scope of the repair mechanisms was concluded. 

From  the point of view  of suppliers, BBVA has a responsible purchasing policy and an ethical code of suppliers (more 
information on this can be found in the suppliers chapter) and, during 2018, reinforced compliance with the Commitment 
to Human Rights with the integration of the prism of human rights in the evaluation of suppliers in the approval process. 

BBVA  works  to  establish  remedy  mechanisms  in  the  role  of  corporate  lender,  employer  or  as  a  company  that  hires 
services to others. As such, it is open to managing any issue raised by any of its stakeholders regarding its credit activity 
and  in  relation  to  performance  in  the  field  of  human  rights  through  two  channels:  the  official  listening  channels  of  the 
Bank, aimed at clients, and external channels. An example of an external channel is the OECD's national contact points, 
whose objective is to admit and resolve claims related to losses of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.  

In relation to employees, suppliers and society in general, the BBVA Code of Conduct includes an express mention of the 
commitment to human rights and provides a whistleblower channel to report possible breaches of the code itself.   

4. Business and strategy alignment

The  analysis  recommended  the  inclusion  of  human  rights  criteria  in  strategic  projects  of  the  Group,  such  as  the  due 
diligence process in the acquisition of companies (M&A and M&A Digital) or the social and environmental framework. 

A  social  and  environmental  framework  was  developed  from  the  perspective  of  customers,  launched  in  2018,  in  which 
specific  rules  were  developed  for  the  financing  of  sensitive  sectors  (mining,  energy,  agro-industry  and  infrastructure). 
The  Responsible  Business  Department  function  became  part  of  the  new  products  and  business  committees  in  Spain, 
Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Peru, Turkey and Venezuela. 

In  addition,  as  signatories  to  Equator  Principles,  BBVA  complies  with  the  requirement  to  conduct  a  due  diligence 
analysis  of  potential  human  rights  impacts  in  project  finance  operations.  In  case  of  detecting  potential  risks,  the 
operation must include an effective form of management of these risks, as well as operational mechanisms to support 
claims management.  

Also within the framework of the Equator Principles, BBVA actively promotes the inclusion of free prior informed consent 
(FPIC), not only in emerging countries, but also in projects in countries where a robust legislative system is presupposed 
as well, which guarantees the protection of the environment and the social rights of its inhabitants. 

BBVA is also a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact Principles, maintaining a constant dialog and exchange of 
experiences  with  other  signatory  entities  (companies,  SMEs,  third  sector  entities,  educational  institutions  and 
professional associations). Along the same lines, BBVA promotes a dialog with NGOs concerning its fiscal responsibility, 
and participates in various  meetings with  investors and  stakeholders in which it follows up on  issues related  to human 
rights. 

92 

BBVA participates in different work groups related to human rights and is in constant dialog with its stakeholders. At a 
sectoral level, BBVA makes up part of the Thun Group, a group of global banks that works to understand how to better 
apply  the  United  Nations  Guiding  Principles  on  Business  and  Human  Rights  in  the  practices  and  policies  of  financial 
institutions, and across various banking businesses.  

An important milestone in 2018 was the launching of the Responsible Banking Principles to which BBVA has adhered 
as one of the sponsors and founding banks for the initiative. Under the auspices of the United Nations, these Principles 
are  put  forth  with  the  aim  of  providing  a  sustainable  financing  framework  and  supporting  the  sector  in  a  manner  that 
shows  its  contribution  to  society.  In  this  sense,  the  implementation  guidelines  expressly  mention  the  importance  of 
integrating the Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights, in the implementation of the six principles, which are: 1. 
Alignment, 2. Impact, 3. Clients and Customers, 4. Stakeholders, 5. Governance and target setting, and 6. Transparency 
and Accountability.  

Finally,  in  addition  to  these  initiatives,  and  taking  the  relevance  of  the  mortgage  market  in  Spain  into  account,  BBVA 
generated a social housing policy. 

Social Housing Policy in Spain 

Since  the  beginning  of  the  crisis,  BBVA  seeks  to  explore  all  of  the  refinancing  possibilities  available  based  on  the 
customer's  ability  to  pay,  with  the  main  objective  of  maintaining  their  home.  This  is  what  BBVA  has  done  with  76,538 
customers in 2018. Any situation may be brought to the attention of the Protection Committee of the Mortgage Provider, 
which analyzes all cases that might occur with regard to customers or their families, any circumstances involving risk of 
exclusion that is not covered under the Law, offering individual solutions that depend on the particular circumstances of 
each family (refinancing, debt cancellation, payment in kind, rent in social housing available directly from the Bank, etc.). 
In this sense, BBVA has made more than 29,000 dations in payments to its customers. 

In February 2012, BBVA decided voluntarily to adhere to the Code of Good Practices which had the objective of granting 
benefits to certain families who had contracted a mortgage loan and who were at risk of exclusion. In light of the approval 
of Royal Decree-Law (RDL) 27/2012, of Law 1/2013 and, finally, of RDL 1/2015 and Law 9/2015, BBVA determined, in a 
proactive  manner,  to  inform  all  of  its  customers  currently  involved  in  a  foreclosure  process  of  the  existence  of  the 
aforementioned standards, and the extent of their effects, so that they might benefit from the benefits described therein. 

In  2018,  BBVA  transferred  its  real-estate  business  to  Cerberus  Capital  Management.  The  scope  of  the  Social  Housing 
Policy in Spain has adapted to this new situation accordingly as a result and is now aimed at offering solutions that are 
adapted to the holders of mortgage loans who are experiencing difficulties in the payment of said loans. BBVA has signed 
collaboration agreements with public entities for approximately 2,500 homes. 

93 

Sustainable Finance 

Banks play a crucial role in the fight against climate change and in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development 
Goals, due to their unique ability to mobilize capital through investments, loans, issues and advisory functions. There are 
very  relevant  ways  to  contribute  to  this  challenge.  On  the  one  hand,  providing  innovative  solutions  to  its  customers  to 
help them in the transition to a low-carbon economy and in promoting sustainable financing; and on the other, integrating 
environmental and social risks in decision-making in a systematic manner. 

BBVA's commitment to sustainable development is reflected in its Environmental Commitment, which is global in scope. 
Along these lines, in 2018, BBVA presented its climate change and sustainable development Strategy to contribute to the 
achievement  of  the  United  Nations  Sustainable  Development  Goals  and  to  addressing  the  challenges  arising  from  the 
Paris Climate Agreement. This 2025 Pledge, which will help the Bank to align its activity with the goal of keeping global 
warming below 2ºC and achieve a balance between sustainable energy and investments in fossil fuels, is based on three 
lines of action: 

1.

Financing:  BBVA  is  pledging  to  mobilize  €100  billion  in  green  and  social  financing,  sustainable  infrastructures
and agriculture, social entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.

2. Manage the environmental and social  risks associated with the Bank's  activity, to minimize its potential direct

and indirect negative impacts.

3. Engage  with  all  stakeholders  to  collectively  promote  the  contribution  of  the  financial  sector  to  sustainable

development.

Both  the  Group's  Environmental  Commitment  and  its  climate  change  and  sustainable  development  Strategy  are 
approved by the CEO, with the support of senior management.  

As of December 31, 2018, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the BBVA Group do not present any 
material  item  that  must  be  included  in  the  informational  document  on  the  environment  set  forth  in  the  Order  of  the 
Ministry of Justice JUS/471/2017, of May 19, which approves the new models for the presentation of the annual accounts 
of the subjects required to publish them in the Mercantile Registry. 

94 

Sustainable financing 

BBVA  strives  to  contribute  to  mobilizing  the  necessary  capital  to  stop  climate  change  and  achieve  the  Sustainable 
Development  Goals.  To  this  end,  it  has  pledged  to  mobilize  €100  billion  in  sustainable  financing  between  2018  and 
2025, divided into three categories: 

1.

Transition to a low-carbon economy: includes green financing to companies and institutions; intermediation of
green bonds; solutions for energy efficiency, water, and waste management; and investment funds and equity. 

2. Sustainable  infrastructures  and  agriculture:  financing  infrastructure  in  education,  health,  social  housing  and
sustainable  transport;  intermediated  rates  subsidies;  investment  funds  and  equity;  and  financing  to  the
agricultural industry under sustainability criteria. 

3.

Financial  inclusion  and  entrepreneurship:  loans  to  low-income  communities,  vulnerable  micro-entrepreneurs
and women entrepreneurs; new digital models and impact investments. 

Sustainable financing products are instruments that channel funds to finance customer transactions in sectors such as 
renewable  energy,  energy  efficiency,  waste  management  and  water  treatment,  as  well  as  access  to  social  goods  and 
services,  such  as  housing,  education,  health  and  employment.  BBVA  has  the  capacity,  knowledge  and  experience  to 
provide  its  customers  with  thorough  advice  on  sustainable  financing  solutions,  and  in  2018  it  has  once  again  led  this 
market. 

Sustainable bonds and green loans 

BBVA  is  one  of  the  Spanish  entities  with  the  greatest  experience  in  providing  advice  on  bonds  for  its  customers,  an 
activity  that  it  launched  in  2007  when  it  was  part  of  the  issuance  of  the  first  green  bond  by  the  European  Investment 
Bank. Since then, BBVA has structured, advised and placed green bonds in Europe, the United States and Latin America 
for companies, financial entities and public sector entities. 

In 2018, BBVA became an issuer of these types of bonds, after the publication of its framework for the issuance of bonds 
linked  to  the  Sustainable  Development  Goals.  The  existence  of  this  framework  is  one  of  the  characteristic  elements  of 
sustainable  emissions,  which  will  allow  the  Group  to  channel  funds  to  finance  projects  in  sectors  aligned  with  its  2025 
Pledge.  In  the  year,  BBVA  made  a  green  bond  issue  in  Spain  of  €1  billion  and  BBVA  Bancomer  in  Mexico  for  7  billion 
Mexican  pesos;  while  Garanti  Bank  in  Turkey  issued  a  social  bond  for  women  entrepreneurs,  in  collaboration  with  the 
International Finance Corporation, for US$75 million. 

On its part, in 2018 the Group continued to promote the green loans market and participated in various transactions in 
countries  such  as  the  United  States,  Mexico,  Peru,  Spain,  Italy  and  Turkey,  through  syndicated,  bilateral  and  project 
finance corporate loans. 

Advice and sustainable transactional banking 

BBVA  has  a  Corporate  Finance  (M&A)  team  dedicated  to  renewable  energy  transactions,  which  provides  advice  to 
energy  companies,  for  their  disinvestment  in  coal  plants  and  the  capital  increase  to  finance  and  develop  renewable 
energy projects. Along  these lines, BBVA worked in 2018  on a sustainable transactional product framework linked to 
the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, by virtue of which the transactional banking operations of its 
customers may be classified as either green, social or sustainable. 

Sustainable project financing 

BBVA, in its commitment to the renewable energy sector, financed projects of this type in 2018, including the financing of 
a 950 MW offshore wind farm in the United Kingdom, a portfolio of 130 photovoltaic plants in Italy, and seven wind farms 
in Spain. It also financed social infrastructure projects. 

Socially responsible investment 

BBVA  assumed  its  commitment  to  Socially  Responsible  Investment  (SRI)  in  2008  when  it  joined  the  United  Nations 
Principles  for  Responsible  Investment  (PRI)  through  the  employee  pension  plan  and  one  of  the  Group's  major  asset 
managers, Gestión de Previsión y Pensiones. The goal then was to start building BBVA's own SRI model from the ground 
up, whose initial application would focus on employment pension funds. Ten years later, the Group continues to work on 
improving its model, making it more complete and sound every day. 

 In  2018,  BBVA  Asset  Management  (BBVA  AM)  has  continued  to  adapt  to  the  market  and  changes  in  it,  working  to 
extend and improve the SRI solutions offered. In this vein, it maintains various training programs, such as holding events 
broadcast on streaming and preparing periodic newsletters related to SRI issues, available on the BBVA AM website; but, 

especially through personalized meetings with their customers to respond to the different concerns that may arise in this 
area. 

95 

The strategies implemented by the BBVA AM SRI model are the following: 






Integration of ESG criteria in the investment process. 
Exclusion: Rules of conduct in defense. 
ESG analysis of third-party funds.
Engagement and exercise of political rights.

Retail solutions 

In  Spain,  green  solutions  and  products  for  retail  customers  were  explored  in  2018,  mainly  consumption,  mortgages, 
consumer finance and the online store BBVA de Compras. The goal is for customers to have a green offer throughout all 
of the main products. The plan for 2019 is to continue working on the development and implementation of this type of 
solution.  

Likewise,  Garanti  in  Turkey  continued  to  support  the  green  mortgage  market,  under  the  agreement  with  IFC 
(International Finance Corporation) for the purchase of energy-efficient homes. In addition, since 2016, it has had a green 
loan for the purchase of hybrid and electric cars. 

Financial inclusion 

BBVA is aware that greater financial inclusion has a favorable impact on the welfare and sustained economic growth of 
countries. The fight against financial exclusion is therefore consistent with its ethical and social commitment, as well as 
its  medium-  and  long-term  business  objectives.  For  this  purpose,  the  Group  has  developed  a  financial  inclusion  (FI) 
business model to cover the low-income population in emerging countries within its global footprint. This model is based 
on  the  development  of  a  responsible  business  model  that  is  sustainable  in  the  long  term,  shifting  from  a  model  that  is 
intensive  in  human  capital  and  of  limited  scalability  to  a  scalable  strategy  that  is  intensive  in  alternative  and  digital 
channels with a multi-product focus. In short, this model is based on: 







the use of new digital technologies;

an increase in products and services offered through non-branch platforms; 

innovative low-cost financial solutions designed for this segment. 

At the close of 2018, BBVA had 8.4 million active customers in this segment. 

In turn, the BBVA Microfinance Foundation (FMBBVA) continues its work to promote the economic, social, sustainable 
and inclusive development of vulnerable people through productive finance. This model seeks to foster the development 
of its customers and offers entrepreneurs a customized service by bringing not only a full range of financial products and 
services to their homes or companies, but also advice and training related to the financial planning and management of 
their small businesses.  

Since  the  Foundation  was  set  up,  it  has  disbursed  an  aggregate  volume  of  US$11,775  million  to  low-income 
entrepreneurs  in  Latin  America  for  the  development  of  their  productive  activities.  It  is  now  one  of  the  largest  private 
philanthropic initiatives in the region.   

During 2018, the FMBBVA and its more than 8,000 employees, served more than two million customers, 57% of whom 
were  women,  which  contributed  directly  to  reducing  gender  inequality  and  continued  working  to  reach  the  geographic 
areas with the greatest needs.  

The  activity  of  the  FMBBVA  is  published  annually  in  its  social  performance  report,  “Measuring  what  really  matters,” 
available on its website. 

96 

Social and environmental impact management 

Social and environmental risks 

As  a  financial  institution,  BBVA  has  an  impact  on  the  environment  and  society  directly,  through  the  use  of  natural 
resources and the relationship with its stakeholders; and indirectly, through its credit activity and the projects it finances. 

Through  its  2025  Pledge,  the  Group  is  committed  to  managing  environmental  and  social  risks  to  minimize  these 
potential direct and indirect negative impacts linked to its activity.  

In terms of environmental and social risks, BBVA's strategy aims to gradually integrate its management into the Group's 
Risk Management Framework, in order to mitigate them based on the principle of prudence. In line with this, the Bank 
has equipped itself with instruments that reinforce its capacity to identify and evaluate this type of risk. 

New industry standards 

In  2018,  BBVA  published  its  new  industry  norms  that  address  specific  sustainability  issues  in  four  sectors  with  special 
environmental  and  social  impact:  mining,  energy,  infrastructure  and  agriculture.  These  standards  provide  clear 
guidance  on  the  procedures  to  follow  when  managing  customers  and  transactions  in  these  sectors.  Steps  were  taken 
this  year  to  evaluate  the  alignment  with  these  new  norms  of  all  customers  in  these  four  sectors,  which  will  allow  us  to 
better understand their sustainability strategies.  

In line with the new sector standards, BBVA published its commitment to not finance controversial activities such as 
“exploration and production of oil sands” in the energy sector, for which the Bank does not support this kind of operation 
directly. 

Furthermore, BBVA highly appreciates the feedback from its stakeholders about these questions and will consider it at 
the moment of updating and reviewing the before-mentioned sector standards. 

Climate risk analysis 

Within the TCFD initiative, the Group seeks to assess how risks associated with climate change may affect its customer 
portfolio.  After  the  signing  of  the  Paris  agreements,  the  importance  of  climate  change  came  into  focus  on  the 
international  agenda.  Governments  and  institutions  committed  themselves  to  the  demands  of  this  pact,  and,  little  by 
little, we are seeing an increase in regulation (soft and hard) in this regard, which involves certain transitional risks and 
pushes companies to reduce their emissions to be in line with the 1.5 and 2 degree scenarios. 

Many sectors are affected by this trend, which limits their access to the use of certain commodities, taxes emissions, and 
requires  the  establishment  of  an  ad-hoc  strategy  and  the  dissemination  of  information  in  this  regard.  There  is  also  an 
opportunity  as  a  result  of  the  new  business  that  will  be  generated  around  sustainable  initiatives.  On  the  other  hand, 
physical risks derived from possible natural catastrophes must be taken into account. 

Banking plays a fundamental role in the section on transitional risks as a funder of all the sectors involved in this change. 
Determining this exposure requires the level of risk to which a lender is exposed to be taken into account.  

As such, BBVA developed a methodology based on the analysis of climate change scenarios in 2018. This methodology is 
based on the assumptions of models such as the WEO (World Energy Outlook) of the International Energy Agency and 
uses  methodological  tools  developed  in  the  pilot  project  carried  out  by  the  TCFD.  This  methodology  incorporates  the 
sectoral forecasts of the climate models and data involving BBVA's exposure into the tool. Supported by a calibration of 
the results, which is performed based on the Bank's knowledge of its main customers, the model provides forecasts of 
possible changes in the customers probability of default in the medium and long term. In this sense, BBVA analyzed the 
utilities, oil & gas and transport sectors, taking into consideration that they are the ones that have the greatest exposure 
to climate change in their portfolio. 

In terms of physical risks, the exercise focuses on how extreme climate change events (droughts, floods, storms, fires, 
etc.)  can  affect  the  assets  of  both  BBVA  and  its  customers.  Accordingly,  the  exercise  concentrated  on  studying  the 
mortgage market in Mexico and the possible variations in the probability of default of mortgage loans.   

The Equator Principles 

Energy,  transport  and  social  services  infrastructures,  which  promote  economic  development  and  create  employment, 
can have impacts on the environment and society. BBVA's commitment is to manage the financing of these projects to 
reduce and avoid negative impacts and enhance their economic, social and environmental value. 

97 

All the decisions on project finance are based on the criterion of return adjusted to ethical principles. Placing people at 
the center of the business means meeting stakeholder expectations and dealing with the social demand to fight against 
climate change and respect human rights. 

In  line  with  this  commitment,  in  2004  BBVA  made  a  commitment  to  the  Equator  Principles  (EP).  Based  on  the 
International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Policy and Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability 
and the World Bank's General Environmental, Health and Safety guidelines, the Equator Principles are a set of standards 
for managing environmental and social risks in project finance. These principles have set the benchmark for responsible 
finance.  

In  2018,  BBVA  actively  contributed  to  the  development  of  the  fourth  version  of  the  Equator  Principles,  initiated  in  the 
previous  year.  To  this  end,  it  participated  in  two  working  groups,  urging  a  strengthening  of  requirements  and  actively 
contributing to their continuous development. With this new version, the Equator Principles Association recognizes the 
need to update the Principles in order to keep up with the changing landscape of sustainable finance, on four key issues: 
social impacts and human rights, climate change, international standards applicable to the projects and the scope of the 
applicability of the EPs. 

Eco-rating 

The Eco-rating tool is used to rate BBVA's risk portfolio in Spain from an environmental point of view. To this end, each 
customer  is  assigned  a  level  of  environmental  risk  based  on  the  combination  of  several  factors,  such  as  their  location, 
polluting emissions, consumption of resources, potential to affect their environment or applicable legislation. 

Eco-efficiency 

In its commitment to reduce the direct environmental impacts of its activity, in 2018 BBVA continued to work within the 
framework  of  the  Global  Eco-efficiency  Plan  (GEP),  whose  vision  is  to  position  the  Bank  among  the  leading  eco-
efficiency entities worldwide. The GEP establishes the following strategic vectors and global objectives for the 2016-2020 
period: 

(*) updated objective after the incorporation of the data from Turkey. Objectives per person 

The  results  of  monitoring  compliance  with  the  Plan  in  2018  have  been  very  positive,  resulting  in  savings  of  5%  in 
electricity, 12% in CO2, 9% in water and 21% in paper (all of them per person). In addition, the percentage of consumption 
of renewable energy has increased to 37% and the percentage of people working in buildings built under sustainability 
standards reaches 43%. 

In addition to the objectives set out in the GEP, the climate change and sustainable development strategy approved in 
2018 establishes new commitments by 2025, for the reduction of BBVA's carbon footprint. On the one hand, the Bank 
has  established  a  reduction  target  of  68%  of  its  scope  1  and  2  emissions  at  that  date;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is 
committed that 70% of the energy it contracts will be renewable in 2025, and 100% in 2030. In line with this last goal, 
BBVA  has  joined  the  RE100  initiative  this  year,  through  which  the  most  influential  companies  in  the  world  commit 
themselves  to  having  their  energy  at  100%  renewable  before  2050.  It  has  also  been  the  first  Spanish  bank  to  join  the 
“Science Based Targets” initiative. The purpose of this initiative is for companies to establish greenhouse gas emission 
reduction  targets  that  are  aligned  with  the  level  of  decarbonization  necessary  to  maintain  the  global  temperature  rise 
below 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, as established in the Paris Agreement. 

The evolution of the GEP indicators in the last year is reflected in the table below: 

Main indicators of the GEP 

People working in the certified buildings (%) (2)

Electricity usage per person (MWh) 

Energy coming from renewable sources (%) 

CO2 emissions per person (T) (3) 

Water consumption per person (m3)

People working in buildings with alternative sources of water supply (%) 

Paper consumption per person (T) 

People working in buildings with separate waste collection certificate (%) 

Note: indicators calculated based on employees and external staff. 

(1) Preliminary data. Calculated by pending estimate of receipt of invoices. Can change. 

(2) Including ISO 14001 and LEED certifications. 

(3) Emissions calculated according to the market-based method. 

(4) Data adjusted compared to the information released in 2017. 

98 

2017

42

5,9 

27 

2,2

21,6 (4) 

11 

0,1 

41 

2018 (1)

43

5.7 

37 

1.9

19.7

13 

0.1 

40 

To achieve these targets, BBVA continued its efforts to minimize its environmental footprint through initiatives in all of 
the countries where the Group is present, most notably: 











Power supply agreement through a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement): in Spain, the Bank's agreement for the
purchase and sale of green energy that includes the construction of a wind farm that guarantees the production
of 80 gigawatts, available from 2020; in Mexico, BBVA Bancomer has a PPA agreement that covers 80% of the
energy consumed by the Bank. 

Establishment and monitoring of the implementation of energy savings measures in buildings in Spain.

Implementation  of  various  projects  for  the  improvement  of  efficiency  in  air  conditioning  systems,  system
monitoring, adjustment of instructions for air conditioning and lighting. 

Operational improvements and remodeling of water consumption facilities in some locations. 

Renewal  of  environmental  management  system  certifications  under  the  ISO  14001:2015  standard,  with  an
increase  in  the  number  of  buildings  that  have  this  certification  to  the  1,067  branches  and  86  buildings  in  use
throughout the Group. 

 Measures to reduce paper consumption through digitalization processes of the documents used in offices. 







Participation in the Earth Hour campaign in 179 cities around the world.

Actions to raise awareness against plastic pollution.

Celebration of sustainability week in the BBVA City in Madrid, during which employees participated in initiatives,
workshops  and  visits  aimed  at  promoting  energy  savings,  sustainable  mobility  and  overall  environmental
awareness. 

Given  the  characteristics  of  its  activities,  BBVA  does  not  make  direct  provisions  for  environmental  purposes.  For  the 
same reason, it neither counts with specific policies regarding resources, food waste nor records risks caused by impacts 
on protected areas. 

99 

Engagement with global initiatives 

BBVA  plays  a  part  of  the  main  international  sustainable  development  initiatives  such  as  the  United  Nations  Global 
Compact,  the  Equator  Principles,  the  Principles  for  Responsible  Investment,  the  United  Nations  Environment  Program 
Financial Initiative (UNEP FI), CDP, the Thun Group on Banks and Human Rights, the Green Bond Principles, the Social 
Bonds Principles, the Green Loan Principles, the RE100 initiative and the Science Based Targets. In addition, it is firmly 
committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations and the Paris Climate Agreements and, 
since 2017, it has been a part of the pilot group of banks that have committed to implementing the recommendations on 
financing and climate change published by the Financial Stability Board within the framework of the G20.  

In 2018, BBVA joined the Principles for Responsible Banking, presented in Paris in November coinciding with the UNEP FI 
Global  Roundtable;  and  signed  a  letter  in  December,  along  with  other  banks,  addressed  to  world  leaders  and  heads  of 
state  who  attended  the  United  Nations  climate  summit  in  Katowice  (Poland),  with  a  commitment  to  financing  and 
designing the financial services needed to support the transition of its clients to a low-carbon economy. 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 

On September 25, 2015, world leaders adopted 17 SDGs in order to protect the planet, fight against poverty and work to 
eradicate  it,  and  achieve  a  prosperous  world  for  the  next  generations.  These  goals  are  framed  within  the  2030 
sustainable  development  Agenda.  The  aim  was  to  involve  everyone:  governments,  companies,  civil  society  and 
individuals.  Each  goal,  stated  with  a  specific  purpose,  has,  in  turn,  a  number  of  targets  set  to  achieve  it.  Furthermore, 
each target has its own indicators that serve to determine the degree of achievement of each goal. 

 In  this  context,  BBVA  announced,  in  February  2018,  its  climate  change  and  sustainable  development  strategy  in 
order  to  contribute  to  the  achievement  of  the  SDGs  (previously  mentioned  in  the  introduction  of  this  chapter  on 
Sustainable  Finance),  and  assumes  a  special  commitment  regarding  the  SDG  number  17  (Revitalize  the  Global 
Partnership  for  Sustainable  Development),  which  assumes  that  alliances  will  be  required  to  achieve  the  goals.  For  this 
reason,  BBVA  has  pledged  to  engage  all  its  stakeholders  to  boost  the  collective  contribution  of  the  financial  sector  to 
sustainable development. Due to the magnitude of this, the challenges derived from the Sustainable Development Goals 
and  global  warming  can  only  be  overcome  with  the  determined  commitment  of  all.  This  requires  awareness,  shared 
knowledge, call to action, dialog and alliances with all stakeholders, as well as participating in international and sectoral 
initiatives that join forces. 

 Overall,  BBVA  contributes  to  all  SDGs,  given  the  Group's  wide  range  of  businesses,  including  the  activity  of  the 
Microfinance  Foundation,  and  its  global  presence.  In  this  way,  it  aims  to  respond  to  the  commitments  of  the  2030 
Agenda, but at the same time to take advantage of the business opportunities derived from it´s compliance. 

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 

As  part  of  its commitment   to  mitigating  the  impacts  of  climate  change  and  integrating  these  risks  into  its  risk 
management model, BBVA has committed to follow the indications set out in the TCFD. In 2017, it joined the pilot group 
of banks that, guided by UNEP FI, are striving to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures, created by the Financial Stability Board (FSB). 

As part of this group, during the first half of 2018, BBVA worked in creating a methodology that could help to incorporate 
environmental risks, both physical (directly derived from climate change) and transitional (regulatory risks to achieve the 
Paris Agreement goals), into BBVA´s risk management area. The result of this work were two documents, one focused 
on physical risks and the other on transitional risks, which were published during 2018. BBVA focused its analysis on the 
transport and energy sectors for transitional risks and in the mortgage market for physical risks. 

Principles for Responsible Banking 

BBVA  is  one  of  the  28  banks  around  the  world  that  have  worked  on  the  preparation  of  the  Principles  for  Responsible 
Banking  since  April  2018.  This  is  an  initiative  coordinated  by  UNEP  FI,  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme 
Finance  Initiative,  and  aims  to  respond  to  the  growing  demand  of  our  different  stakeholders  to  have  a  comprehensive 
framework that covers all dimensions of sustainable banking. 

In  this  sense,  BBVA  believes  that  these  Principles  will  help  reaffirm  its  Purpose,  enhance  its  contribution  to  both  the 
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the commitments derived from the Paris Climate Agreements, and 
to align its business strategy with them. 

100 

Contribution to society  

Investment in social programs 

In  2018,  the  BBVA  Group  allocated  €104.5  million  to  social  initiatives  that  benefited  more  than  8  million  people.  This 
figure represented close to 2% of the Group’s net attributed profit. Through social programs, BBVA acts as an engine of 
opportunities for people, and seeks to have a positive impact on their lives, with regard to vulnerable people in particular. 

Investment in social programs by focus of actions (Percentage). 2018 

Investment in social programs by geographical areas and foundations (Millions of euros) 

Spain and corporative areas

The United States 

Mexico

Turkey

South America 

BBVA Foundation 

BBVA Microfinance Foundation 

TOTAL 

2018

28.1

11.1 

25.3 

5.2 

3.9 

25.8 

5.1 

%

27

11 

24 

5 

4 

25 

5 

2017

24.7

9.0 

26.8

5.2

6.0 

25.9 

5.4 

%

24

9 

26

5

6 

25 

5 

104.5 

100 

103.1 

100 

BBVA's  investment  in  social  programs  is  channeled  through  its  local  banks  that  make  up  the  Group  and  its  corporate 
foundations, thus contributing to the development of communities in which the Group is present. Foundations play a 
fundamental  role  in  channeling  a  significant  part  of  social  investment  initiatives:  the  BBVA  Foundation  is  focused 
promoting  knowledge,  culture,  and  dissemination  of  science  while  the  BBVA  Microfinance  Foundation  promotes  a 
sustainable  economic  and  social  development  of  the  most  disadvantaged  people,  through  Responsible  Productive 
Finance. 

In 2018, BBVA continued to push forward the main focus of action of the Community Investment Plan for the 2016-2018 
period, which include:  

1.

Financial education, aimed at promoting the acquisition of financial skills and competencies to enable people to 
make informed financial decisions. 

2. Social entrepreneurship, designed to support the most vulnerable entrepreneurs and those whose companies

have a positive social impact. 

3. Knowledge, by supporting initiatives that promote development and that allow the creation of opportunities for
people. Education for society is framed within this strategic line. It shares priority with other initiatives of the
Group, such as the activities of the BBVA Foundation and the research work carried out by the BBVA Research
Department.

Since  2016,  BBVA's  community  support  activity  has  been  focusing  on  these  three  strategic  lines;  however,  at  a  local 
level,  the  Group's  banks  have  maintained  their  investment  commitments  in  the  community  to  face  local  social 
challenges.  In  this  sense,  the  Social  Entities  Support  Program  promotes  the  implementation  of  educational  and 

101 

community  development  projects  carried  out  by  non-governmental  organizations,  social  entities  and  other  non-profit 
associations.  

Financial education 

Financial  education  is  one  of  the  lines  of  action  of  the  Community  Investment  Plan.  The  global  objective  of  BBVA's 
commitment to financial education is to promote a concept of financial education in the broad sense, through the Global 
Financial Education Plan, based on three lines of action: 







Financial  education  for  society:  promoting  the  acquisition  of  knowledge,  skills  and  attitudes  in  all  countries
where  BBVA  operates,  through  its  own  programs  and  in  collaboration  with  third  parties,  in  order  to  achieve
greater knowledge of financial concepts and a change in behavior in financial decision-making. 

Promotion  of  financial  education:  promoting  the  importance  of  knowledge  and  financial  capabilities,  as  a
fundamental issue that has a direct impact on the well-being of people. 

Financial education in customer solutions: integrating financial capabilities in the customer's experience in order
to facilitate informed decision-making, which will result in an improvement in their financial well-being and allow
them to access greater opportunities. 

BBVA's commitment to financial education is long-term, with more than €80 million invested and more than 13.4 million 
beneficiaries in different programs since 2008. 

In 2018, investment in the development of the Global Financial Education Plan was €7.6 million and benefited almost 2 
million people.  

Entrepreneurship 

In  the  2016-2018  Community  Investment  Plan,  entrepreneurship  support  programs  were  grouped  into  a  single  line  of 
action  that  became  more  relevant.  This  has  led  to  the  development  of  programs  and  initiatives  aimed  at  the  most 
vulnerable  entrepreneurs  and  those  that  generate  a  positive  social  impact  through  their  companies.  In  2018,  BBVA 
allocated close to €9 million that benefited 2.2 million people. 

Likewise, BBVA promotes the ecosystem of social entrepreneurship through its participation in notable organizations.  

Knowledge, education and culture 

Knowledge, education and culture are three areas of activity that are grouped in the third line of action of the Community 
Investment Plan for the period 2016-2018 and that encompasses the activities carried out by the BBVA Foundation and 
local education and culture initiatives. In 2018, €75.5 million were invested, benefiting 3.8 million people. 

BBVA contributes to the dissemination of knowledge through the activities of BBVA Research, the BBVA Foundation and 
the Open Mind initiative.  







BBVA  Research  studies  the  evolution  of  the  economy  and  offers  economic  studies,  reports  and  analyses  to
shareholders, investors and the general public.
The BBVA Foundation focuses its activity on the generation of knowledge. Expanding the frontiers of inherited
knowledge  is  one  of  the  most  effective  ways  to  successfully  address  the  problems  that  affect  society  today,
such  as  the  environment,  sustainable  development,  health,  demographic  changes,  globalization,  social
integration, and innovation with the goal of creation of opportunities for the whole of society. The direct impulse
towards  scientific  research  is  one  of  the  levers  on  which  the  BBVA  Foundation  is  supported  along  with  the
dissemination of the knowledge generated and the recognition of talent. 
The  Open  Mind  initiative  aims  to  contribute  to  the  generation  and  dissemination  of  knowledge  concerning
fundamental issues of our time, in an open and free way. The project has taken shape in an online community of
disclosure. 

Education for society is an extremely important aspect of BBVA's social investment as it continues to support access to 
education,  educational  quality  and  the  development  of  21st  century  key  competences  as  sources  of  opportunity.  It 
shares space with other initiatives of the Group, such as the activities of the BBVA Foundation.  

The  promotion  of  cultural  creation  of  excellence  is  another  lever  of  support  of  the  BBVA  Foundation  to  generate 
knowledge. It focuses its support on classical music, with an emphasis on contemporary music, visual arts, video art and 
digital art, as well as literature and theatre. 

Others 

BBVA's community support activity includes other lines of action, such as volunteering, support for social entities, and 
the promotion of corporate responsibility through its participation in the main working groups.   

In  2018,  BBVA,  in  relation  to  contributions  to  foundations  and  non-profit  entities,  prepared  a  Donation  Management 
Standard, which updates the existing procedure to align it with the anti-corruption policy (mentioned in the chapter on 
the  Compliance  System).  This  regulation  will  be  approved  in  the  first  quarter  of  2019  and,  throughout  next  year,  the 
technological solution for managing donations throughout the Group will be enabled in accordance with this procedure. 

102 

103 

Fiscal transparency 

Fiscal strategy 

In 2015, the BBVA Board of Directors approved the Corporate Principles in BBVA's Tax and Fiscal Strategy. 

The strategy forms part of BBVA's corporate governance system and establishes the policies, principles and values that 
guide the way the Group behaves with respect to taxes. This strategy has a global scope and affects everyone who is part 
of the Bank. Compliance with the strategy is very important, given the scale and impact that the tax contributions of large 
multinationals such as BBVA have on the jurisdictions where they operate. 

Effective compliance with the tax strategy is duly monitored and supervised by BBVA's governing bodies. 

Accordingly, BBVA's fiscal strategy consists of the following basic points: 









BBVA´s  decisions  concerning  fiscal-related  matters  are  determined  by  the  payment  of  taxes,  given  that  they
contribute heavily to the economies of all the jurisdictions in which it operates. Tax payments are aligned with
effective business practices and the generation of value in the different countries in which BBVA operates. 

Active adaptation to the new digital environment, also in terms of taxation, through the incorporation of virtual
presence into the generation of value, and its consequent valuation. 

The  establishment  of  reciprocal  cooperative  relations  with  tax  authorities  that  are  based  on  the  principles  of
transparency, mutual trust, good faith and fairness. 

Promotion of a clear, transparent and responsible reporting strategy to stakeholders on its main fiscal-related
matters.

Total tax contribution 

BBVA  is  committed  to  providing  full  transparency  in  tax  payments,  which  is  why  once  more  this  year  the  Group  has 
voluntarily disclosed all major tax payments in the countries where it has a significant presence, as it has done every year 
since 2011. 

BBVA  Group's  total  tax  contribution  (TTC),  which  uses  a  method  created  by  PwC,  includes  its  own  and  third-party 
payments  of  corporate  taxes,  VAT,  local  taxes  and  fees,  income  tax  withholdings,  Social  Security  payments,  and 
payments  made  during  the  year  arising  from  tax  litigation  in  relation  to  the  aforementioned  taxes.  In  other  words,  it 
includes  both  the  taxes  related  to  the  BBVA  Group  companies  (taxes  which  represent  a  cost  to  them  and  affect  their 
results)  and  taxes  collected  on  behalf  of  third  parties.  The  TTC  Report  gives  all  the  stakeholders  an  opportunity  to 
understand  BBVA's  tax  payments  and  represents  a  forward-looking  approach  and  commitment  to  corporate  social 
responsibility, by which it assumes a leading position in fiscal transparency. 

Global Tax contribution (BBVA Group. Millions of euros) 

Own taxes 

Third-party taxes 

Total tax contribution 

Offshore financial centers 

2018

4,502

5,250

9,752 

2017

4,106

5,775

9,881 

BBVA maintains a policy on activities in entities permanently registered in offshore financial centers, which includes a 
plan for reducing the number of offshore financial centers. 

In  this  respect,  in  2018  the  Group  closed  the  branch  in  the  Cayman  Islands  so,  as  of  December  31,  2018,  BBVA's 
permanent establishments registered in offshore financial  centers considered tax havens both from the perspective of 
the  OCDE  as  of  the  Spanish  regulations,  are  the  issuers  of  securities:  BBVA  Global  Finance,  Ltd.,  Continental  DPR 
Finance Company, Garanti Diversified Payment Rights Finance Company and RPV Company. 

Branch at offshore entities (BBVA Group. Millions of euros) 

Main figures of the balance sheets 

Loans and advances to customers 

Deposits from customers 

Issuers of securities 

31-12-18

104 

31-12-17

1,499

1,144

The BBVA Group has four issuers registered in Grand Cayman, two of them from the Garanti Group. 

Issuances outstanding at offshore entities (BBVA Group. Millions of euros) 

Issuing entities 
Subordinated debts (1) 

BBVA Global Finance LTD 

Other debt securities 

Continental DPR Finance Company (2)

Garanti Diversified Payment Rights Finance Company 

RPV Company 

TOTAL 

(1) Securities issued before the enactment of Act 19/2003 dated 4 July 2003. 

(2) Securitization bond issuances in flows generated from export bills. 

31-12-18

31-12-17

175

162

48

1,793 

1,329

3,345 

59

1,879 

1,262

3,362 

Supervision and control of the permanent establishments of the BBVA Group in offshore financial 
centers 

The BBVA Group applies risk management criteria and policies to all its permanent establishments in offshore financial 
centers that are identical to those for the rest of the companies making up the Group. 

During  the  reviews  carried  out  annually  on  each  and  every  one  of  the  BBVA  Group's  permanent  establishments  in 
offshore  financial  centers,  BBVA’s  Internal  Audit  Department  checks  the  following:  i)  that  their  activities  match  the 
definition of their corporate purpose, ii) that they comply with corporate policies and procedures in matters relating to 
knowledge  of  the  customers  and  prevention  of  money  laundering,  iii)   that  the  information  submitted  to  the  parent 
company  is  true,  iv)  and  that  they  comply  with  tax  obligations.  In  addition,  every  year  a  specific  review  of  Spanish 
legislation  applicable  to  the  transfer  of  funds  between  the  Group’s  banks  in  Spain  and  its  companies  established  in 
offshore centers is performed. 

In 2018, BBVA’s Compliance and Internal Audit Departments have supervised the action plans deriving from the audit 
reports on each one of these centers.  

For  2018,  as  far  as  external  audits  are  concerned,  all  of  the  BBVA  Group’s  permanent  establishments  registered  in 
offshore financial centers have the same external auditor (KPMG), except Continental DPR Finance Company. 

Other tax information by countries 

Tax information by countries (Millions of euros) 

CIT 
payments 
cash 
basis 

CIT 
expense 
consol 

534 

165

903 

422 

85 

32 

146 

-

365

15

9

2 

-

-

1

6 

7

9

-

-

3 

-

14

8

17

-

-

- 

1

-

-

-

3 

6 

-

383 

188 

902 

269 

117 

116 

163 

20 

43 

6 

3 

2 

- 

- 

4 

27 

5 

1 

- 

2 

2 

1 

12 

8 

1 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

7 

10 

- 

2018

PBT 
consol 

1,295

977

3,241

1,225

355

66

584

2

205

37

35

9

-

6

38

59

20

4

(12)

10

21 

14 

36

29

16

2

(1)

- 

7

-

(2)

-

30 

136 

2

2,753 

2,295 

8,446 

Country 

Spain

The United 
States  

Mexico

Turkey

Colombia

Argentina

Peru

Venezuela

Chile

Uruguay

Paraguay

Bolivia

Brasil

Curaçao

Romania

Portugal

Netherlands

Switzwerland

Finland

Ireland

United Kingdom 

Hong Kong 

France

Italy

Germany

Belgium

China

South Korea 

Singapur

Japan

Taiwan

Luxembourg

Chipre  

Malta  

Poland

Total 

Subsidies 

CIT 
payments 
cash 
basis 

CIT 
expense 
consol 

454

154

795

354

101

51

151

3

99

25

6

2

-

- 

2

5

2

3

- 

2

1

- 

15

4

25

- 

- 

- 

1

- 

- 

2

2

2

- 

137 

274

798 

426 

86 

89

142

20

66

10

4

2

1

-

2

31

13

2

- 

-

18

-

9

15

13

-

-

- 

1

- 

(1)

-

4

6

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

- 

-

-

- 

-

-

-

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

-

-

- 

-

105 

Subsidies 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2017

PBT 
consol 

(856)

805

2,946

1,902

299

443

528

12

317

35

35

7

4

2

35

42

48

7

(8)

11

44

16

36

43

29

(1)

(2)

(1)

5

(4)

(4)

(1)

17

140

-

Note: the results of this breakdown of the branches are integrated in the financial statements of the parent companies on which they depend. 

During 2018, BBVA Group has not received public aid for the financial sector which has the aim of promoting the carrying 
out  of  banking  activities  and  which  is  significant,  as  mentioned  in  the  Appendix  XIII  –  Annual  banking  report  of  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.  

2,261

2,169 

6,931 

- 

106 

Suppliers 

BBVA  understands  that  integrating  ethical,  social  and  environmental  factors  into  its  supply  chain  is  part  of  its 
responsibility. Thus, in 2018, BBVA has reinforced the three basic pillars of the Group’s Procurement Model with the end 
of the transformation of the procurement function. These pillars include:  







service orientation, maximizing the quality and experience of internal customers, 

limitation of reputational risk in contracting suppliers, and 

contribution to efficiency, through the active management of both costs and suppliers. 

