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FY2020 Annual Report · Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria
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Annual Report
2020

Annual Report 2020 

Contents 

01. Letters from the Group Executive Chairman and the CEO 

02. Management Report 

Non-financial information report 

Group financial information 

Business areas 

Risk management 

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) 

Appendix 

Annual Corporate Governance Report 

03. BBVA Group’s non-financial information alignment with WEF - IBC and SASB standards 

04. Consolidated Financial Statements and Auditors’ Report 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements 

Appendices 

Auditors’ Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
01.
Letters from the 
Group Executive
Chairman and 
the CEO

Letter from the Group Executive Chairman 

Dear shareholder: 

The year 2020 was marked by COVID-19, a global pandemic with severe health and economic consequences. From the 
very beginning, BBVA has stepped up to protect the health and well-being of everyone: employees, customers and society 
in general, with a donation of more than €35 million to purchase medical equipment and support particularly vulnerable 
groups, and research on the disease. 

We have continued providing an essential service and supporting our customers when they needed it most thanks to our 
digital capabilities and remote managers. We have alleviated the financial burden on families and businesses through 
€38  billion of deferrals and flexible payments and our active participation in government aid programs, financing €25 
billion.  With  all  of  this  support,  we  have  helped  three  million  customers  overcome  this  crisis,  preserving  jobs  and 
contributing to the recovery.  

I am very proud of the Bank’s response and of all of the teams’ hard work to make it possible, in line with our purpose: to 
bring the age of opportunity to everyone.   

The health crisis has led to sharp declines in GDP around the world. In particular, the countries where BBVA operates 
have posted a -7.2% fall as a whole, according to BBVA Research estimates. The rapid response from central banks and 
governments, with monetary and fiscal stimulus measures like assistance programs, government-backed lines of credit 
or measures to support jobs have prevented the crisis from having an even greater impact.  

Although early 2021 continues to be affected by the same uncertainties we faced at the end of the previous year, 
growth  will  be  greater  in  the  second  half  of  the  year  if  vaccination  plans  are  fulfilled.  An  effective,  rapid  and  global 
vaccination campaign will be critical to making mobility restrictions more flexible and allowing the sectors of the economy 
that were hit the hardest to return to a certain level of normality.  

Despite  this  environment  and  the  high  level  of  uncertainty,  the  Bank  reported  good  results  in  2020,  posting  a  net 
attributable profit for the year of €3.08 billion excluding one-offs, thanks to the hard work of our team in a highly complex 
environment. Following a first quarter affected by the significant efforts to front-load provisions for the impact of COVID-
19, the Bank’s results have shown a growing trend, reaching €1.32 billion in the last quarter of the year. The efforts made 
in provisions in 2020 allow us to be better prepared for the challenges of 2021, with an 81% NPL coverage ratio - the 
highest of the past decade. Operating income rose 11.7% at constant exchange rates, and we continue to lead our 
European peers in terms of efficiency and profitability.  

The pandemic we are facing has accelerated trends on which our strategy is based, such as digitization. Our pioneering 
commitment is paying off, and has given us an advantage over our competitors that has allowed us to better serve our 
customers, even in a context as complex as the present, and largely operating remotely.  Over 34 million customers do 
their banking with us via smartphone, which represents 59% of the total customer base. In 2020, nearly two-thirds of 
the Group’s sales took place on digital channels.  

We have also made great strides in our commitment to environmental and social sustainability - one of our strategic 
priorities. In this regard, BBVA has been recognized as the most  sustainable  bank  in  Europe,  and  the  second  most 
sustainable bank in the world, according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.  

Our commitment to sustainability is structured around several pillars. First, we help our clients in their transition toward 
a sustainable and inclusive future, with advice, financing and new innovative solutions. A strategy that allows us to take 
advantage of the enormous business opportunity that sustainable investment represents - especially related to climate 
change. In 2020, we mobilized a total of €11 billion in sustainable wholesale loans and bonds, which positions us as one 
of the leading banks in Spain and Europe. This financing is part of our Pledge 2025, of which we have already mobilized 
over €50 billion in just three years, meaning we are well ahead of our total goal of €100 billion by 2025.    

We have also made great progress in our commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Since 2020, we have 
been carbon neutral in the emissions directly generated by our own activity and we have moved forward in aligning 
our investment portfolio to this agreement (also taking into account the impact our clients have on emissions). This will be 
a key issue at the next COP 26, which will be held in Glasgow this year. BBVA will certainly play a highly active role in this 
event. 

Furthermore, in order to be successful in the fight against climate change and inequality, it is critical to have adequate 
information.  For  this  reason,  in  2020  we  published  our  first  TCFD  (‘Task  Force  on  Climate-related  Financial 
Disclosure’) report on the risks and opportunities posed by climate change. We also made the commitment to publish 
the  ESG  metrics  promoted  by  the  World  Economic  Forum’s  International  Business  Council  in  order  to  establish 
international standards to measure, compare and manage performance in sustainability.  

 
Finally, I would like to emphasize the great work that we have been directly carrying out in social action. In 2020, BBVA 
allocated over €140 million to social initiatives and programs to support education, culture, science, entrepreneurship 
and alleviate the effects of COVID-19, benefiting more than 12 million people. But also through our foundations, which 
promote  research,  culture  and  education,  such  as  the  BBVA  Foundation  or  the  BBVA  Foundation  Mexico,  and 
development funding in the case of the BBVA Microfinance Foundation. The efforts of the latter were awarded for a second 
year in a row as the second largest private philanthropic initiative in the world, and the largest in Latin America, by the 
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 

Without  a  doubt,  the  other  major  milestone  in  BBVA’s  strategy  in  2020  was  the  sale  of  our  United  States  business.  A 
historic transaction with very attractive multiples that value our United States subsidiary at nearly 20 times its 2019 
profit.  

The operation allows us to bring out the tremendous value of this business, generating €8.5 billion in capital. This puts 
at an unparalleled position of strength in the sector and gives us a wide range of strategic options.  

Following the United States sale, the Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio stands at 14.6% - well above our capital 
target of 11.5 to 12%. It also positions us as one of the European banks with the greatest distance between the capital 
ratio and the minimum requirement.  

This excess capital allows us to advance in our clear commitment to create value for shareholders. With regards to the year 
2020, we will propose to the Annual General Meeting a payment of 5.9 euro cents gross per share in April 2021; and 
expect to resume our dividend distribution policy of a 35 to 40% payout for the year 2021.   

In addition, this solid capital position opens to the door to other forms of extraordinary distribution to our shareholders. 
Our goal is to put in place a plan to buy back around 10% of the Group’s shares after the United States sale. All subject 
to market conditions and the necessary approvals.  

Ultimately, BBVA looks to 2021 with the same commitment to society that we have had in 2020. Thanks to our great 
strength, we will continue providing our support to overcome this crisis and in the recovery phase.  

Thank  you  for  your  support  and  confidence  as  a  shareholder  in  such  a  complex  year.  It motivates us to continue 
working for a better future.  

Carlos Torres Vila 

BBVA’s Group Executive Chairman 

 
 
Letter from the Chief Executive Officer  

Dear shareholders, 

2020  has  been  a  challenging  year,  marked  by  the  strong  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  with  severe  health  and 
economic consequences. In this context, our priorities have remained clear and unchanged: protecting the health of our 
employees,  clients  and  society  as  a  whole,  providing  an  essential  service  to  the  economy,  and  financial  support  to 
individuals and businesses. 

As a result of the pandemic, the global economy shrunk, according to BBVA Research estimates, by around 2.6% in terms 
of GDP in 2020. This impact is heterogeneous across the countries in which BBVA is present, with a decline of 11.0% in 
Spain, 9.1% in Mexico, 3.6% in the United States, and 6.8% in South America1 as a whole, and all this despite fiscal stimulus 
and  monetary  policy  measures  swiftly  implemented  by  central  banks  and  governments.  Turkey  closed  the  year  with  a 
slight  growth  of  1.0%  in  2020.  As  for  2021,  we  expect  strong  recovery  across  our  footprint,  even  though  uncertainty 
remains high. 

Despite this challenging scenario, BBVA once again has demonstrated the strength of its business model, and has 
reported solid financial results in a context of high uncertainty, with operating income growing at double digit and 
remaining at the forefront of its European peer group in terms of profitability.  

The net attributable profit of BBVA Group in 2020, excluding one-offs, stood at €3.08 billion, 27.2% less than in 
the previous year, at constant euros, as a result of front-loading of provisions and impairments during the first half 
of the year. Taking into account the impact of the goodwill impairment from BBVA USA and the net capital gains from the 
agreement reached with Allianz, the net attributable profit stood at €1.31 billion. 

I would also like to comment on other major milestones we achieved in 2020, the historic sale agreement of our business 
in  the  United States,  which  has  allowed us  to  emerge the  tremendous  value  of  the  unit  and  which  offers  ample 
strategic  optionality.  This  transaction  confirms  our  clear  commitment  to  creating  shareholder  value,  placing  the  pro-
forma fully-loaded CET1 capital ratio at 14.58%. Excluding the impact of this sale, the ratio closed the year at 11.73%, within 
the  target  range  and  almost  flat  compared  to  2019,  after  recovering  from  a  sharp  drop  in  the  first  quarter  due  to  the 
pandemic. 

In terms of shareholder value creation, the tangible book value per share plus dividends closed the year at €6.21, a level 
similar  to  that  of  2019.  And  yet  for  another  year,  our  profitability  metrics  remained  at  the  top  of  our  peer  group. 
Excluding the year’s one-offs, i.e. the impact of the goodwill impairment and net capital gains from the Allianz agreement, 
the return on equity closed at 6.9% and the return on tangible equity at 7.8%. 

All this will allow us to submit, for the consideration of shareholders and supervisors, the proposal to resume shareholder 
distribution with a payment of 5.9 euro cents gross per share in April 2021. 

It is also worth noting the solid performance of our recurring income, which despite the complexity of the environment, 
grew by 2.7%, at constant exchange rates – i.e. without taking into account the impact of the exchange rate -; and the 
discipline in controlling expenses, which, for the first time in many years, fell to 2.6%, at constant euros, despite significant 
inflation rates in some of the countries where BBVA is present. As a result, the efficiency ratio improved by 342 basis points, 
to 46.8%, leading, for yet another year, our group of comparable competitors. All of this led to an operating income growth 
of 11.7% compared to last year, in constant euros. 

Regarding risk indicators, it should be noted that, following front-loaded provisions in the first half of the year as a result of 
the pandemic, they behaved better than expected. Cost of risk stood at 1.51%, at the bottom end of the expected range 
announced by the Bank in the first quarter of the year. The NPL rate rose slightly to 4.0%, while the coverage ratio remained 
at very high levels, closing the year at 81%. 

1 Includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru. 

As for the main business areas, I would like to underline the following: 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

In Spain, the net attributable profit stood at €606 million, down 56.3% from the previous year, due to provisions 
related to the pandemic. However, operating income grew 4.7%, driven by revenues from fees and commissions 
and the drop in operating expenses. The cost of risk improved as the year progressed, after a first half impacted 
by significant provisioning efforts, to finish at 0.67%. The NPL ratio improved to 4.27% and the NPL coverage 
ratio closed the year at 67%. BBVA’s coverage ratio is the highest in Spain’s banking sector. 

In the United States, the net attributable profit stood at €429 million in 2020, after declining 25.5% from 2019, 
at constant euros, due mainly to the increase in loan-loss provisions. As for the top lines, it is worth underscoring 
the 4.4% growth of the operating income, driven by growth in fees and commissions and net trading income and 
by the decline in operating expenses. Cost of risk closed at 1.18%, a significantly lower level than expected in the 
third quarter. 

In Mexico, net attributable profit reached €1,769 million, a figure that represents a 25.8% year-on-year decline, 
at constant euros, as a result of the loan-loss provisions recorded to face the pandemic, partially offset by cost 
containment  efforts,  which  kept  expenses  well  below  inflation.  Risk  indicators  closed  the  year  in  line  with 
expectations, after a first half of the year impacted by strong provisioning efforts. 

In Turkey, the net attributable profit reached €563 million. Excluding the currency fluctuations during the year – 
that is, in constant terms – this figure represents a 41% increase from the preceding year. It is worth noting the 
positive  performance  of  the  net  interest  income,  driven  by  investment  growth  and  solid  price  management 
practices, as well as net trading income and cost containment efforts. 

In South America, it is worth noting the solid performance in the main countries: Argentina, Colombia and Peru. 
The  area’s  attributable  profit  stood  at  €446  million  in  2020,  down  22.6%  at  constant  terms,  as  a  result  of 
provisions related to the pandemic. 

I would like to end by expressing my gratitude to the Group’s more than 123,000 employees for their constant dedication, 
their continuous effort and their contribution to these results in a particularly difficult year for everyone. It is thanks to each 
one of these individuals that we are able to work as one team. And of course, I would also like to thank you, the shareholders, 
for  your  trust  and  your  constant  support  that  drives  us  to  deliver  on  our  purpose:  to  bring  the  age  of  opportunity  to 
everyone. 

 Onur Genç 

BBVA’s Chief Executive Officer 

 
 
 
02.
Management 
report

Contents 

BBVA in brief 

Non-financial information report 

Environment 

Strategy and business model 

Customer comes first 

Technology and innovation 

The best and most engaged team 

Ethical behavior 

Sustainability at BBVA 

Contribution to society 

Contents index of the Law 11/2018 

Contents index of the GRI Standards 

Contents index of the UNEP FI Principles for responsible banking 

Group financial information 

BBVA Group main data 

Highlights 

Results 

Balance sheet and business activity 

Solvency 

The BBVA share 

Business areas 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Corporate Center 

Risk management 

Subsequent events 

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) 

Appendix 

Annual Corporate Governance Report 

2 

4 

5 

14 

23 

33 

36 

60 

71 

97 

114 

120 

131 

137 

137 

138 

141 

146 

148 

153 

155 

158 

161 

164 

167 

170 

174 

176 

178 

199 

200 

211 

212 

This Management Report includes information on the Group's performance in 2020, the definition of the strategy and the activity more 
related to it and to the stakeholders, in the sections of the chapter Non-financial information report; the financial performance in the Group 
Financial Information chapter and the different business areas in the corresponding Business Areas; and all risk management information 
in its corresponding chapter. 

 
BBVA in brief 

BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position 
in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America1 and Turkey2.  

BBVA’s purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on the customer’s real needs: provide the best 
solutions, helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. BBVA rests on solid 
values: Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team. 

2 

1 On January 22, 2021, BBVA announced that the sale of its shareholding stake, direct and indirect, of 100% of the Shareholders' equity of 
Banco GNB Paraguay, S.A. had been completed after obtaining all required authorizations. 

2 As of December 31, 2020, the Group also had a presence in the Sunbelt region in the United States. On November 16, 2020, the Group 
announced that it had reached an agreement with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. for the sale part of the business it develops in 
this country. For more information, see the Group's financial information in this consolidated management report. 

 
 
 
 
                                                                    
 
The Group’s Organizational Chart  

3 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Reporting channel to CEO for Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay and Paraguay, as well as monitoring of all countries, including Spain, Mexico, USA and 
Turkey. 

The exercise of his duties is subject to his registration with the Bank of Spain’s Senior Managers’ Registry. 

Reporting to the Board of Directors. 

 
 
 
4 

Non-financial information report 

Pursuant to Law 11/2018 of December 28, 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),   BBVA  presents  a  non-financial  information  report  that 
includes, but is 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 employee matters. 

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 2020 fiscal year as covered in the article 49.6 of the 
Commercial code introduced by Law 11/2018. 

Reporting  of  the non-financial key performance indicators included (KPI)  in  this consolidated non-financial information 
report  is  performed  using  the  GRI  (Global  Reporting  Initiative)  guide  as  an  international  reporting  framework  in  its 
exhaustive option. 

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). 

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, specific sections have been included throughout, which describe how the outbreak 
of  the  pandemic  has  affected  the  development  of  BBVA  Group's  activities.  In  addition,  in  compliance  with  the 
recommendations  issued  by  the  European  Securities  and  Markets  Authorities  (ESMA)  throughout  2020,  specific 
disclosures have been included in relation to this issue throughout this report. 

The information included in the consolidated non-financial information report is verified by KPMG Auditores, 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. 

. 

 
5 

Environment 

Macro and industry environment and trends 

The Global economy is being severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply, demand and financial factors caused 
an unprecedented fall in GDP in the first half of 2020. Supported by strong fiscal and monetary policy measures, as well as 
greater  control  over  the  spread  of  the  virus,  global  growth  rebounded  more  than  expected  in  the  third  quarter,  before 
slowing down in the fourth, when the number of infections rose again in many regions, mainly in the United States and 
Europe. As for 2021, the unfavorable evolution of the pandemic is expected to adversely affect activity in the short term, 
while  new  fiscal  and  monetary  stimuli,  as  well  as  the  administering  of  coronavirus  vaccines,  are  expected  to  support 
recovery from mid-year onwards. 

Following  the  massive  fiscal  and  monetary  stimuli  to  support  economic  activity  and  reduce  financial  tensions, 
government debt has increased across the board and interest rates have been cut, and are now at historical low levels. 
Additional countercyclical measures may be required. Similarly, a significant reduction in current stimuli is not expected, 
at least until the recovery takes hold. 

Tensions in the financial markets have moderated rapidly since the end of March 2020, following the decisive actions 
taken by the main central banks and the fiscal packages announced in many countries. In recent months, the markets have 
shown relative stability and, at certain times, risk-taking  movements. Likewise, progress related to the development  of 
COVID-19 vaccines and prospects for economic recovery should pave the way for financial volatility to persist at relatively 
low levels in general going forward. 

BBVA Research estimates that global GDP contracted by around 2.6% in 2020 and will expand by around 5.3% in 2021 
and 4.1% in 2022. Activity will recover gradually and heterogeneously among countries. Various epidemiological, financial 
and geopolitical factors are also contributing to the persistent exceptionally high uncertainty.  

GLOBAL GDP GROWTH AND INFLATION (REAL PERCENTAGE GROWTH) 

World 

Eurozone 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 
South America (1) 

Turkey 

China 
Source: BBVA Research estimates. 
(1) It includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru. 

2020 

2021 

GDP 

(2.6) 

(7.3) 

(11.0) 

(3.6) 

(9.1) 

(6.8) 

1.0 

2.2 

Inflation 

GDP 

Inflation 

3.4 

0.3 

(0.3) 

1.3 

3.4 

8.8 

14.6 

2.5 

5.3 

4.1 

5.5 

3.6 

3.2 

4.7 

5.0 

7.5 

3.3 

0.8 

0.7 

2.6 

3.3 

10.4 

10.5 

1.7 

With regard to the banking system, in an environment in which much of the economic activity has been at a stand still for 
several  months,  the  services  provided  have  played  an  essential  role,  basically  for  two  reasons:  firstly,  the  banks  have 
ensured the proper functioning of collections and payments for households and companies, thereby contributing to the 
maintenance of economic activity; secondly, the granting of new lending or the renewal of existing lending has reduced the 
impact of the economic slowdown on household and business income. The support provided by the banks over the months 
of lockdown and public guarantees have been essential in softening the impact of the crisis on companies' liquidity and 
solvency, meaning that banking has become its main source of funding for most companies.  

In terms of profitability, European and Spanish banking have deteriorated, primarily because many entities recorded high 
provisions for impairment on financial assets in the first two quarters of 2020 as a result of the worsening macroeconomic 
environment following the pandemic outbreak. Pre-pandemic profitability levels remained far from the levels prior to the 
previous financial crisis. This is in addition to the accumulation of capital since the previous crisis and the very low interest 
rate environment that we have been experiencing for several years. Nevertheless, the banks are facing this situation from 
a healthy position and with solvency that has been constantly increasing since the 2008 crisis, with reinforced capital and 
liquidity buffers and, therefore, with a greater lending capacity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
6 

Europe 

In  Europe,  the  European  Commission  (hereinafter  EC)  approved  the  European  Recovery  Fund  (Next  Generation  EU, 
hereinafter NGEU) in the amount of €750,000m (5.4% of EU GDP), through subsidies and loans to support investment 
and reforms. The NGEU is an important step in supporting the recovery that could increase the EU GDP between about 1.5 
and  2%  above  the  trajectory  predicted  for  2024,  according  to  EC  estimates,  but  also  poses  a  challenge  in  terms  of 
absorbing resources and investing in effective projects. Furthermore, the extension of support measures by countries to 
the most affected sectors is expected to continue in the first quarter of 2021 at the least. For its part, the European Central 
Bank (hereinafter the ECB) approved a package of accommodative measures at its December meeting. In particular, it 
expanded the pandemic emergency purchase program (PEPP) and extended the purchasing timeline until at least March 
2022, readjusted the conditions of the TLTRO III liquidity auctions, and expanded the measures to relax eligibility criteria 
for collateral. In terms of growth, following a rebound in the Eurozone GDP of up 12.5% quarterly in the third quarter of 
2020, the resurgence of COVID-19 infections since the fall, and the consequent stricter social restrictions in general, are 
negatively  affecting  activity  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2020  and  are  likely  to  extend  into  the  first  half  of  2021.  The  new 
lockdown measures are, however, more selective, and both manufacturing and exports appear to be more resilient, which 
is also thanks to recovery in global demand, especially from China. This could partially offset the sharp decline in activity in 
the consumer and service sectors. BBVA Research expects Eurozone's GDP to contract around 2.5% in the fourth quarter 
of 2020, resulting in an annual fall in GDP of 7.3% in 2020, while weaker stimulus in the first half of 2021 should result in 
slower-than-expected  recovery  for  the  year  as  a  whole  (4.1%),  though  vaccine  distribution  and  the  EU  fiscal  program 
should underpin growth from the second half of 2021 and in 2022 (4.4%). Moreover, national fiscal policies, the extension 
of support measures to the most affected sectors and support from the ECB should prevent more-persistent negative 
effects, which could arise in supply, but also in weaker demand or increased financial tensions.  

Spain 

In terms of growth, according to BBVA Research estimates, Spanish GDP could contract 11.0% in 2020 and grow by 5.5% 
in 2021. With regard to 2020, performance in the third quarter was somewhat better than expected in terms of activity, 
but Spain's GDP was close to stagnation in the fourth quarter. BBVA Research predicts that accelerated economic activity 
in the second half of this year will lead to 7% GDP growth in 2022, assuming that both private consumption and investment 
(public  and  private)  benefit  from  the  mass  vaccination  campaign,  from  expansionary  fiscal  policy  and  from  favorable 
financing  conditions.  Mass  vaccinations  will  result  in  reduced  health  uncertainty,  eased  restrictions  on  the  mobility  of 
workers  and  families,  and  will  allow  businesses  in  the  service  sector  to  open.  These  factors  will  be  key  to  boosting 
consumption and reducing savings accumulated during the crisis period. The funds associated with NGEU will have an 
increasing impact over time, especially on investment, which will also contribute to economic acceleration. Estimates of 
the impact that these funds will have on the economy continue to point to a significant effect in 2021 and the next two years 
(1.5 percentage points on average per year).  

As regards the banking system, according to the latest Bank of Spain data available, the total volume of lending to the 
private  sector  recovered  slightly  in  October  2020  (up  +2.4%  year-on-year)  as  a  result  of  the  growth  of  new  business 
lending transactions since April, within the framework of the public guarantee programs launched by the government to 
combat COVID-19. For their part, asset quality indicators have continued to improve (the NPL ratio was 4.57% in October 
2020). Profitability entered negative ground in the first nine months of 2020 due to the increase in provisions resulting 
from the coronavirus crisis and, more importantly, the extraordinary negative results recorded in the first half of the year 
associated  with  the  deterioration  of  goodwill  in  some  entities.  In  addition,  the  low  interest  rate  environment  has  kept 
profitability under pressure. Spanish institutions maintain comfortable levels of capital adequacy and liquidity. 

United States 

After contracting by 9.0% in the second quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter, GDP increased by 7.4% in 
the  third  quarter,  above  expectations.  Activity  indicators  suggest  that  the  recovery  process  slowed  significantly  in  the 
fourth quarter of 2020, in an environment of a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections. In 2021 the progressive vaccination 
of the population and the highly expansionary fiscal and monetary policies are expected to provide increasing support for 
economic activity. The Federal Reserve will most likely remain committed to supporting financial stability and the recovery 
process, mainly through its zero interest rate policy and asset purchase program. Counter-cyclical fiscal measures, which 
already  amount  to  around  23%  of  GDP,  could  soon  be  expanded.  According  to  BBVA  Research  estimates,  GDP  could 
expand by 3.6% in 2021 and 2.4% in 2022, after falling by around 3.6% in 2020. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is 
expected to reach 5.4% at this year-end and 4.8% at next year end, well below the 14.7% rate recorded in April 2020 after 
the first wave of COVID-19 infections impacted the economy, though still above the average unemployment rate of 3.7% 
observed  in  2019.  Likewise,  GDP  and  unemployment  could  improve  more  than  expected  if  the  newly  elected 
Administration and Congress adopt additional fiscal stimulus measures.  

In the banking system as a whole, the most recent activity data provided by the Fed (November 2020) shows the effects 
of the programs launched to combat COVID-19, with year-on-year lending and deposit growth rates of 3.63% and 20.37% 
respectively for the system. NPLs remain under control, with the NPL ratio standing at 1.58% in the third quarter of 2020. 

 
7 

Mexico 

Following a rebound in growth during the third quarter of the year, Mexico's economic recovery slowed in the last quarter, 
which  was  also  influenced  by  the  announcement  of  new  mobility  restrictions  during  November  and  December.  BBVA 
Research estimates that the Mexican economy will contract by 9.1% in 2020 and will grow by 3.2% in 2021. In this sense, 
the lack of sufficient fiscal stimuli can result in slow recovery. On the other hand, Mexico has acquired vaccine doses from 
different suppliers, which implies an impetus for economic activities to resume. In terms of inflation, this will remain close 
to the center of the Bank of Mexico's target range, and BBVA Research estimates that the central bank will continue with 
the decreasing cycle of monetary policy rate gradually in February from the current 4.25% to 3.5% in May 2021.     

Regarding the banking system, according to CNBV data as of November 2020, loans decreased by 0.79%, whereby an 
increase was only observed in the mortgage portfolio, while deposits increased by 11.4% year-on-year (demand and term 
deposits). The NPL ratio increased year-on-year (4.01% in November 2020) and capital indicators were comfortable. 

Turkey 

For Turkey, BBVA Research estimates that GDP grew by 1% in 2020, and is expected to increase by 5.0% in 2021 and by 
4.5% in 2022. GDP in the third quarter of 2020 grew more than expected and the services sector contributed positively, 
while other key sub-sectors also showed a strong rebound. The central bank (CBRT) continued to tighten its monetary 
policy through various different channels in the third quarter of 2020. But in November, at its monetary policy meeting 
following the appointment of a new governor, CBRT raised the official interest rate (one-week repo) by 475 basis points to 
15% and reinforced this stance at the December monetary policy meeting by raising the policy rate another 200 basis 
points to 17%. BBVA Research predicts that CBRT will start to lower rates gradually in the fourth quarter of 2021. Inflation 
estimates have been adjusted to 10.5% for 2021. 

Based on data from November 2020, the total volume of lending in the banking system increased by 38.4% year-on-year. 
These growth rates include the effect of inflation. The NPL ratio stood at 3.97% at the close of November 2020. 

Argentina 

In  Argentina,  GDP  in  the  third  quarter  of  the  year  was  a  positive  surprise,  driven  by  eased  mobility  restrictions,  with 
moderation observed in the last quarter of 2020. BBVA Research estimates that GDP has contracted by 11% in 2020 and 
will partially recover to around 6% in 2021. Inflation closed the year at 36.1%, and BBVA Research believes that 2021 will 
see authorities maintain the preference for avoiding abrupt exchange rate adjustments, the freezing of public service fees 
and the extension of closures to contain the pandemic, though they will be partial. Therefore BBVA Research estimates 
that inflation will close the year at 50%. With regard to fiscal policy, some savings measures were implemented at the end 
of 2020 so that the primary deficit would close the year at around 6.5% of GDP, significantly below our previous estimates. 
BBVA Research believes that an agreement will be reached with the IMF by the second quarter to refinance loans in excess 
of USD 50,000m. 

In the banking system, the positive trend for both lending and deposit growth has continued in 2020, although notably 
influenced by high inflation. Based on data from October 2020, profitability indicators have deteriorated significantly (ROE: 
15.0% and ROA: 2.2%) due to the effect of COVID-19, after reaching record highs at the end of 2019. For its part, the NPL 
ratio fell slightly to 4.3% in October 2020. 

Colombia 

BBVA Research estimates a contraction of 7.2% in 2020 and a partial recovery of 4.8% in 2021. The growth dynamic this 
year will be driven by housing construction, which is one of the pillars of the government's recovery policies. Recovery will, 
however, be limited due to the effect of new closures given the outbreaks of the pandemic and due to the effect of the 
probable tax reform, which could entail a higher VAT. In terms of inflation, prices recorded their lowest change since the 
50s, closing 2020 at 1.6%, resulting from low demand and the low level of exchange rate transfer to prices. By 2021, BBVA 
Research estimates that inflation will remain low until April, with a significant rebound thereafter, to around 2.8% at year 
end. BBVA Research believes that with inflation under control and activity beginning to normalize, the Central Bank could 
keep the monetary policy interest rate stable at its current level of 1.75% until the second quarter of 2022. 

Total lending in the banking system grew by 5.95% year-on-year at the end of September 2020, due to the growth in the 
commercial portfolio driven by government-approved letters of lending and guarantee programs during the pandemic. 
The system's  NPL ratio as of October  2020 was  5.04%.  Total deposits  increased by 15.47% year-on-year in the same 
period. 

 
8 

Peru 

Peru's  GDP  was  a  positive  surprise  in  the  last  quarter  of  2020  with  a  contraction  of  close  to  3.3%,  much  lower  than 
estimated.  This  improved  dynamic  was  the  result  of  the  continued  reopening  of  the  economy  following  the  lockdown 
measures adopted to limit the spread of the pandemic. BBVA Research estimates that the GDP contracted by 11.5% in 
2020. For 2021, BBVA Research estimates that growth will stand at 10%, and that the mining and construction sectors will 
drive this recovery. Meanwhile, the political tensions experienced at the end of the year have diminished, but the elections 
scheduled for April will bring about political uncertainty, at least during the first part of the year. In terms of inflation, it 
closed the year at 2%, within the central bank's target. BBVA Research expects a declining profile in the coming months, 
influenced by weak demand and closing the year at 1.6%. The Central Bank has reduced the monetary policy rate to the 
lowest level in history, 0.25%. BBVA Research estimates that this interest rate level will remain throughout the year and 
predicts that the first increase to the interest rate will not occur until the first half of 2022.  

The  banking  system  showed  high  year-on-year  growth  rates  for  lending  and  deposits  (up  14.0%  and  up  23.6% 
respectively, at the end of November 2020), due to the strong momentum of the Plan Reactiva Perú; the system presented 
lower profitability levels due to the current crisis (ROE: 5.39% as of November 2020) but with contained NPLs (NPL ratio: 
3.22% as of November 2020) due to the payment deferrals applied. 

INTEREST RATES (PERCENTAGE) 

Official ECB rate 
Euribor 3 months (1) 
Euribor 1 year (1) 
USA Federal rates 

TIIE (Mexico) 

CBRT (Turkey)  
(1) Calculated as the month average. 

31-12-20  30-09-20  30-06-20  31-03-20  31-12-19  30-09-19  30-06-19 
0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

(0.54) 

(0.50) 

0.25 

4.25 

(0.49) 

(0.41) 

0.25 

4.25 

17.00 

10.25 

(0.38) 

(0.15) 

(0.42) 

(0.27) 

0.25 

5.00 

8.25 

0.25 

6.50 

9.75 

(0.39) 

(0.26) 

1.75 

7.25 

(0.42) 

(0.34) 

2.00 

7.75 

(0.33) 

(0.19) 

2.50 

8.25 

12.00 

16.50 

24.00 

Foreign exchanges have also been subject to volatility in other markets as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The strong 
monetary and fiscal response at the global level, in addition to idiosyncratic factors in some of the geographic areas in 
which the Group operates, have conditioned the performance of currencies. The euro has generally appreciated against 
major currencies. The Mexican peso suffered a sharp depreciation following the COVID-19 outbreak in the first quarter of 
the year, but has subsequently recovered ground, closing the year with a depreciation of 13.1% against the euro. The U.S. 
dollar has also weakened in the second part of the year and closed 2020 with an 8.5% decline against the euro. The Turkish 
lira has ended with a negative variation by 26.7%. Other currencies depreciated against the euro as follows: Colombian 
peso (down 12.6%), Peruvian sol (down 16.3%), Chilean peso (down 3.6%) and Argentine peso (down 34.8%). 

For information on the BBVA Group's exchange rate risk management policies, see the "Risk Management" chapter of this 
report. 

EXCHANGE RATES (EXPRESSED IN CURRENCY/EURO) 

Year-end exchange rates 

Average exchange rates 

U.S. dollar 

Mexican peso 

Turkish lira 

Peruvian sol 

Argentine peso (1) 

Chilean peso 

Colombian peso 

∆ % on 

∆ % on 

31-12-20 

31-12-19 

30-09-20 

1.2271 

24.4160 

9.1131 

4.4470 

103.2543 

872.41 

4,212.02 

(8.5) 

(13.1) 

(26.7) 

(16.3) 

(34.8) 

(3.6) 

(12.6) 

(4.6) 

7.2 

(0.2) 

(5.3) 

(13.7) 

5.3 

7.8 

2020 

1.1418 

24.5301 

8.0501 

3.9923 

- 

903.06 

4,216.81 

∆ % on 

2019 

(2.0) 

(12.1) 

(21.0) 

(6.5) 

- 

(12.9) 

(12.9) 

(1) According to IAS 29 "Financial information in hyperinflationary economies", the year-end exchange rate is used for the conversion of the Argentina income statement.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
9 

Regulatory Environment 

Banking after COVID-19 

The regulatory environment of the financial industry during 2020 has been marked by the COVID-19 health crisis and the 
changes  that  have  occurred  in  the  lives  of  companies,  consumers,  workers  and,  ultimately,  in  society  as  a  whole. 
Throughout this financial year, the rapid reaction of supervisors and regulators has been particularly notable, as they did 
not wait for the situation to deteriorate before adopting strong response measures, allowing them to relax some existing 
regulatory  requirements  and  implement  regulatory  changes  and  measures  to  adapt  to  the  challenges  posed  by  this 
pandemic and the challenges it could pose in the coming months, since, unlike during the previous crisis, banks were in a 
solid position in terms of solvency and liquidity this time around. 

This section analyzes the regulatory milestones set due to COVID-19 (regulatory flexibility, payment deferrals, restriction 
of dividend distribution and use of capital buffers), as well as other measures taken for trends prior to its emergence, such 
as those aimed at improving the situation in the markets (with projects such as the Capital Markets Union and reference 
indices  reforms),  the  challenge  of  financial  sustainability  with  the  fulfillment  of  Environmental,  Social  and  Governance 
(ESG) criteria and the transformation toward an increasingly digital business model where regulation must aid innovation 
and change processes and systems so that banks can compete in the new ecosystem of financial service providers that 
are highly efficient, technologically advanced and subject to less-demanding regulation. 

Regulatory response to COVID-19 (payment-deferrals, dividends, NPL buffers)  

The economic consequences of the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak have been met by an agile, forceful 
response from national and international regulatory authorities. These measures have highlighted the fundamental role 
that banks play as finance providers in extraordinary situations such as the one experienced, which entails strong liquidity 
stress.  

The set of measures taken by the global, European and Spanish regulatory authorities during 2020 to reduce pressure on 
banks in the midst of the global pandemic has enabled institutions to channel their efforts and resources more efficiently 
and swiftly in order to contribute to a rapid economic recovery. 

At the global level, the Financial Stability Board (hereinafter FSB) encouraged competent authorities to use the flexibility 
of international standards. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) announced a delay in implementing the 
Basel III package (until 2023) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued a guide on the application 
of IFRS 9 in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. 

These measures have been aimed at maintaining the provision and extension of credit in exceptional circumstances. 
However, this extension necessarily requires proper recognition of potential impairments. In this regard, both prudential 
and accounting authorities have made it clear that the flexibility that has been included in the rules should be used so as to 
avoid automatisms in the reclassification of exposures. This has been particularly relevant in cases where payments have 
been made on certain loans. 

Among the measures announced by European agencies, the most significant have been those related to the possibility of 
using prudential buffers, for both capital and liquidity. In this regard, the European Commission, the European Banking 
Authority (hereinafter, EBA) and the ECB have had to adjust their initial work plans to allow financial institutions to devote 
more resources to stimulating the real economy.  

The ECB stated that entities could operate under capital and liquidity buffers, and called on banks to apply restrictions on 
dividend distribution and share buybacks until September 30, 2021, as well as to exercise caution when paying variable 
remuneration.  For  its  part,  the  EBA  updated  its  work  program  for  2020  to  reflect  all  the  changes  that  the  COVID-19 
pandemic has had on its activities. The EBA therefore only engaged in new consultations that were considered critical, 
postponed  the  publication  of  the  final  technical  standards  based  on  their  degree  of  completion  and  the  time  frame 
envisaged for their implementation, and suspended the data collections normally used for ad-hoc analyses. The EBA also 
provided operational relief to financial institutions by postponing the 2020 stress test and recommending that authorities 
make  use  of  the  regulatory  flexibility.  It  has  also  published  guidelines  on  the  handling  of  public  and  private  payment 
deferrals and other national measures. Additionally, the EBA has published guidelines regarding the treatment of public 
and private payment deferrals, which have been extended until March 31, 2021, as well as its reporting and other national 
measures for the banks to continue to grant loans at the same time as recognizing any solvency issue, ensuring by the 
latter, that problematic loans are adequately reflected in the banks’ accounts. 

The European Commission published in December 2020 its Action Plan about non-performing loans (NPLs) in which it 
highlights the need to act rapidly and not incurring the same situation lived during the last crisis to guarantee the protection 
of clients and especially vulnerable debtors. This action plan is based on four points: i) Development of secondary markets 
for the impaired assets; ii) network of bad banks (AMCs); iii) Frameworks for insolvency, restructuring and debt recovery; 
and iv) NPLs management via a crisis management framework and governmental support programs. 

 
10 

In  terms  of  regulations  affecting  the  banking  sector,  the  main  changes  to  the  prudential  framework  of  the  Capital 
Requirements Regulation (known as "CRR Quick Fix") intended to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and ensure the flow 
of  credit  have  been  as  follows:  i)  extension  of  the  transitional  agreement  to  mitigate  the  effect  of  IFRS  9  on  capital;  ii) 
modification of the prudential backstop of provisions for loans with public guarantees, bringing it in line with the beneficial 
treatment received by other guaranteed exposures; iii) anticipation of support factors for SMEs and infrastructure, which 
allow  the  risk  weighting  of  these  exposures  to  be  reduced;  (iv)  early  implementation  of  the  EBA  decision  on  software 
deduction; and (v) prudential filtering for sovereign bond exposures so as to reduce the effects of potential volatility in 
these instruments on entities capital. 

As  regards  the  regulation  of  the  bank  resolution  framework,  under  the  umbrella  of  the  Single  Resolution  Board 
(hereinafter SRB), in response to the pandemic, the deadlines for banks to report the creation of the minimum required 
eligible liabilities (MREL) required by European standards have been extended. The body, however, has decided not to 
extend the deadline for banks to make their annual contribution to the future Single Resolution Fund and has encouraged 
the  early  adoption  of  the  Resolution  Directive  and  Regulation  (known  as  BRRD2/SRMR2  respectively).  The  European 
Commission published a consultation paper on the roadmap for the crisis management framework and its intention to 
carry  out  an  impact  assessment  on  the  potential  modification  of  the  crisis  management  framework  and  the  deposit 
guarantee fund framework (BRRD/SRMR/DGSD) for a legislative initiative in 2021.  

On  a  purely  national  level,  within  the  temporary  framework  of  state  aid  from  the  European  Commission,  the  Spanish 
authorities approved a mortgage payment deferral and a credit facility with a €100,000m public guarantee. The Bank of 
Spain,  in  line  with  international  and  European  authorities,  also  issued  several  statements  recommending  not  to  pay 
dividends, in addition to statements on the flexibility of the accounting regulation regarding provisions.  

Lastly,  operational  measures  have  also  been  adopted,  mainly  related  to  reporting  and  information  disclosure 
requirements, which aim to relieve entities from part of the operational burden resulting from regulatory and supervisory 
processes, thus allowing them to focus on their main activity, the granting of loans. 

Financial markets: Capital Markets Union, securitization and reference indices.  

1. Capital Markets Union 

The European Commission published an ambitious new Action Plan to boost the EU's Capital Markets Union (hereinafter, 
CMU), proposing 16 specific measures to make real progress toward completing the CMU in the coming years. The EU's 
main priority  in 2020 has been to ensure  that Europe can recover from the unprecedented economic crisis caused by 
COVID-19 and, in this sense, it is considered that the CMU can act as a lever to boost private finance as an essential factor 
in this recovery, to boost the transition toward a sustainable economy, to put the capital markets at the service of people 
and to project the global competitiveness of the EU economy by strengthening the international role of the euro. The Action 
Plan has three key objectives: i) to ensure that the EU's economic recovery is green, digital, inclusive and solid by making 
finance more accessible to European businesses, particularly to SMEs; ii) to make the EU an even safer place for individuals 
to  save  and  invest  in  the  long  term;  and  iii)  to  integrate  national  capital  markets  into  a  genuine  single  EU-wide  capital 
market. 

As part of this plan, the European Commission has proposed the Capital Markets Recovery Package, which contains 
specific  adjustments  to  the  Prospectus  Regulation,  MiFID  II  and  securitization  rules.  The  Commission  has  proposed 
creating an "EU Recovery Prospectus," a kind of shortened prospectus, for companies that already have a track record in 
the public market. It is also introducing some specific modifications to MiFID II requirements in order to reduce some of 
the  administrative  burdens  that  investors  have  faced  in  their  business-to-business  relations.  At  the  same  time,  it  also 
proposes to readjust requirements to ensure that there is a high level of transparency with respect to the customer, while 
simultaneously  guaranteeing  the  highest  standards  of  protection  and  acceptable  compliance  costs  for  European 
companies.  Lastly,  specific  modifications  to  the  securitization  rules  have  been  proposed  to  amend  the  Securitization 
Regulation  and  the  Capital  Requirements  Regulation  in  order  to  enhance  the  securitization  market  as  a  balance  sheet 
management tool for risk reduction and NPL management as a result of COVID-19. Its final version will not be available until 
the beginning of 2021. 

 
 
 
11 

2. Reference indices reform 

Throughout 2020, the public and private sectors continued to work in coordination on the reform of the financial market 
interest reference indices and on the transition toward new alternative indices. The FSB has called on financial and non-
financial sector entities in all jurisdictions to continue their efforts to make wider use of risk-free rates in order to reduce 
dependence on IBORs (such as LIBOR, EURIBOR and TIBOR), and in particular to eliminate the remaining dependence on 
the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR), which could disappear by the end of 2021, by publishing a roadmap setting 
out a timetable of actions for financial and non-financial entities to ensure an orderly transition. 

In  Europe,  the  Commission  proposed  amending  EU  rules  on  financial  reference  indices  in  July.  The  purpose  of  the 
amendments is to create a framework that allows for the application, at the request of the European Commission, of a legal 
substitute rate when a systemically important reference index such as LIBOR or others ceases to be published or becomes 
unrepresentative.  This  will  reduce  legal  uncertainty  surrounding  existing  contracts  that  do  not  contain  adequate 
replacement indices and will avoid risks to financial stability. 

The United Kingdom has also presented a legislative proposal that seeks to reduce the risk of litigation linked to potential 
disputes  in  contracts  linked  to  LIBOR  that  cannot  be  renegotiated  before  the  LIBOR's  date  of  disappearance  or 
unrepresentativeness  in  order  to  change  the  rate  or  include  suitable  substitutes.  Among  other  issues,  the  regulatory 
proposal  allows  the  Financial  Conduct  Authority  (FCA)  to  urge  a  change  in  the  methodology  of  an  index  ("synthetic 
benchmark") and prohibit its use by supervised entities in the United Kingdom except for certain types of contracts, which 
have yet to be specified ("tough legacy").  

Lastly, various policy proposals have been made in the United States, some of which are limited to New York State and 
some of which are nationwide, but, thus far, none have been as successful as hoped. 

Greater coordination between the various legislators would be very conducive to ensuring an orderly transition. 

3. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) 

There  is  a  strong  global  consensus  on  the  need  to  improve  policies  on  anti-money  laundering  and  anti-terrorist 
financing. To this end, the European Commission iniciated consultation on an action plan for a comprehensive EU policy 
on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (PMLTF). The plan aims to implement an improved, robust 
and  efficient  regulatory  framework  that  is  adapted  to  innovation  and  ensures  harmonized  supervision,  in  all  member 
states. Legislative proposals are expected for 2021. 

Sustainable finance: Toward integration in regulation and prudential supervision 

Throughout  2020,  progress  has  continued  to  be  made  so  that  the  ESG  criteria  reach  the  entities'  policies  and  their 
financial and risk departments specifically, so that these criteria fully integrate into their actions and corporate culture. The 
pandemic appears to have been an accelerator in this area as well. 

At  the  global  level,  the  FSB  published  its  assessment  of  financial  authorities'  experience  in  including  physical  and 
transitional  weather  risks  as  part  of  their  financial  stability  monitoring.  The  Task  Force  on  Climate-related  Financial 
Disclosures (hereinafter, TCFD), created by the FSB, has published a consultation paper with the objective of gathering 
feedback on climate-related forward-looking metrics that are useful for decision-making in the financial sector. The TCFD 
has also published important documents  on sustainability: its third progress report in which  it highlights  the  growth of 
disclosures in companies linked to the TCFD Recommendations; a guide on the analysis of climate-related scenarios and 
on the integration of climate-related risks in existing risk management processes; and a guide on the analysis of climate-
related scenarios for non-financial companies.  

The  EU  continues  to  integrate  sustainability  into  the  financial  system  and  continues  to  make  progress  in  developing 
regulations for this purpose. The European Commission therefore consulted on its renewed sustainable finance strategy, 
which  is  expected  to  be  published  in  early  2021.  It  has  also  consulted  on  a  possible  initiative  on  sustainable  corporate 
governance principles. For  their part, the Commission, Council and Parliament agreed on  the  taxonomy of sustainable 
activities with a common classification system applicable from the end of 2021 for adaptation and mitigation objectives. 
The European supervisory authorities (ESAs) published a consultation paper with a set of disclosure standards on ESG 
information. The survey is part of EBA's work to develop a draft Technical Implementation Standard (TIS) on the disclosure 
of prudential information regarding ESG risks. It will also be used to monitor the short-term expectations specified in the 
EBA Action Plan on Sustainable Finance. The EBA has also published for consultation the document on management and 
monitoring  of  ESG  risks,  which  covers  a  wide  range  of  topics  (definition  of  ESG  risks  and  factors,  quantitative  and 
qualitative  indicators).  Lastly,  the  ECB  published  its  final  guidelines  on  its  supervisory  expectations  regarding  climate 
change and environmental risks at the end of the year. 

 
 
 
12 

Regulation in the field of digital transformation of the financial sector  

The  regulatory  environment  in  the  framework  of  digital  transformation  has  also  been  significantly  influenced  by  the 
COVID-19 health crisis, which has helped to establish the pre-existing trends in the economy's digitalization. The lessons 
learned during this crisis about the benefits of digitalization have fueled the authorities' work during this year, whereby they 
have updated their priorities and defined new action plans to maximize the benefits of digitalization for the economy. In the 
European Union, this has resulted in the publication of new strategies and initiatives, both throughout the economy as a 
whole and specifically for the financial sector. 

In February, the European  Commission published a strategy to shape the European Union's digital future. This digital 
strategy is based on two main pillars: strengthening the use of data, and developing and regulating artificial intelligence 
(hereinafter AI). As regards the first pillar, the data strategy, the European Commission announced a series of measures 
and new regulations, to be adopted between 2020 and 2021, aimed at facilitating the reuse of data, with a focus on public 
and business data. Among these measures, the Data Governance Regulations published in November will regulate the so-
called "data spaces," aimed at facilitating the aggregation of data from certain sectors and the development of frameworks 
for data sharing. Furthermore, although the strategy is not especially focused on personal data, it contemplates that the 
right  to  data  portability  established  in  the  General  Data  Protection  Regulations  could  be  improved  in  another  new 
regulatory  initiative  (Data  Act),  to  be  published  in  2021.  These  initiatives  can  certainly  contribute  to  increasing  the 
European Union's competitiveness, allowing European citizens and companies to extract more value from their data.  

In  the  White  Paper  on  Artificial  Intelligence  —the  second  pillar  of  the  digital  strategy—  the  European  Commission 
proposed measures to encourage research and investment in AI, and raised the possibility of introducing new regulation 
for certain applications of this technology in sectors designated as high risk, such as health or transport. The European 
Commission is expected to publish its proposal to regulate AI in the first quarter of 2021. In Spain, on December 2, 2020, 
the Government published the National Strategy of Artificial Intelligence aligned with the European initiatives. 

In  their  effort  to  ensure  a  digital,  competitive  European  economy,  the  authorities  have  also  worked  on  revising  the 
competition rules during 2020, to ensure that they are appropriate to the challenges of the digital age. With this objective, 
on December 15, the European Commission published a new legal proposal which aims to establish new obligations for 
large digital platforms, as part of a new regulation of digital services. The modernization of competition policy has also been 
a priority in the United States in 2020, as shown by the report published by Congress in October discussing the state of 
competition in digital markets and proposing options for updating competition policy.  

The work plans of the European authorities to promote the digitalization of the financial sector have also been renewed 
this  year.  In  September,  the  European  Commission  published  its  new  strategy  for  digital  finance,  which  outlines  the 
roadmap  until  2024.  In  addition  to  pursuing  a  regulatory  framework  that  encourages  innovation,  the  strategy  seeks  to 
eliminate barriers to the digital single market by implementing, among other things, a new cross-border framework for 
digital  identity.  Furthermore,  largely  motivated  by  the  emergence  of  new  financial  service  providers  (FinTechs  and 
BigTechs),  the  strategy  proposes  a  review  of  the  financial  sector's  regulatory  and  supervisory  framework  to  ensure 
compliance with the "same activity, same risk, same regulation" principle.  