Essential data about suppliers (BBVA Group) (1) 

Number of suppliers (2) 

Volume provided by suppliers (millions of euros) (2)

Average payment term to suppliers (days) 

Suppliers satisfaction index (3) 

Number of approved suppliers 

n.av.= not avaiable. 

(1) Supplier´s data exclude the information about Turkey 
(2) Payments to third parties. Suppliers lower than 100,000 euros are not included 
(3) Bienal survey 

2018

4,620

7,478

22 

n.av.

5,819

2017

4,563

7,077

23 

82

4,895

Within  the  procurement  process,  it  is  necessary  to  correctly  manage  all  effects  that  a  bank  such  as BBVA  may  cause, 
both  real  and  potential.  BBVA  has  a  series  of  mechanisms  and  standards  designed  to  manage  these  impacts: 
Responsible  Procurement  Policy,  Approval  Process,  and  the  Corporate  Standard  for  the  Acquisition  of  Goods  and  the 
Contracting of Services. These impacts may be environmental, produced because of poor labor practices of suppliers, 
arising from the lack of association freedom, against human rights, and positive or negative on society. 

During  2018,  the  implementation  of  the  Supplier  Code  of  Ethics  was  consolidated  in  all  purchasing  units  in  all  the 
countries where the Group is present, establishing minimum standards of behavior that suppliers are expected to follow 
in  terms  of  ethical,  social  and  environmental  conduct  when  they  provide  products  and  services.  Along  with  the  ethical 
supplier code, BBVA maintains a responsible procurement policy. 

Responsible procurement policy 

The responsible procurement policy establishes, among other aspects, that it is necessary to ensure compliance with all 
applicable 
legal  requirements  throughout  the  provisioning  process  regarding  human,  labor,  association  and 
environmental  rights  by  all  parties  involved  in  this  process  as  well  becoming  involved  in  the  Group's  efforts  aimed  at 
preventing corruption. In the same way, it is ensured that the selection of suppliers remains in compliance with existing 
internal regulations at all times and, in particular, with the values of the Group's Code of Conduct, based on respect for 
legality,  commitment  to  integrity,  competition,  objectivity,  transparency,  creation  of  value  and  confidentiality.  The 
following are included among the clauses included in the specifications and in the contractual model: 















Compliance  with  current  legislation  in  each  locality  and,  in  particular,  with  the  obligations  imposed  on  it  by  its
personnel, Social Security or alternative provision systems, hiring of foreign workers, the Public Treasury, public
records, etc. 

Compliance with current legislation on the social integration of individuals with disabilities. 

Clauses that ensure that non-discrimination policies are established for reasons of gender, as well as measures
to reconcile work and family life. 

Equality clause. 

Compliance with all labor, occupational health, and safety legislation.

Anti-corruption statement.

Adherence to the United Nations Global Compact. 

The Responsible Procurement Policy also establishes, as one of its principles, the “raising awareness, in terms of social 
responsibility, among staff and other interested parties involved in the procurement processes of the Group.” 

107 

Supplier management 

BBVA carries out an approval process for recurring suppliers with higher purchase volumes. The financial, legal, labor 
and reputational situation of the suppliers is assessed during this approval process, in order to determine whether they 
fulfill their legal responsibilities as well their basic technical capacities, which makes it possible to validate that they share 
the same values as the Group in terms of social responsibility. In this process, suppliers must comply with the following 
points: 



















Compliance with the social and environmental principles of the UN.

Adoption  of  internal  measures  to  guarantee  diversity  and  equal  opportunities  in  the  management  of  human
resources. 

Adoption  of  measures  to  promote  occupational  health  and  safety  and  the  prevention  of  workplace  accidents
and incidents. 

Support  for  the  freedom  of  affiliation  and  collective  bargaining  of  its  workers  in  all  the  countries  in  which  it
operates.

Possession of a code of conduct or policy to avoid forced labor, child labor and other violations of human rights,
both within the company itself as well as in its subcontractors. 

Possession of a code of conduct or policy designed to avoid corruption and bribery. 

Participation  or  collaboration  in  activities  related  to  culture,  scientific  knowledge,  sports,  the  environment  or
disadvantaged  sectors,  either  through  direct  actions  or  by  means  of  donations,  in  collaboration  with  other
organizations or institutions. 

Policy for hiring of persons with disabilities.

Existence of a corporate responsibility policy within the company. 

Approval is reviewed periodically and is subject to continuous monitoring. The percentage of approved suppliers is 29%, 
which account for 85% of the total awarded. 

Security companies, especially those critical to these matters, have established compliance with current legislation with 
regard to specifications and contracts, with special attention provided to labor legislation and the specific laws applicable 
to  these  types  of  companies,  as  well  as  compliance  with  human  rights  obligations,  non-discrimination  and  equality 
policies, etc. 

With regard to local suppliers, these represent 97.7% of BBVA´s total providers in 2018 which represents 94.6% of the 
total  turnover,  which  facilitates  contributions  to  the  economic  and  social  development  of  the  countries  in  which  the 
Group is present (Uruguay is excluded from the scope, since the breakdown by local suppliers is not available). The local 
supplier,  in  this  context,  is  one  whose  tax  identification  matches  the  country  of  the  company  receiving  the  goods  or 
service. 

On the other hand, the turnover of special employment centers (CEE, for its acronym is Spanish) in Spain to the Bank is 
estimated at more than €3.2 million for the year. The hiring of CEEs favors inclusion and diversity. 

BBVA performs supplier audits in which the quality of the service provided by them is evaluated in accordance with the 
provisions of the contracts and the Bank's needs.

Other Non-financial risks 

News related to the procurement by the Bank of services offered by companies related to the Grupo Cenyt have been 
recently released. Through mass media, the Bank has been aware that the aforementioned facts could be the object of 
an investigation by judicial authorities, without the Bank having received any formal notice for the moment.  

The Bank is carrying out a forensic investigation led by PwC through the Bank’s external legal counsel Garrigues, along 
with  Uría,  for  the  defense  of  its  legitimate  interests,  collaborating  with  judicial  authorities  and  supervisors  within  the 
framework of its defense. 

108 

is  not  possible  to  predict 

judicial 
It 
authorities´investigation nor their possible results or implications for the Group. We cannot exclude at the moment the 
opening of proceeding, legal or regulatory actions against the Bank that could have a negative reputational or economic 
impact for the Bank of the Group.  

in  this  moment  neither  the  scope  or  duration  of  the  Bank´s  or  the 

GRI indicators 

Code 

Information requested under the Law 11/2018 
(Non-financial Information Report) 

Linking with GRI indicators 
(Guidance) 

0.

General information

0.1  Business model 

109 

BBVA 
Management 
Report page 

0.1.a 

Brief description of the group’s business model (business 
environment and organization) 

102-2 Activities, brands, products, and services 

   50‐53   

0.1.b 

Geographical presence 

0.1.c 

Objectives and strategies of the organization 

102-7 Size of the organization 

102-3 Location of headquarters 
102-4 Location of operations 
102-6 Markets served 

102-14 Declaration of senior executives 
responsible for decision-making (vision and 
strategy related to the management of economic, 
social, and environmental impacts) 

0.1.d 

Main factors and trends that may affect your future evolution 

102-15 Main impacts, risks, and opportunities 

0.2  General 

0.2.1 

0.2.2 

Indicate the national, European or international reporting framework 
in the report that is used for the selection of key non-financial 
performance indicators included in each of the sections 

102-54 Declaration of preparation of the report in 
accordance with GRI Standards 

If the company complies with the non-financial information law by 
issuing a separate report, it must be expressly stated that said 
information is part of the management report 

n.a. 

    2 

  54‐62 

  54 

   48 

1.

Environmental questions

1.1  General information 

1.1.a 

1.1.b 

1.1.c 

A description of the policies applied by the group with respect to 
these issues, which will include due diligence procedures applied to 
the identification, evaluation, prevention and mitigation of significant 
risks and impacts, and to verification and control, including what 
measures have been adopted. 

The results of these policies, including key indicators of relevant 
non-financial results that allow the monitoring and evaluation of 
progress and that favor the comparability between societies and 
sectors, in accordance with the national, European or international 
reference frameworks used for each subject.  

The main risks related to these issues involving the activities of the 
group, including, where relevant and proportionate, their business 
relationships, products or services that may have negative effects in 
these areas, and how the group manages such risks, explaining the 
procedures used to detect and evaluate them in accordance with 
national, European or international reference frameworks for each 
matter. Information on the impacts that have been detected must be 
included and broken down, in particular on the main short-, medium-, 
and long-term risks. 

1.1  Detailed information 

1.1.1  General detailed information 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 

    84‐89 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 
103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 

    84‐89/96‐98 

102-15 Main impacts, risks and opportunities 

  96‐97 

1.1.1.1 

On current and foreseeable effects of the activities of the company on 
the environment and, where appropriate, health and safety 

1.1.1.2 

On environmental assessment or certification procedures 

1.1.1.3 

On the resources dedicated to the prevention of environmental risks 

- 

- 

- 

1.1.4 

On the application of the precautionary principle 

102-11 Precautionary principle or approach 

1.1.5 

About the resources dedicated to the prevention of environmental 
risks 

- 

1.1.2  Contamination 

    96 

    97 

    96 

    96 

    94 

1.1.2.1 

Measures to prevent, reduce or repair emissions that seriously affect 
the environment; taking into account any form of air pollution specific 
to an activity, including noise and light pollution. 

1.1.3  Circular economy and waste prevention and management 

1.1.3.1 

Prevention, recycling, reuse, other forms of recovery and types of 
waste disposal; actions to combat food waste 

1.1.4  Sustainable use of resources 

1.1.4.1 

Water consumption and water supply according to local constraints 

110 

305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions 
305-6 Emissions of substances that deplete the 
ozone layer (ODS) 
305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) 
and other significant air emissions 

    96‐98 

301-2 Recycled supplies 
301-3 Reused products and packaging materials 
303-3 Recycled and reused water 
306-1 Water discharge according to quality and
destination 
306-2 Waste by type and disposal method 

303-1 Water extraction by source 
303-2 Water sources significantly affected by
water withdrawal 

1.1.4.2 

Use of raw materials and measures taken to improve the efficiency of 
their utilization 

301-1 Materials used by weight or volume 

1.1.4.3 

Energy use, direct and indirect 

1.1.4.4 

Measures taken to improve energy efficiency 

302-1 Energy use within the organization 
302-2 Energy use outside of the organization 

302-4 Reduction of energy consumption 
302-5 Reduction of the energy requirements for 
products and services 

1.1.4.5 

Use of renewable energies 

302-1 Energy use within the organization 

1.1.5  Climate change 

1.1.5.1 

The important elements of greenhouse gas emissions generated as a 
result of the company's activities, including the use of the goods and 
services it produces 

1.1.5.2 

Measures taken to adapt to the consequences of climate change 

305-1 Direct GHG emissions (scope 1) 
305-2 Indirect GHG emissions from energy 
generation (scope 2) 
305-3 Other indirect GHG emissions (scope 3) 

201-2 Financial implications and other risks and 
opportunities arising from climate change 

1.1.5.3 

Reduction goals established voluntarily in the medium and long term 
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and measures implemented for 
that purpose 

305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions 

1.1.16  Protection of biodiversity 

1.1.6.1 

Measures taken to protect or restore biodiversity 

304-3 Protected or restored habitats 

1.1.6.2 

Impacts caused by activities or operations in protected areas 

304-2 Significant impacts of activities, products,
and services on biodiversity 

2.

Social and personnel questions

2.1  General information 

2.1.a 

2.1.b 

2.1.c 

A description of the policies applied by the group with respect to 
these issues, which shall include due diligence procedures applied to 
the identification, evaluation, prevention and mitigation of significant 
risks and impacts, and to verification and control, including which 
specific measures have been adopted. 

The results of these policies, including key indicators of relevant 
non-financial results that allow the monitoring and evaluation of 
progress and that favor the comparability between societies and 
sectors, in accordance with the national, European or international 
reference frameworks used for each subject.  

The main risks related to these issues involving the activities of the 
group, including, where relevant and proportionate, their business 
relationships, products or services that may have negative effects in 
these areas, and how the group manages such risks, explaining the 
procedures used to detect and evaluate them in accordance with 
national, European or international reference frameworks for each 
matter. Information on the impacts that have been detected must be 
included and broken down, in particular on the main short-, medium-, 
and long-term risks. 

2. 2  Detailed information

2.2.1  Employees 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 
103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 

102-15 Main impacts, risks and opportunities 

  78‐81 

  96‐98 

  96‐98 

  96‐98 

  96‐98 

  96‐98 

   96‐98 

  96‐99 

   96‐99 

  96‐99 

    96‐98

  96‐98 

    71 

    71 

2.2.1.1 

Total number and distribution of employees according to 
representative diversity criteria (gender, age, country, etc.) 

102-8 Information on employees and other 
workers 
405-1 Diversity in governing bodies and employees 

2.2.1.2 

Total number and distribution of work contract modalities, annual 
average of permanent contracts, temporary contracts and part-time 
contracts by sex, age, and professional classification 

102-8 Information on employees and other 
workers 

111 

   72‐77 

    72‐77 

2.2.1.3 

Number of dismissals by sex, age, and professional classification 

401-1 New employee hiring and staff rotation 

    72‐77 

2.2.1.4 

The average remunerations and their evolution disaggregated by sex, 
age, and professional classification or equal value 

102-38 Total annual compensation ratio 
102-39 Percentage increase rate for the total 
annual compensation 

2.2.1.5 

2.2.1.6 

2.2.1.7 

Salary gap, remuneration paid for equal work or the average salary of 
the company 

405-2 Ratio of basic salary and remuneration of
women to men 

The average remuneration of directors and executives, including 
variable remuneration, allowances, and compensation 

-  

Payment to long-term forecast savings and any other perception 
broken down by gender 

201-3 Obligations of the defined benefit plan and 
other retirement plans 

2.2.1.8 

Implementation of employment termination policies 

- 

  82‐83 

  82 

ACGR/83 

  83 

  79 

2.2.1.9 

Employees with disabilities 

405-1 Diversity in governing bodies and employees 

  77‐78 

2.2.2  Work organization 

2.2.2.1 

Work schedule organization 

- 

2.2.2.2 

Number of hours of absenteeism 

403-2 Types and frequency of accidents, 
occupational illnesses, days lost, absenteeism, and
number of deaths due to work-related accidents or 
occupational illnesses 

2.2.2.3 

Measures designed to facilitate access to mediation resources and 
encourage the responsible use of these by both parents 

401-3 Parental leave 

2.2.3  Health and safety 

2.2.3.1 

Work health and safety conditions 

2.2.3.2 

Work accidents, in particular their frequency and severity, as well as 
occupational diseases; disaggregated by gender. 

2.2.4  Social relationships 

2.2.4.1 

Organization of social dialog, including procedures to inform and 
consult staff and negotiate with them 

403-3 Workers with high incidence or high risk of 
diseases related to their activity 

403-2 Types and frequency of accidents, 
occupational illnesses, days lost, absenteeism, and
number of deaths due to work-related accidents or 
occupational illnesses 

102-43 Approach to interest group participation 
402-1 Minimum notice periods for operational
changes 
403-1 Representation of workers in formal worker-
company health and safety committees 

2.2.4.2 

Percentage of employees covered by collective agreement by country 

102-41 Collective bargaining agreements 

2.2.4.3 

The balance of collective agreements, particularly in the field of health 
and safety at work 

403-4 Health and safety issues addressed in
formal agreements with unions 

2.2.5  Training 

2.2.5.1 

Policies implemented for training activities 

2.2.5.2 

The total amount of training hours by professional category 

2.2.6  Universal accessibility for people with disabilities 

404-2 Programs to improve employee abilities and 
transition assistance programs 

404-1 Average training hours per year per 
employee 

2.2.6.1 

Universal accessibility for people with disabilities 

- 

2.2.7  Equality 

2.2.7.1 

Measures taken to promote equal treatment and opportunities 
between women and men 

401-3 Parental leave 

  78 

  79 

  78‐80 

   78‐80 

    78‐80 

   78‐80 

   78‐80 

   78‐80 

   72‐73 

  73 

  73‐77 

  73‐74 

2.2.7.2 

Equality plans (Section III of Organic Law 3/2007, of March 22, for 
effective equality of women and men), measures adopted to promote 
employment, protocols against sexual and gender-based harassment, 
integration, and the universal accessibility of people with disabilities 

- 

2.2.7.3 

Policy against any type of discrimination and, where appropriate, 
diversity management 

406-1 Cases of discrimination and corrective 
actions taken 

112 

    72‐78 

    73‐77 

3. 

Respect for human rights 

3.1  General information 

3.1.a 

3.1.b 

3.1.c 

A description of the policies applied by the group with respect to 
these issues, which shall include due diligence procedures applied to 
the identification, evaluation, prevention and mitigation of significant 
risks and impacts, and to verification and control, including which 
specific measures have been adopted. 

The results of these policies, including key indicators of relevant 
non-financial results that allow the monitoring and evaluation of 
progress and that favor the comparability between societies and 
sectors, in accordance with the national, European or international 
reference frameworks used for each subject.  

The main risks related to these issues involving the activities of the 
group, including, where relevant and proportionate, their business 
relationships, products or services that may have negative effects in 
these areas, and how the group manages such risks, explaining the 
procedures used to detect and evaluate them in accordance with 
national, European or international reference frameworks for each 
matter. Information on the impacts that have been detected must be 
included and broken down, in particular on the main short-, medium-, 
and long-term risks. 

3.2  Detailed information 

3.2.1 

Application of due diligence procedures in the field of human rights; 
prevention of the risks of violation of human rights and, where 
appropriate, measures to mitigate, manage, and repair possible 
abuses committed 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 

    90‐92 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 
103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 

  90‐92 

102-15 Main impacts, risks and opportunities 

    90‐92 

102-16 Values, principles, standards, and codes of
conduct 
102-17 Advisory mechanisms and ethical concerns 
410-1 Security personnel trained in human rights 
policies or procedures 
412-1 Operations subject to revisions or impact
assessments on human rights 
412-2 Training of employees in human rights 
policies or procedures 
412-3 Significant investment agreements and
contracts with clauses 

   90‐92 

3.2.2 

Claims regarding cases of human rights violations 

Non-compliance with laws and regulations 
pertaining to social and economic issues 

   90‐92 

3.2.3 

Promotion and compliance with the provisions contained in the 
related fundamental Conventions of the International Labor 
Organization with respect for freedom of association and the right to 
collective bargaining; the elimination of discrimination in employment 
and occupation; the elimination of forced or compulsory labor; and the 
effective abolition of child labor. 

406-1 Cases of discrimination and corrective 
actions taken 
407-1 Operations and suppliers whose right to 
freedom of association and collective bargaining 
may be at risk 
408-1 Operations and suppliers with significant 
risk of child labor cases 
409-1 Operations and suppliers with significant 
risk of forced or compulsory labor cases 

    90‐92 

4. 

Anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures 

4.1  General information 

4.1.a 

4.1.b 

A description of the policies applied by the group with respect to 
these issues, which shall include due diligence procedures applied to 
the identification, evaluation, prevention and mitigation of significant 
risks and impacts, and to verification and control, including which 
specific measures have been adopted. 

The results of these policies, including key indicators of relevant 
non-financial results that allow the monitoring and evaluation of 
progress and that favor the comparability between societies and 
sectors, in accordance with the national, European or international 
reference frameworks used for each subject.  

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 

    84‐89 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 
103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 

    84‐89 

4.1.c 

The main risks related to these issues involving the activities of the 
group, including, where relevant and proportionate, their business 
relationships, products or services that may have negative effects in 
these areas, and how the group manages such risks, explaining the 
procedures used to detect and evaluate them in accordance with 
national, European or international reference frameworks for each 
matter. Information on the impacts that have been detected must be 
included and broken down, in particular on the main short-, medium-, 
and long-term risks. 

4.2  Detailed information 

4.2.1 

Measures taken to prevent corruption and bribery 

4.2.2 

Anti-money laundering measurers 

4.2.3 

Contributions to foundations and non-profit entities 

5.

Information on the company

5.1  General information 

5.1.a 

5.1.b 

5.1.c 

A description of the policies applied by the group with respect to 
these issues, which shall include due diligence procedures applied to 
the identification, evaluation, prevention and mitigation of significant 
risks and impacts, and to verification and control, including which 
specific measures have been adopted. 

The results of these policies, including key indicators of relevant 
non-financial results that allow the monitoring and evaluation of 
progress and that favor the comparability between societies and 
sectors, in accordance with the national, European or international 
reference frameworks used for each subject.  

The main risks related to these issues involving the activities of the 
group, including, where relevant and proportionate, their business 
relationships, products or services that may have negative effects in 
these areas, and how the group manages such risks, explaining the 
procedures used to detect and evaluate them in accordance with 
national, European or international reference frameworks for each 
matter. Information on the impacts that have been detected must be 
included and broken down, in particular on the main short-, medium-, 
and long-term risks. 

5.2  Detailed information 

5.2.1  Commitment by the company to sustainable development 

5.2.1.1 

Impact of the company’s activities on employment and local 
development 

5.2.1.2 

The impact of company activity on local populations and on the 
territory 

113 

102-15 Main impacts, risks, and opportunities 

  84‐89 

102-16 Values, principles, standards and codes of
conduct 
102-17 Advisory mechanisms and ethical concerns 
205-1 Operations evaluated for risks related to
corruption 
205-2 Communication and training on anti-
corruption policies and procedures 
205-3 Confirmed cases of corruption and
measures taken 

102-16 Values, principles, standards and codes of
conduct 
102-17 Advisory mechanisms and ethical concerns 

201-1 Direct economic value generated and 
distributed 

  87‐89 

   85‐86 

  100‐102 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 

   100‐102 

103-2 The management approach and its 
components 
103-3 Evaluation of the management approach 

  100‐102 

102-15 Main impacts, risks, and opportunities 

   100‐102 

204-1 Proportion of spending on local suppliers 
413-1 Operations with local community 
participation, impact evaluations and development 
programs 

204-1 Proportion of spending on local suppliers 
411-1 Cases of violations of the rights of indigenous 
peoples 
413-1 Operations with local community
participation, impact evaluations, and 
development programs 
413-2 Operations with significant negative impacts 
in local communities, either real or potential 

  100‐102 

  100‐102 

5.2.1.3 

The relationships maintained with representatives of the local 
communities and the modalities of dialog with these 

102-43 Approach to interest group participation 

  90‐92/100‐102 

5.2.1.4 

Actions of association or sponsorship 

- 

  100‐102 

5.2.2  Subcontractors and suppliers 

5.2.2.1 

The inclusion of social, gender equality and environmental issues in 
the purchasing policy 

5.2.2.2 

Consideration of social and environmental responsibility in relations 
with suppliers and subcontractors  

5.2.2.3 

Supervision systems and audits, and their results 

5.2.3  Consumers 

5.2.3.1 

Customer health and safety measures 

5.2.3.2 

Claims systems, complaints received and their resolution 

5.2.4  Tax information 

5.2.4.1 

Benefits obtained by country 

5.2.4.2 

Taxes on paid benefits 

5.2.4.3 

Public subsidies received 

114 

308-1 New suppliers that have passed screening 
and selection filters according to environmental 
criteria 
414-1 New suppliers that have passed screening 
and selection filters according to social criteria 

308-1 New suppliers that have passed screening 
and selection filters according to environmental 
criteria 
414-1 New suppliers that have passed screening 
and selection filters according to social criteria 

               106‐107 

                106‐107 

308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the 
supply chain and actions taken 
414-2 Negative social impacts on the supply chain 
and actions taken 

                 106‐107 

416-1 Evaluation of health and safety impacts of 
the categories of products or services 

                    69‐70 

102-43 Approach to interest group participation 
102-44 Key issues and concerns mentioned 
418-1 Fundamental claims relating to violations of 
the customer's privacy and loss of customer data 

                    65‐69 

201-1 Direct economic value generated and 
distributed 

                 103‐105 

201-1 Direct economic value generated and 
distributed 

                  103‐105 

201-4 Financial assistance received from the 
government 

                   103‐105 

 
 
 
 
115 

Other information 

Risk exposure 

The  BBVA  Group's  risk  management  system  and  risk  exposure  are  described  in  Note  7,  Risk  Management  of  the 
accompanying  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The  evolution  of  the  risk  metrics  appears  in  the  Risk  Management 
section while the non-financial risks, environmental and social, are shown in the corresponding section of Management of 
environmental and social impacts, both included in this Management Report. 
In  addition,  since  2016,  BBVA  has  a  methodology  for  the  identification,  assessment  and  management  of  reputational 
risk. Through this methodology, the Bank regularly defines and reviews a map in which it prioritizes the reputational risks 
it faces, as well as a set of action plans to mitigate them. The prioritization is made based on two variables: the impact on 
stakeholders' perceptions and the BBVA's strength against risk. 

This  exercise  is  carried  out  annually  in  all  the  countries  where  the  Group  is  present,  as  well  as  in  the  CIB  EMEA  Area. 
Following the result of the exercise, 32 mitigation action plans were carried out in 2018. 

New measures aimed at strengthening the most outstanding reputational risk management model of 2018 are: 









Review  of  the  risk  factors  subjected  to  analysis  with  the  incorporation  of  feedback  on  areas  of  improvement
carried out by Global Risk Management and Compliance areas, as well as the Responsible Business Department
itself. 

Coordination of the annual review of the risk map by the reputational risk specialist at local level.

Review of the catalog of reputational risk indicators in order to improve the handling of any potential events that
may occur in any given location. 

Incorporation of local reputational risk specialists in the New Product Committees in Spain, Mexico, the United
States, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Turkey. 

Contractual obligations and off-balance sheet operations 

Information on contingent risks and commitments can be found in Note 33 Commitments and guarantees given of the 
accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Information on purchase and sale commitments and future payment 
obligations  can  be  found  in  Note  35  Purchase  and  sale  commitments  and  future  payment  obligations  of  the 
accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. 

116 

Innovation and technology 

BBVA is engaged in a process of digital transformation, the main aim of which is to achieve its aspiration of strengthening 
relationships  with  its  customers  and  being  the  best  possible  bank  for  them.  Engineering  is  an  essential  component  of 
this  transformation.  Its  mission  has  always  been  to  enable  a  technology  strategy  that  provides  the  foundation  for 
this transformation, thus becoming more customer-centric and establishing a more global strategy, fast to implement, 
digital, flexible and leveraged on the Group's data. This must be done while continuing to provide support to the Bank's 
core business: catering to the demand for traditional business (multi-segment, multi-product, multi-channel, etc.); and 
b) contributing reliability, with the necessary tools to ensure adequate internal controls, based on consistent information
and  data.  In  addition,  Engineering  objective  is  provide  the  group  with  all  the  tools  it  needs  to  drive  profitability,  new
productivity paradigms and new business processes. 

The area´s responsabilities in 2018 were focused on: 







A  technology  stack  (first  release)  to  offer  customers  services  that  are  more  suited  to  their  needs,  in  terms  of
speed  and  content  and  begin  with  its  full  deployment,  in  several  geographical  areas,  in  addition  to  the  partial
deployment of certain strategic pieces, in some other geographical areas. 
Alliances with strategic partners to harness cutting-edge technology, and the necessary collaboration to speed
up the transformation process. 
Productivity and reliability, i.e. securing improved performance from technology, and doing so in a manner that
is fully reliable and guarantees the highest quality and security standards. 

Technology stack: cloud paradigms 

With customers increasingly making use of digital channels, and therefore driving an exponential increase in transaction 
numbers,  the  Group  is  continuing  to  develop  its  IT  model  into  a  more  uniform  and  scalable  system,  boosting  cloud 
technology. 

During 2018, Engineering completed the construction and deployment of the building blocks of the global technological 
stack for the whole of BBVA. This stack shares the cloud attributes of flexibility and stability that are demanded by the 
digital world, while strictly complying with regulatory requirements. As of 2019, global projects are being implemented on 
the technological stack, that allows a very high degree of reuse, not  only global, but also local, real-time access, different 
handling of the data and an optimization of processing costs, which will enable a service offer as close as possible to the 
needs of customers . 

Strategic alliances 

Engineering  continues  to  encourage  the  creation  of  a  network  of  strategic  alliances,  giving  traction  to  BBVA's  digital 
transformation  and  complement  its  technology  stack.  Establishing  an  ecosystem  of  strategic  alliances  with  some  of 
the  leading  businesses  in  the  market  ensures  the  adoption  of  innovative  technologies,  digitalization  of  the  business, 
speed  in  activation,  as  well  as  global  deployment  of  solutions.  Furthermore,  by  building  a  network  of  technological 
alliances  with  strategic  partners,  BBVA  will  work  in  close  cooperation  with  some  of  the  foremost  companies  in  their 
respective fields. 

In 2018 BBVA continued with its strategy  of alliances with relevant companies that will be responsible, on the one hand, 
for  operating  and  optimizing  BBVA's  current  technology  and,  on  the  other  hand,  for  managing  the  communications 
infrastructure in a global manner, of providing new technological capabilities and assist in the use of the most advanced 
technologies.  

Productivity and reliability  

Productivity is a key part of the transformation process. Greater productivity is needed to provide our customers with 
the best possible service while being profitable. The area is therefore working on the following: 



Technological shift at the level of:
o Hardware: creating lower-cost infrastructure components based on the cloud paradigm. Spain processes half of
its volume with this technology in 2018, while Mexico made significant progress. Other countries are expected to
join in 2019 and 2020. 

o

Software:  multiple  global  functionalities  have  been  constructed,  reused  by  various  of  the  Group's  geographic
areas,  and  construction  continues  on  the  technological  stack  with  a  high  level  of  automation.  In  2018,
Engineering has worked with  the business areas to align their plans with the deployment of new technological
capabilities that enables the Bank to begin to materialize the objectives of the strategy. 

117 

 

Transformation  of  operations:  Engineering  has  continued  with  the  operations  optimization  exercise  in  several 
geographical areas, with good results, applying the working methodology, created in a global way to implement 
it throughout the whole Group, and already including robotics activities in several geographical areas . 

Reliability remains another key factor for the Engineering function and digital transformation. It is crucial to obtain the 
best possible performance from infrastructures, architectures, operations and internal processes, and to do so in a way 
that is fully reliable.  

In this sense, BBVA continues to implement programs to strengthen security and control technological risk, in all areas, 
and keeps working on continuous improvement to guarantee service levels. 

Patents, licenses or similar 

At  the  time  of  preparing  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  the  BBVA  Group  is  not  materially 
dependent on the issuance of patents, licenses and industrial, mercantile or financial contracts or on new manufacturing 
processes in carrying out its business purpose. 

 Subsequent events  

On January 15, 2019, BBVA announced its irrevocable decision to early redeem, on February 19, 2019, the issuance of 
preferred securities contingently convertible (additional tier 1 instrument) carried out by the Bank on February 19, 2014, 
for an amount of €1.5 billion on the First Reset Date of the issuance and once the prior consent from the Regulator was 
obtained (see Note 22.4 of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements).  

The Board of Directors, in their meeting on January 31, 2019, agreed on carrying out an issuance of bonds convertible 
into  ordinary  shares  of  BBVA  with  exclusion  of  pre-emptive  subscription  rights,  under  the  power  delegated  by  the 
General  Shareholders'  Meeting  of  the  Company  held  on  March  17,  2017  under  the  fifth  item  on  the  agenda  which  is 
pending to be executed. 

On  February  1,  2019  it  was  announced  that  it  was  foreseen  to  submit  to  the  consideration  of  the  corresponding 
government  bodies  the  proposal  of  cash  payment  in  a  gross  amount  of  euro  0.16  per  share  to  be  paid  in  April  as  final 
dividend for 2018 (see Note 4 of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements). 

From January 1, 2019 to the date of preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements, no other subsequent events 
not mentioned above in these financial statements have taken place that could significantly affect the Group’s earnings 
or its equity position.  

 
  
118 

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) 

BBVA presents its results in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (EU-IFRS). However, it also 
considers  that  some  Alternative  Performance  Measures  (APMs)  provide  useful  additional  financial  information  that 
should  be  taken  into  account  when  evaluating  performance.  These  APMs  are  also  used  when  making  financial, 
operational and planning decisions within the Entity. The  Group firmly believes that  they give a true  and fair view of its 
financial  information.  These  APMs  are  generally  used  in  the  financial  sector  as  indicators  for  monitoring  the  assets, 
liabilities and economic and financial situation of entities. 

BBVA  Group's  APMs  are  given  below.  They  are  presented  in  accordance  with  the  European  Securities  and  Markets 
Authority  (ESMA)  guidelines,  published  on  October  5,  2015  (ESMA/2015/1415en).  These  guidelines  are  aimed  at 
promoting  the  usefulness  and  transparency  of  APMs  included  in  prospectuses  or  regulated  information  in  order  to 
protect investors in the European Union. In accordance with the indications given in the guidelines, BBVA Group's APMs: 

Include clear and readable definitions of the APMs (paragraphs 21-25). 

 
  Disclose the reconciliations to the most directly reconcilable line item, subtotal or total presented in the financial 
statements  of  the  corresponding  period,  separately  identifying  and  explaining  the  material  reconciling  items 
(paragraphs 26-32). 

  Are  standard  measures  generally  used  in  the  financial  industry,  so  their  use  provides  comparability  in  the 

analysis of performance between issuers (paragraphs 33-34). 

  Do  not  have  greater  preponderance  than  measures  directly  stemming  from  financial  statements  (paragraphs 

35-36). 

  Are accompanied by comparatives for previous periods (paragraphs 37-40). 
  Are consistent over time (paragraphs 41-44). 

Constant exchange rates 

When comparing two dates or periods in this management report, the impact of changes in the exchange rates against 
the  euro  of  the  currencies  of  the  countries  in  which  BBVA  operates  is  sometimes  excluded,  assuming  that  exchange 
rates remain constant. This is done for the amounts in the income statement by using the average exchange rate against 
the  euro  in  the  most  recent  period  for  each  currency  of  the  geographies  where  the  Group  operates,  and  applying  it  to 
both  periods;  for  amounts  in  the  balance  sheet  and  activity,  the  closing  exchange  rates  in  the  most  recent  period  are 
used. 

Book value per share 

The book value per share determines the value of a company on its books for each share held.  It is calculated as follows:  

Shareholders′	funds (cid:3397) Accumulated	other	comprehensive	income
Number	of	shares	outstanding (cid:3398) Treasury	shares

Explanation  of  the  formula:  The  figures  for  both  ‘’shareholders'  funds’’  and  ‘’accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income’’  are  taken  from  the  balance  sheet.  Shareholders'  funds  are  adjusted  to  take  into  account  the  execution  of  the 
"dividend-option" at the closing dates on which it was agreed to deliver this type of dividend prior to the publication of the 
Group´s  results.  The  denominator  includes  the  final  number  of  outstanding  shares  excluding  own  shares  (treasury 
shares).  The  denominator  is  also  adjusted  to  include  the  capital  increase  resulting  from  the  execution  of  the  "dividend 
options" explained above. Both the numerator and the denominator take into account period-end balances. 

Relevance of its use: It shows the company's book value for each share issued. It is a generally used ratio, not only in the 
banking sector but also in others. 

 
 
 
 
Book value per share 

Numerator         
(million euros) 

Denominator      
(million euros) 

= 

+

+

+

+

+

-

Shareholders' funds

Dividend-option adjustment

Dividend-option

Treasury shares

Book value per share
(euros / share) 

119 

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

31-12-18

01-01-18

31-12-17

31-12-16

54,326 

52,432 

53,283 

50,986 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(3,622) 

6,567 

- 

7 

- 

47 

- 

13 

- 

13 

7.12 

6.82 

6.96 

7.22 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(7,215) 

(7,036) 

(6,939) 

Number of shares outstanding

6,668 

6,668 

6,668 

Tangible book value per share 

The tangible book value per share determines the value of the company on its books for each share held by shareholders 
in the event of liquidation. It is calculated as follows:  

Shareholders′	funds (cid:3397) Accumulated	other	comprehensive	income	 (cid:3398) Intangible	assets
Number	of	shares	outstanding	 (cid:3398) Treasury	shares

Explanation  of  the  formula:  The  figures  for  ‘’shareholders'  funds’’,  ‘’accumulated  other  comprehensive  income’’  and 
‘’intangible  assets’’  are  all  taken  from  the  balance  sheet.  Shareholders'  funds  are  adjusted  to  take  into  account  the 
execution of the "dividend-option" at the closing dates on which it was agreed to deliver this type of dividend prior to the 
publication  of  the  Group´s  results.  The  denominator  includes  the  final  number  of  shares  outstanding  excluding  own 
shares (treasury shares). The denominator is also adjusted to include the result of the capital increase resulting from the 
execution of the "dividend options" explained above. Both the numerator and the denominator take into account period-
end  balances.  

Relevance of its use: It shows the company's book value for each share issued, after deducting intangible assets. It is a 
generally used ratio, not only in the banking sector but also in others. 

Tangible book value per share 

Shareholders' funds

Dividend-option adjustment

IFRS 9 

IAS 39 

31-12-18

01-01-18

31-12-17

31-12-16

54,326 

52,432 

53,283 

50,986 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(7,215) 

(7,036) 

(6,939) 

(3,622) 

8,314 

6,668 

- 

47 

8,464 

6,668 

- 

13 

8,464 

6,668 

- 

13 

9,786 

6,567 

- 

7 

5.86 

5.55 

5.69 

5.73 

Numerator         
(million euros) 

Denominator      
(million euros) 

+

+

+

-

+

+

-

Intangible assets

Number of shares outstanding

Dividend-option

Treasury shares

= 

Tangible book value per share
(euros / share)

Dividend yield 

This is the remuneration given to the shareholders in the last twelve calendar months, divided by the closing price for the 
period. It is calculated as follows:  

∑ Dividend	per	share	over	the	last	twelve	months
Closing	price

120 

Explanation of the formula: The remuneration per share takes into account the gross amounts per share paid out over 
the last twelve months, both in cash and through the flexible remuneration system called "dividend option". 

Relevance of its use: This ratio is generally used by analysts, shareholders and investors for companies that are traded 
on the stock market. It compares the dividend paid out by a company every year with its market price at a specific date.  

Dividend yield 

Numerator (euros) 

Denominator (euros) 

= 

∑ Dividends 
Closing price 
Dividend yield 

31-12-18 

31-12-17 

31-12-16 

0.25 

4.64  
5.4% 

0.30 

7.11 
4.2% 

0.37 

6.41 
5.8% 

Non-performing loan (NPL) ratio 

This  is  the  ratio  between  the  risks  classified  for  accounting  purposes  as  non-performing  loans  and  the  total  credit  risk 
balance for customers and contingent risks. It is calculated as follows:  

Non (cid:3398) performing	loans
Total	credit	risk

Explanation of the formula: ‘’Non-performing loans’’ include those related to loans and advances to customers (gross) 
and those related to contingent risk, excluding the non-performing loans of credit institutions and securities. ‘’Total credit 
risk’’ includes both pending and contingent risk.  Their calculation is based on the headings in the first table on page 14 of 
this report. 

Relevance of its use: This is one of the main indicators used in the banking sector to monitor the current situation and 
changes in credit risk quality, and specifically the relationship between risks classified in the accounts as non-performing 
loans and the total balance of credit risk, with respect to customers and contingent liabilities.  

Change of criteria, due to IFRS 9, which entered into force on January 1, 2018, certain wholesale customer repos that 
until December 31, 2017 were presented in the total credit risk have not been taken into account in the calculation of this 
metric. 

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

NPLs 

Denominator           
(million euros) 

Credit Risk 

31-12-18 

17,087 

31-12-17 

31-12-16 

20,492 

23,595 

433,799  

450,045 

474,150 

= 

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio 

3.9% 

4.6% 

5.0% 

NPL coverage ratio 

This  ratio  reflects  the  degree  to  which  the  impairment  of  non-performing  loans  has  been  covered  in  the  accounts  via 
loan-loss provisions. It is calculated as follows:. 

Provisions
Non (cid:3398) performing	loans

Explanation  of  the  formula:  ‘’Non-performing  loans’’  include  those  related  to  lending  activity  and  those  related  to 
contingent  risk,  excluding  non-performing  loans  from  credit  institutions  and  securities.  ‘’Provisions’’  are  loan-loss 
provisions, for both customer loans and contingent risk.  Their calculation is based on the headings in the first table on 
page 14 of this report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Relevance of its use: This is one of the main indicators used in the banking sector to monitor the situation and changes 
in the quality of credit risk, reflecting the degree to which the impairment of non-performing loans has been covered in 
the accounts via loan-loss provisions.  

121 

NPL coverage ratio 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

Provisions 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

NPLs 

= 

NPL coverage ratio 

Cost of risk 

31-12-18 

12,493 

17,087  

73% 

31-12-17 

31-12-16 

13,319 

16,573 

20,492 

23,595 

65% 

70% 

This  ratio  indicates  the  current  situation  and  changes  in  credit-risk  quality  through  the  annual  cost  in  terms  of 
impairment losses (accounting loan-loss provisions, included in the “impairment on financial assets not measured at fair 
value through profit or loss” line) of each unit of loans and advances to customers (gross). It is calculated as follows: 

Annualized	loan (cid:3398) loss	provisions
Average	loans	and	advances	to	customers	(cid:4666)gross(cid:4667)

Explanation of the formula: ‘’Annualized loan-loss provisions’’ are calculated by accumulating and annualizing the loan-
loss provisions of each month of the period under analysis, to standardize the comparison between different periods. For 
example,  loan-loss  provisions  for  six  months  (180  days)are  divided  by  180  to  obtain  daily  loan-loss  provisions  and 
multiplied  by  365  to  obtain  the  annualized  figure.  This  calculation  uses  the  calendar  days  of  the  period  under 
consideration. 

‘’Loans and advances to customers (gross)’’ refers to the portfolio of financial assets at amortized cost of the Group’s 
consolidated balance sheet. The average of loans and advances to customers (gross) is calculated by using the average 
of the period-end balances of each month of the period analyzed plus the previous month. 

Relevance of its use:  This is one of the main indicators used in the banking sector to monitor the situation and changes 
in the quality of credit risk through the cost over the year.   

Cost of risk 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

Annualized loan-loss provisions 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

Average loans and advances to 
customers (gross) 

= 

Cost of risk 

Efficiency ratio 

31-12-18 

3,964 

392,037  

1.01% 

31-12-17 

31-12-16 

3,674 

3,585 

414,448 

423,306 

0.89% 

0.85% 

This measures the percentage of gross income consumed by an entity's operating expenses. It is calculated as follows:  

Operating	expenses
Gross	income

Explanation of the formula: Both ‘’operating expenses’’ and ‘’gross income’’ are taken from the Group’s consolidated 
income  statement.  Operating  expenses  are  the  sum  of  the  administration  costs  (personnel  expenses  plus  other 
administrative expenses) plus depreciation. Gross income is the sum of net interest income, net fees and commissions, 
net trading income dividend income, share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method, and other 
operating income and expenses. For a more detailed calculation of this ratio, the table on page 7 of this report should be 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consulted, whose figures are at current exchange rates, and also the graphs on page 8, one of them with calculations with 
figures at current exchange rates and another with the data at constant exchange rates. 

Relevance of its use: This ratio is generally used in the banking sector. It is also a ratio linked to one of the Group's six 
Strategic Priorities.  

122 

Efficiency ratio 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

Operating expenses 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

Gross income 

= 

Efficiency ratio 

ROE 

2018 

(11,702) 

23,747 

49.3% 

2017 

2016 

(12,500) 

(12,791) 

25,270 

24,653 

49.5% 

51.9% 

The ROE (return on equity) ratio measures the return obtained on an entity's shareholders' funds plus accumulated other 
comprehensive income. It is calculated as follows:  

Annualized	net	attributable	profit
Average	shareholders′funds (cid:3397) Average	accumulated	other	comprehensive	income

Explanation of the formula: ‘’Annualized net attributable profit’’ is taken directly from the Group’s consolidated income 
statement. If the metric is presented on a date before the close of the fiscal year, the numerator must be annualized. If 
extraordinary  items  (results  from  corporate  operations)  are  included  in  the  net  attributable  profit  for  the  months 
covered,  they  are  eliminated  from  the  figure  before  it  is  annualized,  and  then  added  to  the  metric  once  it  has  been 
annualized.  

‘’Average shareholders' funds’’ are the weighted moving average of the shareholders' funds at the end of each month of 
the period analyzed, adjusted to take into account the execution of the "dividend-option" at the closing dates on which it 
was agreed to deliver this type of dividend  prior to the publication of the Group´s results. 

‘’Average  accumulated  other  comprehensive 
is  the  moving  weighted  average  of  accumulated  other 
comprehensive  income,  which  is  part  of  the  equity  on  the  Entity's  balance  sheet   and  is  calculated  in  the  same  way  as 
average  shareholders’ funds (above). 

income’’ 

Relevance  of  its  use:  This  ratio  is  very  commonly  used  not  only  in  the  banking  sector  but  also  in  other  sectors  to 
measure the return obtained on shareholders' funds.  

Change of criteria: As of 2018, accumulated other comprehensive income has been included in the denominator to align 
with the usual practice of the sector and to be more consistent with the calculation of the tangible book value per share 
explained above.  

ROE 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

Annualized net attributable profit 

2018 

5,324 

2017 

3,519 

2016 

3,475 

+ 

Average shareholder's funds 

52,841 

52,801 

50,190 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

+ 

Average accumulated other 
comprehensive income 

= 

ROE 

(6,796) 

11.6% 

(5,167) 

(2,735) 

7.4% 

7.3% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
123 

ROTE 

The  ROTE  (return  on  tangible  equity)  ratio  measures  the  return  on  an  entity's  shareholders'  funds,  plus  accumulated 
other comprehensive income, and excluding intangible assets.  It is calculated as follows:  

Annualized	net	attributable	profit
Average	shareholders′funds (cid:3397) 	Average	accumulated	other	comprehensive	income (cid:3398) Average	intangible	assets

Explanation  of  the  formula:  The  numerator  (annualized  net  attributable  profit)  and  the  items  in  the  denominator 
‘’average  intangible  assets’’  and  ‘’average  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income’’  are  the  same  items  and  are 
calculated in the same way as explained for ROE. 

‘’Average  intangible  assets’’  are  the  intangible  assets  on  the  balance  sheet,  including  goodwill  and  other  intangible 
assets. The average balance is calculated in the same way as explained for shareholders' funds in ROE. 

Relevance of its use: This metric is generally used not only in the banking sector but also in other sectors to measure the 
return obtained on shareholders' funds, not including intangible assets.  

Change of criteria: As of 2018, the accumulated other comprehensive income has been included in the denominator to 
align it with the usual practice of the sector and with the calculation of the tangible book value per share explained above. 

ROTE 

Numerator          
(million euros) 

Annualized net attributable profit 

+ 

Average shareholder's funds 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

+ 

Average accumulated other 
comprehensive income 

- 

Average intangible assets 

= 

ROTE 

ROA 

2018 

5,324 

52,841 

(6,796) 

8,294 

14.1% 

2017 

4,762 

2016 

3,475 

52,801 

50,190 

(5,167) 

(2,735) 

9,073 

9.1% 

9,819 

9.2% 

The ROA (return on assets) ratio measures the return obtained on an entity's assets. It is calculated as follows:  

Annualized	profit	for	the	year
Average	total	assets

Explanation  of  the  formula:  ‘’Annualized  profit  for  the  year’’  is  taken  directly  from  the  Group’s  consolidated  income 
statement. If the metric is presented on a date before the close of the fiscal year, the numerator must be annualized. If 
extraordinary  items  (results  from  corporate  operations)  are  included  in  the  net  attributable  profit  for  the  months 
covered,  they  are  eliminated  from  the  figure  before  it  is  annualized  and  then  added  to  the  metric  once  it  has  been 
annualized.  

‘’Average total assets’’ are taken from the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. The average balance is calculated in the 
same way as explained for shareholders' funds in ROE. 

Relevance of its use: This ratio is generally used not only in the banking sector but also in other sectors to measure the 
return obtained on assets.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ROA 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

Annualized profit for the year 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

Average total assets 

= 

ROA 

RORWA 

124 

2018 

6,151 

678,865 

0.91% 

2017 

4,762 

2016 

4,693 

702,508 

735,636 

0.68% 

0.64% 

The RORWA (return on risk-weighted assets) ratio measures the accounting return  obtained on average risk-weighted 
assets. It is calculated as follows:  

Annualized	profit	for	the	year

Average	risk (cid:3398) weighted	assets

Explanation of the formula: ‘’Annualized profit for the year’’ is the same figure as explained for ROA. 

‘’Average  risk-weighted  assets’’(RWA)  is  the  moving  weighted  average  of  the  risk-weighted  assets  at  the  end  of  each 
month of the period under analysis and  is calculated in the same way as explained for shareholders' funds in ROE..  

Relevance of its use: This ratio is generally used in the banking sector to measure the return obtained on RWA. 

RORWA 

Numerator         (million 
euros) 

Annualized profit for the year 

Denominator         
(million euros) 

Average RWA 

= 

RORWA 

Other customer funds 

2018 

6,151 

353,188 

1.74% 

2017 

4,762 

2016 

4,693 

375,589 

394,356 

1.27% 

1.19% 

This  includes  off-balance  sheet  funds  (mutual  funds,  pension  funds  and  other  off-balance  sheet  funds)  and  customer 
portfolios.  

Explanation  of  the  formula:  It  is  the  period-end  sum  on  a  given  date  of  the  mutual  funds,  pension  funds,  other  off-
balance sheet funds and customer portfolios; as displayed in the table on page 15 of this report.  

Relevance of its use: This metric is generally used in the banking sector, as apart from on-balance sheet funds, financial 
institutions manage other types of customer funds, such as mutual funds, pension funds, other off-balance sheet funds, 
customer portfolios, etc.  

Other customer funds 

Million euros 

+  Mutual funds  

+ 

+ 

+ 

Pension Funds 

Other off-balance sheet funds 

Customer portfolios 
Other customer funds 

= 

31-12-18 

61,393 

33,807 

2,949 

29,953 
128,103 

31-12-17 

31-12-16 

60,939 

33,985 

3,081 

36,901 
134,906 

55,037 

33,418 

2,831 

40,805 
132,092 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
125 

Annual Corporate Governance Report 

In accordance with the provisions established by Article 540 of the Spanish Corporate Act, the BBVA Group prepared the 
Annual  Corporate  Governance  Report  for  2018  (which  is  an  integral  part  of  the  Management  Report  for  that  year) 
following the content guidelines set down in Order ECC/461/2013, dated March 20, and in Circular 5/2013, dated June 
12, of Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), in the wording provided by Circular 2/2018, dated June 12, of 
CNMV.  It  is  also  included  a  section  detailing  the  degree  to  which  the  Bank  is  compliant  with  existing  corporate 
governance recommendations in Spain. In addition, all the information required by Article 539 of the Spanish Corporate 
Act can be accessed on BBVA’s website www.bbva.com. 

 
ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT OF LISTED COMPANIES 

ISSUER IDENTIFICATION 

YEAR-END DATE 

31/12/2018 

Tax Identification No. 
[C.I.F.] A48265169 

Company Name: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. 

Registered Office: 4 Plaza de San Nicolás, 48005 Bilbao (Biscay) 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

126 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
OF LISTED COMPANIES 

A. OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE 

A.1 Fill in the following table on the company's share capital:  

Date of last modification 

Share capital (EUR) 

Number of shares 

Number of voting rights 

24/04/2017 

EUR 3,267,264,424.20 

6,667,886,580 

6,667,886,580 

Indicate if there are different share classes with different rights associated with them: 

NO 

A.2 Detail the direct and indirect holders of significant shareholdings in your company at financial year-end, 
excluding directors:  

Name or corporate 
name of the 
shareholder 

% of voting rights 
attached to shares 

% of voting rights through 
financial instruments 

Total % of voting 
rights 

Blackrock Inc. 

5.71% 

0.23% 

5.94% 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Details of indirect participation: 

Name or 
corporate name 
of indirect 
shareholder 

Name or corporate 
name of direct 
shareholder 

% of voting 
rights attached 
to shares 

% of voting rights 
through financial 
instruments 

Total % of 
voting rights 

Remarks 
State  Street  Bank  and  Trust  Co.,  The  Bank  of  New York  Mellon  S.A.N.V.  and  Chase  Nominees  Ltd.,  as 
international custodian/depositary banks, hold, as of 31 December 2018, 10.69%, 2.31% and 6.33% of 
BBVA's share capital, respectively. Of said positions held by the custodian banks, BBVA is not aware of any 
individual  shareholders  with  direct  or  indirect  holdings  greater  than  or  equal  to  3%  of  the  BBVA  share 
capital. 

Communication of significant holdings to the CNMV (Spanish National Securities Market Commission): On 
18 October 2017, Blackrock Inc. informed the CNMV that it now had an indirect holding of 5.708% of 
BBVA's share capital, through the company Blackrock Investment Management. 

Indicate the most significant changes in the shareholder structure during the financial year: 

Name or corporate name of the 
shareholder 

Date of transaction 

Description of transaction 

A.3 Fill in the following tables with the members of the company's Board of Directors with voting rights on 
company shares: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

127 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name or 
corporate name 
of the director 

% of voting rights 
attached to shares 

% of voting rights 
through financial 
instruments 

Total % of 
voting 
rights 

% of voting rights 
that can be 
transferred through 
financial 
instruments 

Carlos Torres 
Vila 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.01 

0.00 

0.00 

Onur Genç 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Tomás Alfaro 
Drake 
José Miguel 
Andrés 
Torrecillas 

Jaime Félix 
Caruana Lacorte 

Belén Garijo 
López 

José Manuel 
González-Páramo 
Martínez-Murillo 

Sunir Kumar 
Kapoor 

Carlos Loring 
Martínez de Irujo 

Lourdes Máiz 
Carro 

José Maldonado 
Ramos 

Ana Cristina 
Peralta Moreno 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Juan Pi Llorens 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Susana 
Rodríguez 
Vidarte 
Jan Paul Marie 
Francis 
Verplancke 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Total % of voting rights held by the Board of Directors 

0.02% 

Details of indirect participation: 

128 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name or 
corporate 
name of the 
director 

Name or 
corporate 
name of direct 
shareholder 

% of voting 
rights 
attached to 
shares 

% of voting 
rights through 
financial 
instruments 

Total % of 
voting 
rights 

% of voting 
rights that can 
be transferred 
through 
financial 
instruments 

A.4 Where applicable, indicate any family, commercial, contractual or corporate relationships between holders 
of significant shareholdings, insofar as the company is aware of them, unless they are of little relevance or due 
to ordinary trading or exchange activities, except those described in section A.6: 

Name of related person or 
company 

Type of relationship 

Brief description 

A.5  Where  applicable,  indicate  any  commercial,  contractual  or  corporate  relationships  between  holders  of 
significant  shareholdings  and  the  company  and/or  its  group,  unless  they  are  of  little  relevance  or  due  to 
ordinary trading or exchange activities: 

Name of related person or 
company 

Type of relationship 

Brief description 

A.6  Describe  the  relationships,  unless  insignificant  for  the  two  parties,  that  exist  between  significant 
shareholders or shareholders represented on the Board and directors, or their representatives in the case of 
proprietary directors. 

Explain, as the case may be, how the significant shareholders are represented. Specifically, state those directors 
appointed  to  represent  significant  shareholders,  those  whose  appointment  was  proposed  by  significant 
shareholders or who were linked to significant  shareholders and/or their group companies, and specify the 
nature of the relationships. In particular, indicate, where applicable, the existence, identity and position of board 
members—or their representatives—of the listed company who are members—or representatives of members—
of  the  management  body  of  companies  that  hold  significant  shareholdings  in  the  listed  company  or  of 
companies of said significant shareholders' groups. 

Name or corporate name of 
linked director or 
representative 

Name or corporate name 
of linked holder of 
significant shareholdings 

Name of the 
company of the 
significant 
shareholder's group 

Description 
of 
relationship/
position 

A.7 Indicate whether the company has been informed of any shareholder agreements that may affect it, as 
set out under articles 530 and 531 of the Corporate Enterprises Act. Where applicable, briefly describe them 
and list the shareholders bound by such agreement: 

NO 

Indicate whether the company is aware of the existence of concerted actions by its shareholders. If so, describe 
them briefly: 

NO 

129 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If  there  has  been  any  amendment  or  breaking-off  of  said  pacts  or  agreements  or  concerted  actions  in  the 
financial year, indicate this expressly: 

A.8 Indicate whether any legal or natural person exercises or may exercise control over the company pursuant 
to article 5 of the Securities Exchange Act. If so, identify them: 

A.9 Fill in the following tables regarding the company's treasury shares:  

At financial year-end: 

NO 

Number of direct shares 

Number of indirect shares (*) 

Total % of share capital 

0 

47,257,691 

0.71% 

(*) Through: 

Name or corporate name of direct holder of shareholding 

Number of direct shares 

Corporación General Financiera, S.A. 
Total: 

47,257,691 
47,257,691 

Give details of any significant changes that have occurred during the financial year: 

Explain the significant changes 

In 2018, four communications regarding treasury shares were sent, as the acquisitions had exceeded the 
threshold by 1%. The communications were as follows: 

  Communication  date:  14/03/2018.  A  total  of  3,277,798  direct  shares  and  17,977,118  indirect 
shares,  representing  a  total  of  0.319%  of  the  share  capital.  This  communication  was  made  after 
acquisitions passed the 1% threshold. 

  Communication  date:  14/06/2018.  A  total  of  1,962,965  direct  shares  and  28,559,431  indirect 
shares,  representing  a  total  of  0.458%  of  the  share  capital.  This  communication  was  made  after 
acquisitions passed the 1% threshold. 

  Communication  date:  10/09/2018. The  total  number  was  501,533  direct  shares  and  38,898,178 
indirect shares acquired for a total of 0.591% of the share capital. This communication was made after 
acquisitions passed the 1% threshold. 

  Communication  date:  05/11/2018.  A  total  of  2,810,414  direct  shares  and  37,904,924  indirect 
shares,  representing  a  total  of  0.611%  of  the  share  capital.  This  communication  was  made  after 
acquisitions passed the 1% threshold. 

A.10 Describe the conditions and term of the current mandate of the General Meeting for the Board of Directors 
to issue, buy back and transfer treasury shares.  

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

130 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of BBVA held on 17 March 2017, under item three of 
the agenda, passed a  resolution to delegate to the  Board of Directors the power  to increase share 
capital for a period of five years up to a maximum amount corresponding to 50% of BBVA's share 
capital on the date of such authorisation. This can be done on one or several occasions, to the amount 
that the Board resolves, by issuing new shares of any kind allowed by law, with or without an issue 
premium, the counter-value of said shares comprising cash considerations. The authorisation includes 
the setting out of the terms and conditions of the share capital increase in any respect not provided 
for in the resolution, and delegation to the Board of a power to wholly or partly exclude pre-emptive 
subscription rights in relation to any share capital increase carried out by virtue of the resolution when 
so  demanded  by  the  corporate  interest  and  in  compliance  with  the  applicable  legal  requirements. 
However, this power was limited insofar as the nominal amount of the capital increases resolved upon 
or actually carried out with an exclusion of the pre-emptive subscription right by virtue of the above 
delegation  or  resolved  upon  or  executed  to  accommodate  the  conversion  of  ordinarily  convertible 
issues that are also carried out with an exclusion of the pre-emptive subscription right in the exercise 
of the delegated power to issue convertible securities granted by the General Shareholders' Meeting 
itself,  under  item  five  of  the  agenda,  may  not  exceed  the  maximum  nominal  amount,  taken  as  a 
whole, of 20% of BBVA's share capital at the time of delegation. This limit does not apply to issues of 
contingently convertible securities.  

To date, BBVA has not adopted any resolution using this delegated power.  

  The BBVA Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of 17 March 2017, under the fifth item on the 
agenda,  delegated  to  the  Board of Directors  the  power  to  issue  securities  that  are  convertible  into 
newly issued BBVA shares, on one or more occasions within a maximum term of five years, up to a 
total combined maximum amount of EUR 8,000,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency; the 
Board may likewise resolve upon, set and determine each and every one of the terms and conditions 
of  the  issues  carried  out  by  virtue  of  that  delegated  power,  determine  the  basis  and  mode  of 
conversion, and resolve upon, set and determine the conversion ratio, which may be fixed or variable. 
Moreover,  the  General  Meeting  resolved  to  delegate  to  the  Board  the  power  to  totally  or  partially 
exclude  pre-emptive  subscription  rights  over  any  issue  of  convertible  securities  that  may  be  made 
hereunder,  when  the  corporate  interest  so  requires,  in  compliance  with  any  legal  requirements 
established to this end. However, this power was limited in so far as the normal amount of the capital 
increases  resolved  upon  or  actually  carried  out  to  accommodate  the  conversion  of  ordinarily 
convertible issues executed  by virtue of that delegated  power with an exclusion of the pre-emptive 
subscription  right, and  those  resolved  upon  or  executed  also  with  an exclusion  of  the  pre-emptive 
subscription  right  in  the  exercise  of  the  delegated  power  to  increase  share  capital  granted  by  the 
General Meeting itself, under item four of the Agenda, may not exceed the maximum nominal amount, 
taken as a whole, of 20% of BBVA's share capital at the time of delegation. This limit does not apply 
to issues of contingently convertible securities.  

Through the aforementioned delegation, during the 2017 financial year, BBVA made two issuances 
of  contingently  convertible  perpetual  securities  (Additional Tier 1  capital  instruments),  without  pre-
emptive  subscription  rights,  for  amounts  of  EUR 500 million  and  USD 1 billion,  respectively,  and, 
during  the  2018 financial  year,  an  issuance  of  contingently  convertible  perpetual  securities 
(Additional Tier 1  capital  instruments),  without  pre-emptive  subscription  rights,  for  an  amount  of 
EUR 1 billion.  

  Under  the  third  item  of  the  Agenda  of  the  BBVA  Ordinary  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  of 
16 March 2018, it was resolved to grant BBVA the authority, whether directly or through any of its 
subsidiaries, and for a period of no more than five years, at any time and on as many occasions as it 
deems  necessary,  to  derivatively  acquire  BBVA  shares  by  any  means  permitted  by  law,  including 
charging the acquisition to the profits for the financial year and/or to freely available reserves, as well 
as to later divest the acquired shares by any means permitted by law. The derivative acquisition of 
shares is to be carried out, in all cases, in accordance with the conditions established by the applicable 
legislation  or  by  the  competent  authorities  and,  in  particular,  with  the  following  conditions:  (i)  the 

131 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
nominal  value  of  the  treasury  stock  acquired,  whether  directly  or  indirectly,  by  means  of  this 
authorisation, when added to that already held by BBVA and its subsidiaries, may not exceed 10% of 
the subscribed share capital of BBVA or, where appropriate, the maximum amount permitted under 
the applicable legislation; and (ii) the acquisition price per share may not be lower than the nominal 
value of the share, and must be under 10% higher than the share price or any other price associated 
with the shares at the time that they are acquired. The aforementioned General Shareholders' Meeting 
also expressly authorised that the shares acquired by BBVA or any of its subsidiaries may, through the 
foregoing  authorisation,  be  partially  or  totally  set  aside  for  workers  or  directors  of  BBVA  or  its 
subsidiaries, either directly or as a result of them exercising any option rights that they may hold.  

A.11 Estimated floating capital:  

Estimated floating capital 

% 
93.33% 

Remarks 
The BBVA's estimated floating capital, has been obtained by removing from the share capital, the capital 
held by the direct and indirect holders of significant shareholdings (Section A.2), the members of the Board 
of Directors (Section A.3) and the treasury shares (Section A.9), on December 31, 2018, in accordance 
with the provisions of the instructions established in order to complete the Annual Corporate Governance 
Report. 

A.12 Indicate whether there is any restriction (statutory, legislative or of any other kind) on the transferability 
of securities and/or any restriction on voting rights. In particular, report the existence of any restrictions that 
might hinder the takeover of the company through the purchase of its shares on the market, as well as any 
authorisation or prior communication regimes that are applicable to the purchase or transfer of the company's 
financial instruments in accordance with sector legislation. 

A.13 Indicate whether the General Meeting has agreed to adopt measures to neutralise a public takeover bid, 
pursuant to Act 6/2007. 

NO 

NO 

If so, explain the measures approved and the terms under which the restrictions would be rendered effective: 

A.14 Indicate whether the company has issued securities that are not traded on a regulated market in the EU.  

YES 

Where applicable, indicate the different share classes, and what rights and obligations each share class confers. 

Indicate the different share classes 
All  the  shares  in  BBVA's  share  capital  have  the  same  class  and  series,  and  confer  the  same  voting  and 
economic rights. There are no different voting rights for any shareholder. There are no shares that do not 
represent capital. 

The Bank's shares are admitted for trading on the Securities Exchanges in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and 
Valencia,  through  the  Spanish  electronic trading  platform (Continuous  Market),  and  the  stock  markets  in 
London and Mexico. BBVA American Depositary Shares (ADS) are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. 

Additionally,  as  of  31  December  2018,  shares  of  BBVA  Banco  Continental,  S.A.,  Banco  Provincial  S.A., 
BBVA Colombia, S.A. and BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. were traded on their respective local securities markets 
and, for the latter entity, on the New York Stock Exchange and in the Latin American securities exchange 
(LATIBEX) on the Stock Market of Madrid. 

132 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING 

B.1 Indicate, giving details where applicable, whether there are any deviations from the minimum standards 
established  under  the  Corporate  Enterprises  Act  (CEA) with  respect  to  the  quorum  for  holding  the  General 
Meeting. 

YES 

% required for quorum if different 
to that set out in art. 193 of the 
CEA for general circumstances 

% required for quorum if different to 
that set out in art. 194 of the CEA for 
special circumstances 

Quorum on first 
call 

0.00% 

Quorum on second call 

0.00% 

66.66% 

60.00% 

Description of the differences 
Article 194 of the Corporate Enterprises Act establishes that in order for a General Meeting (whether ordinary 
or  extraordinary)  to  validly  resolve  to  increase  or  reduce  capital  or  make  any  other  amendment  to  the 
Bylaws, bond issuance, the suppression or limitation of pre-emptive subscription rights over new shares, or 
the transformation, merger or spin-off of the company or global assignment of assets and liabilities or the 
offshoring  of  domicile,  the  shareholders  present  and  represented  on  first  calling  must  own  at  least  fifty 
percent of the subscribed capital with voting rights. 

On second calling, twenty-five percent of said capital will be sufficient. 

Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Article 25  of  the  BBVA Bylaws  requires  a  super  quorum  of  members 
representing two thirds of the subscribed capital with voting rights on first calling, and 60% of the subscribed 
capital on second calling, for the valid adoption of resolutions on the following matters: re-definition of the 
corporate purpose; the transformation, total spin-off or winding up of the Company; and the modification 
of the statutory article defining this super quorum. 

B.2 Indicate, giving details where applicable, whether there are any deviations from the minimum standards 
established under the Corporate Enterprises Act (CEA) for the adoption of corporate resolutions: 

NO 

B.3 Indicate the rules applicable to amendments to the company bylaws. In particular, report the majorities 
established to amend the bylaws, and the rules, if any, to safeguard shareholders' rights when amending the 
bylaws. 

Article 30 of the BBVA Company Bylaws establishes that the General Shareholders' Meeting is empowered to 
amend the Company Bylaws and to confirm or rectify the manner in which they are interpreted by the Board 
of Directors. 

To such end, the rules established under Articles 285 et seq. of the Corporate Enterprises Act shall apply. 

The above paragraph notwithstanding, Article 25 of the BBVA Bylaws establishes that in order to validly adopt 
resolutions regarding any change to the corporate purpose, transformation, total spin-off or winding up of the 
Company and amendment of the second paragraph of said Article 25, two-thirds of the subscribed capital with 
voting rights must attend the General Meeting on first calling, and 60% of said capital on second calling. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

133 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As regards the procedure for amending the Bylaws, Article 4.2 c) of Spanish Act 10/2014, of 26 June, on the 
regulation, supervision and solvency of credit institutions, establishes that the Bank of Spain shall be responsible 
for authorising the amendments to the bylaws of credit institutions as set out by regulations. 

Hence, article 10 of Royal Decree 84/2015, of 13 February, implementing Act 10/2014, stipulates that the 
Bank of Spain shall have two months to make a decision following receipt of the request for amendment of 
the Bylaws and that the request must be accompanied by certified minutes recording the agreement, a report 
substantiating the  proposal  drawn  up by  the  board  of  directors  and  draft  new bylaws,  identifying the  cited 
amendments. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Article 10 of Royal Decree 84/2015 also establishes that no prior authorisation 
from the Bank of Spain is required, though the latter must be notified for the purposes of entry in the Registro 
de Entidades de Crédito (Spanish register of credit institutions), for amendments with the following purposes: 

- Change of the registered office within the national territory. 

- Share capital increase. 

- Verbatim incorporation into the bylaws of legal or regulatory precepts of a mandatory or prohibitive nature, 
or for the purpose of complying with legal or administrative decisions. 

- Those amendments for which the Bank of Spain, in response to a prior enquiry made by the affected bank, 
deems that authorisation is not required due to their little relevance. 

This  communication  must  be  made  within  fifteen  working  days  following  the  adoption  of  the  statute 
amendment resolution. 

Finally, to indicate that as a significant entity, BBVA is under the direct supervision of the European Central 
Bank  (ECB)  in  co-operation  with  the  Bank  of  Spain  under  the  Single  Supervisory  Mechanism,  so  the 
authorisation of the Bank of Spain mentioned above will be submitted to the ECB, prior to its resolution by the 
Bank of Spain. 

B.4 Give details of attendance at General Shareholders' Meetings held during the financial year of this report 
and the previous two financial years:  

Attendance data 

Date of General 
Meeting 

% physically 
present 

% present by 
proxy 

% distance voting 

Electronic 

vote 

Other 

Total 

16/03/2018 

1.71% 

40.47% 

0.23% 

22.13% 

64.54% 

Of which is floating 
capital: 

17/03/2017 

Of which is floating 
capital: 

11/03/2016 

Of which is floating 
capital: 

1.62% 

34.53% 

0.23% 

22.13% 

58.51% 

1.89% 

1.81% 

1.83% 

1.76% 

38.68% 

0.19% 

22.95% 

63.71% 

33.07% 

0.19% 

22.95% 

58.02% 

38.34% 

0.26% 

22.08% 

62.51% 

33.31% 

0.26% 

22.08% 

57.41% 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

134 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B.5 Indicate whether there were any items on the agenda that were not approved by shareholders for any 
reason, for all general meetings that took place in the financial year. 

NO 

B.6 Indicate if there is any statutory restriction that sets out a minimum number of shares required to attend 
the General Meeting or vote remotely: 

YES 

Number of shares required to attend the General Meeting 
Number of shares required to vote remotely 

500 
1 

Remarks 
Article 23  of  the  BBVA Bylaws  establishes  that  holders  of  500  shares  or  more  may  attend  ordinary  and 
extraordinary General Shareholders' Meetings, provided that their shares are registered, at least five days 
prior  to  such  a  meeting,  in  the  corresponding  Accounting  Register  in  accordance  with  the  Securities 
Exchange Act and other applicable provisions.  

Holders of fewer shares may group together until they have at least that number, and name a representative.  

However, there is no minimum number of shares required to vote remotely. Pursuant to the provisions of 
Article 8 of BBVA's Regulations of the General Shareholders' Meeting, shareholders may vote by proxy, by 
post, electronically or by any other means of remote communication, provided that the shareholder confirms 
the  identity  of  the  person  exercising  his  or  her  right  to  vote. In  terms  of  the  constitution  of  the  General 
Shareholders' Meeting, shareholders who vote remotely will be counted as present.  

B.7 Indicate whether it has been established that certain decisions, other than those set out by law, involving 
an acquisition, disposal, the allocation of essential assets to another company or a similar corporate transaction, 
must be submitted to the General Shareholders' Meeting for approval. 

NO 

B.8  Indicate  the  address  and  means  of  access  through  the  company  website  to  information  on  corporate 
governance and other information on the general meetings that must be made available to shareholders on 
the company's website. 

Information relating to corporate governance and to the most recent General Shareholders' Meetings can be 
accessed via the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. company website, www.bbva.com, in the Shareholders 
and Investors — Corporate Governance and Remuneration Policy section. 

C   COMPANY MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 

C.1 Board of directors 

C.1.1 Maximum and minimum number of directors established in the bylaws and the number set by the 
general meeting: 

Maximum number of directors 

Minimum number of directors 

Number of directors set by the general meeting 

15 

5 

15 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remarks 
In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Article 34,  Paragraph 2  of  the  Bylaws,  the  General  Shareholders' 
Meeting, held on 16 March 2018, resolved to set the total number of directors on the Board of Directors 
of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. at 15. 

C.1.2 Fill in the following table on the board members: 

Representative 

Directorship 
type 

Position on 
the Board 

Date of first 
appointment 

Date of most 
recent 
appointment 

Election 
procedure 

Group 
Executive 
Chairman 

Chief 
Executive 
Officer 

04/05/2015 

11/03/2016 

Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 

20/12/2018 

- 

Co-option 

Director 

18/03/2006 

17/03/2017 

Executive 

Executive 

Other 
external 

Independent 

Lead Director 

13/03/2015 

16/03/2018 

Independent 

Director 

16/03/2018 

- 

Independent 

Director 

16/03/2012 

16/03/2018 

Executive 

Director 

03/06/2013 

17/03/2017 

Independent 

Director 

11/03/2016 

- 

Other 
external 

Director 

28/02/2004 

17/03/2017 

Independent 

Director 

14/03/2014 

17/03/2017 

Other 
external 

Director 

28/01/2000 

16/03/2018 

136 

Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 

Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 

Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 

Name or 
corporate 
name of the 
director 

Carlos Torres 
Vila 

Onur Genç 

Tomás Alfaro 
Drake 

José Miguel 
Andrés 
Torrecillas 

Jaime Félix 
Caruana 
Lacorte 

Belén Garijo 
López 

José Manuel 
González-
Páramo 
Martínez-
Murillo 

Sunir Kumar 
Kapoor 

Carlos Loring 
Martínez de 
Irujo 

Lourdes Máiz 
Carro 

José 
Maldonado 
Ramos 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
Ana Cristina 
Peralta Moreno 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Susana 
Rodríguez 
Vidarte 

Jan Paul Marie 
Francis 
Verplancke 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Independent 

Director 

16/03/2018 

- 

Independent 

Director 

27/07/2011 

16/03/2018 

Other 
external 

Director 

28/05/2002 

17/03/2017 

Independent 

Director 

16/03/2018 

- 

Total number of directors 

Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 
Resolution of the 
General 
Shareholders' 
Meeting 

15 

Indicate any appointment terminations, as a result of resignation, dismissal or any other reason, that have 
occurred on the Board of Directors during the reporting period: 

Name or 
corporate 
name of the 
director 

Directorship 
type at the 
time of 
termination 

Date of most 
recent 
appointment 

Termination 
date 

Indicate 
whether the 
termination 
occurred 
before the 
end of the 
mandate 

No 

Specialist 
committees 
of which the 
director was a 
member 

Executive 
Committee, 
Remunerations 
Committee, 
Technology 
and 
Cybersecurity 
Committee 

Other external  13/03/2015 

16/03/2018 

José Antonio 
Fernández 
Rivero 

Francisco 
González 
Rodríguez 

Executive 

11/03/2016 

21/12/2018 

Executive 
Committee 

Yes 

Cause of the termination and other remarks 
José Antonio Fernández Rivero stepped down from his position as member of the Board of Directors and 
from  his  membership  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  of  the  other  Committees,  following  the  General 
Shareholders'  Meeting held  on 16 March 2018, in  which his  mandate to serve as  a director of the  Bank 
expired.  

In implementation of the Succession Plan for the Chairman, as approved by the Board of Directors, Francisco 
González  Rodríguez  stepped  down  from  his  position  as  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  of  the 
Executive  Committee  on 21 December 2018,  date  on  which  the  necessary  administrative  authorisations 
were received.  

C.1.3 Fill in the following tables on the board members and their directorship type: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

Name or corporate 
name of the director 

Position within 
the company's 
organisation 
structure 

Profile 

Carlos Torres Vila 

Group Executive 
Chairman 

Onur Genç 

Chief Executive 
Officer 

José Manuel 
González-Páramo 
Martínez-Murillo 

Head of Global 
Economics and 
Public Affairs 

from  May 2015 

Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Executive 
Committee  since  December 2018  and  Chairman  of  the  BBVA 
Technology and Cybersecurity Committee.  
Chief  Executive  Officer  of  BBVA 
to 
December 2018. Head of Digital Banking from 2014 to 2015 
and Head of Strategy and Corporate Development from 2008 
to 2014. 
In addition, he previously held positions of responsibility in other 
companies, with his  roles as Chief Financial Officer, Corporate 
Director of Strategy and member of the Executive Committee of 
Endesa,  as  well  as  his  elected  partnership  at  McKinsey  & 
Company.   
He completed his studies in Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of 
Sciences)  at  the  Massachusetts  Institute  of  Technology  (MIT), 
where he also received a degree in Business Administration. He 
holds Master's degree in Management (MSc) from the MIT Sloan 
School of Management and also a Law degree from the National 
Distance Education University (UNED).  
CEO of BBVA and member of the Bank's Executive Committee. 
Chairman  and  CEO  of  BBVA Compass,  and  BBVA's  Country 
Manager  in  the  USA,  from  2017  to  December 2018.  He 
previously  performed  the  roles  of  Deputy  CEO  and  Executive 
Vice-President (EVP) of Garanti Bank (BBVA Group).  
He  has  also  held  positions  of  responsibility  at  McKinsey  & 
Company  (in  the  Turkey,  Canada,  Netherlands  and  United 
Kingdom  offices),  having  held  the  positions  of  Senior  Partner 
and Manager of its Turkish office. 
He holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Electrical Engineering from 
the  University  of  Bogaziçi  (Turkey)  and  a  Master's  degree  in 
Business  Administration 
(MSIA/MBA)  at  Carnegie  Mellon 
University (USA). 
Executive  Director  and  Head  of  Global  Economics  and  Public 
Affairs of BBVA. 
Chairman  for  Europe  of  the  Trans-Atlantic  Business  Council, 
Deputy  Chairman  of  the  Fundación  Consejo  España-EE.UU., 
Chairman of European DataWarehouse GmbH and Professor at 
IESE Business School.  
Has  been  a  member  of  various  organisations,  including  of 
particular note the Committee on the Global Financial System of 
the Bank for International Settlements; the Executive Board and 
Governing  Council  of  the  European  Central  Bank  (ECB);  and 
member of the Executive Committee and Governing Council of 
the Bank of Spain.  
He has a Ph.D., M.Phil. and M.A. in Economics from Columbia 
University  in  New  York  and  a  Ph.D.  in  Economics  from 
Complutense  University  of  Madrid.  He  is  also  a  Professor  of 
Public  Finance  and  Tax  System  at  Complutense  University  of 
Madrid. 

138 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
Total number of executive directors 
% of all directors 

3 
20% 

EXTERNAL PROPRIETARY DIRECTORS 

EXTERNAL INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS 

Name or corporate name of 
the director 

Profile 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 

Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 

Belén Garijo López 

Sunir Kumar Kapoor 

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

Chairman  of  the  Audit  and  Compliance  Committee  and  of  the 
Appointments Committee and Lead Director of BBVA. 
He has developed his professional career at Ernst & Young as General 
Managing Partner of Audit and Advisory Services and Chairman of Ernst 
& Young Spain until 2014.  
He  has  been  a  member  of  various  organisations  such  as  the  ROAC 
(Registro Oficial de Auditores de Cuentas — official registry of auditors), 
the REA (Registro de Economistas Auditores — registry of accounting 
auditors),  the  ICJCE  (Instituto  de  Censores  Jurados  de  Cuentas  de 
España — Spanish institute of chartered accountants) and the Advisory 
Board of the IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors).  
He is a graduate in Economic and Business Sciences from Complutense 
University of Madrid.  
He has been General Manager of the Bank of International Settlements 
(BIS);  Director  of  the  Monetary  and  Capital  Markets  Department  and 
Financial  Counsellor  and  General  Manager  of  the  International 
Monetary  Fund  (IMF);  Chair  of  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking 
Supervision;  Governor  of  the  Bank  of  Spain;  and  member  of  the 
Governing Council of the ECB. Member of the Group of Thirty (G30). 
He  holds  a  degree  in  Telecommunications  Engineering  from  the 
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Telecomunicación (ETSIT) of 
the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and is a Commercial Technician 
and State Economist. 
Chair of the BBVA Remunerations Committee. 
Member of the Executive Board of the Merck Group and CEO of Merck 
Healthcare. Member of the Board of Directors of L'Oréal and Chair of 
the International Senior Executive Committee (ISEC) of Pharmaceutical 
Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). 
She has also been President of Commercial Operations for Europe and 
Canada at Sanofi Aventis.  
She is a graduate in Medicine from the University of Alcalá de Henares 
in  Madrid  and  a  specialist  in  Clinical  Pharmacology  at  Hospital  de  la 
Paz, Autonomous University of Madrid. 
Partner  at  Atlantic  Bridge Capital,  independent  director  at  Stratio  Big 
Data and consultant at MCloud.  
He  has  been  Manager  of  Business  Enterprise  EMEA  for  Microsoft 
Europe and Director of Worldwide Business Strategy for the Microsoft 
Corporation. Was previously EVP and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of 
Cassatt Corporation and President and CEO of UBmatrix Incorporated. 
He holds a Bachelor's in Physics from the University of Birmingham and 
a Master's in Computer Systems from Cranfield Institute of Technology. 
She  was  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  Director  of  Legal 
Services at Iberia, Líneas Aéreas de España until April 2016. 
She is a graduate and Doctor of Philosophy, and was a member of the 
Research Personnel at Complutense University of Madrid, where she 
taught  classes  in  Metaphysics  for  five  years.  Graduated  in  Law,  she 

139 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
became  an  Attorney  for  the  State  and  held  various  positions  of 
responsibility  in  Public  Administration,  including  General  Director  of 
Administrative Organisation, Job Positions and I.T. (Ministry of Public 
Administrations);  General  Director  of  Sociedad  Estatal  de 
Participaciones Patrimoniales (SEPPA) at the Ministry of Economy and 
Finance; and Technical General Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. 
She  has  also  been  a  director  at  a  number  of  companies,  including 
Renfe, ADIF (previously GIF), ICO (Instituto de Crédito Oficial), Aldeasa 
and Banco Hipotecario. 
Independent  Director  at  Grenergy  Renovables  and  Chair  of  its  Audit 
and Control Committee.  
She was previously Chief Risk Officer and member of the Management 
Committee  of  Bankinter  and  Chief  Risk  Officer  and  member  of  the 
Management  Committee  of  Banco  Pastor. She  has  also  held  various 
positions in a number of financial organisations, in particular serving as 
Independent  Director  of  Deutsche  Bank  SAE,  as  well  as  Chair  of  the 
Audit and Risk Committee and of the Appointments Committee of that 
entity;  Independent  Director  at  Banco  Etcheverría,  Chair  of  the  Risk 
Committee  and  member  of  the  Audit  and  Regulatory  Compliance 
Committee; and Senior Advisor at Oliver Wyman Financial Services. 
She  is  a  graduate  in  Economic  and  Business  Sciences  from  the 
Complutense  University  of  Madrid.  Master's  degree  in  Economic-
Financial  Management  at  the  Centro  de  Estudios  Financieros  (CEF); 
Program  for  Management  Development  (PMD)  at  Harvard  Business 
School; and PADE (Programa de Alta Dirección de Empresas — senior 
management programme) at IESE.  
Chairman of the BBVA Risk Committee. 
He  has  had  a  professional  career  at  IBM  holding  various  senior 
positions at a national and international level, including Vice President 
of Sales at IBM Europe, Vice President of Technology & Systems at IBM 
Europe  and  Vice  President  of  the  Financial  Services  Sector  in  the 
Growth Markets Units (GMU) in China. He was also Executive Chairman 
of IBM Spain.  
He  holds  a  degree  in  Industrial  Engineering  at  the  Universidad 
Politécnica  de  Barcelona  and  completed  the  PDG  (Programa  en 
Dirección General — general management programme) at IESE. 
His roles have included Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Group Head 
of  Technology  and  Operations  at  Standard  Chartered  Bank;  Vice 
President  of  Technology  and  CIO  for  EMEA  at  Dell;  as  well  as  Vice 
President and Chief of Architecture and Vice President of Information 
of the Youth Category at Levi Strauss. 
He  holds  a  Bachelor's  degree  in  Science,  specialising  in  Computer 
Science,  from  the  Programming  Centre  of  the  North  Atlantic  Treaty 
Organization (NATO) in Belgium. 

Total number of independent directors 

% of all directors 

8 

53.33% 

Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Jan Paul Marie Francis 
Verplancke 

Indicate whether any director considered an independent director is receiving from the company or from its 
group any amount or benefit under any item that is not the remuneration for his/her directorship, or maintains 
or has maintained over the last financial year a business relationship with the company or any company in its 
group, whether in his/her own name or as a significant shareholder, director or senior manager of an entity 
that maintains or has maintained such a relationship. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

140 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Where applicable, include a reasoned statement from the board with the reasons why it deems that this director 
can perform his/her duties as an independent director. 

Name or corporate name of the director 

Description of the 
relationship 

Reasoned statement 

OTHER EXTERNAL DIRECTORS 

Identify all other external directors and explain why these cannot be considered proprietary or independent 
directors, and detail their relationships with the company, its executives or shareholders: 

Name or 
corporate name 
of the director 

Reasons 

Company, 
executive or 
shareholder to 
which related 

Profile 

Tomás Alfaro 
Drake 

Tomás Alfaro Drake has 
been  a  director  for  a 
continuous  period  of 
more than 12 years. 

Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

Carlos Loring 
Martínez de Irujo 

Carlos  Loring  Martínez 
de  Irujo  has  been  a 
director 
a 
continuous  period  of 
more than 12 years. 

for 

Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

José Maldonado 
Ramos  

José Maldonado Ramos 
has been a director for a 
continuous  period  of 
more than 12 years. 

Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

Susana Rodríguez 
Vidarte 

Susana 
Rodríguez 
Vidarte  has  been  a 
a 
director 
continuous  period  of 
more than 12 years. 

for 

Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

Director  of  Internal  Development  and  Professor  of  the 
Finance Area at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. 
He has been Director of the Bachelor's degree in Business 
Management and Administration, Director of the Diploma 
in Business Sciences and of the degrees in Marketing and 
in  Business  Management  and  Administration  at  the 
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria.  
He studied Engineering at the ICAI School of Engineering 
and  received  a  Master's  in  Economics  and  Business 
Administration (MBA) at IESE. 
He has been a partner and member of the Management 
Committee of Garrigues law firm, where he successively 
performed 
the  roles  of  Director  of  Mergers  and 
Acquisitions and of Banking and Capital Markets, and was 
responsible for advising large listed companies.  
He holds a Law degree from Complutense University of 
Madrid.  
Over  the  course  of  his  professional  career,  he  has  held 
the positions of  Secretary of the Board of Directors  at  a 
number  of  companies,  most  notably  as  Corporate 
Secretary of Argentaria, before taking up the position of 
Corporate Secretary of BBVA. He took early retirement as 
a Bank executive in December 2009.  
He holds a Law degree from Complutense University of 
Madrid.  In  1978,  he  passed  State  exams  became  an 
Attorney for the State. 
Professor  of  Strategy  at  the  Faculty  of  Economics  and 
Business Administration at the University of Deusto; non-
practicing  member  of  the  Institute  of  Accounting  and 
Accounts Auditing; Doctorate in Economics and Business 
Administration at the University of Deusto.  
She was Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business 
Administration at the University of Deusto, Director of the 
Postgraduate  Area  and  Director  of 
Instituto 
Internacional de Dirección de Empresas (INSIDE). 

the 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

141 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total number of other external directors 

% of all directors 

4 

26.67% 

Indicate any changes that may have occurred during the period in the directorship type of each director: 

Name or corporate name of the director  Date of change 

Previous type 

Current type 

Tomás Alfaro Drake 

18/03/2018 

Independent 

Other external 

Remarks 
Article 1  of  the  BBVA's  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  Article 529 duodecies  of  the  Spanish 
Corporate Enterprises Act state that board members that have held their position for a continuous period of 
more than 12 years may not be considered as independent directors.  

Tomás Alfaro Drake was appointed as a member and independent director of the Bank's Board of Directors 
at the General Shareholders' Meeting held in 2006. Therefore, having performed the role of director for a 
continuous period of more than 12 years, the directorship type for Tomás Alfaro Drake has changed this 
financial year from independent director to external director.  

C.1.4 Fill in the following table with information regarding the number of female directors over the last four 
financial years and their directorship types: 

Number of female directors 

% of all directors of each type 

Financial 
year 
2018 
0 
0 
3 
1 
4 

Financial 
year 
2017 
0 
0 
2 
1 
3 

Financial 
year 
2016 
0 
0 
2 
1 
3 

Financial 
year 
2015 
0 
0 
2 
1 
3 

Financial 
year 
2018 

Financial 
year 
2017 

Financial 
year 
2016 

Financial 
year 
2015 

0.00% 
0.00% 
37.5% 
25% 
26.67% 

0.00% 
0.00% 
33.33% 
25% 
23.08% 

0.00% 
0.00% 
25% 
25% 
20% 

0.00% 
0.00% 
25% 
25% 
20% 

Executive 
Proprietary 
Independent 
Other external 
Total: 

C.1.5 Indicate whether the company has diversity policies for the company's board of directors with regard to 
issues  such  as  age,  gender,  disabilities,  or  professional  training  and  experience.  In  accordance  with  the 
definition given in the Spanish Account Auditing Act, small and medium-sized companies will have to report, 
at a minimum, the policy that they have agreed in regard to gender diversity. 

YES 

If yes, please outline these diversity policies, their objectives, their measures, the way in which they have been 
applied and the results thereof in this financial year. Any specific measures adopted by the board of directors 
and the appointments committee to attain a balanced  and diverse representation of directors  must also be 
indicated. 

In case the company does not apply a diversity policy, explain the reasons for this 

Outline of the policies, their objectives, their measures, the way in which they have been applied 
and the results thereof 
The composition of the Board of Directors is a key element of BBVA's Corporate Governance System. As 
such, it must help the Corporate Bodies to adequately perform their management and supervisory functions, 
providing different viewpoints and opinions, fostering debate, analysis and critical review of the proposals 

142 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
submitted for its consideration, and favouring the consensus required for decision-making. 

For this purpose, the BBVA's Regulations of the Board  of Directors establishes as a general principle that 
directors  must  meet  the  suitability  requirements  to  perform  their  role  and  they  must  therefore  display  a 
recognised business and professional reputation, have the adequate knowledge and experience to carry out 
their duties and be in a position to exercise good governance of the Company; that the number of non-
executive directors on the Board is greater than the number of executive directors; and that the number of 
independent directors represents at least a third of the total number of board members.  

Similarly, as part of the provisions of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, BBVA has a Policy on the 
selection,  appointment,  rotation  and  diversity  of  its  Board  members  (hereinafter,  the  "Policy"),  which  has 
been approved by the Board of Directors and details the principles and the specific procedure for selecting, 
appointing and rotating the Bank's directors and the requirements for performing the role of BBVA director.
The Policy states that the selection, appointment and rotation procedures for the Board of Directors will aim 
to  attain  a  composition  of  the  Company's  Corporate  Bodies  that  enables  the  duties  assigned  by  law, 
Company Bylaws and its own Regulations to be properly carried out in the Company's best interest.  

To this effect, the Policy establishes that the Board of Directors will ensure that these procedures allow the 
most suitable candidates to be identified at all times, based on the requirements of the Corporate Bodies, 
and that they favour diversity of experience, knowledge, skills and gender, and, in general, that they do not 
suffer from implicit biases that may involve any kind of discrimination.  

In particular, the Policy states that it will ensure that the selection procedures do not involve discrimination 
in selecting female directors and that the number of female directors in 2020 will represent at least 30% of 
the total number of members of the Board of Directors.  

Additionally, it sets out that the composition of the Board of Directors will seek to ensure a suitable balance 
between the different categories of directors, and that the number of non-executive directors is greater than 
the number of executive directors, and that the number of independent directors accounts for at least 50% 
of all directors.  

The candidates to be put forward as BBVA directors must have suitable skills, experience and qualifications, 
meet  the  suitability  requirements  needed  to  hold  the  position  and  possess  the  required  availability  and 
dedication to carry out their duties. They must also be able to comply with the requirements set out in the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors in terms of suitable performance of director duties, in particular those 
related to due diligence and loyalty, avoiding conflicts of interest and complying with the required rules for 
position incompatibility and limitations for BBVA directors. 

To ensure suitable composition of the Board at all times, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations 
of the Board and the Policy, and in order to achieve the targets established in the Policy regarding the needs 
of  the  Corporate  Bodies  and  the  most  suitable  people  for  membership  of  such  at  all  times,  the  Bank 
undertakes  an  ordered  rotation  process  of  its  Corporate  Bodies,  based  on  suitable  planning  of  member 
rotation.  

This process begins with a periodic analysis by the BBVA Appointments Committee of: (i) the structure, size 
and composition of the Board; (ii) its adaptation to the needs of the Corporate Bodies; and (iii) the existing 
knowledge, skills and experience. This allows the Committee to identify and assess possible changes deemed 
necessary or advisable to the composition of the Corporate Bodies and to begin, when it deems appropriate, 
the identification and selection processes of candidates to be proposed to the General Shareholders' Meeting 
as new members of the Bank's Board of Directors. During this rotation process of the Board composition, 
the Appointments Committee also ensures the promotion of diversity—both in gender (with the target of 
having  30%  female  directors  in  2020)  and  experience,  knowledge  and  skills—in  the  director  selection 
process, in line with the Policy.

Continue in section H of this Report.

143 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

C.1.6  Explain  the  measures,  if  any,  agreed  by  the  appointments  committee  to  ensure  that  the  selection 
procedures are not implicitly biased in such a way that hinders the selection of female directors, and that the 
company is making a conscious effort to include women who match the professional profile sought among 
potential candidates, in order to provide for a balanced representation of men and women: 

Explanation of the measures 

The  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  is  responsible  for  appointing  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  in 
accordance with Article 2 of the Regulations of the Board; however, if a seat falls vacant, the Board has the 
authority to co-opt members. Thus, the Appointments Committee's focus is to assist the Board of Directors 
in matters relating to the selection and appointment of directors and, in particular, to submit to the Board 
of  Directors  proposals  for  the  appointment,  re-appointment  or  removal  of  independent  directors  and  to 
report on the proposals for the appointment, re-appointment or removal of all other directors. 

To  this  end,  Article 33  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  establishes  that  the  Appointments 
Committee will evaluate the balance of knowledge, skills and experience on the Board of Directors, as well 
as the conditions that the candidates must meet to cover the vacancies that arise, evaluating the dedication 
of time considered necessary so that they can adequately carry out their duties, based on the needs that 
the Company's governing bodies have at all times. The Committee will ensure that, in line with the principles 
set out in BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors, when filling new vacancies, the selection procedures 
are not implicitly biased in such a way that involves any kind of discrimination or, in particular, hinders the 
selection of female directors, trying to ensure that women who match the professional profile sought are 
included among potential candidates. 

Furthermore, BBVA has established a selection policy for directors that states that selection, appointment 
and  rotation  procedures  for  the  Board  of  Directors  will  aim  to  attain  a  composition  of  the  Company's 
Corporate Bodies that enables the duties assigned by law, Company Bylaws and its own Regulations to be 
properly carried out in the Company's best interest. To this effect, the Board of Directors will ensure that 
these procedures allow the most suitable candidates to be identified at all times, based on the requirements 
of the Corporate Bodies, and that they favour diversity of experience, knowledge, skills and gender, and, in 
general, that they do not suffer from implicit biases that may involve any kind of discrimination. 

In particular, it will ensure that the selection procedures do not involve discrimination in selecting female 
directors and that the number of female directors in 2020 will represent at least 30% of the total number 
of members of the Board of Directors. Additionally, it sets out that the composition of the Board will seek to 
ensure a suitable balance between the different categories of directors, and that the number of non-executive 
directors is greater than the number of executive directors. 

In  order  to  ensure  the  suitable  composition  of  the  Board  of  Directors  at  all  times,  its  structure,  size  and 
composition  is  periodically  analysed,  setting  out  the  corresponding  candidate  identification  and  selection 
processes to be put forward, where applicable, as new members of the Board of Directors, where deemed 
necessary  or  advisable.  This  analysis  process  also  considers  the  composition  of  the  different  Board 
Committees that assist this Corporate Body in the performance of its duties and which constitute an essential 
element of BBVA's corporate governance. 

In these selection processes carried out by the Appointments Committee, it has the support of prestigious 
consultants  in  selecting  independent  directors  internationally,  who  carry  out  an  independent  search  for 
potential candidates that meet the profile defined in each case by the Appointments Committee. 

During these processes, the external expert was expressly requested to include women with the suitable 
profile among the candidates to be presented, and the Committee analysed the personal and professional 
profiles of all candidates presented on the basis of the information provided by the consultancy firm used, 
based on the needs of the Bank's Corporate Bodies at all times. The skills, knowledge and expertise needed 
to be a Bank director were assessed and the rules on incompatibilities and conflicts of interest were taken 
into account, as well as the dedication deemed necessary to be able to carry out the duties. 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thus,  following  the  selection  process  undertaken  by  the  Appointments  Committee  and  the  resolutions 
adopted by the 2018 General Shareholders'  Meeting, a woman was appointed to the Board of  Directors 
during the 2018 financial year, as an independent director.  

BBVA therefore currently has four women in its Board of Directors, accounting for 26.67% of its members. 
One of these is also a member of the Bank's Executive Committee.  

When, despite the measures, if any, that have been adopted, there are few or no female directors, explain the 
reasons: 

C.1.7 Explain the conclusions of the appointments committee regarding verification of compliance with the 
board member selection policy. In particular, explain how this policy is promoting the goal for 2020 of having 
at least 30% of total number of board places occupied by female directors. 

Over the course of the financial year, the Appointments Committee has continuously analysed the structure, 
size and composition of the Board of Directors and the principles and targets established by the Bank's director 
selection  policy,  which  are  set  out  in  sections C.1.5  and  C.1.6  above, all  this  in line  with  the  needs  of  the 
Corporate  Bodies  at  all  times,  as  well  as  the  reality  of  the  Group's  structure  and  businesses,  regulatory 
requirements and market best practices. 

With  regard  to  the  suitability  requirements  needed  to  hold  the  position,  specifically  those  for  business  and 
professional reputation, suitable knowledge and experience to perform the duties and ability to exercise good 
governance  of the  Company,  all  of  which  are  set  out  in  the  selection  policy,  the  Appointments  Committee 
considered  that  the  Board  of  Directors,  as  a  whole,  has  a  suitable  balance  in  its  composition  and  suitable 
knowledge  of  the  Bank's  and  the  Group's  environment,  activities,  strategies  and  risks,  helping  it  to  better 
perform its functions. 

It also considered that Bank directors have the required reputation to fulfil the role, the skills required and the 
availability to dedicate the time required to perform the duties assigned to them. 

Regarding the selection, appointment and rotation procedures for the Board of Directors, which aim to attain 
a composition of the Company's Corporate Bodies that enables the duties assigned to them to be properly 
carried out in the Company's best interest, the Appointments Committee has deemed it appropriate, over the 
course of the financial year, to continue the continuous rotation process of the Board of Directors, aimed at 
achieving a composition that integrates directors with experience and knowledge of the financial and banking 
sector and of the Group's culture and businesses, thus gradually recruiting people with different professional 
profiles and experience to improve the diversity of its Corporate Bodies. 

The Committee therefore endeavours to ensure that the selection, appointment and rotation procedures allow 
the most suitable candidates to be identified at all times, based on the needs of the Corporate Bodies, that 
they  favour  diversity  of  experience,  knowledge,  skills  and  gender  and  that,  in  general,  do  not  suffer  from 
implicit biases that may involve any kind of discrimination, for which purpose it has had help selecting directors 
from a leading international independent consultancy firm. 

The Committee also encourages the recruitment of new members to the Board who are able to fulfil or maintain 
the targets set out in the selection policy, while ensuring that the selection processes are carried out to the 
highest degree of professionalism and independence. 

In addition, the Committee has analysed and considered, prior to the proposals for the appointment and re-
appointment of directors, which were submitted to the 2018 General Shareholders' Meeting, the terms of the 
selection policy requiring that, by 2020, the number of female directors represents at least 30% of the total 
number of members of the Board of Directors, that the number of non-executive directors is greater than the 
number of executive directors, and also requiring that the number of independent directors accounts for at 
least 50% of all directors. 

145 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thus, following the resolutions approved by the 2018 General Shareholders' Meeting, the number of female 
directors has increased to a total of 4, which is 26.67% of all directors (15) and close to the target set by the 
selection  policy  for  this  number  to  reach  at  least  30%  by  2020;  the  number  of  non-executive  directors 
represents a majority on the Board (80%); and the number of independent directors remains at least 50% of 
the total, in line with the provisions set out in the aforementioned selection policy. 

Similarly, for the purposes of the proposals for the appointment and re-appointment of directors that will be 
submitted to the 2019 General Shareholders' Meeting, the Committee has again analysed the size, structure 
and  composition  of  the  Board,  keeping  in  mind  the  succession  plans  approved  by  the  Board,  and  the 
appointment of a new Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the provisions of the Regulations 
of the Board of Directors and the Bank's selection policy, to ensure that these are the most suitable at all times, 
considering  the  circumstances  and  changes  that  may  arise  within  the  Bank,  its  Corporate  Bodies  and  its 
environment.  

The 2019 General Shareholders' Meeting is therefore expected to approve the corresponding proposals for 
the  appointment  and  re-appointment  of  directors,  which  would  ensure  that  the  number  of  non-executive 
directors would continue to represent a majority on the Board (80%), the percentage of female directors—26% 
of  the  total  Board  members  (15)—would  remain  close  to  the  target  of  30%  for  2020  and  the  number  of 
independent  directors  would  remain  at  at  least  50%,  in  line  with  the  selection  policy,  as  well  as  with  the 
international profile of the Bank's Corporate Bodies.  

Thus, in accordance with the conclusions reached by the Appointments Committee, BBVA's Corporate Bodies 
maintain a structure, size and composition according to their needs and that enable optimal performance of 
the Bank's duties and, as in recent financial years, with a structure in which non-executive directors represent 
an ample majority on the Board and at  least half of its  directors are independent directors, in line with the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors' Policy on selection, appointment, rotation 
and diversity. 

C.1.8 Where applicable, explain why proprietary directors have been appointed at the behest of a shareholder 
whose holding is less than 3% of the capital: 

Name or corporate name of the shareholder 

Justification 

Indicate  whether  formal  petitions  have  been  ignored  for  presence  on  the  board  from  shareholders  whose 
holding is equal to or greater than that of others at whose behest proprietary directors were appointed. Where 
applicable, explain why these petitions were ignored: 

NO 

C.1.9 Where applicable, indicate the powers and faculties delegated by the board of directors to directors or 
to board committees: 

Name or corporate name of the director 
or committee 

Brief description 

Carlos Torres Vila 

Onur Genç 

Holds  wide-ranging  powers  of 
representation  and 
administration  in  line  with  his  duties  as  Group  Executive 
Chairman of the Company. 

Holds  wide-ranging  powers  of 
representation  and 
administration  in  line  with  his  duties  as  Chief  Executive 
Officer of the Company.  

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

146 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-
Murillo 

Holds  powers  of  representation  and  administration  in  line 
with his duties as Head of Global Economics & Public Affairs.  

Executive Committee 

Pursuant to Article 27 of BBVA's Regulations of the Board 
of Directors, the Executive Committee will be made aware 
of  matters  delegated  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  in 
accordance  with  the  legislation  currently  in  force,  the 
Bylaws or the Regulations of the Board. 

C.1.10 Where applicable, identify any members of the board holding positions as directors, representatives of 
directors or executives in other companies that belong to the listed company's group: 

Name or corporate name of 
the director 

Corporate name of the group's entity 

Position 

Carlos Torres Vila 

Carlos Torres Vila 

Onur Genç 

BBVA  Bancomer,  S.A.,  Institución  de 
Banca  Múltiple,  Grupo  Financiero  BBVA 
Bancomer 
Grupo  Financiero  BBVA  Bancomer,  S.A. 
de C.V. 
BBVA Compass Bancshares 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Does the 
director 
have 
executive 
duties? 

No 

No 

No 

C.1.11 Where applicable, provide details of the directors (or of the representatives of juridical persons) of the 
company who are members of the board of directors (or representatives of juridical persons) of other entities 
that are publicly listed on the Spanish stock markets that are external to the company's group, of which the 
company has been informed: 

Name or corporate name of the director 

Corporate name of the listed 
entity 

Position 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 

Zardoya Otis, S.A. 

Director 

Belén Garijo López 

L'Oréal Société Anonyme 

Director 

Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Grenergy Renovables, S.A. 

Director 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Ecolumber, S.A. 

Chairman 

C.1.12 Indicate and, where applicable, explain whether the company has any agreed rules on the maximum 
number of company boards on which its directors may sit, detailing, where applicable, where such rules have 
been set out: 

YES 

Explanation of the rules and where they are set out 
Article 11 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that, in the performance of their duties, 
directors  will  be  subject  to  the  rules  on  limitations  and  incompatibilities  established  under  the  applicable 
regulations at any time, and in particular, to the provisions of Act 10/2014 on the regulation, supervision 
and solvency of credit institutions. 

Article 26  of  Act 10/2014  stipulates  that  the  directors  of  credit  institutions  may  not  simultaneously  hold 
more positions than those provided for in the following combinations: (i) one executive position in addition 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to two non-executive positions; or (ii) four non-executive positions. Executive positions are understood as 
those performing management duties irrespective of the legal bond attributed by those duties. The following 
will  count  as  a  single  position:  1)  executive  or  non-executive  positions  held  within  the  same  group;  2) 
executive or non-executive positions held within: (i) entities that form part of the same institutional protection 
system or (ii) trading companies in which the entity holds a significant shareholding. The positions held in 
non-profit  organisations  or  entities,  or  those  pursuing  non-commercial  purposes  will  not  count  when 
determining the maximum number of positions. Nevertheless, the Bank of Spain may authorise members 
of the Board of Directors to hold an additional non-executive position if it deems that this would not interfere 
with the correct performance of the activities thereof in the credit institution. 

In addition, pursuant to the provisions of Article 11 of BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors, directors 
may not: 

  Provide  professional  services  to  companies  competing  with  the  Bank  or  with  any  of  its  Group 
companies, or agree to be an employee, manager or director of such companies, unless they have 
received express prior authorisation from the Board of Directors or from the General Shareholders' 
Meeting, as appropriate, or unless these activities had been provided or conducted before they joined 
the Bank's Board, they pose no effective competition and they had informed the Bank of such at that 
time. 

  Have  direct  or  indirect  shareholdings  in  businesses  or  enterprises  in  which  the  Bank  or  its  Group 
companies hold an interest, unless such shareholding was held prior to joining the Board of Directors 
or to the time when the Group acquired its holding in such businesses or enterprises, or unless such 
companies are listed on national or international securities markets, or unless authorised to do so by 
the Board of Directors. 

  Hold director roles in any companies in which the Bank holds an interest or in any company within 
its  Group. As  an  exception  and  when  proposed  by  the  Bank,  executive  directors  are  able  to  hold 
positions in companies directly or indirectly controlled by the Bank with the approval of the Executive 
Committee,  and  in  other  companies  in  which  the  Bank  holds  an  interest  with  the  approval  of  the 
Board of Directors. In the event of removal of an executive director, that director is obliged to resign 
from any director position in subsidiary companies or companies in which the Bank holds an interest 
that is held due to that directorship. 

Non-executive directors may hold director positions in the companies in which the Bank or any of its 
Group companies hold an interest provided that the position is not related to the Group's holding in 
such companies and with prior approval from the Bank's Board of Directors. For these purposes, the 
shareholdings of the Bank or its Group of companies resulting from its ordinary activities of business 
management,  asset  management,  treasury,  derivative  hedging  and  other  transactions  will  not  be 
taken into account. 

  Hold political positions or perform any other activities that might have a public significance or may 
affect the Company's image in any way, unless this is with prior authorisation from the Bank's Board 
of Directors. 

C.1.13  Indicate  the  amounts  of  the  following  headings  relating  to  the  total  remuneration  of  the  board  of 
directors:  

Remuneration of the board of directors accrued during the financial year (thousands 
of euro) 

15,664 

Amount of accrued entitlements by current directors in regard to pensions (thousands 
of euro) 

19,648 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

148 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of accrued entitlements by former directors in regard to pensions (thousands 
of euro) 

79,009 

Remarks 
The remuneration included under "Remuneration of the board of directors accrued during the financial year" 
includes, among others, the Initial Portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration for the year 2018, in cash 
and in shares, and the Deferred Part of the Annual Variable Remuneration for 2015, both in cash and in 
shares, together with its update, of the executive directors, whose amounts have been determined in 2019. 
As of the date of this report, none of these remunerations have been paid. 

C.1.14 Identify members of senior management who are not in turn executive directors, and indicate the total 
remuneration accrued to them throughout the financial year:  

Name or corporate name 

Position(s) 

Luisa Gómez Bravo 

Global Head of Corporate & Investment Banking 

Jorge Sáenz-Azcúnaga Carranza 

Country Monitoring 

Cristina De Parias Halcón 

Country Manager Spain 

Eduardo Osuna Osuna 

Country Manager Mexico 

Derek Jensen White 

Global Head of Client Solutions 

Jaime Sáenz de Tejada Pulido 

Global Head of Finance & Accounting 

Rafael Salinas Martínez De Lecea 

Head of Global Risk Management 

Ricardo Forcano García 

Global Head of Engineering & Organization 

Carlos Casas Moreno 

David Puente Vicente 

Global Head of Talent & Culture 

Global Head of Data 

Victoria del Castillo Marchese 

Global Head of Strategy & M&A 

María Jesús Arribas de Paz 

Global Head of Legal 

Domingo Armengol Calvo 

General Secretary 

Eduardo Arbizu Lostao 

Global Head of Supervisors, Regulation & Compliance 

Joaquín Manuel Gortari Díez 

Global Head of Internal Audit 

Total remuneration of senior management 
(thousands of euro) 

25,305 

C.1.15 Indicate whether there have been any amendments to the board regulations throughout the financial 
year: 

NO 

C.1.16  Indicate  the  procedures  for  the  selection,  appointment,  re-appointment  and  removal  of  directors. 
Provide details of the competent bodies, the procedures to be followed and the criteria to be used in each 
procedure. 

Selection, appointment and re-appointment procedure: 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BBVA has  established  a  policy on  the  selection,  appointment,  rotation and  diversity  of  its  Board  members, 
which was approved by the Board itself and which establishes the general principles applicable to the selection 
and appointment of directors, as previously set out in section C.1.5 of this report. Additionally, Articles 2 and 3 
of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establish that the General Shareholders' Meeting is responsible for 
appointing members of the Board, notwithstanding the Board's capacity to co-opt members in the event of 
any vacancy. In any event, persons proposed to be appointed as directors must meet the requirements set 
out  in  current  legislation,  in  the  specific  regulations  applicable  to  credit  institutions  and  in  the  Bylaws.  In 
particular, directors  must  meet  the  suitability  requirements  needed  to hold  the position  and  must  display  a 
recognised business and professional reputation, have the adequate knowledge and experience to carry out 
their duties and be in a position to exercise good governance of the Company. 

The Board will ensure that the director selection procedures  favour the diversity of experience, knowledge, 
skills and gender and, in general, do not suffer from implicit biases that may involve any kind of discrimination. 
The Board will also file its proposals with the General Shareholders' Meeting, ensuring that the number of non-
executive  directors  is  greater  than  the  number  of  executive  directors  in  its  composition. The  proposals  for 
appointment or re-appointment of directors submitted by the Board of Directors to the General Shareholders' 
Meeting,  as  well  as  the  appointments  made  directly  to  fill  vacancies  under  its  co-opting  powers,  will  be 
approved at the proposal of the Appointments Committee for independent directors and subject to a report 
from this Committee for all other directors. In each case, the proposal must be accompanied by an explanatory 
report by the Board detailing the skills, experience and merits of the candidate proposed, which will be added 
to the minutes of the General Shareholders' Meeting or the Board of Directors meeting. The Board's resolutions 
and  deliberations  on  these  matters  will  take  place  in  the  absence  of  the  director  whose  re-appointment  is 
proposed. 

To  this  end,  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  establishes  that  the  Appointments  Committee  will  evaluate  the 
balance  of  knowledge,  skills  and  experience  on  the  Board  of  Directors,  as  well  as  the  conditions  that  the 
candidates must meet to cover the vacancies that arise, evaluating the dedication of time considered necessary 
so that they can adequately carry out their duties, based on the needs that the Company's governing bodies 
have at all times. The Committee will ensure that, when filling new vacancies, the selection procedures are not 
implicitly biased in such a way that involves any kind of discrimination or, in particular, hinders the selection of 
female directors, trying to ensure that women who match the professional profile sought are included among 
potential candidates. 

The directors will hold their position for the period of time set out in the Bylaws or, when they have been co-
opted, until the first General Shareholders' Meeting. 

Duration of mandate and termination: 

Directors will resign from their post when the term for which they were appointed has expired, unless they are 
re-elected. 

Directors  must  also inform  the  Board of  any  circumstances  that  may  affect  them  and  harm the  company's 
standing and reputation, and any circumstances that may have an impact on their suitability to perform their 
role.  Directors  must  offer  their  resignation  to  the  Board  and  accept  the  Board's  decision  regarding  their 
continuity  in  office.  Should  the  Board  decide  against  their  continuity,  they  are  required  to  tender  their 
resignation, in the circumstances listed in section C.1.19 below. In any event, directors will resign from their 
posts upon reaching 75 years of age, and must submit their resignation at the first meeting of the Bank's Board 
of Directors to be held after the General Shareholders' Meeting approving the accounts for the financial year in 
which they reach said age. 

C.1.17  Explain the  extent  to which  the  annual  evaluation  of the  board  has  led  to  significant  changes  in its 
internal organisation and in the procedures applicable to its activities: 

Description of the amendments 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Article  17  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  states  that  the  Board  will  assess  the  quality  and 
efficiency  of  operation  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  based  on  the  report  submitted  by  the  Appointments 
Committee in 2018. Several changes (indicated below) were made as a result of this report, similar to in 
previous years, as part of the ongoing process of adapting BBVA's corporate governance system within the 
environment in which it carries on its activities to regulatory requirements and best practices.  

The Bank has therefore been analysing areas for improvement, and implemented various measures over 
the course of the 2018 financial year to continue developing its corporate governance system and practices, 
which  include:  (i)  appointing  three  new  directors,  which  directly  contributed  to  achieving  the  targets 
established in the Board of Directors selection, appointment, rotation and diversity policy, whilst maintaining 
a number of independent directors to make up at least 50% of the total number of directors, as well as 
increasing  the  percentage  of  women  on  the  Board,  and  increasing  the  number  of  directors  who  have 
knowledge and experience  of matters  relating to banking and regulation and supervision of the  financial 
sector, knowledge of the technology field, and of the international profile of Corporate Bodies; (ii) the Board 
of  Directors'  approval  of  the  succession  plans  for  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Chief 
Executive Officer, thereby allowing an orderly and well-prepared transition in order to facilitate the Bank's 
transformation process, and the subsequent appointment of Carlos Torres Vila as Chairman of the Board of 
Directors and Onur Genç as Chief Executive Officer; (iii) reinforcing the separation of roles and responsibilities 
of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer, and the independence of some 
of  the  Group's  control  functions,  in  addition  to  the  Board  of  Directors'  approval  of  a  new  organisational 
structure as a result of  such changes; (iv) evaluating the Bank's corporate governance system in greater 
depth, through a specific analysis conducted by a leading international independent expert; (v) improving 
the  decision-making  process  of  the  Corporate  Bodies,  which  examines  the  involvement  of  the  Board's 
Committees and the interactions between the various Corporate Bodies, providing a process of analysis and 
review of relevant matters for consideration by the Corporate Bodies for the financial year, and an analysis 
and  critical  review  by  directors  of  the  proposals  submitted  for  their  consideration;  and  (vi)  continuously 
improving  the  Corporate  Bodies'  informational  model,  allowing  decisions  to  be  made  on  the  basis  of 
sufficient, complete, adequate and consistent information, whilst also facilitating adequate supervision by 
management.   

Describe the evaluation process and the evaluated areas conducted by the board of directors assisted, where 
applicable, by an external consultant, regarding the functioning and composition of the board, its committees 
and any other area or aspect that was evaluated. 

Description of the evaluation process and the areas evaluated 
In accordance with article 17 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors the Board assesses the quality 
and efficiency of operation of the Board of Directors, based on the report submitted by the Appointments 
Committee. Also, the Board assesses the operation of its Committees, based on the report submitted by 
them. 

During the evaluation process conducted for the 2018 financial year, the Board of Directors evaluated: (i) 
the  quality  and  efficiency  of  operation  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Executive  Committee;  (ii)  the 
performance of the different roles of the Board of Directors; and (iii) the operation of the Committees of the 
Board of Directors; as detailed below.  

The procedure for conducting these evaluations was as follows: 

  The Board of Directors carried out, as part of the succession plans for the Group Executive Chairman 
and the Chief Executive Officer, various actions to update and review the effectiveness of its corporate 
governance system. These actions were intended to ensure the Bank's continued adequate operation 
and  effectiveness  during  significant  changes  to  both  its  structure  and  organisation  as  well  as  to  the 
environment in which it operates, thereby allowing the Bank to constantly evolve and adapt to the needs 
of the Corporate Bodies at all times. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

151 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition, with regard to the 2018 financial year, the Appointments Committee deemed it appropriate 
that the evaluation process be aided by an independent expert of international prestige, complying with 
Recommendation  36  of  the  Good  Governance  Code  of  Listed  Companies  an  in-depth  analysis  and 
evaluation  of  the  Bank's  corporate  governance  structures,  thereby  identifying  potential  areas  for 
improvement to the Bank's corporate governance and, where appropriate, specific measures that may 
be implemented in order to better perform its functions. This task was entrusted to and performed by 
US  firm,  Promontory  Financial  Group,  which  presented  its  findings  report  to  the  Appointments 
Committee and the Board of Directors. 

  Furthermore,  in  2018,  the  Bank's  Appointments  Committee  conducted  an  ongoing  analysis  of  the 
structure, size and composition of the Board, which included gender diversity as well as the knowledge, 
competency and experience required by its members; the results of the evaluation on the status of the 
directors, their independence and suitability, as well as the level of dedication of the Board members, 
particularly  the  Chairmen  for  each  Committee,  which  are  required  by  the  Bank  for  the  proper 
performance of the role of director and for the Corporate Bodies; all of this in accordance with the needs 
of Corporate Bodies at any time and taking into consideration the Board of Directors' Policy on selection, 
appointment, rotation and diversity, submitting its findings report to the Board of Directors.  

 

Similarly,  the  activity  and  operation  of  the  Executive  Committee  was  also  evaluated,  considering  its 
composition and operation, as well as its activity over the course of the financial year, including its duty 
to  supervise  and  monitor  activity  and  results,  strategic  planning  information,  and  certain  projects, 
operations and policies of the Group, among other matters. 

  Moreover, the operation of the Board’s Committees was evaluated, detailed in Section H of this Report, 

as well as the different roles of the Board of Directors. 

Continue in section H of this Report. 

C.1.18 Provide a breakdown of any business relations that the consultant or any company of the group still 
has with the company or any group company, for those financial years in which an external consultant provided 
assistance for the evaluation. 

The external consultant who has assisted in the evaluation process of the Board of Directors has intervened 
throughout the year in the provision of other consulting services for the Company, without any knowledge of 
significant business relationships between the Company and the external consultant or any other company of 
its group. 

C.1.19 Indicate the circumstances under which directors are obliged to resign.  

In addition to the circumstances established in applicable law, directors will resign from their post when the 
term for which they were appointed expires, unless they are re-appointed.  

Accordingly, as set forth in Article 12 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, directors must offer their 
resignation to the Board of Directors and accept the Board's decision regarding their continuity in office. Should 
the  Board  decide  against  their  continuity,  they  are  required  to  tender  their  resignation,  in  the  following 
circumstances: 

  When  they  are  affected  by  circumstances  incompatibility  or  prohibition  as  defined  under  current 

legislation, in the Bylaws or in the Regulations of the Board of Directors. 

  When significant changes occur in their personal or professional situation that may affect the status 

under which they were appointed to the Board. 

  When they are in serious dereliction of their duties as directors. 

152 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  When, for reasons attributable to the directors in their condition as such, serious damage has been 

done to the Company's net worth, standing or reputation. 

  When they are no longer suitable to hold the status of director at the Bank. 

C.1.20 Are supermajorities, other than those provided for in law, required for any type of decision? 

Where applicable, describe the differences. 

NO 

C.1.21 Explain whether there are specific requirements, other than those relating to directors, to be appointed 
chair of the board of directors. 

NO 

C.1.22 Indicate whether the bylaws or the board regulations establish an age limit for directors: 

Age limit for the chair 

0 

YES 

Age limit for the chief 
executive officer 

0 

Age limit for the directors 

75 

Remarks 
As stipulated in BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors, directors will resign from their posts, in any 
event, upon reaching 75 years of age, and must submit their resignation at the first meeting of the Bank's 
Board of Directors to be held after the General Shareholders' Meeting approving the accounts for the year 
in which they reach said age. 

C.1.23  Indicate  whether  the  bylaws  or  board  regulations  establish  a  limited  mandate  or  other  stricter 
requirements, in addition to those provided for in law, for independent directors: 

NO 

C.1.24 Indicate whether the bylaws or the regulations of the board of directors establish specific rules for proxy 
voting within the board of directors, how this is carried out and, in particular, the maximum number of proxies 
that a director may have and whether there are any limits on the types that may be delegated, beyond the 
limitations provided for in law. Where applicable, provide a brief description of these rules. 

Article 6 of the BBVA Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that directors are required to attend 
meetings  of  the  Corporate  Bodies  and  meetings  of  the  Board  Committees  on  which  they  sit,  except  for  a 
justifiable reason. Directors will participate in the deliberations, discussions and debates on matters submitted 
for their consideration. 

However, as set forth in Article 21 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, should it not be possible for 
directors to attend any of the meetings of the Board of Directors, they may grant proxy to another director to 
represent  and  vote  in  their  place.  This  may  be  done  by  a  letter  or  email  sent  to  the  Company  with  the 
information required for the proxy director to be able to follow the absent director's instructions. Applicable 
legislation  states,  however,  that  non-executive  directors  may  only  grant  proxy  to  another  non-executive 
director. 

C.1.25 Indicate the number of meetings that the board of directors has held during the financial year. Where 
applicable,  indicate  how  many  times  the  board  has  met  without  the  chair  in  attendance. In  calculating this 
number, proxies granted with specific instructions will be counted as attendances. 

Number of board meetings 

13 

153 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of board meetings without the chair in attendance 

0 

Indicate  how  many  meetings  were  held  by  the  lead  director  with  the  other  board  members,  without  any 
executive director being in attendance or represented: 

Number of meetings 

55 

Remarks 
BBVA's Board of Directors has a Lead Director who performs the duties set forth in applicable legislation, as 
well  as  those stipulated  by Article 5 ter  of  the  Regulations  of the  Board  of  Directors. With  regards  to  the 
assigned duties, over the course of the financial year, the Lead Director has maintained ongoing contact, 
meetings and conversations with other directors at the Bank in order to seek their opinions on corporate 
governance and operation of the Bank's Corporate Bodies, for the purpose of facilitating their evolution and 
the proper performance of their duties, for which he has maintained during the financial year 2018 a total 
of 12 meetings. 

Moreover, the Lead Director holds the role of Chairman of the Board's Audit and Compliance Committee 
and Appointments Committee, as well as is member of the Risk Committee, all of which are composed of 
non-executive directors and, in the case of the Audit and Compliance Committee, of independent directors. 
Thus, performing these roles allowed him, in compliance with the assigned duties, to maintain 43 periodic 
meetings with the Bank's non-executive directors on occasion of the meetings of these Committees.  

Indicate how many meetings of the board's different committees were held during the financial year: 

Number of meetings of the Executive Committee  
Number of meetings of the Audit and Compliance Committee 

Number of meetings of the Appointments Committee 

Number of meetings of the Remunerations Committee 
Number of meetings of the Risk Committee 
Number of meetings of the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee 

19 
12 

10 

5 
21 
7 

C.1.26 Indicate how many meetings were held by the board of directors throughout the financial year and 
provide details on the attendance of its members: 

Number of meetings attended by at least 80% of the directors 

% of in-person attendance of the total number of votes cast during the financial 
year 

Number of meetings where all directors, or proxies granted with specific 
instructions, attended in person 

% of votes cast, with directors attending in person and with proxies granted with 
specific instructions, of the total number of votes cast throughout the financial 
year 

13 

98.90% 

13 

100% 

Remarks 
The Board of Directors holds monthly ordinary meetings in accordance with the annual meeting schedule 
drawn  up  before  the  beginning  of  the  financial  year,  and  extraordinary  meetings  as  often  as  deemed 
necessary. The  Board  of  Directors  therefore  held  13  meetings  throughout  the  2018  financial  year.  The 
directors either attended or were represented at all of the Board's meetings. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

154 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C.1.27 Indicate whether the individual or consolidated annual financial statements that are presented to the 
board for approval are certified beforehand: 

NO 

Where appropriate, identify  the person(s) who has/have certified the company's individual and consolidated 
annual financial statements for board approval: 

C.1.28 Explain the  mechanisms, if any, established by  the board of  directors to prevent the individual and 
consolidated statements from being presented at the general meeting with a qualified auditors' report. 

Article 29 of BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that the Audit and Compliance Committee 
will exclusively comprise independent directors tasked with assisting the Board of Directors in overseeing the 
Group's financial information and discharge of its control function. Accordingly, the following duties are within 
its remit: to oversee the effectiveness of the Company's internal control system, internal audit area and risk 
management  systems  in  the  process  of  preparing  and  reporting  financial  information,  including  tax-related 
risks, and to discuss with the external auditor any significant weaknesses detected in the internal control system 
during the audit, without undermining its independence, and to oversee the process of preparing and reporting 
financial  information. To  this  end,  the  Audit  and  Compliance  Committee  may  submit  recommendations  or 
proposals to the Board of Directors. 

Moreover, Article 3 of the Audit and Compliance Committee Regulations establishes that the Committee will 
check at appropriate intervals that the external audit schedule is being conducted under the agreed conditions, 
and  that  it  meets  the  requirements  of  the  competent  authorities  and  of  the  Bank's  governing  bodies.  The 
Committee will also periodically—at least once a year—request from the external auditor an evaluation of the 
quality  of  the  internal  control  procedures  regarding  the  preparation  and  reporting  of  Group  financial 
information. 

The Committee shall be apprised of any relevant infringements, situations requiring adjustments, or anomalies 
that may be detected during the course of the external audit. Relevant in this context signifies those issues 
that, in isolation or as a whole, may give rise to a significant and substantive impact or harm to assets, earnings 
or the reputation of the Group; discernment of such matters shall be at the discretion of the auditor who, if in 
doubt, must opt to report on them. 

In the performance of these duties, the Audit and Compliance Committee maintains direct and ongoing contact 
with  the  heads  of  the  external  auditor  through  monthly  meetings  it  has  attended  without  the  presence  of 
executives.  At  these  meetings,  the  Committee  provides  detailed  information  on  its  activity  and  the 
corresponding results to the heads of the external auditor, which has enabled the Committee to continuously 
monitor  its  work,  ensuring  that  this  is  performed  under  the  best  conditions  and  without  interference  from 
management. 

C.1.29 Is the secretary of the board a director? 

NO 

If the secretary is not a director, complete the following table: 

Name or corporate name of the secretary 
Domingo Armengol Calvo 

Representative 
- 

C.1.30 Indicate the specific mechanisms established by the company to preserve the independence of the 
external auditors, and, if any, the mechanisms to preserve the independence of financial analysts, investment 
banks and rating agencies, including how legal measures have been implemented in practice. 

As set forth in BBVA's Audit and Compliance Committee Regulations, one of the Committee's duties, described 
in section C.2.1, is to ensure the independence of the external auditor through a dual approach: 

155 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Ensuring  that  the  external  auditor's  warnings,  opinions  or  recommendations  cannot  be  adversely 
influenced. To this end, the Committee must ensure that compensation for the external auditor's work 
does  not  compromise  either  its  quality  or  independence,  in  compliance  with  the  account  auditing 
legislation in force at any given moment. 

  Establishing incompatibility between the provision of audit and consulting services, unless they are tasks 
required by supervisors or whose provision by the external auditor is permitted by applicable legislation, 
and there are no alternatives on the market that are equal in terms of content, quality or efficiency to 
those provided by the external auditor; in this case, approval by the Committee will be required, but 
this  decision  may  be  delegated  in  advance  to  its  Chair.  The  external  auditor  will  be  prohibited  from 
providing unauthorised services outside the scope of the audit, in compliance with the account auditing 
legislation in force at any given moment. 

This matter comes under particular focus at the Audit and Compliance Committee's monthly meetings with 
representatives of the external auditor. These meetings take place without the presence of Bank executives, 
to check the progress and quality of the external auditor's work in detail and confirm its independence in the 
performance  of  its  tasks.  The  Committee  also  oversees  the  engagement  of  additional  services  to  ensure 
compliance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Committee  Regulations  and  applicable  legislation  and  thus  the 
independence of the auditor. 

Moreover, in accordance with the provisions of point f), section 4 of Article 529 quaterdecies of the Spanish 
Corporate  Enterprises  Act  and  Article  30 of  the BBVA  Regulations  of the  Board of Directors,  the  Audit  and 
Compliance Committee must issue, each year, before the audit report is issued, a report expressing its opinion 
regarding the independence of the external auditor. 