In line with the growing importance of data in the digital world, another key objective of this new strategy is to move toward 
a  more  data-driven  financial  sector.  To  this  end,  the  European  Commission,  in  collaboration  with  the  European 
Supervisory Authorities, will study how to facilitate the use of AI in the financial sector and the possibility of extending the 
data-sharing  principles  of  open  banking  regulations  such  as  the  Payment  Services  Directive  (PSD2)  to  other  financial 
services and products. We still have to wait until 2022 to find out the authorities' proposals on the latter point; i.e. once the 
new  rules  to  promote  data  sharing  in  the  digital  economy  have  been  developed  (within  the  framework  of  the 
aforementioned data strategy).  

Alongside this strategy for digital finance, the European Commission proposed a new Regulation on Digital Operational 
Resilience to harmonize requirements across the EU. This new Regulation establishes requirements for technological risk 
management and proposes the creation of a direct monitoring framework for critical third parties (e.g. cloud computing 
service providers). 

The year 2020 has also been very significant for the payments sector. On July 2, 16 major banks in the Eurozone, including 
BBVA, announced the beginning of the implementation phase of the European Payments Initiative (EPI). The objective of 
this  initiative—to  create  a  comprehensive  pan-European  payment  solution  enabling  instant  payments—is  shared  by 
European authorities. This is  demonstrated  by the European Commission's new retail  payments strategy, published in 
September, which, among other things, aims to promote pan-European payment solutions and immediate payments in 
the "new normal." The intention to revise the aforementioned PSD2 at the end of next year has also been announced as 
part  of  this  strategy.  At  the  global  level,  following  the  G20  mandate,  the  Committee  on  Payments  and  Market 
Infrastructures (CPMI) and the FSB published a roadmap in 2020 setting out actions to be implemented in the coming 
years to improve cross-border payments.  

 
13 

Another area that attracted a lot of attention from international bodies and European regulators during 2020 was that of 
cryptoassets. At the global level, the FSB published a report in October with high-level recommendations for the regulation 
and supervision of global stablecoin schemes. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) also worked throughout 2020 to 
strengthen its standards to address the money laundering risks of this type of activity. 

At the European level, the Commission published several legislative proposals on this matter in September, including the 
proposal for regulation to govern the cryptoasset markets (known as MiCA). This proposal includes rules to regulate the 
issuance of previously unregulated cryptoassets (including stablecoins) and related service providers, such as the custody 
or exchange of cryptoassets. For its part, the ECB published a report and a consultation paper in October on the possible 
issuance of a "digital euro," an official digital currency, at the retail level, which would complement cash. The Eurosystem 
has not made a decision on its issuance, but wants to be prepared to do so in the future, if necessary.  

The year 2020 has also been a year of much regulatory action on the digital plane in all countries. In Spain, the most notable 
development has been the approval of legislation in November to create a regulatory sandbox for the financial sector. In 
Turkey, a new payment rule came into force in January, which introduced a new open banking framework, similar to the 
one introduced by the aforementioned PSD2 in Europe. Turkish authorities worked throughout 2020 to develop the exact 
rules for implementing this framework. Meanwhile, Mexico's financial authorities also continued to develop the body of 
regulations derived from the Fintech Act throughout the year. 

 
Strategy and business model 

Introduction 

In 2019, BBVA conducted a strategic review process to continue its transformation and adapt itself to the major trends 
that were reshaping the world and the financial services industry. In 2020, BBVA made progress in the development of its 
strategy,  based  on  its Purpose,  the  six  Strategic  Priorities,  and  its  Values,  all  of  which  are  fundamental  pillars  of  the 
Organization's overall strategy.  

14 

The COVID-19 crisis validates our strategic vision 

During 2020 an unprecedented sanitary crisis has been suffered, with major economic and social implications. This 
unique situation has accelerated some relevant trends some of which are expected to remain, as outlined below:  

  More challenging macroeconomic environment with a strong GDP contraction in 2020 whose recovery is still 
uncertain. This tougher context will impact directly on the banking sector with lower expected loan growths, lower 
interest rates for longer and higher Cost of Risk.  

  Acceleration of client digitization. Social distancing has led to a massive use of e-commerce and other remote 
services (tele-health, e-learning, etc.). This acceleration has also been perceived in the banking sector with higher 
usage of online and remote assistance channels.     

  Higher  concern  for  sustainability,  both  in  the  climate  and  social  field.  Social  component  has  gained 
momentum due to the social urgency derived from the economic crisis while climate action remains a key topic 
for all stakeholders.  

  Acceleration of innovation. The pandemic has made evident the vulnerability of economies to external shocks. 
In  order  to  look  for  a  greater  resilience,  governments,  public  institutions  and  the  private  sector,  see  the 
recuperation plans as an opportunity to advance faster in terms of innovations (such as the investment in 5G, AI, 
data, etc.).  

 
         
 
 
This rapid advance of previous trends reinforces BBVA’s vision of the future and its strategy: 

15 

Good progress in a challenging year 

The emergence of the COVID-19 virus in China and its global spread to a large number of countries resulted in the viral 
outbreak being classified as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization from March 11, 2020. The pandemic has 
and continues to adversely affect the global economy and the economic conditions and activity of the countries in which 
the Group operates, driving many of these countries into an economic recession. 

After  following  the  latest  news  about  the  virus  at  the  beginning  of  2020,  the  Bank's  Corporate  Continuity  Committee 
decided on March 9 to create a global war room, a crisis management team with a global overview of what was happening 
at each moment, and with the operational capacity to make swift decisions, in order to meet two of the Bank's fundamental 
and priority objectives: first  of all,  to  preserve  the  health  of  all  employees  and  customers,  and  secondly  to  ensure 
business  and  service  continuity.  The  continuous  and  efficient  coordination  with  the  countries’  war  rooms,  as  well  as 
continuous reporting to the Group's management and governance bodies, have facilitated the rapid and effective adoption 
of the measures required at any given time. 

This swift decision-making, combined with digital and remote management capabilities, has allowed the BBVA Group to 
continue providing its services in all of the geographical areas in which it operates throughout the pandemic, and to provide 
its  customers  with  the  necessary  support  to  meet  their  financing  needs  and  alleviate  their  burden  through  various 
initiatives  such  as  payment  deferrals  or  making  payments  more  flexible.  All  this  has  been  accompanied  by  continuous 
monitoring  and  management  of  the  main  impacts  of  the  crisis  on  the  Bank's  business  and  risks,  such  as  the  financial 
impacts on the income statement, capital or liquidity. 

In  this  context,  BBVA's  strategy  regarding  the  relationship  model  and  digital  capabilities  has  been  reaffirmed  and  has 
proven to be an asset in this environment, allowing it to be closer to customers when they have needed it most. 

2020 was an extraordinary year that required a rapid and efficient response. Despite this tough environment and thanks 
to the agility of the Organization, BBVA has been able to take an important step in the promotion and evolution of the 
six strategic priorities. 

 
 
 
 
16 

1.  Improving our clients’ financial health 

BBVA aspires to be the trusted financial partner for its clients helping them with personal advice in their decision-making 
and management of their finances in order to help them achieve their vital and business goals.   

In this sense, during 2020, BBVA continued enhancing its differentiated value proposition by developing financial health 
global solutions, launching initiatives to be present in its clients’ day to day transactionality and evolving its digital offer to 
enterprise clients, taking advantage of its international presence. 

For more information, see the chapters "The customer comes first" and "Contribution to society" included in this report. 

2.  Helping our clients transition towards a sustainable future 

BBVA is aware of the remarkable role of banks in the transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive future, through 
its  financing  operations  and  advisory  services.  For  this  reason,  BBVA  is  committed  to  align  its  activity  to  the  Paris 
Agreement, and it wants to use its role to help its clients transition toward a more sustainable future, inspiring itself in the 
Sustainable Development Goals selected.  

For  BBVA  those  Sustainable  Development  Goals  (SDGs)  are  priority  in  which  the  Group  can  have  a  greater  positive 
impact by harnessing the multiplier effect of banking. 

In this regard, BBVA is implementing this strategic priority through two ways: 

  Climate Action: mobilizing the appropriate resources to manage the challenge of climate change tackling those 
SDGs involved, i.e. Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and 
Climate action (SGD 13).   

 

Inclusive  Growth:  mobilizing  the  investments  needed  to  build  inclusive  infrastructures  and  support  inclusive 
economic development. In this case, the SDGs that BBVA wants to foster are: Decent work and economic growth 
(SDG 8) and Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). 

For more information, see the chapter “Sustainability at BBVA” included in this report.  

3.  Reaching more clients 

BBVA looks to grow by being where the client is. It aims to accelerate the profitable growth, supporting itself on its own and 
third party channels with a special focus on digital and most profitable segments.  

In this sense, during 2020, and despite the tough environment, BBVA has been able to increase strongly its clients in 
all  its  footprint  (+  3.6%  with  respect  to  2019).  This  growth  has  been  boosted  by  the  digital  channels.  The  number  of 
customers acquired through these channels has increased in 56% with respect to 2019.  

BBVA not only has carried out successful strategies to gain clients but also has set the grounds for future growth in the 
coming years. On the one hand, it has strengthened its open market capabilities in its own channels (e.g. biometric 
own verification technology improvement, E2E digital onboarding channel optimization, etc.). On the other hand, it has 
reinforced the acquisition of customers with attractive partnerships with third parties.  

For more information, see the chapter “The customer comes first” that follows. 

4.  Driving operational excellence 

BBVA wants to provide the best  customer experience, with  simple  and  automated  processes,  and  maintaining  its 
focus in the solid management of risks and the optimum capital allocation.  

In  this  regard,  BBVA  is  focusing  on  a  simpler,  more  scalable  and  productive  model  leveraging  on  BBVA´s  digital 
capabilities where customers could access products and services remotely. BBVA wants to perform this service with an 
efficient and productive operational model with simple and automated processes on account of new technology and data 
analytics.  

This operational excellence has to be performed with a robust risk management, taking into account both financial and 
non-financial risks. In this regard, BBVA is working on enhancing its global platforms to improve its Retail and SMEs risk 
management. Additionally, the optimum capital allocation is still a key factor for BBVA. 

For more information see the chapters “The customer comes first”, “Technology and innovation”, “The best and most 
engaged team”, “Ethical behavior” and “Contribution to society” and “Risk management” included in this report. 

 
17 

5.  The best and most engaged team 

The team  continues to be a strategic priority for the Group. Our business is a people business (“we are people serving 
people”) and our values are at the core of our organization.  

In 2020, the employee engagement (measured through Gallup’s survey grand mean) has improved in BBVA Group from 
4.11% to 4.25% and the internal reputation has been strengthened reflecting the efforts made through several initiatives.  

BBVA is inspiring a high-performing team with a common purpose and shared values, fostering diversity plans and its 
leadership model. BBVA is reinventing its professional development model by building an ecosystem where people can 
create and capture opportunities and leading the transformation by developing core capabilities and reskilling the teams. 
BBVA is also creating the conditions for a flexible and sustainable work environment. 

For more information, see the chapter “The best and most engaged team”. 

6.  Data and Technology 

Data and Technology are two accelerators to achieve our strategy.  

Data is essential to deliver a better value proposition to our stakeholders. BBVA is building cutting-edge data capabilities, 
developing a global platform, training the teams in data analytics capabilities and building robust governance processes to 
improve data quality. Data also allows to create more business value as it helps to enhance other strategic priorities (e.g. 
in Financial Health, supporting to develop personal finance management tools). 

With regards to technology, BBVA’s focus continues to be on the reliability and resilience of the platform, which allows to 
be more productive and efficient and to deliver more quality and functionalities to customers globally, and on its security 
and privacy model (i.e. cybersecurity, business processes, fraud and data security). 

For  more  information  see  the  section  “Customer  security”  within  the  chapter  “Customer  comes  first”  and  the  chapter 
"Technology and innovation". 

 
 
 
18 

Values 

BBVA’s values and behaviors are the action guidelines which guide the Entity in its day-to-day when making decisions, and 
help it accomplish its purpose and strategic priorities. They are the hallmark of everyone working in the Bank and they 
define the DNA of the company. The values inspire the form of leadership and boost the commitment at BBVA: 

 

Customer comes first  

o  We are empathetic: we take the customer's viewpoint into account from the outset, putting ourselves in their 

shoes to better understand their needs.  

o  We  have  integrity:  everything  we  do  is  legal,  publishable  and  morally  acceptable  to  society.  We  always  put 

customer interests' first.  

o  We meet their needs: We are swift, agile and responsive in resolving the problems and needs of our customers, 

overcoming any difficulties we encounter.  

  We think big  

o  We are ambitious: we set ourselves ambitious challenges to have a real impact on people's lives. 
o  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. 

o  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.  

  We are one team  

o 

o 

o 

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 main levers for the Bank’s transformation and in the Talent & Culture processes: from the 
selection  of  new  talent  to  the  roles  allocation  procedures,  people  development,  training  and  inducement  for  goals 
attainment. One of the main actions to promote the living of the Values at BBVA is the Values Day, a global event in the 
cultural  transformation  of  BBVA  that  aims  to  approach  the  values  of  the  Entity  to  all  the  Group  employees,  creating 
conversation spaces about them. In 2020, the Bank has held the third Values Day edition, which, due to the COVID-19 
context, has been 100% digital. Despite the distance, the employees have remained more united than ever thanks to the 
Values, and that has been the motto this year: “United by our values”. More than 90,000 employees, 80% of the workforce, 
has logged in at any time during the day in order to take part in the activities performed. Around 6,800 global workshops 
have been carried out with nearly 58,000 participants from the 19 countries where BBVA has headquarters. The 100% 
digital format has resulted in an increase in the participation in the activities in more than a 55% with respect to the previous 
year. 

In addition, at the beginning of 2020, one of the Group priorities was launched: a new leadership program called “We lead 
together”, which is linked with the purpose and the values of BBVA, and which seeks to make all the employees leaders 
and  that  this  leadership  is  exercised  with  integrity.  This  new  model  aims  to  boost  three  skills:  entrepreneurship, 
empowerment  and  accountability,  which  are  incorporated  into  the  intrinsic  skills  catalogue,  and  become  part  of  the 

 
 
 
 
19 

professional development model. A leader at BBVA is, above all, somebody that lives the values of the Group with integrity 
and honesty, who has an entrepreneurial spirit and who seeks new ways of doing things, who empowers the teams and 
assumes the responsibility of his decisions and its results.  

Another priority for the Bank is the commitment of all employees. BBVA’s goal is to improve the commitment because, the 
greater it is, the higher is the satisfaction of employees at their workplace and company, and better is the answer to the 
customer’s needings. Annually, BBVA carries out the Employee Engagement Survey, managed by Gallup. In 2020, 94.2% 
of the employees have participated in the survey, 4.4 percentage points more than in 2019 (89.8%). The most relevant 
aspect  is  the  significant  improvement  of  the  Grand  Mean,  the  strategic  KPI  which  measures  the  progress  made  in  the 
strategic priority “The best and most engaged team”, and which is obtained by the average of the twelve main questions 
of the survey. Thus, this last year a value of 4.25 out of 5 was reached, which represents an improvement compared to last 
year (4.11 points). In the same way, the BBVA employee engagement index, which is calculated by dividing the percentage 
of engaged employees by that of actively unengaged employees, improved in 2020 to 10.17 (6.63 in 2019). 

 
20 

Materiality 

In 2020, BBVA updated its materiality analysis with the intention of prioritizing the most relevant issues for both its key 
stakeholders  (customers,  employees,  shareholders  and  society)  and  its  business.  The  materiality  matrix  is  one  of  the 
sources that feeds the Group's strategic planning and determines the priority issues to report on. 

This analysis includes the perspective of the stakeholders of the main countries where the Group operates: Spain, Mexico, 
the United States, Turkey, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. 

The materiality analysis phases have been as follows: 

1. 

Identification  of  the  material  issues  in  2020.  Based  on  the  material  issues  of  2019,  the  different  tools  for 
listening to the stakeholders managed by the Bank were reviewed, as well as the most recent trend studies and 
this list was updated. As the main novelty, the management of COVID-19 appears as a new issue.  

2.  Prioritization  of  issues  according  to  their  importance  for  stakeholders.  BBVA  carried  out  a  series  of 
interviews  and  ad-hoc  surveys  in  the  countries  covered  by  the  study  in  order  to  learn  the  priorities  of  various 
stakeholders. Datamaran was used as a data analysis tool for other stakeholders in all countries except in Turkey, 
where local Turkish sources were used. Together, the sources that made it possible to complete the analysis of 
the stakeholders, global trends and key issues in the sector are: 

3.  Prioritization of issues according to their impact on BBVA’s business strategy. An assessment was made on 
how  each  issue  impacts  the  six  strategic  priorities.  The  most  relevant  issues  for  BBVA  are  those  that  help  to 
achieve its strategy as well as possible. 

 
 
 
 
 
The result of this analysis is contained in the Group's materiality matrix. 

21 

 
 
    
 
 
22 

Therefore, the most relevant issues have been:  

  Climate change: opportunities and risks: Stakeholders have climate change among their main concerns and 
they hope that BBVA will contribute to an ordered transition towards a low-emission economy, which will make it 
possible to stop it. This requires an adequate management of risks and opportunities. 

  Solvency and financial results: The stakeholders expect BBVA to be a robust and solvent bank, thus contributing 
to  the  stability  of  the  system.  They  also  expect  BBVA  to  be  a  bank  with  good  results  over  time.  That  is,  they 
demand a sustainable business model in the current context characterized by the continuous development of 
disruptive technologies and the consolidation of Big Tech as competitors. A more competitive environment, with 
more opportunities and also with more risks. 

  Easy,  fast  and  do  it  yourself  (DIY):  The  stakeholders  expect  BBVA  to  continue  putting  technology  and 
digitalization  at  the  service  of  customers  and  the  business.  Thus,  it  will  be  more  agile  and  more  simple  for 
customers  to  operate  with  the  Bank  any  time  and  from  anywhere  (mobile  banking,  fully  digital  contracting 
processes, etc.). In addition, new technologies will allow BBVA for greater operational efficiency, generating value 
for shareholders. 

 

Financial health and personalized advice to customers: The stakeholders expect the Bank to get to know its 
customers and, where appropriate, propose personalized solutions and recommendations to better manage their 
financial health and achieve their vital objectives, all this proactively. 

BBVA has set goals related to the material issues of the previous materiality matrix. The goals and their degree of progress 
are detailed below. 

 Goals and level of progress of the material issues for BBVA. 2020. 
Indicator 
Material issue 
Sustainable finance 
mobilization 

Goal  
€100.000 million between 2018-
2025 

Allignment by sectors 
indicators 

Portfolio alignment with Paris 
Agreement  

2020 Progress 
€50,155m 

Defined 
methododologies and 
indicators and pilot 
assessment in sensible 
sectors  

Climate change 

Solvency and financial 
results  

Energy obtained from 
renewables sources  

CO2 emissions (scope 1 
and 2)(1) 

TCFD 
recommendations in 
2020 

CET 1 fully-loaded ratio 

Easy, fast and do it yourself  Reaching more clients 

70% in 2025 and 100% in 2030 

 -68% reduction in 2015-2025 period 

65% 

-60% 

Implementation of TCFD 
recommendations in 2020 

Publication of TCFD 
report in november 2020  

2020: 225- 275 basic points over a 
8.59% requirement  
2019: 11.5% -12% 
% customers acquired by digital 
channels (2021 >36%) 

11.73% (314 basic points 
over the requirement of 
8.59%) 

33.3% 

(1)Scope 1:  Emissions from direct energy consumption (fossil fuels), calculated based on the emission factors of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. 
The IPCC Fifth Assesment Report and the IEA were used as sources to convert these to CO2e. 
Scope 2: Emissions from electricity consumption, calculated based on the latest emission factors available from the IEA for each contry. 

Likewise, BBVA is working to establish objectives and metrics in relation to the strategic priority “Improving financial 
health and personalized advice to clients”. 

The information regarding the performance of the relevant matters by the Group in 2020 is reflected in the different 
chapters of this report. 

 
 
 
 
23 

Customer comes first  

Response to COVID-19 

In  order  to  provide  service  to  its  customers  in  response  to  the  crisis  generated  by  COVID-19,  and  given  that  financial 
services  are  legally  considered  an  essential  service  in  most  of  the  countries  in  which  the  Group  operates,  the  branch 
network remained operational with a dynamic management of the network considering the evolution of the pandemic and 
activity.  In  addition,  the  use  of  digital  channels  and  remote  managers  was  encouraged.  BBVA  also  launched  support 
initiatives  throughout  2020  focused  on  the  most  affected  customers,  whether  they  be  companies,  SMEs,  the  self-
employed workers or individuals, and which include, among others: 

 

 

 

 

 

In Spain, support for SMEs, the self-employed workers and companies through credit lines guaranteed by the 
Spanish Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO ), grace periods on loans to individuals (up to 12 months in residential 
mortgages  for  primary  residence  and  up  to  6  months  in  consumer  finance)  and  moratorium  of  3  months  for 
citizens on social rental housing under the Social Housing Fund; 

In the United States, flexibility in the repayment of the loans for small business and for consumer finance has 
been extended and certain fees and commissions for individual customers has been eliminated; 

 In Mexico, BBVA granted various supports with personalized characteristics based on the needs of each of the 
customer segments, offering personalized solutions in a wide variety of products ranging from a grace period of 
6 months in capital and/or interest in various lending products to the suspension of Point of Sale (POS) fees to 
support  retailers  with  lower  turnover,  as  well  as  different  support  plans  aimed  at  each  situation  for  larger 
businesses customers; 

In  Turkey,  delay  of  loan  repayments,  interests  and  amortizations  until  June,  2021,  without  any  penalty   for 
individual customers and extension of up to 6 months in the payment of principal on credits to companies; 

In South  America, Argentina has provided micro-SMEs and SMEs with access to credit facilities to purchase 
remote  working  equipment,  funding  facilities  for  payroll  payments  and  the  refinancing  unpaid  credit  card 
balances in 9 installments; Colombia has frozen the repayment of loans for individuals and companies for up to 
6 months, and is offering a special working capital facility for companies; and in Peru, several measures were 
approved  to  order  to  support  SMEs  and  customers  with  consumer  loans  or  credit  cards,  including  debts 
rescheduling, extending the payment periods. 

Solutions for customers 

In recent years, BBVA has focused on offering the best customer experience, distinguished by its simplicity, transparency 
and speed, and increasing the empowerment of customers and offering them a personalized advice. 

In  order  to  continue  improving customer  solutions,  the  Group's  value  proposition  evolved  throughout  the  year  2020 
around seven axes on which global programs developed, related to both retail and corporate projects: 

  Growth in customers through own and third-party channels. 

  Growth in revenue with a focus on profitable segments. 

  Value proposition, differentiation through customer advice. 

  Operational efficiency. 

  Data-focused capabilities and enablers. 

  New business models. 

  A Global Entity. 

These  solutions  can  be  divided  into  two  large  groups:  Those  that  allow  the  customer  to  access  the  services  in  a  more 
convenient and simple way (Do It Yourself, DIY) and those that provide customers with personalized advice, offering 
them products or information specific to their current situation. These last two items are particularly important in the new 
strategy related to the commitment to improve customers' financial health. 

 
 
 
24 

Solutions for 2020 customers include the following: 

 

In individual  banking, the “GLOMO”  DIY mobile banking platform stands out, whose development continues, 
reaching Peru and Argentina. This solution is being continuously enhanced by features such as “Valora auto” for 
advice on the purchase and sale of second-hand cars in Spain. BBVA continues to deploy these capabilities in all 
of its geographical areas, where it has developed various journeys and digital advisory tools to help improve the 
financial health of its customers, such as warnings and advice for certain events such as a duplicate receipt or the 
possibility of investing in Spain or Turkey, help to control their finances on a day-to-day basis through analysis of 
expenses and income (Personal Financial Management, PFM) in Peru and Colombia, tools for effortless savings, 
such as “Metas” in Peru or investment advisory tools such as “Invest” in Mexico. 

With the aim of enhancing security, financing, loyalty and offering value added features, BBVA has transformed 
its value proposal into cards, as it is the case with the launch of a new family of pioneering cards in Spain, “Aqua”, 
where  the  personal  account  number  (PAN)  and  expiration  date  are  not  printed  on  the  card,  and  the  card 
verification value (CVV) is dynamic, preventing possible fraudulent use of these data.  

Furthermore, high digital capacities have been brought to all the geographical areas in which the Group operates 
and the sustainability panel has been introduced, which focuses on offering customer guidance on the concept of 
sustainability and on how to reduce their impact on the emission of greenhouse gases in their business activity. 

  As part of its commitment to promoting the use  of  technology in order to improve its customer relationship, 
BBVA has developed “Blue”, the virtual assistant that uses various artificial intelligence tools to help users both to 
perform tasks within the BBVA app and to obtain detailed and personalized information about their accounts. 

 

In the SME and retailer segment, BBVA continues to make strong progress in delivering solutions that enables 
customers to interact with the Bank in the most convenient way for their needs. A significant example of these 
developments are the new digital signature capabilities, which prevents the customers from having to go to the 
branches.  

With regard to SMEs and self-employed workers, relationship and management models are being reinforced 
in order to be able to manage them according to their needs across the different channels. This meant that the 
Bank was awarded second place as "SME Global Bank of the Year" by the SME Finance Forum (International 
Finance Corporation - World  Bank, IFC-WB). Among  other achievements, the tool "Banco de Barrio"  has been 
implemented in Mexico, a model that seeks even closer relationships with SMEs. Progress has also been made in 
the remote customer management model with, for example, the creation of the transactional SMEs managerial 
figure in Spain.  

In terms of digital channels, the launch of the BBVA Empresas app (GEMA) in Mexico and its extension to Peru 
are particularly notable, allowing SMEs and the self-employed workers to manage and run their businesses from 
their cell phones more quickly and easily. Among other features, customers can request a POS advance, a pioneer 
product  in  the  Mexican  market,  based  on  the  customer's  transactions.  Furthermore,  within  the  COVID-19 
environment,  the  Bank  has  helped  SMEs  to  sell  online  and  100%  digital  registration  processes  have  been 
developed in Spain.  

Furthermore, as part of the Bank's commitment to globalization, the range of services for companies operating 
in various geographical areas continues to grow, such as the incorporation of BBVA USA into the global payment 
and  collection  platform  (“OneBank  Hub”),  thus  completing  its  deployment  in  all  the  countries  in  which  BBVA 
operates,  in  addition  to  offering  new  services  such  as  global  balances  and  transactions  (Global  MT940)  and 
payments from third parties (Global MT101), among others, together with the new “Global NetCash” app. A new 
supply chain finance solution has also been launched to compete with and drive business in South America, the 
United States and Europe. 

  As  part  of  its  commitment  to  sustainability  guidance,  BBVA  has  also  added  a  new  feature  to  the  OneView 
financial  aggregator  that  allows  companies  to  know  the  volume  of  emissions  they  emit  into  the  atmosphere 
through their activity. 

The development of new business models allows BBVA to reach new customers in third-party channels, where it is worth 
highlighting: 

  The launch, together with an insurance company and a representative organization of the official vehicle dealers 
association, of the NIW platform in Spain, a website for buying and selling used cars that integrates with BBVA 
Automik's digital solution for car financing. 

  Agreements  with  third  parties  which  have  enabled  BBVA  to  reach  more  users,  such  as  the  agreement  with  a 
company which offers vehicles for hire in Mexico to offer a co-branded account to its drivers, or with a Chinese 
international online shop in Spain which enables Chinese tourists to pay at Spanish retailers using , the world's 
leading payment platform . 

BBVA's customer solutions are leveraged on the improvement of design capabilities or the use of data for analysis. They 
also contribute positively to increasing digital sales and improving the main customer satisfaction indicators, such as the 
Net Promoter Score (NPS), shown in the following section, and the drop-out ratio. 

 
25 

BBVA therefore occupies the first positions in the NPS, which is reflected in the retention data, which shows a positive 
evolution  in  the  levels  of  customer  drop-outs  (retail  customers  and  SMEs),  and  a  greater  commitment  from  digital 
customers, whose drop-out rate is 7.4% lower than that of non-digital customers. 

Likewise,  the  data  of  the  Group  total  active  customers  is  also  showing  a  positive  trend  with  an  increase  of  2.8  million 
customers in 2020 (+9.2 million since 2015), with positive developments in all of the countries in which BBVA is present. 
At the end of the year, BBVA's digital customers accounted for 63% of the total and customers operating with the bank 
through their mobile phones accounted for 59% across the entire Group. 

Net Promoter Score 

The  internationally  recognized  Net  Promoter  Score  (NPS)  methodology,  measures  customers’  willingness  to 
recommend a company and therefore, the level of satisfaction of BBVA’s customers with its different products, channels 
and services. This index is based on a survey that measures on a scale of zero to ten whether a bank’s customers are 
promoters (a score of nine or ten), passives (a score of seven or eight) or detractors (a score of zero to six) when asked if 
they would recommend their bank, a specific channel or a specific customer journey to a friend or family member. This 
information  is  vital  for  checking  for  alignment  between  customer  needs  and  expectations  and  implemented  initiatives, 
establishing plans that eliminate detected gaps and providing the best experiences. 

The Group’s consolidation and application of this methodology over the last ten years provides a common language both 
internally  and  with  customers  that  facilitates  everyone’s  involvement  and  the  integration  of  the  voice  of  customers  in 
everything  the  Bank  does,  from  the  beginning.  This  has  led  to  a  steady  increase  in  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. 

As of December 31, 2020, BBVA has remained the leader in the retail NPS indicator in Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Peru. 
In Uruguay, it has climbed one position with respect to 2019, reaching the top position.  In Turkey, BBVA ranked second, 
maintaining its position with respect to 2019, whereas in Argentina the customer’s perception has been affected by the 
incidences in digital channels and the blocking of the call center due to an increase in the use of these channels as a result 
of the pandemic. To reverse it, different action plans have been boosted by Top Management. 

Meanwhile, in the commercial NPS indicator BBVA maintained the leading position in four countries: Mexico, Colombia, 
Peru and Uruguay. In Spain and Argentina, BBVA ranked second. 

Transparent, Clear and Responsible Communication: a lever to improve financial health 

Transparency, clearness and responsibility (hereinafter,TCR) are three principles which BBVA systematically integrates 
into the design and implementation of the main solutions, deliverables and experiences for customers in order to help 
them make the best decisions for themselves and thus take care of their financial health. 

The objective pursued is, as well as helping customers make good life decisions, to maintain and increase their confidence 
in the Bank and increase their recommendation rates.  

Three work lines are developed to turn these principles into reality: 

 

 

Implementing  the  TCR  principles  in  new  digital  solutions  through  the  participation  of  TCR  experts  in  the 
conceptualization  and  design  of  these  solutions,  especially  in  massive  impact  digital  solutions  for  retail 
customers. 

Incorporating the TCR principles into the creation and maintenance of key content for customers (product sheets, 
contracts, sales scripts. responses to claim letters, communication regarding COVID-19, etc). 

  Awareness-raising  and  training  on  TCR  throughout  the  Group,  through    a  virtual  community,  workshops  and 
online activities, and a virtual community with more than 24,000 training activities since 2014 (7,827 in 2020). In 
2020, a new course about financial health has been launched for all the employees of the Group.  

In 2020, greater efforts have also been concentrated on one of the principles of Clearness (accessibility) and mechanisms 
are being generated so that global solutions are accessible. 

The project is coordinated by a global team working together with a network of local owners located in the main countries 
in which the Group is present, and various departments and individuals from the Entity participate in its implementation. 

Indicators 

BBVA uses an indicator to measure its performance in TCR, the Net TCR Score (NTCRS), which is calculated following 
the same methodology of the NPS and allows measuring the degree to which customers perceive BBVA as a transparent 
and clear bank, compared to its peers, in the main countries where the Group is present.  

 
26 

As of December 31, 2020, BBVA maintained its leading position in Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Uruguay, and it is ranked 
second in Turkey and fifth in Argentina. In Argentina, the customers’ perception about transparency has been affected by 
the incidents in the online platform and the call center, issues where an improvement plan has already been implemented3. 

Customer security and protection 

BBVA’s  Corporate  Security  area,  in  line  with  the  strategic  priorities  of  “Driving  operational  excellence”  and  “Data  and 
technology”, is responsible for guaranteeing an adequate information security management, establishing security policies, 
procedures  and  controls  regarding  the  security  of  the  Group’s  global  infrastructures,  digital  channels  and  payment 
methods with a holistic and threat intelligence-led approach. 

BBVA places data at the center of its security strategy alongside three other pillars: business processes, human behavior 
and technology and it is approached on its double aspect as the digital representation of financial assets (cybercrime for 
financial  gain)  and  as  the  bearer  of  personal  identifiable  information  (focus  on  privacy).  The  approach  that  BBVA  is 
following covers both all the new developments as well as legacy systems and protection follows a prioritization system 
where key data assets are  identified and protection plans  are put into place. This,  together with the renewed focus  on 
Identity  and  Access  Management  and  on managing  risks  on  the  Bank´s  third  parties  forms  a  comprehensive  strategy 
around data security, privacy and protection. 

Strategy  

BBVA's security Strategy resides on 3 fundamental pillars: cybersecurity, data security and security in business processes 
and fraud. A program has been designed for each of these three pillars, with the aim to reduce the risks identified in the 
developed  taxonomy.  These  programs,  that  consider  security  industry  best  practices  established  by  internationally 
accepted security standards, are periodically reviewed to  evaluate the progress and  the effective impact on  the Group 
risks. 

During 2020, within the framework of the implementation of the security strategy, security measures adopted with the 
aim  to  ensure  an  adequate  protection  of  BBVA’s  information  and  assets  that  support  business  processes  have  been 
reinforced. The implementation of these measures, necessary to mitigate the security risks BBVA Group is exposed to, 
has been performed with a global perspective and an integral approach, considering not only the technological approach 
but also the people, processes and security governance approach.    

Regarding the reinforcement of the security measures, the following could be highlighted: Measures established with the 
aim to ensure end-to-end protection of business processes, considering logical and physical security, privacy and fraud 
management:  measures  established  to  ensure  compliance  of  the  “security  and  privacy  by  design  principles”;  and  to 
improve client access control and authentication services related to online services, from a security and user experience 
perspective, using the mobile device as the main element, in line with BBVA´s digital transformation strategy.    

Some of the main initiatives performed during 2020 to improve BBVA´s security and client protection, that are being 
implemented throughout the Group are the following: 

  Aqua card launch, the first card without printed card number (PAN), with dynamic CVV, reinforcing security, since 

not having these data prevents possible fraudulent use of them. 

 

 

Implementation  of  Strong  Customer  Authentication  in  e-commerce,  requiring  two  of  the  three  possible 
authentication mechanisms. Implementation of the “Where is my card?” functionality, that allows the customer 
to have an overview of all e-commerce or platforms where they have registered their bank cards. 

Implementation of new behavior biometrics and malware protection for digital clients to reinforce analytical and 
fraud detection capabilities in mobile channels. 

  Enhancement of the section with security advice and recommendations in BBVA`s application to make clients 

aware of the main risks they are exposed to, so that they can prevent or act against possible threats.  

Additionally,  BBVA  has  continued  performing  the  training  and  awareness  initiatives  related  to  security  and  privacy, 
performing training actions and awareness campaigns for BBVA’s employees, clients and society in general.  

Among the main campaigns and awareness initiatives performed and recommendations included in BBVA´s application, 
online channels and social networks, the following could be highlighted: Secure password management, phishing and other 
technical attacks detection, detection of scams, security in online purchases and protection of personal information.  

Other  lines  of  action  also  include  the  adequate  training  of  BBVA’s  Board  members  in  the  area  of  security  and  incident 
management,  as well as the  periodic performance of global and local simulation exercises in order  to raise  the level of 

3 Internal development considering the main peers of BBVA in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Turkey. 

 
                                                                    
27 

training  and  awareness  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  certain  key  personnel  and  ensure  an  immediate  and  effective 
response in case of a security incident. 

Governance 

BBVA has established a security governance model, with the aim to guarantee the effective implementation of the defined 
security strategy. 

One of the main bodies that constitute this governance model is the Information Security Steering Committee, responsible 
for the approval and monitoring of  the information security strategy execution and  the effective implementation of  the 
different  programs  designed  for  each  of  the  three  pillars  that  compose  this  strategy.  This  Committee  meets  each  two 
months in  order to guarantee an adequate security management, analyze the possible new risks to  which the Entity is 
exposed as a result of the digital transformation, and to adopt the necessary measures for its management.   

In addition, each of the areas which compose the Corporate Security area has Committees and work groups responsible 
for the management of the different spheres related to information security (transactions security, security associated 
with technology, physic security, security in business processes, security related to staff, etc.) The most relevant issues 
are those that are afterwards submitted to the Information Security Steering Committee.  

On the other hand, the governance model is composed by the Committees responsible for the information protection and 
fraud management, where both the Corporate Security area and the rest of the concerned areas of the Entity participate.  

Lastly, there is the Technology and Cybersecurity Commission, composed by the Chairman of BBVA and members of the 
Executive Committee.  This Commission is responsible for the oversight of the Group's technological and cybersecurity 
strategy and allows the Board of Directors to be informed of the main technological risks to which the Group is exposed, 
as well as current cybersecurity and technology trends and any relevant security event that can affect the Group. 

Cybersecurity 

In the actual context, it is vital to ensure effective protection for BBVA's assets and customers' data. 

During 2020, the Group has detected an increase in the number of attacks, accentuated by the presence of organized 
crime groups specialized in the banking sector and working in a multi-country environment. 

Furthermore, COVID-19 pandemic has been used by cybercriminals to increase the scope of social engineering attacks 
through e-mail, SMS, instant messaging systems and social networks. It has also contributed to the emergence of new 
risks  and  challenges  for  companies,  like  the  ones  related  to  security  in  remote  working  and  the  increase  on  the  attack 
surface. 

The  Global  Computer  Emergency  Response  Team  (CERT)  is  the  Group’s  first  line  of  detection  and  response  to 
cyberattacks  aimed  at  global  users  and  the  Group’s  infrastructure,  combining  information  on  cyber  threats  from  our 
Threat Intelligence unit. The Global CERT, which is based in Madrid, operates 24 hours 7 days a week and provides services 
in all countries where the Group operates, under a scheme of managed security services, with operation lines dedicated to 
fraud and cybersecurity. 

As cyberattacks evolve and become more sophisticated, the Group has strengthened its prevention and monitorization 
efforts.  

Therefore,  system  monitoring  capabilities  have  been  reinforced,  with  particular  attention  to  the  critical  assets  that 
support business processes in order to prevent threats from materializing and, if necessary, to immediately identify and 
respond to any security incident that may occur. Incident prevention, detection and response capabilities have also been 
strengthened  through  the  use  of  integrated  information  sources,  improved  analytical  capabilities  and  automated 
platforms. 

Measures  implemented  have  improved  information  security  management  from  a  predictive  and  proactive  approach, 
based on the use of digital intelligence and advanced analytical capabilities. The main objective of these measures is to 
ensure  an  immediate  and  effective  response  to  any  security  incident  that  can  occur,  with  the  coordination  of  different 
business and support areas involved, the reduction of the possible negative impact and, if necessary, the report in a timely 
manner to the corresponding supervisory or regulatory authorities. 

BBVA routinely reviews, reinforces and tests its security processes and procedures through simulation exercises in the 
areas of physical security and digital security. Specialized teams periodically perform security technical tests in order to 
detect and correct possible security vulnerabilities. These tests include technical tests of technological platforms as well 
as malicious users simulated attacks performed by the “red team”. The outcome of such exercises is a fundamental part 
of a feedback process designed to improve the Group’s cybersecurity strategies. 

 
28 

Data Protection 

The main initiatives performed in this area are related to the adoption of measures to ensure that all BBVA´s information 
assets are properly protected, limiting their use to the processes related and controlling access to them, considering the 
security guidelines established by the Entity. All the initiatives are performed guaranteeing compliance of the security and 
privacy regulatory requirements applicable, especially those related to personal data protection.   

All activities related to the data protection program are reviewed by the Data Protection Committee, where all relevant 
stakeholders of the organization are represented. 

For  more  information  about  personal  data  protection,  see  the  section  “Data  protection”  within  the  chapter  “Ethical 
Behavior”.  

Security in business processes and fraud 

Cybersecurity  efforts  are  frequently  undertaken  in  close  coordination  with  our  fraud  prevention  efforts  and  there  are 
considerable interactions and synergies between the relevant teams. As part of the efforts to monitor fraud evolution and 
to actively support the deployment of adequate anti-fraud policies and measures, a Corporate Fraud Committee has been 
created, that oversees the evolution of all external and internal fraud types in all countries where the Group operates. Its 
functions include: (i) actively monitoring fraud risks and mitigation plans; (ii) evaluating the impact thereof on the Group’s 
business and customers; (iii) monitoring relevant fraud facts, events and trends; (iv) monitoring accrued fraud cases and 
losses; (v) carrying out internal and external benchmarking; and (vi) monitoring relevant fraud incidents in the financial 
industry. 

Both  BBVA  and  its  subsidiaries  have  cybersecurity  and  fraud  insurance,  subject  to  certain  loss  limits,  deductions  and 
exclusions.  

Business Continuity 

To conclude, during 2020 the Business Continuity continued to be reinforced from a holistic perspective, paying special 
attention to the Bank’s resilience.  

In this way, the evolution from a model mainly oriented to guarantee the continuous provision of products and services in 
situations with high impact and low probability to a model where the organization has the ability to absorb and adapt to 
situations with an operative impact due to  disruptions  of  different nature (such as pandemias, cyber incidents, natural 
disasters or technological failures) is consolidated. This transition has implied an intense activity of the Business Resilience 
Office that, in conjunction with the Group Crisis Management Committees and Continuity Committees have had a relevant 
role in the management of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemia.    

The Business Resilience Office provides coherence to the whole BBVA’s Continuity Management System, and allows to 
keep  the  different  management  levels  coordinated  (both  the  operational,  which  affect  Business  Continuity  critical 
processes,  and  the  non-operational)  and  managed  in  an  integrated  and  organized  manner.  BBVA  has  documented 
procedures for the management of crisis situations, which detail, among other issues, the crisis qualification and scaling 
procedures, the responsibilities assignment, the governance model and the general answer procedures to these kind of 
situations.  

For  more  information  about  issues  related  to  technology  and  technological  innovations,  see  chapter  “Technology  and 
innovation”.  

 
 
  
 
 
 
29 

Customer care 

Complaints and claims 

BBVA has a claims management model based on two key aspects: the agile resolution of claims and, most importantly, 
the analysis and eradication of the causes’ origin. This model is part of the BBVA Group’s overall customer experience 
strategy, having a very significant impact on improving the different customer journeys and positively transforming the 
customer experience.  

In 2020 the Group’s claims units worked to reduce attention times and improve clarity of the responses but above all in 
the proactively identification of potential new problems that could arise as consequence of the global pandemic of COVID-
19 and thus, prevent them from becoming a cause of large claims. BBVA seeks to find a quick solution to problems with 
the aim of generating customer relief through a simple and agile experience and with a clear and personalized response. 

MAIN INDICATORS OF CLAIMS (BBVA GROUP) 

Number of claims before the banking authority for each 10.000 active customers 

Average time for setting claims (natural days) 

Claims settled by First Contact Resolution (FCR) (% over total claims) 

2020 

13.22 

11 

19 

2019 

8.69 

6 

23 

The country that registers the largest number of claims before the banking authority for each 100,000 active customers 
is Colombia. 

CLAIMS BEFORE THE BANKING AUTHORITY BY COUNTRY (NUMBER FOR EACH 10.000 ACTIVE CUSTOMERS) (1) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 
Paraguay(2) 
Uruguay 

Portugal 
Scope: BBVA Group. 

2020 

1.38 

4.70 

12.16 

16.51 

0.45 

97.56 

2.02 

0.03 

- 

0.31 

17.45 

2019 

1.48 

4.08 

14.63 

4.46 

0.09 

33.51 

4.05 

0.16 

0.07 

0.40 
12,64(3) 

(1) The banking authority refers to the external body in which the customers can complain against BBVA. 

(2) Due to the sale of BBVA Paraguay, claims have not been monitored during 2020 in this country. 
(3) The reported data differs from those reported in the non-financial information report of 2019 due to additional amendments.  

The Group’s average claim resolution time is 11 days, which represents an increase in almost all the countries, except for 
Mexico, due to the health provisions that have been established as a result of the pandemic. Those provisions, such as 
lockdowns, had a significant  impact  on  the  working  methods, and the Group had  to technically adapt itself  to this  new 
context. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
AVERAGE TIME FOR SETTING CLAIMS BY COUNTRY (NATURAL DAYS) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 
Paraguay(1) 
Uruguay 

Portugal 

30 

2020 

2019 

9 

6 

6 

6 

9 

10 

35 

8 

- 

7 

6 

8 

3 

6 

4 

8 

6 

7 

16 

11 

8 

3 

(1) Due to the sale of BBVA Paraguay, claims have not been monitored during 2020 in this country 

Claims settled by the First Contact Resolution (FCR) model, which consists in the resolution of the claim in the first notice, 
account  for  19%  of  total  claims,  thanks  to  the  fact  that  the  management  and  handling  of  these  claims  aims  to  reduce 
resolution times and increase the service quality, thus improving the customer experience. 

CLAIMS SETTLE BY FIRST CONTACT RESOLUTION (FCR. PERCENTAGE OVER TOTAL CLAIMS) 

Spain (1) 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 
Paraguay(2) 
Uruguay 
Portugal (3) 

n.a. = not applicable. 

2020 

n.a. 

36 

19 

29 

45 

25 

1 

n.a. 

- 

13 

n.a. 

2019 

n.a. 

46 

21 

35 

48 

37 

5 

n.a. 

n.a. 

14 

n.a. 

(1) In Spain, a FCR type called IRR (Inmediate Resolution Response) applies to credit card incidents, but not to claims. 
(2) Due to the sale of BBVA Paraguay, claims have not been monitored during 2020 in this country. 
(3) This kind of management does not apply in Portugal. 

The volume of claims for every 10,000 active customers registered in 2020 decreased by 7.5% compared to the 2019 
figure, basically as a result of the improvements implemented in the claims management process in the Group, especially 
in Mexico. 

In short, the management of complaints and claims at BBVA is an opportunity to strengthen customers’ confidence in the 
Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
31 

Customer Care Service and Customer Ombudsman in Spain 

In 2020, 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  of  financial  institutions,  and  in  compliance  with  the 
competencies and procedures outlined in BBVA Group’s Regulation for Customer Protection in Spain, approved on July 
23, 2004 by the Bank’s Board of Directors, and subsequent modifications, the last one on October 2,f 2019 with regard to 
regulation of the activities and competencies, complaints and claims related to the Customer Care Service and Customer 
Ombudsman. 

Based on the above regulations, the Customer Care Service is in charge of handling and resolving customers’ complaints 
and claims regarding products and services marketed and contracted in Spanish territory by BBVA Group entities.  

On the other hand, and in accordance with the aforementioned regulation, the Customer Ombudsman is made aware of 
and resolves, in the first instance, all complaints and claims submitted by the participants and beneficiaries of the pension 
plans. It also resolves those related to insurance and other financial products that BBVA Group Customer Care Service 
considers  appropriate  to  escalate,  based  on  the  amount  or  particular  complexity,  as  established  under  article  4  of  the 
Customer Protection Regulation. And in the second instance, the Customer Ombudsman is made aware of and resolves 
the complaints and claims that the customers decide to submit for their consideration after their claim or complaint has 
been dismissed by the Customer Care Service. 

Activity report on the Customer Care Service in Spain 

The Customer Care Service works to detect recurring, systemic or potential problems in the Entity, in compliance with 
European claims guidelines established by the relevant authorities (ESMA and EBA) . Its activity, therefore, goes beyond 
merely managing claims, but rather, it works to prevent them and in cooperation with other BBVA departments. 

During 2020, as a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis, the Customer Service has worked from the beginning to implement 
the necessary measures for the continuity of the service and to limit its impact. The objective has been and is to ensure 
that the service is provided as normally as possible and complying with the legal deadlines in responding to claims. 

Since the beginning of the crisis, the Customer Service has been actively participating in the different analysis groups of 
the new types of claims arising as a result of the COVID-19 measures. 

 Furthermore,  in  order  to  guarantee  adequate  knowledge  of  the  managers,  all  the  Customer  Care  Service  team  has 
received  in  2020  training  on  bank  transparency,  investor  protection,  and  risk  operations  (for  the  prevention  of  money 
laundering and terrorist financing).  

Claims of customers admitted to BBVA’s Customer Care Service in Spain amounted to 102,119 cases in 2020, 95,244 of 
which were resolved by the Customer Care Service itself and concluded in the same year, which represents 93% of the 
total (85,879; 82,531 and 96% in 2019, respectively). As of December 31, 2020 6,875 were pending analysis. On the other 
hand, 13,571 claims were not admitted for processing as they did not meet the requirements set out in OM ECO/734. 

COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE BY COMPLAINT TYPE (PERCENTAGE) 

Type 

Resources 

Assets products 

Insurances 

Collection and other services 

Financial counselling and quality service 

Credit cards 

Securities and equity portfolios 

Other 

Total 

2020 

2019 

38 

26 

3 

4 

4 

17 

1 

7 

35 

24 

3 

5 

5 

16 

1 

11 

100 

100 

COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE ACCORDING TO RESOLUTION (NUMBER) 

In favor of the person submiting the complaint 

Partially in favor of the person submitting the complaint 

In favor of the BBVA Group 

Total 

2020 

44,820 

12,669 

37,755 

95,244 

2019 

38,045 

11,449 

33,037 

82,531 

 
 
 
 
32 

Activity report of the Customer Ombudsman in Spain 

One more year, the Customer Ombudsman, along with the BBVA Group, once more achieved the objective of unifying 
criteria and favoring customer protection and security, 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 
Management, Business, Legal Services, etc. 

In 2020, 4,941 customer claims were filed at the Customer Ombudsman Office (compared to 3,330 in 2019). Of these, 112 
were not admitted to processing due to a failure to comply with the requirements of OM ECO/734/2004 and 407 were 
pending as of December 31, 2020. 

COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE CUSTOMER OMBUDSMAN OFFICE BY COMPLAINT TYPE (NUMBER) 
Type 

2020 

Insurance and welfare products 

Assets operations 

Investment services 

Liabilities operations 

Other banking products (credit card, ATMs, etc.) 

Collection and payment services 

Other   

Total 

1,097 

1,810 

262 

350 

862 

249 

311 

2019 

808 

794 

173 

515 

707 

140 

193 

4,941 

3,330 

The  categorization  of  the  claims  managed  in  the  previous  table  follows  the  criteria  established  by  the  Complaints 
Department of the Bank of Spain, in its requests for information. 

COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE CUSTOMER OMBUDSMAN OFFICE ACCORDING TO RESOLUTION (NUMBER) 

Formal resolution 

Estimate (in whole or in part) 

Dismissed 

Processing suspended 
Total 

2020 

- 

2,433 

2,196 

- 

4,629 

2019 

- 

1,794 

1,259 

- 

3,053 

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 Office in 2020. Customers who are not 
satisfied  with  the  Customer  Ombudsman’s  response  can  go  to  the  official  supervisory  bodies  (the  Bank  of  Spain,  the 
CNMV and General Directorate of Insurance and Pension Funds). 262 claims were filed by customers to supervisory bodies 
in 2020. 

The BBVA Group continues making 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 throughout the year. In 2020, these recommendations and suggestions focused on raising 
the  level  of  transparency  and  clarity  of  the  information  that  the  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 together with the increasing 
complexity thereof, special sensitivity is required with certain groups that, due to their profile, age or personal situation, 
present a certain degree of vulnerability. 

 
 
 
 
 
33 

Technology and innovation 

Response to COVID-19 

The profound change brought about by the spread of COVID-19 has impacted two fundamental aspects for BBVA: how 
customers interact with the Bank and the way in which employees work. 

With  respect  to  how  customers  interact  with  the  Bank,  the  COVID-19  crisis,  the  forced  lockdowns  established  by 
governments, and the fear for social interaction, have considerably accelerated the tendency towards the use of remote 
channels by customers, which had already begun before the crisis.  

If before the crisis the weight of remote channels processing was 50%, during the peak of the crisis it reached 67%.This 
increase in the use of remote channels could easily be absorbed thanks to the hybrid cloud strategy, which provides the 
Bank with a more elasticity than traditional systems, without any proportional impact in costs.     

Regarding how employees work, within a ten days term in March, 2020, BBVA moved its employees from a presence-
based work modality towards a remote one, except from those critic positions that could not be developed remotely and a 
part of the branches’ employees that had to remain at their workplace in accordance with the indications of the regulators 
of the different countries.   

On average, more than 95% of the headquarters employees and approximately 30% of the branches employees have been 
working  remotely.  This  change  entailed  that  remote  connections  were  multiplied  by  five  in  less  than  two  weeks  and 
videoconferences were multiplied by eight. The transition was carried out successfully, guaranteeing that employees were 
100% operational without any term of inactivity thanks to the working in the cloud possibilities. 

In  addition,  the  change  has  accelerated  an  increasing  and  structural  tendency  of  remote  working,  making  possible  to 
reduce the necessary space in the offices.  

Technological purpose 

BBVA aspires to be the most trusted bank to give financial advice to all of its customers. To achieve this goal, technology 
plays  a  key  role,  making  available  to the  business  areas  the necessary  capacities  to  meet  this  challenge  and  offering 
customers reliable and secure solutions. Thus, technology allows to offer reliable and secure solutions to all customers, 
from the most digitized to the most traditional.  

BBVA’s transformation focuses on incorporating new technological capabilities and making them available to customers 
while operating in the most  efficient and reliable way possible. BBVA's strategic priorities underpin  this transformation 
process: 

  Operational excellence 

o  Technology  also  helps  BBVA  to  achieve  operational  excellence  through  initiatives  to  streamline  and 

automate processes. 

o  Reliability and  productivity, that is, to obtain the best technological performance and to do it reliably, 

guaranteeing the highest quality standards. 

 

The best and most engaged team 

o  The cultural and skills transformation of the BBVA technology team, based on initiatives such as Ninja 

Academy or Tech University, is a key element in this process. 

  Data and technology 

o  Based  on  the  new  technological  stack  that  allows  BBVA  to  offer  customers  the  most  advanced 

technology and the most adjusted service to their needs in a timely manner. 

o  A strong cybersecurity strategy to face the increase in cybercrime threats. 

BBVA's technology area is also actively collaborating to drive the Bank's other strategic priorities: “Improving the clients' 
financial health”, “Helping the clients transition towards a sustainable future” and “Reaching more clients”, while helping 
to  ensure  the  successful  portfolio  performance  of  other  areas  by  providing  the  necessary  skills  and  resources.  In  this 
regard, BBVA is creating digital factories that are key to enabling the incorporation of technology in the rest of the areas. 

 
 
 
34 

Operational excellence 

The Engineering & Organization area helps to transform the way of working at BBVA, through projects of transformation 
of processes, operations and culture. Since 2017, initiatives that are reporting solid improvements are being carried out 
throughout the Group to reduce the operating load in the business areas. The objective is to achieve the automation of 
end-to-end processes as from 2020. Additionally, the area led the agile transformation in the Bank, which has enabled it 
to be more productive while reducing the time to market in development of solutions. 

Reliability and productivity 

One of the main results of BBVA’s digital transformation is to improve the reliability of the services provided to customers 
and  to  increase  the  productivity  of  both  day-to-day  operations  and  the  ability  to  create  new  products.  For  this,  the 
technology with which the Bank works is transformed in terms of: 

  Processing 

o  BBVA's strategy is based on the use of a hybrid cloud (with in-house and public cloud processing). In 
2020, a total of five countries are processing data based on this infrastructure, headed by Spain and 
Mexico. 

o  These parts are already available, being used globally, and have been optimized to ensure that they can 

continue to operate reliably during their lifetime and with decreasing unit costs. 

  Software development: global and multilocal functionalities have been developed, which have been reused by 
the different banks of the Group, and the degree of automation of the technological stack continues to increase. 

In addition, the creation of a network of strategic alliances that contributes to the progress of the transformation continues 
to be promoted from the Engineering & Organization area. In this sense, an ecosystem of strategic agreements with some 
of  the  reference  companies  in  their  respective  fields  has  been  established,  ensuring  the  adoption  of  innovative 
technologies, the digitalization of the business, the speed of action and global deployment of solutions. In recent years, 
alliances have been established with industry leaders, who have helped to operate and optimize BBVA's current technology 
globally, and with start-up companies that, due to their potential, aimed at becoming market leaders in specific capacities. 

The best and most engaged team  

BBVA is building the skills of its team with the aim of leading the transformation within the financial industry and keeping 
up with the relentless pace of technological progress. Notable talent development initiatives include: 

  Ninja  Academy:  a  learning  community  that  seeks  to  foster  a  culture  of  continuous  learning  and  help  technical 

profiles keep up with the latest technological trends within the market. 

  Tech  University:  an  internal  university  offering  programs  in  different  formats,  levels  and  featuring  specialized 
content that allow technical employees to jump the technological gap from legacy technologies to new ones. It 
includes several learning itineraries to cover BBVA's various strategic needs. 

For more information regarding the Group’s cultural transformation and the employees skills, see chapter “The best and 
most engaged team” below.  

 
 
 
35 

Data and technology  

New technological stack within the cloud paradigms 

Due to the increasing use of digital channels by customers and, consequently, the exponential increase in the number of 
interactions with them, BBVA has evolved , and  continues to evolve  its information technology (IT)  model towards a more 
homogeneous, global and scalable one, that drives  cloud technology. 

Use of the new platform has increased significantly throughout 2020 in all five countries where it is deployed. As a result, 
BBVA is now launching developments in new, more global and reusable technologies to increase productivity. This new 
technology  stack  shares  the  cloud  attributes  of  flexibility  and  stability  that  are  demanded  by  the  digital  world,  while 
ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements. 

The new technology platform makes cutting-edge technologies available globally for immediate use and incorporation into 
both global and local projects. 

Cybersecurity 

In  the  current  context  of  increased  threats  associated  with  cybersecurity,  BBVA  focused  on  protecting  both,  the 
information systems of the business areas and data. 

In this sense, traditional capabilities that focus on the protection of the perimeter and information systems, have been 
maintained and advanced threat intelligence and adaptive cybersecurity capabilities have been introduced to protect the 
human  factor  (employees,  customers  and  other  stakeholders),  which  are  considered  the  weakest  links  in  any 
cyberdefense system and implement security system with a holistic approach that covers the entire life cycle of business 
processes. 

Furthermore, defense, resilience and recovery strategies to protect data have been put in place in three key areas: data 
representing  financial  assets,  data  relating  to  Bank  processes  and  the  lists  containing  the  identities  and  personal 
information of customers and employees. 

For  more  information  on  cybersecurity,  see  section  "Security  and  customer  protection"  within  the  chapter  “Customer 
comes first”. 

 
36 

The best and most engaged team 

Response to COVID-19 

The  COVID-19  pandemic  is  posing  an  unprecedented  social  and  humanitarian  challenge.  With  regard  to  people 
management,  recommendations  from  health  authorities  have  been  followed,  including  taking  an  early  stance  on 
promoting remote working. For that purpose, platforms have been provided, carrying out a risk assessment of this type of 
work and developing existing applications to adapt them to the needs generated. The priority in BBVA's return plan is to 
protect  the  health  of  employees,  customers  and  society  in  general.  The  return  plan  is  being  carried  out  following  five 
principles in mind: 1) cautiousness; 2) gradual return; 3) work shift; 4) strict hygiene and safety measures; and 5) creation 
of  early  identification  protocols.  The  crisis  is  being  managed  in  a  dynamic  way;  adapting  the  procedures  in  each 
geographical area which the  Group is present to  the current situation, based on the latest data available regarding the 
evolution  of  the  pandemic,  the  business  and  the  level  of  customer  service,  in  addition  to  the  guidelines  set  by  local 
authorities. 

This pandemic is accelerating many of the trends that the Group had anticipated in the future of working life: 

  Elements  such  as  social  responsibility,  purpose,  resilience  and  commitment  become  more  relevant  in  this 
environment  of  uncertainty  and  remote  work,  which  reinforces  the  importance  of  organizations  becoming 
increasingly "more human." 

  Ways of working based on attendance and hierarchies have become obsolete and, therefore, the transformation 
toward  a  more  agile  world  which  began  a  few  years  ago  and  toward  leadership  models  based  on  employee 
empowerment and trust have become even more important in this context. 

 

Lastly, in a severely damaged economic environment, having the best talent is the key to companies' success, 
and even survival being highly important to be able to attract, retain and develop the best talent. 

In order to guarantee adequate conditions in terms of labor health and safety, measures have been developed to respond 
to the pandemic generated by COVID-19. Likewise, specific departments have been created to control the actions carried 
out due to the pandemic. For more information, see the section “Labor health and safety”.  

People management 

The team remains a strategic priority (“The best and most engaged team”) and BBVA therefore continues promoting 
the commitment and performance of the employees to achieve its purpose, accompanying its transformation strategy 
with various different initiatives in matters related to staff, such as: 

  The creation of a professional development model in which BBVA´s employees are the main players, and which 
is more transversal, transparent and effective, in such a way that each employee can play the role that best suits 
their profile in order to contribute the greatest value to the Organization in a committed manner and with a focus 
on their training and professional growth. 

  The  strengthening  of  the  agile  organization  model,  in  which  teams  are  directly  responsible  for  what  they  do, 
working based on customer feedback, and are focused on delivering the solutions that best meet current and 
future customer needs. 

  The reinforcement  of new knowledge  and  skills  that were not previously common  in the financial sector, but 
which  are  key  to  the  new  phase  in  which  the  Group  finds  itself  (data  specialists,  customer  experience, 
sustainability, etc.). 

  The strengthening of a corporate culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship, which revolves around a set of 
values and behaviors that are shared by all those who make up the Group and which generate certain identity 
traits that differentiate it from other entities. 

All this makes BBVA a purpose-driven organization, that is, a company that defines its position in order to improve the 
world and that encourages its employees to feel proud in their workplace, guiding them in the practice of the Bank's values 
and behaviors in order to achieve its purpose. 

As of December 31, 2020, the BBVA Group had 123,174 employees located in more than 30 countries, 53.7% of whom 
were  women  and  46.3%  were  men.  The  average  age  of  the  staff  was  38.2  years.  The  average  length  of  service  in  the 
Organization was 11.1 years, with a turnover of 6.6% during the year. 

 
37 

In 2020, BBVA Mexico employees from the Houston branch that in 2019 were classified in Mexico, are included in the United States. As of December 31, 2020, the employees of BBVA 
USA are included (As mentioned in the chapter “BBVA in brief”, the Group announced that it had reached an agreement with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. for the partial sale 
of the business that develops in this country) 

The workforce of the BBVA Group has been reduced by 2.99% in 2020. By areas, there has been a general decline: in Spain 
(-3.15%), in Mexico (-2.52%), Turkey (-1.64%), South America (-6.43%) and the rest of Eurasia (-1.23%), excepting the 
United States, where the workforce remained practically unchanged (+0.65%).  

Professional development 

The professional development 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. 
The  assessments  resulting  from  this  process  are  the  basis  for  building  the  BBVA  talent  map,  on  which  the  BBVA 
employees differentiated management policies rests. 

The above, together 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. 

During 2020 BBVA has completed its professional development model, which empowers employees to own and drive their 
own career. Among the various initiatives launched, two innovative solutions, based on technology and data and inspired 
by  the  best  digital  players,  are  particularly  notable:  in  October  2020,  Open  Mentoring  was  launched  globally,  a  new 
mentoring format based on affinity algorithms between mentor and mentee, large scale and geared toward developing 
future capabilities; and Opportunity was launched during the last quarter of the year, representing a milestone in BBVA's 
value  proposal  to  employees,  as  it  begins  to  treat  employees  the  same  way  it  treats  its  customers,  becoming  their 
professional advisor, generating insights based on data and technology. These are pioneering solutions based on cutting-
edge technologies (Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc.) and developed internally, which is a competitive 
advantage. 

 
 
 
 
 
38 

Recruitment and development 

In 2020, 10,246 professionals joined the Group as part of a strategy to attract, recruit and incorporate profiles with the new 
skills required by BBVA as part of its transformation process. 

The world, especially the sector in which BBVA operates, is becoming increasingly more global and is constantly changing. 

The BBVA Group's strategy is based on building a unique value proposition, through a common brand, in line with a global 
and digital company. In order to prepare the Organization and being able to compete in this environment, it is necessary 
to have key talent aligned with this strategy. 

In  the  present  context,  where  industries  are  undergoing  major  transformations,  the  financial  industry  must  provide 
younger generations with everything necessary to build the talent that the market demands in professional terms. In the 
current context whereby industries are undergoing major transformations, the financial industry must provide younger 
generations with the necessary elements to build the talent that the market demands in professional terms. During 2020, 
the Group has participated in several forums where it has shared its vision of how the banking sector has transformed and 
the types of new job opportunities it offers for its future. 

Thanks to brand positioning actions and the promotion of available professional opportunities at BBVA through various 
channels,  it  was  possible  to  attract  over  379,000  candidates.  All  this  is  carried  out  under  a  global  reference  model  for 
attracting talent, with clear policies that strengthen transparency, trust and flexibility for all stakeholders involved in the 
process. 

In  2019,  a  global  scorecard  was  introduced  to  measure  compliance  levels  with  each  of  the  internal  mobility  policies, 
ensuring  their  follow-up  and  commitment  to  compliance  in  each  of  the  geographical  and  global  areas  in  which  BBVA 
operates. 

RECRUITMENT OF EMPLOYEES BY GENDER (BBVA GROUP. NUMBER) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 
Of which new hires are (1): 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 
Turkey(2) 

South America 

2020 

2019 

Total 

1,776 

1,837 

4,706 

1,500 

1,479 

102 

Male 

715 

792 

2,435 

697 

677 

65 

Female 

1,061 

1,045 

2,271 

803 

802 

37 

Total 

3,156 

2,423 

9,237 

2,938 

3,009 

149 

Male 

1,405 

1,062 

4,601 

1,321 

1,447 

85 

Female 

1,751 

1,361 

4,636 

1,617 

1,562 

64 

11,400 

5,381 

6,019 

20,912 

9,921 

10,991 

593 

1,839 

5,050 

1,481 

1,191 

340 

793 

2,560 

690 

597 

253 

1,046 

2,490 

791 

594 

914 

2,417 

6,597 

2,752 

2,654 

130 

15,464 

537 

1,058 

3,309 

1,242 

1,287 

72 

7,505 

377 

1,359 

3,288 

1,510 

1,367 

58 

7,959 

Rest of Eurasia 
Total(2) 
(1) Including hires through consolidations. 
(2) 2019 data differ from those reported in the Non-financial information report of 2019 due to additional amendments. 

10,246 

5,037 

92 

57 

5,209 

35 

Training 

Training featured major strengths in 2020 that have enabled the Group to develop training activities intensively and with 
widespread deployment across all geographical areas, despite the circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 context. 

The  solid  training  model,  BBVA  Campus,  the  gamified  learning  experiences  launched  in  previous  years  such  as  Ninja, 
Space Career  or B-Token, and the culture  of continuous learning, which is deeply embedded in BBVA,  has enabled  to 
accelerate  the  transformation  of  the  BBVA  professionals,  incorporating  the  new  capabilities  required  to  continue 
promoting the Group strategic priorities.  

For years, online training has been the priority training channel within the Group, which has come to represent an 85% of 
the  whole  activity  during  2020,  and  which  accounted  for  66%  in  2019. The  non-realization  of  face-to-face  training 
throughout the majority of 2020 has not meant any inconvenience, but rather quite the opposite, thanks to the assessment 
that employees have made of this training.  The interest for training has significantly increased, resulting in a growth in 
training resources that have been completed by the employees of BBVA throughout 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
39 

The culture of continuous learning, which is part of the BBVA professionals' DNA, and the strength of having a tool for 
universal access to all the courses offered by BBVA, has meant that the BBVA Group's training in 2020 has provided a 
major competitive advantage. 

During the past few months, professionals have focused on both the training required for the business and on the new 
strategic capabilities needed to carry out the transformation that BBVA is undergoing. Subjects such as data, agile, tech, 
sustainability, design, digital sales & marketing or cybersecurity have registered 79,909 participations by employees who 
have been able to broaden their knowledge in these areas and enhance their skills.  In 2020, BBVA launched a sustainability 
training for its more than 123,000 employees. A key part in this offering is the basic course on sustainability, compulsory 
for all the teams, and which includes basic contents about the issue. A course on financial health was also launched in 
2020. 

BBVA  Campus,  as  an  open  and  decentralized  model,  has  incorporated  resources  and  innovative  methodologies  to  its 
training programs, which have facilitated the practical application of what has been learned, allowing professionals to share 
their expertise with other colleagues. These type of sessions have involved 12,547 employees from all geographic areas.  

It is also worth noting that BBVA promoted the certification of its professionals' knowledge in 2020. Thanks to internal 
certifications or official external certifications, professionals have been able to accredit specialized knowledge in the main 
business matters. 

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) 

Average participations per employee 
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 (123,174 in 2020 and 126,973 in 2019). 

(2) Ratio calculated considering the workforce of BBVA with access to the training platform. 

TRAINING DATA BY PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP. 2020) 

2020 

31.8 

258 

41.4 

92 

9.3 

33 

1.2 

2019 

47.8 

376 

42.4 

90 

9.2 

26 

3.2 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

Total 

Number of employees with training 

Training hours 

Total 

3,077 

9,768 

36,692 

43,487 

20,559 

113,583 

Male 

2,098 

5,162 

17,648 

18,745 

8,747 

52,400 

Female 

979 

4,606 

19,044 

24,742 

11,812 

61,183 

Total 

Male 

Female 

64,826 

255,076 

1,242,055 

2,192,527 

1,348,223 

43,126 

137,242 

572,230 

968,162 

511,307 

21,700 

117,834 

669,825 

1,224,365 

836,916 

5,102,707 

2,232,066 

2,870,641 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management. 

TRAINING DATA BY PROFESSIONAL CATEOGRY AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP. 2019)(1) 

Management team (2) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

Total 

(1) Excluding Turkey. 

Number of employees with training 

Training hours 

Total 

1,395 

7,183 

28,152 

35,940 

21,236 

93,906 

Male 

1,071 

4,310 

14,068 

16,517 

7,991 

43,957 

Female 

324 

2,873 

14,084 

19,423 

13,245 

Total 

61,020 

254,386 

1,109,995 

2,398,443 

671,504 

Male 

47,125 

149,743 

586,271 

Female 

13,895 

104,643 

523,724 

1,055,769 

1,342,673 

259,553 

411,951 

49,949 

4,495,348 

2,098,462 

2,396,886 

(2) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40 

Diversity and inclusion 

At BBVA, diversity and inclusion are firmly aligned with the purpose and are consistent with its values. BBVA is committed 
to diversity in its workforce as one  of  the key elements  in attracting and retaining  the  best talent and offering the  best 
possible service to its customers. 

In terms of gender diversity, women represent 31.6% of senior management and 43.4% of management positions, 32.2% 
of technology and engineering positions and 57.4% of business and profit generation positions. 

Several initiatives were launched in 2020 to support gender diversity: 

  Setting gender diversity targets at the area and country level: a target has been established for each area in 
relation to the percentage of women to be promoted to higher responsibility categories in the next five years, with 
a quarterly follow-up. This goal will be supported by a specific diversity plan developed by each of the areas, which 
must ensure that these objectives are met. 

  Working  even  more  actively  to  incorporate  more  women  into  talent  recruitment  processes:  in  order  to 
ensure equity and neutrality in the recruitment and professional growth processes, the capacity to identify the 
women in BBVA with the greatest potential has been improved through the new "Talent Map" tool and through 
greater proactiveness on the part of talent managers when it comes to offering these employees new professional 
challenges. As part of this effort, the "Rooney Rule" has been extended to more levels of the organization, the 
gender  component  has  been  introduced  in  succession  plans  and  training  and  mentoring  plans  have  been 
enhanced. 

  Continuing to work for a flexible working environment in which men can assume their family responsibilities 
to  the  same  extent  as  women,  so  that  this  does  not  represent  a  professional  obstacle  for  women.  The  "Work 
Better, Enjoy Life" initiative launched at the end of 2019 with the aim of achieving a more flexible and productive 
target-based work environment with a reduced presence in the workplace, has continued to grow in 2020 with a 
major focus on diversity. Among other initiatives, campaigns have been carried out to encourage men to make 
full use of their paternity leave. 

Furthermore, in order to ensure a diverse and inclusive working environment, BBVA is working on various initiatives to 
support  the  LGBTI  (lesbian,  gay,  bisexual,  transgender  and  intersex  people)  community  through  the  ERG  (Employee 
Resource Group) Be Yourself campaign, which is driven by the employees themselves. Among the initiatives launched this 
year are include the joining of REDI (Red Empresarial por la Diversidad e Inclusión en España, the Corporate Network for 
Diversity and  LGBTI inclusion in Spain,  the commitment  to the United  Nations  "Standards of Conduct for Business on 
Tackling Discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people" and the adjustment of the Group’s diversity policies. 

Efforts to promote diversity and equal opportunities between men and women were not only limited to BBVA collaborators 
but work was also done in order to improve the inequality between girls and young women through support for prestigious 
organizations in the societies in which BBVA operates. 

In 2020, BBVA signed a global collaboration agreement with Inspiring Girls to promote equality by putting girls and young 
women in contact with female mentors in various areas. The objectives of the agreement also include helping Inspiring 
Girls to grow in the countries in which BBVA operates. 

Other initiatives aimed at reducing the technological gender gap between men and women have also been supported, such 
as Technovation, Girlsgonna or Node Girls. 

BBVA's efforts to promote diversity have earned it for the third consecutive year a place in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality 
Index, a ranking of the 100 global companies in terms of gender diversity. BBVA is also a signatory of the Diversity Charter 
at European level and of the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles. Likewise, the UN selected one of BBVA's 
initiatives, "Work Better, Enjoy Life," to make a business case in this regard and include it on its website relating to best 
practices on diversity and inclusion within the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP) program. 

Regarding  the  question  in  the  Employee  Engagement  Survey,  managed  by  Gallup,  which  says  "BBVA  always  values 
diversity," a score of 4.52 out of 5 was obtained in 2020, exceeding 2019 results (4.41). 

Throughout  2020,  three  global  events  were  held  for  BBVA  employees  related  to  diversity  and  inclusion:  International 
Women's Day in March, International LGBTI Pride Day in June, and "Diversity Days" in the first week of December, whereby 
the progress made in this area by the various different geographical areas was shared and various online conferences and 
workshops were held so that employees could increase their knowledge of the subject. Some of these workshops were 
held by members of the ERGs (employee resource groups - groups of employees working for greater diversity). 

This year, BBVA also published a manual, entitled "Normalizing differences'', with the aim of providing all members of the 
Bank with basic knowledge of the LGBTI community. This manual defines concepts such as "heteronormativity," explains 
the differences between sex, identity, orientation and gender expression, and offers a series of recommendations on how 
to handle the diversity that exists within the trans community itself. 

 
41 

In Spain, BBVA presented to the Ministry of Equality in 2020 the 8th Maintenance Annual Report of the Seal of Distinction 
for Equality in the Company awarded by the Ministry of Equality to companies that are committed to equality between 
women and men. Negotiations also commenced with employee representatives on a new Equality Plan with the aim of 
bolstering  BBVA's  commitment  to  equality,  diversity  and  the  promotion  of  co-responsibility  and  adapting  it  to  current 
applicable regulations. The Family-friendly Company certificate was also renewed, awarded to BBVA by the Más Familia 
Foundation for being a proactive company in terms of its policies on equality of treatment and reconciliation of work, family 
and personal life, and was included in the Variable D2019 report that lists the 30 companies in Spain with best practices on 
diversity and inclusion.  

In  addition,  the  Talent  &  Culture  management  team  was  trained  in  inclusive  job  offers,  reaching  an  agreement  for  the 
implementation of the Rooney Rule; and a volunteer work agreement was signed with the Inspiring Girls Foundation so 
that, during the 2019-2020 school year, more than 80 women from BBVA were able to act as role models for school-age 
girls and demonstrate that the fact of being a woman is not a limitation for holding leadership positions in areas related to 
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM subjects). BBVA was also chosen as one of the 15 pioneering 
Spanish  companies  in  LGBT  diversity  management  by  the  FELGTB  (Federación  Española  de  lesbianas,  gays,  trans  y 
bisexuales — Spanish Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Trans and Bisexuals). 

In the United States, BBVA has publicly shown its commitment to the fight against racism, promoting equality and social 
justice. These initiatives include support for the "Black Lives Matter" movement and the letter by which BBVA urged the 
United  States  Congress  to  promote 
in 
commemoration of Freedom Day (Juneteenth), all BBVA USA branches remained closed and talks were organized among 
employees to raise awareness about the fight against racial discrimination. 

legislation  regulating  transparency,  equality  and  public  safety.  Also, 

In  Mexico,  support  for  gender  equality  and  women's  empowerment  materialized  in  2020  through  initiatives  such  as 
participating in the #UnDíaSinNosotras (#ADayWithoutUs) march on March 9 on the occasion of International Women's 
Day and the launch of the Domestic Violence Hotline in September 2020 to provide emotional, medical and legal support 
to its employees, directing them to public and health agencies specializing in this field. For its part, during the months of 
June  and  July  2020  initiatives  to  support  the  LGBTI  Community  were  developed,  in  commemoration  of  LGBTI  History 
Month, through active communication to raise awareness both internally and externally. 

Similarly, with the aim of ensuring equality in recruitment processes and internal mobility, both a manual and training have 
been created for those involved in the talent acquisition process. 

In  order  to  develop  the  culture  of  diversity,  knowledge  has  been  enhanced  and  standardized  through  training  on 
unconscious biases and diversity through Campus, whereby there are 9,522 registered collaborators, and 14 webinars 
have been held by experts on Diversity and Inclusion, with more than 3,105 collaborators connected. The creation of the 
Diversity  Council,  made  up  of  the  21  managers  representing  each  business  area,  has  also  formalized  Management's 
commitment to diversity and inclusion.  

In Turkey, two online training modules on unconscious bias have been launched and are mandatory for all employees, and 
job offers containing inclusive language have been implemented. 

With the goal of empowering women leaders and increasing their recognition in internal networks, the "Women Leadership 
Mentorship"  program  has  completed  its  third  year,  with  more  than  80  women  executives  receiving  mentoring  from 
executive committee members. 

This year, the maternity policy has been changed and paternity leave has been increased to two weeks. The Bank has also 
commenced a program to promote gender equality in the home and committed paternity. 

The Bank has had a dedicated domestic violence policy and hotline since 2016. In 2020, a program to raise awareness of 
the effects of domestic violence on children was launched, and more than 2,000 employees engaged with this program. 

As  a  result  of  all  these  initiatives  and  gender  equality  practices undertaken  for  employees,  customers  and  society  in 
general, Garanti BBVA is one of the two Turkish companies included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index. 

In Colombia, work has been done across several lines of action to create an internal diversity and inclusion policy that has 
resulted in a commitment to diversity from members of the Management Committee and from line managers. This has 
also allowed the creation of 9 ERGs, which have focused their actions on the spheres of female talent, LGBTI, ethnic groups 
and people with different abilities. In the field of female talent, the gender focus has been enhanced in the internal mobility 
process  so  as  to  allow  Talent  &  Culture  area  to  promote  the  training  of  women  in  order  to  develop  the  necessary 
competencies to promote the development of their career in the organization. 

Each of the ERGs is led by a member of the Management Committee, which allows them to propose specific initiatives to 
ensure that diversity and inclusion are achieved.  

 
42 

Lastly, all the Group's banks throughout the various countries in which it operates have protocols for the prevention of 
sexual harassment. In Spain and the United States, these protocols have been in place for some years and in the rest of 
the  world,  they  were  developed  in  2018.  In  2019,  BBVA  Mexico  published  its  protocol  on  harassment  and  sexual 
harassment through electronic media, while Garanti BBVA published its policy against harassment and discrimination. 

Specifically,  in  the  Bank's  protocol  in  Spain,  the  Bank  and  signatory  trade  union  representatives  expressly  state  their 
rejection of any conduct of a sexual nature or with a sexual connotation that has the purpose or effect of violating a person's 
dignity, particularly when an intimidating, degrading or offensive environment is created, and they undertake to apply this 
agreement as a means of preventing, detecting, correcting and punishing this type of conduct within the company. 

EMPLOYEES BY COUNTRIES AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP) 

2020 

Number of employees 

Male 

Female 

2019 

Number of 
employees 

Male 

Female 

Spain 
The United States (1) 

Mexico 

Turkey (2) 

South America 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Venezuela 

Peru 

Chile 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Bolivia 

Brazil 

Cuba 

Rest of Eurasia 

France 

United Kingdom 

Italy 

Germany 

Belgium 

Portugal 

Switzerland 

Finland 

Hong Kong 

China 

Japan 

Singapore 

United Arab Emirates 

Russia 

India 

Indonesia 

South Korea 

Taiwan 

29,330 

10,895 

36,853 

21,908 

23,059 

6,052 

6,592 

2,012 

6,204 

696 

430 

590 

476 

6 

1 

1,129 

68 

118 

51 

43 

22 

447 

113 

125 

80 

29 

3 

10 

2 

1 

2 

2 

2 

11 

14,393 

4,602 

17,133 

9,513 

10,699 

3,219 

2,747 

728 

2,948 

14,937 

6,293 

19,720 

12,395 

12,360 

2,833 

3,845 

1,284 

3,256 

331 

220 

319 

184 

2 

1 

641 

44 

85 

28 

27 

13 

224 

71 

80 

46 

9 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

4 

365 

210 

271 

292 

4 

- 

488 

24 

33 

23 

16 

9 

223 

42 

45 

34 

20 

1 

7 

1 

- 

1 

1 

1 

7 

30,283 

10,825 

37,805 

22,273 

24,644 

6,402 

6,899 

2,532 

6,420 

956 

428 

576 

424 

6 

1 

1,143 

71 

120 

51 

44 

23 

458 

116 

112 

85 

29 

3 

9 

2 

3 

2 

2 

2 

11 

Total 
123,174 
(1) In 2020, the employees of BBVA Mexico in the Houston office  which in 2019 were included in Mexico, are included in the United States  
(2) Includes the Garanti BBVA employees in Netherlands, Romania, Malta and Chipre. 

66,193 

56,981 

126,973 

14,914 

4,516 

17,614 

9,624 

11,423 

3,423 

2,867 

884 

3,106 

436 

221 

314 

169 

2 

1 

640 

45 

86 

27 

26 

14 

231 

73 

68 

46 

10 

2 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

4 

15,369 

6,309 

20,191 

12,649 

13,221 

2,979 

4,032 

1,648 

3,314 

520 

207 

262 

255 

4 

- 

503 

26 

34 

24 

18 

9 

227 

43 

44 

39 

19 

1 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

7 

58,731 

68,242 

 
 
 
 
43 

PROMOTED EMPLOYEES BY GENDER (BBVA GROUP) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

2020 

2019 

Number of promoted 
employees 

Male 

Female 

Number of promoted 
employees 

Male 

Female 

1,608 

950 

5,452 

2,350 

1,932 

47 

794 

408 

2,676 

975 

853 

26 

12,339 

5,732 

814 

542 

2,776 

1,375 

1,079 

21 

6,607 

3,583 

1,612 

9,000 

3,268 

2,429 

86 

1,726 

624 

4,354 

1,378 

1,030 

55 

1,857 

988 

4,646 

1,890 

1,399 

31 

19,978 

9,167 

10,811 

EMPLOYEES AVERAGE AGE AND DISTRIBUTION BY AGE STAGES (BBVA GROUP. AGE AND PERCENTAGE) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

Average age 

43.8 

42.0 

33.9 

35.6 

38.2 

43.8 

38.2 

2020 

<25 

0.5 

4.8 

8.8 

4.4 

5.3 

0.8 

4.9 

25-45 

59.0 

57.5 

77.9 

85.7 

68.6 

52.4 

71.0 

>45 

40.4 

37.8 

13.4 

9.8 

26.2 

46.9 

24.0 

Average age 

43.2 

41.5 

33.6 

35.0 

37.9 

43.4 

39,8 

2019 

<25 

1.0 

5.9 

11.2 

5.4 

6,9 

1,5 

5,3 

25-45 

61,1 

57,8 

75,2 

84,7 

67,7 

54,3 

66,8 

AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE BY GENDER (BBVA GROUP. AGE) 

2020 

2019 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Total 

Total 

17.3 

7.7 

7.7 

9.5 

11.6 

13.2 

11.1 

Male 

17.5 

6.5 

7.6 

9.6 

12.2 

12.4 

11.3 

Female 

17.1 

8.6 

7.9 

9.4 

11.1 

14.1 

10.9 

Total 

16,9 

7,3 

7,6 

7,9 

11,2 

12,7 

10,6 

Male 

17,3 

6,1 

7,5 

9.6 

11,9 

12.0 

9,1 

>45 

37,9 

36,3 

13,6 

9,9 

25,4 

44,3 

27,9 

Female 

16,4 

8,2 

7,6 

6,1 

10,7 

13,6 

10,4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMPLOYEES DISTRIBUTION BY PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP. PERCENTAGE) 

2020 

2019 

Total 

Male 

Female 

Total 

Male 

Female 

44 

Spain 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
The United States 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Mexico 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Turkey(2) 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
South America 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Rest of Eurasia 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

Group average 
Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

3.5 

7.5 

36.5 

43.8 

8.7 

0.4 

7.7 

36.5 

43.2 

12.1 

0.5 

2.4 

35.4 

28.2 

33.4 

7.6 

16.0 

30.6 

38 

8 

1.0 

11.2 

35.8 

37.3 

14.8 

5.1 

8.8 

52.1 

31.4 

2.6 

2.6 

8.2 

35.1 

36.7 

17.3 

75.0 

62.4 

51.4 

43.0 

48.1 

91.3 

64.2 

41.2 

46.4 

14.6 

79.0 

64.8 

49.5 

50.9 

37.8 

38.0 

61.7 

58.3 

67.0 

6.1 

68.0 

55.9 

51.4 

40.4 

41.1 

82.8 

72.7 

53.5 

56.5 

17.2 

68.4 

52.8 

48.4 

43.0 

42.5 

25.0 

37.6 

48.6 

57.0 

51.9 

8.7 

35.8 

58.8 

53.6 

85.4 

21.0 

35.2 

50.5 

49.1 

62.2 

62.0 

38.3 

41.7 

33.0 

93.9 

32.0 

44.1 

48.6 

59.6 

58.9 

17.2 

27.3 

46.5 

43.5 

82.8 

31.6 

47.2 

51.6 

57.0 

57.5 

3.6 

7.0 

34.6 

44.1 

10.8 

0.4 

18.7 

18.0 

40.0 

22.9 

0.4 

2.3 

34.8 

28.2 

34.2 

0.1 

22.6 

24.1 

45.5 

7.8 

0.6 

10.2 

34.1 

38.6 

16.4 

4.5 

9 

50.0 

33.7 

3 

1,2 

10,0 

31,4 

38,1 

19,3 

76.2 

62.3 

50.5 

43.8 

50.1 

92.5 

58.0 

43.2 

47.3 

16.6 

82.8 

66.4 

49.4 

51.4 

37.9 

84.6 

44.0 

39.2 

36.6 

94.5 

70.4 

56.6 

51.1 

40.7 

42.5 

86.3 

71.7 

51.2 

57.6 

16.7 

77,2 

53,6 

48,4 

43,8 

42,1 

23.8 

37.7 

49.5 

56.2 

49.9 

7.5 

42.0 

56.8 

52.7 

83.4 

17.2 

33.6 

50.6 

48.6 

62.1 

15.4 

56.0 

60.8 

63.4 

5.5 

29.6 

43.4 

48.9 

59.3 

57.5 

13.7 

28.3 

48.8 

42.4 

83.3 

22,8 

46,4 

51,6 

56,2 

57,9 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management. 

(2) 2019 Garanti BBVA data have been calculated with the information available as of November, 2019 closing. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMPLOYEES DISTRIBUTION BY TYPE OF CONTRACT AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP. PERCENTAGE) 

2020 

2019 

Total 

Male 

Female 

Total 

Male 

Female 

Spain 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
The United States 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
Mexico 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
Turkey 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
South America 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
Rest of Eurasia 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 

Group average 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanenet employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 

94.1 

3.4 

2.5 

99.4 

0.6 

- 

94.7 

0.0 

5.3 

99.6 

- 

0.4 

91.3 

2.6 

6.1 

99.7 

0.1 

0.2 

95.2 

1.4 

3.4 

50.9 

9.1 

35.1 

42.4 

13.2 

- 

46.2 

37.5 

51.5 

43.4 

- 

63.1 

47.4 

33.1 

36.7 

56.7 

100 

50.0 

46.7 

18.1 

43.8 

49.1 

90.9 

64.9 

57.6 

86.8 

- 

53.8 

62.5 

48.5 

56.6 

- 

36.9 

52.6 

66.9 

63.3 

43.3 

- 

50.0 

53.3 

81.9 

56.2 

92.5 

3.5 

4.0 

98.8 

1.2 

- 

90.8 

- 

9.2 

99,6 

- 

0,4 

90.3 

2.8 

6.9 

99.6 

0.1 

0.3 

93,4 

1,5 

5,1 

51.5 

6.5 

35.1 

42.0 

14.5 

- 

46.3 

28.6 

49.4 

43,2 

- 

57,6 

47.2 

34.0 

40.3 

55.8 

100 

66.7 

46,8 

17,3 

44,5 

45 

48.5 

93.5 

64.9 

58.0 

85.5 

- 

53.7 

71.4 

50.6 

56,8 

- 

42,4 

52.8 

66.0 

59.7 

44.2 

- 

33.3 

53,2 

82,7 

55,5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMPLOYEE DISTRIBUTION BY TYPE OF CONTRACT AND AGE STAGES. (BBVA GROUP, PERCENTAGE) 

Total 

<25 

25-45 

>45 

Total 

<25 

25-45 

>45 

2020 

2019 

Spain 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanent employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
The United States 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanent employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
Mexico 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanent employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
Turkey 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanent employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
South America 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanent employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 
Rest of Eurasia 

Permanent employee. Full-time 

Permanent employee. Part-time 

Temporary employee 

Group average 

Permanent employee. Full-time (1) 

Permanent employee. Part-time (1) 

94.1 

3.4 

2.5 

99.4 

0.6 

- 

94.7 

0.0 

5.3 

99.6 

- 

0.4 

91.3 

2.6 

6.1 

99.7 

0.1 

0.2 

95.2 

1.4 

0.3 

- 

9.4 

4.7 

8.8 

- 

7.5 

- 

30.5 

4.3 

- 

26.2 

3.1 

14.5 

33.3 

0.8 

- 

- 

4.1 

5.6 

57.3 

85.5 

86.5 

57.6 

39.7 

- 

78.4 

62.5 

68.5 

85.8 

- 

64.3 

68.6 

78.6 

64.5 

52.3 

- 

100.0 

70.9 

81.0 

Temporary employee (1) 
     (1) 2019 data differ from those reported in 2019 Non-financial information report due to additional amendments. 

70.3 

27.6 

3.4 

42.3 

14.5 

4.2 

37.7 

51.5 

- 

14.1 

37.5 

1.0 

9.8 

- 

9.5 

92.5 

3.5 

4.0 

98.8 

1.2 

- 

90.8 

- 

9.2 

99,6 

0,0 

0,4 

28.3 

90.3 

7.0 

2.2 

46.9 

100.0 

- 

25.0 

13.4 

2.1 

2.8 

6.9 

99.6 

0.1 

0.3 

93.4 

1.5 

5.1 

46 

40.3 

11.5 

5.0 

36.3 

35.9 

- 

14.9 

14.3 

0.7 

9,9 

0,0 

14,1 

27.7 

5.9 

2.2 

0.5 

- 

13.4 

5.6 

23.7 

- 

8.4 

- 

38.4 

5,4 

0,0 

6,5 

4.3 

16.6 

37.6 

59.2 

88.5 

81.6 

58.1 

40.5 

- 

76.7 

85.7 

60.8 

84,7 

0,0 

79,3 

68.0 

77.5 

60.2 

1.4 

- 

54.3 

44.3 

- 

100.0 

33.3 

66.7 

- 

4.9 

7.8 

33.1 

70.5 

81.1 

64.8 

24.6 

11.2 

2.1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMPLOYEE DISTRIBUTION BY PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY AND TYPE OF CONTRACT (BBVA GROUP. PERCENTAGE) 

Permanent 
employee Full-time 

2020 

Permanent 
employee Part-
time 

Temporary 
employee 

Permanent 
employee Full-time 

2019 

Permanent 
employee Part-
time 

Temporary 
employee 

47 

Spain 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
The United States 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Mexico 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Turkey(2) 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
South America 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Rest of Eurasia 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

Group average 

Management team (1)(2) 

Middle controls(2) 

Specialists(2) 

99.7 

98.7 

89.8 

96.8 

91.8 

100 

99.9 

99.9 

99.9 

95.3 

99.0 

99.4 

97.7 

96.0 

90.0 

99.8 

99.9 

98.9 

100 

100 

97.7 

99.7 

99.0 

91.5 

65.2 

98.3 

100 

99.8 

99.7 

100 

99.5 

99.6 

96.4 

Sales force(2) 
Base positions(2) 
(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management. 

96.6 

87.4 

0.3 

1.2 

5.3 

2.3 

4.0 

- 

0.1 

0.1 

0.1 

4.7 

1.0 

0.1 

- 

- 

0.0 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2.3 

0.1 

0.1 

4.4 

6.0 

1.7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.3 

0.3 

1.3 

1.5 

1.7 

- 

0.1 

4.9 

0.8 

4.2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.5 

2.3 

4.0 

10.0 

0.2 

0.1 

1.1 

0.0 

0.1 

- 

0.2 

0.9 

4.1 

28.8 

- 

- 

0.2 

0.3 

- 

0.1 

0.1 

2.3 

1.9 

10.9 

99.6 

98.5 

86.8 

96.0 

90.6 

100 

99.8 

99.9 

99.8 

95.1 

100 

97.9 

95.2 

95.1 

82.2 

100 

99.9 

98.9 

99.4 

99.6 

96.9 

99.6 

98.5 

90.9 

66.0 

98.0 

100 

99.8 

99.5 

100 

99.3 

99.4 

94.5 

96.0 

83.2 

0.4 

1.5 

5.8 

2.2 

3.4 

- 

0.2 

- 

0.1 

4.9 

- 

0.2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3.1 

0.2 

0.4 

4.1 

6.4 

2.0 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0.7 

0.3 

1.6 

1.4 

2.0 

- 

- 

7.4 

1.8 

6.0 

- 

- 

0.1 

0.1 

- 

- 

1.9 

4.8 

4.9 

17.8 

- 

0.1 

1.1 

0.6 

0.4 

- 

0.2 

1.2 

4.9 

27.6 

- 

- 

0.2 

0.5 

- 

- 

0.2 

3.9 

2.6 

14.8 

(2)2019 Garanti BBVA data have been calculated with the information available as of November, 2019 closing. 

(2) 2019 data differ from those reported in the Non-financial information report of 2019 due to additional amendments.  

In 2020, the average annual number of full-time indefinite contracts, part-time indefinite contracts and temporary 
contracts was 94.9%, 1.4% and 3.7% respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DISCHARGE OF EMPLOYEES BY DISCHARGE TYPE AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP. NUMBER) 

2020 

2019 

Total 

Male 

Female 

Total 

Male 

Female 

48 

Spain 

Retirement and early retirement 

Voluntary redundancies  

Resignations 

Dismissals 
Others (1) 
The United States 

Retirement and early retirement 

Voluntary redundancies  

Resignations 

Dismissals 
Others (1) 
Mexico 

Retirement and early retirement 

Voluntary redundancies  

Resignations 

Dismissals 
Others (1) 
Turkey 

Retirement and early retirement(2) 
Voluntary redundancies(2) 
Resignations(2) 
Dismissals(2) 
Others (1)(2) 
South America 

Retirement and early retirement 

Voluntary redundancies  

Resignations 

Dismissals 
Others (1) 
Rest of Eurasia 

Retirement and early retirement 

Voluntary redundancies  

Resignations 

Dismissals 
Others (1) 

Total Group 
Retirement and early retirement(2) 
Voluntary redundancies(2)  
Resignations(2) 
Dismissals(2) 
Others (1)(2) 
(1) Others include permanent termination and death.  

755 

58 

178 

65 

1,673 

49 

- 

1,319 

84 

340 

484 

254 

2,522 

1,527 

846 

129 

216 

1,092 

16 

379 

14 

960 

1,043 

501 

546 

9 

2 

31 

6 

68 

473 

29 

120 

39 

581 

9 

- 

510 

33 

170 

293 

174 

1,229 

759 

443 

64 

103 

464 

6 

187 

4 

451 

504 

216 

231 

4 

1 

13 

4 

42 

282 

29 

58 

26 

585 

105 

346 

93 

1,092 

2,082 

40 

- 

809 

51 

170 

191 

80 

1,293 

768 

403 

65 

113 

628 

10 

192 

10 

509 

539 

285 

315 

5 

1 

18 

2 

26 

57 

3 

1,565 

93 

864 

228 

30 

5,015 

1,092 

1,190 

152 

132 

1,108 

21 

1,416 

27 

950 

1,520 

358 

560 

12 

3 

48 

11 

72 

405 

40 

225 

62 

694 

15 

3 

650 

39 

402 

138 

14 

2,502 

555 

614 

84 

50 

481 

13 

579 

17 

354 

728 

170 

255 

5 

3 

25 

8 

43 

180 

65 

121 

31 

1,388 

42 

- 

915 

54 

462 

90 

16 

2,513 

537 

576 

68 

82 

627 

8 

837 

10 

596 

792 

188 

305 

7 

- 

23 

3 

29 

15,166 

7,156 

8,010 

19,738 

9,173 

10,565 

1,440 

1,490 

6,185 

2,199 

3,852 

847 

758 

2,840 

1,057 

1,654 

593 

732 

3,345 

1,142 

2,198 

1,061 

1,223 

9,602 

1,668 

6,184 

664 

464 

4,611 

847 

2,587 

397 

759 

4,991 

821 

3,597 

(2)2019 data differ from those reported in 2019 Non-financial information report due to additional amendments.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DISMISSALS BY PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY AND AGE STAGES (BBVA GROUP. NUMBER) 

2020 

2019 

Total 

<25 

25-45 

>45 

Total 

<25 

25-45 

>45 

49 

Spain 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
The United States 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Mexico 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Turkey(2) 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force (3) 

Base positions 
South America 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 
Rest of Eurasia 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force 

Base positions 

Total Group(3) 

Management team (1) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

Sales force(3) 

Base positions 

13 

7 

30 

11 

4 

- 

2 

3 

61 

18 

1 

13 

408 

763 

342 

- 

2 

- 

14 

- 

4 

25 

119 

275 

78 

- 

1 

3 

2 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

15 

2 

- 

- 

11 

34 

32 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

13 

17 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

5 

23 

4 

3 

- 

2 

1 

33 

12 

- 

6 

302 

613 

296 

- 

1 

- 

12 

- 

1 

16 

62 

187 

38 

- 

- 

1 

2 

- 

11 

2 

6 

7 

1 

- 

- 

1 

13 

4 

1 

7 

95 

116 

14 

- 

1 

- 

2 

- 

3 

9 

56 

75 

23 

- 

1 

2 

- 

- 

13 

1 

53 

18 

8 

- 

4 

7 

61 

21 

7 

14 

336 

592 

143 

- 

- 

3 

18 

- 

1 

28 

52 

227 

50 

2 

- 

4 

5 

- 

2,199 

127 

1,622 

450 

1,668 

18 

50 

563 

1,126 

442 

- 

- 

14 

62 

51 

3 

30 

389 

851 

349 

15 

20 

160 

213 

42 

23 

47 

455 

921 

222 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

11 

4 

- 

- 

2 

13 

19 

- 

- 

1 

5 

- 

- 

- 

1 

10 

19 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

85 

- 

- 

4 

39 

42 

- 

- 

43 

12 

5 

- 

2 

5 

46 

13 

1 

7 

239 

421 

112 

- 

- 

2 

13 

- 

1 

18 

39 

181 

29 

1 

- 

2 

3 

- 

1,195 

3 

27 

330 

676 

159 

13 

1 

10 

6 

3 

- 

2 

2 

4 

4 

6 

7 

95 

158 

12 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

10 

12 

36 

2 

1 

- 

2 

2 

- 

388 

20 

20 

121 

206 

21 

(1) The management team includes the highest range of the Group´s management. 

(2) 2019 Garanti BBVA data have been calculated with the latest available information as of November, 2019.  

(3) 2019 data differ from those published in the Non-financial information report due to additional amendments 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50 

Different capabilities 

BBVA  is  committed  to  the  integration  of  people  with  different  capabilities  in  the  workplace,  with  the  conviction  that 
employment is a fundamental pillar in the promotion of equal opportunities for all people. Accordingly, BBVA has alliances 
with  the  leading  Spanish  organizations  in  the  disability  sector  with  the  aim  of  promoting  accessibility,  fostering  labor 
integration and increasing knowledge and awareness of the needs and potential of disabled people. 