This report must, under all circumstances, contain a reasoned assessment of any kind of additional services 
provided by the auditors to the Group's entities, considered individually and as a whole, over and above the 
legal audit and in relation to the regime of independence or the rules governing account auditing. Each year, 
the external auditor must issue a report confirming its independence via-à-vis BBVA or entities linked to BBVA, 
either directly or indirectly, with detailed and itemised information on any kind of additional services provided 
to these entities by the external auditor, or by the individuals or entities linked to it, as set out in the consolidated 
text of the Spanish Account Auditing Act. 

In compliance with the legislation in force, the relevant reports from the external auditor and the Audit and 
Compliance Committee confirming the external auditor's independence were issued in 2018. 

In addition, as BBVA's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it is subject to compliance with the 
Sarbanes Oxley Act and its implementing regulations. 

BBVA has in place a policy for communication and interaction with shareholders and investors that has been 
adopted by the Board of Directors. The policy is guided by the principle of equal treatment for all shareholders 
and investors, who are in the same position as to information, involvement and the exercise of their rights as 
shareholders and investors, inter alia. 

Moreover,  the  principles  and  channels  set  out  in  the  policy  for  communication  and  interaction  with 
shareholders and investors govern, where applicable, BBVA relations with other stakeholders, such as financial 
analysts, Bank share management firms and depository institutions, and proxy advisors, among others. 

C.1.31 Indicate whether the company has changed its external auditor during the financial year. If so, identify 
the incoming and outgoing auditors: 

NO 

If there were any disagreements with the outgoing auditor, explain these disagreements: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

156 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C.1.32 Indicate whether the auditing firm does any other work for the company and/or its group other than 
the audit. If so, declare the amount of fees received for such work and the percentage that these fees represent 
of the total fees billed to the company and/or its group:  

NO 

YES 

Company 

Group 
companies 

Amount of non-audit work (thousands of euro) 

121 

207 

Total 

328 

Amount  of  non-audit  work/total  amount  billed  by 
the auditing firm (%) 

0.89% 

1.44% 

1.18% 

C.1.33  Indicate  whether  the  audit  report  of  the  annual  financial  statements  for  the  previous  financial  year 
contained reservations or qualifications. If so, indicate the reasons given by the chair of the audit committee 
to  the  shareholders  at  the  general  meeting  to  explain  the  content  and  scope  of  such  reservations  or 
qualifications.  

NO 

C.1.34 Indicate the number of consecutive financial years during which the current audit firm has been auditing 
the  annual  financial  statements  for  the  company  and/or  its  group.  Likewise,  indicate  the  total  number  of 
financial years audited by the current audit firm as a percentage of the total number of years in which the 
annual financial statements have been audited:  

Number of consecutive financial years 

Individual 

Consolidated 

2 

2 

Number of financial years audited by the current audit 
firm/number of years the company has been audited (%) 

11.11% 

11.11% 

C.1.35 Indicate and, where applicable, provide details of a procedure for directors to obtain the information 
they need to prepare meetings of the management bodies with sufficient time: 

YES 

Details of the procedure 
As set forth in Article 6 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, directors will be provided in advance 
with the information needed to form an opinion with respect to the matters within the remit of the Bank's 
Corporate Bodies, and may ask for any additional information and advice required to perform their duties. 
They may also ask the Board of Directors for external expert help for any matters put to their consideration 
whose special complexity or importance so requires.  

These rights will be exercised through the Chairman or Secretary of the Board of Directors, who will attend 
to  requests  by  providing  the  information  directly  or  by  establishing  suitable  arrangements  within  the 
organisation for this purpose, unless a specific procedure has been established in the regulations governing 
the Board Committees. 

Furthermore,  as  set  forth in Article 24 of the  Regulations of  the  Board  of  Directors,  the  directors  will  be 
provided  with  such  information  or  clarifications  as  deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  with  regard  to  the 
matters to be discussed at the meeting, either before or after the meetings are held. 

157 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Similarly, BBVA has in place an informational model to allow decisions to be made on the basis of sufficient, 
complete and consistent information, and, also, to facilitate appropriate oversight of performance. 

Thus, the Bank's Corporate Bodies have a procedure for verifying the information that is submitted to them 
for consideration, co-ordinated by the Board Secretariat with the areas responsible for information, through 
the Governing Bodies' Information Department, in order to provide directors with sufficient, adequate and 
complete information in time for the  meetings of the  Bank's various Corporate Bodies in order to enable 
directors to best perform their duties. Prior to such meetings, information is made available to the Bank's 
Corporate Bodies via an online system, to which all members of the Board of Directors have access, thereby 
ensuring its availability. 

C.1.36 Indicate and, where applicable, provide details of whether the company has set out rules that require 
directors  to  inform  and,  where  applicable,  resign  under  circumstances  that  may  prejudice  the  company's 
standing and reputation: 

YES 

Explanation of the rules 

As set forth in Article 12 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, directors must also inform the Board 
of Directors of any circumstances that may affect them and harm the company's standing and reputation, 
and any circumstances that may have an impact on their suitability to perform their role. 

Directors  must  offer  their  resignation  to  the  Board  of  Directors  and  accept  its  decision  regarding  their 
continuity  in  office.  Should  the  Board  decide  against  their  continuity,  they  are  required  to  tender  their 
resignation when, for reasons attributable to the directors in their condition as such, serious damage has 
been done to the Company's net worth, standing or reputation or when they are no longer suitable to hold 
the status of director at the Bank. 

C.1.37 Indicate whether any member of the board of directors has informed the company that he/she has 
been  accused  or  ordered  to  stand  trial  for  any  offences  stated  in  Article 213  of  the  Spanish  Corporate 
Enterprises Act: 

NO 

Indicate  whether  the  board  of  directors  has  examined  the  case. If so, explain  the  grounds  for  the  decision 
taken as to whether or not the director should retain his/her directorship or, where applicable, describe the 
actions taken or that are intended to be taken by the board of directors on the date of this report. 

C.1.38  Detail  any  significant  agreements  reached  by  the  company  that  come  into  force,  are  amended  or 
concluded in the event of a change in the control of the company stemming from a public takeover bid, and 
its effects. 

The company has not reached significant agreements that come into force, are amended or concluded in the 
event of a change in the control of the company stemming from a public takeover bid. 

C.1.39 Identify on an individual basis, when referring to directors, and in aggregate form for all other cases, 
and indicate in detail any agreements between the company and its directors, managers or employees that 
have guarantee or ring-fencing severance clauses for when such persons resign or are wrongfully dismissed 
or if the contractual relationship comes to an end owing to a public takeover bid or other kinds of transactions.  

Number of beneficiaries 

78 

Beneficiary type 

78 managers and 

Description of the agreement 

The Bank has no commitments to provide severance pay to directors. 

158 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
employees 

As  at  31  December  2018,  78  managers  and  employees  are  entitled  to 
receive severance pay in the event of dismissal on grounds other than their 
own will, retirement, disability or serious dereliction of duties. Its amount will 
be  calculated  by  factoring  in  the  fixed  elements  of  the  Bank  employee's 
remuneration and length of service and which under no circumstances are 
paid in the event of lawful dismissal for misconduct at the employer's decision 
on grounds of the employee's serious dereliction of duties. 

Indicate whether, in addition to the circumstances provided for in law, the bodies of the company or of its 
group must be notified of and/or approve these contracts. If so, specify the procedures, the circumstances 
provided for and the nature of the bodies responsible for approval or notification: 

Board of directors 

General meeting 

Body that authorises the clauses 

Yes 

Is the general meeting informed of these clauses? 

No 

NO 

YES 

X 

Remarks 
The Board of Directors adopts the resolutions relating to the basic contractual conditions for members of 
Senior Management, pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, 
hereby  notified  to  the  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  through  this  Report  and  through  the  information 
contained  in  the  Annual  Financial  Statements,  but  does  not  approve  the  conditions  applicable  to  other 
employees. 

C.2 Committees of the board of directors 

C.2.1 Detail all of the committees of the Board of Directors, their members and the proportion of executive, 
proprietary, independent and other external directors sitting thereon: 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Name 

Carlos Torres Vila 

Onur Genç 

Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 

Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo 

José Maldonado Ramos 

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

Position 

Chairman 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Category 

Executive 

Executive 

Independent 

Other external 

Other external 

Other external 

% of executive directors 

% of proprietary directors 
% of independent directors 
% of other external directors 

33.33% 

0% 
16.67% 
50% 

159 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Explain the duties that have been delegated or assigned to this committee, other than those that have already 
been described in section C.1.10, and describe both the procedures and organisational and operational rules 
of the committee. For each of these duties, indicate its most significant actions during the financial year and 
how it has, in practice, exercised each of the duties attributed to it, whether in law, in the bylaws or in other 
corporate resolutions. 

Pursuant to Article 27 of BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee shall be 
made aware of matters delegated by the Board of Directors, in accordance with the legislation currently in 
force, the Bylaws or the Regulations of the Board.  

The functions of the Executive Committee include assisting the Board of Directors in its general supervisory 
role, in particular, in supervising the progress of the business and monitoring the risks to which the Bank 
is,  or  may  be,  exposed,  as  well  as  in  decision-making  on  matters  that  fall  within  the  scope  of  powers 
attributed  to  the  Board  of  Directors,  provided  that  they  do  not  constitute  non-delegable  powers  under 
current legislation, Bylaws or Regulations of the Board. 

Accordingly, prior to it being presented to the Board of Directors, the Committee was granted powers for 
monitoring  the  Group's  activities  and  results;  the  strategic  plan,  budget,  and  investment  policy  and 
financing; general policies to be adopted by the Board; as well as analysing and monitoring the evolution 
of the Group's main risks, among other matters. 

Similarly, it has been granted decision-making powers for investments and divestments, except for their 
amount and strategic nature, which are within the Board's remit; powers to approve corporate policies and 
determine  exposure  limits  for  each  type  of  risk;  appoint  and/or  re-appoint  administrators  in  investee 
companies, as well as the authority to grant powers. 

With  respect  to  the  Committee's  most  significant  actions  during  the  2018  financial  year,  particularly 
noteworthy were: the analysis and monitoring of the annual, half-yearly and quarterly results of the Bank 
and its Group, the monthly performance of the Group's activities and results, as well as its business areas; 
the  monitoring  and  analysis  of  the  proposals  submitted  by  the  Bank's  executive  areas  prior  to  their 
submission for the Board's consideration, in order for it to consider the various strategic and prospective 
documents prepared annually by the Group, including: the Risk Appetite Framework, annual budget, self-
assessment reports on the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) and Internal Liquidity 
Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP) and recovery plan, with due monitoring of any changes to these 
types of documents and to the Group's strategic plan and annual budget for the financial year. 

In  the  same  vein,  the  Committee  oversaw  the  management  of  the  main  risks  affecting  the  Group,  in 
particular, aspects related to changes in the macroeconomic environment and other factors that impacted 
the  Group's  management  and  activities  over  the  course  of  the  financial  year;  the  results  of  main 
competitors, as well as any developments in BBVA share prices.  

It also analysed corporate transactions within its remit, as well as other matters or projects arising from the 
day-to-day management of the businesses; supervised and approved new corporate policies on various 
subjects and modifications to them, as applicable, mainly in relation to risks. 

Lastly, particularly noteworthy is the information received over the course of the financial year about the 
most salient aspects of the engagement policy that BBVA has in place in relation to corporate governance 
with institutional investors and its road show results over the course of the financial year; about the most 
relevant aspects of legislative and regulatory developments affecting financial institutions, as well as the 
Group's authorisation to appoint administrators in subsidiaries or investee companies, and the granting of 
powers vested in it. 

With regards to the Committee's rules of organisation and operation, Article 28 of the Regulations of the 
Board of Directors establishes that the Executive Committee will meet on the dates indicated in the annual 
meeting schedule and at the request of the Chair or acting Chair.  

All other aspects of its organisation and operation will be subject to the provisions established for the Board 
of Directors by the Regulations of the Board of Directors. Once the Executive Committee meeting minutes 
have been approved, they will be signed by the meeting's secretary and countersigned by whoever chaired 
the meeting. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

160 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE 

Name 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Belén Garijo López 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 
Juan Pi Llorens 

Position 
Chairman 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Member 

Category 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 

% of proprietary directors 
% of independent directors 
% of other external directors 

0% 
100% 
0% 

Explain the duties assigned to this committee, including, where appropriate, any that are in addition to those 
provided  for  by  law,  and  describe  both  the  procedures  and  organisational  and  operational  rules  of  the 
committee. For each of these duties, indicate its most significant actions during the financial year and how it 
has, in practice, exercised each of the duties attributed to it, whether in law, in the bylaws or in other corporate 
resolutions. 

As set forth in Article 30 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the duties entrusted to the Audit and 
Compliance Committee include the following: 

  To  apprise  the  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  on  matters  raised  in  relation  to  issues  within  the 

Committee's remit. 

  To  oversee  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company's  internal  control  system,  internal  auditing  and  risk 
management systems in the process of preparing and reporting financial information, including tax-
related  risks,  and  to  discuss  with  the  external  auditor  any  significant  weaknesses  detected  in  the 
internal control system during the audit, without undermining its independence. 

  To  oversee  the  process  of  preparing  and  reporting  financial  information  and  to  submit 

recommendations or proposals to the Board for safeguarding data integrity. 

  To submit to the Board of  Directors proposals  for the  selection, appointment, re-appointment and 
replacement of the external auditor, taking responsibility for the selection process in accordance with 
applicable regulations, as well as the conditions for its engagement, and to obtain periodically from 
the  external  auditor  information  on  the  audit  plan  and  its  execution,  in  addition  to  preserving  its 
independence in the discharge of its duties. 

  To  establish  appropriate  relations  with  the  external  auditor in order  to receive  information  on any 
matters  that  may  jeopardise  its  independence,  for  examination  by  the  Committee,  and  any  other 
matters  in  connection  with  the  account  auditing  process,  as  well  as  those  other  communications 
provided for by law and in auditing standards.  

  Each year, before the audit report is issued, to submit a report expressing an opinion on whether the 
external  auditor's  independence  has  been  compromised.  This  report  must  contain  a  reasoned 
assessment of each of the additional services provided, regardless of nature, considered individually 
and as a whole, over and above the legal audit and in relation to the independence requirements or 
to the rules governing the account auditing process. 

  To report on all  matters provided  for in law, in the Bylaws and in the Regulations of the Board of 
Directors  prior to  any  decisions  that  the  Board may be required  to  adopt,  and  in particular on:  (i) 
financial  information  that  the  Company  is  required  to  publish  periodically;  (ii)  the  creation  or 
acquisition of  shares  in  special  purpose  entities  or  in entities  domiciled  in  tax  havens  or territories 
considered to be tax havens; and (iii) related-party transactions. 

  To oversee compliance with applicable national and international regulations on matters  related to 
money  laundering,  conduct  on  the  securities  markets,  data  protection  and  the  scope  of  Group 
activities with respect to competition, as well as to ensure that any requests for action or information 
made by official authorities on these matters are dealt with in due time and in an appropriate manner.  
  To  ensure  that  the  internal  ethics  and  conduct  codes  and  those  relating  to  securities  markets, 

applicable to the Group's personnel, are adequate and comply with regulatory requirements.  

  To enforce strict compliance with the provisions applicable to directors contained in the Regulations 
of the Board, and ensure that directors comply with applicable regulations regarding their conduct 
on securities markets. 

161 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With regards to organisational and operational rules, Article 31 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors 
states  that  the  Audit  and  Compliance  Committee  will  meet  as  often  as  required  to  fulfil  its  functions, 
although an annual meeting schedule will be drawn up in line with its duties.  

The  meetings  may  also  be  attended  by  the  executives  to  whom  the  Accounting,  Internal  Audit  and 
Compliance  departments  report,  and  at  the  proposal  of  these  executives,  by  such  other  employees  in 
those  areas  with  knowledge  of  or  responsibility  for  the  matters  on  the  agenda.  However,  only  the 
Committee members and the Secretary will be present when the results and conclusions of the meeting 
are assessed.  

The  Committee  may  engage external  advisory  services  for  relevant  issues  when  it  considers  that  these 
cannot be properly provided by experts or technical staff within the Group on grounds of specialisation or 
independence. The  usual  channel  for a request  of  this  nature  will  be  through  the  reporting lines  of  the 
Company. However, in exceptional cases the request may be notified directly to the person in question.  

For all other matters, the system for convening meetings, setting quorums, passing resolutions, drafting 
minutes  and  other  details  of  its  operation  will  be  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  established  in  the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors for the Board of Directors insofar as they are applicable, and with 
that established in the specific Regulations of this Committee. 

The most important actions carried out by the Audit and Compliance Committee in the 2018 financial year 
are detailed in section H of this Report. 

Identify  the  directors  who  are  members  of  the  audit  committee  and  have  been  appointed  on  the  basis  of 
knowledge and experience of accounting or auditing, or both, and give the appointment date of the chair of 
this committee to the post. 

Name of the directors with experience 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Belén Garijo López 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 
Juan Pi Llorens 

Date of appointment of the chair to the post 

04 May 2015 

APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE 

Name 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Belén Garijo López 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
José Maldonado Ramos 
Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

Position 
Chairman 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Member 

Category 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 
Other external 
Other external 

% of proprietary directors 
% of independent directors 
% of other external directors 

0% 
60% 
40% 

Explain the duties assigned to this committee, including, where appropriate, any that are in addition to those 
provided  for  by  law,  and  describe  both  the  procedures  and  organisational  and  operational  rules  of  the 
committee. For each of these duties, indicate its most significant actions during the financial year and how it 
has, in practice, exercised each of the duties attributed to it, whether in law, in the bylaws or in other corporate 
resolutions. 

Pursuant to the  provisions  of Article 33 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the Appointments 
Committee's  primary  focus  is  to  assist  the  Board  of  Directors  in  matters  relating  to  the  selection  and 
appointment of members of the Board of Directors, and also to perform the following duties: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

162 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  To submit proposals for the appointment, re-appointment or removal of independent directors to the 
Board of Directors and to report on proposals for the appointment, re-appointment or removal of the 
remaining directors. 

To this end, the Committee will evaluate the balance of knowledge, skills and experience on the Board 
of  Directors,  as  well  as  the  conditions  that  the  candidates  must  meet  to  cover  the  vacancies  that 
arise, evaluating the dedication of time considered necessary so that they can adequately carry out 
their duties, based on the needs that the Company's governing bodies have at all times. 

The Committee will ensure that, when filling new vacancies, the selection procedures are not implicitly 
biased in such a way that involves any kind of discrimination or, in particular, hinders the selection of 
female directors, trying to ensure that women who match the professional profile sought are included 
among potential candidates. 

Also, when formulating its proposals for the appointment of directors, the Committee will take into 
consideration, if it considers them to be suitable, any requests that may be made by any member of 
the Board of Directors of potential candidates to fill the vacancies that have arisen. 

  Propose to the Board of Directors the selection and diversity policies for members of the Board of 

Directors. 

  Establish a target for representation of the underrepresented gender on the Board of Directors and 

draw up guidelines on how to reach that target. 

  Analyse the structure, size and composition of the Board of Directors, at least once per year, when 

evaluating its operation. 

  Analyse the suitability of the various members of the Board of Directors. 

  Review the status of each director each year, so that this may be reflected in the Annual Corporate 

Governance Report. 

  Report on the proposals for the appointment of the Chairman and Secretary and, if applicable, the 

Deputy Chairman and Deputy Secretary. 

  Report on the performance of the Chairman of the Board, such that the Board of Directors can make 
its periodic assessment under the terms established in the Regulations of the Board of Directors. 

  Examine and organise the succession of the Chairman in conjunction with the Lead Director and, 
where appropriate, file proposals with the Board of Directors so that such a succession takes place in 
an orderly and well-planned way. 

  Review  the  Board  of  Directors'  policy  on  the  selection  and  appointment  of  members  of  Senior 

Management, and file recommendations with the Board when applicable. 

  Report on proposals for the appointment and removal of senior managers. 

Article 34 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors regulates the organisational and operational rules of 
Appointments Committee, establishing that it will meet as often as necessary to fulfil its duties, convened 
by  its  Chairman  or  by  whomever  stands  in  therefor,  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  Article 32  of  the 
Regulations of the Board.  

The Committee may request that persons with tasks within the Group organisation that are related to the 
Committee's duties attend its sessions. It may also obtain advice as necessary to form opinions within its 
remit, which will be done through the Secretary of the Board.  

For  all  other  matters,  the  system  for  calling  meetings,  setting  quorums,  passing  resolutions,  drafting 
minutes  and  other  details  of  its  operation  will  be  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  established  in  the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors for the Board of Directors insofar as they are applicable. 

The most important actions carried out by the Appointments Committee in the 2018 financial year are 
detailed in section H of this Report. 

163 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REMUNERATIONS COMMITTEE 

Name 

Belén Garijo López 
Tomás Alfaro Drake 
Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Position 
Chair 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Member 

Category 
Independent 
Other external 
Other external 
Independent 
Independent 

% of proprietary directors 
% of independent directors 
% of other external directors 

0% 
60% 
40% 

Explain the duties assigned to this committee, including, where appropriate, any that are in addition to those 
provided  for  by  law,  and  describe  both  the  procedures  and  organisational  and  operational  rules  of  the 
committee. For each of these duties, indicate its most significant actions during the financial year and how it 
has, in practice, exercised each of the duties attributed to it, whether in law, in the bylaws or in other corporate 
resolutions.  

The  Remunerations  Committee's  focus  is  to  assist  the  Board  of  Directors  in  matters  relating  to  the 
remuneration policy for directors, senior managers and any employees whose professional activities have 
a significant impact on the Bank's risk profile (“Identified Staff”), ensuring that the established remuneration 
policy is observed. Thus, as provided for under Article 36 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, it 
will perform the following functions: 

  Propose the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors to the Board of Directors, for submission to the 
General Shareholders' Meeting, regarding both its concepts and amounts, the parameters used to 
calculate the remuneration and the system through which the directors  receive it, and submit the 
corresponding report, all in accordance with the terms established by the applicable law at any given 
time. 

  Determine the extent and amount of individual remunerations, rights and other economic rewards, 
as  well  as  other  contractual  conditions  for  executive  directors,  so  that  they  can  be  contractually 
agreed, by submitting the relevant proposals to the Board of Directors.  

  Present an annual report on the remuneration of the Bank's directors to the Board of Directors, which 
will be submitted to the Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting, in accordance with the provisions 
of the applicable law. 

  Propose the remuneration policy to the Board of Directors for senior managers and any employees 

whose professional activities have a significant impact on the Company's risk profile. 

  Propose the basic contractual conditions for senior managers to the Board of Directors and directly 
oversee the remuneration of senior managers tasked with risk management and compliance functions 
within the Company. 

  Ensure observance of the remuneration policy established by the Company and periodically review 
the  remuneration  policy  applied  to  directors,  senior  management  and  any  employees  whose 
professional activities may have a significant impact on the Company's risk profile. 

  Verify the information on the remuneration of directors and senior managers contained in the various 

corporate documents, including the annual report on the remuneration of directors. 

Moreover,  Article 37  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  establishes  that  the  Remunerations 
Committee will meet as often as necessary to fulfil its duties, convened by its Chairman or by whomever 
stands in therefor, pursuant to the provisions of Article 35 of the Regulations of the Board. The Committee 
may  request  that  persons  with  tasks  within  the  Group  organisation  that  are  related  to  the  Committee's 
duties attend its sessions. It may also obtain advice as necessary to form opinions within its remit, which 
will be done through the Secretary of the Board. For all other matters, the system for calling meetings, 
setting  quorums,  passing  resolutions,  drafting  minutes  and  other  details  of  its  operation  will  be  in 
accordance with the provisions established in the Regulations of the Board of Directors for the Board of 
Directors insofar as they are applicable. 

The most important actions carried out by the Remunerations Committee in the 2018 financial year are 
detailed in section H of this Report. 

164 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RISK COMMITTEE 

Name 

Juan Pi Llorens 
José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 
Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo 
Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

Position 
Chairman 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Member 

Category 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 
Other external 
Other external 

% of proprietary directors 

% of independent directors 

% of other external directors 

0% 

60% 

40% 

Explain  the  duties  assigned  to  this  committee  and  describe  both  the  procedures  and  organisational  and 
operational rules of the committee. For each of these duties, indicate its most significant actions during the 
financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the duties attributed to it, whether in law, in the 
bylaws or in other corporate resolutions. 

The functions of the Risk Committee are listed below, along with an explanation of the actions taken by 
the Committee in the 2018 financial year to fulfil each one:  

  To analyse and assess proposals on the Group's risk management and control strategy, which will 
include, in particular: (i) the risk appetite statement; (ii) the core metrics; and (iii) the basic structure 
of limits.  

This function has been carried out by the Risk Committee with the necessary scope and detail for 
verifying  their  accuracy  and  appropriateness.  This  process  took  into  account  all  of  the  necessary 
information, with the appropriate level of detail, and received support from the Head of Global Risk 
Management,  Senior  Management  and  the  various  areas  of  the  Group  participating  in  these 
processes, particularly the Risk area.  

In particular, the Committee conducted an in-depth analysis of the various proposals made by the 
Risk  Area  to  establish  a  new  Risk  Appetite  Framework  for  the  Group.  This  entailed  evaluating  the 
statements, metrics and limits that the framework comprises, taking into account the behaviour of 
the current appetite framework, the macroeconomic prospects of the respective regions and many 
other  factors.  This  analysis  was  conducted  before  being  submitted  for  the  consideration  of  the 
Executive Committee and, if applicable, the approval of the Board.  

  To  analyse  and  assess  proposals  on  specific  corporate  policies  for  each  type  of  risk  and  on  the 
establishment of maximum exposure limits for certain risks and transactions, with the level of detail 
established at any given moment.  

The Risk Committee analysed the corporate policies proposed by the Risk Area for each type of risk, 
prior to submitting them to the Executive Committee. In 2018, it played a role in the processes to 
modify the corporate policies for retail risk, wholesale risk, liquidity and funding risk, structural interest-
rate risk, structural exchange-rate risk, structural equities risk, market risk in market and insurance 
activities, model risk and operational risk. Together, these form the strategy and allow the Group's 
risk culture to be strengthened. For this, it had the information necessary to adequately analyse the 
proposed modifications.  

  To analyse and assess the measures in place to mitigate the impact of the risks identified, should they 

materialise.  

When the Risk Committee was informed that the determined risk limits had been exceeded while it 
conducted its monitoring, supervision and control work, it specifically monitored the reasons for this 
and the proposals regarding the action plans made for their recovery. If these action plans approved 
by  the  Corporate  Bodies  were  implemented,  the  Risk  Committee  monitored  them  until  the  limits 
exceeded had recovered.  

165 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  To monitor the development of the risks faced by the Group and their compatibility with the strategies 

and policies defined by the Group, and with its risk appetite. 

Throughout  the  2018  financial  year,  the  Risk  Committee  monitored  the  evolution  of  the  different 
risks to which the Group is exposed—both financial (credit risk, structural risks, market risk, insurance 
risk etc.) and non-financial (operational risks)—as part of the BBVA Group General Risk Management 
and Control Model and in accordance with the Risk Appetite Framework approved by the Corporate 
Bodies.  

The Committee therefore received and analysed information from the Risk Area suitably frequently, 
received the support of the Group's Head of Global Risk Management, those in charge of each type 
of risk in the corporate field and the risk directors of the Group's main entities, and spoke directly with 
each one to discuss this topic.  

All of this afforded the Committee direct knowledge of the Group's risks, both globally and locally, 
allowing it to perform its duty of monitoring the evaluation of the Group's risks, regardless of the type 
of risk, the business area in which it originates and even the sector or portfolio to which it belongs. 

As  part  of  this  important  duty,  the  Risk  Committee  also  regularly  monitored  compliance  with  the 
metrics and limits established for the 2018 financial year, with the necessary detail and frequency to 
ensure adequate control of said indicators. To complete its control of the Risk Appetite Framework, 
the  Committee  received  information  about  the  key  internal  and  external  variables  that  affect  the 
compliance of the Risk Appetite Framework, even if they are not directly part of it. This was received 
prior to being monitored by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. 

In addition to the above, each month, the committees of the Corporate Risk Area informed the Risk 
Committee of the main credit risk operations in their respective areas of competency, enabling the 
Committee  to  monitor  the  Group's  most  significant  cases  of  exposure.  Each  month,  the  Risk 
Committee also had access to information about the qualitative risk operations authorised by the Risk 
Area. 

Continue in section H of this Report. 

TECHNOLOGY AND CYBERSECURITY COMMITTEE 

Name 

Carlos Torres Vila 
Tomás Alfaro Drake 
Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 
Sunir Kumar Kapoor 
Juan Pi Llorens 
Jan Paul Marie Francis Verplancke 

Position 
Chairman 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Member 
Member 

Category 
Executive 
Other external 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 

% of executive directors 
% of proprietary directors 
% of independent directors 
% of other external directors 

16.67% 
0% 
66.66% 
16.67% 

Explain  the  duties  assigned  to  this  committee  and  describe  both  the  procedures  and  organisational  and 
operational rules of the committee. For each of these duties, indicate its most significant actions during the 
financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the duties attributed to it, whether in law, in the 
bylaws or in other corporate resolutions. 

The functions of the Board's Technology and Cybersecurity Committee, which fall into two categories, 
are listed below, along with an explanation of the actions taken by the Committee in the 2018 financial 
year to fulfil its relevant functions: 

  Duties relating to monitoring technological risk and managing cybersecurity, such as: 

166 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
–  Reviewing the Bank's main technological risks, including the risks related to information security 
and cybersecurity, as well as the procedures adopted by the executive area for monitoring and 
control of these exposures.  

–  Reviewing  the  policies  and  systems  for  assessment,  control  and  management  of  the  Group's 
technological infrastructures and risks, including the response and recovery plans in the event 
of cyberattacks.  

–  Being  informed  of  business  continuity  plans  regarding  technology  and  technological 

infrastructure matters. 

–  Being  informed,  as  appropriate,  about:  (i)  compliance  risks  associated  with  information 
technology; (ii) the procedures established for identifying, assessing, overseeing, managing and 
mitigating these risks.  

–  Being informed about any relevant events that may have occurred with regard to cybersecurity, 
i.e. events that, either in isolation or as a whole, may cause significant impact or harm to the 
net equity, results or reputation. 

To  ensure  compliance  with  these  duties,  the  Technology  and  Cybersecurity  Committee  has 
performed the following actions: 

–  Review of the Group's exposure to technological risk: The Committee has reviewed the Bank's 
and the Group's exposure to the main technological risks, including risks relating to information 
security  and  cybersecurity,  ensuring  that  the  executive  area  is  equipped  with  procedures  for 
monitoring and controlling said exposures.  

–  Evaluation, control and management of risks: The Committee monitors the Group's technological 
infrastructures and risks, and is informed of the cyberattack response and recovery plans, as 
well as the business continuity plans that affect the Group's main technological infrastructures.  

Furthermore,  the  Committee  has  been  informed  of  the  compliance  risks  associated  with 
information technology, such as those derived from managing data with regard to the regulation 
on  personal  data  protection  and  the  new  regulation  on  payment  services,  as  well  as  the 
procedures established to identify, manage, control and, if necessary, mitigate these types of 
risks.  

–  Cybersecurity: The Committee has been informed of the Group's cybersecurity strategy and of 

the systems and tools that the Group possesses in this regard.  

Likewise,  the  Committee  has  been  informed  of  any  significant  events  that  have  occurred  in 
relation  to  cybersecurity,  including  those  that  have  directly  affected  the  Bank  or  the  Group's 
companies, as well as those that have affected important (national or international) entities or 
companies, in order that the Committee is aware of the threats to which the Group is exposed 
(or may be exposed) and of the technological defences BBVA possesses at any time to combat 
possible attacks.  

  Duties relating to the Technology Strategy, such as:  

–  Being informed, as appropriate, of the technology strategy and trends that may affect the Bank's 

strategic plans, including through monitoring general trends in the sector.  

–  Being informed, as appropriate, of the metrics established by the Group for management and 
control in the technological area, including the Group's developments and investments in this 
area.  

–  Being informed, as appropriate, of issues related to new technologies, applications, information 

systems and best practices that may affect the Group's technological plans or strategy.  

–  Being informed, as appropriate, of the main policies, strategic projects and plans defined by the 

Engineering Area.  

–  Reporting  to  the Board  of  Directors  and,  where  appropriate,  to  the  Executive  Committee,  on 

matters related to information technologies falling within its remit.  

To  ensure  compliance  with  these  duties,  the  Technology  and  Cybersecurity  Committee  has 
performed the following duties:  

–  Technology strategy: The Committee has been informed by the Engineering & Organization area 
of  the  Group's  and  the  state's  technology  strategy,  as  well  as  the  evolution  of  the  different 
projects, systems, tools and developments integrated with the strategy, and receives a periodic 

167 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
report on the key performance indicators (KPIs) in this  regard. The Committee has also been 
informed of the number of employees and level of investment required to effectively implement 
this strategy.  

–  Development  of  new  products  and  services:  The  Committee  has  been  informed  of  the  main 
projects  that  the  Engineering  area,  together  with  the  Group's  business  areas  and  the  Client 
Solutions area, has implemented or is planning to implement, in developing new products and 
digital services targeted at the Group's wholesale and retail customers.  

–  Trend information: The Committee has received information regarding the main technological 
trends in the industry, and even in other important sectors, especially with regard to trends that 
may affect the Bank's strategic plans.  

The  rules  and  procedures  on  the  organization  and  operation  of  the  Technology  and  Cybersecurity 
Committee are detailed in section H of this Report. 

C.2.2 Fill in the following table with information on the number of female directors sitting on the committees 
of the board of directors at the close of the last four financial years: 

Number of female directors 

Financial year 
2018 

Financial year 
2017 

Financial year 
2016 

Financial year 
2015 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

1 

3 

3 

3 

1 

- 

16.66% 

60% 

60% 

60% 

20% 

- 

1 

2 

2 

2 

1 

- 

16.66% 

40% 

40% 

40% 

20% 

- 

1 

2 

2 

1 

1 

- 

16.66% 

40% 

40% 

20% 

20% 

- 

1 

2 

1 

- 

1 

- 

20% 

40% 

20% 

- 

16.66% 

- 

Executive 
Committee 
Audit and 
Compliance 
Committee 
Appointments 
Committee 
Remunerations 
Committee 
Risk Committee 
Technology and 
Cybersecurity 
Committee 

C.2.3  Indicate,  where  applicable,  if  there  are  regulations  for  the  board  committees,  where  they  can  be 
consulted and any amendments made to them during the financial year. Indicate whether an annual report on 
the activities of each committee has been prepared voluntarily. 

The Regulations of the Board of Directors, available on the Company's website, www.bbva.com, regulate the 
composition,  duties  and  rules  of  the  organisation  and  operation  of  all  of  the  Board  Committees  that  are 
regulatory in nature. The Regulations of the Board of Directors also regulate the composition, duties and rules 
of the organisation and operation of the Executive Committee. As part of the annual process to evaluate their 
operation, all of the Board Committees have prepared and submitted a report to the Board of Directors detailing 
the  main  activity and operation of  performing their  delegated  duties  over  the  course  of  the  2018  financial 
year. 

AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE: The Audit and Compliance Committee also has specific Regulations 
approved by the Board, which are available on the Company's website, that govern its operation and powers, 
among other matters.  

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

168 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furthermore, as part of the self-assessment process, the Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee 
submitted a report to the Board of Directors regarding this Committee's activities over the course of the 2018 
financial year, which is explained in greater detail in section C.1.17 above.  

APPOINTMENTS  COMMITTEE:  As  part  of  the  self-assessment  process,  the  Chairman  of the  Appointments 
Committee presented a report to the Board of Directors regarding the activities conducted by this Committee 
over the course of the 2018 financial year, which is explained in greater detail in section C.1.17 above. 

REMUNERATIONS  COMMITTEE:  As  part  of  the  self-assessment  process,  the  Chair  of  the  Remunerations 
Committee presented a report to the Board of Directors regarding the activities conducted by this Committee 
over the course of the 2018 financial year, which is explained in greater detail in section C.1.17 above. 

RISK  COMMITTEE:  The  Risk  Committee  also  has  specific  Regulations  approved  by  the  Board,  which  are 
available on the Company's website, that govern its duties and procedural standards, among other matters. 

Furthermore, as part of the self-assessment process, the Chairman of the Risk Committee submitted a report 
to the Board of Directors regarding this Committee's activities over the course of the 2018 financial year, which 
is explained in greater detail in section C.1.17 above. 

TECHNOLOGY  AND  CYBERSECURITY  COMMITTEE:  The  Technology  and  Cybersecurity  Committee  has 
specific Regulations approved by the Board, which are available on the  Company's website, that govern its 
duties and organisational and operational standards, among other matters. 

Furthermore,  as  part  of  the  self-assessment  process,  the  Chairman  of  the  Technology  and  Cybersecurity 
Committee submitted a report to the Board of Directors regarding this Committee's activities over the course 
of the 2018 financial year, which is explained in greater detail in section C.1.17 above. 

D RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND INTRA-GROUP TRANSACTIONS 

D.1  Explain  the  procedure  and  competent  bodies,  if  any,  for  approving  related-party  and  intra-group 
transactions. 

Procedure for approving related-party transactions 
Article 17 v)  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  establishes  that  the  Board  of  Directors  is 
responsible for approving, as applicable, the transactions that the Company, or its Group companies may 
make with Directors or with shareholders who, individually or in concert, hold a significant interest. This 
includes  shareholders  represented  on  the  Company's  Board  of  Directors  or  the  boards  of  other  Group 
companies, and parties related to them, with the exceptions established by law. 

Moreover, Article 8 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that approval of the transactions 
conducted  by  the  Company  or  by  Group  companies  with  directors,  the  approval  of  which  is  the 
responsibility of the Board of Directors, will be granted subject to a prior report by the Audit and Compliance 
Committee where appropriate. The only exceptions to this approval will be transactions that simultaneously 
meet the three following specifications: (i) they are carried out under contracts with standard terms and 
are applied en masse to a large number of customers; (ii) they go through at market rates or prices set in 
general by the party acting as supplier of the goods or services; and (iii) they are worth less than 1% of 
the Company's annual revenues. 

D.2 Detail transactions deemed to be significant for their amount or content between the company or its group 
companies, and the company's significant shareholders: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

169 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name or corporate 
name of the significant 
shareholder 

Name or 
corporate name 
of the company 
or group 
company 

Nature of the 
relationship 

Type of 
transaction 

Amount 
(thousands of euro) 

D.3 Detail any transactions deemed to be significant for their amount or content between the company or its 
group companies, and the directors or executives of the company: 

Name or corporate 
name of the directors 
or executives 

Name or 
corporate name 
of the related 
party 

Relationship 

Nature of the 
transaction 

Amount 
(thousands of euro) 

D.4 Report any material transactions carried out by the company with other entities belonging to the same 
group, provided that these are not eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and 
do not form part of the company's ordinary business activities in terms of their purpose and conditions.  

In any event, provide information on any intra-group transactions with companies established in countries or 
territories considered tax havens:  

Corporate name of the Group Company 

BBVA Global Finance LTD. 

BBVA Global Finance LTD. 

BBVA Global Finance LTD. 

Brief description of the 
transaction 

Current account deposits 

Term account deposits 

Amount 
(thousands of 
euro) 
2,080 

5,939 

Issue-linked subordinated liabilities 

173,597 

D.5 Detail any significant transactions between the company or its group companies and other related parties, 
which have not been listed in the previous entries. 

Corporate name of the related party 

Brief description of the 
transaction 

Amount 
(thousands of 
euro) 

D.6 Detail the mechanisms established to detect, determine and resolve possible conflicts of interest between 
the company and/or its group, and its directors, executives or significant shareholders. 

Articles 7 and 8 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors regulate issues relating to possible conflicts of 
interest as follows: 

Article 7 

Directors  must  adopt  necessary  measures  to  avoid  finding  themselves  in  situations  where  their  interests, 
whether for their own account or for that of others, may enter into conflict with the corporate interest and with 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
their  duties  with  respect  to  the  Company,  unless  the  Company  has  granted  its  consent  under  the  terms 
established in applicable legislation and in these Regulations of the Board of Directors. 

Likewise, they must refrain from participating in deliberations and votes on resolutions or decisions in which 
they or a related party may have a direct or indirect conflict of interest, unless these are decisions relating to 
appointment to or severance from positions on the governing body. 

Directors must notify the Board of Directors of any situation of direct or indirect conflict that they or parties 
related to them may have with respect to the Company's interests. 

Article 8 

The duty of avoiding situations of conflicts of interest referred to in the previous article obliges the directors to 
refrain from, in particular: 

- 

Carrying  out  transactions  with  the  Company,  unless  these  are  ordinary  business,  performed  under 
standard conditions for the customers and of insignificant quantity. Such transactions are deemed to be 
those whose information is not necessary to provide a true picture of the net worth, financial situation and 
performance of the Company. 

-  Using the name of the Company or invoking their position as director to unduly influence the performance 

of private transactions. 

-  Making use of corporate assets, including the Company's confidential information, for private ends. 

- 

Taking advantage of the Company's business opportunities. 

-  Obtaining  advantages  or  remuneration  from  third  parties  other  than  the  Company  and  its  Group, 

associated to the performance of their position, unless they are mere tokens of courtesy. 

- 

Engaging in activities for their own account or on behalf of third  parties that involve effective actual or 
potential competition with the Company or that, in any other way, bring them into permanent conflict with 
the Company's interests. 

The above provisions will also apply should the beneficiary of the prohibited acts or activities described in the 
previous  subsections  be  a  related  party  to  the  director.  However,  the  Company  may  dispense  with  the 
aforementioned prohibitions in specific cases, authorising a director or a related party to carry out a certain 
transaction  with  the  Company,  to  use  certain  corporate  assets,  to  take  advantage  of  a  specific  business 
opportunity or to obtain an advantage or remuneration from a third party. 

When  the  authorisation  is  intended  to  dispense  with  the  prohibition  against  obtaining  an  advantage  or 
remuneration from third parties, or affects a transaction whose value is over 10% of the corporate assets, it 
must necessarily be agreed by a General Meeting resolution. 

The obligation not to compete with the Company may only be dispensed with when no damage is expected 
to the Company or when any damage that is expected is compensated by the benefits that are foreseen from 
the dispensation. The dispensation will be conferred under an express and separate resolution of the General 
Meeting. 

In  other  cases,  the  authorisation  may  also  be  resolved  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  provided  that  the 
independence  of  the  members  conferring  it  is  guaranteed  with  respect  to  the  director  receiving  the 
dispensation. Moreover, it will be necessary to ensure that the authorised transaction will not do harm to the 
corporate net worth or, where applicable, that it is carried out under market conditions and that the process 
is transparent. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

171 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approval of the transactions of the Company or its Group companies with directors, needing to be approved 
by the Board of Directors, will be granted after receiving a report from the Audit and Compliance Committee. 
The  only  exceptions  to  this  approval  will  be  transactions  that  simultaneously  meet  the  three  following 
specifications: 1) they are carried out under contracts with standard terms and are applied en masse to a large 
number of customers; 2) they go through at market rates or prices set in general by the party acting as supplier 
of the goods or services; and 3) they are worth less than 1% of the Company's annual revenues. 

Since BBVA is a credit institution, it is subject to the provisions of Spanish Act 10/2014, of 26 June, on the 
regulation,  supervision  and  solvency  of  credit  institutions,  whereby  the  directors  and  general  managers  or 
similar  may  not  obtain  credits,  bonds  or  guarantees  from  the  Bank  on  whose  board  or  management  they 
work, above the limit and under the terms established in article 35 of Royal Decree 84/2015, implementing 
Act 10/2014, unless expressly authorised by the Bank of Spain. 

Furthermore,  all  members  of  the  BBVA  Board  of  Directors  and  Senior  Management  are  subject  to  the 
Company's Internal Standards of Conduct in the Securities Markets. These Standards are intended to control 
possible Conflicts of Interest. It establishes that everyone subject to it must notify the head of their area or the 
Compliance Unit of situations that could potentially and under specific circumstances may entail Conflicts of 
Interest that might be vulnerable to compromising their impartiality, before they engage in any transaction or 
conclude any business in the securities market in which such may arise. 

D.7 Are more than one of the Group's companies listed in Spain? 

NO 

Identify the other companies listed in Spain and their relationship with the company: 

Identity and relationship with other listed Group companies 

Indicate whether the respective areas of business and any potential relations between them, as well as any 
potential business relations between the other listed company and other group companies, have been publicly 
defined: 

NO 

Define any potential business relations between the parent company and the listed 
subsidiary company, and between the listed subsidiary company and other group 
companies 

Identify the mechanisms established to resolve any potential conflicts of interest between the listed company 
and other group companies: 

Mechanisms to resolve potential conflicts of interest 

E    RISK CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS  

E.1 Explain the scope of the company's Risk Control and Management System, including risks of a tax-related 
nature. 

The BBVA Group has a general Risk Control and Management model (hereafter the "Model") adapted to its 
business model, its organisation and the geographical areas where it operates. This Model allows the BBVA 
Group to operate within the framework of the strategy and the risk control and management policy defined 
by the Bank's corporate bodies and to adapt to an ever-changing economic and regulatory environment, 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
addressing risk management on a global level adapted to the circumstances at any moment. The Model 
establishes a risk management system that is adapted to the Bank's risk profile and strategy. 

This Model is applied comprehensively in the Group and is made up of the basic elements set out below: 

I. 

Governance and organisation 

The risk governance model in BBVA is characterised by the strong involvement of its corporate bodies, 
both  in  establishing  the  risk  strategy  and  in  the  continuous  monitoring  and  supervision  of  its 
implementation. Thus, it is the corporate bodies that approve the risk strategy and the corporate policies 
for the  different  types  of  risks.  The  risk  function is  responsible  within the  scope  of  its  management  for 
implementing  and  developing  the  risk  strategy,  being  accountable  for  it  to  the  corporate  bodies.  The 
responsibility for the day-to-day management of risks corresponds to the businesses, which engage in their 
business  following  the  policies,  rules,  procedures,  infrastructures  and  controls  that  are  based  on  the 
framework set by the Corporate Bodies and defined by the risk function. To carry out this work adequately, 
the risk function in the BBVA Group has been set up as a single, global function that is independent of the 
commercial areas.  

II. 

Risk Appetite Framework 

The Group's Risk Appetite Framework is approved by the BBVA’s Corporate Bodies and determines the 
risks  and  the  associated  risk  levels  that  the  Group  is  prepared  to  assume  to  achieve  its  objectives, 
considering the organic development pattern of the business. These are expressed in terms of solvency, 
liquidity and funding, profitability and recurrence of results, which are reviewed periodically or if there are 
any substantial changes in the Bank's business or relevant corporate operations. The determination of the 
Risk Appetite Framework has the following objectives: 

Set out the maximum risk levels that the Group is willing to accept. 

 
  Establish a set of guidelines for action and a management framework for the medium-long term that 

prevent actions that may compromise the future viability of the Group. 

  Establish a framework for relations with the geographical and/or business areas, that preserves their 

decision-making autonomy while ensuring their consistent performance. 

  Establish a common language across the whole organisation and develop a risk culture geared toward 

compliance with it. 

  Ensure alignment with the new regulatory requirements, facilitating communication with regulators, 

investors and other stakeholders. 

III. 

Decisions and processes 

The  transfer  of  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  to  ordinary  management  is  underpinned  by  three  basic 
elements: 

  A standardised body of regulations 
  Risk planning which allow to ensure the integrity in the management of the Risk Appetite Framework 
 

Integrated risk management throughout their life cycle 

IV. 

Evaluation, monitoring and reporting 

Risk’s  evaluation,  monitoring  and  reporting  is  a  cross-cutting  element  that  allows  the  Model  to  have  a 
dynamic and anticipatory vision, enabling compliance with the Risk Appetite Framework approved by the 
corporate bodies, even under unfavourable scenarios. The realization of this process is integrated into the 
activity of the risk units, both corporate and geographical and/or business, and is developed in the following 
phases:  

 

Identification  of  the  risk  factors  that  could  compromise  compliance  with  the  defined  risk  appetite 
thresholds. 

  Assessment of the impact of the materialisation of the risk factors on the metrics that define the Risk 

Appetite Framework based on different scenarios, including stress scenarios. 

  Response  to  undesired  situations  and  proposal  of  rechannelling  measures  to  allow  a  dynamic 

management of the situation, even before it occurs. 

  Monitoring of the Group's risk profile and of the identified risk factors, through internal, competitor 

and market indicators, among others, to anticipate their future development.  

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  Reporting:  Providing  complete  and  reliable  information  on  the  risks  to  the  corporate  bodies  and 
Senior Management, with a frequency and completeness appropriate to the nature, significance and 
complexity of the reported risks. The principle of transparency governs all risk information reporting. 

Continue in Section H of this Report.  

E.2 Identify the corporate bodies responsible for drawing up and enforcing the Risk Control and Management 
System, including tax-related risks. 

The  Board  of  Directors  (hereinafter  referred  to  as  the  "Board")  approves  the  risk  strategy  and  oversees 
internal management and control systems. Specifically, in relation to the risk strategy, the Board approves 
the Group's Risk Appetite statement, the core metrics and the main metrics by type of risk, as well as the 
General Risk Management and Control Model. 

The Board of Directors is also responsible for approving and monitoring the strategic and business plan, 
the annual budgets and management targets, as well as the investment and funding policy, in a consistent 
way and in line with the approved Risk Appetite Framework. For this reason, the processes for defining 
the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  proposals  and  strategic  and  budgetary  planning  at  Group  level  are  co-
ordinated by the executive area for submission to the Board. 

To  ensure  the  integration  of  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  into  the  management  process,  on  the  basis 
established by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee approves the metrics for each type of risk 
relating  to  profitability,  recurrence  of  results  and  the  Group's  basic  limit  structure  for  the  different 
geographical  areas,  risk  types,  asset  classes  and  portfolios.  This  Committee  also  approves  specific 
corporate policies for each type of risk. 

Lastly, the Board of Directors has a committee specialising in risks, the Risk Committee, which assists the 
Board and the Executive Committee in determining the Group's risk strategy and the risk limits and policies, 
respectively, analysing and assessing the proposals submitted to those bodies in advance. The amendment 
of the Group's risk strategy and the elements composing it, including the Risk Appetite Framework metrics 
within  its  remit,  is  the  exclusive  power  of  the  Board,  while  the  Executive  Committee  is  responsible  for 
amending the metrics by type of risk within its scope of decision and the Group's basic structure of limits 
(core  limits),  when  applicable.  In  both  cases,  the  same  aforementioned  decision-making  process  is 
applicable to the amendments; amendment proposals are submitted by the executive area (specifically, 
by the Group's Chief Risk Officer) and are analysed by the Risk Committee and later submitted to the Board 
of Directors and/or to the Executive Committee, as appropriate. 

Moreover, the Risk Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board itself monitor, to the necessary 
degree,  the  implementation  of  the  risk  strategy  and  the  Group's  risk  profile. For  this,  the  risk  function 
regularly reports on the development of the Group's Risk Appetite Framework metrics to the Board and to 
the Executive Committee, after their analysis by the Risk Committee, whose role in this monitoring and 
control work is particularly important. 

The head of the risk function in the executive line, the Group's Chief Risk Officer (CRO), carries out his/her 
work with the independence, authority, rank, experience, knowledge and resources required. This Officer 
is  appointed  by  the  Bank's  Board  of  Directors,  as  a member  of its  Senior  Management, and  has  direct 
access to the corporate bodies (Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Risk Committee), to which 
it reports on a regular basis on the situation of the risks in the Group. 

For optimal performance, the Chief Risk Officer is supported by a structure consisting of cross-cutting risk 
units in the corporate area and specific risk units in the Group's geographical areas and/or business areas. 
Each of these units is headed by a Chief Risk Officer for the geographical and/or business area who, within 
his/her  area  of  responsibility,  carries  out  risk  control  and  management  functions  and  is  responsible  for 
applying the corporate policies and rules approved at Group level in a consistent manner, adapting them 
if necessary to local requirements and reporting to the local Corporate Bodies. 

The Chief Risk Officers of the geographical and business areas report both to the Group's Chief Risk Officer 
and to the head of their geographical and/or business area. This dual reporting system aims to ensure the 
independence of the local risk management function from the operating functions and enable its alignment 
with the Group's corporate policies and goals related to risks.  

The risk function has a decision-making process supported by a structure of committees. The Global Risk 
Management  Committee  (GRMC)  is  the  highest-level  body  in  the  risk  area  and,  among  other  duties, 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
proposes,  examines  and,  where  applicable,  approves  the  internal  regulatory  risk  framework  and  the 
procedures and infrastructures needed to identify, assess, measure and manage the risks that the Group 
faces in its business activity. The GRMC also approves portfolio risk limits.  

For tax-related risk, the Tax Department establishes the control mechanisms and internal rules necessary 
to ensure compliance with the tax laws in force and the tax strategy approved by the Board of Directors, 
which must inspire the Group's fiscal decisions and integrate the results of the BEPS project from OECD as 
well  as  the  guidelines  of  Chapter  XI,  Part  of  the  "OECD  Guidelines  for  Multinational  Enterprises".  This 
function  is  subject  to  supervision  by  the  Audit  and  Compliance  Committee  of  the  BBVA  Group,  and  is 
evidenced by the appearances made before the same by the Head of the Tax Function of the BBVA Group. 

E.3 Indicate the primary risks, including tax-related risks and, where significant, risk derived from corruption 
(the latter can be understood to be within the scope of Royal Decree Law 18/2017) that could prevent business 
targets from being met. 

BBVA  has  processes  to  identify  risks  and  analyse  scenarios,  enabling  dynamic  and  advance  risk 
management.  These  risk-identification  processes  are  forward-looking  to  ensure  the  identification  of 
emerging risks, and take into account the concerns of both the business and corporate areas as well as 
those of Senior Management. 

Risks are identified and measured in a consistent manner and in line with approved methodologies. Their 
measurement includes the design and application of scenario analyses and stress testing, and considers 
the controls to which the risks are subject. 

Likewise, a forward projection is performed for the Risk Appetite Framework variables in stress scenarios, 
with  the  aim  of  identifying  possible  deviations  from  the  established  thresholds.  If  such  deviations  are 
detected, the appropriate measures are adopted to keep those variables within the target risk profile. 

In this regard, there are a number of emerging risks that could impact the Group's business performance. 
These risks are organised into the following large blocks:  

  Macroeconomic and geopolitical risks 

World economic growth remained strong during the 2018 financial year, although it slowed more than 
was expected in the second half of the year, due to worse performance than anticipated in trade and in 
the industrial sector, and to significantly heightened financial tensions, particularly in developed economies, 
caused  by  increased  uncertainty.  The  worsening  economic  performance  in  Europe  and  China  was 
accompanied  by  a  slowdown  in  Asian  countries  and  the  deceleration  of  the  expansionary  cycle  in  the 
United States. Given the situation, both the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the ECB have been more cautious 
and patient in terms of standardising monetary policy, and their decisions moving forwards will depend 
on the performance of the economy. Protectionism remains the main short-term risk, not only due to its 
direct impact on the commercial channel, but also due to its indirect impact on confidence and financial 
volatility. There are also concerns regarding the intensity of activity adjustment in the US and China in the 
coming quarters and increased political uncertainty in Europe. 

In  summary,  uncertainty  surrounding  the  economic  outlook  remains  high,  mainly  due  to  the  fear  of 
increased protectionism and the increased perception of risk in terms of global growth. 

  Regulatory and reputational risks 

Financial institutions are exposed to a complex regulatory environment that is changing at the hands of 
governments  and  regulators,  which  may  impact  their  growth  capacity  and  the  performance  of  certain 
business activities due to higher liquidity and capital requirements and lower profitability ratios. The Group 
monitors changes in the regulatory framework on an ongoing basis to enable it to anticipate and adapt to 
those changes sufficiently in advance, adopt the best practices and the most efficient and rigorous criteria 
for their implementation. 

The financial sector is currently subject to a heightening level of scrutiny from regulators, governments 
and society itself. Negative news or inappropriate conduct can seriously damage an institution's reputation 
and affect its ability to conduct a sustainable business. The attitudes and conduct of the Group and of its 
members are governed by the principles of integrity, honesty, long-term vision and best practices, thanks 
to the Internal Control Model, the Code of Conduct, tax strategy and the Group's Responsible Business 
strategy, among others. 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continue in Section H of this Report.  

E.4 Identify whether the company has a risk tolerance level, including tax-related risks. 

The BBVA Group's Risk Appetite Framework, approved by the Corporate Bodies, determines the risks and 
the associated risk levels that the Group is prepared to assume to achieve its objectives, considering the 
organic  development  pattern  of  the  business.  These  are  expressed  in  terms  of  solvency,  liquidity  and 
funding,  profitability  and  recurrence  of  results,  which  are  reviewed  periodically  or  if  there  are  any 
substantial changes in the Bank's business or relevant corporate operations. 

The Risk Appetite Framework is expressed through the following elements: 

  Risk  Appetite  Statement:  This  contains  the  general  principles  of  the  Group's  risk  strategy  and  the 

 

 

target risk profile.  
Statements and core metrics: Derived from the Risk Appetite statement, these statements set out the 
general risk management principles in terms of solvency, liquidity, funding, profitability and results 
recurrence. Moreover, the core metrics reflect, in quantitative terms, the principles and the target 
risk profile set out in the Risk Appetite statement and are aligned with the Group's strategy. 
Statement and metrics by type of risk: Taking the core metrics as a basis, a corresponding statement 
is established for each type of risk, setting out the general principles for managing the risk in question. 
A series of metrics is also calibrated, adherence to which ensures compliance with the core metrics 
and the Group's Risk Appetite statement. 

  The core limits structure is designed to shape the Risk Appetite Framework by geographical area, 
risk type, asset type and portfolio, ensuring that management is within the metrics by type of risk.  

In addition to this Framework, there is a level of management limits that is defined and managed by the 
risks  function  when  developing  the  basic  structure  of  limits,  with  the  aim  of  ensuring  that  advance 
management of risks by risk subcategory within each type or by sub-portfolio is in line with those core 
limits and in general with the established Risk Appetite Framework. 

The  corporate  risk  area  works  with  the  various  geographies  and/or  business  areas  to  define  their  Risk 
Appetite Framework, so that it is co-ordinated with, and integrated into the Group's Risk Appetite, making 
sure that its profile is in line with the one defined. 

The Risk Appetite Framework is integrated within management, and the processes for defining the Risk 
Appetite Framework proposals are co-ordinated with strategic and budgetary planning at Group level. 

As  stated  previously,  the  core  metrics  in  BBVA's  Risk  Appetite  Framework  measure  the  Group's 
performance in terms of solvency, liquidity, funding, profitability and results recurrence. Most of the core 
metrics  are  accounting and/or regulation-based;  they  are  therefore  disclosed  to  the  market  regularly  in 
BBVA  Group's  annual  and  quarterly  financial  reports.  The  Group's  risk  profile  evolved  over  the 
2018 financial year in line with the metrics forming part of the approved Risk Appetite Framework. 

E.5 State what risks, including tax-related risks, have occurred during the financial year. 

Risk is inherent to financial activity, and the occurrence of minor and major risks is therefore an inseparable 
part of the Group's activities. BBVA thus  provides detailed information in its annual financial  statements 
(note 7 in the Report and note 19 in the consolidated accounts covering tax-related risks) regarding the 
developments of such risks, since their very nature can permanently affect the Group in undertaking its 
activities. 

E.6 Explain  the  response  and  supervision  plans  for the  primary  risks  faced  by  the  company,  including  tax-
related risks, and the procedures followed by the company to ensure that the Board of Directors responds to 
any new challenges. 

The BBVA Group's internal control system takes its inspiration from the best practices developed both in 
the  COSO  (Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission) "Enterprise  Risk 
Management  —  Integrated  Framework"  and  in  the  "Framework  for  Internal  Control  Systems  in  Banking 
Organisations" drawn up by the Basel Bank for International Settlements (BIS). 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

176 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The control model has a system comprising three lines of defence: 

  The  Group's  business  units  constitute  the  first line  of  defence.  They  are  responsible  for managing 
current  and  emerging  risks  and  implementing  control  procedures.  They  are  also  responsible  for 
reporting to their business/support unit.  

  The  second  line  comprises  specialist  control  units:  Supervisors,  Regulation &  Compliance  (in  legal 
and compliance subject), Finance & Accounting (in financial subject), Global Risk Management (in risk 
subject)  and  Engineering  &  Organization  (in  operations  subject  and  technology  and  cybersecurity 
systems). This line collaborates in identifying current and emerging risks, defines the control policies 
across areas, ensures that they are implemented correctly, and provides training and advice to the 
first line. In addition, one of its main functions is to monitor and question the control activity carried 
out by the first line of defence.  

The control activity of the first and second lines of defence for operational risks will be coordinated 
by  the  Non  Financial  Risks  unit,  which  will  also  be  responsible  for  providing  these  units  with  a 
common internal control methodology and global tools. The Group's Head of Non Financial Risks is 
responsible  for  the  function  and  reports  his/her  activities  to  the  CRO  and  to  the  Board's  Risk 
Committee, assisting it in any matters where requested. 

  The  third  line  of  defence  is  made  up  of  the  Internal  Audit  unit,  for  which  the  Group  assumes  the 
guidelines of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and of the Institute of Internal Auditors. Its 
function is that of providing independent and objective assurance and consulting, designed to add 
value and improve the Organisation's operations.  

Furthermore, the Group has specific Internal Risk Control and Internal Validation units within the corporate 
risk area. These units are independent from the areas that develop models, manage processes and run 
controls. 

Its  scope  of  action  is  global,  in  terms  of  both  geography  and  type  of  risk,  reaching  all  areas  of  the 
organization. 

The main function of Internal Risk Control is to ensure the existence of a sufficient regulatory framework, 
a process and measures defined for each type of risk identified in the Group, and for those other types of 
risk that may potentially affect the Group, to control its application and operation, and to ensure that the 
risk  strategy  is  integrated  into  the  Group's  management.  In  this  sense,  the  Internal  Risk  Control  unit 
contrasts the development of the functions of the units that develop the risk models, manage the processes 
and implement the controls. 

The Group's Head of Internal Risk Control is responsible for the function and reports its activities and work 
plans to CRO and to the Board's Risk Committee, assisting it in any matters where requested. 

To perform its duties, the area has a team structure at both the corporate level and in the most important 
geographies where the Group operates. As in the case of the corporate area, local units are independent 
of the business areas that execute the processes, and of the units that execute the controls. They report 
functionally to the Internal Risk Control unit. The unit's lines of action are established at Group level and it 
is  then  responsible  for  their  local-level  adaptation  and  implementation,  and  for  reporting  on  the  most 
relevant aspects. 

Internal Validation is responsible, among other duties, for the independent review and validation, internally, 
of the models used for the management and control of the Group's risks. 

With regard to tax risks, the Tax Department establishes the policies and control processes for guaranteeing 
compliance with the tax laws currently in force and the tax strategy approved by the Board of Directors. 

Lastly, and in order to face the new challenges of the industry, the BBVA Group has a governance system 
that allows the Board of Directors to be informed of the real and potential risks that affect or may affect 
the Group at any time. Thus, to the work carried out by the different control areas (risks, compliance and 
internal audit) and the corresponding committees of the Board (Risk Committee and Audit and Compliance 
Committee, respectively), it is necessary to add the prospective monitoring and supervision that performs 
the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee of the Board of Directors. The important work carried out 
by this Committee allows the Board of Directors to be permanently informed of the main technological 
risks  to  which  the  Group  is  exposed  to  (including  those  related  to  risks  on  information  security  and 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
cybersecurity),  as  well  as  to  the  strategies  and  current  technological  trends,  and  relevant  events  in 
cybersecurity subject that affect the Group or that may affect it in the future, among other functions. 

F  INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING (ICFR)  

Describe the mechanisms comprising the risk management and control systems for financial reporting (ICFR) 
in your entity. 

F.1 The entity's control environment 
Give information on the key features of at least: 

F.1.1. Which bodies and/or functions are responsible for: (i) the existence and maintenance of an adequate 
and effective ICFR; (ii) its implementation and (iii) its supervision. 

Pursuant to Article 17 of its Regulations, the Board of Directors approves the financial information that BBVA 
is required to publish periodically as a listed company. The Board of Directors has an Audit and Compliance 
Committee, whose mission is to help the Board to oversee financial information and exercise control over the 
BBVA Group. 

In this respect, the BBVA Audit and Compliance Committee Regulations establish that the Committee's duties 
include  monitoring  the  sufficiency,  suitability  and  effective  operation  of  the  internal  control  systems  in  the 
process of drawing up and preparing financial information, so as to rest assured of the correctness, accuracy, 
sufficiency and clarity of the financial information of the Bank and its consolidated Group. 

The BBVA Group complies with the requirements imposed by the Sarbanes Oxley Act ("SOX") for each financial 
year's consolidated annual accounts due to its status as a publicly traded company listed with the United States 
Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The main Group executives are involved in the design, compliance 
and maintenance of an effective internal control model that guarantees the quality and veracity of the financial 
information.  The  Finance  &  Accounting  ("F&A")  area  has  been  responsible  during  2018  for  producing  the 
consolidated  annual  financial  statements  and  maintaining  the  control  model  for  financial  information 
generation. Specifically, this function is performed by the Financial Internal Control area, which is integrated 
within the Group's general internal control model, which is outlined below. 

BBVA Group established an internal control model comprising two key elements. It has maintained this model 
throughout 2018. The first element is the control structure, organised into three lines of defence (3LD); the 
second is a governance scheme known as Corporate Assurance.  

In  accordance  with  the  most  advanced  standards  of  internal  control,  the  three-lines-of-defence  model  is 
configured as follows: 

  The  first  line  of  defence  rests  with  the  various  areas  and/or  business  units  of  the  Group.  They  are 
responsible for managing the risks relating to their operations and carrying out the controls required to 
mitigate them. 

  The second line of defence is formed of areas/units specialising in control, including: Compliance, Internal 
Financial Control, Internal Risk Control, Internal Operations Control and Internal Engineering Control. This 
second line of defence co-operates with the first line of defence to identify current and emerging risks in 
connection with operations, specifies control policies and models across areas, monitors progress, and 
regularly assesses the proper design and effectiveness of implemented controls. 

  The third line of defence is the Internal Audit area, for which the Group Executive Chairman is directly 
responsible. It is completely independent from the functions being audited and is not part of any other 
activity that may be subject to audit. Its remit is global, meaning it covers each and every one of BBVA 
Group activities and entities. 

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Furthermore, to reinforce the internal control environment, the Group employs a governance scheme named 
Corporate  Assurance,  which  establishes  a  framework  for  monitoring  the  internal  control  model  and  for 
escalating the main issues relating to internal control within the Group to Senior Management. The Corporate 
Assurance  model  (in  which  the  business  areas,  support  areas  and  the  areas  specialising  in  internal  control 
participate) is organised into a system of committees that analyse the most relevant issues related to internal 
control  in  each  geographical  area,  with  the  participation  of  the  country's  top  managers. These  committees 
report to the Group's Global Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive Officer with the assistance of the main 
global executives responsible for the business and control areas. 

The  effectiveness  of  this  internal  control  system  is  assessed  periodically  for  those  risks  that  may  affect  the 
correct compilation of the Group's financial statements. The assessment is co-ordinated by the Internal Financial 
Control area and involves control specialists from business and support areas. The Group's Internal Audit area 
also  performs  its  own  assessment  of  the  internal  control  system  with  regard  to  the  generation  of  financial 
information.  In  addition,  the  external  auditor  of  the  BBVA  Group  issues  an  opinion  every  year  on  the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established by COSO (Committee of 
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission)  and  in  accordance  with  PCAOB  (the  US  Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board) standards. This opinion appears in Form 20-F, which is filed every year 
with the SEC. 

The  result  of  the  annual  internal  assessment  of  the  System  of  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting  is 
reported to the Group's Audit and Compliance Committee by the heads of Internal Control and Internal Financial 
Control. 

F.1.2. Whether, especially in the process of drawing up financial information, the following elements exist: 

• Departments and/or mechanisms responsible for: (i) the design and review of the organisational structure; (ii) 
the clear definition of lines of responsibility and authority, with an adequate distribution of tasks and functions; 
and (iii) ensuring that sufficient procedures exist for their correct dissemination within the entity. 

The financial information is drafted by the local Financial Management areas for each country and the related 
consolidation work was done in 2018 by the F&A Area, which has overall responsibility for the drafting and 
reporting of accounting and regulatory information of the Group for 2018. 

BBVA's organisational structure clearly defines lines of action and responsibility for the areas involved in the 
generation of financial information, both at the individual entity level and consolidated group level, and also 
provides the channels and circuits necessary for the proper communication thereof. The units responsible for 
drawing up these financial statements have a suitable distribution of tasks and the necessary segregation of 
functions to draw up these statements in an appropriate operational and control framework. 

Additionally, there is an accountability model aimed at extending the culture of, and commitment to internal 
control. Those in charge of the design and operation of the processes that have an impact on financial reporting 
certify that all the controls associated with its operation under their responsibility are sufficient and have worked 
correctly. 

•  Code  of  conduct,  approval  body,  degree  of  dissemination  and  instruction,  principles  and  values  included 
(indicating whether there are specific mentions of recording transactions and drawing up financial information), 
body in charge of analysing non-compliance and proposing corrective measures and sanctions. 

BBVA  has  a  Code  of  Conduct  that  is  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  reflects  BBVA's  concrete 
commitments with regard to one of the principles of its Corporate Culture: Integrity in the consideration and 
undertaking  of  its  business.  This  Code  likewise  establishes  the  corresponding  channel  for  whistleblowers 
regarding possible infringements of the Code. It is the subject of ongoing training and refresher programmes 
that include key personnel in the financial function.  

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

179 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Following the update to the Code in 2015, communication campaigns to share its new content have been in 
place  since  2016,  making  use  of  new  formats  and  digital  channels.  In  addition,  a  training  plan  has  been 
developed at a global level, reaching the entire workforce of the Group.  

The Code of Conduct can be accessed on the Bank's website (www.bbva.com) and on the employees' website 
(Intranet).  Additionally,  Group  members  undertake  personally  and  individually  to  observe  its  principles  and 
rules in an express declaration of awareness and adhesion.  

The duties of the Audit and Compliance Committee include ensuring that internal codes of ethics and conduct, 
and  those  relating  to  conduct  in  securities  markets,  applicable  to  all  Group  personnel  are  compliant  with 
regulatory requirements and are appropriate for the Bank.  

Additionally, BBVA has adopted a structure of Corporate Integrity Management Committees (with individual 
powers at jurisdiction or Group entity levels, as applicable). Their joint scope of action covers all the Group 
businesses and activities and their main duty is to ensure effective application of the Code of Conduct. There 
is also a Corporate Integrity Management Committee, whose scope of responsibility extends throughout BBVA. 
The main mission of this committee entails ensuring uniform application of the Code in BBVA. 

The Compliance Unit in turn independently and objectively promotes and supervises to ensure that BBVA acts 
with integrity, particularly in areas such as money-laundering prevention, conduct with clients, security market 
conduct, corruption prevention, and other areas that could entail a reputational risk for BBVA. The unit's duties 
include  fostering  the  knowledge  and  application  of  the  Code  of  Conduct,  promoting  the  drafting  and 
distribution of its implementing standards, assisting in the resolution of any concern that may arise regarding 
the interpretation of the Code, and managing the Whistleblowing Channel. 

• Whistleblowing channel, which allows financial and accounting irregularities to be communicated to the audit 
committee,  as  well  as  possible  non-compliances  with  the  code  of  conduct  and  irregular  activities  in  the 
organisation, reporting where applicable if this is confidential in nature.  

Preservation  of  the  Corporate  Integrity  of  BBVA  transcends  merely  personal  accountability  for  individual 
actions,  it  calls for  all  employees  to  have  zero tolerance  for activities  that  do not  comply  with  the  Code  of 
Conduct  or  that  could  harm  the  reputation  or  good  name  of  BBVA.  This  attitude  is  reflected  in  everyone's 
commitment  to  whistle-blowing,  by  timely  communication,  of  situations  that,  even  when  unrelated  to  their 
activity or area of responsibility, could be infringe regulations or contradict the values and guidelines of the 
Code.  

The  Code  of  Conduct  itself  establishes  the  communication  guidelines  to  follow  and  contemplates  a 
Whistleblowing  Channel,  simultaneously  guaranteeing  the  duty  of  discretion  of  reporting  parties,  the 
confidentiality  of  the  investigations  and  the  prohibition  of  retaliation  or  adverse  consequences  in  light  of 
communications made in good faith. 

Telephone lines and email inboxes have been set up in each jurisdiction for these communications. A list of 
these appears on the Group Intranet. 

As  described  in  the  previous  section,  BBVA  has  adopted  a  structure  of  Corporate  Integrity  Management 
Committees (with individual powers at jurisdiction or Group entity levels, as applicable), whose joint scope of 
action  covers  all  the  Group  businesses  and  activities  and  whose  functions  and  responsibilities  (explained  in 
greater detail in their corresponding regulations) include: 

  Driving and monitoring global initiatives to foster and promote a culture of ethics and integrity among 

members of the Group. 

  Ensuring the uniform application of the Code. 

  Promoting and monitoring the functioning and effectiveness of the Whistleblowing Channel. 

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 

In  exceptional  cases  where  they  are  not  already  included  among  the  members  of  the  Committee, 
informing Senior Management and/or the person responsible for preparing the financial statements of 
any events and circumstances from which significant risks might arise for BBVA. 

In addition, periodic reports are made to the Audit and Compliance Committee, which supervises and controls 
their proper functioning (independently managed by the Compliance area). 

• Periodic training and refresher courses for employees involved in preparing and revising financial information, 
and in ICFR assessment, covering at least accounting standards, audit, internal control and risk management. 

Specific training and periodic refresher courses are given on accounting and tax regulations, internal control 
and risk management for areas involved in preparing and reviewing the financial and tax-related information 
and in evaluating the internal control system, to help them perform their functions correctly. 

There is an annual training programme for all members of the F&A area on aspects related to the generation 
of  financial  information  and  to  new  regulations  concerning  accounting,  financial  and  tax  matters.  This 
programme  also  includes  other  courses  tailored  to  the  needs  of  the  area.  These  courses  are  taught  by 
professionals from the area and renowned external providers. 

In addition to the area-specific training, general Group training is also provided, and includes courses on finance 
and technology, among other topics.  

Additionally, the BBVA Group has a personal development plan for all employees, which forms the basis of a 
personalised training programme to deal with the areas of knowledge necessary to perform their functions. 

F.2 Financial reporting risk assessment 

Give information on at least: 

F.2.1. The key features of the risk identification process, including error and fraud risks, with respect to: 

• Whether the process exists and is documented. 

The ICFR was developed by the Group Management in accordance with international standards set forth by 
the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  ("COSO"),  which  establishes  five 
components on which the effectiveness and efficiency of internal control systems must be based: 

  Establishing an adequate control environment for monitoring all these activities. 
  Assessing the risks that may be incurred by an entity in drawing up its financial information. 
  Designing the necessary controls to mitigate the most critical risks. 
  Establishing the  adequate information  circuits  to detect  and  communicate  the  system's  weaknesses  or 

inefficiencies. 

  Monitoring such controls to ensure that they are operational and to guarantee their effectiveness over 

time. 

In  order  to  identify  the  risks  with  a  greater  potential  impact  in  the  generation  of  financial  information,  the 
processes through which such information is generated are analysed and documented, and an analysis of the 
risk situation that may arise in each is later conducted. 

Based on the corporate internal control and operational risk methodology, the risks are categorised by type, 
including  error  and  fraud  (internal/external),  and  their  probability  of  occurrence  and  possible  impact  are 
analysed. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

181 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The process of identifying risks in the generation of Financial Statements, including risks of error, falsity and 
omission,  is  conducted  by  the  parties  responsible  for  each  of  the  processes  involved  in  the  generation  of 
financial information, in collaboration with the Internal Financial Control area which, in turn, manages mitigation 
plans. The scope of the annual/quarterly or monthly assessment of their controls is determined based on the 
significance of the risks, thus ensuring coverage of the risks considered critical for the financial statements.  

The assessment of the aforementioned risks and the design and effectiveness of their controls begins with the 
management's understanding of and insight into the business and the analysed operating process, considering 
criteria  of  quantitative  materiality,  likelihood  of  occurrence  and  economic  impact,  in  addition  to  qualitative 
criteria associated with the type, complexity and nature of the risks or of the business structure itself.  

The  system  for  identifying  and  assessing  the  risks  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  dynamic.  It 
evolves continuously, always reflecting the reality of the Group's business, changes in operating processes, the 
risks affecting them and the controls that mitigate them. 

All this is documented in a corporate management tool developed and managed by Operational Risk (STORM). 
This tool documents all the risks and controls, by process, that are managed by the different control specialists, 
including the Financial Internal Control unit. 

•  Whether  the  process  covers  all  of  the  objectives  of  financial  reporting  (existence  and  occurrence; 
completeness; valuation; presentation, breakdown and comparability; and rights and obligations), whether the 
information is updated and how frequently. 

Each  of  the  processes  identified  in  the  BBVA  Group  for  drawing  up  financial  information  aim  to  record  all 
financial transactions, value the assets and liabilities in accordance with applicable accounting regulations and 
provide a breakdown of the information in accordance with regulator requirements and market needs. 

The financial reporting control model analyses each of the aforementioned processes to ensure that identified 
risks  are  properly  covered  by  efficient  controls.  The  control  model  is  updated  when  changes  arise  in  the 
relevant processes for producing financial information. 

• The existence of a process for identifying the consolidation perimeter, taking into account aspects including 
the possible existence of complex corporate structures, or instrumental or special purpose vehicles. 

The F&A organisation includes a Consolidation department that carries out a monthly process of identification, 
analysis and updating of the Group's consolidation perimeter. 

In  addition,  the  information  from  the  consolidation  department  on  new  companies  set  up  by  the  Group's 
different units and the changes made to existing companies is compared with the data analysed by two specific 
committees whose function is to analyse and document the changes in the composition of the corporate group 
(Holding Structure Committee and Investments in Non-Banking Companies Committee, both corporate). 

In addition, as part of special purpose vehicle control, the Internal Audit and Compliance areas of the Bank 
submit a periodic report of the Group's structure to the Audit and Compliance Committee. 

• Whether the process takes into account the effects of other types of risks (operational, technological, financial, 
legal, tax-related, reputational, environmental etc.) insofar as they impact the financial statements. 

The model of internal control over financial reporting applies to processes for directly drawing up such financial 
information and to all operational or technical processes that could have a relevant impact on the financial, 
accounting, tax-related or management information. 

As  explained  above,  all  the  specialist  control  areas  apply  a  standard  methodology  and  use  a common tool 
(STORM)  to  document  the  identification  of  the  risks,  of  the  controls  that  mitigate  those  risks  and  of  the 
assessment of their effectiveness. 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There are control specialists in all the operational or support areas, and therefore any type of risk that may 
affect the Group's operations is analysed under that methodology (market, credit, operational, technological, 
financial, legal, tax-related, reputational or any other type of risk) and is included in the ICFR insofar as it may 
have an impact on the financial information. 

• Which of the entity's governing bodies supervises the process. 

The  process  for  identifying  risks  and  assessing  the  design,  effectiveness  and  suitability  of  the  controls  is 
documented at least once a year, and is overseen by the Internal Audit area.  

Moreover, the Group's Head of Internal Audit and head of Internal Financial Control report annually to the Audit 
and Compliance Committee on analysis work that has been carried out, on the conclusions of the assessment 
of the control model relating to the generation of financial information, and on the process for downstream 
certification of the effectiveness of the control model. This process is undertaken by the financial officers of the 
main entities and holding control specialists. This work follows the SOX methodology in compliance with the 
legal requirements, under the regulation, on systems of internal control over financial reporting, and is included 
in Form 20-F, submitted annually to the SEC, as indicated in first point of control environment. 

F.3 Control activities 

Give information on the main features, if at least the following exist: 

F.3.1. Procedures for review and authorisation of financial information and the description of the ICFR, to be 
published on the stock  markets, indicating who is responsible for it, and the documentation describing the 
activity flows and controls (including those concerning risk of fraud) for the different types of transactions that 
may  materially  impact  the  financial  statements,  including  the  procedure  for  closing  the  accounts  and  the 
specific review of the relevant judgements, estimates, valuations and projections. 

All of the processes relating to the generation of financial information are documented, as is the corresponding 
control model, including potential risks associated with each process and the controls put in place to mitigate 
them. As explained in point F.2.1, the aforementioned risks and controls are recorded in the corporate tool 
STORM, which also includes the result of the assessment of the operation of the controls and the degree of 
risk mitigation.  

In  particular,  the  main  processes  relating  to  the  generation  of  financial  information  are:  accounting, 
consolidation, financial reporting, financial planning and monitoring, and financial and tax management. The 
analysis of these processes, their risks and their controls is also supplemented by that of all other critical risks 
that may have a financial impact from business areas or other support areas.  

Likewise,  there  are review  procedures  for the  areas  responsible  for  generating  the financial  and  tax-related 
information  disseminated  to  the  securities  markets,  including  the  specific  review  of  relevant  judgements, 
estimates and projections.  

As  noted  in  the  annual  financial  statements  themselves,  it  is  occasionally  necessary  to  make  estimates  to 
determine  the  amount  at  which  some  assets,  liabilities,  income,  expenses  and  commitments  should  be 
recorded. These estimates are mainly related to: 

Impairment losses on certain financial assets. 

 
  The  assumptions  used  to  quantify  certain  provisions  and  in  the  actuarial  calculation  of  liabilities  and 

commitments for post-employment and other obligations. 

  The useful life and impairment losses of tangible and intangible assets. 
  The appraisal of goodwill and price assignments in business combinations. 
  The fair value of certain unlisted assets and liabilities. 
  The recoverability of deferred tax assets. 

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  The exchange rate and inflation index in certain countries. 

These estimates are made based on the best information available on the financial statement closing date and, 
together with the other relevant issues for the closing of the annual and six-monthly financial statements, are 
analysed  and  authorised  by  an  F&A  Technical  Committee  and  submitted  to  the  Audit  and  Compliance 
Committee before being filed by the Board of Directors. 

F.3.2. Internal control procedures and policies for information systems (among others, access security, change 
control,  their  operation,  operational  continuity  and  segregation  of  functions)  that  support  the  relevant 
processes in the entity with respect to drawing up and publishing financial information. 

The internal control models include procedures and controls regarding the operation of information and access 
security systems, the segregation of functions, and the development and modification of computer applications 
used to generate financial information.  

The existing internal control and operational risk methodology comprises a set of controls by category, which 
include,  among others,  two  categories  relating  to this  matter:  access  control  and  segregation  of  functions. 
Both  categories  of  controls  are  identified  in  the  model  of  internal  control  of  financial  information  and  are 
analysed and assessed periodically, in order to guarantee the integrity and reliability of the information drawn 
up.  

Furthermore,  there  is  a  corporate-level  procedure  for  managing  system  access  profiles.  This  procedure  is 
overseen  by  the  Group's  Internal  Engineering  &  Organization  Control  unit.  This  unit  is  also  in  charge  of 
reviewing control processes in change management (development in test environments and putting changes 
into production), incident management, operation management, media and backup copy management, and 
management of business continuity, among other things. 

With  all  these  mechanisms,  the  BBVA  Group  can  confirm  that  adequate  management  of  access  control  is 
maintained, the correct and necessary steps are taken to put applications into production as well as ensuring 
their subsequent support, the creation of backup copies, and assurance of continuity in the processing and 
recording of operations. 

In  summary,  the  entire  process  of  preparing  and  publishing  financial  information  has  established  and 
documented the procedures and control models necessary to provide reasonable assurance of the correctness 
of the BBVA Group's public financial information. 

F.3.3.  Internal  control  procedures  and  policies  designed  to  supervise  the  management  of  activities 
subcontracted  to  third  parties  and  those  aspects  of  evaluation,  calculation  and  assessment  outsourced  to 
independent experts which may materially impact the financial statements. 

The internal control model includes considers controls and procedures for the management of subcontracted 
activities  or  those  aspects  of  evaluation,  calculation  and  assessment  of  assets  or  liabilities  outsourced  to 
independent experts. 

There is a set of standards and an Outsourcing Committee that establishes and oversees the requirements that 
must be met at Group level with regard to the activities to be subcontracted. There are procedural manuals 
for the outsourced financial processes that identify the procedures to be followed and the controls to be applied 
by  the  service  provider  units  and  outsourcing  units.  The  controls  established  in  the  outsourced  processes 
concerning the generation of financial information are also tested by the Internal Financial Control area. 

The  valuations  from  independent  experts  used  for  matters  relevant  for  generating financial  information  are 
included within the standard circuit of review procedures executed by internal control, internal auditing and 
external auditing. 

F.4 Information and communication 

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Give information on the main features, if at least the following exist: 

F.4.1.  A  specific  function  in  charge  of  defining  and  maintaining  accounting  policies  (accounting  policy 
department  or  area)  and  resolving  queries  or  conflicts  stemming  from  their  interpretation,  ensuring  fluent 
communication with those in charge of operations in the organisation, and an up-to-date manual of accounting 
policies, communicated to the units through which the entity operates. 

The organisation has two Technical Committees for Accounting (the Accounting Working Group) and Solvency. 
The purpose of these committees is to analyse, study and issue standards that may affect the compilation of 
the Group's financial and regulatory information, to determine the accounting and solvency criteria required to 
ensure that transactions are booked correctly, and to calculate capital requirements within the framework of 
the applicable standards. 

The Group also has an accounting policies Manual, which is updated and made available to all Group units by 
means  of  the  Intranet.  This  manual  is  the  tool  that  guarantees  that  all  the  decisions  related  to  accounting 
policies  or  specific  accounting  criteria  to  be  applied  in  the  Group  are  supported  and  are  standardised. The 
Accounting Policies Manual is approved in the Accounting Working Group and is documented and updated 
for use and analysis by all the Group's entities. 

F.4.2. Mechanisms to capture and prepare financial reporting in standardised formats, for application and use 
by all of the units of the entity or the group, that support the main financial statements and the notes, and the 
detailed information on ICFR. 

The  Group's  F&A  area  and  the  countries'  financial  management  units  are  responsible  for  the  processes  for 
preparing financial statements in accordance with the current accounting and consolidation manuals. There is 
also a consolidation computer application that collects the accounting information of the various companies 
within the Group and performs the consolidation processes, including the standardisation of accounting criteria, 
aggregation of balances and consolidation adjustments. 

Control measures have also been implemented in each of the aforementioned processes, both locally and at 
consolidated  level,  to  ensure  that  all  the  data  underpinning  the  financial  information  is  collected  in  a 
comprehensive, exact and timely manner. There is also a single and standardised financial reporting system 
that  is  applicable  to  and  used  by  all  the  Group  units  and  supports  the  main  financial  statements  and  the 
explanatory notes. There are also control measures and procedures to ensure that the information disclosed 
to the markets includes a sufficient level of detail to enable investors and other users of the financial information 
to understand and interpret it. 