In both Spain and Colombia, ERGs have been created for different capabilities. A campaign has also been conducted to 
raise awareness of the additional problems that people with hearing difficulties are experiencing due to the use of masks.  

In Spain, BBVA continued its in-branch internship program for people with intellectual disabilities, in which 31 young people 
participated in 2020, and 3,636 have participated since 2015. 

In Mexico, Talent & Culture area was offered the "One Step Beyond Diversity" webinar held by a specialist in the field of 
labor inclusion for people with disabilities in the business sector. This was attended by 27 employees from the areas of Real 
Estate, Medical Service, Front, Communication and Services.  

Furthermore, to support the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, the Guide for Supervisors who are in charge of 
People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWID) was updated, which makes teams aware of how to treat a collaborator with this 
condition.  

As of December 31, 2020, BBVA had 797 people with different capabilities on the Group's staff, of which 152 are located in 
Spain, 275 in the United States, 23 in Mexico, 295 in Turkey and 52 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, Mexico and Argentina have all been made accessible. 

 
 
 
 
51 

Working environment 

Organization of work 

As part of the transformation of work practices at the Bank, in 2019 the “Work Better. Enjoy Life” global plan was launched 
in  2019,  which  was  established  to  reflect  a  culture  based  on  high  performance,  productivity,  team  empowerment  and 
balance between professional and personal life, i.e. work-life balance.  

Throughout  2020,  BBVA  has  continued  to  work  on  these  principles,  adapting  to  the  "new  normal"  resulting  from  the 
lockdown imposed as a result of COVID-19 and the fact that the vast majority of BBVA staff had to work from home for a 
prolonged period of time. 

In order to ensure compliance with policies on work-life balance and to keep colleagues properly informed and engaged 
during this unprecedented situation, the "BBVA at Home" website was launched. 

This website, which has been created in both Spanish and English, has been one of the main channels of communication 
with  and  between  BBVA  employees.  The  site  has  been  visited  by  137,200  people  since  its  launch,  including  BBVA 
employees and external parties, generating a total of 434,498 visits. 

 Some of the most notable content on the site included:  

  Emotional well-being: a section on the site that offers more than 20 self-help videos starring psychologists Silvia 

Álava and Marta Romo, experts in emotional management.  

  #Yomeformoencasa:  BBVA's  training  initiative  (meaning  #ITrainAtHome)  for  its  employees,  with  dozens  of 

courses, webinars and personalized content for each country. 

  Virtual events (more than 10 virtual events): a talk about "Fake News" with Mario Tascón; Dr. Jordi Vila clears up 
doubts regarding COVID-19; a talk about childhood sleep with Dr. Gonzalo Pin and four talks from BBVA Open 
Talks University with experts in education and entrepreneurship.  

  #ShareYourTalent: an initiative where BBVA employees shared videos showcasing their most surprising talents. 

  One team stories: inspirational stories in which BBVA employees shared how they have overcome lockdown and 

all the good things that have come out of this difficult period. 

  Travel without leaving home: content developed jointly with countries so that others can explore their regions. 

  Art & Culture: a page dedicated to discovering the best works in the BBVA collection, with full weekly updates. 

 

Families: a section proposing more than 120 activities for the whole family.  

BBVA in Spain has also signed an agreement with leading trade union representatives in September 2019 on working time 
registration and the right to digital disconnection, being the first financial institution to sign a collective agreement under 
these terms. The agreement was reached within the framework of the legal obligation established for companies in Royal 
Decree-Law  8/2019,  of  March  8,  on  urgent  measures  for  social  protection  and  the  fight  against  precariousness  in  the 
workplace, and with the aim of moving toward an organizational culture of work based on efficiency and results, as opposed 
to attendance and staying at work beyond established working hours. 

In  order  to  fulfill  this  agreement,  an  ad-hoc  tool  was  created,  "Register  your  working  day,"  an  application  where  every 
employee in Spain registers their working hours on a daily basis, by entering the time they start and finish work. In order to 
increase the knowledge of what it means to register the working day and how to use the tool, all employees have an online 
training course on this subject. For BBVA, the creation of this tool represents a means of promoting, strengthening and 
taking a further step toward cultural change and changes to work practices. 

With regard to the right to digital disconnection, the agreement with trade union representation also recognizes this right 
to workers as a fundamental element in achieving better organization of working time in order to respect private and family 
life, to improve the balance between personal, family and working life and to contribute to the optimization of workers' 
occupational health. This right takes the form of specific measures, such as: 

  Avoid communications between 7 pm and 8 am the next day, nor during weekends and holidays. 
 

From Monday to Thursday, avoiding meetings that end after 7 pm, or after 3 pm on Fridays and the day before a 
public holiday. 

 
 
 
52 

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, collective 
conventions  and  agreements  signed,  in  their  case,  with  the  corresponding  representations  of  the  workers.  Dialog  and 
negotiation are part of how to address any dispute or conflict within the Group, for which there are specific procedures for 
consultation with trade union representatives across different countries, including the issues concerning labor health and 
safety.  

In  Spain,  the  banking  sector  collective  agreement  is  applied  to  the  entire  workforce  (except  for  members  of  senior 
management  and  top-level  positions),  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 Mexico, freedom of association and local representation are respected. In accordance with the reform of the Federal 
Labor Law, in force as of May 2019, the Bank has a process to comply, in accordance with the parameters indicated by the 
legislation  itself,  with  the  requirements  on  collective  matters  that  were  incorporated  for  trade  union  organizations 
consisting  of  free,  secret  and  direct  voting.  By  the  end  of  the  year,  33%  of  the  workforce  was  covered  by  a  collective 
agreement.  

In Argentina, freedom of association and commitment to labor rights are respected, and dialog and collective negotiation 
are  much  valued  when  it  comes  to  reaching  consensus  and  conflict  resolution.  All  staff  are  covered  by  agreement, 
maintaining  a  seamless  communication  with  the  internal  trade  commissions  at  the  local  level  and  with  sections  of  the 
banking association at the national level.  

In other South American countries, the Group’s employees are covered by some form of collective agreement, and 100% 
of the workforce is covered by an agreement in Colombia, Venezuela and Paraguay. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  regulations  in  force  in  the  United  States  and  Turkey  do  not  require  the  same  application  of 
agreements to their workforces.  

Health and labor safety 

BBVA considers the promotion of health and safety as one of its basic principles and fundamental goals, which is addressed 
through the continuous improvement of working conditions. 

In this regard, the work risk prevention model at BBVA Spain is legally regulated and employees have the right to consult 
on and participate in these areas, which they exercise and develop through trade union representation on the different 
existing committees, where consultations are presented and matters relating to health and safety in the workplace are 
dealt with, monitoring any and all activity related to prevention. 

The Bank has a preventive policy applicable to 100% of its staff, which is carried out primarily by the Occupational Risk 
Prevention  Service.  This  service  has  two  lines  of  action:  a)  the  technical-preventive  line,  which  involves,  among  other 
activities, the carrying out of evaluations of occupational risks, which are periodically updated, the preparation of action 
plans to eliminate/minimize the risks detected, the monitoring of the implementation of action plans,  and implementation 
of  emergency  and  evacuation  plans,  training  in  health  and  safety,  and  coordination  of  preventive  activities;  and  b) 
occupational  medicine,  which  involves  carrying  out  staff  medical  examinations  ,  providing  protection  for  particularly 
sensitive employees and equipping workplaces with appropriate ergonomic equipment, as well as carrying out preventive 
activities  and  campaigns  to  maintain  and  improve  workers'  health  and  contributing  to  the  development  of  a  culture  of 
prevention and the promotion of healthy habits. 

Nevertheless,  this  year,  the  actions  undertaken  to  face  the  pandemic  caused  by  the  COVID-19  must  be  emphasized, 
including the role of the Prevention Service.  

Since the beginning, measures concerning the work organization and commuting were established, as well as guidelines 
and protocols for the employees of BBVA, following the instructions of the corresponding authorities, such as, for example, 
in Spain, the Ministry of Health, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health 
Organization (WHO). 

Likewise, work centers were adapted:  

  Signage  about  hygienic  procedures,  methacrylate  screens,  facial  screens,  disinfection  kits  for  branches' 
employees, and Individual Protection Equipments and face masks for employees at certain work centers such as 
the CPD (by its acronym in Spanish, Centro de Protección de Datos –Data Protection Center-).  

  Supply of masks and hand-sanitizing gels, as well as gloves in customer service branches.  

 
53 

  Social distancing between workplaces and separation tapes in branches to ensure the 2 meters security distance.  

  Specific cleaning procedures of work places.  

In the same vein, the vulnerability of employees regarding pathologies has been assessed, carrying out an exhaustive study 
of  vulnerable  people  within  the  Organization,  recommending  them  remote  working  and  establishing  the  “Special 
Coronavirus” permit for those employees whose position could not be developed remotely.  

The information, procedures, protocols and guidelines were available to all employees in a specific COVID-19 site within 
the Labor Health portal, which was also shared with the rest of the countries where BBVA Group is present. 

In a second phase, when the virus detection tests were available, population studies were carried out, as well as a testing 
strategy, analyzing cases and contacts among the employees of BBVA, which is leveraged in three main principles:  

  Preserving employees and their families, as well as customers' health.  

  Carrying out studies and testing employees in case of symptoms compatible with COVID-19, carrying them out 
both in case of positive cases and close contacts, going beyond the instructions of the sanitary authorities.  

  Data-based  studies:  The  tests  results  have  been  essential  in  the  implementation  of  return  plans  and  the 

management of possible resurgences of the disease, facilitating the decision making based on data. 

Thanks to these initiatives, work centers are safer, thus taking care of the health of employees. In all cases, the health status 
of the affected employees has been monitored, both those who were in their homes, as well as those hospitalized, with the 
families of these employees being monitored. 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (BBVA SPAIN. NUMBER) 

Number of technical preventive actions  

Number of preventive actions to improve working conditions 

Employees represented in health and safety committees (%) 

Abseentism rate (%) 

2020 

10,740 

11,054 

100 

3.9 

2019 

2,706 

3,306 

100 

2,9 

In other geographical areas in which the Group is present, progress has also been made in 2020 in the field of occupational 
health and safety, much of which is the result of the activity of health and safety committees in which employees are fully 
represented in most countries. 

In Turkey, BBVA was awarded the International Occupational Safety Award of the British Safety Council, one of the most 
respected authorities in the world regarding Occupational Health and Safety. Garanti BBVA is the first and only bank which 
has won this award in its sector in Turkey. In 2020, many studies were carried out on Emergency Management titles such 
as  earthquakes  and  pandemics.  Lots  of  best  practices  such  as  training,  patient  tracking  systems,  communication 
campaigns and risk management applications were implemented. During the year, 887 technical-preventive actions were 
carried out, 316 preventive actions for improving working conditions, and an absenteeism rate of 1.5% was recorded. 100% 
of employees continued to be represented on relevant platforms through employee representatives and health and safety 
committees. 

In the United States, during 2020, 1 technical-preventive procedure was carried out and an absenteeism rate of 1.95% 
was recorded. 

In order to protect the health and safety of employees in the context of COVID-19, various initiatives have been carried out: 
it has evolved towards a remote work model, providing them with equipment and technical capabilities, and processes 
have been established for the identification of employees considered as population at risk and for the self-assessment of 
COVID-19  symptoms  and  close  contacts,  in  addition  to  tracking  systems.  Customer  service  hours  were  also  modified, 
implementing a service model by previous appointment. In corporate buildings, security measures were increased, limiting 
entry points and allowing access exclusively to essential employees, also establishing the mandatory nature of a mask and 
social distancing measures, and business trips were restricted following the warnings of the Center for Disease Control of 
the United States (CDC). On the other hand, to respond to the needs of the pandemic, the conditions under which a leave 
or absence could be requested were extended and the terms of monetary compensation to the employee during said time 
of absence were defined. Likewise, essential medical programs have been offered at no additional cost to employees and 
medical services have been extended, covering 100% of COVID-19 treatment, in addition to the corresponding tests. In 
response to the voluntary legal provisions established due to the pandemic, the contribution plans and medical benefit 
programs  have  been  modified,  allowing  employees  to  use  their  retirement  savings  to  compensate  for  the  financial 
difficulties derived from COVID-19. At all times, the Bank has opted for active communication with employees to keep them 
informed. 

 
 
 
54 

In Mexico, the staff is 100% represented in health and safety committees. During 2020 the various visits of health, safety 
and  industrial  hygiene,  environment  and  civil  protection  authorities  were  attended.  Policies  for  the  prevention  of 
psychosocial risks and the promotion of a favorable organizational environment at the national level were also developed 
and implemented. Questionnaires were applied to identify psychosocial risk factors to employees, in addition to working 
on the inclusion of regulatory compliance with the Health Safety Guidelines for all employees, including service providers. 
In the year, 1 technical-preventive procedure was carried out and an absenteeism rate of 1.52% was registered. 

In South America, there is no uniform occupational health and safety management model for the entire region. 

The  most  relevant  local  initiatives  carried  out  in  Argentina  focused  on  the  creation  of  the  COVID-19  site,  launching  of 
dissemination campaigns, publications by internal communications, remote talks, an online course on COVID-19, as well 
as the planning of psychological sessions by virtual means. 

In Venezuela, among the initiatives taken to respond to COVID-19, suspicious and positive cases were monitored, plans 
and protocols were developed, safe conduct, principles of prevention of unsafe and unhealthy conditions in the workplace, 
newsletters  weekly,  home  care  in  case  of  COVID-19,  talks  on  the  correct  use  of  the  mask  and  teleconsultation  for  the 
network of offices. 

By  country,  no  technical-preventive  actions  were  taken  in  Argentina,  Peru,  Uruguay  whereas  1,992  were  carried  out  in 
Colombia, 28 in Venezuela, and 19 in Paraguay throughout the year. For its parts, no preventive actions to improve working 
conditions were carried out in Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, whereas 3,526 were undertaken in Colombia, 42 in Venezuela 
and 356 in Paraguay. With regard to the absenteeism rate 2.85% was recorded in Argentina, 2.83% in Colombia, 1.40% in 
Peru, 3.08% in Venezuela, 1.36% in Paraguay and 2.40% in Uruguay. In Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay, staff is 100% 
represented in health and safety committees. 

VOLUME AND ABSENTEEISM TYPOLOGY OF EMPLOYEES (BBVA GROUP) 

Number of withdrawn 

2020 

2019 

Total 
85,979 

Male 
33,485 

Female 
52,494 

Total 
28,338 

Male 
9,107 

Female 
19,231 

Number of absenteeism hours (1) 

6,010,098 

2,692,741 

3,317,357  3,469,056 

1,299,504 

2,169,552 

Number of accidents with medical withdrawn 

Frequency index 

Severity index 

Absenteeism rate (%) 

(1)  Total withdrawn hours by medical leave or accident during the year.  

191 

2.48 

0.91 

1.7 

67 

2.20 

0.69 

1.5 

124 

2.71 

1.10 

1.8 

316 

2.01 

1.46 

1.0 

108 

1.63 

1.08 

0.8 

208 

2.34 

1.79 

1.2 

In 2020, BBVA recorded a total of 191 cases of work-related accidents involving medical leave across the entire Group 
(only one out of every hundred cases of leave are due to accidents), most of them involving commuting accidents, which 
is 41% less than the previous year. 

No cases of occupational disease were registered in Spain in the last year. The number of worked-related accidents was 
97, of which 50 entailed medical leave and 47 did not, indicating a very low degree, under the sector. Thus, the Bank's 
severity index is 0.07 (0.04 men and 0.09 women) in 2020, while the frequency index is 1.22 (0.70 men and 1.72 women). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
55 

Volunteer work 

In  the  Corporate  Social  Responsibility Policy,  BBVA  expresses  its  will  to  reinforce  its  corporate  culture  of  social  and 
environmental commitment, facilitating the conditions for its employees to carry out 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 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. Volunteer work generates a positive impact in society, and as recognized by the 2030 
Agenda, they are an efficient tool to achieve the SDG.  

COVID-19 has accentuated the vulnerability situations and the inequality among people, making the volunteers’ work more 
important than ever. In order to grant both the Bank’s volunteers and beneficiaries’ security, on-site activities have been 
reduced, and have been substituted, when possible, by remote volunteering activities.     

Overall,  about  9,734  BBVA  employees  participated  in  more  than  16,000  volunteer  work  initiatives  promoted  by  the 
different subsidiaries of the Group in 2020, having dedicated more than 73,991 hours (28% during working hours and 72% 
outside working hours). The impact of these actions has directly benefited 24,454 people.  

In Spain, more than 1,673 employees participated in about 45 volunteer work activities organized by the Bank, focusing on 
the following lines of action: financial education, training in new technologies, training for employment, the environment 
and sustainability, and community investment.  

In  the  United  States,  more  than  1,900  employees  have  participated  in  volunteer  activities  mainly  within  the  Blue  Elf 
program in order to promote financial education among families and people pertaining to the low-income segment, which 
was developed online this year, and Volunteer Chapter Orientation. It is the country which has suffered the most significant 
decrease in the number of volunteers, due to the major impact that COVID-19 has had on the on-site activities.  

In Mexico, 83 employees took part in activities that were carried out to improve outside areas and refurbish public school’s 
classrooms.  Likewise,  more  than  5,000  employees  participated  as  mentors  accompanying  scholars  from  the  BBVA 
Foundation program in Mexico. The total number of volunteers amounted to 5,135, maintaining the level of participation 
with respect to 2019. 

In Turkey, Garanti BBVA employees have continued working in the  voluntary clover club, whose mission is to improve 
social and environmental awareness and responsibility, chiefly through projects related to education, children, animals and 
the environment, of different social organizations in the country. 855 employees participated in these initiatives.  

 In  certain  South  American  countries,  although  COVID-19  has  significantly  impacted  on  the  development  of  on-site 
volunteering, employees have carried out actions mainly related to social assistance.  

 
 
 
56 

Remuneration 

BBVA has a remuneration policy designed within the framework of the specific regulations applicable to credit institutions, 
and  geared  toward  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,  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 allowed by the Group,  

it is compatible with BBVA’s business strategy, objectives, values and long-term interests, and includes measures 
intended to avoid conflicts of interest,   

it clearly distinguishes the criteria for the establishment of fixed remuneration and variable remuneration;   

it promotes equal treatment for all staff, not discriminating due to gender or other personal reasons; and   

it pursues 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:  

  A fixed remuneration, which takes into account the level of responsibility, the functions performed, and the career 
path of each employee, as well as the principles of internal equity and the value of the function in the market, being 
a  relevant  part  of  the  total  compensation.  The  grant  and  the  amount  of  the  fixed  remuneration  are  based  on 
objective predetermined and 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.  

AVERAGE REMUNERATION (1) BY PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY (2), AGE STAGES AND GENDER (BBVA GROUP. EUROS) 

< 25 years 

25-45 years 

> 45 years 

< 25 years 

2020 

2019(4) 
25-45 years 

> 45 years(4) 

Male 

Female  Male 

Female 

Male 

Female  Male 

Female  Male 

Female  Male 

Female 

Management team 
(3)(5)

Middle controls (3) 

- 

- 

-  63,033  50,756 

106,962  70,483 

-  36,457  22,129 

63,574  46,052 

- 

- 

-  63,721  45,788  117,168  83,729 

-  48,929  30,566  77,129  63,107 

Specialists 

11,974 

9,682  23,610  20,352 

37,644  34,425 

12,311  10,508  23,668  20,598  36,001  31,365 

Base positions 

7,895 

7,647  15,064 

15,310 

35,813  34,836 

9,653 

8,494 

17,149 

17,189  37,959  36,132 

(1)Considering fixed remuneration. 
(2) The professional categories reflected in this table differ from those included in the rest of the chapter. The category Sales force is included in each of the remaining categories 
presented in this table.    

(3) There is no information both in the Management team and the Middle controls in the segment under 25 years due to insufficient sample. 

(4) The data reported in this table differe from those published in the Non-financial information report of 2019 due to additional amendments.  

(5)This Group does not include the Top Management. 

AVERAGE REMUNERATION BY PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY (1)  GENDER AND COUNTRIES WITH SIGNIFICANT OPERATIONS (EUROS)  

Spain  
(BBVA, S.A) 

2020 

Mexico 

Turkey(3) 

Spain  
(BBVA,S.A) 

2019 

Mexico 

Turkey(3) 

Male 

Female 

Male  

Female 

Male  Female 

Male  Female 

Male 

Female 

Male  Female 

117,091 

105,851 

129,274 

93,406 

47,160 

40,567 

116,821  105,974 

151,778 

114,625 

61,381 

43,993 

67,403 

62,692 

65,047 

53,233 

18,184 

14,864 

67,722 

62,723 

77,396 

61,574 

22,645 

19,029 

Management 
team (2) 

Middle controls 

Specialists 

47,133 

43,899 

14,887 

12,839 

13,638 

11,470 

47,149 

43,942 

16,953 

14,558 

20,215 

14,936 

42,547 

Base positions 
6,025 
(1) The professional categories reflected in this table differ from those included in the rest of the chapter. The category Sales force is included in each of the remaining categories 
presented in this table.    
(2) It excludes the Top Management. 
(3) In 2019, data from The Netherlads and Romania are included within the Specialistas category. Nevertheless, in 2020, data from this subsidiaries have been segmented for each 
corresponding category.  

38,493 

38,919 

42,168 

6,088 

5,269 

9,225 

5,887 

5,875 

5,317 

8,997 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57 

The differences observed in the average remunerations of certain professional categories arise from factors such as the 
length  of  service  and  they  are  not  representative  of  the  wage  gap.  This  is  due  to  the  fact  that  only  four  professional 
categories  are  being  used,  and  in  each  of  them  very  diverse  positions  with  very  different  remunerations  are  included. 
Therefore, the average remuneration of each category is affected by issues such as the different distribution between men 
and women in the most valued positions, or the higher proportion of women in countries where the average remuneration 
is lower.  

In addition, the large differences among  the different reported groups  with respect  to the previous year are due to the 
exchange rate evolution in the main geographies where the Group operates throughout 2020. Likewise, during 2020, and 
as a result of the impact of COVID-19, the wage reviews have been limited in all the geographical areas, except in countries 
with very high inflation rates (Argentina and Venezuela) and, to a lesser extent, in Turkey.  

The remuneration of the members of the Board is set out in Note 54 of the accompanying Group’s Consolidated Financial 
Statements,  on  an  individual  basis  and  by  remuneration  category.  As  of  2020,  for  senior  management  members,  the 
average total remuneration was €1,807 thousand for men and €1,535 thousand for women. 

Wage gap 

Group’s Remuneration Policy promotes equal opportunities for men and  women, and does not set or  encourage wage 
differentiation. The remuneration model  is designed to promote responsibility and career development, while ensuring 
internal fairness and external competitiveness.  

The equal pay ratio is calculated as the difference in the average total remuneration between women and men of the same 
professional category, expressed as a percentage  of  the  average remuneration of  men, as  reflected in the table above 
(Remuneration by professional category, gender and countries with significant operations) on average remuneration by 
professional categories and gender. This ratio does not take into account the concept of a position of equal value in the 
Group. 

BBVA's remuneration policy defines certain positions, on which compensation pivots. Each of these positions has a single 
theoretical  price  determined  based  on  different  factors,  such  as  the  level  of  responsibility,  complexity  of  the  function, 
impact  on  results,  etc.  In  the  same  way,  each  position  has  a  defined  unique  value  linked  to  the  achievement  of  the 
objectives. 

The concept of a position of equal value is reflected in the calculation of the wage gap that compares the total remuneration 
received by men and women who occupy positions of equal value in the Group. 

For each of the aforementioned positions, the median of the total remuneration received by all the men and women who 
occupy said positions is calculated. The wage gap for the position is calculated as the percentage resulting from dividing 
the difference between the median salaries of men minus the median salaries of women by the median salaries of men. 
The Group's salary gap is calculated as the weighted average of the gaps obtained in each of the positions. 

The total remuneration considered includes the fixed remuneration and the target bonus linked to objectives. Items such 
as  allowances,  social  benefits,  etc.  are  not  included,  the  amount  of  which  is  very  unrepresentative  within  the  total 
remuneration of employees, and whose award criteria and amounts are clearly defined, not discriminating between men 
and women. 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019 the wage gap by homogeneous professional categories is the following4: 

WAGE GAP (PERCENTAGE)  

BBVA,S.A (Spain) 

Mexico  
Turkey (1) 

BBVA GROUP   

2020 

4.3 

(0.3) 

(0.7) 

1.1 

2019 

4.3 

(0.1) 

(0.4) 

1.3 

(1) In 2020, data from Garanti BBVA in Turkey, the Netherlands and Romania are included in Turkey, whereas in 2019 it only includes Turkey. 

In order to balance professional opportunities between men and women, BBVA is continuing to launch various initiatives 
to  continue  making  progress  toward  gender  equality  such  as:  make  women's  talent  visible,  eliminate  biases  in  key 
processes  and  match  the  playing  field  (see  more  detail  in  the  “Diversity  and  Inclusion”  section).  These  initiatives  are 
contributing to the increase of women occupying positions of greater responsibility. 

4  The median is used for this calculation, since this statistical indicator is less affected by the presence of biases in the distribution of 
extreme values and better represents the real situation of the Group. 

 
 
                                                                    
Additional information about remuneration 

Total annual compensation ratio 

The total annual compensation ratio is calculated for the employees of BBVA, S.A. located in Spain, as the place where 
the Group's headquarters are located, employees located in Mexico and Turkey, such as the ratio between the total annual 
compensation (fixed remuneration plus accrued variable remuneration and contributions to pensions) of the highest paid 
person in each of the geographical areas and the median total annual compensation (fixed compensation plus accrued 
variable compensation plus pension contributions) of all employees taking full-time annualized compensation, excluding 
the best-paid person. 

58 

The annual total compensation ratios are as follows: 

ANNUAL TOTAL COMPENSATION RATIO 

Spain (BBVA, S.A.) 

Mexico  

Turkey 

2020 

80.9 

180 

138.7 

2019 

137.6 

233.3 

156.3 

In 2020, the annual total compensation ratio is reduced compared to 2019 in the three geographical areas as a result of 
the resignation of the best paid person in each area to the variable compensation corresponding to the 2020 financial year. 

Percentage increase in total annual compensation ratio 

The percentage  increase  in  total  annual  compensation  ratio  is calculated as the ratio between the increase in total 
annual compensation (fixed compensation plus accrued variable compensation and contributions to pensions) of the best 
paid  person  in  a  geographical  area  and  the  percentage  increase  in  the  median  total  annual  compensation  (fixed 
compensation plus accrued variable compensation and pension contributions) of all employees in the same geographical 
area, taking full-time annualized compensation, excluding the best paid person. 

In the case of BBVA, S.A. in Spain, for the financial year 2020, the total annual compensation of the highest paid person 
experienced a fall 10.3 times greater than the fall in the median total annual compensation of the rest of employees, due to 
the resignation of the best paid person to the variable remuneration corresponding to this financial year. For 2019, this 
ratio does not apply due to a change in the position occupied by the best paid person. In the case of Mexico, the drop in 
total annual compensation for the highest paid person was 7.8 times greater due to the same reason (5.9 times in 2019). 
With respect to Turkey, in 2020 there has been a decrease of 3.6% in the total annual compensation of the highest paid 
person, and an 8.6% increase in total median annual compensation for the workforce. 

Ratio of standard entry level wage by gender compared to local minimum wage 

The wage ratio of the standard initial category is established by level and the nature of the function to be performed, 
and does not distinguish by gender. As shown in the table below, BBVA's entry wage is higher than the local legal minimum 
wage in these geographic areas: 

RATIO OF STANDARD ENTRY LEVEL WAGE BY GENDER COMPARED TO LOCAL MINIMUM WAGE 

Spain (BBVA,S.A) 

México  

Turkey  

2020 

Male 

1.4 

1.5 

1.3 

Female 

1.4 

1.5 

1.3 

2019 

Male 

1.5 

1.8 

1.3 

Female 

1.5 

1.8 

1.3 

 
 
 
 
 
59 

Pensions and other benefits 

BBVA has social welfare systems, differentiated according to the geographical areas and coverage it offers to different 
groups of employees, not establishing differences due to gender or personal of any other kind, In general, the social welfare 
system is a defined contribution system for the retirement provision. The Group’s Pension Policy is compatible with the 
Company’s business strategy, objectives and long-term interests.  

Contributions to the social welfare systems of the employees of the Group will be carried out within the framework of the 
labor regulations, and of the individual or collective agreements of application in each entity, sector or geographical area. 
Calculation criteria on which benefits are based (commitments for retirement, death and disability) reflect fixed annual 
amounts, with no temporary fluctuations derived from variable components or individual results being present.  

With  regard  to  other  benefits,  the  Group  has  a  local  implementation  framework,  according  to  which  each  entity,  in 
accordance with its sector of activity and the geographical area in which it operates, has a package of employee benefits 
within its specific remuneration scheme, not establishing differences due to gender or personal of any other kind. 

In 2020, the Bank in Spain made a payment of €27.2m in savings contributions to pension plans and life and accident 
insurance  premiums,  of  which  €15.2m  corresponded  to  contributions  to  men  and  €12.0m  to  those  of  women.  This 
payment  accounts  for  more  than  95%  of  Spain’s  pension  expenditure,  excluding  unique  systems.  On  average,  the 
contribution received by each employee is €1,076 for the year (€1,224 for men and €932 for women).  

 
 
60 

Ethical behavior 

Compliance system 

The Group's compliance system is one of the bases on which BBVA consolidates its institutional commitment to conduct 
all  its  activities  and  businesses  in  strict  compliance  with  current  legislation  at  all  times  and  in  accordance  with  strict 
standards of ethical behavior. To achieve this, the cornerstones of the BBVA compliance system are the Code of Conduct, 
which  is  available  on  the  BBVA  corporate  website  (www.bbva.com),  the  internal  control  model  and  the  Compliance 
function. 

The Code of Conduct establishes the behavioral 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 customers have placed in 
BBVA. 

BBVA's  internal  control  model,  built  in  accordance  with  the  guidelines  and  recommendations  of  regulators  and 
supervisors and the best international practices, structured on three lines of defense, is intended to identify, prevent and 
correct the situations of risk inherent to the performances of its activity in the areas and locations in which BBVA operates. 
For  more  information  on  the  three-line-of  defense  model,  see  Note  1.7  to  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. 

In accordance with the provisions of the BBVA Code of Conduct, Compliance is a global unit integrated within the second 
line  of  defense  that  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, conduct in the securities market, the prevention of corruption 
and other aspects of corporate conduct. 

The Compliance function has a Statute, approved by the Board of Directors and subject to a prior analysis by the Risks and 
Compliance Committee, which details the main elements established by BBVA for managing the aforementioned issues 
as well as the basic elements that comprise the Compliance System and Function. The Compliance Statute has evolved in 
2020 to a better alignment with regulatory and supervisory developments and expectations related to the function. 

Mission and scope of action 

The tasks of the Compliance function include: 

 

 

promoting a culture of integrity and compliance within BBVA, as well as the knowledge by its members of the 
external and internal rules and regulations applicable to the above matters, through the development of internal 
regulation, advisory, dissemination, training and awareness programs, fostering the proactive management of 
compliance and conduct risk; and 

defining  and  promoting  the  implementation  and  total  ascription  of  the  Organization  to  the  risk  management 
frameworks and measures related to these issues. 

In order to perform its functions adequately, 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 and Conduct Issues. 

In order to reinforce these aspects and, specifically, the independence of the control areas, BBVA has the Regulation & 
Internal Control area, which reports to the Board of Directors through the Risks and Compliance Committee and in which 
the Compliance unit is integrated. Its activity is periodically supervised by the Risks and Compliance Committee. 

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 that is directed by a global manager and by local units which, sharing the mission entrusted to  them, 
perform  their  duties  in  the  countries  where  BBVA  carries  out  its  activities  that  are  directed  by  local  managers  of  the 
function. 

The function carried out by the various Compliance officers relies on a set of departments specialized in different activities, 
which, in turn, have their own designated officers. Thus, among others, the function is addressed by individuals responsible 
for each discipline related to Compliance and Conduct Issues, for the definition and articulation of the strategy and the 
management  model  of  the  function,  or  for  execution  and  continuous  improvement  of  the  area´s  internal  operational 
processes. 

 
61 

The main functions of the Compliance units include:  

  Carrying out a compliance and conduct risk assessment inherent to the Group’s activity. 

  Promoting  or  developing  internal  regulations  on  its  matters,  as  well  as  the  establishment  of  systems, 

technological tools and adequate resources. 

  Advising the Organization on Compliance and Conduct matters to manage the risk derived from them. 

  The  monitoring  and  verification  of  compliance  with  internal  regulations  that  allow  the  measurement  of  the 

management of Compliance and Conduct risk and its adequate contrast. 

  Management of whistleblowing channels in the different jurisdictions. 

  Periodically  report  information  related  to  Compliance  and  Conduct  issues  at  the  different  levels  of  the 

Organization. 

  Representing the function before regulatory bodies and supervisors in matters of compliance. 

The  structure  of  the  Compliance  units  across  different  countries  has  continued  to  evolve  throughout  2020  to  obtain  a 
better alignment 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  met  in  relation  to  risk  management 
associated  with  Compliance  and  Conduct  Issues.  This  makes  it  necessary  to  have  internal  mechanisms  that  establish 
transversal management programs for 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. This results in the review 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 improving the 
model itself. These lines are incorporated into the annual Compliance plan, the content of which is reported to the Risks 
and Compliance Committee. 

The basic pillars of the model 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. 

  A technology infrastructure focused on monitoring and geared toward ensuring the previous objective. 

  Communication and training systems and programs implemented to raise employee awareness of the applicable 

requirements. 

 

 

Indicators that allow for the supervision of global model implementation. 

Independent periodic review of effective model implementation. 

Throughout 2020, work continued on strengthening the documentation and management of this model by reviewing and 
updating the global typologies of Compliance and Conduct risks both at a general level and across the various different 
geographical areas. The framework for conduct and compliance indicators also continues to be strengthened in order to 
improve the early detection of this type of risk. 

The effectiveness of the model and compliance risk management is continuously subject to various different and extensive 
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 conducted 
by the supervisory bodies in each of the geographies. 

On the other hand, in recent years, one of the most relevant axes of application of the compliance model focuses on digital 
transformation of BBVA. For this reason, in 2020, the Compliance unit continued to maintain governance, supervision and 
advisory mechanisms for the activities of the areas that promote and develop business initiatives and digital projects in the 
Group. 

 
 
 
62 

Anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism 

Anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism (hereinafter AML) is an  indispensable requirement in preserving 
corporate integrity and one of its main assets: the trust of the people and institutions with which it works on a daily basis 
(mainly  customers,  employees,  shareholders  and  suppliers)  in  the  different  jurisdictions  where  it  operates.  The  BBVA 
Group´s commitment to improving the various social environments in which it operates is also a constant in the objectives 
it peruses.  

In addition, the Group is exposed to the risk of breaching 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 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  the  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 
Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 

This management model is constantly evolving. Thus, the risk analysis that are carried out annually allow BBVA to tighten 
controls and to establish, where appropriate, additional mitigating measures to enhance it. In 2020, 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 geography. 

During 2020, BBVA continued with the deployment of the new monitoring tool which allows advanced functionalities 
in Mexico, the United States, Portugal, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Malta and Cyprus, having already deployed the tool in 
Spain  and  Turkey.  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 capabilities of the Group's various comprising 
entities to detect suspicious activity, as well as the efficiency of said processes.  

In 2020, the BBVA Group handled 167,127 investigation files that resulted in 82,361 reports of suspicious transactions sent 
to the corresponding authorities in each country, mainly in jurisdictions such as Mexico, the United States and Turkey. 

In terms of training related to AML, each of the BBVA Group entities offers an annual training plan for employees. This 
plan, defined according  to the needs identified, establishes training actions such as face-to-face or e-learning courses, 
videos, brochures, etc. for both new hires and employees. 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 performed by the target group of the training. In 2020, 97,573 
attendees participated in AML training activities; this figure includes 18,838 employees belonging to the most sensitive 
groups from the perspective of AML. 

The AML risk management model is subject to a 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  an  annual  review  of  the  Group's  parent  company.  In  2020,  this 
external expert concluded that BBVA does indeed have an AML model to monitor the risk of being used as a vehicle for 
money laundering or terrorist financing and that said model meets the regulatory requirements in this regard. In turn, the 
internal control body, which BBVA maintains at the holding level, meets periodically and oversees the implementation and 
effectiveness of the AML risk management model within BBVA Group. This supervision scheme is also replicated at the 
local level, through the committees corresponding to each geography. 

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 Executive Committee Financial Crime Strategy Group of the 
AML & Financial Crime Committee and the Financial Sanctions Expert Group of the European Banking Federation, member 
of the task forces on KYC/RBA (Know Your Customer/Risk-based Approach) and Information Sharing of the European 
Banking  Federation,  member  of  the  AML  Working  Group  of  the  IIF,  participation  in  initiatives  and  forums  aimed  at 
increasing and improving the exchange of information for AML purposes, such as the Europol Financial Intelligence Public 
Private Partnership (EFIPPP), as well as contributions to public consultations issued by national and international bodies 
(European  Commission,  GAFI-FATF,  European  Supervisory  Authorities,  among  others)  and  the  IIF  Machine  Learning 
Governance Survey. 

 
 
63 

Conduct with customers 

BBVA's Code of Conduct places its customers at the center of its activities, with the aim of establishing lasting relationships 
based on mutual confidence t and the contribution of value. Thus, BBVA aspires to be the trusted partner of its customers 
in  management  and  control  of  their  finances  on  a  day-to-day  basis,  based  on  personalized  advice.  The  objective  is  to 
improve the financial health of its customers, as a factor of differentiation of the Group's strategy. 

To  achieve  this  objective,  BBVA  has  product  governance  policies  and  procedures  that  establish  the  principles  to  be 
observed when evaluating the characteristics and risks of products and services, as well as when defining their distribution 
conditions and their monitoring, so that based on the knowledge of the customer, their interests are taken into account at 
all  times  and  they  are  offered  products  and  services  in  accordance  with  their  financial  needs  and  compliance  with 
applicable  regulations  on  customer  protection  is  ensured.  BBVA  has  also  implemented  processes  geared  toward  the 
prevention, or, when this has not been possible, the management of potential conflicts of interest that may arise in the 
marketing of its products. 

In 2020, the new regulatory requirements on customer protection resulting from the health crisis caused by COVID-19, 
and aimed, in particular, at protecting customers in a vulnerable situation as a result of the crisis, have become one of the 
main  focuses  of  the  Compliance  units.  During  the  course  of  the  pandemic,  the  Compliance  Function  monitored  these 
regulatory developments and their proper implementation. In this regard, it identified 104 new regulations, corresponding 
to 12 countries and at a supranational level to the EU, which incorporated new requirements related, for example, to loan 
extensions or moratoriums, the granting of loans with public guarantees, facilities associated with banking transactions 
and payment channels, exemption from fees, or redemption of pension funds and funds or other savings products.  

At the same time, progress continued throughout 2020 on a global customer compliance model, which aims to improve 
the homogeneity of the framework of conduct standards which must be respected in customer relationships, applicable in 
all  of  the  Group's  jurisdictions  and  in  line  with  the  principles  of  the  Code  of  Conduct.  The  deployment  of  the  model 
contributes to a better customer experience at BBVA, and continues to be in line with increasingly standardized regulations 
on customer protection at a global level and best practice standards in commercial relations with customers. Throughout 
the  year,  BBVA  focused  on  reviewing  the  frameworks  for  mitigating  and  controlling  risks  relating  to  conduct  with 
customers,  singularly  addressing  the  issues  of  transparency  in  information  for  customers,  as  well  as  strengthening 
indicators related to such risks, paying special attention to customer complaints and preventing and identifying poor sales 
practices. 

Other measures geared toward customer protection during 2020 included:  

  Continuous analysis of the characteristics, risks and costs of BBVA's new products, services and activities from 
a  customer  perspective  through  a  number  of  different  Operational  Risk  Admission  and  Product  Governance 
Committees that operate in the Group. Over the course of the year, these committees analyzed more than 500 
new Group products, services or activities. 

  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. 

  Enhancement of the training processes required by the MiFID II regulations and the Law regulating real estate 
loan contracts in Spain. These certification requirements for providing financial services to customers are also 
present in the regulations applicable in other geographies and, in this regard, the number of certified sales forces 
in the Group, following the requirements of local regulations in each country, amounts to 25,766 employees in 
investment products and services and 23,829 employees in all other products as of December 31, 2020. 

  Training on identifying, managing and logging situations of potential conflict of interest during the provision of 

services to customers. In this respect, a total of 22,800 Group employees completed this training during 2020. 

  Promoting communication activities for commercial networks, both through direct communications on products 

or services, as well as through specific training actions. 

Follow-up of new customer protection requirements arising from the new regulation with regard to ESG factors. 

 
  Adaptation of the Advertising Communication Policy to the Bank of Spain Circular on advertising.  

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 ("the Policy"), 
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. The Policy is supplemented in each jurisdiction by a rule or Internal Code of 

 
64 

Conduct  (ICC)  aimed  at  the  target  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. 

Both  BBVA's  Policy  and  ICC  are  widespread  throughout  the  Group.  In  order  to  manage  this  regulation,  BBVA  has  the 
GESRIC  tool,  which  is  in  continuous  development  and  has  been  implemented  throughout  the  entire  Group  for  over  a 
decade. The degree of adhesion to the new ICC approached 100% of the individuals in question. 

With  respect  to  the  market  abuse  prevention,  the  reinforcement  of  the  programme  continued,  implementing  and 
extending  the  tools  for  detecting  operations  suspected  of  market  abuse  continued,  in  order  to  improve  the  analysis 
capabilities. As part of this reinforcement, in several of the Group's jurisdictions, the communications control framework 
of  the  market  areas  was  reinforced  through  the  implementation  of  new  communications  analysis  tools which  provide 
support in the analysis of suspicious transactions. 

These  measures  enable  the  further  improvement  of  the  process  of  detecting  suspicious  transactions,  leading  to  the 
communication of possible market abuse practices to the relevant authorities in each country. 

The  training  program  on  market  abuse  was  also  reinforced  in  2020  through  the  launch  of  a  global  course  on  insider 
information and market manipulation, which will complement the various training activities held by the Group on market 
conduct. 

Likewise, training for employees operating in derivatives with customers affected by the US Dodd-Frank Act under the 
license of Swap Dealer). This training will be mandatory from January 31, 2021, and will be provided by the competent 
supervisory authority (“National Futures Association”). 

In relation to the Unites States regulation known as the "Volcker Rule," BBVA has adapted its compliance program to the 
new simplified version of the rule ("Volcker 2.0"), which continues to maintain the highest international standards. In 2020, 
annual training on the Volcker Rule was undertaken by a group of 2,067 employees in the Group, which represents almost 
all of the group affected by the regulation. 

Likewise, the Policy for Discretionary Treasury Stock Trading has also been updated with the aim of adapting it to the new 
control model of the Group and reinforcing the transparency of this activity. Following this update, the guidelines followed 
by BBVA for its discretionary treasury stock trading have been published on the Bank's investor and shareholder website. 
A communication containing relevant information concerning this operation is also published quarterly to strengthen the 
market transparency of this activity. 

Personal data protection 

The BBVA Group has a set of Personal Data Protection Principles that establish the guidelines for compliance in the matter 
of personal data. They are applicable to all geographies in which BBVA operates, particularly in the areas of compliance 
control, training, incident management and personal data processing (transparency, data quality, etc.). These guidelines 
mean  that  BBVA  has,  in  accordance  with  its  own  local  legislation,  data  privacy  policies  or  notices  in  each  geography 
explaining  how  the  Group's  entities  collect,  process  and  protect  the  personal  data  of  their  customers,  suppliers  and 
employees, as well as of any other persons who provide their personal data to the relevant Group company. 

BBVA, S.A. makes the policy it follows regarding personal data protection available to its customers through its website, at 
www.bbvapoliticadeprotecciondedatospersonales.com. This includes information on: 

  Who is responsible for processing personal data; 

  The legitimate basis (or bases) that allows BBVA to process the personal data collected; 

  The purposes for which said personal data is to be used; 
  The data retention period;  

  Whether the data will be transferred; 

  The  mechanisms  in  place  so  that  the  user  can  escalate  data  privacy  issues,  such  as  how  to  contact  the  Data 

Protection Officer;  

  How to exercise rights of access, rectification, deletion, opposition, limitation of processing, transferability and 

the right not to be the subject of automated individual decisions. 

The BBVA Code of Conduct establishes that data protection breaches may lead to the application of disciplinary sanctions 
in accordance with labor legislation.  

The Data Protection Office (hereinafter DPO) has continued to strengthen its monitoring and control processes throughout 
2020. This is mainly achieved through reinforcing protocols and testing processes and activities that have an impact on 
personal  data  protection,  as  well  as  following  up  on  and  resolving  the  recommendations  arising  from  internal  audits 
conducted to assess all activity in this field. 

 
65 

At  the same  time, the current exceptional situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a  great challenge in 
terms  of  personal  data  protection.  The  adaptation  of  the  protocols  implemented  within  the  BBVA  Group  to  combat 
infections  and  safeguard  the  health  of  employees  and  customers  has  required  a  greater  focus  on  the  accelerated  and 
urgent adaptation of data protection requirements to this new reality. 

Furthermore, in order to improve the integration of the scope and duties of the DPO in the Group's Control Model, in the 
last quarter of 2020, BBVA made the decision to incorporate these duties into the Compliance unit while maintaining all 
the competencies of the DPO, in accordance with data protection legislation. 

Other conduct standards 

One of the main mechanisms for managing the Compliance and Conduct risk in the Group is the Whistleblowing Channel, 
where the members of BBVA as well as other third parties not belonging to BBVA can communicate confidentially and, if 
they  wish,  by  anonymous  signature  those  behaviors  that  are  separated  from  the  Code  or  that  violate  the  applicable 
legislation, including complaints related to human rights. The Compliance Function aims to ensure that complaints are 
handled  diligently  and  promptly,  guaranteeing  the  confidentiality  of  the  investigation  processes  and  the  absence  of 
retaliation or any other adverse consequence of good faith communications. The Code of Conduct, is available 24 hours a 
day, 365 days a year. 

BBVA has 14 whistleblower channels accessible to employees in all its main countries, which can be accessed through 
email and most of them also by telephone. BBVA has a corporate whistleblowing channel to which all employees in the 
jurisdictions where the Group is present have direct access. In 2020, 1,417 complaints were received in the Group, whose 
main  aspects  reported  relate  to  the  categories  of  conduct  with  colleagues  (49.8%),  and  conduct  with  the  company 
(34.1%). Approximately 42% of reports processed during the year ended with disciplinary action being taken. 

Among the work carried out in 2020 by the Compliance area, ongoing advice on the application of the Code of Conduct is 
particularly  noteworthy.  Specifically,  the  Group  formally  received  547  individual  consultations,  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 2020, BBVA continued with the work of communication and dissemination of 
the Code of Conduct, as well as the training on its contents, which has been carried out by a total of 115,334 employees. 

Another  key  element  in  the  management  of  Conduct  risk  in  BBVA  is  the  Group's  General  Anti-Corruption  Policy 
(approved  by  the  BBVA  S.A.  Board  of  Directors  in  September  2018),  which  develops  the  principles  and  guidelines 
contained, primarily, in Section 4.3 of the 2015 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). In May 2020 this Policy 
was reviewed and its update approved by the BBVA S.A. Board of Directors and communicated again to all employees and 
member of the Group´s main governing bodies. The general guidelines of the BBVA’s General Anti-Corruption Policy are 
available to both business partners and other third parties on BBVA’s shareholders and investors website. 

Additionally, BBVA has an internal regulatory body that complements the General Anti-Corruption Policy in the matter that 
regulates. 

Among the most prominent policies are the following:  

  General Policy on Conflicts of Interest, 
  General Policy on Anti-Corruption, 
  Policy on the Prevention and Management of conflicts of interest at BBVA (customer area),  
  General Procurement Principles, 
  Policy on Events and the Acceptance of gifts related to major sporting events, 
  Corporate Travel Policy, and 
  Corporate Event Management Policy. 

Likewise, regarding to other internal developments, the following stand out: 

  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, 
  Corporate rules for managing donations and contributions to non-profit organizations, 
  Corporate rules for managing commercial sponsorships, 

 
66 

  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 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 specific government 
model, iii) a set of mitigation measures aimed at reducing these risks, iv) action procedures face emergent risk situations, 
v) training and communication programs and plans, vi) indicators aimed at understanding the situation of risks and their 
mitigation and control framework, vii) a whistleblower channel and viii) a disciplinary regime. 

Also,  it  should  be  noted  that  BBVA  takes  into  account  the  corruption  risk  present  in  the  main  jurisdictions  in  which  it 
operates, based on the valuation published by the most relevant international organizations in this area. 

In relation to general training program, during 2020, training to the Top Management and employees on the General Anti-
Corruption Policy was globally boosted. In this sense, it is noteworthy the launch of a corporate online course in most of 
the jurisdictions in which BBVA is present. At the closing of 2020 financial year, this course had been taken by a total of 
77,184 employees. 

What's more, the framework for preventing conflicts of interest was reinforced in July 2020 complementing the existing 
internal  regulation  through  the  issuance  of  a  new  general  policy,  applicable  to  the  entire  Group,  which  reinforces  the 
principles and main measures that all BBVA members, must assume and follow in order to identify, prevent and manage 
conflicts of interest. The policy has been established in the context of the principles under which the BBVA Group operates, 
which include integrity, prudent risk management, transparency, the achievement of long-term sustainable business and 
compliance  with applicable legislation.  It also addresses  several different aspects, such as specific  measures that help 
prevent  the  emergence  of  conflicts,  general  guidelines  for  action  should  they  emerge,  or  governance  and  monitoring 
mechanisms at various different levels of the organization. 

Regarding  antitrust,  BBVA's  competition  policy  was  approved  in  July  2019,  which,  if  extended  to  the  entire  Group, 
represents a step forward in the development of conduct standards in this regard. The policy elaborates on Principle 3.14 
of  the  BBVA  Code  of  Conduct  on  free  competition  and  covers  the  most  sensitive  risk  areas  identified  by  national  and 
international bodies, horizontal agreements with competitors, vertical agreements with non-competing companies, as well 
as possible abusive practices. Various training activities were conducted in this regard during 2020. 

Crime prevention model 

Since the introduction in Spain of the criminal liability regime of legal persons, BBVA has been developing a criminal risk 
management model, based on the general internal control model, with the aim of specifying measures directly aimed at 
preventing the commission of crimes through a government structure suitable for this purpose. The criminal prevention 
model  is  structured  around  three  elements:  a  prevention  system,  a  governance  structure  and  a  periodic  review  of  its 
application. 