F.5 Supervision of the system's operation 

Give information on the key features of at least: 

F.5.1. The ICFR supervision activities carried out by the audit committee and whether the entity has an internal 
audit function with powers that include providing support to the audit committee in its task of supervising the 
internal  control  system,  including  the  ICFR.  Likewise,  information  will  be  given  on  the  scope  of  the  ICFR 
assessment  carried  out  during  the  financial  year  and  of  the  procedure  by  which  the  person  in  charge  of 
performing the assessment communicates its results, whether the entity has an action plan listing the possible 
corrective measures, and whether its impact on financial reporting has been considered. 

The internal control units of the business areas and of the support areas conduct a preliminary assessment of 
the internal control model, assess the risks identified in the processes, the effectiveness of controls, and the 
degree  of  mitigation  of  the  risks,  as  well  as  identifying  weaknesses,  and  designing,  implementing  and 
monitoring the mitigation measures and action plans.  

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

185 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BBVA also has an Internal Audit unit that supports the Audit and Compliance Committee with regard to the 
independent  supervision  of  the  internal  financial  information  control  system.  The  Internal  Audit  function  is 
entirely independent of the units that draw up the financial information. 

All the weaknesses in controls, mitigation measures and specific action plans are documented in the corporate 
tool STORM and submitted to the internal control and operational risk committees of the areas, as well as to 
the local or global Corporate Assurance Committees, based on the significance of the detected issues. 

In summary: both the weaknesses identified by the internal control units and those detected by the internal or 
external auditor have an action plan in place to correct or mitigate the risks. 

During the 2018 financial year, internal control areas conducted a full assessment of the financial information 
internal  control  system,  and,  to  date,  no  material  or  significant  weakness  have  been  revealed  therein.  The 
assessment was reported to the Audit and Compliance Committee. 

Additionally, in compliance with the SOX, the Group annually assesses the effectiveness of the model of internal 
control over financial reporting on a group of risks (within the perimeter of SOX companies and critical risks) 
that could affect the drawing up of financial statements at local and consolidated levels. This perimeter includes 
risks and controls of other specialties that are not directly financial (regulatory compliance, technology, risks, 
operational, human resources, procurement, legal, etc.). 

F.5.2.  Whether  there  is  a  discussion  procedure  via  which  the  auditor  (in  line  with  the  auditing  technical 
standards),  the  internal  audit  function  and  other  experts  can  inform  senior  management  and  the  audit 
committee  or the  entity's  directors  of  significant  weaknesses  in  the  internal  control  encountered  during  the 
review processes for the annual financial statements or any others within their remit. Also provide information 
on whether there is an action plan to try to correct or mitigate the weaknesses observed. 

As mentioned in the preceding section (F.5.1) of this Annual Corporate Governance Report, the Group does 
have a procedure in place whereby the internal auditor, the external auditor and the heads of Internal Financial 
Control report to the Audit and Compliance Committee any significant internal control weaknesses detected in 
the course of their work. Any significant or material weaknesses, if present, will likewise be reported. Thus, a 
plan  of  action  is  prepared  for  all  detected  weaknesses,  which  is  presented  to  the  Audit  and  Compliance 
Committee. 

Since BBVA is listed with the SEC, the BBVA Group's auditor annually issues its opinion on the effectiveness of 
the internal control over financial reporting contained in the Group's consolidated annual financial statements 
on 31 December each year, under PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) standards, with a 
view to filing the financial information with the SEC on  Form 20-F. The latest report issued on the financial 
information for the 2017 financial year is available on www.sec.gov.  

The internal control oversight carried out by the Audit and Compliance Committee, described in the Audit and 
Compliance Committee Regulations published on the Group website, includes the following activities:  

  Analyse,  prior  to  their  submission  to  the  Board  of  Directors  and  in  enough  detail  to  guarantee  their 
accuracy, reliability, sufficiency and clarity, the financial statements of the Bank and of its consolidated 
Group contained in the annual, six-monthly and quarterly reports, as well as all other required financial 
information,  having  also  all  the  information  necessary  available  with  the  level  of  aggregation  deemed 
appropriate.  For  this  purpose,  the  Committee  will  have  the  support  it  needs  from  the  Group's  Senior 
Management, especially that of the area responsible for Accounting functions, and from the Company 
and Group auditor.  

  Review the necessary consolidation perimeter, the correct application of accounting criteria, and all the 
relevant  changes  relating  to  the  accounting  principles  used  and  the  presentation  of  the  financial 
statements.  

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

186 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Oversee the effectiveness of the company's internal control, internal audit and risk management systems 
in the process of drawing up and reporting the mandatory financial information, including fiscal risks, as 
well as discuss with the auditor any significant weaknesses in the internal control systems detected during 
the  audit,  without  undermining  its  independence.  For  such  purposes,  and  where  appropriate, 
recommendations or proposals may be submitted to the Board of Directors, along with the deadline for 
their follow-up.  

  Analyse, and approve where appropriate, the Annual Internal Audit Plan, monitoring it and being apprised 
of the degree to which the audited units are complying with the corrective measures recommended.  

The external auditor and the Head of Internal Audit regularly attend all meetings of the Audit and Compliance 
Committee and are properly informed of the matters addressed therein. 

F.6 Other relevant information 

F.7 External auditor report 

Report on: 

F.7.1. Whether the ICFR information disclosed to the markets has been submitted by the external auditor for 
review,  in which  case  the  entity must  attach  the  corresponding  report as  an  annex. Otherwise,  explain the 
reasons why it was not. 

The information related to the BBVA Group's internal control over financial information described in this report 
is reviewed by the external auditor, which issues its opinion on the control system and on its effectiveness in 
relation to the statements published at the close of each financial year. 

On  5 April 2018,  the  BBVA Group,  as  a  private  foreign  issuer  in  the  United States,  filed  the  Annual  Report 
(Form 20-F) for the financial year ending on 31 December 2017, which was published on the SEC website on 
that same date. 

In accordance with the requirements set out in Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC), the aforementioned Annual Report (Form 20-F) included certification of the 
Group's  executive  principles  with  regard  to  the  establishment,  maintenance  and  assessment  of  the  Group's 
system of internal control over financial reporting. Form 20-F report also included the opinion of the external 
auditor regarding the effectiveness of the Bank's system of internal control over financial reporting at year-end 
2017. 

G   EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RECOMMENDATIONS  

Indicate the  degree of  monitoring carried out by the company with regard to the recommendations of the 
Good Governance Code of Listed Companies. 

If any recommendations are not being followed or are only being followed in part, a detailed explanation of 
the reasons for this should be given so that shareholders, investors and the market in general have sufficient 
information to assess the actions of the company. General explanations will not be acceptable. 

1. The bylaws of listed companies should not place an upper limit on the votes that can be cast by a single 
shareholder, or impose other obstacles to the takeover of the company by means of share purchases on the 
market. 

COMPLIANT    

2. When a dominant and subsidiary company are both listed, they should provide detailed disclosure on: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

187 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)  The  activity  they  engage  in  and  any  business  dealings  between  them,  as  well  as  between  the  listed 
subsidiary and other group companies. 

b) The mechanisms in place to resolve possible conflicts of interest. 

NOT APPLICABLE 

3.  During  the  annual  general  meeting  the  chairman  of  the  board  should  verbally  inform  shareholders  in 
sufficient  detail  of  the  most  relevant  aspects  of  the  company's  corporate  governance,  supplementing  the 
written information circulated in the annual corporate governance report. In particular: 

a) Changes taking place since the previous annual general meeting. 

b) The specific reasons for the company not following a given Good Governance Code recommendation, 
and any alternative procedures followed in its stead. 

COMPLIANT    

4. The company should draw up and implement a policy of communication and contacts with shareholders, 
institutional  investors  and  proxy  advisors  that  complies  in  full  with  market  abuse  regulations  and  accords 
equitable treatment to shareholders in the same position. 

This policy should be disclosed on the company's website, complete with details of how it has been put into 
practice and the identities of the relevant interlocutors or those charged with its implementation. 

COMPLIANT    

5. The board of directors should not make a proposal to the general meeting for the delegation of powers to 
issue shares or convertible securities without pre-emptive subscription rights for an amount exceeding 20% of 
capital at the time of such delegation. 

When a board approves the issuance of shares or convertible securities without pre-emptive subscription rights, 
the company should immediately post a report on its website explaining the exclusion as envisaged in company 
legislation. 

PARTIALLY COMPLIANT  

The General Shareholders' Meeting on 17 March 2017 delegated to the Board of Directors a power to increase 
share capital and issue convertible securities, along with the power to wholly or partially exclude pre-emptive 
subscription rights in respect of capital increases and issues of convertible securities carried out using such 
delegated power. The power to exclude pre-emptive  subscription rights is  limited,  overall, to 20% of  share 
capital as it stood at the time of the delegation, except for the issuance of contingently convertible securities, 
the  conversion  of  which  is  intended  to  satisfy  regulatory  solvency  requirements  as  to  eligibility  as  capital 
instruments  in  accordance  with  applicable  regulations,  because  such  instruments  are  not  dilutive  for 
shareholders. 

6. That listed companies which draft the reports listed below, whether under a legal obligation or voluntarily, 
publish them on their web page with sufficient time before the General Shareholders' Meeting, even when their 
publication is not mandatory: 

a) Report on auditor independence. 

b) Reviews of the operation of the audit committee and the nomination and remuneration committee. 

c) Audit committee report on third-party transactions. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

188 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
d) Report on corporate social responsibility policy. 

COMPLIANT    

7. The company should broadcast its general meetings live on the corporate website. 

COMPLIANT    

8. The audit committee should strive to ensure that the board of directors can present the company's accounts 
to the general meeting without limitations or qualifications in the auditor's report. In the exceptional case that 
qualifications exist, both the chairman of the audit committee and the auditors should give a clear account to 
shareholders of their scope and content. 

COMPLIANT    

9.  The  company  should  disclose  its  conditions  and  procedures  for  admitting  share  ownership,  the  right  to 
attend general meetings and the exercise or delegation of voting rights, and display them permanently on its 
website. 

Such  conditions  and  procedures  should  encourage  shareholders  to attend  and  exercise  their  rights  and  be 
applied in a non-discriminatory manner. 

COMPLIANT    

10. When an accredited shareholder exercises the right to supplement the agenda or submit new proposals 
prior to the general meeting, the company should: 

a) Immediately circulate the supplementary items and new proposals. 

b)  Disclose  the  attendance  card  template  and  proxy  or  remote  voting  form,  duly  modified  so  that  new 
agenda items and alternative proposals can be voted on in the same terms as those submitted by the board 
of directors. 

c)  Put  all  these  items  or  alternative  proposals  to  the  vote  applying  the  same  voting  rules  as  for  those 
submitted  by  the  board  of  directors,  with  particular  regard  to  presumptions  or  deductions  about  the 
direction of votes. 

d) After the general meeting, disclose the breakdown of votes on such supplementary items or alternative 
proposals. 

NOT APPLICABLE 

11. In the event that a company plans to pay for attendance at the general meeting, it should first establish a 
general, long-term policy in this respect. 

NOT APPLICABLE 

12.  The  Board  of  Directors  should  perform  its  duties  with  unity  of  purpose  and  independent  judgement, 
according the same treatment to all shareholders in the same position. It should be guided at all times by the 
company's  best  interest,  understood  as  the  creation  of  a  profitable  business  that  promotes  its  sustainable 
success over time, while maximising its economic value. 

In pursuing the corporate interest, it should not only abide by laws and regulations and conduct itself according 
to principles of good faith, ethics and respect for commonly accepted customs and good practices, but also 
strive to reconcile its own interests with the legitimate interests of its employees, suppliers, clients and other 
stakeholders, as well as with the impact of its activities on the broader community and the natural environment. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

189 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.  The  board  of  directors  should  have  an  optimal  size  to  promote  its  efficient  functioning  and  maximise 
participation. The recommended range is accordingly between five and fifteen members. 

COMPLIANT    

COMPLIANT    

14. The board of directors should approve a director selection policy that: 

a) Is concrete and verifiable; 

b) Ensures that appointment or re-election proposals are based on a prior analysis of the board's needs; 
and 

c) Favours a diversity of knowledge, experience and gender. 

That the resulting prior analysis of the needs of the Board of Directors is contained in the supporting report 
from the appointments committee published upon a call from the General Shareholders' Meeting submitted 
for ratification, appointment or re-appointment of each director. 

The director selection policy should pursue the goal of having at least 30% of total board places occupied by 
women directors before the year 2020. 

The appointments committee should run an annual check on compliance with the director selection policy and 
set out its findings in the annual corporate governance report. 

COMPLIANT    

15. Proprietary and independent directors should constitute an ample majority on the board of directors, while 
the  number  of  executive  directors  should  be  the  minimum  practical  bearing  in  mind  the  complexity of  the 
corporate group and the ownership interests they control. 

COMPLIANT    

16. The percentage of proprietary directors out of all non-executive directors should be no greater than the 
proportion  between  the  ownership  stake  of  the  shareholders  they  represent  and  the  remainder  of  the 
company's capital. 

This criterion can be relaxed: 

a)  In  large  cap  companies  where  few  or  no  equity  stakes  attain  the  legal  threshold  for  significant 
shareholdings. 
b) In companies with a plurality of shareholders represented on the board but not otherwise related. 

17. Independent directors should be at least half of all board members. 

COMPLIANT    

However, when the company does not have a large market capitalisation, or when a large cap company has 
shareholders individually or concertedly controlling over 30 percent of capital, independent directors should 
occupy, at least, a third of board places. 

COMPLIANT    

190 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18. Companies should disclose the following director particulars on their websites and keep them regularly 
updated: 

a) Background and professional experience. 

b) Directorships held in other companies, listed or otherwise, and other paid activities they engage in, of 
whatever nature. 

c) Statement of the director class to which they belong, in the case of proprietary directors indicating the 
shareholder they represent or have links with. 

d) Dates of their first appointment as a board member and subsequent re-elections. 

e) Shares held in the company, and any options on the same. 

COMPLIANT    

19. Following  verification by  the  appointments  committee,  the  annual  corporate  governance report  should 
disclose the reasons for the appointment of proprietary directors at the urging of shareholders controlling less 
than 3 percent of capital; and explain any rejection of a formal request for a board place from shareholders 
whose equity stake is equal to or greater than that of others applying successfully for a proprietary directorship 

NOT APPLICABLE 

20.  Proprietary  directors  should  resign  when  the  shareholders  they  represent  dispose  of  their  ownership 
interest  in its  entirety. If  such shareholders  reduce  their  stakes,  thereby  losing  some  of  their  entitlement  to 
proprietary directors, the latters' number should be reduced accordingly. 

NOT APPLICABLE 

21. The board of directors should not propose the removal of independent directors before the expiry of their 
tenure  as  mandated  by  the  bylaws,  except  where  they  find  just  cause,  based  on  a  proposal  from  the 
appointments  committee.  In  particular,  just  cause  will  be  presumed  when  directors  take  up  new  posts  or 
responsibilities that prevent them allocating sufficient time to the work of a board member, or are in breach of 
their  fiduciary  duties  or  come  under  one  of  the  disqualifying  grounds  for  classification  as  independent 
enumerated in the applicable legislation. 

The removal of independent directors may also be proposed when a takeover bid, merger or similar corporate 
transaction alters the company's capital structure, provided the changes in board membership ensue from the 
proportionality criterion set out in recommendation 16.  

COMPLIANT    

22.  Companies  should  establish  rules  obliging  directors  to  disclose  any  circumstance  that  might  harm  the 
organisation's name or reputation, tendering their resignation as the case may be, and, in particular, to inform 
the board of any criminal charges brought against them and the progress of any subsequent trial. 

The moment a director is indicted or tried for any of the offences stated in company legislation, the board of 
directors should open an investigation and, in light of the particular circumstances, decide whether or not he 
or she should be called on to resign. The board should give a reasoned account of all such determinations in 
the annual corporate governance report. 

COMPLIANT    

191 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. Directors should express their clear opposition when they feel a proposal submitted for the board's approval 
might damage the corporate interest. In particular, independents and other directors not subject to potential 
conflicts of interest should strenuously challenge any decision that could harm the interests of shareholders 
lacking board representation. 

 When  the  board  makes  material  or  reiterated  decisions  about  which  a  director  has  expressed  serious 
reservations, then he or she must draw the pertinent conclusions. Directors resigning for such causes should 
set out their reasons in the letter referred to in the next recommendation. 

The terms of this recommendation also apply to the secretary of the board, even if he or she is not a director. 

COMPLIANT    

24. Directors who give up their place before their tenure expires, through resignation or otherwise, should 
state  their  reasons  in  a  letter  to  be  sent  to  all  members  of  the  board.  Whether  or  not  such  resignation  is 
disclosed as a material event, the motivating factors should be explained in the annual corporate governance 
report. 

COMPLIANT    

25. The appointments committee should ensure that non-executive directors have sufficient time available to 
fulfil their responsibilities effectively. 

The regulations of the board of directors should lay down the maximum number of company boards on which 
directors can serve. 

COMPLIANT    

26. The board should meet with the necessary frequency to properly perform its functions, eight times a year 
at least, in accordance with a calendar and agendas set at the start of the year, to which each director may 
propose the addition of initially unscheduled items. 

COMPLIANT    

27. Director absences should be kept to a strict minimum and quantified in the annual corporate governance 
report. In the event of absence, directors should delegate their powers of representation with the appropriate 
instructions. 

COMPLIANT    

28. When directors or the secretary express concerns about some proposal or, in the case of directors, about 
the company's performance, and such concerns are not resolved at the meeting, they should be recorded in 
the minute book if the person expressing them so requests. 

29. The company should provide suitable channels for directors to obtain the advice they need to carry out 
their duties, extending if necessary to external assistance at the company's expense. 

COMPLIANT    

30. Regardless of the knowledge directors must possess to carry out their duties, they should also be offered 
refresher programmes when circumstances so advise. 

COMPLIANT    

COMPLIANT    

192 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31. The agendas of board meetings should clearly indicate on which points directors must arrive at a decision, 
so they can study the matter beforehand or gather together the material they need. 

For reasons of urgency, the chairman may wish to present decisions or resolutions for board approval that 
were not on the meeting agenda. In such exceptional circumstances, their inclusion will require the express 
prior consent, duly minuted, of the majority of directors present. 

COMPLIANT    

32.  Directors  should  be  regularly  informed  of  movements  in  share  ownership  and  of  the  views  of  major 
shareholders, investors and rating agencies on the company and its group. 

COMPLIANT    

33. The chairman, as the person charged with the efficient functioning of the board of directors, in addition to 
the functions assigned by law and the company's bylaws, should prepare and submit to the board a schedule 
of  meeting  dates  and  agendas;  organise  and  co-ordinate  regular  evaluations  of  the  board  and,  where 
appropriate, the company's first executive; exercise leadership of the board and be accountable for its proper 
functioning; ensure that sufficient time is given to the discussion of strategic issues, and approve and review 
refresher courses for each director, when circumstances so advise. 

COMPLIANT    

34. When a lead independent director has been appointed, the Bylaws or Regulations of the Board of Directors 
should  grant  him  or  her  the  following  powers  over  and  above  those  conferred  by  law:  chair  the  board  of 
directors  in  the  absence  of  the  chairman  or  vice  chairmen;  give  voice  to  the  concerns  of  non-executive 
directors;  maintain  contacts  with  investors  and  shareholders  to  hear  their  views  and  develop  a  balanced 
understanding of their concerns, especially those to do with the company's corporate governance;  and co-
ordinate the chairman's succession plan. 

COMPLIANT    

35. The board secretary should strive to ensure that the board's actions and decisions are informed by the 
governance recommendations of the Good Governance Code of relevance to the company. 

36.  The  board  in  full  should  conduct  an  annual  evaluation,  adopting,  where  necessary,  an  action  plan  to 
correct weakness detected in: 

COMPLIANT   

a) The quality and efficiency of the board's operation. 

b) The performance and membership of its committees 

c) The diversity of board membership and competences. 

d) The performance of the chairman of the board of directors and the company's first executive. 

e)  The  performance  and  contribution  of individual  directors,  with  particular  attention  to the  chairmen of 
board committees. 

The evaluation of board committees should start from the reports they send the board of directors, while that 
of the board itself should start from the report of the appointments committee. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

193 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Every three years, the board of directors should engage an external consultant to aid in the evaluation process. 
This consultant's independence should be verified by the appointments committee. 

Any business dealings that the consultant or members of its corporate group maintain with the company or 
members of its corporate group should be detailed in the annual corporate governance report. 

The process followed and areas evaluated should be detailed in the annual corporate governance report. 

COMPLIANT    

37. When an executive committee exists, its membership mix by director class should resemble that of the 
board. The secretary of the board should also act as secretary to the executive committee. 

PARTIALLY COMPLIANT   

The  current  composition  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  BBVA  was  agreed  by  the  Board  of  Directors  at  its 
meeting on 27 June 2018, and it was considered that it had the most suitable composition for the performance 
of its functions. 

Thus, in accordance with Article 26 of the BBVA Regulations of the Board of Directors, which establishes that 
there should be a majority of non-executive directors over executive directors, the Executive Committee of the 
Board of Directors, as of 31 December 2018, partially reflects the participation of the different categories of 
director on the Board of Directors; the Chairman and  Secretary of the Executive Committee hold the same 
positions  on  the  Board  of  Directors,  and  it  is  composed  of  two  executive  directors  and  four  non-executive 
directors, of whom one is an independent director and three are external directors, giving a majority of non-
executive directors in accordance with the Regulations of the Board of Directors. 

38. The board should be kept fully informed of the business transacted and decisions made by the executive 
committee, and all board members should receive a copy of the committee's minutes. 

COMPLIANT    

39. All members of the audit committee, particularly its chairman, should be appointed with regard to their 
knowledge and experience in accounting, auditing and  risk management matters.  A majority of committee 
places should be held by independent directors. 

COMPLIANT    

40. Listed companies should have a unit in charge of the internal audit function, under the supervision of the 
audit committee, to monitor the effectiveness of reporting and internal control systems. This unit should report 
functionally to the board's non-executive chairman or the chairman of the audit committee. 

COMPLIANT    

41. The head of the unit handling the internal audit function should present an annual work programme to 
the audit committee, inform it directly of any incidents arising during its implementation and submit an activities 
report at the end of each year. 

COMPLIANT    

42. The audit committee should have the following functions over and above those legally assigned: 

1. With respect to internal control and reporting systems: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

194 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)  Monitor the  preparation  and  the  integrity  of the  financial  information prepared  on the  company  and, 
where appropriate, the group, checking for compliance with legal provisions, the accurate demarcation of 
the consolidation perimeter, and the correct application of accounting principles. 

b)  Monitor  the  independence  of  the  unit  handling  the  internal  audit  function;  propose  the  selection, 
appointment, re-election and removal of the head of the internal audit service; propose the service's budget; 
approve  its  priorities  and  work  programmes,  ensuring  that  it  focuses  primarily  on  the  main  risks  the 
company is exposed to; receive regular report-backs on its activities; and verify that senior management 
are acting on the findings and recommendations of its reports. 

c)  Establish  and  supervise a  mechanism  whereby  staff  can  report,  confidentially  and,  if  appropriate  and 
feasible, anonymously, any potentially significant irregularities that they detect in the course of their duties, 
in particular financial or accounting irregularities. 

2. With regard to the external auditor: 

a) Investigate the issues giving rise to the resignation of the external auditor, should this come about. 

b) Ensure that the remuneration of the external auditor does not compromise its quality or independence. 

c)  Ensure  that  the  company  notifies  any  change  of  external  auditor  to  the  CNMV  as  a  material  event, 
accompanied by a statement of any disagreements arising with the outgoing auditor and the reasons for 
the same. 

d)  Ensure  that  the  external  auditor  has  a  yearly  meeting  with  the  board  in  full  to  inform  it  of  the  work 
undertaken and developments in the company's risk and accounting positions. 

e) Ensure that the company and the external auditor adhere to current regulations on the provision of non-
audit  services,  limits  on  the  concentration  of  the  auditor's  business  and  other  requirements  concerning 
auditor independence. 

COMPLIANT    

43.  The  audit  committee  should  be  empowered  to  meet  with  any  company  employee  or  manager,  even 
ordering their appearance without the presence of another senior officer. 

COMPLIANT    

44. The audit committee should be informed of any structural or corporate changes the company is planning, 
so the committee can analyse the operation and report to the board beforehand on its economic conditions 
and accounting impact and, in particular and when applicable, the exchange ratio proposed.  

45. Risk control and management policy should identify at least: 

COMPLIANT    

a) The different types of financial and non-financial risk the company is exposed to (including operational, 
technological, legal, social, environmental, political and reputational risks), with the inclusion under financial 
or economic risks of contingent liabilities and other off-balance-sheet risks. 

b) The determination of the risk level the company sees as acceptable. 

c) The measures in place to mitigate the impact of identified risk events should they occur. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

195 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
d) The internal control and reporting systems to be used to control and manage the above risks, including 
contingent liabilities and off-balance-sheet risks. 

COMPLIANT    

46. Companies should establish an internal risk control and management function in the charge of one of the 
company's  internal  departments  or  units  and  under  the  direct  supervision  of  the  audit  committee  or  some 
other dedicated board committee. This function should be expressly charged with the following responsibilities: 

a) Ensure that risk control and management systems are functioning correctly and, specifically, that major 
risks the company is exposed to are correctly identified, managed and quantified. 

b) Participate actively in the preparation of risk strategies and in key decisions about their management. 

c)  Ensure  that  risk  control  and  management  systems  are  mitigating  risks  effectively  in  the  frame  of  the 
policy drawn up by the board of directors. 

COMPLIANT    

47. Appointees to the appointments and remuneration committee – or of the appointments committee and 
remuneration  committee,  if  separately constituted  –  should  have  the  right  balance  of  knowledge, skills  and 
experience  for  the  functions  they  are  called  on  to  discharge.  The  majority  of  their  members  should  be 
independent directors. 

48. Large cap companies should operate separately constituted appointments and remuneration committees. 

COMPLIANT    

COMPLIANT    

49. The appointments committee should consult with the company's chairman and first executive, especially 
on matters relating to executive directors. 

When there are vacancies on the board, any director may approach the appointments committee to propose 
candidates that it might consider suitable. 

50. The remuneration committee should operate independently and have the following functions in addition 
to those assigned by law: 

COMPLIANT    

a) Propose to the board the standard conditions for senior officer contracts. 

b) Monitor compliance with the remuneration policy set by the company. 

c)  Periodically  review  the  remuneration  policy  for  directors  and  senior  officers,  including  share-based 
remuneration systems and their application, and ensure that their individual compensation is proportionate 
to the amounts paid to other directors and senior officers in the company. 

d) Ensure that potential conflicts of interest do not undermine the independence of any external advice the 
committee engages. 

e) Verify the information on director and senior officers' pay contained in corporate documents, including 
the annual directors' remuneration report. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

196 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPLIANT    

51. The remuneration committee should consult with the company's chairman and first executive, especially 
on matters relating to executive directors and senior officers. 

COMPLIANT    

52. The rules of composition and operation of supervision and control committees should be set out in the 
board  of  directors’  regulations  and  aligned  with  those  governing  legally  mandatory  board  committees  as 
specified in the preceding sets of recommendations. They should include at least the following terms: 

a) Committees should be formed exclusively by non-executive directors, with a majority of independents. 

b) They should be chaired by independent directors. 

c) The board should appoint the members of such committees with regard to the knowledge, skills and 
experience of its directors and each committee's terms of reference; discuss their proposals and reports; 
and provide report-backs on their activities and work at the first board plenary following each committee 
meeting. 

d) They may engage external advice, when they feel it necessary for the discharge of their functions. 

e) Meeting proceedings should be minuted and a copy made available to all board members. 

COMPLIANT    

53.  The  task  of  supervising  compliance  with  corporate  governance  rules,  internal  codes  of  conduct  and 
corporate  social  responsibility  policy  should  be  assigned  to  one  board  committee  or  split  between  several, 
which  could  be  the  audit  committee,  the  appointments  committee,  the  corporate  social  responsibility 
committee, where one exists, or a dedicated committee established ad hoc by the board under its powers of 
self-organisation, with at the least the following functions: 

a) Monitor compliance with the company's internal codes of conduct and corporate governance rules. 

b) Oversee the communication and relations strategy with shareholders and investors, including small and 
medium-sized shareholders. 

c) Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the company's corporate governance system, to confirm that it 
is  fulfilling  its  mission  to  promote  the  corporate  interest  and  catering,  as  appropriate,  to  the  legitimate 
interests of remaining stakeholders. 

d) Review the company's corporate social responsibility policy, ensuring that it is geared to value creation. 

e) Monitor corporate social responsibility strategy and practices and assess compliance in their respect. 

f) Monitor and evaluate the company's interaction with its stakeholder groups. 

g)  Evaluate  all  aspects  of  the  non-financial  risks  the  company  is  exposed  to,  including  operational, 
technological, legal, social, environmental, political and reputational risks. 

h) Coordinate non-financial and diversity reporting processes in accordance with applicable legislation and 
international benchmarks. 

COMPLIANT    

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54. The  corporate  social  responsibility policy should  state  the  principles  or commitments  the  company will 
voluntarily adhere to in its dealings with stakeholder groups, specifying at least: 

a) The goals of its corporate social responsibility policy and the support instruments to be deployed. 

b) The corporate strategy with regard to sustainability, the environment and social issues. 

c)  Concrete  practices  in  matters  relative  to:  shareholders,  employees,  clients,  suppliers,  social  welfare 
issues, the environment, diversity, fiscal responsibility, respect for human rights and the prevention of illegal 
conducts. 

d) The methods or systems for monitoring the results of the practices referred to above, related risks and 
their management. 

e) The mechanisms for supervising non-financial risk, ethics and business conduct. 

f) Channels for stakeholder communication, participation and dialogue.  

g)  Responsible  communication  practices  that  prevent  the  manipulation  of  information  and  protect  the 
company's honour and integrity. 

COMPLIANT    

55. The company should report on corporate social responsibility developments in its management's report 
or in a separate document, using an internationally accepted methodology. 

COMPLIANT    

56.  Director  remuneration  should  be  sufficient  to  attract  and  retain  individuals  with  the  desired  profile  and 
compensate  the  commitment,  abilities  and  responsibility  that  the  post  demands,  but  not  so  high  as  to 
compromise the independent judgement of non-executive directors. 

COMPLIANT    

57. Variable remuneration linked to the company and the director's performance, the award of shares, options 
or  any  other  right  to  acquire  shares  or  to  be  remunerated  on  the  basis  of  share  price  movements,  and 
membership of long-term savings schemes such as pension and retirement plans and other social insurance 
should be confined to executive directors. 

The  company  may  consider  the  share-based  remuneration  of  non-executive  directors  provided  they  retain 
such shares until the end of their mandate. The above condition will not apply to any shares that the director 
must dispose of to defray costs related to their acquisition. 

COMPLIANT    

58.  In  the  case  of  variable  awards,  remuneration  policies  should  include  limits  and  technical  safeguards  to 
ensure they reflect the professional performance of the beneficiaries and not simply the general progress of 
the markets or the company's sector, or circumstances of that kind. 

In particular, variable remuneration items should meet the following conditions: 

a) Be subject to predetermined and measurable performance criteria that factor the risk assumed to obtain 
a given outcome. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

198 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b) Promote the long-term sustainability of the company and include non-financial criteria that are sufficient 
for long-term value creation, such as compliance with the company's internal rules and procedures and its 
risk control and management policies. 

c)  Be  focused  on achieving a balance  between the  delivery of  short,  medium and  long-term objectives, 
such  that  performance-related  pay  rewards  ongoing  achievement,  maintained  over  sufficient  time  to 
appreciate its contribution to long-term value creation. This will ensure that performance measurement is 
not based solely on one-off, occasional or extraordinary events. 

59. A major part of variable remuneration components should be deferred for a long enough period to ensure 
that predetermined performance criteria have effectively been met. 

COMPLIANT    

COMPLIANT    

60. Remuneration linked to company earnings should bear in mind any qualifications stated in the external 
auditor's report that reduce their amount. 

61. A relevant percentage of executive directors' variable remuneration should be linked to the award of shares 
or financial instruments whose value is linked to the share price. 

COMPLIANT    

COMPLIANT    

62. Following  the  award  of  shares,  share  options  or other  rights  on shares  derived  from the  remuneration 
system, directors should not be allowed to transfer a number of shares equivalent to twice their annual fixed 
remuneration,  or to  exercise  the  share  options or other  rights  on  shares  for  at  least  three  years  after  their 
award. 

The above condition will not apply to any shares that the director must dispose of to defray costs related to 
their acquisition. 

COMPLIANT    

63.  Contractual  arrangements  should  include  provisions  that  permit  the  company  to  reclaim  variable 
components of remuneration when payment was out of step with the director's actual performance or based 
on data subsequently found to be misstated.  

COMPLIANT    

64. Termination payments should not exceed a fixed amount equivalent to two years of the director's total 
annual  remuneration  and  should  not  be  paid  until  the  company  confirms  that  he  or  she  has  met  the 
predetermined performance criteria. 

H  OTHER INFORMATION OF INTEREST 

COMPLIANT    

1. If there is any other aspect relevant to the corporate governance in the company or in the group entities 
that has not been addressed in the rest of the sections of this report, but is necessary to include to provide 
more comprehensive and well-grounded information on the corporate governance structure and practices in 
the entity or its group, give a brief description of them. 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

199 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  This  section  may  also  include  any  other  relevant  information,  clarification  or  detail  related  to  previous 
sections of the report if they are relevant and not reiterative. 

In particular, indicate whether the company is subject to corporate governance legislation from a country other 
than Spain and, if so, include the mandatory information to be provided, if different from that required by this 
report. 

3. The company may also indicate if it has voluntarily signed up to other international, industry-wide or any 
other codes of ethical principles or best practices. Where applicable, identify the code in question and the date 
of signing. In particular, indicate whether it has adhered to the Código de Buenas Prácticas Tributarias (Spanish 
code of best tax practices) of 20 July 2010. 

The data in this report refers to the financial year ending 31 December 2018, except in those cases when 
another reference date is specifically stated.  

As an explanation to section A.3, the percentage of direct voting rights held by non-executive directors through 
financial instruments corresponds to number of "theoretical shares" accumulated as a result of the remuneration 
system  with  deferred  delivery  of  shares  approved  by  resolution  of  the  General  Shareholders'  Meeting.  In 
application of this resolution and in accordance with the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors, the Board of 
Directors annually allocates a number of "theoretical shares" to each non-executive director, corresponding to 
20%  of  the  annual  cash  remuneration  received  the  previous  financial  year.  These  will  be  delivered,  where 
applicable, on the date on which they leave their positions as directors for reasons other than serious dereliction 
of their duties. Details of the annual allocation carried out by the Board can be found in Note 54 of the Annual 
Report  on  the  Bank's  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  the  2018  financial  year,  regarding 
remuneration  and  other  benefits  received  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  members  of  the  Bank's  Senior 
Management.  

For executive directors, the percentage of direct voting rights through financial instruments corresponds to 
the number of Annual Variable Remuneration (AVR) shares received for previous financial years, which was 
deferred and is yet to be paid out as of the date of this report, provided that the conditions for such are met. 
Thus, this includes the percentage corresponding to the deferred 50% of the 2015 AVR, which will be received 
in 2019, the deferred 50% of the 2016 AVR, which will be received in 2020, and 60% of the deferred 2017 
AVR, which will correspond to 60% delivered in 2021, 20% in 2022 and the remaining 20% in 2023. The 
final amount is subject to the applicable multi-year indicators, which may reduce the deferred amount, or even 
forfeit it, but never increase it. The final amount is also subject to the malus and clawback clauses set out in 
the remuneration policy applicable in each financial year. 

Further to Section A.9, relating to income from treasury-share trading, Rule 21 of Circular 4/2017 and IAS 32, 
Paragraph 33,  expressly  prohibit  the  recognition,  in  the  profit  and  loss  account,  of  gains  or  losses  made 
through transactions  carried out with  its  own capital  instruments,  including their issuance  and  redemption. 
Said profits and losses are directly booked against the company's net equity. In the table of significant variations, 
the  date  of  entry  of  CNMV  Model  IV  in  the  registries  of  that  organism,  model  corresponding  to  the 
communications with treasury shares and the reason for such communication. 

Further to Section A.12, there are no legal or statutory restrictions on the exercise of voting rights. Thus, in 
accordance  with  article 31  of Company  Bylaws,  each  voting share  will  confer the  right  to one vote  on the 
holder present or represented at the General Meeting. 

Moreover, there are no statutory restrictions on the acquisition or transfer of share capital holdings.  

However, as for the legal restrictions on the acquisition or transfer of shares in the company's share capital, 
Spanish Act 10/2014, of 26 June, on the regulation, supervision and solvency of credit institutions establishes 
that the direct or indirect acquisition of a significant holding (as defined in article 16 of that Act) is subject to 
assessment by the Bank of Spain as set out in Articles 16 et seq. of that Act. Additionally, Article 25 of Royal 
Decree 84/2015, implementing Act 10/2014, establishes that the Bank of Spain shall evaluate proposals for 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
acquisitions of significant shares and submit a proposal to the European Central Bank regarding whether to 
oppose this acquisition or not. This same article establishes the criteria that should be considered during said 
evaluation and the applicable timelines. 

Further to Section C.1.5, the periodic analysis process carried out by the Appointments Committee, will also 
consider the composition of the different Board Committees that assist this Corporate Body in the performance 
of its duties and which constitute an essential element of BBVA's corporate governance. The Corporate Bodies 
will also be assessed to ensure they have a suitable and diverse composition, combining individuals who have 
experience and knowledge of the Group, its businesses and the financial sector in general with others who 
have training, skills, knowledge and experience in other areas and sectors that enable the right balance to be 
attained in the composition of Corporate Bodies to improve operation and performance of their duties.  

This allows the Board of Directors and its Committees to have suitable compositions that are always adapted 
to  their  needs,  so  they  can  therefore  perform  their  functions  effectively.  In  this  sense,  both  the  Board's 
composition and the rotation process are aligned with the Bank's strategy, which enables the Group to continue 
taking steps forward in its current digital transformation process.  

Within the framework of the continuous Board rotation process, the Appointments Committee, in performing 
its duties, has in recent financial years put in place different selection processes for directors; these are aimed 
at identifying the most suitable candidates at all times, based on the needs of the Corporate Bodies, which 
favour diversity in experience, knowledge, skills and gender, as well as a level of independence of the Board. 

In the last financial year, as part of the ordered rotation process for Corporate Bodies, the selection processes 
agreed upon by the Appointments Committee led to appointment proposals for three new directors, with the 
aim of selecting candidates that would (i) supplement the existing knowledge and experience of the Corporate 
Bodies, particularly in the financial (banking activity, risks, regulation and supervision of the financial sector) 
and technological fields, and (ii) increase diversity in terms of gender and international experience, while always 
considering the dedication of time deemed necessary for directors to perform their duties and respect for the 
rules on limitations and incompatibilities and on conflicts of interest, as established in the Regulations of the 
Board and applicable regulations.  

The appointment proposals for three new directors, which were approved at the General Shareholders' Meeting 
in 2018, directly contributed to achieving the targets established in the Policy, with at least 50% of the total 
number of directors being independent directors, increasing the proportion of women on the Board, to bring 
this closer to the target percentage included in the Policy; this also reinforced the knowledge of the Corporate 
Bodies  regarding  financial  (in particular,  relating  to  banking  activity,  risks,  regulation and  supervision  of the 
financial sector) and technological fields, and adding to the international profile of the Corporate Bodies.  

In addition, the Bank's Corporate Bodies have made very important decisions regarding its executive directors, 
with a new Group Executive Chairman and a new Chief Executive Officer being appointed by the Board of 
Directors at the end of the financial year, following the Board's approval of the succession plans for these two 
positions proposed by the Appointments Committee.  

In this regard, and in relation to the Succession Plans for both the Group Executive Chairman and the Chief 
Executive Officer, in compliance with the principles established by the aforementioned Regulations of the Board 
and the Policy, the Appointments Committee analysed  and determined the required profile and established 
the  conditions  for  performing  the  role  that  the  candidate  must  meet  with  regard  to  status  of  the  director, 
expected  dedication,  knowledge,  skills  and  experience,  as  well  as  business  and  professional  reputation and 
other conditions deemed important by the Committee to ensure continuity of the decision-making process of 
the Corporate Bodies, in particular continuing to drive the transformation process that the Group is currently 
undergoing.  

The Board of Directors therefore has a diverse composition, combining people with extensive  financial and 
banking experience and knowledge with profiles that have experience and knowledge in various areas that are 
of interest to the Bank and its Group, such as auditing, legal and academic fields, multinational business, digital 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
businesses and technology, both nationally and internationally. This enables the Board overall to have a suitable 
balance  in  its  composition  and  suitable  knowledge  of  the  Bank's  and  the  Group's  environment,  activities, 
strategies and risks, helping it to better perform its functions.  

Moreover, in accordance with the provisions of Article 540 of the Corporate Enterprises Act, which stipulates 
that a brief description of the diversity policy, with regard to directors and to members of management, must 
be provided, BBVA employs a selection and appointment policy for members of BBVA’s Senior Management. 
Said policy is designed to ensure that individuals in Senior Management positions at BBVA have the capacity 
to properly exercise the responsibilities conferred upon them. Thus, members of BBVA Senior Management 
must have top-level academic and technical qualifications, professional skills—underpinned by their professional 
careers to date—applicable to the responsibilities associated with the role to be fulfilled, a recognised honourable 
professional reputation, and commitment to BBVA's values. 

Thus, pursuant to the provisions of the Policy on the assessment of internal talent, performance is assessed in 
terms  of  the  achievement  of  objectives,  potential  to  assume  greater  responsibilities  in  the  future,  and 
individuals'  professional  capabilities  and  skills.  These  assessments  may  be  supported  by  means  of  review 
sessions during which members of Senior Management analyse the profiles of certain employees and share 
their opinions on the achievements and strengths of each individual. Moreover, for the selection of external 
candidates for Senior Management positions, references and top-level executive search firms are used. The 
Talent & Culture area ensures that external candidates possess top-level academic and technical qualifications, 
that their professional careers to date adequately encompass the responsibilities associated with the roles to 
be  fulfilled,  that  they  have  recognised  professional  reputations,  and  that,  during  their  careers  at  other 
organisations, they have demonstrated a high level of alignment with BBVA's values. The candidates identified 
through the  company's  external  selection  process  are  considered  alongside  internal  candidates,  in  order to 
select the individual that best fits the role to be fulfilled. 

Moreover,  in  accordance  with  the  BBVA  Board  Regulations,  the  duties  of  the  Board  of  Directors  include 
appointing  members  of  Senior  Management,  following  a  report  from  the  Bank's  Appointments  Committee. 
Prior to the proposal and appointment of members of Senior Management, the Bank follows a selection process 
that  is  governed  by  the aforementioned  principles  and  criteria, and that  comprises  the  following  stages:  (i) 
review and analysis of the duties to be performed in the position, and the profiles of the candidates best suited 
to assume the position — this process ends with the selection of a final candidate to assume the position; (ii) 
assessment by the Suitability Committee of the suitability of the proposed candidate, in accordance with the 
specific  procedure  established  by  the  Bank  in  that  regard;  (iii)  presentation,  if  the  candidate  is  considered 
suitable, of the proposed appointment to the Appointments Committee in order for the latter to prepare its 
report to the Board of Directors; and (iv) submission of the proposal to the Board of Directors for approval, 
with said proposal accompanied by the report of the Appointments Committee. 