The prevention system is aimed at (i) identifying the activities carried out in BBVA that represent a risk of incurring criminal 
liability of the legal entity, (ii) identifying the elements of control, prevention and mitigation of said risks and (iii) developing 
a specific risk management program for each type of crime likely to attract responsibility for BBVA. In this sense, for each 
of the identified criminal risks a specialized control area (“assurance providers”) is designated which, as part of the criminal 
risk management program and for each of the identified criminal types, draws up a map of risks and a series of mitigation 
measures and action plans. 

The purpose of the governance structure is the supervision and control of the model, the identification of the responsible 
units and the periodic information to the BBVA governing bodies of the results of the monitoring of the system and of the 
incidents or possible relevant non-compliances. 

This  model,  periodically  subject  to  independent  review  processes,  is  configured  as  a  dynamic  process  in  continuous 
evolution, so that the experience in its application, the modifications in the activity and in the structure of the Entity and, in 
particular in its model of control, as well as the legal, economic, social and technological developments that occur, are 
taken into account in a way that contributes to their adaptation and improvement. 

In  this  context,  from  2017  onward,  BBVA  has  been  awarded  the  AENOR  certificate,  which  accredits  that  its  criminal 
compliance management system complies with the UNE 19601:2017 standard. 

 
 
 
 
67 

Commitment to human rights  

BBVA is committed to compliance with all applicable laws and to respect for internationally recognized human rights. This 
commitment applies to all of the relationships that BBVA establishes with its customers, suppliers, employees and with 
the communities in which it conducts its business and activities. 

Since 2007, BBVA has had a commitment to human rights, which was updated in 2020, that seeks to ensure respect for 
the dignity of all people and their inherent rights.  

The commitment is part of the Group's Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and is aligned with BBVA's Code of Conduct. 
This commitment takes the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as a reference. Its purpose is to guide 
the Group in its strategic vision and its operative, as well as in the relationship with its stakeholders.  

BBVA's  commitment  to  human  rights  is  also  reflected  in  other  milestones,  such  as  the  publication  in  2005  of  the  first 
defense sector standard or the publication of sector standards in the energy, mining, agriculture and infrastructure sectors 
in 2018, and its subsequent update in 2019, which has been substituted by the Environmental and Social Framework in 
2020. 

BBVA was also the first Spanish entity to adhere to the Equator Principles in 2004 and the United Nations Principles for 
Responsible  Investment  (PRI)  in  2008,  and  has  been  a  signatory  to  the  United  Nations  Global  Compact  (UNGC)  since 
2002, all of which are international alliances in favor of human rights. 

Under  this  perspective,  BBVA  decided  to  identify  the  social  and  labor  risks  that  derive  from  its  activity  in  the  various 
different areas and countries in which it operates in order to manage their potential impacts through processes designed 
specifically  for  this  purpose  (for  example,  due  diligence  processes  in  project  finance  under  the  Equator  Principles)  or 
through existing processes that encompass the human rights perspective (such as the supplier evaluation process).  

At the same time, the methodology for evaluating the risk to BBVA's reputation discussed in the "Reputational Risk" section 
within the chapter “Risk management”, is an essential companion to this management, since assessing reputational risk 
highlights that issues related to human rights have the potential to affect the Bank's reputation. 

In order to comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and under the responsibility to prevent, 
mitigate and repair potential human rights impacts, a due diligence process was carried out in 2017. The procedure used 
to identify and assess these risks or impacts was based on the framework of the above Principles and helped to enhance 
risk detection and assessment from a human rights perspective. This due diligence process is scheduled to take place 
again in 2021. 

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 said impacts, 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.  During  this  process,  certain  key  issues  were  identified  that  could  potentially  serve  as  levers  to 
improve the management system within the Group. These issues are grouped into four areas that serve as the basis and 
foundation of the Group's 2018-2020 Human Rights Action Plan, which is public and is updated every year. 

 
 
      
 
68 

Policy and structure 

The updating of the commitment to human rights was recommended during the due diligence process conducted in 2017, 
and it was renewed in 2018. 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 the results of the global due diligence process itself, were 
taken as a reference. 

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: 

  States’ duty to protect, 

  The responsibility of companies to respect human rights, 

  And the joint duty to implement mechanisms that ensure the repair 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 to implement the due diligence measures to avoid this. 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 managing these risks. 

  The second line of defense is composed by the specialist unit of each risk, with the support of the Responsible 
business  department,  which  is,  as  well,  responsible  for  designing  and  coordinating  the  implementation  of  this 
commitment and its development.    

  The third line of defense is the Internal Audit area. 

Training and cultural transformation 

With regard to the due diligence process, it is advisable to integrate the human rights perspective into: 

  The internal and external communication plan, 

  The plan on diversity and work-life balance, and 

  A 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, it is a 
guiding  principle  for  interactions  with  employees,  especially  in  the  recruitment,  development  and  remuneration 
processes, which ensure non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race or religion, and, as such, is included in the BBVA 
Code of Conduct. 

Thus, this Code, among other matters, covers how to handle discrimination, harassment or intimidation in labor relations, 
objectivity in recruitment, hiring and promotion that avoids discrimination or conflicts of interest, among other issues, as 
well as health and safety in the workplace, whereby employees must communicate any situation they become aware of 
that poses a risk to their health or safety at work. 

Furthermore, BBVA's commitment to human rights assumes the commitment to apply, for example, the content of the 
fundamental  conventions  of  the  International  Labor  Organization  (ILO),  such  as  those  relating  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. 

In  2020,  this  section  was  enhanced  through  the  launch  of  a  global  training  site  on  sustainability  that  includes  specific 
content on human rights training.  

Process improvement 

As a result of the aforementioned process, the importance of enhancing the supplier evaluation process, as well as the 
functioning and scope of the repair mechanisms, became evident. 

From  a  supplier  perspective,  BBVA  has  a  Code  of  Ethics  for  Suppliers  that,  in  2018,  enhanced  compliance  with  the 
commitment to human rights by integrating the human rights prism into the supplier evaluation process. 

In  2020,  the  General  Procurement  Principles  (which  replace  the  previous  Responsible  Procurement  Policy)  were 
published,  demonstrating  the  commitment  to  responsible  business  by  raising  awareness  of  sustainability  and  social 
responsibility among personnel, suppliers and other stakeholders involved in the BBVA Group's procurement process, as 
a key element in ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements in the areas of human, labor and environmental 
rights. 

 
69 

BBVA works to establish repair mechanisms within the role of corporate lender, employer or as a company that contracts 
services with others. As such, BBVA is open to managing any issue raised by any of its stakeholders regarding its lending 
activity  and  in  relation  to  performance  in  the  field  of  human  rights  through  two  channels:  The  Bank's  official  listening 
channels, aimed at customers, and external channels. An example of an external channel is the national contact points of 
the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (hereinafter OECD), the objective of which is to admit and 
resolve claims related to losses of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. 

With  regard  to  employees,  suppliers  and  society  in  general,  the  BBVA  Code  of  Conduct  expressly  mentions  the 
commitment to human rights and provides a whistleblower channel to report possible breaches of the code itself.  

Business and strategy alignment 

The analysis performed recommended the inclusion of human rights criteria in the Group's strategic projects, such as the 
due diligence process in the acquisition of companies or the social and environmental framework. 

Furthermore, as signatories to the Equator Principles, BBVA complies with the requirement to conduct a due diligence 
analysis of potential human rights impacts in project finance operations. When identifying 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  and  Informed 
Consent  (FPIC),  not  only  in  emerging  countries,  but  also  in  projects  in  countries  where  a  robust  legislative  system  is 
presupposed, 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 ongoing dialog and exchange of 
experiences with other signatory entities (companies, SMEs, third sector entities, educational institutions and professional 
associations).  Along  the  same  lines,  BBVA  encourages  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. 

BBVA participates in various different work groups related to human rights and is in constant dialog with its stakeholders. 
At a sectoral level, BBVA has formed part of the Thun Group since 2012. The Thun Group is 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. 

The Principles of Responsible Banking were signed in 2019 following their launch in 2018, to which BBVA has adhered 
as one of the promoters and founders of the initiative. Under the auspice 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 regard, the implementation guidelines expressly mention the suitability of integrating the 
Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights into the implementation of the six principles, which are: i) Alignment, ii) 
Impact  and  goal  setting,  iii)  Customers,  iv)  Stakeholders,  v)  Governance  and  culture,  and  vi)  Transparency  and 
accountability.  Lastly,  in  addition  to  these  initiatives,  and  taking  into  account  the  importance  of  the  Spanish  mortgage 
market, BBVA generated a social housing policy in 2012. 

Spanish Social Housing Policy 

In line with the above, and taking into account the importance of the Spanish mortgage market, BBVA has a Social Housing 
Policy that goes beyond what is legally established and emphasizes the commitment to human rights and the SDGs, mainly 
in terms of SDG 1 "No Poverty" and SDG 10 "Reduced Inequalities." 

At present, more than 750.000 families live in BBVA-financed housing in Spain. 

BBVA's Social Housing Policy aims to offer solutions tailored to customers who have mortgages and are struggling to meet 
their repayments. BBVA pursues every re-financing option available in accordance with the customers' ability to pay, in 
order to allow them to keep their homes and agreeing to make payment in kind in case their financial situation prevents 
them from paying. 

In  addition,  any  situation  can  be  referred  for  review  by  the  Committee  for  the  Protection  of  Mortgage  Debtors,  which 
analyzes cases in which the customers or their families face the risk of exclusion without legal protection, while providing 
individual solutions in accordance with each family's specific circumstances. 

In February 2012, BBVA decided to voluntarily adhere to the Code of Best Practices approved by the Spanish government, 
the objective of which is to seek the viable restructuring of the mortgage debt of holders of loan or credit contracts secured 
by  a  real  estate  mortgage  on  their  main  residence  who  are  experiencing  extraordinary  difficulties  in  meeting  their 
repayments, because they are at the "exclusion threshold." In 2019, on the occasion of the entry into force of Law 5/2019, 
which regulates real estate loan contracts, BBVA ratified its adherence to the Code of Best Practices under the terms of 
this new law, which broadens the potential beneficiaries of these measures. 

 
70 

In 2018, BBVA transferred its real estate business to Cerberus Capital Management, adapting its Social Housing Policy to 
this  new  situation  while  remaining  steadfast  on  its  objective.  Since  the  financial  crisis  began  in  2008  and  through  to 
December 2020, of those contributed to the Social Housing Fund, the BBVA Group made almost 7,000 homes available 
in Spain for social renting, the social rentals granted to customers in what had been their home and homes ceded to the 
Government of Catalonia and Cáritas Barcelona. 

Currently, BBVA has signed collaboration agreements with public entities for more than 1,000 social housing properties. 

BBVA has also established internal mechanisms that allow it to implement a real social housing policy that pays special 
attention to particularly vulnerable families who are BBVA mortgage customers and are at risk of social exclusion: 

  Re-financing agreements in force: More than 85,000refinancing agreements in force as of December 31, 2020, 

which have helped families since the crisis first began. 

  Payments in kind: More than 29,600 payments in kind have been carried out since the crisis began through to 

December 2020. 

  Mortgage Debtor Protection Committee: More than 2,200 situations analyzed to respond to mortgage debtors 

or their families. 

Since  the  socio-economic  crisis  caused  by  COVID-19  began,  BBVA  has  been  aware  of  the  importance  of  supporting 
citizens  in  facing  its  consequences.  On  March  17,  2020,  Royal  Decree  Law  8/2020  was  published  with  urgent  and 
extraordinary measures to address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. This outlines the conditions for requesting a 
payment  deferral  on  home  mortgage  loan  payments.  Customers  with  a  mortgage  at  BBVA  who  met  the  conditions  of 
vulnerability due to COVID-19 were able to take advantage of this payment deferral. BBVA, together with other financial 
institutions, has also voluntarily established a payment deferral of up to twelve months. 

With regard to social housing tenants, the financial institutions that are members of the Social Housing Fund, including 
BBVA, took the initiative on March 23 to grant a deferment of up to three months in social rentals to those tenants who 
were in a vulnerable situation due to COVID-19, in anticipation of the regulations on support for tenants approved by the 
government in Royal Decree Law 11/2020 published on April 1.  

Both the legal measures indicated and all their subsequent modifications affecting mortgage debtors or social housing 
tenants were adapted and implemented as quickly as possible, with the aim of helping to mitigate the economic impact of 
the pandemic on the most vulnerable groups. 

 
71 

Sustainability at BBVA  

BBVA, a bank committed to sustainability 

BBVA is a bank guided by one purpose: "Bringing the age of opportunity to everyone." A purpose that seeks to have a 
positive impact on the lives of individuals, businesses and society as a whole. BBVA's firm and long-term commitment to 
sustainability is perhaps one of the clearest ways of achieving this purpose, and as it has already been mentioned, “helping 
our clients transition towards a sustainable future is one of the six Bank’s strategic priorities, which is implemented through 
two ways: climate action and inclusive growth. 

This commitment to sustainability has a long background. BBVA joined the UN Global Compact in 2002 and to the Equator 
Principles in 2004.  

Its drive for sustainable finance began in 2007, when it took part in the first issue of a green bond placed by the European 
Investment Bank (hereinafter, EIB), and when in 2008 its employee pension plan manager was the first to adhere to the 
Principles  for  Responsible  Investing  in  the  market.  Since  then,  the  Bank  has  been  promoting  sustainable  solutions, 
ensuring their direct impact and integrating environmental and social risk into the management process.  

In 2018, BBVA unveiled its 2025 Pledge to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and overcome the 
challenges arising from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This commitment is based on three lines of action: 

1.  To finance. Originating new funding to combat climate change and support the SDGs by channeling €100,000m 
into green activities, sustainable infrastructure, agribusiness, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion between 
2018 and 2025. 

2.  To manage. Minimizing the environmental and social risks associated with the Bank's activity and their potential 
direct and indirect negative impacts, as well as progressively aligning its business with the Paris Agreement. The 
Bank has set itself the target of ensuring that 100% of the energy supplied to the BBVA Group is renewable by 
2030.  

3.  To  Engage. Engaging all stakeholders to collectively promote the financial sector's contribution to sustainable 

development. 

In 2019, the Bank carried out a process of strategic reflection to continue deepening its transformation and adapt to the 
major trends that are changing the world and the financial industry. As a result, faced with two of the main trends identified, 
such  as  the  fight  against  climate  change  and  the  growing  relevance  of  social  inclusion,  BBVA  incorporated 
sustainability as one of its six strategic priorities: helping our clients in the transition towards a sustainable future. 

During 2020, it has continued to advance in the development of this priority, integrating sustainability transversally in 
management  and  internal  processes  and  also  in  the  relationship  with  clients  and  other  stakeholders,  highlighting 
milestones  such  as  the  approval  of  the  General  Sustainability  Policy,  the  creation  of  the  Global  Sustainability  Office 
(hereinafter the GSO) or the publication of the Group's first TCFD report. 

Governance model 

BBVA’s corporate governance  

BBVA’s corporate governance bodies have devised and promoted a strategy which includes sustainability and climate 
change as one of its priorities, approving its basic elements and regularly monitoring its implementation across the Group. 
This  task  is  carried  out  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  BBVA’s  highest  representation,  administration,  management  and 
surveillance body, with the assistance of its specialized committees. 

The Executive Committee and the Risk and Compliance Committee specifically play the most active role in assisting the 
Board on sustainability and climate change issues, as detailed below.  

BBVA’s Board of Directors has long considered the progress and main impacts of sustainable development and the fight 
against climate change as important matters, and these have become even more important issues to monitor in recent 
years. 

The Board of Directors approved the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy in 2020, subsequently amending it to 
adapt to any new developments over the years. This policy reflects the Group’s commitment to draw up and implement a 
climate  change  and  sustainable  development  strategy  for  the  achievement  of  the  SDGs,  in  line  with  the  Paris  Climate 
Agreement, among other considerations. 

 
72 

To this end, the Board fostered the Group’s commitment to sustainability with the “2025 Pledge” described in this chapter. 
Its progress and development have been regularly monitored by the Board of Directors, at least on an annual basis, and by 
its Executive Committee, at least on a biannual basis. 

In 2019, BBVA’s Board of Directors led the strategic reflection process carried out within the Group, which identified the 
need to make sustainability one of the pillars of its strategy for the coming years. 

This strategic reflection performed in 2019 had a special implication of the corporate governance bodies, in particular the 
Board and the Executive Committee who directly participated in the drafting and approval of the Group’s new strategic 
plan (discussed in several meetings throughout the year). A process to monitor the plan’s implementation and execution 
was  defined  with  measures  including  holding  specific  meetings  focused  on  strategy  or  the  establishment  of  KPIs  to 
implement the strategic plan.  

An essential element of this strategic approach determined by the Board is the integration of sustainability and the fight 
against climate change into the Group’s business and functions and which will be managed by establishing objectives to 
facilitate their implementation, oversight and monitoring of progress.  

In addition, in 2020, the Board, with the prior analysis of the Executive Committee, approved the Group’s Sustainability 
Policy, which defines and sets out the general principles and the main management and control objectives and guidelines 
to be followed by the Group on sustainable development. 

Likewise, the GSO, responsible unit for promoting and coordinating sustainability initiatives within the Group, given that it 
is the responsibility of all Group areas to incorporate sustainability on a cross-cutting basis, was created in 2020, and is 
relying on the support of the most senior executive managers of the various Bank's areas at a global and local level. 

The Board of Directors will oversee the policy’s implementation directly or through the Executive Committee, on the basis 
of periodic or ad-hoc reports received by the GSO, the Head of Corporate & Investment Banking (who is responsible for 
this  policy  at  the  senior  management  level),  the  Bank’s  areas  that  will  incorporate  sustainability  into  their  day-to-day 
businesses and operations and, where appropriate, the Heads of BBVA’s control functions.  

At least once a year, or in the event of any event requiring changes to this Policy, the Global Sustainability Office will revise 
and submit to the Bank’s corporate governance bodies any updates and modifications deemed necessary or appropriate 
at any time.  

The above approach allows the corporate governance bodies to define the basic lines of action for the Group as regards 
the management of opportunities and risks arising from sustainability in their businesses. It also allows the execution to be 
overseen by the executive areas in all spheres of the entity’s operations.  

In addition to the above and in order to achieve the best performance of its duties in this matter, the Board considered it 
necessary  to  strengthen  its  own  knowledge  and  experience  in  sustainability,  by  onboarding  people  with  extensive 
knowledge  and  experience  and  by  a  continuous  training  program  to  include  sustainability-related  subjects  (such  as 
sustainable finance or main trends that are being developed in the market on this matter). 

Transversal integration of sustainability into the executive sphere  

BBVA incorporates sustainability as part of its daily activities and everything it does, encompassing not only relations with 
customers but also internal processes.  

In this sense, the definition and execution of the strategy, which includes sustainability and climate change as one of its 
priorities, has a transversal nature, being the responsibility of all areas of the Group to incorporate it progressively into their 
strategic agenda and their work dynamics.  

Taken into account the two main focal points of action in relation to sustainability, the Group has set itself some specific 
targets (hereinafter the "Group's sustainability targets"), which at the time of this report are as follows:  

1.  To  promote  the  development  of  sustainable  solutions:  Identifying  opportunities,  developing  sustainable 

products and offering advice to individual customers and companies.  

2.  To integrate sustainability risk into its processes: Making climate change risks, whether physical or transitory, 

part of the Group's management processes.  

3.  To  build  a  single  agenda  with  stakeholders:  Fostering  transparency  in  commitments  and  performance, 
reducing the direct impact and promoting active involvement with all stakeholders to drive sustainability within 
the financial sector.  

4.  To develop new competencies in the sphere of sustainability: Leveraging the Group's capabilities in the field 
of data and technology to drive the development of the strategy, which includes sustainability and climate change 
as  one  of  its  priorities,  across  the  Organization,  and  promoting  as  well  the  training  on  this  subject  among  all 
employees.  

 
73 

These  goals  are  materialized  in  different  lines  of  work  entrusted  to  various  different  areas,  and  a  supervisor  has  been 
appointed for each area. In this context, the GSO has held regular meetings with these managers to review the various 
different  lines  of  work,  with  the  aim  of  accelerating  their  implementation  and  ensuring  proper  alignment  between  the 
Group's various different units.  

Finally, a network of experts has been established, comprising sustainability specialists from different areas of the Group 
(Client Solutions, Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Risk Management, Communication & Responsible Business) 
and coordinated by the GSO. These experts are responsible for building knowledge in the field of sustainability at the Group. 
This  knowledge  is  then  used  to  provide  customer  guidance, support  areas  in  developing  new  value  propositions  in  the 
sphere of sustainability, make climate risks part of risk management, and draw up a public agenda and set of sustainability 
standards. 

Implementing the strategy  

As described in the chapter “Strategy and business model”, helping the clients transition toward a sustainable future is 
one of the strategic priorities of BBVA. 

To achieve this, BBVA has prioritized those SDGs in which the Group can generate a greater positive impact by harnessing 
the multiplier effect of banking, implementing this strategy through the two lines of action: climate action and inclusive 
growth. 

 
        
 
 
 
Climate action 

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all  

For  more  information  regarding  BBVA’s  performance  in  its  contribution  to  SDG  7,  see  section 
“Helping our clients transition toward a sustainable future”  “Management of environmental direct 
impacts” within this chapter.  

74 

Inclusive growth 

Ensure sustainable consumption and production 

For  more  information  regarding  BBVA’s  performance  in  its  contribution  to  SDG  12,  see  section 
“Management of environmental impacts” within this chapter, and chapter “Contribution to society”.  

Take urgent action to combat climate change and impacts 

For  more  information  regarding  BBVA’s  performance  in  its  contribution  to  SDG  13,  see  sections 
“Helping our clients transition towards a sustainable future” and “Environmental impacts and risks” 
within this chapter.  

Promote inclusive and sustainable growth, employment and decent work for all  

For more information regarding BBVA’s performance in its contribution to SDG 8, see the chapters, 
“The best and most engaged team” and “Contribution  to  society”, and the section “Helping our 
clients transition towards a sustainable future” within this chapter.  

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster 
innovation 

For  more  information  regarding  BBVA’s  performance  in  its  contribution  to  SDG  9,  see  section 
“Helping our clients transition towards a sustainable future”, and chapter “Contribution to society”. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Considering the aforementioned focal points, and in order to further develop this strategic priority, four major goals are 
set, which are materialized into different workstreams:  

Objectives  

Currently, this objective consist of 5 workstreams: 

Workstreams 

75 

01  To encourage sustainable business growth  

 

 

 

 
 

Sustainable solutions for retail customers 

Sustainable solutions for SME customers  

Sustainable solutions for corporate and institutional 
customers  

Communications and  marketing 
Social 

02  To integrate sustainability risk in the processes  

03 

To establish an unique sustainability agenda with 
stakeholders 

04  To develop the necessary sustainability capabilities  

Currently, this objective consist of 2 workstreams: 

 

 

Risk management 

Sustainability indicators 

Currently, this objective consist of 3 workstreams: 

 

 

 

Reporting and transparency 

Direct impact 

Public engagement 

Currently, this objective consist of 2 workstreams: 

 

 

Data and technology  

Talent 

Helping our clients transition toward a sustainable future  

Specifically,  the  solutions  promoted  by  BBVA  focused  on  identifying  opportunities  arising  from  climate  change  and 
developing sustainable products, as well as  creating value  propositions and offering advice  to individual and corporate 
customers that can be highlighted are: 

Sustainable solutions for corporate and institutional customers as well as businesses 

The issuance of green and social bonds is part of the climate change and sustainable development strategy of BBVA, with 
which the Bank was to align its activities with the SDG and the Paris Agreement. In the sustainable bond market, BBVA 
issued  in  May  2020  the  first  COVID-19  social  bond  by  a  European  financial  institution  for  the  amount  of  €1,000m  and 
issued the first AT1 green bond in the sector, also for the amount of €1,000m, in June 2020. For its part, the Bank published 
the first follow-up report on its green bonds issued in 2018 and 2019. The renewable energy, efficient building, sustainable 
transport and water and waste management projects, which helped reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 724,006 tons of 
CO2  and  generate  2,300  GW/hour  of  renewable  electricity,  and  have  contributed  to  manage  sustainably  more  than 
290,000 tons of waste and treat nearly 7 million m3 of residual water.    

Throughout 2020, BBVA has spearheaded 43 green, social and sustainable bond issuances for customers in the United 
States, Latin America and Europe, with a volume of more than €21,760m and a disintermediated volume of €4,180m. This 
activity has solidified BBVA's position as the most active Spanish institution in the disintermediation of this type of asset 
for the fifth consecutive year. The participation in the inaugural operations carried out in Europe in the automotive, energy 
and telecommunications sectors stands out; and in the United States in the energy sector. During 2020, BBVA has actively 
worked in the advice and placement of social COVID-19 bonds (whose funds are aimed at mitigating the negative effects 
of the pandemic). Thus, BBVA has led to the disintermediation of the ICO social bond and the €52m health social bond of 
the Community of Madrid. On the other hand, and also in Spain, BBVA has supported the €700m inaugural issuance of the 
green bond of the Community of Madrid, which has been the first green bond issuance of a public administration in Spain.  

Lastly,  BBVA  continues  to  support  the  development  of  the  green  bond  market  in  other  regions,  such  as  Mexico  or 
Argentina. In Mexico it has led two sustainable issuances of the Fondo Especial de Financiamientos Agropecuarios (FEFA, 
Special  Fund  for  Agricultural  Financing):  a  green  bond  that  it  placed  in  June  and  a  social  gender  bond  that  it  placed  in 
October, which is a major milestone as it has been the first bond with a focus on gender equality to be issued in the country. 
BBVA has also led the inaugural bond of a real estate investment trust issued in Mexico. The resources from this bond will 
be used for financial inclusion and to provide access to financing for women in the agricultural sector. In Argentina, BBVA 
has  led  the  first  green  bond  of  an  entity  mainly  dedicated  to  the  distribution  of  materials  for  construction  and  the 
exploration and production of oil and gas, amounting to USD 50m, which has been aimed at wind energy projects.  

 
 
76 

In the sphere of sustainable corporate lending, the Bank participated in 68 fundings linked to environmental and social 
indicators (KPI-linked) and linked to the customer's ESG rating (ESG-linked), amounting €4,893m, including pioneering 
operations  in  the  pharmaceutical  and  steel  sector.  Furthermore, BBVA  has  been  also  a  pioneer  in  closing  the  first 
sustainable financing with the backing of the ICO. As such, BBVA has consolidated its position as the leading institution as 
a  sustainable  coordinator/structuralist  in  syndicated  and  bilateral  operations  for  the  fourth  consecutive  year.  Outside 
Spain, BBVA has spearheaded several landmark operations, including the first sustainable financing in Colombia, and one 
of the main syndicated loans in Germany and two in Italy. Avenues were also opened in Argentina through closing the first 
social operation in the country. BBVA continues to work with its customers to develop new and demanding formats to link 
its long-term commitment to sustainability and to the objectives set by the European taxonomy and the Paris Agreement 
respectively. 

Furthermore,  BBVA  remained  active  in  the  financing  of  sustainable  projects  throughout  2020,  participating  in  20 
operations which has involved BBVA mobilizing more than €1,184m of sustainable financing in three main areas: 

  Financing  of  renewable  projects,  in  which  BBVA  has  consolidated  its  position  as  one  of  the  world's  leading 
banks, having closed a total operations, including the financing to one of the first offshore wind farms in the world, 
and that shows the support of BBVA to new sustainable technologies, and the funding of the biggest wind energy 
project contracted under a Power Purchase Agreement (hereinafter PPA) in Spain. 

  Social  projects:  BBVA  has  continued  its  activity  in  the  health  sector.  It  has  also  been  particularly  active  in 
financing telecommunications projects, given the key role they play from a societal perspective as facilitators in 
accessing  new  technologies,  digitalization  and  their  contribution  to  economic  development.  BBVA  has 
participated as a leading bank in the financing of 8 operations in this sector, focused on the field of health and the 
deployment of optical fiber networks.  

  Sustainable infrastructure projects, where BBVA is a pioneer both in operations related to sustainable transport 

and in buildings that reduce the environmental impact.  

Additionally,  BBVA  has  mobilized  €4,895m  of  corporate  financing  to  customers  that  take  part  in  green  classified 
sectors, in accordance with the Green Bond Principles (renewable energies, waste management, sustainable transport 
and  energetic  efficiency),  or  in  social  sectors,  in  accordance  with  the  Social  Bond  Principles  (health,  education,  social 
assistance and social housing).  

Likewise, BBVA took part in 27 operations, which means a €762m mobilization in fixed-purpose loans certified by an 
accredited independent third party, where the purpose of the funding has positive environmental and social impacts. 

Likewise, under its sustainable  transactional  banking framework, BBVA has signed 41 operations amounting €961m. 
Furthermore,  new  products  (such  as  confirming  lines  and  deposits)  have  been  launched  under  this  framework,  which 
includes  a  new  approach  to  certifying  products  as  linked  to  sustainability.  The  market  for  financial  products  linked  to 
sustainability is relatively new and it is growing rapidly, thereby allowing companies and sectors searching for ways to start 
or expand their sustainable trajectory to gain access to sustainable financing. Products linked to sustainability are intended 
to facilitate and support economic activity and growth in both environmental and social spheres. This new approach allows 
BBVA to actively support its customers in the transformation toward more sustainable business models. 

Sustainable solutions for retail customers  

BBVA wants to support its retail customers in adopting more sustainable habits that help them to reduce their emissions. 
It  wants  to  do  so  proactively,  by  investing  in  data-based  tools  and  solutions  that  help  customers  to  control  their 
consumption and emissions. To this end, it is working on making a wide range of products available to customers, both for 
investment and financing, to help them in this transition, adapting to the situation in each of the regions in which it operates. 

In Spain, following the expansion of the catalog of sustainable solutions available in 2019, financing lines for businesses 
are already being offered for purchasing hybrid and electric vehicles, installing renewable energies and improving energy 
efficiency in buildings.  

As such, a specific funding line was launched for SMEs for the renewal of their vehicle fleet with electric or hybrid plug-in 
models. Furthermore, with regard to housing, a line of loans to property developers was launched, specifically aimed at 
developments with high energy certifications, which includes the innovative possibility that retail customers who purchase 
these homes will be able to benefit from an interest rate subsidy on their mortgage. 

At  the  individual  level,  the  aim  is  also  to  promote  low  emission  mobility  through  granting  loans  for  electric  cars  and 
providing insurance relating to this type of vehicle.  

Likewise, a green offering has been launched for mortgages for homes with energy rating A. On the investment side, BBVA 
has  a  range  of  sustainable  funds,  such  as  the  conservative  multi-asset  fund  BBVA  Futuro  Sostenible  ISR  (BBVA  SRI 
Sustainable Future), BBVA Bonos sostenibles ISR (BBVA sustainable SRI Bonds) and the international equity fund BBVA 
Bolsa Desarrollo Sostenible (BBVA Sustainable Development Fund). The Bank launched its first individual pension plan 
managed with SRI criteria, the BBVA Plan Sostenible Moderado ISR (BBVA ISR Moderate Sustainable Plan) in 2019. 

 
77 

In other geographical areas, BBVA’s offering in Turkey includes green mortgages, marketed within the framework of an 
agreement with the IFC, and lines of credit for electric and hybrid vehicles on the financing side. It also offers its customers 
the possibility of investing in a pension plan formed by shares of listed companies "BIST Sustainability Index" as a result of 
their awareness of global warming and social inclusion. 

In Peru, BBVA is also committed to increase its mortgage offering for homes with good energy ratings. It currently offers 
"Mi vivienda verde" ("My green home"), a state-subsidized mortgage loan granted for purchasing a home certified as a 
green project that includes sustainability criteria in its design and construction. A line of sustainable financing for electric 
and hybrid cars was launched in 2020. 

In Mexico, advances in equipment leasing linked to sustainability are notable, whereby an agreement was also signed with 
the IFC to promote this product in 2019. It also offers individuals products for financing low-emission cars and insurance 
for such vehicles.  

In 2020, BBVA Mexico has joined the C Solar program, an initiative coordinated by the Secretariat of Energy, with the aim 
of fostering the energy transition of SMEs in the country through NAFIN-secured financing to generate photovoltaic solar 
energy. Agreements have also been reached with the main distributors of solar panels to finance the installation of this 
type of energy in private homes, and BBVA is participating in the Cofinavit mortgage program with the aim of granting 
mortgages to homes that include energy efficiency improvements. 

In the United States, financing lines for purchasing hybrid and electric vehicles are being offered to individuals and work 
is underway to launch a green offering for homes with sustainable certifications before the end of the year. 

Along  the  same  lines  a  line  of  financing  has  been  launched  aimed  at  SMEs,  the  purpose  of  which  is  to  improve  energy 
efficiency in buildings or the acquisition of properties with good energy ratings. In the last quarter of 2020, a line of financing 
aimed at this segment for purchasing electric and hybrid vehicles has been launched. 

In Argentina, in addition to offering consumer loans aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes, BBVA focused on 
promoting electric mobility by offering different products for financing cars, bicycles and electric scooters. 

Lastly, Colombia has provided a boost to sustainability by launching both a line of financing for electric and hybrid cars 
and a certified sustainable home mortgage with differentiated rates and conditions in the last quarter of 2020. Insurance 
for this type of car and home is also included in its product portfolio.  

As far as the circular economy is concerned, BBVA is committed to ensure that all of its cards are made from recycled 
material. The first of these has been launched in Spain, using 76% recycled plastic for the young-customer segment, while 
work is underway to extend this to the rest of the cards in Spain and rest of geographical areas. 

ESG Advisory  

Furthermore,  to  complete  the  sustainable  portfolio,  the  ESG  Advisory  service  was  created  in  2020  to  assist  global 
customers in their transition toward a sustainable future. This involves data-driven assessments and guidance to assist 
customers in undertaking commitments, each from a different starting point, to align with the Paris Agreement and make 
progress in terms of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Agenda. BBVA offers value-added information on regulation, 
best practices and the challenges and opportunities faced in their sectors on their journey toward sustainability. It also 
provides an overview of the whole range of sustainable products and services that can be offered from CIB, both in terms 
of debt and equity. Efforts are being focused on specific sectors such as oil & gas, utilities, automotive and infrastructure 
along with cross-cutting issues such as energy efficiency.  

Socially responsible investment 

In the area of socially responsible investment (SRI), BBVA assumed its commitment to 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 
main asset managers, Gestión de Previsión y Pensiones (Social Security and Pensions Management) in Spain. The goal 
then was to start building BBVA's own responsible investment model from the ground up, with the initial implementation 
focused on employment pension funds, to then be extended to the rest of the Group's managers. 

In 2020,  BBVA  Asset  Management (BBVA AM), the Group's investment management unit that brings together all its 
asset management activities around the world, developed its sustainable investment plan, which marks a significant leap 
in the goal of integrating sustainability, setting itself the target of incorporating sustainability practices into all investment 
portfolios and products. This plan will be developed over the next few years, and its implementation and deliverables will 
materialize in BBVA's various asset management businesses over several phases. The pillars of action for incorporating 
sustainability into the business are as follows: 

 

Integrating ESG criteria into the investment process, carried out through the development of its own model that 
integrates  extra-financial  criteria  into  management.  To  this  end,  BBVA  AM  will  create  an  internal  ESG 
measurement rating for all instruments in the portfolio, whether issuances of government debt, corporate debt 
or equity, and mutual funds; this part will be carried out with the support of Quality Funds, BBVA's department of 
analysis and selection of third-party funds. 

 
78 

 

 

Exclusions  Policy: Development of an exclusion policy that will affect companies facing severe controversies, 
companies  that  do  not  comply  with  the  United  Nations  Global  Compact,  and  sectors  that  are  considered 
intrinsically harmful to society. In relation to the latter point, the Defense Performance Standard applies to all units 
and subsidiaries of the BBVA Group, and therefore to all vehicles that are managed within the BBVA AM business 
in all geographical areas. For its application, BBVA uses exclusion lists of companies and countries, drawn up and 
updated periodically, with the help of an independent expert advisor. These lists include companies and countries 
related to defense equipment, military, police and security armaments, ammunition, explosives, etc., which are 
automatically excluded from the list of companies in which BBVA can invest. 

Involvement and voting policy: Development of its own voting policy based on BBVA's best practices and beliefs 
on how to promote the sustainable creation of long-term value for companies. In 2020, BBVA AM exercised its 
political rights through attending 151 general shareholders' meetings (of Spanish companies and European and 
US foreign companies whose securities are held in the portfolios of the various investment vehicles managed by 
BBVA  AM).  BBVA  AM  will  make  use  of  dialog  with  the  companies  in  which  it  invests  to  encourage  them  to 
incorporate  the  most  important  sustainability  issues  into  their  strategic  plans.  Likewise,  it  is  committed  to 
gradually  joining  agreements  and  collaborating  with  organizations  that  promote  the  principles  of  responsible 
investment. 

In  2020,  in  the  field  of  Socially  Responsible  Investment,  €906m  net  of  reimbursement  have  been  raised  through 
sustainable funds.  

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT WITH SRI CRITERIA (BBVA ASSET MANAGEMENT. MILLIONS OF EUROS)   

Total assets under management 

Europe 

Mexico 

South America 

Turkey 
SRI strategy applied 

Exclusion (1) 

Vote (2) 

Integration (3) 

31-12-20 

109,355 

72,376 

26,034 

7,433 

3,512 

109,355 

72,376 

9,053 

31-12-19 

113,651 

75,645 

27,708 

6,341 

3,957 

113,651 

75,645 

8,844 

(1) The exclusion strategy applies to 100% of the assets under management. 

(2) The vote strategy applies to 100% of the assets under management in Europe for those instruments, in BBVA AM portfolios, that generate voting rights 
and their issuers are in the European geographical area. 

(3) The integration strategy is applied in ISR pension plans and mutual funds of the Europe business. 

Financial inclusion and entrepreneurship 

BBVA believes that greater financial inclusion has a positive impact on the well-being and sustained economic growth of 
countries. The fight against financial exclusion is therefore consistent with its ethical and social commitment, as well as 
with its medium- and long-term business objectives. At the close of 2020, BBVA has mobilized €2,148m within the financial 
inclusion and entrepreneurship sector.  

In  this  regard,  the  BBVA  Microfinance  Foundation  promotes  the  sustainable  economic  and  social  development  of 
vulnerable entrepreneurs. It has two lines of action: to build a group of sustainable and innovative microfinance entities and 
to  promote  the  transformation  of  the  microfinance  sector.  It  also  promotes  education  and  developing  financial  and 
management skills. In 2020, it provided financial education and technical training to 396,601 people. 

 
 
 
 
79 

Sustainable financing: mobilization metric 

Banks play a crucial role in the fight against climate change and in achieving the SDGs, thanks to their unique ability to 
mobilize  capital  through  investment,  loans,  issuances  and  advisory  services.  The  concept  of  mobilization  is  a  more 
inclusive approach than pure financing, in that it includes sustainable value propositions beyond traditional bank financing 
activity. 

BBVA relies on the activities envisioned in the Green Bond Principles and the Social Bond Principles (voluntary guidelines 
that set the emissions transparency requirements and promote integrity in the development of the green and social loans 
market) and the Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles of the International Capital Markets Association as a benchmark for 
meeting its objectives under its 2025 Pledge, under which three types of sustainable financing are defined: 

  Green financing for transitioning toward a low-carbon economy: 

o  Certified  specific-purpose  green  loans:  Loans  where  the  financed  activity  or  purpose  have  a  positive 

environmental impact and that have been certified by an accredited independent third party. 

o  Loans  linked  to  green  indicators:  Where  the  price  of  the  loan  is  linked  to  the  customer  achieving  an 

improvement in certain predetermined environmental performance indicators. 

o  Corporate  financing  for  customers  that  undertake  a  percentage  of  their  activities  in  green  sectors 
according  to  the  Green  Bond  Principles:  renewable  energy,  waste  and  water  management,  clean 
transportation, and energy efficiency. 

o  Green financing of projects related to any of the aforementioned categories. 
o  Brokered  green  bonds:  Bonds  issued  by  companies  that  use  the  proceeds  to  finance  projects  with  a 

positive environmental impact and in which the Bank acts as book runner. 

o  Green  financing  for  retail  customers  related  to  any  of  the  categories  of  the  Green  Bond  Principles: 

renewable energy, waste and water management, clean transportation and energy efficiency. 

o  Green insurance: Insurance policies for electric and hybrid vehicles.  

  Social infrastructure and sustainable agribusiness: 

o  Certified  specific-purpose  social  loans:  Loans  where  the  financed  activity  or  purpose  have  a  positive 

environmental impact and that have been certified by an accredited independent third party. 

o  Loans  linked  to  social  indicators:  Where  the  price  of  the  loan  is  linked  to  the  customer  achieving  an 

improvement in certain pre-established social performance indicators. 

o  Corporate financing for customers who undertake a percentage of their activities in sectors classed as 
social sectors according to the Social Bond Principles: health, education, community support and social 
housing. 

o  Financing of infrastructure projects with a special social impact. 
o  Brokered  social  bonds:  Bonds  issued  by  companies  that  use  the  proceeds  to  finance  projects  with  a 

positive social impact and in which the Bank acts as book runner. 

o  Social financing for retail customers whose activities fall within any of the categories set out in the Social 

Bond Principles: health, education, community support and social housing. 

 

Financial  inclusion  and  entrepreneurship:  Loans  to  low-income  communities,  vulnerable  micro-entrepreneurs 
and female entrepreneurs, in addition to financing for new digital models and impact investments. 

  Other sustainable mobilization: 

o  Loans  linked  to  the  ESG  rating:  Loans  where  the  price  of  the  loan  is  linked  to  the  customer's  overall 
sustainability performance, taking the rating awarded by an independent sustainability analysis agency 
as a reference point. 

o  Loans  linked  to  sustainable  indicators,  in  which  the  price  is  linked  to  the  customer  achieving  an 

improvement in certain pre-established environmental and social performance indicators. 

o  Loans  where  the  price  is  linked  both  to  the  customer’s  overall  sustainability  performance,  taking  the 
rating  awarded  by  an  independent  sustainability  analysis  agency  as  a  reference  point,  and  to  the 
improvement in certain pre-established environmental and social indicators. 

o  Sustainable structured deposits, where the proceeds are used to maintain BBVA's sustainable portfolio 
of  bonds,  shares  and  loans  of  companies  that  meet  certain  eligibility  criteria  (belonging  to  certain 
sustainability indices or overall sustainability performance). 

o  Brokered sustainable bonds: Bonds issued by companies that use the proceeds to finance projects with 

a positive environmental and social impact and in which the Bank acts as book runner. 

o  Socially  responsible  investment  captured  through  vehicles  with  these  features  and  characteristics 

marketed by BBVA. 

 
Since  the  launch  of  2025  Pledge,  whereby  BBVA  plans  to  mobilize  €100,000m  between  2018  and  2025  (with  70% 
earmarked for green financing), BBVA has effectively mobilized a total of €50,155m in sustainable activities up to 2020, 
distributed as follows: 

FUNDS MOBILIZED THROUGH THE 2025 PLEDGE (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

80 

2020 production 

(%) 

2019 production (2) 

10,635 

52 

11,502 

Green financing 

Certified fixed-purpose green loans 

Green KPI-linked loans 

Corporate green financing 

Green project finance 

Intermediated green bonds  

Green insurance 

Green retail financing 
Social Infrastructures and agribusiness 

Certified fixed-purpose social loans  

Social KPI- linked loans 

Social corporate finance 

Social infrastructure project finance 

Intermediated social bonds 

Social retail funding  
Financial inclusion and entrepreneurship 

Financial inclusion 
Loans to vulnerable entrepreneurs (1) 

Loans to female entrepreneurs 

Impact investment 
Other sustainable mobilization 

ESG- linked loans 

KPI-linked loans 

ESG-linked and KPI-linked loans 

Sustainable structured deposits 

Intermediated sustainable bonds 

Socially responsible investment 

Total 

Total 2025 Pledge (accumulated to 2020) 

(1)98.8% vulnerable. 

(%) 

63 

9 

13 

15 

655 

1,773 

4,203 

902 

2,932 

0.2 

170 
2,920 

106 

182 

1,653 

282 

697 

0.3 
2,148 

776 

944 

267 

161 
4,602 

1,509 

1,172 

258 

206 

551 

906 

14 

11 

23 

20,306 

50,155  

100 

403 

2,687 

4,440 

1,165 

2,719 

- 

87 
1,634 

- 

39 

1,569 

22 

- 

4 
2,325 

686 

1,426 

96 

116 
2,687 

1,116 

- 

- 

51 

497 

1,022 

18,147 

29,849  

100 

(1) The data has been updated with respect to those published in previous reports due to post-2019 adjustments. 

 
 
 
 
 
81 

Environmental impacts and risk management  

The financial sector and climate change  

The  fight  against  climate  change  is  one  of  the  biggest  disruptive  events  of  all  time,  with  extraordinary  economic 
consequences to which all actors in our environment (governments,  regulators, businesses, consumers and society in 
general) must adapt. 

Climate change and the transition toward a low-carbon economy have significant implications on the value chains of most 
production sectors, and may require significant investments in many industries. However, technological progress in the 
fields of energy efficiency, renewable energies, efficient mobility and the circular economy will continue to generate new 
opportunities for all. 

On the other hand, customers, markets and society as a whole not only expect large companies to create value, but to also 
make a positive contribution to society. In particular, that the economic development to which they contribute with their 
activity is inclusive. 

BBVA is aware of the key role that banking plays in this transition toward a more sustainable world through its financial 
activity, has adhered to the Principles for Responsible Banking promoted by the UN, the Katowice Commitment and the 
Collective  Commitment  to  Climate  Action  and  is  keen  to  play  a  central  role,  as  demanded  by  society,  and  to  help  its 
customers in their transition toward this sustainable future. 

As a financial institution, BBVA has an impact on the environment and society directly through the consumption of natural 
resources and its relationship with stakeholders; and indirectly (and most importantly) through its credit activity and the 
projects it finances.  

There are two type of risks that impact the business: 

  Transition risk: which are those risks pertaining to the transition to a low-carbon economy, and which arise from 
changes in legislation, the market, consumers, etc., to mitigate and address the requirements of climate change.  

  Physical  risk:  which  arise  from  climate  change  and  can  originate  from  increased  frequency  and  severity  of 
extreme weather events or long-term weather changes, and which may imply physical damage to companies’ 
assets, disruptions in supply chains or increase in the expenses needed to face such risks. 

Integrating climate change into risk planning 

Climate-change  related  risks  (transition  and  physical  risks)  are  considered  an  additional  factor  impacting  those  risk 
categories  already  identified  and  defined  in  the  BBVA  Group.  These  are  managed  through  the  risk  management 
frameworks of the Group (credit, market, liquidity and operational, and other non-financial risks).  

As  a  result,  the  integration  of  climate-change  related  risks  into  the  risk  management  framework  of  the  BBVA  Group  is 
based  on  their  incorporation  into  the  governance  and  processes  currently  in  place,  taking  into  account  regulation  and 
supervisory trends.5 

5  Particularly noteworthy is the European Central Bank’s public consultation on its guidance on climate and environmental risks published 
in May 2020. It explains how it expects credit institutions to safely and prudently manage climate-related and environmental risks and 
disclose such risks transparently under the current prudential framework. 

 
 
                                                                    
Risk  management  in  the  BBVA  Group  is  based  on  two  large blocks  described  below:  risk  planning  and  day-to-day  risk 
management. 

82 

Risk Assessment  

This section provides, firstly, a self-assessment of how the different climate-change related risk factors impact on the main 
types of risk currently existing (credit, market, liquidity...), secondly, an analysis of the sectors that are most sensitive to 
this  risk  (under  the  so-called  “internal  risk  taxonomy”)  and,  finally,  the  methodology  used  to  assess  the  climate 
vulnerability of the different geographies where the BBVA Group operates. These last two aspects are integrated into the 
management through processes such as admission frameworks or the establishment of risk limits.  

As part of its General Risk Management and Control Model, the Group develops periodic risk identification and assessment 
processes to, among other things, identify material risks that could have a negative impact on its risk profile and to manage 
those risks actively and proactively. These processes cover all types of risks faced by the Group in its daily activity, including 
those risks that are more difficult to quantify.  

Through the Risk Assessment process, which is updated at least once a year, a global assessment by type of risk and 
business area  is carried out  to identify both the strengths  and main  vulnerabilities of the BBVA Group, with a forward-
looking view. The matrix of events of the assessment carried out in 2020 is included below (see Chart 04). Risk Assessment 
exercises are used to set the risk appetite. The events are ordered according to their severity, which is estimated on the 
basis of the likelihood allocated to each event and their estimated impact on the BBVA Group. The 2020 Risk Assessment 
has deepened the analysis, incorporating a first qualitative assessment of the climate change factor materiality for those 
risks where it could be relevant. 

The following risk events have been identified throughout the 2020 financial year: 

 
 
 
                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
The analysis carried out distinguishes between the impacts that physical and transition risks have at different time horizons 
(short, medium and long-term) on the main types of risks (financial and nonfinancial). The main risks are focused, first on 
credit  portfolios,  especially  the  wholesale  portfolio  and,  secondly,  the  retail  mortgage  and  auto  portfolios.  The  most 
relevant risks, in a first phase, are transition risks, affecting fossil fuels from a triple point of view: regulation, technological 
change  and  market  factors.  Market  portfolios  are  hardly  affected  given  the  low  volume  in  relative  terms  of  the  trading 
portfolio, its daily management and the high diversification of the portfolios .In terms of liquidity risk, the high quality of the 
liquidity buffer leads to an immaterial risk of a decline in the volume of liquid assets resulting from central bank restrictions 
on the eligibility of certain securities due to environmental reasons; the risk of loss of value of available collateral as a result 
of potential negative impacts on the market price of securities is also considered immaterial. The risk of physical climate 
events is considered low in terms of outflows of client resources or instability of wholesale resources (companies).  

83 

Tranisition risks  

Physical risks 

ST 

MT 

LT 

ST 

MT 

LT 

Risk assessment climate change 2020  

Wholesale credit 

Retail credit  

Liquidity and funding  

Markets  

Operational  

Insurance  

Note. Temporary horizons definition 
ST: Short term; up to 4 years (planning horizon). 
MP: Medium term from 4 to 10 years.  
LP: Long term; more than 10 years  

Low risk  

Moderate-low risk  

Moderate-high risk  

High risk  

Not applicable 

BBVA, within the scope of preparing and defining its industry frameworks governing the credit admission process, has 
developed an internal Taxonomy of transition risk in order to classify industries according to their sensitivity to transition 
risk. In addition, metrics are identified at the client level to assess their vulnerability and to integrate this aspect into risk 
and client support decisions.  

The  estimation  of  the  transition  risk-sensitivity  level  is  based  on  the  qualitative  analysis  of  the  amount  of  exposure  to 
regulatory,  technological  and  market  changes  caused  by  decarbonization  that  may  have  a  financial  impact  on  the 
companies  of  the  industry  and  on  the  estimation  of  the  time  horizon  impact  of  these  effects.  Thus,  industries  are 
categorized according to their level of sensitivity to transition risk: high, moderate or low sensitivity.  

The industries identified as most sensitive to transition risk are energy or fossil fuel generation sectors (energy, utilities, 
coal mining), emission-intensive basic industries (steel, cement) and activities that are final users of energy through their 
products or services (vehicles manufacturers, air and sea transportation). 

As a result of this exercise, with data at 31 December 2020, 17.1% of the exposure measured by EAD of the wholesale 
portfolio (equivalent to 9.1% of the Group’s portfolio) has been identified as corresponding to sectors defined as “transition 
risk sensitive”, with an intermediate, high or very high level of exposure to this risk. This calculation was made on a portfolio 
of €223,620m (of the Group’s total EAD of €422,494m), corresponding to the EAD of the wholesale lending portfolio. 

The percentage of exposure measured by EAD of the sectors sensitive to the transition risk of the wholesale portfolio over 
the EAD of the wholesale portfolio at December 31, 2020 are as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84 

Internal development. It includes the percentage of exposure (exposure at default) of activities internally defined as “transition risk sensitive” over the EAD of the wholesale portfolio at 
December  31,  2020  (Paraguay,  Uruguay  Venezuela  and  Chile  not included).  The  “transition  risk  sensitive”  portfolio  includes  activities  that generate  energy  or  fossil  fuels  (energy, 
utilities - excluding renewable generation and water and waste treatment -, coal mining), basic industries with emission-intensive processes (steel, cement) and final activities users of 
the energy through their products or services (vehicles manufacturers, air and sea transportation), with an intermediate, high or very high level of sensitivity to this risk.  

In addition, climate and environmental risk impact has been incorporated into country risk analysis since 2019, as an 
additional input for establishing risk policies affecting exposures to private or sovereign administrations of all the countries 
with which the bank has some type of risk (+100 countries) .  

To  this  end,  a  Climate  Vulnerability  Index  (hereinafter,  the  CVI)  has  been  created  for  more  than  190  countries,  which 
captures the physical risk and, to a lesser extent, the transition risk of each country, based on international indicators (e.g., 
Global Adaptation Index of the University of Notre Dame, ND-GAIN, and the Energy Transition Index, ETI, produced by the 
World Economic Forum). Subsidiarily, vulnerability indices issued by other international organizations and by the three 
rating agencies are also taken into account.  

The methodology establishes 5 climate vulnerability levels, which are a comparative classification, as all countries have a 
certain level of vulnerability given the global nature of this phenomenon. The CVI has been integrated into risk management 
by including a specific section in country risk reports, so it is a factor that is taken into account when establishing risk limits 
(particularly in the most vulnerable countries). It is also taken into account in setting country ratings and outlooks.   

In  2020  a  methodology  has  also  been  launched  to  determine  climate  vulnerability  at  the  sub-national  level  (regions, 
provinces,  cities).  To  this  end,  indicators  developed  by  internationally  renowned  institutions  such  as  the  Andean 
Development Corporation (CAF), the EU or BBVA Research. Work has also been done to incorporate transition risk to a 
greater extent in the CVI. 

Risk appetite Framework (RAF)  

The Risk Appetite Framework of the BBVA Group, approved by the corporate governance bodies, determines the risk 
levels that BBVA is willing to assume to achieve its targets, considering the business’ organic evolution. The Framework 
has a general statement that sets out the general principles of the risk strategy and the target risk profile. The current 
statement includes the commitment to sustainable development as one of the elements defining BBVA’s business model. 
This statement is complemented and detailed with an appetite quantification through metrics and thresholds that provide 
clear and concise guidance on the defined maximum risk profile. For the climate change risk, a new category has been 
included in 2021, called “High Transition Risk”, which measures the EAD in relation to capital of activities internally defined 
as “transition risk sensitive” with a “high” or “very high” intensity, in accordance with BBVA’s taxonomy. With respect to 
this metric, the Board of Directors has approved thresholds at a Group and business area level, which set the maximum 
appetite to climate change risk.  

Scenario analysis 

Scenario  analysis  enables  the  assessment  of  the  risk  factors’  impact  on  the  metrics  defined  in  the  Risk  Appetite 
Framework. In this regard, and within climate change and environmental risk management, alternative scenarios are being 
defined,  based  on  those  laid  out  by  the  Network  of  Central  Banks  and  Supervisors  for  Greening  the  Financial  System 
(NGFS). The objective is to try to capture the uncertainty around the different types of transition (ordered, disordered) 
towards  a  low  carbon  economy  and/or  the  effects  derived  from  the  physical  risk  of  potential  climate  events  in  certain 
geographies.  BBVA  uses  the  Sustainable  Development  Scenario  (SDS)  and  the  Stated  Policies  Scenario  (SPS)  of  the 
International Energy Agency, to analyze how regulatory, technological or demand changes in those sectors particularly 
sensitive to transition risk, may affect the Bank’s portfolio. This analysis allows BBVA to include in the industry frameworks 
information on the possible behavior of the sector, and to determine which clients may be better prepared in environmental 
terms to face the coming years. 

 
 
 
 
85 

Integrating climate change into risk decision-making  

Once climate risk is incorporated into the Risk Appetite Framework and the business strategy, it also must be included in 
the day-to-day risk management, which is a part of the risk decision making that supports the Bank’s clients.  

For that purpose, the integration of this risk into existing management frameworks and processes is required, including 
the adaptation of policies, procedures, tools, risk limits and risk controls in a consistent manner. In a first phase, adaptation 
is focused on the integration of this risk in the industry frameworks, a basic tool in the definition of our risk appetite in 
wholesale credit portfolios, and in the Mortgage and Auto Operating Frameworks in retail credit. 

Wholesale banking 

The need to decarbonize the economy, as a consequence of climate change, requires a reallocation of resources between 
more emission intensive activities and those less affected. This dynamic between sectors can be further accelerated in 
those industries where transition risk brings the time horizon impact closer, or where regulatory measures or technological 
developments set the implementation schedule. 

In  wholesale  banking,  the  prevailing  analysis  dimension  is  the  sectorial,  detailing  sub-sectors  or  specific  activities, 
combined with the geographic consideration, especially in regulated sectors.  

The  combination  of  these  two  factors  results  in  the  integration  of  climate  factors  into  credit  risk  management 
processes through the wholesale credit industry frameworks of those sectors most strongly impacted.  

In  2020,  sustainability  factors  have  been  incorporated  as  one  of  the  dimensions  of  the  analysis  in  the  Operating 
Frameworks of Vehicles, Energy, Utilities, Steel and Cement. All these sectors are included in the taxonomy as transition 
risk-sensitive. In these frameworks, the impact of decarbonization on the sectors is analyzed based on long-term scenarios 
aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. To this end, the sectorial impact of factors such as energy demand, 
investment or technological transformation (change of the generation mix in Energy / Utilities, or electrification in the case 
of vehicles) is analyzed. The industry frameworks take into account the transition strategies developed by the Bank’s main 
client in each sector. Based on the analysis, individual risk policies have been reviewed with some of the main groups of 
these industries.  

The following chart shows an anonymized example of sustainability strategies analysis of the main clients in BBVA’s auto 
manufacturer portfolio.  

Automotive industry framework: sustainability strategies analysis of companies in the sector  

Client 1   Client 2   Client 3  Client 4  Client 5  Client 6  Client 7   Client 8  Client 9  Client 10  Client 11   Client 12  Client 13 

EU emissions 
compliance risk  
Current proportion 
of AFV production 
Medium-term 
proportion of AFV 
production  

R&D efforts  
Strategy in batteries 
and autonomous 
driving  

Sustainability/ 
transformation 

Legend: Lighter green represents a better assessment of each sustainability factor 

Together with the integration into the Industry Frameworks, the systematic integration of sustainability factors into the 
client  analysis  processes  for  credit  origination  purposes  has  begun  in  2020,  thus  allowing  their  incorporation  in  credit 
decision making. 

Retail banking 

Climate change risk affects retail portfolios through two dimensions. Firstly, for its role as a financing facilitator to address 
the investments required for climate change mitigation and adaptation, generating business opportunities in the financial 
sector. Second, through the financial risks that climate change and its mitigation pose to their balance sheet.  

In  retail  banking  the  predominant  focus  of  analysis  is  the  type  of  risk  and  the  affected  portfolio,  together  with  the 
geographical dimension.  

  Transition risk: mainly affects the auto portfolio due to the CO2 emissions of the vehicles, the mortgage portfolio 
due  to  the  CO2  emissions  of  real  estate/households  that  are  pledged  as  collateral,  and  the  SME  portfolio 
depending on the concentration in activities more exposed to CO2 emissions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86 

  The key to treating, measuring and managing physical risk is the location of the properties. The location of the 
collateral in areas with the greatest environmental impact related to natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods 
among many, make up the block known as “location matters”. 

Transition risk treatment in the retail portfolio  

Within  the  financing  activity,  the  main  target  is  to  identify  and  support  customers  who  contribute  to  the 
decarbonization process. In BBVA’s retail portfolio, the most exposed portfolios to transition risk and therefore to CO2 
emissions are vehicles and mortgages, which account for more than 59% of the total retail portfolio, which in terms of 
exposure corresponds to around €118,529m according to data as of 31 December 2020. The main geographical areas 
impacted are Spain, the United States and Mexico.  

As  in  the  wholesale  area,  in  the  case  of  retail,  risk  appetite  is  developed  through  the  annual  development  of  Operating 
Frameworks, which explain and integrate the risk criteria under which the retail portfolios must be originated and managed 
in the BBVA Group. In 2020, climate change and environmental risk has been incorporated into the Operating Frameworks 
for the vehicles and mortgage portfolios. 

  Vehicles portfolio: Incorporating the “fuel type” indicator as an analysis dimension allows a monthly monitoring 

of the origination, in the Group’s main vehicles portfolios. 

  Mortgages portfolio: In this portfolio, a detailed analysis with regard to the energy efficiency of housing financed 

by BBVA is being carried out, with a focus on Spain in 2020, due to its relevance.  

The main purpose of the analysis is to verify the existing relationship between the energy efficiency of housing 
(buildings) financed by BBVA, and the clients’ behavior in terms of default (PD/probability of default). Thus, the 
aim is to identify whether, ceteris paribus, housing with greater energy efficiency has a lower probability of default 
than housing with less energy efficiency.  

In addition, the analysis includes a study of the relationship between the collateral value and the coverage variation 
in relation to the energy efficiency of housing, and consequently, how this affects the LGD (loss given default) / 
Severity of the mortgage loan. In addition, BBVA actively participates in the working group of the Energy Efficiency 
Financial Institution Group (EEFIG). This group consists of more than 40 institutions at a European level and one 
of its targets is to deepen risk assessment through the quantitative relationship between the energy efficiency 
ratings of properties and the associated probability of default and the valuation of the underlying assets. All this 
with  the  aim  of  issuing  the  relevant  recommendations  at  European  level  that  guarantee  homogeneity  in  the 
analysis between participating countries and the former institutions. 

At the management level, work is underway to refine the admission model with sustainability factors as a fundamental step 
to  support  green  products.  A  commercial  plan  has  been  defined  for  the  creation  of  green  products  for  the  main 
geographies and segments of both individual customers and SMEs, with the defined operational and advertising channels.  

Physical risk treatment in the retail portfolio  

Regarding physical risk, the risks derived from the location of properties in the zones of hurricanes, floods or eruptions is 
one of the risks that must be assessed and incorporated in credit processes, in particular during collateral valuation in 
transactions with collaterals. 

The Group’s portfolio with the greatest exposure to this type of risk is the mortgage portfolio, which accounts for 53% of 
the total retail portfolio, with a special focus on Spain, Mexico and the United States. Throughout 2021, work will be done 
to identify the location of the buildings financed by BBVA, using geolocation maps and analytical algorithms in order to 
create a heat map, identifying the areas most exposed to adverse weather events (e.g. in Spain housing on coasts impacted 
by  flooding  or  in  Mexico  the  areas  exposed  to  hurricanes).  The  analysis  of  the  need  to  adjust  the  collateral  value,  and 
therefore the severity of the mortgage loans, in such areas, will allow us to give an adequate and prudent treatment in terms 
of credit risk management. 

PACTA  Methodology  used  to  evaluate  loan  portfolios  and  their  alignment  with  the  Paris 
Agreement  

As part of the climate change strategy, BBVA has committed to aligning its loan portfolio with scenarios compatible 
with the global warming objectives established in the Paris Agreement. This commitment materialized in the signing, 
with other European banks, of the Katowice commitment. In conjunction with these banks, and with the support of the 
think  tank  2  Degree  Investing  Initiative  (2DII),  a  methodology  called  PACTA  (Paris  Agreement  Capital  Transition 
Assessment) has been adapted to the banking sector. 

The methodology focuses on the most polluting sectors and, within them, on the phase of the production chain whose 
reduction may have the greatest impact on the global reduction of emissions. The sectors under analysis are oil and gas, 
coal mining, electricity generation, automobiles, maritime transport, cement and iron and steel. 

 
87 

The  methodology  analyzes  the  assets  of  the  different  clients  and  the  characteristics  of  these  assets  in  terms  of  their 
climatic performance. Through a process of aggregation of these assets by companies, the methodology is able to link 
these  assets  with  financial  products  and  establish  a  relationship  between  the  financial  instrument  and  the  degree  of 
alignment in a climate change scenario. 

Indirect environmental and social impacts management  

BBVA addresses environmental and social risks from the perspective of impact prevention and mitigation. To do this, it 
uses tools such as the Environmental and Social Framework or the Equator Principles that have an environmental and 
social focus, and which are described below. Managing the impacts that customers generate on the environment is part of 
the 2025 Pledge. To manage them, BBVA has implemented a series of initiatives and tools. 

Environmental and Social Framework  

In 2020, the Environmental and Social Framework for the due diligence in the field of mining, agribusiness, energy, 
infrastructure  and  defense  was  approved,  which  integrates  and  entails  the  review  of  the  previous  Sector  Norms 
(approved in 2018) and the Rules of Conduct in Defense (in force since 2012). 

In line with the previous regulation, this Framework provides a decision-making guideline with regard to transactions and 
customers  that  operate  in  these  five  sectors  (mining,  agribusiness,  energy,  infrastructure  and  defense);  as  they  are 
considered to have a bigger social and environmental impact.  

In order to ensure the effective implementation of this Framework, BBVA receives advice from an independent external 
expert. This Framework is public and available for consultation in the shareholders and investors web of BBVA. With the 
aid of this independent external advice, BBVA carries out a reinforced due diligence to its customers and transactions, in 
order to mitigate the risks associated with these sectors and contribute to the compliance with the General Sustainability 
and Social Corporate Responsibility Policies.  

For the Framework review, new market trends in this area, the expectations of stakeholders and the strengthening of the 
implementation procedures have been taken into account. 

One of the more important changes within the 2020 review is the restriction to the applying of exceptions in the field of 
mining and energy for countries with high energetic dependence only to already existing or under construction projects 
and customers. 

Additionally,  the  reduction  from  35%  to  25%  of  the  threshold  applied  to  the  exclusion  of  customers  with  high  coal 
exposure, which applies both to the extractive activity and the energy generation.  

Likewise, the prohibition concerning tar sands has been extended to any activity using this kind of fuel which does not have 
a  diversification  strategy  and  where  this  activity  represents  more  than  10%  of  total  production. Finally,  new  prohibited 
activities have been added in projects such as deep sea mining, Artic oil and gas transportation (which complements the 
existing  one  on  Artic  oil  and  gas  exploration  and  production),  as  well  as  large  dams  that  are  not  built  under  the  World 
Commission on Dams (WDC). 

Equator Principles 

Energy,  transport  and  social  service  infrastructures,  which  drive  economic  development  and  create  jobs,  can  have  an 
impact 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. 

All decisions to finance projects are based on the criterion of principle-based profitability. This implies meeting stakeholder 
expectations and the social demand for adaptation to climate change and respect for human rights.  

In  line  with  this  commitment,  since  2004  BBVA  has  adhered  to  the  Equator  Principles  (EP),  which  include  a  series  of 
standards for managing environmental and social risk in project financing. The EPs were developed on the basis of the 
International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Policy and Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability 
and the World Bank’s General Guidelines on Environment, Health and Safety. These principles have set the benchmark for 
responsible finance.  

The analysis of the projects consists of subjecting each operation to an environmental and social due diligence process. 
The  first  step  is  the  allocation  of  a  category  (A,  B  or  C),  which  reflects  the  project’s  level  of  risk.  Reviewing  the 
documentation provided by the customer and independent advisers is a way to assess compliance with the requirements 
established in the EPs, according to the project category. Financing agreements include the customer’s environmental and 
social obligations. The application of the EPs at BBVA is integrated into the internal processes for structuring, acceptance 
and monitoring of operations, and is subject to regular checks by the Internal Audit area.   

 
88 

BBVA  has  strengthened  due  diligence  procedures  associated  with  financing  projects  whose  development  affects 
indigenous communities. Where this is the case, free, prior and informed consent is required from these communities, 
regardless of the geographic location of the project. 

 In 2020 the fourth version of the Principles has come into force. This update, after an extensive public consultation period, 
incorporates  new  and  more  demanding  requirements  in  the  review  of  projects  in  relation  to  human  rights  and  climate 
change. BBVA has actively participated in the updating process and its contribution in recent years has been recognized 
with a new mandate in the Steering Committee of the Association of the Principles of Ecuador. 

OPERATIONAL DATA ANALYZED ACCORDING TO THE EQUATOR PRINCIPLES CRITERIA  

Number of transactions  

Total amount (millions of euros) 

Amount financed by BBVA (millions of euros) 

2020 

30 

12,061 

1,304 

2019 

39 

15,287 

2,437 

Note: of the 30 transactions analyzed, 9 fail under the Equator Principles, and the remaining 21 were analyzed voluntarily by BBVA using the same criteria in 2020 (39, 16 and 23 
respectively, in 2019). 

Management of direct environmental impacts 

BBVA has a clear commitment to both society and the environment. In 2020, this commitment has been bolstered through 
the creation of the GSO and its various workstreams. One of these is the Direct Impact Workstream, which is transversal 
across all geographies and focuses on reducing the direct environmental impacts of BBVA's activity.  

Global Eco-Efficiency Plan 

The "Global Eco-efficiency Plan" is included in the line of work to reduce direct impacts. The first plan was launched during 
the 2008–2012 period, and the plan for the 2016–2020 period was completed in 2020. 

The  Global  Eco-Efficiency  Plan  sets  impact  reduction  targets  through  metrics  and  monitoring  indicators.  These 
objectives  are  framed  within  BBVA's  climate  change  strategy,  "2025  Pledge,"  which  on  the  one  hand  includes  a  68% 
reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions, and on the other, to obtain 70% of energy consumption from renewable sources 
in  2025,  reaching  100%  in  2030.  In  line  with  the  latter  objective,  BBVA  has  been  a  member  since  2018  of  the  RE100 
initiative, through which the world's most influential companies undertake to make their energy 100% renewable by 2050. 

To ensure continuation, the objectives and targets for the next Global Eco-Efficiency Plan 2021-2025 have already been 
set. The new Global Eco-Efficiency Plan will address the objective already set out in the 2025 Pledge and will also include 
other  new  objectives  aimed  at  reducing  and  neutralizing  the  environmental  footprint.  As  in  previous  plans,  regular 
monitoring will be carried out to ensure proper performance across its entire scope. 

In addition to the objectives of "2025 Pledge," at the UN Conference on Climate Change (Conference of Parties, COP25) 
held in Madrid in 2019, BBVA announced the incorporation of a domestic price for CO2 emissions from 2020 onward, along 
with  the  goal  of  becoming  carbon  neutral  that  same  year.  BBVA  is  therefore  committed  to  offsetting  all  the  direct 
environmental impacts it is unable to reduce.  

 
 
GLOBAL ECOEFFICIENCY PLAN GOALS 2016-2020 

89 

Indicator  

Global target 

Vector 
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 
AND SUSTAINABLE 
CONSTRUCTION 

% occupants in certified buildings 

Consumption per occupant (kWh/occup) 

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 

% Energy from renewable sources  

WATER 

PAPER AND WASTE 

EXTENSION OF THE 
COMMITMENT 

C02eq emissions per occupant (tCO2eq/occp) 

Consumption per occupant (m3/occup) 

% Occupants in buildings with alternative water sources 

Paper consumption per occupant (kg/occup) 

% Occupants in buildings with separate waste collection 

Awareness campaigns for employees and suppliers 

The lines of actions of the Global Eco-efficiency Plan are:  

1.  Environmental management and sustainable construction 

46% 

-5% 

48% 

-8% 

-5% 

9% 

-5% 

30% 

BBVA  has  implemented  an  Environmental  Management  System  in  some  of  its  buildings  based  on  the  ISO 
14.001:2015 Standard, which is certified every year by an independent entity. This certification is used to control 
and  evaluate  environmental  performance  in  the  operations  of  some  of  its  buildings.  This  system  has  been 
implemented  in  Argentina,  Colombia,  Spain,  Peru,  Uruguay,  Mexico  and  Turkey,  meaning  that  a  total  of  80 
buildings  and  1,034  branches  have  this  certification.  In  Turkey,  the  headquarters  building  has  the  WFF  Green 
Office certification, which certifies this environmental management system and promotes the ecological footprint 
and carbon emissions reduction.  

Furthermore,  3  buildings  in  Spain  also  have  an  Energy  Management  System  that  has  been  certified  by  an 
independent third party and complies with the ISO 50.001:2018 standard.  

For its part, 21 buildings and 10 offices of the Group have been awarded the prestigious LEED certification for 
sustainable construction, including the Bank's main headquarters in Spain, Mexico, the United States, Argentina 
and Turkey. Of these, three have received the highest certification category, LEED Platinum, thereby recognizing 
BBVA's effort to have the best environmental and energy standards in its buildings. 

There are also 2 buildings and 12 branches in the United States with Energy Star certification, a program by the 
United  States  Environmental  Protection  Agency  created  in  1992  to  promote  efficient  electricity  consumption, 
thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. 

This year, the EDGE certification has been achieved in the canteen of BBVA’s headquarters in Lima, Peru. , an 
international ecological construction certification created by the World Bank’s International Financial Corporation 
(IFC). 

2.  Energy and climate change 

As  part  of  BBVA's  pledge  to  reduce  its  environmental  footprint,  the  reduction  of  its energy  consumption,  and 
therefore associated impacts, has been set as a priority. To this end, it is essential that emissions are properly 
monitored, so that the reduction target set for 2025 can be met. 

BBVA's total emissions consist of: 

  Scope  1  greenhouse  gas  emissions,  including  direct  emissions  from  stationary  combustion  plants 

installed in buildings and branches under the operational control of BBVA; 

  Scope  2  greenhouse  gas  emissions,  including  indirect  emissions  related  to  electricity  production, 

purchased and consumed by buildings and branches under BBVA's operational control; 

  Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, including indirect emissions not covered under Scope 2. At BBVA, 

this scope covers emissions from business travel.  

 
 
 
90 

Both Scope 1 and 2 emissions and Scope 3 emissions are calculated according to the GHG Protocol standard 
established by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development 
(WBCSD). 

Levers for footprint reduction  

 

Implementing  energy  saving  measures  (ESMs)  when  operating  premises  in  such  a  way  that 
consumption is controlled by establishing baselines. 

  Promoting renewable energy consumption through PPA agreements or purchasing renewable energy 
certificates  (RECs,  iRECs,  GdO).  As  such,  100%  of  the  energy  consumed  in  Spain  and  Portugal  is  of 
renewable origin, and in Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Turkey it has already 
reached  a  significant  percentage,  thus  contributing  to  the  Group's  figure  of  65%  renewable 
consumption.  

 

Furthermore,  several  countries  such  as  Turkey,  Uruguay  and  Spain  have  also  committed  to  self-
generate renewable energy in their buildings by installing solar photovoltaic and solar thermal panels. 

  Offsetting residual carbon emissions that have not been reduced by the above. In order to achieve the 
goal to become a Carbon Neutral company in 2020, BBVA is finalizing all the necessary formalities to 
offset the remaining footprint which it was unable to reduce during the financial year, through purchasing 
carbon credits of various projects within the Voluntary Carbon Market. All these projects will be certified 
under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) of Verra and the Gold Standard. 

3.  Water 

Water, which is one of the resources that has a major impact, is another priority indicator for BBVA. In order to 
reduce this impact, the headquarters of Spain and Mexico are equipped with gray water recycling systems and 
rainwater recirculation for irrigation. 

4.  Paper and waste 

Waste generation is becoming a major global problem. BBVA has spent many years working to reduce this impact 
as much as possible through sustainable construction standards or through implementing ISO 14001-certified 
Environmental  Management  Systems.  In  order  to  ensure  the  proper  separation  and  subsequent  recycling  of 
waste, facilities feature clearly differentiated and signposted areas in order to minimize the amount of waste that 
ends up in landfills.  

5.  Extension of the pledge — awareness campaigns 

One  of  the  ways  in  which  BBVA  can  instill  its  concern  about  its  environmental  impact  is  by  raising  awareness 
among  employees  and  providing  training  to  them.  The  Bank  is  working  in  the  creation  of  the  new  website  for 
sustainability  training,  (“The  Camp”),  which  will  enable  employees  to  become  specialized  to  various  different 
levels  in  this  area,  one  of  which  is  related  to  direct  impacts.  Some  of  these  training  itineraries  are  already 
mandatory throughout the Group in order to ensure that employees at least have a basic knowledge so that they 
can apply it in their day-to-day work.  

Likewise, as in previous years, BBVA joined the "Earth Hour" initiative in 2020, during which we turned off the 
lights in 114 buildings and 183 branches in 113 cities in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Turkey, Peru, 
Uruguay and the United States to support the fight against climate change. 

MAIN INDICATORS OF THE GLOBAL ECO-EFFICIENCY PLAN 

Objetivo 2020 (%) 

KPI (%)  Reference value  KPI (5)  Reference value 

2020(3) 

2019(4) 

People working in the certified buildings (%) (1) 

Electricity usage per person (MWh) 

Energy coming from renewable sources (%) 

Co2 emissions per person (T) (2) 

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 (%) 

46 

-5 

48 

-8 

-5 

9 

-5 

30 

48 

- 

47 

-17  5,33 MWh/ocup 

-9  5,88 MWh/ocup 

65 

- 

37 

-65  0,85 TCO2/ocup 

-17  2,00 TCO2/ocup 

-24 

19,75 m3/ocup 

-19 

21,12 m3/ocup 

16 

-58 

46 

- 

0,02 T/ocup 

- 

17 

-27 

45 

0,04 T/ocup 

Note: These indicators are calculated on the basis of building occupants. Base year: 2015. 2015 data have been restated in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico in order to make the 
historic series homogenous and comparable du e to modifications on the perimeter. 

(1) Including ISO 14001 and LEED certifications and Energy Star.  

(2) It includes scope 1, scope 2 market-based, scope 3 business trips.The business trips thresholds for the calculation of the footprint have been modified in 2020 in order to adapt 
them to DEFRA thresholds. 

(3) These data include the following countries: Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Turkey, the United States and Uruguay. Certain 2020 data are estimatios as are 
the closing of this report the complete information for 2020 was not available. 

(4) Updated data with the real consumptions after the closing of 2019.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
91 

Environmental performance in 2020 

The year 2020 has been an exceptional year in terms of direct impacts management, BBVA has taken all the necessary 
measures so that, since the beginning of the crisis resulting from the COVID-19 both its buildings and branches have been 
safe  places  that  protect  the  health  and  safety  of  its  employees  and  customers,  all  while  ensuring  business  continuity 
throughout the Group.  

Among the measures adopted in the field of direct impact management, and in line with the recommendations of the World 
Health  Organization  (WHO)  and  the  corresponding  health  authorities  of  each  country,  the  implementation  of  a  hybrid 
remote work model that enforced the maximum distances and capacity permitted was particularly notable.  

These measures have had a positive impact on BBVA's environmental footprint: 

  Reduction of employees commuting to their workplace; 

  Reduction of business travels not only due to restrictions but also due to a change in employees' habits with the 

increased use of corporate video conferencing platforms; 

  Reduction of waste generation at facilities; and   

  Reductions in all consumption as a result of concentrated use of space and efficient capacity.  

Regardless  of  the  impact  that  the  COVID-19  crisis  may  have  on  environmental  indicators,  the  Group's  environmental 
footprint shows very positive data compared to the previous year, with reductions of 58% in CO2 emissions (according to 
the market-based method), 9% in electricity consumption, 6% in water consumption and 42% in paper (all per person). 
The percentage of renewable energy consumption has reached 65%, which far exceeds BBVA's target for this year, and 
the percentage of people working in buildings with environmental certification reached 48%. All of the above means that 
2020 will close the current Global Eco-Efficiency Plan having achieved its objectives in all indicators. 

ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT (BBVA GROUP)(8) 

Consumption 

Public water supply (cubic meters) 

Paper (tons) 

Energy (Megawatt hour) (1) 
CO2 emissions 

Scope 1 emissions (tons CO2e) (2) 

Scope 2 emissions (tons CO2e) market-based method (3) 

Scope 2 emissions (tons CO2e) location-based method (4) 

Scope 3 emissions (tons CO2e) (5) 

Business trips (5) 
Employees commuting (6) 

Waste 

Hazardous waste (tons) 

Non-hazardous waste (tons) 

2020 

2019 (7) 

2,806,101 

3,661 

826,832 

12,467 

100,589 

286,936 

7,506 

7,506 

- 

31 

5,516 

2,966,426 

6,272 

921,130 

17,092 

221,405 

325,116 

56,700 

42,635 

14,065 

168 

5,464 

(1) It includes the consumption of electricity and fossil fuels (diesel oil, natural gas and LP gas), except fuels consumed in fleets. 

(2) Emissions from direct energy consumption (fossil fuels), calculated based on the emission factors of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The 
IPCC Fifth Assessment Report and the IEA were used as sources to convert these to CO2e. 

(3) Emissions from electricity consumption, calculated based on the latest emission factors available from the IEA for each country. 
(4) Emissions from electricity consumption and calculated in accordance with the energetic mix and based on the latest 2006 IPPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Inventories. 
For its conversion to CO2e IPPCC Fifth Assessment Report and IEA emission factors have been used as source.  

(5)Emissions from plane business trips using factors published by DEFRA in 2020. 

(6) Emissions from employees commuting to the workplace have not been calculated this year, as more than 3/4 of the year the employees have been working remotely. 

(7) 2019 data have been updated with respect to those published in previous reports due to post-2019 adjustments.  

(8) These data include Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Turkey, The United States and Uruguay. 2020 last quarter data are estimations as the real 
consumptions are not known until the first quarter of 2021.  

Given  the  business  activities  in  which  the  BBVA  Group  engages,  the  Group  has  no  environmental  liabilities,  expenses, 
assets, provisions or contingencies that are significant in relation to its equity, financial position and earnings. As such, as 
of December 31, 2020, the accompanying consolidated Annual Accounts do not include any item that warrants inclusion 
in the environmental information document provided for in Order JUS/318/2018, of March 21, approving a new template 
for  filing  the  consolidated  annual  accounts  at  the  Companies  Register  for  those  entities  obligated  to  disclose  such 
information. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92 

Engagement with global initiatives 

Beyond  its  key  role  in  the  drive  toward  sustainable  financing,  BBVA  promotes  a  new  way  of  making  banking  more 
responsible.  As  part  of  the  2025  Pledge,  BBVA  has  actively  participated  in  numerous  initiatives  and  always  in  close 
collaboration  with  all  stakeholders  such  as  the  industry  itself,  regulators  and  supervisors,  investors  and  civil  society 
organizations. These initiatives focus on the following five priority areas:  

1.  Universal reference frameworks: BBVA was one of 28 founding banks in the Principles for Responsible Banking 
promoted  by  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme  Finance  Initiative,  UNEP  FI.  This  is  the  reference 
framework for corporate responsibility in the banking sector, which has already been signed by more than 190 
entities  worldwide,  which  is  approximately  40%  (by  asset  volume)  of  the  banking  system.  BBVA  also 
participates  in  global  initiatives  such  as  the  United  Nations  Global  Compact,  Principles  for  Responsible 
Investment, and the Thun Group, which describes how the "United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and 
Human Rights" ("UNGPs") should be applied in the banking sector. 

2.  Alignment  with  the  Paris  Agreement: BBVA signed the  Katowice commitment  in  2018 together with  other 
major  international  banks  in  order  to  develop  a  methodology  to  help  align  lending  activity  with  the  Paris 
Agreement.  This  commitment  has  inspired  the  Collective  Commitment  to  Climate  Action  launched  by  31 
international financial institutions, including BBVA, under the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking at the 
United Nations climate summit in New York in September 2019. BBVA has also joined the Science Based Target 
Initiative and participates in the Alliance CEO Climate Leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF) as well as in 
other  initiatives  focused  on  environmental  issues  or  the  fight  against  climate  change,  such  as  the  Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP) and RE100. 

3.  Market standards: BBVA has been very active in promoting the Green Bond Principles, Social Bonds Principles, 
Green Loan Principles and other similar standards developed by the industry itself and which have allowed the 
creation of an orderly and growing market for sustainable financial instruments. 

4.  Transparency: in September 2017, BBVA committed to the TCFD recommendations of the FSB and has been 
reporting on its objectives, plans and performance in line with its utmost commitment to transparency. BBVA 
published its first TCFD report in November 2020.  

5.  Financial regulation: BBVA has been involved in consultation processes and various activities with regulatory 
and supervisory bodies to promote sustainable finance regulation. The Group's participation in the UNEP FI and 
European  Banking  Federation  working  group  for  defining  recommendations  so  that  banks  may  use  the  new 
taxonomy being developed in Europe is also notable.  

BBVA co-chairs the UNEP FI management committee and represents European banks in this forum. BBVA also holds the 
presidency of the working group of sustainable finance at the European Banking Federation and is a member of the Equator 
Principles management committee.  

For  years,  BBVA  has  been  actively  involved  in  various  supranational  initiatives  and  seeks  to  continue  leading  the 
international  agenda  in  tackling  climate  change.  Among  others,  BBVA  has  signed  its  commitment  to  the  following 
initiatives: 

In 2020, BBVA  Insurances subscribed to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and is therefore applying an 
investment strategy that seeks to improve the ESG rating of the assets in its investment portfolios. As such, in addition to 
financial  aspects,  such  as  profitability  and  risk,  our  investment  decisions  also  include  environmental,  social  and  good 
governance  criteria  in  order  to  contribute  to  the  fight  against  climate  change,  promote  maximum  equality  and  social 
inclusion, and exhibit solid and transparent corporate governance.  

 
 
93 

Likewise, in 2020 BBVA has joined and supported the following collective initiatives and declarations: 

1.  COP26  Returns/TCFD  Implied  Temperature  Rise  Project,  the  task  force  created  by  TCFD  to  assess  the 
benefits and challenges of disclosing information on the “implied temperature rise” (ITR) of investment portfolios 
and its alignment with the Paris Agreement objective. 

2.  Task  Force  on  Scaling  Voluntary  Carbon  Markets,  the  private  sector-led  initiative  working  to  scale  up  a 
voluntary carbon market that is effective, efficient and functional in helping to meet the objectives of the Paris 
Climate Agreement. The more than 50 participants in the Working Group represent the financial sector, market 
service providers, and buyers and providers of carbon offsets. 

3.  The  Great  Reset,  promoted  by  the  World  Economic  Forum  (WEF)  in  which  the  pandemic  is  visualized  as  an 

exceptional but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine and reset the world. 

4.  Letter to promote renewable energy in European recovery, promoted by the Corporate European Platform for 
Renewable Energy Sourcing (Re-Source), and signed by 43 of the 12 largest banks in the world, with BBVA being 
the only Spanish bank to join. 

5.  Next  Generation  EU,  promoted  by  the  European  Commission,  which  views  the  recovery  plan  as  turning  the 
immense  challenge  arising  from  the  context  created  by  COVID-19  into  an  opportunity,  not  only  by  supporting 
recovery but also by investing in the future. The European Green Deal and digitization will boost jobs and growth, 
societal resilience and environmental health.  

6.  Manifest for sustainable economic recovery in Spain, promoted by the Spanish Green Growth Group (Grupo 
Español para el Crecimiento Verde, GECV,) to support recovery toward a more sustainable and robust economy 
and demand that alliances be established between political parties, businesses, trade unions, media, NGOs and 
civil society to support and implement a sustainable stimulus package, based on the best scientific knowledge 
and best practices. 

7.  GECV statement to face the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoted by the GECV and in which it is stated 
that "The economic stimuli launched to combat the coronavirus crisis must be embedded within and align with 
actions to address the pressing challenges of climate action and sustainability." 

8.  European  manifesto:  "Green  Recovery  Alliance.  Reboot  and  re-boost  our  economies  for  a  sustainable 
future," led by the President of the European Parliament's committee on the Environment. The alliance has 270 
members,  including  MEPs  from  17  EU  countries,  European  ministers,  NGOs  and  business  and  trade  union 
associations. Furthermore, 50 presidents or CEOs of large European multinationals have signed this declaration, 
as has the Spanish Banking Association.  

In addition to these new 2020 initiatives, BBVA has been supporting collective initiatives and declarations for more than 
20 years: 

 
 
 
 
 
94 

Progress in the first year since the signing of the Principles for Responsible Banking 

BBVA  was  one  of  the  28  founding  banks  around  the  world  that,  since  April  2018, worked  on  the  development  of  the 
Principles  for  Responsible  Banking.  In  2019,  these  principles  were  officially  signed,  and  BBVA  subscribed  to  these 
principles together with 131 other global financial institutions. This initiative, which is coordinated by UNEP FI (the United 
Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative), aims to respond to the growing demand from different stakeholders 
for a comprehensive framework that covers all aspects of sustainable banking. More than 190 banks are currently adhering 
to these Principles. 

BBVA therefore believes that these Principles will help reaffirm its purpose, enhance its contribution to both the United 
Nations SDGs and the commitments derived from the Paris Climate Agreements, and align its business strategy with said 
commitments. In 2020, BBVA has reported its progress and achievements in each of the 6 principles to UNEP FI; this is 
the  first  year  we  have  implemented  the  Principles  for  Responsible  Banking.  For  more  information  on  the  progress  and 
developments  reported,  see  the  chapter  named  "UNEP  FI  Principles  for  Responsible  Banking  Reporting  Index"  in  this 
report.  

Progress in the second year since the signing of the Katowice Commitment  

Together with other financial institutions, since 2018, BBVA has adhered to the Katowice Commitment, an initiative that 
aims  to  develop  an  impact  assessment  methodology  to  adapt  the  loan  portfolio  to  the  commitments  of  the  Paris 
Agreement. 

In  an  open  letter  addressed  to  world  leaders  and  heads  of  state  gathered  at  the  24th  UN  Climate  Change  Conference 
(COP24)  in  Katowice,  Poland,  these  banks  committed  to  finance  and  design  the  financial  services  needed  to  support 
customers as they transition toward a low-carbon economy. 

In  September  2020,  BBVA,  together  with  other  financial  institutions,  published  a  joint  methodology  to  align  its  credit 
portfolios with the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The group, known as the "Katowice banks," has 
presented this report, which offers a solid and precise methodology to reconfigure their portfolios in order to finance a 
society with fewer carbon emissions. 

One of the characteristics of the methodology is that it involves creating specific indicators for each sector. Each bank has 
committed to setting its own targets for these indicators and monitoring them.  

BBVA  will  use  the  following  metrics  to  measure  the  alignment  in  the  more  sensible  sectors  within  the  Katowice  group 
framework.  

 
 
 
95 

Progress in the first year since the signing of Collective Commitment to Climate Action  

Within the Principles for Responsible Banking, signed at the United Nation General Assembly in New York on September 
22, 2019, this initiative was born with the aim of aligning the member institutions' portfolios "to reflect and finance the low-
carbon economy necessary to limit global warming to below 2 degrees, striving to limit it to 1.5 degrees." 

To this end, BBVA and 38 international banks, taking the Katowice Commitment as a starting point, share objectives to 
"facilitate the economic transition necessary to achieve climate neutrality." They also commit to work together and support 
each  other  "to  develop  the  capabilities  of  each  bank  and  the  methodologies  required  to  measure  climate  impact  and 
alignment with local and global climate objectives." 

In  order  to  accelerate  the  transition  toward  sustainable  technologies,  business  models,  and  societies,  the  Collective 
Commitment  to  Climate  Action  requested  that  the  entities  that  signed  this  declaration  publish  and  implement,  within 
twelve months, the set of measures that they will use together with their customers to support and accelerate the transition 
to low-carbon technologies. A maximum period of three years has also been given to set and publish specific objectives, 
based on scenarios for portfolio alignment. 

Along these lines, BBVA reported the measures implemented to support customers and accelerate the transition toward 
low-carbon technologies to UNEP FI in 2020: 

  Exclusion policies: For more information, see the "Environmental and Social Framework” section included in the 

"Management of Indirect Environmental Impacts" section of this chapter. 

  Strategy for growing the customer base in selected sectors: for more information, see the "Funds mobilized 

under the 2025 Pledge" table in the "Sustainable financing: mobilization metrics" section in this chapter. 

  Objectives and portfolio alignment: this chapter includes information on exposure to "carbon sensitive" sectors 

and the joint methodology of the Katowice banks. 

Consultation processes  

BBVA plays an active role in collaborating with the various regulatory bodies, supervisors and international organizations 
by  participating  in  initiatives,  forums,  consultation  processes,  etc.,  focused  on  transitioning  toward  a  low-carbon 
economy.  

Sustainability indices 

Sustainability  ratings  measure  companies'  ESG  performance  and  determine  their  position  in  sustainability  indices.  As 
such, the permanence and position in these stock indices depend on companies' ability to demonstrate steady progress 
on sustainability issues, and also influence the eligibility of said companies in investment portfolios. 

BBVA participates annually in the main sustainability analyses conducted by non-financial rating agencies. Based on the 
evaluations obtained through these analyses, companies are chosen to be part of the sustainability indices. Some of the 
most popular indices are the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), FTSE4Good or MSCI ESG.  

Sustainability  analyses  measure  companies'  performance  in  environmental,  social  and  corporate  governance  matters, 
based on the different methodologies developed by these agencies.  

In 2020, BBVA was ranked first among European banks in the DJSI, which measures the performance of the largest 
companies by market capitalization in economic, environmental and social matters. Globally, the Group ranked second, 
achieving  the  highest  score  (100  points)  in  the  areas  of  financial  inclusion,  environmental  reporting,  social  reporting, 
corporate  citizenship  and  philanthropy,  occupational  health  and  safety,  tax  strategy  and  policy  influence.  The  Group 
therefore achieved an overall score of 87 points, 5 points more than in 2019. 

BBVA has been included, for the fourth consecutive year in the Bloomber  Gender  Equality  Index, improving its score 
from 72.32% to 77.29%, which means the recognition of its commitment to create confident work environments, where 
all employees' professional development and equal opportunities are granted, regardless of their gender.  

 
 
 
 
BBVA is a member of the following sustainability indices6: 

96 

DJSI World (2nd in the world) and DJSI Europe member 
(1st of Europe banking) 

MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes member (Rating 
AAA) 

FTSE4Good  Index  Series 
member 

(Score 4.4/5) 

Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120 
and Europe 120 indixes 
member  

Ethibel Sustainability 
Excellence Europe and Ethibel 
Sustainability Excellence Global 
indexes member 

Bloomberg Gender-
Equality member (Score 
77.29/100) 

Score A-  

In  addition,  the  Bank  has  joined  the  Nasdaq  Sustainable  Bond  Network  (NSBN).  It  is  the  only  Spanish  entity  on  this 
platform, which brings together the world's various issuers of sustainable debt and provides a clear reference framework 
for socially responsible investment. 

Responsible banking 

Thus, BBVA is committed to responsible banking and the creation of long-term value for all stakeholders is reflected in the 
Bank's various policies and, in particular, in the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy for managing the responsibility of 
BBVA's impact on people and society. 

This  Policy  has  been  updated  by  the  Board  of  Directors  in  2020  in  order  to  update  it  both  to  the  evolution  of  its 
stakeholders’ expectations and the Bank's strategy. 

The Bank follows the next general principles of action in matters of corporate social responsibility (which are added to the 
general principles that the Bank applies in its different management policies): 

  Geared toward generating a positive impact on society; 

  Respect for people’s dignity and inherent rights; 

  Community investment; and 

 

Involvement as an agent of social change. 

6 The inclusion of BBVA in any MSCI indices and the use of the logos, trademarks, service marks or index names does not constitute the 
sponsorship or promotion of BBVA by MSCI or any of its subsidiaries. The MSCI indices are the exclusive property of MSCI. MSCI and 
the MSCI indices and logos are trademarks or service marks of MSCI or its subsidiaries. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
                                                                    
 
97 

Contribution to society  

Community investment 

In 2020, the BBVA Group allocated €142.2m to the investment in social programs that benefited 12.2 million people. This 
figure represents a 4.61% of the adjusted net attributable profit and an increase of 24.9% compared to 2019:  

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE)(1)(2) 

Spain and corporative areas 

The United States 

Mexico  

Turkey  

South America 

Foundatios  

2020 

29.6 

16.5 

55.1 

7.6 

3.6 

29.7 

% 

20.8 

11.6 

38.9 

5.3 

2.5 

20.9 

2019 

28.9 

14.1 

30.9 

4.7 

4.8 

30.4 

% 

25 

12 

27 

4 

4 

27 

Total 
(1) It includes the association or sponsoring activties, the "BBVA's social response to COVID" Plan as well as the overall of iniciatives carried out under the London Benchmarking 
Group initiatives over the total amount of 2020.  

142.2 

113.8 

100 

100 

(2) It includes the monetary contribution (81.3%) the management costs (18.4%) and in kind (0.3%) over the total amount of 2020. 

The goals and progress in the number of beneficiaries are as follows: 

GOALS AND PROGRESS RELATED TO THE DIRECT BENEFICIARIES OF THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT 
(MILLION PEOPLE. 2020) 

Social response to COVID 

Finance education 

Entrepreneurship 

Knowledge 

Education 

Culture 

Science 

Support to social entities and other 

Others  

Total 

Community investment(2) 

Beneficiaires(3) 

2020 Goal  2020 Progress 

2020 Goal  2020 Progress 

35 

5.3 

1.1 

0.1 

40.4 

11.3 

15.0 

14.4 

2.0 

35.7 

2.6 

1.6 

0.1 

40.4 

8.7 

12.8 

11.5 

2.0 

- 

0.5 

2.2 

- 

0.7 

3.5 

3.0 

0.5 

- 

3.5 

0.3 

2.6 

- 

0.7 

1.4 

3.5 

0.2 

- 

124.4 

115.4 

10.4 

12.2 

(1) The community investment figures for the setting of objectives and progresses only include monetary contribution.  

(2) The estimation of investment for 2020 is made using the information given by countries in the budgeting process 2019 and the adjustments made in March, 2020 as a result of 
the crisis, which includes the commitment of €35m for the fight against COVID-19. 

 (3) Beneficiaries data only include those who receive a direct benefit from BBVA's community investment. 

In 2020, BBVA increased the investment, mainly due to the additional provisions to mitigate the COVID-19 consequences, 
also resulting in a beneficiaries increase. Although a fall of beneficiaries related to presence activities was observed due to 
cancels, the number of beneficiaries related to the health and social rose, to which the Social Response to COVID-19 Plan 
was addressed. 

It is worth noting that, in addition to the 12 million people benefited directly, 27.6 million people acquired knowledge through 
BBVA Platforms access.   

Through this contribution to the society, BBVA acts as a driver of opportunities for people, seeks to generate a positive 
impact on their lives and delivers on its Purpose of Bringing the age of opportunity to everyone, particularly to vulnerable 
people. 

In accordance with the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, approved by the Board of Directors in 2020 and available 
for consultation on the shareholders and investors Group website, BBVA implements its commitment to society through 
supporting the development of the societies in which the Group is present.  

During the year, BBVA’s contribution to society includes the launch and execution of the BBVA Group Social Response 
Plan to fight against the COVID-19 effects. Likewise, BBVA continued to boost in 2020 the main lines of action established 

 
 
 
 
 
by  the  Investment  in  Social  Programs  Plan,  still  in  force:  financial  education,  social  entrepreneurship  and  the 
knowledge, education and culture. In 2020, BBVA worked as well on a new plan development, which will be published 
during  the first quarter of 2021 and  to which BBVA expects  to gain social impact achievement, specifying details in its 
Community Pledge 2025.  

BBVA’s  investment  on  society  and  its  beneficiaries  in  2020  are  disclosed  below,  to  whose  calculation,  BBVA  uses  the 
London Benchmarking Group methodology, which is an international standard that offers a measurement model of the 
social and environmental investment performed by companies, further than their main businesses: 

98 

COMMUNITY  INVESTMENT  BY  FOCUS  OF 
ACTIONS. 2020 

BENEFICIARIES OF COMMUNITY 
INVESTMENT BY FOCUS OF ACTIONS. 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
99 

"BBVA's Social Response to COVID" Plan 

Faced  with  an  unprecedented  global  crisis,  with  immediate  effects  in  the  field  of  health  and  social  wellbeing,  BBVA 
implemented a Social Response Plan in March 2020 to alleviate the most serious consequences of COVID-19: overrun 
health services, shortage of medical supplies, worsening of the vulnerability of large segments of the population, among 
others.  
Through this Plan, which benefited 3.5 million people in 2020, BBVA donated €35.7m for three lines of SDG-linked action: 

  Providing support to public health services to prevent their collapse and contributing to ensure the healthcare of 
individuals affected by purchasing medical equipment and supplies, to which 80% of the committed amount was 
allocated. This line of action has a direct impact into the SDG 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for 
all at all ages”. In 2020, 839,773 people benefited from the medical supplies donated to hospitals. Below is the 
breakdown of the items purchased and distributed to hospitals around the world:  

  Providing support to vulnerable groups through contributions to social organizations aimed to cover the needs of 
those most affected by the pandemic: food, basic necessities, psychosocial support and assistance, and training. 
Of  the  committed  amount,  11%  was  allocated  to  collaborations  with  472  non-profit  entities,  whose  work  has 
benefited 2.6 million people. This line of action has a direct impact into the SDG 10 “Reduced inequalities”. 