Further  to  Section C.1.9,  the supervision  and  control  Board  Committees,  with  regulatory nature,  also  have 
certain duties delegated by the Board of Directors, the most notable of which are as follows:  

  The duties delegated to the Audit and Compliance Committee include making proposals to the Board as 
regards the selection, appointment, re-appointment and replacement of the external auditor, in addition 
to the conditions of their recruitment; reporting, prior to decisions under consideration by the Board, on 
any matter provided for by Law or in the Bylaws, in particular those relating to financial information that 
the  Company must  periodically make  public,  to  the  creation  or acquisition  of  shareholdings  in special-
purpose vehicles or entities domiciled in tax havens, or territories considered to be tax havens, and to 
operations with related parties; and assess the selection, appointment, separation and, where applicable, 
reelection initiatives of the head of the internal audit department. 

  The duties delegated to the Appointments Committee include making proposals to the Board as regards 
the appointment, re-appointment or removal of independent directors, and reporting on proposals for the 
appointment, re-appointment or removal of other directors; proposing policies to the Board with regard 
to the selection and diversity of directors; analysing the suitability of directors; and reporting on proposals 
for the appointment of the Chairman and Secretary, as well as for the appointment or removal of members 
of Senior Management.  

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The duties delegated to the Remunerations Committee include making proposals to the Board—for them 
to be subsequently proposed at the General Shareholders'  Meeting—regarding the  remuneration policy 
for directors, and presenting the annual report on directors' remuneration to the Board. 

  The duties delegated to the Risk Committee include analysing risk operations that will subsequently be 

submitted to the Board or Executive Committee for consideration.  

In order to complete the information included in Section C.1.13, it is indicated that: 

The amount indicated under the heading "Remuneration of the Board of Directors accrued during the financial 
year",  corresponds,  according  to  the  instructions  of  this  Report,  with  the  amount  declared  as  total 
remuneration accrued according to table c) "Summary of Remunerations" of the Section C.1. of the Annual 
Report  on  the  Remuneration  of  BBVA's  directors,  which  includes:  fixed  remuneration and  remuneration  in 
kind of executive and non-executive directors received in 2018; the Initial Portion (40%) of the Annual Variable 
Remuneration ("AVR") for the year 2018 of the executive directors, in cash and in monetized shares, which 
will be received in 2019, if conditions are met; as well as 50% of the deferred AVR for the year 2015, in cash 
and in shares, including its update, whose delivery corresponds in 2019 if conditions are met. Likewise, the 
same  remuneration  concepts  are  included  for  the  directors  who  stepped  down  from  their  position  during 
2018. 

An  individual  breakdown  of  these  amounts  for  each  director  can  be  found  in  Note  54  of  the  Bank’s 
consolidated Annual Report for the 2018 financial year. 

At the time of drafting this report, both the Initial Portion (40%) of the AVR for the 2018 financial year and 
the Deferred Portion of the 2015 deferred AVR have not been paid.   

In order to calculate the cash value of the shares corresponding to the Initial Portion of 2018 AVR for executive 
directors has been calculated based on the average closing price of BBVA shares according to the trading 
sessions that took place between 15 December 2018 and 15 January 2019, inclusive, which in accordance 
with the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors it is used to determine the portion in shares for the 2018 
AVR.  This  price  stood  at  €4.77  per  share.  Similarly,  in  order  to  calculate  the  cash  value  of  the  shares 
corresponding to the deferred part of 2015 AVR, the reference price used is based on the average closing 
price of BBVA shares according to the trading sessions that took place between 15 December 2015 and 15 
December 2016, both inclusive, which in accordance with the Policy applicable in 2015 it was the criterion 
that served to determine the part in shares of the AVR 2015. This price stood at €6.63 per share 

The total amount indicated does not include the remuneration of BBVA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Onur 
Genç,  who  was  appointed  by  resolution  of  the  Board  of  Directors  on  20  December  2018,  since  no 
remuneration was accrued due to his condition as CEO or as member of the Board during 2018.Therefore, 
his remuneration linked to his previous position as Chairman and CEO of BBVA Compass can be found in 
Note 54 of the Annual Report on the Bank's consolidated Annual Report for the 2018 financial year. 

With regard to the "Amount of accrued entitlements by current directors in regard to pensions" indicated in 
Section C.1.13 of this Report, as at 31 December 2018, the Bank had undertaken pension commitments in 
favour  of  Carlos  Torres  Vila  and  José  Manuel  González-Páramo  Martínez-Murillo  to  cover  contingencies  of 
retirement, disability and death in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws, the Remuneration Policy for 
BBVA Directors and the directors' respective employment contracts with the Bank. The main characteristics 
of  the  pension  systems  are  detailed  in the  Remuneration Policy  for  BBVA  Directors  and  in  Note  54 of  the 
Annual Report for the financial year 2018, which includes the amounts of the rights accrued by said directors. 

The balance of the item "Provisions — Funds for pensions and similar obligations" on the Group's consolidated 
balance sheet at 31 December 2018 includes EUR 79 million as post-employment provision commitments 
maintained with former members of the Board of Directors.  
In order to complete the information included in Section C.1.14, it is indicated that: 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

203 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  item  "Total  remuneration  of  Senior  Management"  includes  the  remuneration  of  members  of  Senior 
Management  listed  as  such  as  at  20  December  2018  (15 members),  comprising:  fixed  remuneration and 
remuneration in kind received during the 2018 financial year; the Initial Portion (40%) of the AVR for the year 
2018, the portion in cash (50%) and in shares (50%), which will be received in 2019, if conditions are met; 
as well as 50% of the deferred AVR for the year 2015, in cash (50%) and in monetized shares (50%), including 
its update, whose delivery corresponds in 2019 if conditions are met.  

This concepts can be found in Note 54 of the Bank’s consolidated Annual Report for the 2018 financial year. 

At the time of drafting this Report, both the Initial Portion (40%) of the AVR for the 2018 financial year and 
the Deferred Part of the 2015 AVR have not been paid. 

In  order  to  calculate  the  cash  value  of  the  shares  corresponding  to  the  deferred  part  of  2015  AVR,  the 
reference price used is based on the average closing price of BBVA shares according to the trading sessions 
that took place between 15 December 2015 and 15 January 2016, both inclusive, which in accordance with 
the Policy applicable in 2015 it was the criterion that served to determine the part in shares of the AVR 2015. 
This price stood at €6.63 per share. 

The total amount indicated does not include the remuneration of the 5 members of Senior Management, who 
were appointed on December 20, 2018 by agreement of the Board since no remuneration was accrued due 
to  the  performance of  their  duties  as  senior  manager  during 2018.  However,  its  remuneration  associated 
with  its  previous  positions  is  reported  in  Note  54  of  the  Bank’s  consolidated  Annual  Report  for  the  2018 
financial  year.  The  main  characteristics  of  the  forecast  systems  are:  defined  contribution  systems;  the 
possibility of  receiving the retirement pension in advance is not foreseen; and it has been established that 
15% of the contributions agreed upon have the status of "discretionary pension benefits", in accordance with 
the  requirements  of  the  applicable  regulations.  These  amounts  are  detailed  in  Note  54  of  the  Bank’s 
consolidated Annual Report for the financial year 2018. 

The balance of the item "Provisions - Funds for pensions and similar obligations" in the consolidated balance 
sheet  of  the  Group  as  of  December  31,  2018  includes  EUR  253  million  as  post-employment  provision 
commitments maintained with former members of Senior Management from the Bank. 

With  regard  Section  C.1.17,  regarding  the  evaluation  process  and  the  evaluated  areas  carried  out  by  the 
Board of Directors, the quality and efficiency of operation of the Audit and Compliance, Risk, Appointments, 
Remunerations,  and  Technology  and  Cybersecurity  Committees,  has  been  realized  based  on  the  reports 
submitted by their respective Chairmen: 

  The Audit and Compliance Committee periodically submitted reports to the Board on a quarterly 
basis. These reports contained information on the Committee's various activities, including is role 
of overseeing the preparation of financial statements and the application of accounting criteria, of 
the sufficient, the adequate and effective operation of internal control systems in the preparation 
of financial data, or the planning, progression and depth of external auditor tasks. The evaluation 
was  concluded  at  the  Board  of  Directors'  meeting  held  on  11 February 2019,  in  which  the 
Chairman of the Committee presented the main activities undertaken throughout the financial year. 

  Moreover, during its meeting on 20 December 2018, the Board of Directors received the report 
by  the  Chairman  of  the  Risk  Committee  on  its  activities  throughout  the  2018  financial  year, 
reporting  on  the  tasks  executed  by  the  Committee  in  its  ongoing  monitoring  and  oversight  of 
changes in the risks faced by the Group and the extent to which consistency is maintained with 
certain strategies and policies.  

  Likewise,  at  its  meeting  held  on  31 January 2019,  the  Committee  received  the  report  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Appointments  Committee  on  the  activities  undertaken  by  the  Committee 
throughout the 2018 financial year in terms of its assigned duties, including its tasks relating to 
the appointment and re-appointment of directors, evaluation of the Board of Directors, or to the 

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succession plans for the Group Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, among other 
matters. 

  Furthermore, at its meeting held on 31 January 2019, the Board received the report by the Chair 
of the Remunerations Committee on the activities undertaken by the Committee throughout the 
2018 financial year, reporting, among other matters, on the tasks performed by the Committee 
relating to the preparation and implementation of the proposed resolutions submitted to the Board 
regarding  remuneration  matters,  particularly  those  relating  to  the  remuneration  of  executive 
directors  and  Senior  Management,  as  well  as  other  tasks  that  were  undertaken  with  regard  to 
remuneration policies for directors, identified staff and the BBVA Group.  

  Lastly, at its meeting held on 28 November 2018, the Board received the report by the Chairman 
of the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee on its activity for the 2018 financial year in terms 
of the various areas within its remit, such as the technology and cybersecurity strategy, the plans, 
policies and management of cybersecurity, or the monitoring and control of technological risks, 
among other matters. 

All of the above has been reflected in the Reports for evaluation by the Board of Directors and the Executive 
Committee of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. for the 2018 financial year, prepared by the Appointments 
Committee and submitted to the Board of Directors for its consideration, where, in addition to that stipulated 
in preceding paragraphs, the composition of the Board and its Committees, the Bank's Corporate Governance 
System, the operation of the Corporate Bodies, the activity of the Board of Directors over the 2018 financial 
year, and the structure and organisation of the Committees, are taken into consideration. 

With regard to Section C.1.27, as BBVA shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it is subject to the 
supervision of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and, thus, to compliance with the Sarbanes Oxley 
Act and its implementing regulations, and for this reason each year the Group Executive Chairman, the Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  the  executive  tasked  with  preparing  the  Accounts  sign  and  submit  the  certifications 
described in sections 302 and 906 of this Act, related to the content of the Annual Financial Statements. These 
certificates are contained in the annual registration statement (Form 20-F) which the Company files with this 
authority for the official record. 

Further  to  Section  C.2.1,  we  provide  brief  indications  regarding  what  the  regulations  establish  about  the 
composition of each of the Board Committees: 

  Executive Committee: Article 26 of the Regulations of the Board establishes that the Board of Directors 
may, in accordance with the Bylaws and with the favourable vote of two-thirds of its members, appoint 
an Executive Committee, ensuring that there is a majority of non-executive directors over executive 
directors. The Executive Committee will be chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or when 
this is not possible, by the person designated in the Bylaws. The Secretary of the Board of Directors 
will hold the same position on the Committee. If absent, the meeting attendees will appoint a person 
to assume this role. 

  Audit and Compliance Committee: Article 29 of the Regulations of the Board establishes that the Audit 
and Compliance Committee will exclusively comprise independent directors and will be tasked with 
assisting the Board of Directors in supervising the financial information and the activity of the Group's 
control function. When appointing members of the Audit and Compliance Committee, and particularly 
its Chair, their knowledge and background in accounting, auditing and risk management will be taken 
into  account.  It  will  be  made  up  of  four  members  appointed  by  the  Board,  one  of  whom  will  be 
appointed taking into account his/her knowledge of accounting, auditing or both. The Board will also 
appoint the Chair of this Committee, who must be replaced every four years and may be re-elected 
one year after the end of his/her term of office. When the Chair cannot be present, his/her duties will 
be  performed  by  the  longest-serving  independent  director  on  the  Committee,  and,  where  multiple 
directors have equal length of service, by the eldest. The Committee will appoint a Secretary who may 
or may not be a member of the Committee. 

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  Appointments Committee: Article 32 of the Regulations of the Board establishes that the Appointments 
Committee  will  comprise  a  minimum  of  three  members  who  will  be  appointed  by  the  Board  of 
Directors, which will also appoint its Chair. All the members of this Committee must be non-executive 
directors,  with  its  Chair  and  a  majority  of  members  being  independent  directors.  When  the  Chair 
cannot  be  present,  meetings  will  be  chaired  by  the  longest-serving  independent  director  on  the 
Committee, and, where multiple directors have equal length of service, by the eldest. 

  Remunerations  Committee:  Article  35  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  establishes  that  the 
Remunerations Committee will comprise a minimum of three members who will be appointed by the 
Board of Directors, which will also appoint its Chair. All the members of this Committee must be non-
executive directors, with its Chair and a majority of members being independent directors. When the 
Chair cannot be present, meetings will be chaired by the longest-serving independent director on the 
Committee, and, where multiple directors have equal length of service, by the eldest. 

  Risk Committee: Article 38 of the Regulations of the Board establishes that the Risk Committee will 
comprise a minimum of three members who will be appointed by the Board of Directors, which will 
also appoint its Chair. All the members of this Committee must be non-executive directors and at least 
one  third,  and  in  any  event  the  Chair,  must  be  independent.  When  the  Chair  cannot  be  present, 
meetings will be chaired by the longest-serving independent director on the Committee, and, where 
multiple directors have equal length of service, by the eldest. 

  Technology and Cybersecurity Committee: The Technology and Cybersecurity Committee Regulations 
establish that it will comprise a minimum of three members who will be Board members, appointed 
by the Board of Directors, which will also appoint its Chair. For these purposes, the Board of Directors 
will consider their knowledge and experience in technology, information systems and cybersecurity. 
When the Chair cannot be present, meetings will be chaired by the longest-serving director on the 
Committee, and, where multiple directors have equal length of service, by the eldest. 

Moreover, as a continuation of the most significant actions of the Board Committees and its organizational and 
operational rules included in Section C.2.1 

  Audit  and  Compliance  Committee:  in  terms  of  the  most  significant  actions  carried  out  by  the 
Committee  during  the  2018  financial  year,  it  analysed  and  oversaw  the  process  of  preparing  and 
reporting Bank and consolidated Group financial information from the annual, half-yearly and quarterly 
reports, in order to determine its accuracy, reliability, adequacy and clarity, prior to its submission to 
the Board. To this end, it focused particularly on the accounting policies and criteria used, and on any 
changes that may have been made to them (for example, those resulting from the entry into force of 
IFRS 9), as well as from accounting regulations and changes to the Group's scope of consolidation. 

In  particular,  prior  to  their  approval  by  the  Board,  the  Committee  oversaw  the  preparation  of  the 
individual  and  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  the  financial  year,  the  half-yearly  and 
quarterly  financial  statements,  as  well  as  other  relevant  financial  information,  including  the  CNMV 
(Comisión  Nacional  del  Mercado  de  Valores  —  Spanish  National  Securities  Market  Commission) 
Registration Document, US SEC Form 20-F, and the Prudential Relevance Report. 

In  addition,  within  the  financial  information  monitoring  process,  the  Committee  monitored  the 
adequacy,  appropriateness  and  effective  operation  of  the  internal  control  systems  used  in  the 
preparation of financial information, including the tax systems, along with both internal reports and 
those of the external auditor on the effectiveness of the internal financial control. 

With regards to activities related to the external auditor, the Committee has maintained appropriate 
relationships with the heads of the external auditor, during each of the monthly meetings it has held, 
in order to ascertain the planning, stage and progress of the work in connection with the audit of the 
Bank and Group annual financial statements, of the interim financial statements, and of other financial 

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information  subject  to  review  during  the  account  auditing.  It  has  also  received  and  analysed  the 
opinion reports and communications required by account auditing legislation, from the auditor, among 
which the following are of note: the work carried out on the Group's financial information, the external 
auditor's  additional  report  for  the  Audit  and  Compliance  Committee,  and  the  confirmations  of  its 
independence with regards to the Bank. 

Similarly,  in  relation  to  the  independence  of  the  external  auditor,  the  Committee  has  ensured  that 
internal  procedures  are  implemented  to  safeguard  against  situations  that  may  give  rise  to 
independence  conflicts.  It  has  also  opposed  declarations  made  by  the  external  auditor  concerning 
confirmation of its independence with regard to BBVA and its Group, and issued the corresponding 
reports in accordance with applicable legislation.  

With regards to Internal Audit tasks, the Committee approved the Internal Audit Annual Work Plan for 
the financial year, overseeing the organisational measures set out in the Area for the performance of 
its functions; provided ongoing monitoring and supervised the Area's activities and reports, ascertained 
the results of its most relevant work, identified any weaknesses and opportunities for improvement; 
and considered the recommendations proposed by the Internal Audit as a result of its review work. 
The  Committee  also  resolved  to  carry  out  an  external  evaluation  of  the  Internal  Audit  function, 
overseeing  the  conclusions  of  the  work  carried  out  by  the  external  consultant  in  order  to  identify 
opportunities for improvement and best practices in the field. 

With  regards  to  the  Compliance  Area,  the  Committee  has  repeatedly  reviewed  the  Area's  activities 
over the  course  of  the  financial  year, overseeing  the  results  of its  examinations  and  the degree  of 
progress in the implementation of planned measures, proposals for the approval and review of policies 
related  to  compliance,  data  protection  or  anti-corruption,  monitoring  of  issues  concerning  MiFID 
regulations,  and  any  other  issues  which  may  have  arisen  in  this  area  of  the  Group's  activities. 
Moreover,  the  Committee  approved  the  Compliance  Area  activities’  Annual  Plan,  carrying  out  a 
repeated review of its degree of progress and achievement.   

The Committee also reviewed the changes to the structure of the Group companies, provided ongoing 
monitoring of the main issues relating to the Group's legal and tax risks, and supervised the Group's 
tax management along with the results of the inspection processes carried out on the matter. 

Similarly, the Committee was made aware of the major communications and inspections carried out 
by the Group's main supervisors, both domestic and foreign, in relation to matters within their remit. 

Lastly,  during  the  Bank's  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  held  in  2018,  the  Committee  informed 
shareholders of the main issues related to the matters within its remit, including overseeing the process 
of preparing Bank and Group financial information, which had been provided to shareholders for their 
approval, the result of the account auditing and of the function that it had carried out in this matter, 
as well as the main issues related to the matters described in this section and other issues that were 
handled. 

  Appointments  Committee:  with  respect  to  the  Appointments  Committee's  most  significant  actions 
during the 2018 financial year, in performing the duties assigned to it, the following were particularly 
noteworthy: the Committee's continuous analysis of the structure, size and composition of the Board 
of Directors, ensuring that they are suitable for the Corporate Bodies to best perform their duties; the 
analysis of the directors' compliance with the independence and suitability criteria and the absence of 
any  conflicts  of  interest  for  the  performance  of  their  duties;  the  review  performed  on  the  Board's 
selection, appointment, rotation and diversity policy, which, together with the analysis of structure, 
size  and  composition,  led  to  corresponding  proposals  for  the  re-appointment,  ratification  and 
appointment of directors to be submitted to the Company's next General Shareholders' Meeting. It also 
conducted an assessment of how the Board, the Executive Committee and the different roles of the 
Board operate, counting in this exercise, within the framework of the self-evaluation process, with the 
help of an external expert of international prestige.  

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The  Committee  considered  it  advisable  to  perform  succession  planning  for  the  Group  Executive 
Chairman of the Bank. 

As a result, the Committee launched the succession plan for the Group Executive Chairman, analysing 
the Bank's Corporate Governance System, and also analysed the required profile of the candidate for 
Chairman. 

Following this, the Committee selected Carlos Torres Vila as the most suitable candidate for the role, 
and  agreed  to  submit  a  favourable  opinion  to  the  Board  of  Directors  regarding  its  approval  of  the 
succession plan and appointment of Carlos Torres Vila as successor to the former Group Executive 
Chairman when he resigns from his post. 

Also,  given  that  the  CEO  of  the  Bank  was  selected  to  succeed  the  Chairman  of  the  Board,  the 
Committee  considered  a  successor  for  the  CEO  role  in  preparation  for  the  current  CEO  becoming 
Group Executive Chairman, in order for this succession to be carried out in an orderly manner. 

In connection with this, the Committee drafted and adopted the skills profile needed for the position, 
which would serve as the basis for analysing the candidates, after which the Committee selected Onur 
Genç as the most suitable candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer. 

As a result of this, the Committee agreed to submit a favourable opinion to the Board of  Directors 
regarding its approval of the succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer and the appointment of 
Onur Genç to this role. 

The Committee also analysed the proposed appointments and removals of senior managers as a result 
of the new organisational structure, in accordance with the provisions established at the selection and 
appointment Policy of senior managers. 

The Committee reviewed and verified the suitability of the proposed new senior managers, as reflected 
in its reports submitted to the Board. 

  Remunerations  Committee:  in  regards  to  the  most  important  activities  carried  out  by  the 
Remunerations Committee during the 2018 financial year, the Chair of the Remunerations Committee 
has submitted a report on these to the Board, giving an account of Committee projects related to the 
functions attributed to it by the Regulations of the Board, as well as the development of the framework 
established in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors and the Remuneration Policy for the BBVA 
Group, which includes the Remuneration Policy for the Identified Staff. 

Firstly,  in  implementation  of  the  remuneration  policies  adopted,  the  Committee  has  analysed  the 
following matters and, where appropriate, submitted the corresponding proposals to the Board: 

With regard to non-executive directors, the Committee has analysed the remunerations established 
for performance of the role of director and for membership to the various Committees, and proposed 
to the Board that the amounts agreed by this body in previous sessions—which have not been updated 
since 2007—not be updated in 2018. 

With  regard  to  executives  directors,  the  Committee  has  submitted  to  the  Board  the  necessary 
proposals for: settling and paying the Annual Variable Remuneration for 2017; updating the deferred 
last third of the variable remuneration for the 2014 financial year, which was paid in the first quarter 
of 2018; reviewing the remuneration conditions (target fixed and variable) of the executive directors 
for  the  2018  financial  year,  proposing  to  the  Board  that  the  amounts  not  be  updated;  scales  of 
achievement of the multi-year performance indicators regarding the Annual Variable Remuneration for 
the 2017 financial year, as well as the related peer group and Total Shareholder Return (TSR) indicator; 
determining the annual and multi-year indicators for calculating the Annual Variable Remuneration for 

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the 2018 financial year and their corresponding weightings; the targets and scales of achievement for 
calculating  the  2018  Annual  Variable  Remuneration;  and  the  minimum  thresholds  for  Attributable 
Profit and Capital Ratio set for the generation of variable remuneration. 

With regard to those matters relating to the policy applicable to Senior Management, the Committee 
has  revised the basic contractual conditions and received information on their annual  performance 
indicators for the 2018 financial year and on the settlement of the Annual Variable Remuneration for 
the 2017 financial year for each member of Senior Management. 

In  terms  of matters  relating  to  the  remunerations  policy applicable  to  the  Identified  Staff, including 
Senior Management, the Committee has determined that the multi-year performance indicators used 
to  calculate  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  the  2018  financial  year,  and  their  achievement 
scales used to calculate the deferred Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2017 financial year, should 
be the same as those established for executive directors.  

As regards its function of ensuring compliance with the remuneration policy established by the Bank, 
the Committee has reviewed the implementation of such by the Group over the course of the 2017 
financial  year,  including  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  the  Identified  Staff  and  the  procedure  for 
identifying said group, and has also received information on the result of the process for identifying 
the Identified Staff within the BBVA Group during the 2018 financial year. 

Finally,  among  its  other  functions,  the  Committee  has  submitted  the  Annual  Report  on  the 
Remuneration of Directors to the Board for its approval and subsequent submission to the General 
Shareholders' Meeting for a vote, and it has also proposed to the Board a resolution to increase the 
maximum variable remuneration level of up to 200% of the fixed component applicable to a specific 
number of members of the Identified Staff. 

Detailed information on the activities of the Remunerations Committee is available on the Company's 
website (www.bbva.com). 

  Risk Committee: as a continuation of what is indicated in section C.2.1, the rest of the functions of 
the Risk Committee are detailed, as well as the main activities carried out in 2018 for each one of 
them and their organization and operation regime: 

o  To analyse the internal control and information systems and guarantee the adequate functioning 
of the risk management and control model and the suitability of the risk management structure 
and functionality throughout the Group, as well as the availability of sufficient information for 
adequate decision making and for detailed knowledge of risk exposure.  

The Committee confirmed that the Group's risk management and control  model is adequate 
and that the Group has a structured Risk Area both at corporate level and in each geographical 
area and/or business area, adding that it functions correctly and that it provides the Committee 
with  the  information  required  to  understand  the  Group's  risk  exposure  at  any  time,  which 
enables the Committee to fulfil its monitoring, supervision and control functions. 

o  To conduct a preliminary analysis of risk operations that must be submitted for the consideration 

of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.  

The Risk Committee previously analysed the credit risk proposals that, due to the nature of the 
requestor  (members  of  the  BBVA  Board  of  Directors  or  Senior  Management),  had  been 
submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration. 

o  To ensure that the pricing policy for the assets and liabilities offered to customers fully takes 
into account the Bank's business model and risk strategy and, if this is not the case, present a 
plan to the Board of Directors aimed at rectifying the situation.  

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In 2018, the Committee received recurring information on the evolution of metrics and analysis 
in terms of profitability and capital, which evaluate the resulting pricing alignment in financing 
and  credit  activity  against  the  risk  strategy  and  risk  transfer  in  the  Group.  Additionally,  the 
Committee monitored the profitability of portfolios and businesses and the performance of the 
profitability  indicators  incorporated  into  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework.  All  of  this  enabled  the 
Committee  to  confirm  that  the  prices  of  the  assets  and  liabilities  offered  to  customers  were 
aligned with the Bank's business model and risk strategy. 

o  To  participate  in  the  process  of  establishing  the  remunerations  policy,  checking  that  it  is 
compatible with an adequate and effective risk management strategy and that it does not offer 
incentives to assume risks that exceed the level tolerated by the Bank.  

The  Committee  checked  that  the  variable  remuneration  proposed  in  line  with  the  Group's 
Remuneration Policy is compatible with an adequate and effective risk management strategy 
and that it does not offer incentives to assume risks that exceed the level tolerated by the Group. 

o  To check that the Company and the Group have means, systems, structures, organisation and 
resources  that  are  consistent  with  best  practices  and  enable  them  to  implement  their  risk 
management  strategy,  ensuring  that  the  Bank's  management  mechanisms  are  adequate  in 
relation thereto.  

The Committee was informed of the Risk Area's structure, resources and incentive scheme as 
well  as  its  means,  systems  and  tools  (including those  in  development  stage),  having  verified 
that the Group has adequate resources for its strategy. 

o  To  analyse  and  assess  the  system  for valuing assets  and  classifying and  estimating  the  risks 

faced by the bank, as well as the use of external credit ratings.  

The  Committee  receives  regular  information  about  the  asset  valuation  and  risk  classification 
systems  from  both  the  model  development  and  validation  perspectives.  This  information  is 
accompanied by a recurring report of the status of the different tools and projects developed 
at corporate level and for each geographical area and/or business area, as well as their existing 
levels of classification. In addition, with regard to the asset valuation system, the  Committee 
receives information about the cost of risk and the hedging cost, as well as the trends of the 
portfolios of risk in market activities. 

o  To drive the development of the risk management process within the Group using an advanced 
model to achieve a risk profile that is in line with the established strategy. To that end, the Risk 
Committee  will  monitor  the  requirements  and  recommendations  of  the  risk  supervisors  and 
regulators, as well as the implementation thereof in the Group's risk management and control 
model.  

The Committee received one-off information about issues relating to the risk models and to the 
supervisory activity performed as part of the process for reviewing the Group's internal models 
and the Internal Validation area. 

o  Any  other  duties  that  have  been  assigned  to  it  by  decision  of  the  Board  or  on  the  basis  of 

applicable law.  

During  the  2018  financial  year,  the  Risk  Committee  reviewed  the  Internal  Capital  Adequacy 
Assessment  Process  (ICAAP)  and  Internal  Liquidity  Adequacy  Assessment  Process  (ILAAP) 
Reports to monitor the drafting of the stress scenarios and confirm that they were aligned with 
the  Risk  Appetite  Framework.  To  do  so,  the  Committee  received  the  help  of  the  Risk  and 

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210 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance  Areas  among  others,  which  enabled  it  to  ensure  that  they  accurately  reflected  the 
Group's situation in the analysed fields. 

In addition, the Risk Committee participated in the review of the Group's Recuperation Plan with 
the aim of evaluating its alignment with the Risk Appetite Framework, again with the help of the 
Risk and Finance Areas, among others. 

This was all done prior to being considered and, where applicable, approved by the Executive 
Committee and the Board of Directors. 

The  previous  functions  are  carried  out  by  the  Risk  Committee  within  the  context  of  a  culture  that 
maintains the consistency of the Group's General Risk Control and Management Model and ensures 
the implementation thereof at all levels of the organisation. 

During the 2018 financial year, the Committee verified the progress and effectiveness of the various 
actions drawn up by the Risk Area to strengthen the risk culture in the Group, to enable employees 
to perform their functions in a secure environment, and to encourage the mitigation of risks to which 
their activities are exposed. 

Finally, with regard to the Risk Committee's organisational and operational rules and procedures, and 
in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  of  its  own 
Regulations,  this  Committee  meets  as  often  as  necessary  to  fulfil  its  duties,  establishing  a  meeting 
schedule in accordance with the tasks to be carried out. 

The  Committee  regularly  receives  help  at  its  sessions  from  the  Group's  Head  of  Global  Risk 
Management, those in charge of each type of risk in the corporate field and the risk directors of the 
Group's main entities, as well as the help of those people who, within the Group's organisation, carry 
out tasks related to the Committee's functions. It also conducts both internal and external assessments 
that it considers necessary to form opinions within its remit. 

  Technology  and  Cybersecurity  Committee:  with  regard  to  the  rules  and  procedures  on  the 
organisation and operation of the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee, this Committee meets 
as often as necessary to fulfil its duties, and is convened by its Chairman. 

The Committee may request that persons with tasks within the Group organisation that are related to 
the Committee's duties attend its meetings. In particular, the Committee maintains direct and ongoing 
contact  with the  executives  responsible  for  the  Group's  Engineering and  Cybersecurity  areas,  from 
which  it  receives  the  information  required  to  perform  its  duties,  which  is  analysed  during  the 
Committee's sessions. 

The Committee can also conduct external assessments deemed necessary to form opinions on matters 
within its remit. 

With respect to Section D (Related-party and Intragroup Transactions), see Note 53 of the BBVA Consolidated 
Annual  Financial  Statements  for  the  2018  financial  year. Section D.4  details  the  transactions  conducted  by 
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. at the close of the financial year, with the company issuing securities on 
international  markets,  carried  out  as  part  of  ordinary  trading  related  to  the  management  of  outstanding 
issuances,  guaranteed  by  BBVA. Moreover, with  respect  to Section D.4, please  refer  to  the section entitled 
"Offshore financial centres" in the BBVA Consolidated Management Report for the 2018 financial year. 

Likewise, in relation to Section D.7, BBVA holds significant holdings in three listed companies, which are not 
considered as subsidiaries and are not part of the BBVA Group. Additionally, as part of its ordinary operations, 
BBVA holds  stakes in other  listed companies, the participation in them is insignificant and these companies 
cannot be considered as subsidiaries belonging to the BBVA Group. 

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the Spanish original will prevail. 

211 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As a complement to the provisions of Section E.1, the information related to the Infrastructure of the General 
Risk Control and Management Model is detailed below: the Group has the human and technological resources 
needed to effectively manage and monitor risks in order to carry out the functions set out in the Group's risk 
Model  and  achieve  its  goals.  With  respect  to  human  resources,  the  Group's  risk  function  has  an  adequate 
workforce in terms of number, skills, knowledge and experience. With respect to technology, the Group's risk 
function  assures  the  integrity  of  the  measurement  techniques,  management  information  systems  and  the 
provision of the infrastructure required to support risk management, using the tools appropriate to the needs 
derived from the different types of risks in their admission, management, valuation and monitoring. Likewise, 
the Group promotes the development of a risk culture that ensures consistent application of the Risk Control 
and Management model in the Group, and that guarantees that the risk function is understood and internalised 
at all levels of the organisation. 

Regarding taxation, BBVA has defined a tax-risk management policy based on a suitable control environment, 
a system for identifying risks and a monitoring process including continuous improvement of the effectiveness 
of the established controls. This management model was evaluated and approved by an independent expert. 

As a complement to the information indicated in Section E.3, the information related to business, operational 
and legal risks is detailed below: 

  New  technologies  and  means  of  customer  interaction:  The  development  of  the  digital  world  and 
information  technologies  poses  major  challenges  for  financial  institutions,  and  brings  threats  (new 
competitors,  disintermediation  etc.)  but  also  opportunities  (new  customer-relations  frameworks, 
greater ability to adapt to customers' needs, and new products and distribution channels etc.). In this 
regard,  digital  transformation  is  one  of  the  priorities  for  the  Group,  which  aims  to  lead  the  digital 
banking of the future. 

  Technology  risks  and  security  breaches:  Financial  institutions  are  exposed  to  new  threats  such  as 
cyber-attacks, internal and customer database theft, payment system fraud, etc. that require major 
investments in security from both a technological and a human stand point. The Group attaches a 
great deal of importance to active management and control of operational and technological risk. One 
example  is  the  early  adoption  of  advanced  models  for  managing  these  risks  (AMA  —  Advanced 
Measurement Approach). 

  Litigation  is  becoming  increasingly  common  in  the  financial  sector,  with  institutions  facing  a  large 
number  of  proceedings  of  all  kinds—civil,  criminal,  administrative,  judicial—as  well  as  supervisory 
investigations, in many jurisdictions, the outcome of which is difficult to predict (including proceedings 
involving  an  indeterminate  number  of  claimants,  those  for  which  damages  claimed  are  difficult  to 
estimate, those in which claims are made for exaggerated amounts, those involving unprecedented 
legal issues as a result of anecdotal and creative legal arguments, and those that are at a very early 
stage). 

Many  current  proceedings  in  Spain  involve  plaintiffs  demanding,  both  in  Spanish  courts  and  through 
preliminary rulings at the Court of Justice of the European Union, that certain clauses commonly appearing in 
mortgage  loan  agreements  with  financial  institutions  be  declared  as  unfair  (clauses  relating  to  mortgage 
expenses  or early  maturity,  the  use of  certain benchmark  interest  rates,  starting  fees  etc.).  The  resolutions 
from these types of proceedings brought against other banking institutions may affect the Group indirectly. 

The  Group  is  involved  in  investigations  by  competition  authorities  in  several  countries  which  may  result  in 
sanctions and claims for damages by third parties. 

As explained in the Other Non-Financial Risks section of the Non-Financial Information State in the management 
report, the Group could be similarly immersed in investigations by the judicial authorities without, up to now, 
receiving any formal notification to that effect, in relation to the contracting of allegedly irregular activities that, 
if  confirmed,  could  have  a  negative  reputational  impact  for  the  Bank.  The  Bank  is  conducting  an  internal 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

212 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
investigation, and it is not possible to predict at this time the scope or duration of such investigations or their 
possible outcome or implications for the Group. 

The Group manages and continuously monitors such proceedings in defence of its interests, and makes the 
necessary provisions to cover itself based on the amount of disputes and judicial pronouncements, and the 
stage that proceedings are at. However, is difficult to predict the outcome of the aforementioned actions and 
proceedings—both those that the Bank is currently involved in and those that may arise in the future—and of 
rulings involving other banking institutions. As such, in the event that jurisprudential criteria are amended or 
disputes have unexpected outcomes, the provisions in place may be rendered insufficient. 

The  main  risks  derived  from  the  corruption  and  bribery  offenses  are  specified  in  the  Compliance  System 
section, section other behavioral standards of the Ethical Behavior Chapter of the Non-Financial Information 
State of the Management Report. 

As to adherence to codes of ethics or good practice, it is to be noted that during the 2011 financial year the 
BBVA Board of Directors approved the Bank's adhesion to the Code of Good Tax Practices approved by Large 
Corporations  Forum  according  to  the  wording  proposed  by  the  Spanish  Tax  Agency  (AEAT).  During  this 
financial year, it has been compliant with the contents of this Code. Moreover, BBVA is committed to applying 
the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Principles of United Nations Global Compact 
(to  which  BBVA  has  formally  adhered),  the  Equator  Principles  (to  which  BBVA  has  formally  adhered  since 
2004), the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, the Green Bond Principles, the Green Loan 
Principles, those of the RE100, Science Based Targets and Grupo Español para el Crecimiento Verde (Spanish 
Green  Growth  Group)  initiatives,  and  those  of  other  conventions  and  treaties  of  international  organisations 
such  as  the  Organization  for  Economic  Co-operation  and  Development  and  the  International  Labour 
Organization.  In  addition,  BBVA  is  a  member  of  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme  —  Finance 
Initiative  and  the  Thun  Group  of  Banks  on  Human  Rights,  and  follows  the  United  Nations  Principles  for 
Responsible  Banking. Moreover,  BBVA  is  firmly  committed  to  the  United  Nations  Sustainable  Development 
Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and, since 2017, the Bank has been part of the pilot group 
of banks committed to implementing the recommendations regarding financing and climate change published 
in July by the Financial Stability Board of the G20. 

This annual corporate governance report was approved by the company's Board of Directors on 11 February 
2019. 

List whether any directors voted against or abstained from voting on the approval of this report. 

NO 

213 

This English version is a translation of the original in Spanish for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, 
the Spanish original will prevail. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KPMG Asesores, S.L. 
Pº de la Castellana, 259 C 
28046 Madrid 

Independent Assurance Report on the Non-Financial 
Information Statement of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  
Argentaria, S.A. and its subsidiaries for the year  
ended 31 December 2018 

(Free translation from the original in Spanish. 
In case of discrepancy, the Spanish language version prevails.) 

To the Shareholders of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.: 

Pursuant to article 49 of the Spanish Code of Commerce, we have provided limited assurance on the 
Non-Financial  Information  Statement  (hereinafter  NFIS)  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2018,  of 
Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.  (hereinafter  the  “Bank”)  and  its  subsidiaries  (hereinafter  the 
“Group”) which forms part of the Group's 2018 consolidated Directors’ Report. 

The contents of the consolidated Directors’ Report includes additional information to that required by 
prevailing  mercantile  legislation  on  non-financial  information  which  it  is  not  possible  to  provide 
assurance.  In  this  regard,  our  assurance  work  was  limited  only  to  providing  assurance  on  the 
information contained in table “GRI Indicators” of the accompanying NFIS. 

The Bank’s Directors’ responsibilities ______________________________________  

The Bank’s Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the NFIS included 
in  the  Group’s  Consolidated  Directors’  Report.  The  NFIS  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with 
prevailing  mercantile  legislation  and  selected  Sustainability  Reporting  Standards  of  the  Global 
Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards), in accordance with that mentioned for each subject area in table 
“GRI Indicators” of said Consolidated Directors’ Report. 

This responsibility also encompasses the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control 
deemed necessary to ensure that the NFIS is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error. 

The  Bank’s  directors  are  also  responsible  for  defining,  implementing,  adapting  and  maintaining  the 
management systems from which the information necessary for preparing the NFIS was obtained. 

Our independence and quality control  _____________________________________  

We have complied with the independence and other ethical requirements of the Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), 
which is founded on fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due 
care, confidentiality and professional behaviour. 

KPMG Asesores S.L., sociedad española de responsabilidad limitada y firma 
miembro de la red KPMG de firmas independientes afiliadas a KPMG International 
Cooperative (“KPMG International”), sociedad suiza.  
Paseo de la Castellana, 259C – Torre de Cristal – 28046 Madrid 

Reg. Mer Madrid, T. 14.972, F. 53, Sec. 8 , H. M -249.480, Inscrip. 1.ª 
N.I.F. B-82498650 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Our  firm  applies  International  Standard  on  Quality  Control  1  (ISQC1)  and  accordingly  maintains  a 
comprehensive  system  of  quality  control  including  documented  policies  and  procedures  regarding 
compliance  with  ethical  requirements,  professional  standards  and  applicable  legal  and  regulatory 
requirements. 

The  engagement  team  was  comprised  of  professionals  specialised  in  reviews  of  non-financial 
information and, specifically, in information on economic, social and environmental performance. 

Our responsibility  ________________________________________________________  

Our responsibility is to express our conclusions in an independent limited assurance report based on 
the work performed that refers exclusively to the  year 2018. The data for previous  years were not 
subject to the assurance foreseen in the mercantile legislation in force.  

We  conducted  our  review  engagement  in  accordance  with  International  Standard  on  Assurance 
Engagements,  “Assurance  Engagements  other  than  Audits  or  Reviews  of  Historical  Financial 
Information” (ISAE 3000), issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) 
of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). 

The procedures performed in a limited assurance engagement vary in nature and timing from, and are 
less in extent than for, a reasonable assurance engagement, and consequently, the level of assurance 
provided is also lower. 

Our  work  consisted  of  making  inquiries  of  management,  as  well  as  of  the  different  units  and 
responsible areas of the Group that participated in the preparation of the NFIS, in the review of the 
processes for compiling and validating the information presented in the NFIS and in the application of 
certain analytical procedures and sample review testing described below: 

–  Meetings with the Group’s personnel to gain an understanding of the business model, policies and 
management approaches applied, the principal risks related to these questions and to obtain the 
information necessary for the external review. 

–  Analysis  of  the  scope,  relevance  and  completeness  of  the  content  of  the  NFIS  based  on  the 
materiality  analysis  performed  by  the  Group  and  considering  the  content  required  in  prevailing 
mercantile legislation. 

–  Analysis  of  the  processes  for  compiling  and  validating  the  data  presented  in  the  Non-Financial 

Information Statement for 2018. 

–  Review  of  the  information  relative  to  the  risks,  policies  and  management  approaches  applied  in 

relation to the material aspects presented in the NFIS. 

–  Corroboration,  through  sample  testing,  of  the  information  relative  to  the  content  of  the  NFIS  for 
2018 and whether it has been adequately compiled based on data provided by internal and external 
information sources or third party reports. 

–  Procurement of a representation letter from the Bank’s Directors and management. 

 
 
 
 
 
3 

Conclusion _______________________________________________________________ 

Based on the assurance procedures performed and the evidence obtained, nothing has come to our 
attention  that  causes  us  to  believe  that  the  NFIS  of  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.  and  its 
subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2018 has not been prepared, in all material respects, in 
accordance with prevailing mercantile legislation and the content of the selected GRI Standards, in 
accordance with that mentioned for each subject area in the table  “GRI Indicators” included in the 
Consolidated Directors’ Report. 

Use and distribution ______________________________________________________ 

This  report  has  been  prepared  in  response  to  the  requirement  established  in  prevailing  mercantile 
legislation in Spain, and thus may not be suitable for other purposes and jurisdictions.  

KPMG Asesores, S.L. 

(Signed) 

Ramón Pueyo Viñuales 

12 February 2019