  Support  for  the  research  on  COVID-19  and  its  consequences,  to  which  8%  of  the  committed  amount  was 
allocated.  This  line  of  action  has  a  direct  impact  into  the  SDG  9  “Promote  the  Industry,  Innovation  and 
Infrastructure”. In this line, it is remarkable the support to 20 scientific research projects by the BBVA Foundation 
which benefited 226 people directly, but not including the indirect impact of their research. 

Furthermore,  BBVA  employees  and  customers  donated  €11.2m,  which  were  also  allocated  to  the  three  lines  of  action 
outlined above.  
This social response plan covers the following countries: Argentina, Colombia, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, 
Peru, Portugal, Turkey and Uruguay. 

 
 
 
 
100 

Financial education 

BBVA has developed since 2008 a Financial Education Global Plan to improve the people's financial health through the 
training on financial skills and competences, by both face to face and digital channels. This plan is based on three lines of 
action: 

1.  Financial  education  for  society: to promote the acquisition of financial knowledge, skills and attitudes of the 
society in all countries where BBVA is present. BBVA develops its own programs in collaboration with third related 
parties, with the aim of both improving the knowledge of financial concepts and promoting a change in behavior 
in financial decision-making, enabling the improvement of people´s financial health. In 2020, a total of 319,395 
people, including children and young adults and SMEs, benefited from the financial education initiatives. This year, 
the Group began to gradually reduce its initiatives for children as schools come to train on this field, establishing 
the Group a major focus on the financial health of the vulnerable groups. This change meant an 83.25% down of 
the beneficiaries number.  

2.  Financial  education  in  customer  solutions:  addressed  to  integrate  financial  capabilities  into  the  customer 
experience.  In  order  to  facilitate  informed  decision-making  and  improve  their  financial  well-being,  financial 
education content was integrated into some customer solutions in 2020. 

3.  Financial education promotion and content dissemination: in 2020, BBVA intensified the practice of content 
creation of financial education, which are posted on the transactional webs of the Group and which are accessible 
for both customers and not customers, and contents on the corporate web through podcast and social media. 
The Center for Education and Financial Capabilities continued to provide support and promotion to the research 
and celebrating events to share knowledge. More than 13 million people accessed the digital contents of financial 
education through some BBVA’s channels and the Center for Education and Financial Capabilities.  

In 2020, €2.7m were spent on financial education, representing a year-on-year decline of 64.8%. The BBVA’s commitment 
to financial education is long-term, with €91.4m invested and 15.8 million people benefited from different programs since 
2008. 

The  programs  and  initiatives  of  financial  education  have  a  direct  impact  into  SDG  4  “Quality  education”  and  SDG  10 
“Reduced inequalities” 

Entrepreneurship 

Through entrepreneurship initiatives, BBVA wants to support vulnerable entrepreneurs and those who generate a positive 
social  impact  with  their  companies.  In  2020,  BBVA  allocated  €7.7m  to  entrepreneurship  initiatives  that  benefited  2.61 
million people. 

Among the global initiatives relating to entrepreneurship, BBVA Momentum highlights, which is a mentoring program for 
social entrepreneurships to generate impact. This program includes training, strategic mentoring, network and funding. In 
2020, 100 entrepreneurs have taken part in the Mexico edition, the only one celebrated this year. Additionally and in this 
field, the action of the BBVA Microfinance Foundation is noteworthy, whose initiatives will be detailed later in this chapter.   

The programs and initiatives of entrepreneurship have a direct impact into SDG 8 “Productive employment and decent 
work”. 

Knowledge, education and culture 

BBVA promotes knowledge, education and culture to boost the sustainable development of the societies and the creation 
of opportunities for people.  In 2020, BBVA invested €79.1m which benefited 5.6 million people.  In addition,  2.2 million 
people accessed the contents of education, science, culture and economy.  

BBVA contributes to the dissemination of knowledge through BBVA Research, the support to the BBVA Foundation and 
BBVA Open MInd. In 2020, BBVA Research made 718 publications available to shareholders, investors and the general 
public,  including  economic  studies,  reports  and  analysis,  and  have  been  viewed  by  525,080  people.  For  its  part,  the 
initiatives  to  support  science,  mainly  promoted  by  BBVA  Foundation  (research,  knowledge  spaces,  recognition  and 
networking) benefited 3.59 million people. The BBVA Foundation initiatives in the field of science and knowledge will be 
detailed later in this chapter.  

The education for society is an important aspect of BBVA’s social investment (30%), as it continues to support the access 
to  education,  educational  quality  and  the  development  of  21st  century  key  skills  as  sources  of  opportunity,  benefiting 
648,921 people in 2020. BBVA Foundation initiatives in this field will be detailed later in this chapter.  

On the one hand, BBVA promotes the access to education for vulnerable children and young through scholarship programs 
in Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela. In 2020, 67,573 children and young were benefited. 

On the other hand, with the educational project “Aprendemos juntos”, BBVA aims to lead and promote conversation on 
education in the 21st century, taking into account the fact that education provides a great opportunity to improve people's 
lives. The project was launched in January 2018 with a transformative mission that aims to create opportunities in homes 
and the educational community. In three years, the project is followed by 4.5 million people on social media, with more 
than 1,258 million views of its inspiring content, and 69,435 teachers and parents being trained through online courses.  

 
101 

Finally, BBVA Foundation also develops educational programs. Its initiatives in the culture field will be detailed later in this 
chapter.  

The promotion of cultural creation is an axis for knowledge generation. The Group focuses its support on classic music, 
especially in contemporary music, plastic arts, videoart and digital art, literature and theatre. BBVA Foundation initiatives 
in the cultural field will be detail later in the chapter. In 2020, 1.4 million people benefited from this initiatives. Likewise, the 
different local banks that form the Group promote culture in their countries with a wide diversity of activities.  

The  programs  and  initiatives  in  financial  education  have  a  direct  impact  into  the  SDG  4  “Quality  Education”,  SDG  9 
“Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” and SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”. 

Other contributions 

BBVA's community support activity extends to other important activities, such as volunteer work (more information in the 
"Work environment" section in the chapter on "Questions relating to personnel"), support for foundations and non-profit 
organizations  and  the  promotion  of  corporate  responsibility  by  participating  in  various  different  working  groups  (more 
information in the section on "Involvement in global initiatives" in the chapter on "Sustainable finance"). 

In terms of contributions to foundations and non-profit organizations, the global amount of these contributions in 2020 
was €36.9m. In 2020, the BBVA Group made:  

 
 

833 donations to foundations and non-profit organizations for an amount of €27m; and  
564 allocations to foundations and non-profit organizations for an amount of €9.9m.  

BBVA  channelled  all  the  above  initiatives  through  the  different  banks  of  the  countries  where  the  Group  is  present, 
corporate  foundations  and  the  support  to  other  foundations  such  as  BBVA  Foundation  and  BBVA  Microfinance 
Foundation,  among  others,  contributing  to  the  development  of  the  societies  in  which  they  operate.  In  this  regard,  the 
foundations play a key role in channeling a significant part of the Group's social investment initiatives.  

The BBVA Foundation focuses its activity on building 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 
creating opportunities for society as a whole. 

The direct promotion of scientific research is one of the levers of the BBVA Foundation, along with the dissemination of 
knowledge generated through conferences and digital spaces, and the recognition of talent through awards such as the 
BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards. Among the initiatives promoted by the BBVA Foundation in this area 
throughout 2020, the special call for aid for scientific research teams in biomedicine, ecology and veterinary science, Big 
Data,  economics  and  social  sciences,  and  humanities  in  order  to  study  COVID-19  from  each  of  these  five  areas. 
Furthermore, 59 Leonardo Grants were awarded in 2020. Since 2014, the Leonardo Grants have benefited a total of 427 
researchers with highly personal projects and a total budget of €13m. Furthermore, 45 grants were awarded to research 
teams in 2020 (45 projects and 509 scientists). Since 2014, the Scientific Research Grants have benefited teams, with an 
accumulated allocation of €16m. 

In the field of acting for education for the society, BBVA Foundation activities share space with other Group initiatives. In 
2020,  453,262 people  benefited  from  its  programs  in  this  area,  which  are  structured  in  several  lines.  The  Foundation 
facilitates the access to advanced training through Scholarships for South American students to study a Master's Degree 
in Protected Natural Areas and promotes social and educational innovation and talent among teachers, providing them 
with access to training, knowledge, visibility and networks, through various different initiatives.  

Likewise,  the  BBVA  foundation  boosts  to  the  cultural  creation  of  excellence  as  described  above,  particularly  through 
concert  series  at  its  Madrid  and  Bilbao  headquarters,  the  Leonardo  Grants  for  Cultural  Creators  and  the  BBVA 
Foundation's Multiverse Scholarships for the Creation of Video Art. It collaborates with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, 
the Joan Miró Foundation and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (through its digital program), as well as with the Teatro 
Real, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, ABAO Bilbao Opera, the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and the Reina Sofía School of Music 
for training performers. 

For its part, the BBVA  Microfinance  Foundation  (BBVAMF), established in 2007 by BBVA under the framework of its 
corporate social responsibility to support vulnerable entrepreneurs through a commitment of €200m and its more than 
160 years of experience. In addition to financial products and services, our microfinance institutions provide entrepreneurs 
with advice and training for the administration and management of their businesses.  

Despite the crisis generated by COVID-19, the BBVAMF has continued its work throughout 2020 and has maintained a 
close relationship with the more than 2.61 million vulnerable entrepreneurs (57% women) whom it serves thanks to the 
digital transformation process, which began some years ago. The total volume of microloans granted was €944m, with an 
average amount of €1,235 per microloan. 

Since its constitution in 2007, BBVAMF entities have disbursed a combined total of €12,654m to a total of 5 million low-
income entrepreneurs in South America. In January 2020, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 
(OECD) recognized the Foundation's work by ranking it as the second most important private philanthropic entity 
in the world for its contribution to development, second only to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the first most 
important in South America. 

 
102 

Fiscal transparency 

Fiscal strategy 

BBVA's guiding principles on fiscal matters 

The principles that guide BBVA's fiscal action are not detached from its responsible and sustainable way of understanding 
finance and banking. In the tax area, in addition to providing legitimate added value to investors, BBVA's actions must also 
address other stakeholders and must align with the values and commitments that it has undertaken with society in order 
to bring the age of opportunities to everyone. 

As such, the principles that guide its action are:  

 

Integrity:  in  the  fiscal  sphere,  integrity  is  defined  as  the  observance  of  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the  law  and  the 
maintenance of a cooperative and good faith relationship with the various Tax Administrations.  

  Prudence: in the fiscal context, BBVA always assesses the implications of its decisions beforehand, including, 
among other assessments, the impact that its activity may have in the geographical areas in which we operate.  

  Transparency:  in  the  tax  area,  BBVA  provides  information  on  its  activity  and  its  approach  to  taxation  to 

customers and other stakeholders in a clear and accurate manner. 

BBVA's fiscal strategy 

The corporate principles described above served as a basis for the articulation of BBVA's Fiscal Strategy in 2015, which 
was approved by the Board of Directors that same year, and made public on its website (www.bbva.com). 

In summary, BBVA's fiscal strategy establishes: 

1.  The commitment to pay any applicable taxes in all countries in which it operates. 

2.  The  alignment  of  its  taxation  with  the  effective  performance  of  economic  activities  and  value  generation.  The 
presence in tax havens is only possible as a consequence of the effective performance of economic activities.  
3.  The application of reasonable interpretations of tax rules and of  the provisions of agreements to avoid double 

taxation. 

4.  The  establishment  of  a  transfer  pricing  policy  for  all  transactions  between  related  parties  related  entities, 

governed by the principles of free competition, value creation and assumption of risk and benefits.  

5.  Addressing the fiscal challenges that the digital economy poses by incorporating an online presence into its value-

added assessments.  

6.  The payment of taxes as an important part of the contribution to the economies of the jurisdictions in which it 

operates.  

7.  The  promotion  of  a  reciprocal  cooperative  relationship  with  the  various  tax  administrations,  based  on  the 

principles of transparency, mutual trust, good faith and loyalty.  

8.  The promotion of transparent, clear and responsible reporting of its main tax figures, informing stakeholders of 

the payment of taxes.  

9.  When preparing any financial product, it takes into account the tax implications for the customers and provides 

them with the relevant information required to meet their tax obligations.  

10.  The  development  of  the  Strategy  and  its  principles,  through  the  Fiscal  department,  in  order  to  establish  the 
internal  control  mechanisms  and  rules  necessary  to  comply  with  the  prevailing  tax  code,  the  Strategy  and  its 
principles.  

The main characteristics of the BBVA Group's fiscal Strategy are:  

  BEPS compliance.   

This is inspired by the results of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project reports promoted by the G20 
and the OECD, which aim to align value generation with appropriate taxation where said value is generated. They 
also  reflect  the  commitment  to  comply  with  and  respect  both  the  letter  and  the  spirit  of  tax  regulation  in  the 
jurisdictions in which the Group operates, in accordance with Chapter XI of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational 
Enterprises.  

 
  
103 

  Geared toward compliance with SDGs. 

BBVA's vision shares the views of the European Economic and Social Committee's opinion ECO/494 of December 
11,  2019,  on  taxation,  private  investment  and  the  United  Nations'  Sustainable  Development  Goals.  For  BBVA, 
paying  taxes  is  key  to  achieving  these  objectives;  in  particular,  it  is  clearly  associated  with  the  first  goal  (no 
poverty); the eighth (decent work and economic growth); the tenth (reduced inequalities); and the seventeenth 
(partnerships for the goals), although BBVA's commitment extends to all of the goals. In this sense, for BBVA, it 
is not only a question of contributing with the necessary resources in accordance with current legislation so that 
the  tax  authorities  may  exercise  their  policies  aimed  at  complying  with  the  SDGs,  but  it  has  also  adopted  a 
proactive attitude of cooperating with these authorities and have incorporated responsibility in the field of taxation 
as an essential element of its activities. 

  Committed to protecting human rights.  

BBVA  is  concerned  with  the promotion,  protection  and  assurance  of  an effective  exercise  of  human  rights 
including  in  the  area  of  taxation,  and  we  have  fully  embraced  the  Guiding  Principles  on  Business  and  Human 
Rights. Taxation is linked to human rights insofar as, through the redistributive action of States, it makes it possible 
to  provide  economically  disadvantaged  persons  with  the  means  to  effectively  exercise  their  rights.  BBVA  is 
committed to paying taxes, and ensures that these taxes are paid in the jurisdictions in which they are collected, 
aligning its contribution with the effective performance of its economic activity. The Group also collaborates with 
the tax administrations of the jurisdictions in which it operates. 

The Group maintains transparent, clear and truthful communication on tax matters with various NGOs that are 
equally  committed  to  human  rights,  while  internally,  it  participates  in  auditing  activities  for  implementing  the 
Guiding Principles developed by the BBVA Group's Responsible Business area, and monitors the performance of 
the plans it has launched in this sphere. 

In the BBVA Group, the Board of Directors is responsible for approving its fiscal Strategy. Although the Strategy is intended 
to be permanent, and updated when necessary to better express the Group's fiscal orientation and commitments. 

The Strategy is universal and affects all of BBVA's business units and employees, regardless of the region in which they are 
located. It is developed through a body of fiscal policies that are reviewed annually both internally and by an independent 
third party to ensure that they reflect best market practices and are fully aligned with the Group's strategy. 

In compliance with United Kingdom regulations, BBVA makes its fiscal strategy public for its branch in that jurisdiction. 
This strategy reproduces the Group-wide strategy with the adaptations required by United Kingdom regulations, and is 
also subject to third party review and verification. 

In addition to the above, it should be noted that Section 4.6.1 of BBVA's Code of Conduct requires its members to carry out 
their professional activity in such a way that BBVA adequately complies with its tax obligations, and in such a way that 
avoids  any  practices  that  involve  illicit  tax  evasion  or  harm  to  the  public  treasury.  The  implementation  of  the  Code  is 
monitored by the Group's Compliance area, which has its own whistleblowing channel. 

BBVA is fully committed to transparency in tax matters and voluntarily publishes its overall tax contribution annually in the 
Tax  Policy  section  of  the  shareholders  and  investors  website.  As  a  financial  entity,  BBVA  also  complies,  through  the 
corresponding areas, with reporting obligations to tax authorities arising from the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act 
(FATCA),  the  Common  Reporting  Standard  (CRS),  the  United  States  Qualified  Intermediary  (QI),  and  the  country-by-
country report.  

Fiscal risk management and control 

The BBVA Group has set up a Fiscal Control Framework that complies with requirements on tax risk management and 
control  introduced  for  listed  companies  by  Law  31/2014  amending  the  Capital  Companies  Act  to  improve  Corporate 
Governance. 

The BBVA Group's Fiscal Control Framework is based on its Fiscal Strategy and is applicable to all the jurisdictions in which 
BBVA operates and to all the Group's various different areas and businesses. This allows the BBVA Group to carry out an 
integrated management of its fiscal positions and risks in a manner consistent and in conjunction with other risks. 

The BBVA Group's Fiscal Control model is configured around three fundamental lines of action. 

1.  Specific plans are carried out annually to identify, mitigate and control fiscal risk within the BBVA Group. The Head 
of the Group's Tax Department periodically informs the Audit Committee of the most relevant tax information. 

2.  Controls for fiscal risk management are subject to the annual cycle of review of internal control areas in order to 

evaluate their suitability and effectiveness. 

3.  The Group's Internal Audit area conducts periodic tax compliance reviews. 

 
104 

A  series  of  specific  tax  risk  indicators  have  also  been  developed,  which  are  integrated  into  the  Group's  general  risk 
management and control model, to help establish and manage the Group's risk profile in tax matters. 

BBVA's fiscal function carries out the process of evaluating and monitoring these indicators, which allows for: 

  Properly identifying fiscal risks. 

  Assessing the impact of the materialization of fiscal risks. 

  Developing redirection measures that allow dynamic fiscal risk management. 

  Reporting and generating relevant information on the evolution of tax risks for the Group's Governing Bodies. 

On the other hand, the Group has fully anonymous whistleblowing channels for reporting potential breaches of both its 
Code of Conduct and its Fiscal Strategy. 

Finally, the BBVA Group Control Framework is subject to annual review by a third independent firm. 

Cooperation with tax administrations 

As advocated by the Group's Fiscal Strategy, BBVA maintains a cooperative relationship with the tax administrations of 
the countries in which we operate based on the principles of transparency, mutual trust, good faith and loyalty.  

In particular, and with regard to Spanish, it adheres to the Large Corporations Forum, BBVA is subject to the Code of Best 
Tax Practices (Código de Buenas Prácticas Tributarias, CBPT) adopted by the Forum on July 20, 2010. The Group has once 
again  voluntarily  submitted  the  Annual  Fiscal  Transparency  Report  for  Companies  Adhering  to  the  Code  of  Best  Tax 
Practices and its Corporate Income Tax declaration for the previous year, which included its performance and proposals 
to strengthen best practices on fiscal transparency, adopted in a plenary session of the Spanish Large Corporations Forum 
on December 20, 2016, or companies adhering to the Code. 

In  the  aforementioned  Transparency  Report,  the  most  significant  criteria  used  to  prepare  the  Corporate  Income  Tax 
Declaration are voluntarily explained to the Central Delegation of Major Contributors, and meetings are subsequently held 
with  the  tax  authorities  in  order  to  further  elaborate  on  any  details  that  may  be  required.  All  of  the  above  is  before 
corresponding inspectorate actions commence. 

BBVA also adopted the Code of Practice on Taxation for Banks, a United Kingdom initiative that provides for the approach 
expected from financial institutions in terms of governance, tax planning and engagement with the British tax authorities, 
in order to promote the adoption of best practices in this area, which is published on the HMRC website. 

BBVA is also a financial institution that collaborates in the collection processes of the regions that so request. 

Finally, in order to obtain legal certainty and ensure that its understanding of tax code is in line with the spirit of the law, 
BBVA consults the tax authorities on any aspects that are controversial or raise doubts, when deemed necessary. 

Participation in technical-fiscal discussion forums 

BBVA participates, among  other  organizations, in the Spanish Banking  Association's  Tax Committee, and collaborates 
with this association in the finance working groups of the European Banking Federation. BBVA also participates in the main 
fiscal committees of the banking and trade associations of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The sector's positions are 
coordinated through all these organizations. 

In  this  respect,  there  are  no  significant  differences  in  fiscal  matters  with  respect  to  the  positions  reported  by  said 
organizations and those maintained by BBVA. 

Dialogue with other stakeholders on fiscal matters 

BBVA is aware of how important taxes are for the progress and sustainability of the societies in which it operates, which is 
why it maintains mutually constructive dialog with various NGOs, universities, think tanks and other tax-related forums, in 
relation to the Group's fiscal contribution. As a result of this dialog, BBVA has incorporated new transparency standards 
made  public  in  the  Total  Tax  Contribution  Report,  and  has  been  recognized  as  a  transparent  financial  entity  by  the 
Fundación Compromiso y Transparencia (Commitment and Transparency Foundation) and has promoted initiatives that 
allow its extension to other multinationals such as the European Business Tax Forum.  

Total tax contribution  

BBVA is committed to transparency in paying taxes and this is the reason why, for yet another year, The Group voluntarily 
breaks down the total tax contribution in countries in which it has a significant presence. 

 
BBVA Group's total tax contribution (TTC), includes its own and third parties payments of corporate income 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, this includes both the taxes related to the BBVA Group 
companies (taxes that represent a cost to said companies and affect their results) and taxes collected on behalf of third 
parties. The TTC Report provides all stakeholders with the opportunity to understand BBVA's tax payment and represents 
a forward-looking approach, as well as a commitment to corporate social responsibility, by which it assumes a leading 
position in fiscal transparency. 

GLOBAL TAX CONTRIBUTION (BBVA GROUP. MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

105 

Own taxes 

Third-party taxes 

Total tax contribution 

Offshore financial centers 

2020 

3,288 

5,037 

8,325 

2019 

3,702 

5,588 

9,290 

The BBVA Group maintains an express policy on activities in entities permanently registered in offshore financial centers, 
which includes a plan for reducing the number of offshore financial centers in which the Group is present. 

As  of  December  31,  2020,  BBVA’s  permanent  establishments  registered  in  offshore  financial  centers  considered  tax 
havens by both the OECD and Spanish regulations are securities companies: BBVA Global Finance, Ltd., Continental DPR 
Finance Company, Garanti Diversified Payment Rights Finance Company and RPV Company 

Issuers of securities 

BBVA Group has four issuers registered in Grand Cayman, two of which belong to the Garanti Group. 

BRANCH AT OFFSHORE ENTITIES (BBVA GROUP. MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Securities issuers 

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. 

31-12-20 

31-12-19 

163 

19 

1,104 

1,247 

2,533 

178 

35 

1,604 

1,355 

3,172 

Supervision  and  control  of  the  permanent  establishments  of  the  BBVA  Group  in  offshore 
financial centers 

BBVA  Group  has  established  risk  management  policies  and  criteria  for  all  its  permanent  establishments  in  offshore 
financial centers as for the rest of the entities within the Group. 

The  BBVA  Internal  Audit  area  performs  risk-based  reviews  of  the  BBVA  Group's  offshore  financial  centers  permanent 
establishments of the BBVA Group verifies: i) the adequacy of its operations to the definition of the corporate purpose, ii) 
compliance with corporate policies and procedures regarding customer knowledge and prevention of money laundering, 
iii) the veracity of the information sent to the parent company, and iv) compliance with tax obligations in accordance with 
the  applicable  regulations  of  each  jurisdiction.  In  addition,  in  the  same  way,  it  performs  reviews,  based  on  risks,  of 
compliance  with  the  Spanish  regulations  applicable  to  transfers  of  funds  between  the  Group's  banks  in  Spain  and  its 
entities established in offshore financial centers. 

In 2020, both the Internal Audit Area and the BBVA Compliance Department monitored the action plans derived from the 
audit reports of each of the establishments. 

For  2020,  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) 

2020 

2019 

CIT payment  
cash basis 

CIT expense 
consol 

PBT 
consol (1) 

Subsidies 

CIT payment 
cash basis 

CIT expense 
consol 

PBT 
consol (1) 

Subsidies 

106 

Spain (2)(3) 

The United States(4) 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Colombia 

Argentina 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Chile 

Uruguay 

Paraguay 

Bolivia 

Brazil 

Curaçao 

Romania 

Portugal 

Netherlands 

Switzwerland 

Finland 

Ireland 

United Kingdom 

Hong Kong 

France 

Italy 

Germany 

Belgium 

China 

Singapore 

Japan 

Taiwan 

Chipre 

Malta 

Total 

(699) 

118 

1,250 

348 

104 

137 

156 

- 

19 

12 

3 

3 

- 

- 

8 

5 

7 

9 

- 

- 

5 

8 

13 

8 

26 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

7 

8 

(7) 

85 

721 

362 

77 

81 

91 

(2,108) 

551 

2,491 

1,394 

249 

205 

325 

7 

8 

8 

3 

3 

- 

- 

4 

14 

7 

3 

- 

- 

3 

5 

3 

20 

8 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

4 

4 

8 

32 

37 

26 

12 

2 

2 

27 

42 

23 

11 

(26) 

- 

40 

31 

14 

65 

24 

4 

1 

11 

- 

1 

16 

66 

1,556 

1,516 

3,576 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(15) 

135 

964 

246 

97 

27 

205 

- 

30 

11 

8 

3 

- 

- 

4 

5 

1 

12 

- 

- 

2 

- 

17 

3 

21 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

6 

9 

226 

123 

993 

289 

128 

37 

172 

1 

19 

8 

3 

3 

- 

- 

7 

10 

3 

1 

- 

- 

3 

5 

11 

9 

(11) 

- 

- 

1 

- 

(1) 

7 

8 

(911) 

751 

3,544 

1,151 

438 

234 

636 

(8) 

69 

53 

34 

11 

- 

6 

43 

46 

10 

6 

(20) 

- 

45 

38 

39 

26 

9 

2 

(2) 

8 

1 

(2) 

31 

111 

1,792 

2,053 

6,398 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Note: the results of this breakdown of the branches are integrated in the financial statements of the parent companies on which they depend. 

(1) PBT: Profit before tax. 
(2)  In 2019 and 2020, the negative amunt of “CIT payments cash basis” is mainly due to the methodology for calculating advance payments of the annual tax return provided for in 
Corporate Income Tax legislation, which may lead to differences between the advance payments made in the current year and the refund of those advance payments made in 
previous years resulting once the annual corporate income tax return has been submitted. As a result of these differences, there has been a net cash refund. The amount of “Profit 
before taxes includes Corporate Center. 

(3) The balance of “Income before tax" includes in Spain the goodwill impairment of the United States of €2,084m and €1,318 in 2020 and 2019 respectively, which is classified within 
the "Profit(loss) after taxes from discontinued operations" line within the consolidated income statement.  

(4)The balances "Profit before tax" and "Corporate income tax expense" includes the balances of, respectively, €413m and €57m in 2020 and €670m and €110m in 2019 
respectively from the of the banking business in the United States, classified within the balance "Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations".  

In  2020,  the  BBVA  Group  has  not  received  any  significant  public  aid  allocated  to  the  financial  sector  intended  for  the 
promotion  of  banking  activity,  as  mentioned  in  Appendix  XIII  -Annual  Banking  Report  of  the  attached  Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
107 

The following information is broken down for the main countries in which the BBVA Group operates:  

 Spain 

TAX INFORMATION. SPAIN, 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS) 

Consolidated gross margin 

Third-
parties 

Related 
party  

Total 

Profit (loss) before 
CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current year) 

Number 
of 
workers 

Tangible assets 
other than cash 

Spain(1)(2) 

5,732 

(125)  5,607 

(2,108) 

(699) 

(7) 

29,330 

5,748 

(1)The balance "Income before tax" includes in Spain the €2,084m goodwill impairment of The United States, which is classified in the line "Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued 
operations" in the income statement.  
(2) It arises from the methodology of calculating advance payments of the annual tax return provided for in Corporate Income Tax legislation, which may lead to differences 
between the advance payments made in the current year and the refund of those advance payments made in previous years resulting once the annual corporate income tax return 
has been submitted. As a result of these differences, there has been a net cash refund 

Banking activity in Spain is mainly carried out through BBVA, S.A., which has a twofold dimension: on the one hand, it is 
the head of banking business in Spain and, on the other, it is the parent company/holding company of the BBVA Group. 

The main segments  of activity developed in Spain include commercial  and SME banking, as well as  insurance and  CIB 
activities. 

Spain's perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Appendix I of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

In  general  terms,  the  Group's  Spanish  companies  form  a  tax  group,  constituting  for  this  purpose  a  single  taxpayer  for 
corporate income tax. The nominal tax rate in Spain is 30%. However, there are certain effects and peculiarities of a tax 
and accounting nature due to the aforementioned twofold dimension that may cause the effective tax rate to different.  

To  this  end,  during  the  2020  financial  year,  the  most  significant  is  the  effect  arising  from  the  accounting  impairment 
recorded in relation to the goodwill of the business unit in the United States, which does not have an associated credit in 
the Corporate Income Tax Expense. 

Mexico 

TAX INFORMATION, MEXICO 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 
Related 
party  

Total 

Third-parties 

Profit (loss) 
before CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current 
year) 

Number of 
workers 

Tangible 
assets other 
than cash 

Mexico 

6,798 

15 

6,813 

2,491 

1,250 

721 

36,853 

1,931 

The BBVA Group's operations in Mexico are conducted through the BBVA Mexico Group, which is the country's leading 
financial institution and one of the driving forces behind the BBVA Group. Its main segments of activity include commercial 
and SME banking, insurance and CIB activities.  

Mexico's perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Appendix I of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

The nominal tax rate in Mexico is 30% and its effective tax rate is very similar. In this respect, there are certain effects and 
peculiarities of a tax and accounting nature that may cause its effective tax rate to differ from 30%, the most significant 
being the tax adjustment for inflation that contributes to the fall in the tax rate. 

The United States  

TAX INFORMATION, UNITED STATES 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 

Third-
parties 

Related 
party  

Total 

Profit (loss) before 
CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current year) 

Number 
of 
workers 

Tangible assets 
other than cash 

United 
States (1)  
551 
(1) "Gross income", "Income before tax", "Corporate Income Tax accrued" includes €2,807m, €413m and €57m respectively from the banking business in the United States 
classified under "Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued activities".  

251  3,416 

10,883 

3,165 

118 

85 

826 

The BBVA Group's operations in the United States have been conducted, firstly, through BBVA USA, based in the Sunbelt 
region of the United States, with its main segments of activity being commercial and corporate banking, as well as CIB 
activities. On the other hand, operations are also conducted through the New York branch, which focuses on investment 
banking. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
108 

The  perimeter  of  consolidation  of  the  United  States  can  be  consulted  in  Appendix  I  of  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.  

The companies in the United States form a tax group and, in this sense, represent a single taxpayer for corporate income 
tax purposes. The nominal tax rate applicable to BBVA in the United States considering the aggregation of the federal and 
state taxes is approximately 23.8%. 

The effective tax rate is lower than the nominal rate, to the extent that there are certain significant peculiarities of a tax and 
accounting nature. In this sense, the main effect that impacts the tax rate of the United States is the exemption of interest 
on United States government securities, which has had a very significant weight in the profit before corporate income tax, 
due to the 2020 economic context.  

Regardless  of  the  above,  BBVA  reached  an  agreement  for  the  sale  of  the  business  unit  in  the  United  States,  which  is 
expected to be executed in 2021. The profit before corporate income tax, and the accrued corporate income tax that is 
reflected in the previous table, include the business unit object of the transaction.  

Argentina 

TAX INFORMATION, ARGENTINA 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 

Third-
parties 

Related 
party  

Total 

Profit (loss) before 
CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current year) 

Number 
of 
workers 

Tangible assets 
other than cash 

Argentina 

732 

-  732 

205 

137 

81 

6,052 

340 

The BBVA Group's operations in Argentina are conducted through BBVA Argentina, one of the country's leading financial 
institutions. The main segments of activity include commercial and SME banking, as well as insurance and CIB activities. 

Argentina's perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Annex I of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

The  nominal  tax  rate  in  Argentina  is  30%.  Generally  speaking,  Argentina's  tax  rate  should  be  close  to  its  nominal  rate. 
However,  its  status  as  a  hyperinflationary  economy  and  the  consequent  restatement  of  its  financial  statements 
significantly distort the country's tax burden.  

Colombia  

TAX INFORMATION, COLOMBIA 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 
Related 
party  

Total 

Third-parties 

Profit (loss) 
before CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current 
year) 

Number of 
workers 

Tangible 
assets other 
than cash 

Colombia 

911 

(2) 

909 

249 

104 

77 

6,592 

127 

The BBVA Group's operations in Colombia are conducted through BBVA Colombia, one of the country's leading financial 
institutions. Its main segments of activity include commercial and SME banking, as well as insurance and CIB activities. 
Colombia's perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Annex I of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

The nominal tax rate in Colombia is 36% (financial sector), while the effective tax rate is somewhat lower. In this sense, 
there are certain fiscal effects and peculiarities (such as exempt income) that may cause the effective tax rate to differ 
from the nominal tax rate. 

Peru 

TAX INFORMATION, PERU 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 

Third-
parties 

Related 
party  

Total 

Profit (loss) before 
CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current year) 

Number 
of 
workers 

Tangible assets 
other than cash 

Peru 

1,149 

(2)  1,147 

325 

156 

91 

6,204 

290 

The BBVA Group's operations in Peru are conducted through Banco Continental, S.A., one of the country's leading financial 
institutions. The main segments of activity include commercial and SME banking, as well as insurance and CIB activities. 
Peru's perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Annex I of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The nominal tax rate in Peru is 29.5% and the effective tax rate is slightly lower. In this sense, there are certain effects and 
singularities of a fiscal and accounting nature that may cause the effective tax rate to differ, the most significant being the 
tax adjustment for exemption of interest on deposits in the Central Reserve Bank of Perú and for interest on government 
treasury bonds. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Turkey 

TAX INFORMATION, TURKEY 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

109 

Consolidated gross margin 
Related 
party  

Total 

Third-parties 

Profit (loss) 
before CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current 
year) 

Number of 
workers 

Tangible 
assets other 
than cash 

Turkey  

3,298 

(22) 

3,276 

1,394 

348 

362 

20,357 

958 

The Group's activity in Turkey is mainly conducted through Garanti BBVA Group, of which BBVA is the largest shareholder. 
Garanti BBVA Group is a pioneering bank in Turkey, a leader in the use of technology applied to banking businesses. Its 
main segments of activity include commercial and SME banking, as well as insurance and CIB activities. 
Turkey's perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Appendix I of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The nominal tax rate in Turkey is 22%. In general, the country's tax burden is usually in line with the nominal rate. The tax 
burden is higher in 2020, however, mainly as a result of the regularization of Deferred Tax Assets (DTAs) net of Deferred 
Tax Liabilities (DTLs), in view of the fact that the applicable tax rate will be 20% in 2021 as opposed to the current 22%. 

Rest of Latin America 

TAX INFORMATION, OTHER LATIN AMERICA 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 
Related 
party  

Total 

Third-parties 

Profit (loss) 
before CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current 
year) 

Number of 
workers 

Tangible 
assets other 
than cash 

Oher Latin 
America  

425 

(3) 

422 

120 

37 

29 

4,210 

104 

The BBVA Group also operates in Chile, Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil and Curaçao, conducting retail and 
commercial banking activities, as in the other jurisdictions. The overall relative weight of these countries in the Group's 
accounts is very limited. 
The South American perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Appendix I of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
The average nominal rate is 24.40% and the joint effective tax rate is 24.17%, being therefore, practically equal.  

Rest of Eurasia  

TAX INFORMATION, OTHER EURASIA 2020. (MILLIONS OF EUROS, NUMBER OF WORKERS)  

Consolidated gross margin 

Third-
parties 

Related 
party  

Total 

Profit (loss) before 
CIT 

CIT payment 
(cash basis)  

CIT accrued 
(current year) 

Number 
of 
workers 

Tangible assets 
other than cash 

Other 
Eurasia 

762 

(54)  708 

351 

105 

77 

2,668 

148 

The BBVA Group's operations in the rest of Europe and Asia are included in the Eurasia block. Among the most significant 
are the banking and financial institutions located in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland and Romania. There are also 
branches  located  in  Germany,  Belgium,  France,  Italy,  the  United  Kingdom  and  Portugal,  Taipei,  Tokyo,  Hong  Kong, 
Singapore, Shanghai Malta and Cyprus, whose main activity is in the field of CIB. 

The overall relative weight of these countries in the Group's accounts is very limited, representing approximately 9.79% of 
the Group's total consolidated income before tax generated in 2020. 

The Eurasia perimeter of consolidation can be consulted in Appendix I of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

During the financial year 2020, the average nominal rate is 23.51%, whereas the effective tax rate is 21.94, being practically 
aligned with the average nominal rate for these jurisdictions 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110 

Suppliers 

BBVA understands that integrating ethical, social and environmental factors into its supply chain is part of its responsibility. 
Thus, in 2020, the Group continued to make progress on the transformation of the purchasing function, which is based on 
the three basic pillars of the procurement model:  

  Service, maximizing the quality and experience of the internal customer, who is accompanied throughout  the 

process. 

  Risk, limiting the Group's operational risk in supplier contracts, thus ensuring compliance with regulations and 

processes. 
Efficiency, contributing to the Group's efficiency by the proactive managing costs and suppliers. 

 

ESSENTIAL DATA ABOUT SUPPLIERS (BBVA GROUP)  

Number of suppliers (1) 
Volume provided by suppliers (millions of euros) (1) 

Average payment period to suppliers (days) 
Suppliers satisfaction index (2) 

Number of approved suppliers  

n.a. = not applicable. 

Excluding Turkey. 

2020 

3,582 

6,906 

n.a. 

5,702 

- 

2019 

4,669 

7,696 

84 

5,463 

- 

(1) Payments to third parties. Suppliers lower than 100.000 euros are not included. 
(2) Suppliers Net Promoter Score. Obtained from a satisfaction survey carried out each 2 years for the Group's suppliers with grants of more than €10.000 and a turnover of more 
than €100.000. It is calculated by the difference between the average of promoters, who have answered 9 and 10 up to 10 to the question if they would recommend working with the 
Procurement area, and the average of detractors, whose answers to the same question have gone from 1 to 6.  

As a part of the procurement process, BBVA strives to properly manage the impacts, both real and potential, that may be 
generated by its activity through a series of mechanisms and rules: General Procurement Principles, supplier evaluation 
process  and  Corporate  Rules  for  the  Acquisition  of  Goods  and  the  Contracting  of  Services.  These  impacts  may  be 
environmental;  caused  by  labor  practices  carried  out  in  supplier  companies;  a  result  of  the  absence  of  freedom  of 
association; related to human rights; and can have either a positive or negative impact on society.  

Both the supplier evaluation process and the Corporate Rules for the Acquisition of Goods have undergone significant 
updates throughout 2020, evolving toward a more complete evaluation of supplier risk and greater control over the entire 
procurement process. 

Through the implementation of the Supplier Code of Ethics in the purchasing units of all countries in which the Group is 
present, minimum standards of behavior in terms of ethical, social and environmental conduct were established which 
suppliers are expected to follow when providing products and services. Along with the Supplier Code of Ethics, BBVA 
maintains a responsible procurement policy, the General Procurement Principles. 

General Procurement Principles 
The  General  Procurement  Principles,  included  in  the  Procurement  Rules  for  goods  and  services,  include  the  former 
Responsible  Purchasing  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,  value  creation,  segregation  of  duties,  and 
confidentiality. 

The following are included among the clauses contained 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 among others. 

  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 declaration. 
  Adherence to the United Nations Global Compact. 

The  General  Procurement  Principles  also  establish,  within  the  principle  of  commitment  to  Responsible  Business,  the 
commitment to raise awareness of social responsibility among personnel and other stakeholders involved in the Group's 
procurement process. 

 
 
111 

Supply chain 

BBVA  operates  a  technological  platform,  the  Global  Procurement  System  (GPS),  which  supports  all  phases  of  the 
Group's  procurement  process,  from  budgeting  to  invoice  registration,  including  electronic  invoicing.  In  2020,  the 
platform is operational in Spain and Mexico (legally), Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela. 

Additionally, within the GPS, BBVA also has an electronic catalog procurement tool (SRM), which can be accessed via 
the  Intranet  and  is  designed  to  issue  decentralized  procurement  requests,  i.e.,  directly  from  the  user  area.  SRM  is 
available in Spain, Mexico and Peru. 

BBVA  has  a  supplier  portal  that  facilitates  the  Group's  online  relationship  with  its  suppliers.  It  is  a  collaborative 
environment targeted at companies and self-employed workers who work or are interested in working with the BBVA 
Group, allowing them to interact electronically with the Bank throughout the supply cycle. The supplier portal consists of 
two environments: a public one, accessible from the web (www.suppliers.bbva.com), which provides general information 
on  the  procurement  process  and  on  the  relevant  aspects  of  their  purchasing  model;  and   private  one,  which  allows 
suppliers to operate online, from tendering (electronic auctions) and approval to payment (electronic invoicing). 

In addition to the portal, there is also a supplier directory, an internal tool that can be accessed via the Intranet, allowing 
users to consult contact data and general information about the Bank's suppliers. 

Supplier management 

BBVA conducts a supplier evaluation process that has been improved in 2020, considerably increasing the number of 
aspects that are reviewed for a supplier: financial, legal, labor, anti-corruption and money laundering situation, reputation, 
technological risks, concentration and country risks, and customer protection, with the aim of understanding their basic 
technical capabilities and their legal responsibilities (labor or environmental regulations, etc.). This allows them to promote 
their  civic  responsibilities  and  confirm  that  they  share  the  same  values  as  the  Group  in  terms  of  social  responsibility. 
Suppliers must comply with the following points during this process: 

  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. 

  Hiring of persons with disabilities. 

  Existence of a corporate responsibility policy within the company. 

Supplier  evaluation  is  reviewed  periodically  and  is  subject  to  continuous  monitoring.  As  of  December  31,  2020,  the 
percentage of allocations granted to approve suppliers was 97%. 

In terms of local suppliers, these account for 97% of BBVA's total suppliers at the end of December 2020, and 94% of total 
turnover, which facilitates contributions to the economic and social development of the countries in which the Group is 
present. A local supplier, in this context, is one whose tax identification matches the country of the company receiving the 
goods or services. 

On the other hand, the turnover of special employment centers (CEEs, for its acronym in Spanish) in Spain to the Bank 
was €2,4m as of December 31, 2020. The hiring of CEEs favors inclusion and diversity. 

In  2020,  the  Internal  Audit  area  conducted  audits  of  suppliers  on  the  procurement  processes  of  supply  of  goods  and 
services from different areas and on the services provided by certain suppliers, mostly outsourcing. These are risk-based 
audits, and reviews are carried out according to a defined internal methodology. 

 
NUMBER OF SUPPLIERS AND TURNOVER BY COUNTRY 

2020 

2019 

Suppliers (1) and annual turnover (2) 

Number of 
suppliers 

Annual turnover 
(millions of euros) 

Number of 
suppliers 

Annual turnover 
(millions of euros) 

112 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Portugal 

Total 

Total suppliers (3) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Argentina 

Chile 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Portugal 

1,138 

424 

1,068 

289 

196 

290 

42 

29 

49 

57 

2,169 

458 

3,380 

351 

216 

236 

33 

11 

26 

26 

1,429 

854 

1,371 

310 

220 

295 

55 

43 

54 

38 

2,401 

732 

3,564 

369 

231 

270 

66 

16 

29 

17 

3,582 

6,906 

4,669 

7,696 

19,089 

1,273 

6,220 

1,601 

- 

1,725 

4,760 

479 

833 

549 

528 

2,285 

475 

3,483 

373 

- 

237 

260 

36 

16 

33 

31 

25,776 

18,333 

8,083 

2,031 

17 

2,314 

2,318 

501 

1,078 

586 

635 

2,542 

814 

3,692 

393 

- 

256 

296 

68 

23 

35 

22 

Total 
Excluding Turkey. 
(1) Including suppliers and creditors. 

37,057 

7,229 

61,672 

8,142 

(2) Payments made to third parties (not including suppliers with amounts less than €100,000). Cash flow criterion. 
(3) Including all suppliers, creditors and third parties invoicing to BBVA without a limit to the amount. 

AVERAGE PAYMENT PERIOD TO SUPLLIERS (1) (DAYS) 

2020 

2019 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Paraguay 

Uruguay 

Group average (2) 

n.a: Not available 

Excluding Portugal and Turkey. 

49 

10 

14 

30 

32 

13 

9 

20 

3 

20 

51 

5 

14 

39 

28 

9 

18 

30 

3 

24 

(1) Average payment period calculated as an average resulting from the difference between the payment date and the base date. With no weighing by amount. 
(2) Total average payment period is calculated based on a ponderation between the different geographies as is not possible to be done taking the whole invoice 
data. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
113 

Other non-financial risks 

Spanish judicial authorities are investigating the activities of Centro Exclusivo de Negocios y Transacciones, S.L. (Cenyt). 
Such investigation includes the provision of services by Cenyt to the Bank. On 29th July, 2019, the Bank was named as an 
official suspect (investigado) in a criminal judicial investigation (Preliminary Proceeding No. 96/2017 – Piece No. 9, Central 
Investigating Court No. 6 of the National High Court) for alleged facts which could be constitutive of bribery, revelation of 
secrets and corruption. On February 3, 2020, the Bank was notified by the Central Investigating Court No. 6 of the National 
High Court of the order lifting the secrecy of the proceedings. Certain current and former officers and employees of the 
Group, as well as former directors have also been named as official suspects in connection with this investigation. The Bank 
has been and continues to proactively collaborate with the Spanish judicial authorities, including sharing with the courts 
the relevant information obtained in the internal investigation hired by the entity in 2019 to contribute to the clarification of 
the facts. As of the date of the approval of this management report, no formal accusation against the Bank has been made.  

This criminal judicial proceeding is at the pre-trial phase. Therefore, it is not possible at this time to predict the scope or 
duration  of  such  proceeding  or  any  related  proceeding  or  its  or  their  possible  outcomes  or  implications  for  the  Group, 
including any fines, damages or harm to the Group’s reputation caused thereby. 

Notwithstanding what is provided in the previous paragraph and in the section "Risk factors", during 2020 a number of 
criminal proceedings have been initiated against BBVA, S.A. for various alleged offenses. Notwithstanding the above, up 
to the date of issuance of this Management Report, BBVA, S.A. has not been convicted by a final judgment of criminal 
responsibility. 

 
 
 
 
 
114 

Pages 

14- 17 

2 

Contents index of the Law 11/2018 

Non-financial Information Report. Contents index of the Law 11/2018 

General information 

Business model 

Page / Section BBVA's 
Management Report  
2020 

GRI 
reporting 
criteria 

Brief description of the group’s business 
model 

Strategy and business 
model 

Geographical presence 

BBVA in brief 

GRI 102-2 
GRI 102-7 
GRI 102-3 
GRI 102-4 
GRI 102-6 

Objectives and strategies of the organization 

Main factors and trends that may affect your 
future evolution 

Strategy and business 
model 
Environment 
Strategy and business 
model 

GRI 102-14 

20-22 

GRI 102-15 

5-13 

Reporting framework 

Non-financial information   GRI 102-54 

4 

General 

Principle of materiality 

Description of the applicable policies 

Management approach 

The results of these policies 

Environmental questions 

The main risks related to these issues 
involving the activities of the group 

Detailed information on the current and 
foreseeable effects of the company's 
activities on the environment and, where 
appropriate, health and safety 

Environmental assessment or certification 
procedures 

Environmental management  

Resources dedicated to the prevention of 
environmental risks 

Application of the precautionary principle 

Amount of provisions and guarantees for 
environmental risks 

Strategy and business 
model/ Materiality 
Customer comes 
first/Customer security 
and protection 
The best and most 
engaged team/People 
management, 
Professional development, 
Work environment, 
Remuneration, Volunteer 
work  
Ethical behaviour 
Sustainability at BBVA 
Contribution to society 
Customer comes 
first/Customer security 
and protection 
The best and most 
engaged team/People 
management, 
Professional development, 
Work environment, 
Remuneration, Volunteer 
work  
Ethical behaviour 
Sustainability at BBVA 
Contribution to society 
Environment 
Customer comes 
first/Customer security 
and protection 
The best and most 
engaged team/ Health 
and labor safety 
Sustainability at BBVA 
/Environmental impact 
and risk management 
Contribution to 
society/Suppliers 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Sustainable 
funding:mobilization 
metric 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Sustainable 
funding:mobilization 
metric 

GRI 102-46 
GRI 102-47 

20-22 

GRI 103-2 

81-86 

GRI 103-2 

81-86 

GRI 102-15 

81-86 

GRI 102-15 

81-86 

GRI 103-2 

20-22 

GRI 103-2 

79-80 

GRI 102-11 

81 

GRI 103-2 

79-80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contamination 

Measures to prevent, reduce or repair 
emissions that seriously affect the 
environment; taking into account any form of 
activity-specific air pollution, including noise 
and light pollution 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 

Circular economy and waste prevention and 
management 

Prevention, recycling, reuse, other forms of 
recovery and types of waste disposal 

Actions to combat food waste 

Water consumption and water supply 
according to local constraints 

Use of raw materials and measures taken to 
improve the efficiency of their utilization 

Sustainable use of resources 

Energy use, direct and indirect 

Climate change 

Protection of biodiversity 

Measures taken to improve energy efficiency 

Use of renewable energies 

Greenhouse gas emissions generated as a 
result of the company's activities, including 
the use of the goods and services it produces 

Measures taken to adapt to the 
consequences of climate change 

Reduction goals established voluntarily in the 
medium and long term to reduce greenhouse 
gas emissions and measures implemented 
for that purpose 

Measures taken to protect or restore 
biodiversity 

Impacts caused by activities or operations in 
protected areas 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 

BBVA Group considers 
this indicator not to be 
material 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Helping our clients 
transition towards a 
sustainable future  
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management/Equator 
Principles 
The BBVA offices are in 
urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact 
on protected natural areas 
or biodiversity. 

Sustainability at 
BBVA/Helping our clients 
transition towards a 
sustainable future  
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Environmental 
impact and risk 
management/Equator 
Principles  
The BBVA offices are in 
urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact 
on protected natural areas 
or biodiversity. 

115 

GRI 103-2 

75-78,  
88-91 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 306-2 
with respect 
to recycling 
and reusing 

GRI 103-2 

GRI 303-5 
(2018) with 
respect total 
water 
consumption 
GRI 301-1 
with respect 
to renewable 
materials 
used  

88-91 

Non 
material 

90-91 

89-91 

GRI 302-1 
GRI 302-3 

89-91 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 302-4 

89-90 

GRI 302-1 
with respect 
to renewable 
energies 
consumption  
GRI 305-1 
GRI 305-2 
GRI 305-3 
GRI 305-4 

89-90 

91 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 201-2 

81-86 

GRI 305-5 

89 

GRI 304-3 

Non 
material 

GRI 304-1 
GRI 304-2 

Non 
material 

 
 
Social and personnel questions 

116 

Total number and distribution of employees 
according to country, gender, age, country 
and professional classification 

Total number and distribution of work 
contract modalities 

Annual average of work contract modalities 
(permanent, temporary and part-time) by 
sex, age, and professional classification 

The best and most 
engaged team/People 
management, 
Professional development 
The best and most 
engaged team/People 
management, 
Professional development 
The best and most 
engaged team/People 
management, 
Professional development 

GRI 102-8 
GRI 405-1 

42-44 

GRI 102-8 

45-47 

GRI 102-8 

45-47 

Number of dismissals by sex, age, and 
professional classification 

The best and most 
engaged team /Work 
environment 

The average remunerations and their 
evolution disaggregated by sex, age, and 
professional classification or equal value 

The best and most 
engaged 
team/Remuneration 

The average remuneration of directors and 
executives, including variable remuneration, 
allowances, compensation, payment to long-
term forecast savings and any other 
perception broken down by gender 

The best and most 
engaged 
team/Remuneration 

Employees 

Salary gap 

Implementation of work disconnection 
policies 

Employees with disabilities 

Work schedule organization 

Work organization 

Number of hours of absenteeism 

Measures designed to facilitate access to 
mediation resources and encourage the 
responsible use of these by both parents 

Health and safety 

Work health and safety conditions 

The best and most 
engaged 
team/Remuneration 

The best and most 
engaged team/ Work 
environment/Organization 
of work  

The best and most 
engaged team/ 
Professional development 
/ Different capabilities 

The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment/Work 
organization 
The best and most 
engaged team/ Work 
environment/Health and 
labor safety 
The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment/Diversity 
and inclusion 

The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and 
labor safety 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 401-1 
with respect 
to staff turn-
over by sex, 
age and 
country 
GRI 103-2 
GRI 405-2 
with respect 
to women 
remuneration 
compared to 
men's by 
professional 
category 
GRI 103-2 
GRI 405-2 
with respect 
to women 
remuneration 
compared to 
men's by 
professional 
category 
GRI 103-2 
GRI 405-2 
with respect 
to women 
remuneration 
compared to 
men's by 
professional 
category 

48-49 

56-57 

56-57 

57 

GRI 103-2 

51 

GRI 405-1 

50 

GRI 103-2 

51 

GRI 403-9 

53-54 

GRI 103-2 

51 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 403-1 
GRI 403-2 
GRI 403-3 
GRI 403-7 
(2018) 

36, 52-
54 

 
 
Work accidents, in particular their frequency 
and severity, disaggregated by gender 

Occupational diseases, disaggregated by 
gender 

Organization of social dialog, including 
procedures to inform and consult staff and 
negotiate with them 

Social relationships 

Percentage of employees covered by 
collective agreement by country 

Training 

The balance of collective agreements, 
particularly in the field of health and safety at 
work 

Policies implemented for training activities 

The total amount of training hours by 
professional category 

Universal accessibility for people with disabilities 

Integration and universal accessibility of 
people with disabilities 

Equality 

Measures taken to promote equal treatment 
and opportunities between women and men 

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 sex-based 
harassment. 

Policy against any type of discrimination and, 
where appropriate, diversity management 

117 

53-54 

53-54 

GRI 403-9 
(2018) with 
respect to 
labor 
accident 
injuries 

GRI 403-10 
(2018)with 
respect to 
recordable 
labor injuries 

GRI 103-2 

52 

GRI 102-41 

52 

GRI 403-4 
(2018) 

52-54 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 404-2 

38-39 

GRI 404-1 

39 

GRI 103-2 

50 

GRI 103-2 

40-42, 
56-57 

GRI 103-2 

40-42 

GRI 103-2 

40-42 

GRI 103-2 

40-42 

The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and 
labor safety 

The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and 
labor safety 

The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment /Freedom of 
association and 
representation 
The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment /Freedom of 
association and 
representation 
The best and most 
engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and 
labor safety 
The best and most 
engaged team/ 
Professional 
development/Training 
The best and most 
engaged 
team/Professional 
development/Training 
The best and most 
engaged 
team/Professional 
development /Different 
capabilities 
The best and most 
engaged 
team/Professional 
development/Diversity 
and inclusion 
The best and most 
engaged team/ 
Professional 
development/Diversity 
and inclusion 
The best and most 
engaged team/ 
Professional 
development/Diversity 
and inclusion 

The best and most 
engaged 
team/Professional 
development/Diversity 
and inclusion 

Information about the respect for human rights 

Human rights 

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 

Claims regarding cases of human rights 
violations 

Ethical 
behavior/Commitment to 
human rights 

BBVA has not identified 
any significant complaints 
and impacts with respect 
to human rights in its 
workplaces. 

GRI 102-16 
GRI 102-17 
GRI 412-1 
GRI 412-2 
GRI 412-3 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 406-1 

67-70 

120 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

The best and most 
engaged team/Freedom 
of association and 
representation 
Ethical 
behavior/Commitment to 
human rights 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 407-1 
GRI 408-1 
GRI 409-1 

118 

67 

Information about anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures 

Measures adopted to prevent corruption and 
bribery 

Ethical 
behavior/Compliance 
system  

Corruption and bribery 

Measures adopted to fight against 
anti.money laundering 

Ethical 
behavior/Compliance 
system 

Information about the society 

Contributions to fundations and non-profit-
making bodies 

Contribution to 
society/Community 
investment 

Impact of the company’s activities on 
employment and local development 

Contribution to society 

The impact of company activity on local 
populations and on the territory 

Contribution to society 

Commitment by the company to sustainable 
development 

The relationships maintained with 
representatives of the local communities and 
the modalities of dialog with these 

Actions of association or sponsorship 

Strategy and business 
model/Materiality 
The best and most 
engaged team/Freedom 
of association and 
representation 
Sustainability at 
BBVA/Helping our clients 
transition towards a 
sustainable future  
Contribution to society 

Ethical 
behavior/Compliance 
system  
Contribution to society 

Subcontractors and suppliers 

The inclusion of social, gender equality and 
environmental issues in the purchasing 
policy 
Consideration of social and environmental 
responsibility in relations with suppliers and 
subcontractors 

Contribution to 
society/Suppliers 

Contribution to 
society/Suppliers 

Supervision systems and audits, and their 
results 

Contribution to 
society/Suppliers 

Consumers 

Customer health and safety measures 

Customer comes 
first/Solutions for 
customers ,Customer 
security and protection 
Ethical 
behavior/Commitment to 
human rights 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 102-16 
GRI 102-17 
GRI 205-2 
GRI 205-3 
GRI 103-2 
GRI 102-16 
GRI 102-17 
GRI 205-2 
GRI 205-3 
GRI 102-13 
GRI 201-1 
with respect 
to 
community 
investment  

GRI 103-2 
GRI 203-2 
with respect 
to significant 
indirect 
economic 
impacts 
GRI 204-1 
GRI 413-1 
GRI 413-2 

GRI 102-43 
GRI 413-1 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 201-1 
with respect 
to 
investments 
in the 
community 

GRI 103-2 

GRI 102-9 
GRI 308-1 
GRI 414-1 

GRI 102-9 
GRI 308-1 
GRI 308-2 
GRI 414-2 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 416-1 

60-66 

62 

101 

97-101 

97-101 

67-70, 
97,104-
105 

92-96 

110-112 

110-112 

110-112 

23, 26-
28, 32, 
69-70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax information 

Claims systems, complaints received and 
their resolution 

Customer comes first/ 
Customer care 

Benefits obtained by country 

Contribution to 
society/Fiscal 
transparency 

Taxes on paid benefits 

Public subsidies received 

Contribution to 
society/Fiscal 
transparency 

Contribution to 
society/Fiscal 
transparency 

119 

29-32 

105-106 

105-106 

105-106 

GRI 103-2 
GRI 418-1 

GRI 201-1 
GRI 207-4 
(2019) with 
respect to tax 
on corporate 
profit payed 
and tax on 
corporate 
profit  
GRI 201-1 
GRI 207-4 
(2019) with 
respect to 
corporate 
income tax 
paid and 
corporate 
income tax 
accrued on 
profit/loss. 

GRI 201-4 

 
 
 
 
 
120 

Contents index of the GRI Standards 

General standard disclosures GRI STANDARDS 

Indicator 

Organizational profile 

GRI 102 

General content  

Chapter 

102-1 

102-2 

102-3 

102-4 

102-5 

102-6 

102-7 

102-8 

102-9 

102-10 

102-11 

Name of the organization 

Activities, brands, products, and services 

BBVA in brief 

BBVA in brief 

Location of headquarters 

Location of operations 

Ownership and legal form 

Markets served 

Scale of the organization 

Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 1) 

BBVA in brief 

Group financial information 
Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section A) 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 1) 

Environment 

Group financial information 
Business areas 

Information on employees and other workers 

The best and most engaged team 

Supply chain 

Contribution to society/Suppliers  

Significant changes to the organization and its supply chain 

Precautionary principle or approach 

Ethical behavior 
Contribution to society 

Risk management 

102-12 

External initiatives 

Strategy and business model 
Ethical behavior  
Sustainability at BBVA 
Risk management  
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 1) 
Annual Corporate Governance Report 

102-13 

Strategy 

Membership of associations  

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Contribution to society/Investment in social programs  

The non-financial information report is part of the 
Management Report and the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, which are prepared by the Board of Directors 
as responsible social body, in the meeting held on 
February 8,2021, and is subjet to approval by the Annual 
General Meeting 

Environment 
Startegy and business model  
Risk management 

Strategy and business model  
Ethical behavior 
Sustainability at BBVA  

102-14 

Statement from senior decision-maker 

102-15 

Key impacts, risks, and opportunities 

Ethics and Integrity 

102-16 

102-17 

Governance 

102-18 

102-19 

102-20 

102-21 

102-22 

102-23 

Values, principles, standards, and norms of behavior  

Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics 

Ethical behavior 

Governance structure  

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Delegating authority  

Strategy and business model 
Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C) 

Executive-level responsibility for economic, environmental, and 
social topics  

Strategy and business model/Responsible banking  
Annual Corporate Governance Report 

Consulting stakeholders on economic, environmental, and 
social topics  

Strategy and business model 
Annual Corporate Governance Report  

Composition of the highest governance body and its 
committees  

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Chair of the highest governance body  

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

 
 
 
 
102-24 

102-25 

102-26 

102-27 

102-28 

102-29 

121 

Nominating and selecting the highest governance body  

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Conflicts of interest  

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Role of highest governance body in setting purpose, values, and 
strategy 

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Collective knowledge of highest governance body 

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Evaluating the highest governance body’s performance  

Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C)  

Identifying and managing economic, environmental, and social 
impacts 

102-30 

Effectiveness of risk management processes  

102-31 

Review of economic, environmental, and social topics 

102-32 

Highest governance body’s role in sustainability reporting  

102-33 

Communicating critical concerns 

102-34 

Nature and total number of critical concerns 

102-35 

Remuneration policies 

102-36 

Process for determining remuneration  

Sustainability at BBVA 
Risk management 
Annual Corporate Governance Report Report (Sections 
C,E) 
Risk management 
Annual Corporate Governance Report Report (Sections 
C,E) 
Sustainability at BBVA 
Risk management 
Annual Corporate Governance Report Report (Sections 
C,E) 
The non-financial information report is part of the 
Management Report and the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, which are prepared by the Board of Directors 
as responsible social body, in the meeting held on the 
February 8, and is subjet to approval by the Annual 
General Meeting  

Strategy and business model 
Annual Corporate Governance Report (Section C) 

Environment 
Strategy and business model 

The best and most engaged team/Remuneration 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes 44.1 and 54)  

The best and most engaged team/ Remuneration 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes 44.1 and 54)  

Strategy and business model 
The best and most engaged team/Remuneration  
Annual Corporate Governance Report  

102-37 

102-38 

102-39 

Stakeholder engagement 

102-40 

102-41 

102-42 

102-43 

102-44 

Stakeholders’ involvement in remuneration  

Annual total compensation ratio 

The best and most engaged team/Remuneration 

Percentage increase in annual total compensation ratio 

The best and most engaged team/Remuneration 

List of stakeholder groups  

Strategy and business model/Materiality 

Collective bargaining agreements 

The best and most engaged team/Working enviroment 

Identifying and selecting stakeholders  

Strategy and business model/Materiality 

Approach to stakeholder engagement 

Strategy and business model/Materiality 

Key topics and concerns raised 

Strategy and business model/Materiality 

Report elaboration practices 

102-45 

Entities included in the consolidated financial statements  

Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 3) 

102-46 

102-47 

Defining report content and topic Boundaries  

Non-financial information report (page 4) 
Strategy and business model/Materiality 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 1)  

List of material topics  

Strategy and business model/Materiality 

102-48 

Restatements of information 

With respect to the fiancial information, restatements 
made during 2020 financial year are desgribed in Notes 1 
and 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.  
Changes in non-financial information report have been 
indicated with its corresponding footnote in section 
"Customer comes first", "The best and most engaged 
team", "Sustainable Finance: mobilization metrics", "Direct 
environmental impacts management" of the Non-financial 
information report.  

 
 
122 

102-49 

Changes in reporting  

Non financial information report (page 4)  
Strategy and business model/Materiality 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes 1 and 3)  

102-50 

102-51 

102-52 

102-53 

102-54 

102-55 

102-56 

Reporting period  

Annual. From January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.  

Date of most recent report  

Reporting cycle 

2019 

Annual 

Contact point for questions regarding the report  

Claims of reporting in accordance with the GRI Standards 

GRI content index 

External assurance  

For contacts regarding sustainability and responsible 
banking see 
https://accionistaseinversores.bbva.com/negocio-
responsable/contacto/ 

Non financial information report (page 4)  
Strategy and business model/Materiality 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes 1 and 3)  

Contents Index of the GRI standards 

Independent verification report 

 
 
Basic specific disclosures GRI STANDARDS  

Indicator 

Chapter/Section 

Scope 

ECONOMIC CATEGORY 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality 

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Group financial information 
The best and most engaged team  
Sustainability  at BBVA 
Contribution to society 

Global 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Group financial information 

Global 

123 

Material aspects 
identified and 
coverage of the 
material aspect 

Solvency and financial 
results 
Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 
Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Inclusive growth 
Solvency and financial 
results  
Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  
Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Inclusive growth 
Solvency and financial 
results  
Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  
Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Inclusive growth 

GRI 201  
Economic 
performance 

GRI 202 
Market presence 

GRI 203 
Indirect economic 
impacts 

GRI 204 
Procurement 
practices 

Anti-corruption 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

201-1 

Direct economic value 
generated and distributed 

201-2 

201-3 

201-4 

202-1 

202-2 

Financial implications and 
other risks and opportunities 
due to climate change 
Defined benefit plan 
obligations and other 
retirement plans 

Financial assistance received 
from government 

Ratios of standard entry level 
wage by gender compared to 
local minimum wage  

Proportion of senior 
management hired from the 
local community 

The direct economic value generated during the 
2020 financial year amounts to €18,771m. The total 
direct economic value distributed is €10,466m in 
the same period. As a result, the direct economic 
value (Direct economic value generated - Total 
direct economic value distributed) amounts to 
€8,334m.   

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results  

Sustainable finance/Environmental risk 
management  

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

The best and most engaged team/Remuneration 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes 2.2.12 
and 25) 

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results  

Contribution to society/Fiscal transparency 

Global 

The best and most engaged team/Remuneration  Global 

Solvency and financial 
results  

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

The percentage of management team working in 
their country of birth in the countries where the 
Group operates is 97.2% 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

203-1 

Infrastructure investments 
and services supported 

Sustainable Finance 
Contribution to society 

203-2 

Significant indirect economic 
impacts 

Sustainable Finance 
Contribution to society 

Global 

Inclusive growth 

Global 

Inclusive growth  

204-1 

Proportion of spending on 
local suppliers  

Contribution to society/Suppliers 

Global 

Inclusive growth  

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Contribution to society/Community investment  

Global 

Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 

 
 
 
 
 
103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Contribution to society/Community investment  

Global  

205-1 

Operations assessed for risks 
related to corruption 

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Contribution to society/Community investment  

Global 

GRI 205 
Anti-corruption 

205-2 

Communication and training 
about anti-corruption policies 
and procedures 

205-3 

Confirmed incidents of 
corruption and actions taken 

Anti-competitive behavior 

Global 

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 

During the 2020 financial year different criminal 
proceedings were brought against Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya Argentina S.A. ("BBVA") for the alleged 
commission of various types of crime.However the 
above, to date BBVA has not been convicted in a 
final judgment for criminal responsibility. 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Ethical behavior/Compliance system 

Global 

Global 

206-1 

Legal actions for anti-
competitive behavior, anti-
trust, and monopoly 
practices 

BBVA has not identified any significant lawsuit in 
which a final ruling against this concept has been 
issued 

Global 

GRI 206 
Anti-competitive 
behavior 

Tax  

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Contribución a la sociedad/Transparencia fiscal 

Global 

124 

Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 

Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Corporate governance 
and strong 
management of all risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 

Solvency and financial 
results  

Solvency and financial 
results  

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Contribución a la sociedad/Transparencia fiscal 

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results 

207-1 

Approach to tax 

Contribution to society/Fiscal transparency 

Contribution to society/Fiscal transparency 

Contribution to society/Fiscal transparency 

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results  

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results 

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results 

Contribution to society/Fiscal transparency 
Consolidated Financial Statements ( Appendix XIII)  

Global 

Solvency and financial 
results  

GRI 207 
Tax  

207-2 

207-3 

207-4 

Tax governance, control, and 
risk management 

Stakeholder engagement and 
management of concerns 
related to tax 

Country-by-country 
reporting 

ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORY 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-1 

103-2 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 

The management approach 
and its components 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
125 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Materials 

GRI 301 
Materials 

Energy 

301-1 

301-2 

301-3 

302-1 

302-2 

Materials used by weight or 
volume 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts 

Recycled input materials 
used 

All paper consumed in Spain is environmental 
respectfull and 100% certified 

Global 

Spain 

Environment and 
climate change 
(external)  
Environment and 
climate change 
(external)  

Reclaimed products and their 
packaging materials 

Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material.  

Energy consumption within 
the organization 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Energy consumption outside 
of the organization 

Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 

GRI 302 
Energy 

302-3 

Energy intensity 

302-4 

302-5 

303-1 

303-2 

Reduction of energy 
consumption 

Reductions in energy 
requirements of products 
and services 

Interactions with water as a 
shared resource 

Management of water 
discharge-related impacts 

303-3 

Water withdrawal 

303-4 

Water discharge 

303-5 

Water consumption 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Not applicable 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts 
Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 
Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 
Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 
Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 

Operational sites owned, 
leased, managed in, or 
adjacent to, protected areas 
and areas of high biodiversity 
value outside protected areas 

The BBVA offices are in urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact on protected natural 
areas and/or biodiversity 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 

Significant impacts of 
activities, products, and 
services on biodiversity  

The BBVA offices are in urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact on protected natural 
areas and/or biodiversity 

The BBVA offices are in urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact on protected natural 
areas and/or biodiversity 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 

304-1 

304-2 

304-3 

304-4 

305-1 

305-2 

305-3 

Habitats protected or 
restored  

Total number of IUCN Red 
List species and national 
conservation list species with 
habitats in areas affected by 
operations, by level of 
extinction risk. 

Direct (Scope 1) GHG 
emissions 

Energy indirect (Scope 2) 
GHG emissions 

Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG 
emissions 

305-4 

GHG emissions intensity 

305-5 

Reduction of GHG emissions 

305-6 

Emissions of ozone-depleting 
substances (ODS) 

The BBVA offices are in urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact on protected natural 
areas and/or biodiversity 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Management of direct 
environmental impacts (2) 
Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 

Global 

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Global 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  

Water 

GRI 303 
Water 

Biodiversity 

GRI 304 
Biodiversity 

Emissions 

GRI 305 
Emissions 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
305-7 

Nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur 
oxides (SOX), and other 
significant air emissions 

Given the activities of BBVA Group, this indicator is 
not considered material 

Environmental compliance 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management 

Global 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management 

Global 

GRI 307 
Environmental 
compliance 

307-1 

SOCIAL DIMENSION 

Non-compliance with 
environmental laws and 
regulations 

BBVA Group has no fines or penalties for non-
compliance with regulations related to significant 
environmental aspects.  

Global 

Labor practices and decent work 

Employment 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development, Oganization of work 

Global 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

The best and most engaged team 

Global 

126 

Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Climate change: 
opportunities and risks 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection  
Climate change: 
opportunities and risks  
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cambio climático, 
oportunidades y riesgos 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Diversity and work-life 
balance 
Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Diversity and work-life 
balance 
Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Diversity and work-life 
balance 

401-1 

New employee hires and 
employee turnover 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

GRI 401 
Employment 

401-2 

Benefits provided to full-time 
employees that are not 
provided to temporary or 
part-time employees 

The proportion of temporary employees in BBVA is 
not significant (3.4%) 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Diversity and work-life 
balance 

401-3 

Parental leave  

The best and most engaged team/Organization of 
work  
BBVA Group employees are entitled to parental 
leave in accordance to the legislation in each 
country  

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
Diversity and work-life 
balance 

Labor/Management relations 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-1 

103-2 

103-3 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

The management approach 
and its components 

The best and most engaged team  

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

The best and most engaged team 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

GRI 402 
Labor/Manageme
nt relations 

402-1 

Minimum notice periods 
regarding operational 
changes  

The organizational changes in BBVA Group are 
analyzed on a case-by-case basis, so the negative 
impact on employees can be avoided or mitigated, 
and always within the legal provisions of each 
country. 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Occupational health 
and safety 
GRI 103 
Management 
approach 

103-1 

Explicación del tema material 
y su cobertura 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

 
 
 
 
103-2 

103-3 

403-1 

403-2 

403-3 

403-4 

403-5  

403-7 

403-8  

403-9 

403-10  

103-1 

103-2 

103-3 

404-1 

404-2 

404-3 

GRI 403 
Occupational 
health 
and safety 

Training  

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

GRI 404  
Training and 
education 

El enfoque de gestión y sus 
componentes 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

Evaluación del enfoque de 
gestión 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

127 

Global 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 mangement 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

Workers representation in 
formal joint management–
worker health and safety 
committees 
Types of injury and rates of 
injury, occupational diseases, 
lost days, and absenteeism, 
and number of work-related 
fatalities 
Workers with high incidence 
or high risk of diseases 
related to their occupation 

Health and safety topics 
covered in formal 
agreements with trade 
unions 
Worker training on 
occupational health and 
safety 

Prevention and mitigation of 
occupational health and 
safety impacts directly linked 
by business relationships 
Workers covered by an 
occupational health and 
safety management 
system 
Work-related injuries 

Work-related ill health  

403-6  

Promotion of worker health 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment 
Given the nature of BBVA's activity, no high risk of 
serious diseases related to the workers' occupation 
has been identified 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

Global 

Global 

Global 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 
Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 
COVID-19 management 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 
The best and most engaged team/Work 
environment/Health and labor safety 
Given the nature of BBVA's activity, no high risk of 
serious diseases related to the workers' occupation 
has been identified 

Spain 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Spain  

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

The management approach 
and its components 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Average hours of training per 
year per employee 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Programs for upgrading 
employee skills and transition 
assistance programs 

Percentage of employees 
receiving regular 
performance and career 
development reviews 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Employee engagement 
and talent management 

Diversity and equal opportunity 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-1 

103-2 

103-3 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global  

Diversity and work-life 
balance 

The management approach 
and its components 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Diversity and work-life 
balance 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development 

Global 

Diversity and work-life 
balance 

GRI 405  
Diversity and equal 
opportunity 

405-1 

Diversity of governance 
bodies and employees 

The best and most engaged team/Professional 
development  
Annual Corporate Goverance Report (Section C) 

Global 

Diversity and work-life 
balance 

 
 
128 

405-2 

103-1 

103-2 

103-3 

Ratio of basic salary and 
remuneration of women to 
men 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

The management approach 
and its components 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

The best and most engaged team/Remuneration 

Global 

Diversity and work-life 
balance 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

Ethical behaviour 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Equator Principles 
Contribution to society/Suppliers  

Global 

Ethical behaviour 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management/Equator Principles  

Global  

Human rights 
Business ethics and 
customer protection 

Human rights 
Business ethics and 
customer protection 

Human rights 
Business ethics and 
customer protection 

406-1 

Incidents of discrimination 
and corrective actions taken 

Ethical behaviour/Compliance system (8) 

Global 

Human rights  

407-1 

Operations and suppliers in 
which the right to freedom of 
association and collective 
bargaining may be at risk 

BBVA has not identified any operations or suppliers 
as having significant risk related to freedom of 
association and collective bargaining 

Spain 

Human rights 

Human rights 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

GRI 406 
Non-
discrimination 

GRI  407 
Freedom of 
association and 
collective 
bargaining 

GRI 408  
Child labor 

408-1 

Operations and suppliers at 
significant risk for incidents 
of child labor 

BBVA has not identified any operations or suppliers 
as having significat risk related to child labor 

Spain 

Human rights 

GRI 409 
Forced or 
compulsory labor 

409-1 

Operations and suppliers at 
significant risk for incidents 
of forced or compulsory labor 

 BBVA has not identified any operations or suppliers 
as having significat risk related to forced or 
compulsory labor 

Spain 

Human rights 

GRI 410  
Security practices 

410-1 

Security personnel trained in 
human rights policies or 
procedures 

411-1 

Incidents of violations 
involving rights of indigenous 
peoples 

Not reported. The security personnel belong to 
external companies. Although these companies are 
committed to assume BBVA's human rights 
standards, there is no specific commitment on 
training in this area 
BBVA has reinforced due diligence procedures 
associated with the financing of projects whose 
development affects indigenous peoples. When this 
circumstance happens, the free, prior and informed 
consent (FPIC) of these peoples must be obtained 
regardless of the geographic location of the project. 
What it means to expand the current requirement 
of PEs to all the countries in which the Group 
operates. In 2020, a total of 30 operations have 
been evaluated. 

Global 

Human rights 

GRI 411 
Rights of 
indigenous 
peoples 

GRI 412 
Human rights 
assessment 

Society 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

412-1 

Operations that have been 
subject to human rights 
reviews or impact 
assessments 

BBVA has not identified any significant impacts with 
respect to human rights in its workplaces 

Global 

Human rights 

412-2 

Employee training on human 
rights policies or procedures 

Ethical behavior/Commitment to human rights(6) 

Global 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Human rights 

412-3 

Significant investment 
agreements and contracts 
that include human rights 
clauses or that underwent 
human rights screening 

Ethical behavior/Commitment to human rights 
Sustainability at BBVA /Environmental impact and 
risk management 
Contribution to society/Suppliers(6) 

Global 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Human rights 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Customer comes first 
Contribution to society 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Customer comes first 
Ethical behaviour/Compliance system  
Contribution to society 

Global 

Global 

Inclusive growth 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Inclusive growth 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Inclusive growth 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 

 
 
 
 
 
129 

GRI 413 
Local communities 

413-1 

413-2 

GRI 415 
Public policy 

415-1 

Product responsibility     

Operations with local 
community engagement, 
impact assessments, and 
development programs 

Operations with significant 
actual and potential negative 
impacts on local 
communities 

Contribution to society/Community investment 

Global 

Inclusive growth 

Customer comes first 
Contribution to society/Suppliers (8) 

Global 

Inclusive growth 

Total value of political 
contributions by country and 
recipient/beneficiary. 

BBVA's policy in countries does not allow 
contributions of this type 
Ethical behaviour/Compliance system  
Contribution to society/Community investment 

Global 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Customer comes first 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Customer comes first 

GRI 416 
Customer health 
and safety 

416-1 

416-2 

Marketing and labeling 

Assessment of the health and 
safety impacts of product 
and service categories 

Customer comes first(8) 

Incidents of non-compliance 
concerning the health and 
safety impacts of products 
and services 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care(7) 

Global 

Global 

Global 

Global 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 24)  

Global 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 24)  

Global 

GRI 417 
Marketing and 
labeling 

417-1 

Requirements for product 
and service information and 
labeling 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance system 

Global 

417-2 

Incidents of non-compliance 
concerning product and 
service information and 
labeling 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 24)  

Global 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
COVID-19 management 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
COVID-19 management 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
COVID-19 management 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
COVID-19 management 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Financial health and 
personalized advice to 
customers  

Easy, fast and do it 
yourself 
Financial health and 
personalized advice to 
customers 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 
Easy, fast and do it 
yourself 
Financial health and 
personalized advice to 
customers 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 
Easy, fast and do it 
yourself 
Financial health and 
personalized advice to 
customers 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 

Responsable use of data 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cibersecurity 

Responsable use of data 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cibersecurity 

 
 
 
 
417-3 

Incidents of non-compliance 
concerning marketing 
communications 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance system 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 24)  

Global 

Client privacy 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care , Customer 
security and protection 
Ethical behavior/Compliance System             
Cuentas Anuales Consolidadas (Nota 24)  

Global 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care , Customer 
security and protection 
Ethical behavior/Compliance System             
Consolidated Financial Statementes (Note 24) )(7)(9) 

Global 

GRI 418 
Client privacy 

418-1  

Regylatory compliance 

Substantiated complaints 
concerning breaches of 
customer privacy and losses 
of customer data 

Customer comes fitst/Customer care , Customer 
security and protection(10) 

Global 

103-1 

Explanation of the material 
topic and its boundary 

Strategy and business model/Materiality  

Global 

GRI 103  
Management 
approach 

103-2 

The management approach 
and its components 

103-3 

Evaluation of the 
management approach 

Customer comes fitst/Customer security and 
protection,Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance System             
Cuentas Anuales Consolidadas (Nota 24)  

Customer comes fitst/Customer security and 
protection,Customer care  
Ethical behavior/Compliance System             
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 24) 

Global 

Global 

GRI 419 
Regylatory 
compliance 

419-1 

Non-compliance with laws 
and regulations in the social 
and economic area 

Ethical behavior/Compliance System                                
Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 24)  

Global 

130 

Easy, fast and do it 
yourself 
Financial health and 
personalized advice to 
customers 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 

Responsable use of data 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cibersecurity 

Responsable use of data 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cibersecurity 

Responsable use of data 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cibersecurity 

Responsable use of data 
Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cibersecurity 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 

Business ethics, culture 
and customer 
protection 
Cybersecurity 

Note: The GRIs 306, 308 and 414 are not disclosed in the table as they are not considered material 
(1) No breakdown by geographical area  
(2) The limitations on the scope of the indicator, the perimeter and the criteria followed in the estimates are detailed in the table 
referenced. The intensity indicators have been calculated according to the number of occupants of the buildings, understanding as 
such the sum of the average workforce and the estimation of the third parties that work in the Bank's facilities.  
(3) The consumption of the branches network has been estimated from a limited sample of offices. 
(4) In relation to business trips, only the emissions derived from the plane trips of Group employees are reported. 
(5) It is only reported on operations analyzed in relation to compliance with the Equator Principles. 
(6) The information regards employees trained in the Code of Conduct 
(7) Number of indicents or issues are not informed 
(8) The information regards BBVA corporate policy 
(9) The information regards BBVA product communication policy 
(10) The information regards audits on the security measures in the processing of personal data implemented in the BBVA Group 

i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
131 

Contents index of the UNEP FI Principles for responsible banking 

UNEPFI Principles for Responsible Banking reporting Index 

Reporting and Self-Assessment Requirements 

High-level summary of bank’s response 
(limited assurance required for responses 
to highlighted items) 

Reference(s)/ 
 Link(s) to bank’s 
full response/ 
relevant 
information 

Principle 1: Alignment 
 We will align our business strategy to be consistent with and contribute to individuals’ needs and society’s goals, as expressed in the 
Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and relevant national and regional frameworks. 

1.1 Describe (high-level) your bank's business model, including the main customer 
segments served, types of products and services provided, the main sectors and 
types of activities, and where relevant the technologies financed across the main 
geographies in which your bank has operations or provides products and services. 

1.2 Describe how your bank has aligned and/or is planning to align its strategy to be 
consistent with and contribute to society's goals, as expressed in the Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and relevant national and 
regional frameworks. 

“BBVA in Brief” 
and “Group 
financial 
information ” of the 
Annual Report 
2020 (hereinafter, 
AR 2020) 
"Strategy and 
business model” 
and “Sustainable 
Finance” chapters, 
of the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020 

BBVA is a financial group that holds a 
leadership position in the Spanish market, is 
the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has 
leading franchises in South America and 
Turkey. As of the end of 2020, BBVA had €736 
billions in assets, 80.7 million customers, 7,432 
branches and presence in 30 countries. 
In December 2019, BBVA incorporated 
sustainability as one of its 6 strategic priorities 
with the goal of aligning its activity to the Paris 
Agreement and the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDG).  This step solidified the bank’s 
sustainability commitment. A commitment 
that inspired the Group to define its landmark 
Pledge 2025 in 2018, based on three lines of 
action: finance, manage and engage. In the 
“finance” line of action, BBVA pledged to 
mobilize €100 billion in green finance, 
sustainable infrastructure and agribusiness, 
entrepreneurship and financial inclusion by 
2025. Additionally, BBVA defined a set of goals 
to reduce the direct impact of its activity (see 
point 2.2.). With its inclusion as one of the 
Group’s six global strategic priorities, BBVA 
places sustainability at the core of its business. 

 
Principle 2: Impact and Target Setting 
 We will continuously increase our positive impacts while reducing the negative impacts on, and managing the risks to, people and environment 
resulting from our activities, products and services. To this end, we will set and publish targets where we can have the most significant impacts. 

132 

2.1 Impact Analysis: 
 Show that your bank has identified the areas in which it has its most significant 
(potential) positive and negative impact through an impact analysis that fulfills the 
following elements:  
 a) Scope: The bank’s core business areas, products/services across the main 
geographies that the bank operates in have been as described under 1.1. have been 
considered in the scope of the analysis. 
 b) Scale of Exposure: In identifying its areas of most significant impact the bank has 
considered where its core business/its major activities lie in terms of industries, 
technologies and geographies. 
 c) Context & Relevance: Your bank has taken into account the most relevant 
challenges and priorities related to sustainable development in the 
countries/regions in which it operates. 
 d) Scale and intensity/salience of impact: In identifying its areas of most significant 
impact, the bank has considered the scale and intensity/salience of the (potential) 
social, economic and environmental impacts resulting from the bank’s activities and 
provision of products and services.  
 (your bank should have engaged with relevant stakeholders to help inform your 
analysis under elements c) and d))  

 Show that building on this analysis, the bank has  
 • Identified and disclosed its areas of most significant (potential) positive and 
negative impact 
 • Identified strategic business opportunities in relation to the increase of positive 
impacts / reduction of negative impacts 

 “Strategy and 
business model “, “ 
Ethical Behavior”  , 
“Sustainability at 
BBVA” and  
“Contribution to 
Society” chapters 
of the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020 
 pag. 30-31, 34-37, 
and 50-51, Report 
of the Task Force 
on Climate-Related 
Financial 
Disclosures  
BBVA 2020 
(hereinafter BBVA 
Report on TCFD 
2020 ) 

Social 
Performance 
Report 2019 of the 
BBVA Microfinance 
Foundation  

BBVA has prioritized sectors or areas where 
the financing activity has a greater positive 
impact, such as the Pledge 2025 (see point 
2.2).  

In the framework of sustainability as a strategic 
priority, BBVA has prioritized 2 axes of action 
that maximize the positive impact:   
1. Climate action: With a focus on energy 
efficiency (SDG 7), the circular economy (SDG 
12) and the reduction of carbon emissions 
(SDG 13) 
2. Inclusive growth: Specifically in SDG 8 and 9, 
with business initiatives around financial 
inclusion, entrepreneurship support and 
sustainable infrastructures.  

BBVA has also identified negative impacts and 
risks through a number of processes, 
including: 
* Environmental &Social framework, 
identifying sectors with a higher environmental 
impact (mining, agribusiness, energy, 
infrastructures and defense).  
* Equator Principles for project finance  
* Human Rights due diligence 

Other processes listed and detailed in the 
TCFD BBVA 2020 report are: 
*The identification and assessment of sectors 
sensitive to the transition risk and the 
development of an internal taxonomy of the 
transition risk with data concerning exposure 
to these sectors.  
*Qualification of exposure to carbon-related 
sectors 
* Impact assessment process with wholesale 
and retail sector-specific frameworks   
* Application of the methodology among the 
Katowice banks to align efforts with the Paris 
Agreement in the most sensitive sectors to the 
transition risk, and establish metrics for these 
sectors 

Finally, the BBVA Microfinance Foundation 
conducted an impact assessment exercise of 
its activity that is explained in its Social 
Performance Report 2019. 

Please provide your bank’s conclusion/statement if it has fulfilled the requirements regarding Target Setting. BBVA has 
conducted impact analyses on a strategic level in order to define the new priority focal points in the sustanability 
discipline with Group coverage.  

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.2 Target Setting  

 Show that the bank has set and published a minimum of two Specific, Measurable 
(can be qualitative or quantitative), Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) 
targets, which address at least two of the identified “areas of most significant 
impact”, resulting from the bank’s activities and provision of products and services.  

 Show that these targets are linked to and drive alignment with and greater 
contribution to appropriate Sustainable Development Goals, the goals of the Paris 
Agreement, and other relevant international, national or regional frameworks. The 
bank should have identified a baseline (assessed against a particular year) and have 
set targets against this baseline. 

 Show that the bank has analysed and acknowledged significant (potential) negative 
impacts of the set targets on other dimensions of the SDG/climate change/society’s 
goals and that it has set out relevant actions to mitigate those as far as feasible to 
maximize the net positive impact of the set targets. 

133 

In the framework of the Pledge 2025, BBVA 
defined the following objectives for the 2018 to 
2025 timeframe: 
* Mobilize €100 billion, with the following 
breakdown: €70 billion in projects aimed at the 
transition to a low-carbon economy, €18 billion 
to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship and 
€12 billion to sustainable infrastructures and 
agribusiness.  
* Reduce direct CO2 emissions by 68% 
(compared to 2015) and to source 70% of 
electricity from renewables by 2025 and 100% 
by 2030.  

* “ Ethical 
Behavior” and “ 
Sustainable 
Finance” , of the 
Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020 

*Pag. 35, BBVA 
Report on TCFD 
2020 

Additionally, BBVA is striving to progressively 
align its activity to the Paris Agreement within 
the framework of the Katowice Commitment 
and the Collective Commitment to Climate 
Action (CCCA) promoted by UNEP FI. Before 
the end of 2021, it will define alignment targets 
in the most sensitive sectors, in line with the 
commitment assumed in 2018 with the 
Katowice Commitment. 

On the other hand, the Human Rights due 
diligence process allowed it to identify potential 
negative impacts and the corresponding 
actions, with goals to ensure their mitigation or 
minimization. 

In addition, in its Environmental and Social 
Framework - updated in 2020 – the Group 
decided to reduce the financing of fossil fuels 
by lowering the exclusion threshold of clients 
with high coal exposure from 35% to 25%, 
applicable in both extractive activities and 
energy generation 

Please provide your bank’s conclusion/statement if it has fulfilled the requirements regarding Target Setting. BBVA periodically monitors the goals set in 
the 2025 Pledge. 

2.3 Plans for Target Implementation and Monitoring 

 Show that your bank has defined actions and milestones to meet the set targets. 

 Show that your bank has put in place the means to measure and monitor progress 
against the set targets. Definitions of key performance indicators, any changes in 
these definitions, and any rebasing of baselines should be transparent. 

“Sustainability at 
BBVA”  chapter of 
the Non-financial 
information report” 
, AR 2020  
pag. 28-30, BBVA 
Report on TCFD 
2020 
  BBVA  Group 
Quarterly Reports 
2020 

The goals established in Pledge 2025 related to 
the mobilization of capital broken down by 
geography and business areas are tracked on a 
quarterly basis. Direct impact goals are 
monitored on an annual basis.  

Additionally and within the framework of the 
mobilization goal: 
1.- BBVA is incorporating sustainability into its 
CIB, Enterprise, and Retail units’ business 
plans through workstreams, with a progressive 
deployment across all geographies and within 
the GSO framework  
2.- BBVA is part of the so-called Katowice 
Group, a group of banks that have jointly drawn 
up a methodological paper on the 
implementation of PACTA’s (Paris Alignment 
Capital Transition Assessment) portfolio 
alignment methodology. The paper describes 
the different indicators for measuring the level 
of alignment in the most polluting sectors with 
the Paris objectives. Member banks have 
committed to setting targets on these 
indicators in 2021. 
3.-BBVA is updating its sustainable financing 
standard in line with the European taxonomy. 

Please provide your bank’s conclusion/statement if it has fulfilled the requirements regarding Plans for Target Implementation and Monitoring. Pledge 
2025 demonstrates the commitment to establish measureable, specific objectives.  

 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
2.4 Progress on Implementing Targets 

 For each target separately:  
 Show that your bank has implemented the actions it had previously defined to meet 
the set target. 
 Or explain why actions could not be implemented / needed to be changed and how 
your bank is adapting its plan to meet its set target.  

 Report on your bank’s progress over the last 12 months (up to 18 months in your 
first reporting after becoming a signatory) towards achieving each of the set targets 
and the impact your progress resulted in. (where feasible and appropriate, banks 
should include quantitative disclosures) 

134 

"Sustainability at 
BBVA"and 
"Contribution to 
Society " Chapters 
of the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020 

The bank shows progress in the goals set in the 
framework of Pledge 2025. For 2021, BBVA is 
working on setting new goals related to the 
assignment of portfolios with the Paris 
Agreement.  

At the end of 2020, BBVA had mobilized over 
€20.3 billion in sustainable finance and against 
climate change. Thus, in 2020 the bank had 
already mobilized 50% of the €100 billion goal 
pledged for the 2018-2025 timeframe. This 
figure includes transactions in green and social 
financing (52% of the total), financial inclusion 
and entrepreneurship (11%), sustainable 
infrastructure and 'agribusiness' (14%), and 
other sustainable mobilization (23%). 
In addition, BBVA managed to lower its direct 
CO2 emissions by 62% per person compared 
to 2015 and sourced 65% of its electricity from 
renewable sources. 

As for alignment objectives, BBVA is carrying 
out a sector analysis based on which it will set 
long-term objectives 

Please provide your bank’s conclusion/statement if it has fulfilled the requirements regarding Progress on Implementing Targets. The Bank is showing 
clear progress in the objectives included in the framework of Pledge 2025.  
Principle 3: Clients and Customers 
 We will work responsibly with our clients and our customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable economic activities that create 
shared prosperity for current and future generations. 

3.1 Provide an overview of the policies and practices your bank has in place and/or is 
planning to put in place to promote responsible relationships with its customers. This 
should include high-level information on any programmes and actions implemented 
(and/or planned), their scale and, where possible, the results thereof. 

3.2 Describe how your bank has worked with and/or is planning to work with its 
clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable 
economic activities. This should include information on actions 
planned/implemented, products and services developed, and, where possible, the 
impacts achieved. 

In 2019, sustainability and financial health were 
established as 2 of BBVA's 6 strategic priorities 
at a global level. Consequently, in 2020 the 
Board of Directors approved: 
- the new Sustainability General Policy of 
BBVA, whereby BBVA established its firm 
commitment to support customers and clients 
as they transition towards sustainable 
business models. As a result of this policy, the 
Global Sustainability Office (hereinafter GSO) 
was created with some working groups 
specifically aimed at developing sustainable 
solutions for customers and promoting 
responsible practices in the communication 
and marketing efforts targeted at these 
customers and clients. 

“Strategy and 
business model “ ,” 
Ethical Behavior” 
and “ Sustainable 
Finance” chapters 
of the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020  
General Policy on 
Corporate Social 
Responsibility of 
BBVA 
Sustainability 
General Policy of 
BBVA 

- The update of the General Policy on 
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of 
BBVA, with the aim of establishing a 
relationship with the clients based on 
“transparency clarity and responsibility”  as 
one of its principles, as well as financial 
education - to help them make informed 
financial decision making - and promoting 
financial health. 

In 2020, one of the main lines of action was the 
development of sustainable solutions aimed at 
3 customer segments: Retail customers, 
businesses and corporations and institutions. 

In order to establish a responsible relationship 
with clients, helping them to achieve their 
personal and professional goals, BBVA 
established 3 lines of action: 
1 / Ensuring that digital developments for 
clients are carried out in accordance with 
transparency, clarity and responsibility (TCR) 
standards.  
2 / Promote the development of products and 
services to improve the financial health of 
customers. 
3 / Financial education solutions for clients. 

* “Customer 
comes first“ and 
“Sustainable 
Finance” chapters 
of the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020  

* pag. 24 and 25, 
BBVA Report on 
TCFD 2020 

 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135 

* “Strategy and 
business model“ ( 
section of 
"Materiality")  and 
“Sustainable 
Finance” chapters 
of the Non-financial 
information report,  
AR 2020 

*Pag.9, BBVA 
Report on TCFD 
2020 

* First anniversary 
report of the 
Collective 
Agreement on 
Climate Action. 

Principle 4: Stakeholders 
 We will proactively and responsibly consult, engage and partner with relevant stakeholders to achieve society’s goals. 

4.1 Describe which stakeholders (or groups/types of stakeholders) your bank has 
consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing 
these Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level 
overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders and what issues were 
addressed/results achieved. 

The Bank has been actively involved in many 
initiatives, always in close collaboration with all 
stakeholders.All these initiatives were related 
to one or more of the following priority areas: 
A / Universal frameworks of reference, for 
example in its capacity as one of the founding 
banks of the Principles for Responsible 
Banking. 
B / Alignment with the Paris Agreement: with 
the signing of the Collective Commitment to 
Climate Action, and involvement in the PACTA 
(Paris Alignment Capital Transition 
Assessment) methodology pilot together with 
other banks, the so-called the 'Katowice banks 
', 
C / Market Standards, playing a role promoting 
the Green Bond Principles, the Social Bonds 
Principles, the Green Loan Principles and other 
similar standards developed by the industry 
itself. 
D / Transparency, in compliance with the the 
Financial Stability Board’s TCFD 
recommendations. 
E / Financial regulation, with participation in a 
number of consultative processes and in 
different activities with regulatory and 
supervisory bodies to promote regulation in 
sustainable finance. 

It should be noted that BBVA chairs the 
Sustainable Finance Working Group of the 
European Banking Federation (EBF) and co-
chairs of the UNEP FI Global Steering 
Committee. 

Principle 5: Governance & Culture 
 We will implement our commitment to these Principles through effective governance and a culture of responsible banking 

5.1 Describe the relevant governance structures, policies and procedures your bank 
has in place/is planning to put in place to manage significant positive and negative 
(potential) impacts and support effective implementation of the Principles. 

5.2 Describe the initiatives and measures your bank has implemented or is planning 
to implement to foster a culture of responsible banking among its employees. This 
should include a high-level overview of capacity building, inclusion in remuneration 
structures and performance management and leadership communication, amongst 
others. 

The Board of Directors defines, promotes and 
monitors the sustainability and climate change 
strategy. 
In 2020, the Global Sustainability Office (GSO) 
was created with the aim of implementing the 
commitments derived from this strategy and 
developing a single sustainability agenda. 
The work of the GSO is divided into 13 working 
groups. . 

* “Sustaniability at 
BBVA” chapter of 
the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020  

* pag. 11- 15, BBVA 
Report on TCFD 
2020 

Likewise, the GSO plan is periodically reviewed 
by the leadership (5 review meetings held in 
2020 since the GSO was set up in May 2020)  

The remuneration system for the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive Officer integrates 
sustainability. In the case of the Chairman, it 
had been carried out through a synthetic index 
and, for 2021, it is proposed, as indicated in the 
Annual Remuneration Report, to include an 
indicator on sustainable mobilization for both 
the Chairman and the CEO. 

In 2020, BBVA launched a sustainability 
training offer aimed at more than 123,000 
employees around the world. A key piece of 
this offer included an introduction course on 
sustainability, mandatory for all teams and 
which includes basic content on these 
principles. A financial health course was also 
launched for the Group´s employees in 2020. 

"The best and most 
engaged team ” 
chapter of the Non-
financial 
information report,   
AR 2020 

Pag. 16 and 27, 
TCFD BBVA 2020 
Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.3 Governance Structure for Implementation of the Principles 

 Show that your bank has a governance structure in place for the implementation of 
the PRB, including:  
 a) target-setting and actions to achieve targets set  
 b) remedial action in the event of targets or milestones not being achieved or 
unexpected negative impacts being detected. 

136 

“Sustainable 
Finance” chapter of 
the Non-financial 
information report, 
AR 2020 

Within the GSO framework, the different 
working stream created report monthly to the 
CEO on the progress of their actions and 
monitor their indicators on a monthly basis. 
The monitoring model includes specific lines of 
action, KPIs for measuring progress as well as 
blocking points with their consequent 
mitigation or unblocking action. Specifically, 
the monitoring of these principles is integrated 
into the "Sustainability Public Engagement" 
working group of the GSO where public 
commitments are monitored. 

Please provide your bank’s conclusion/ statement if it has fulfilled the requirements regarding Governance Structure for Implementation of the 
Principles.With the role of the Board of Directors and the establishment of the Global Sustainability Office (GSO), BBVA has reinforced its governance 
structure in order to ensure full compliance with these principles.  

Principle 6: Transparency & Accountability 
 We will periodically review our individual and collective implementation of these Principles and be transparent about and accountable for our 
positive and negative impacts and our contribution to society’s goals. 
6.1 Progress on Implementing the Principles for Responsible Banking  

 Show that your bank has progressed on implementing the six Principles over the last 
12 months (up to 18 months in your first reporting after becoming a signatory) in 
addition to the setting and implementation of targets in minimum two areas (see 2.1-
2.4).  

 Show that your bank has considered existing and emerging international/regional 
good practices relevant for the implementation of the six Principles for Responsible 
Banking. Based on this, it has defined priorities and ambitions to align with good 
practice. 

 Show that your bank has implemented/is working on implementing changes in 
existing practices to reflect and be in line with existing and emerging 
international/regional good practices and has made progress on its implementation 
of these Principles. 

 “Sustainability at 
BBVA” chapter of 
the Statement of 
Non-Financial 
Information, AR 
2020 
BBVA Report on 
TCFD 2020 
First anniversary 
report of the 
Collective 
Agreement on 
Climate Action. 
Credit Portfolio 
Alignment: An 
application of the 
PACTA 
methodology by 
Katowice Banks in 
partnership with 
2DII" 

In accordance with the recommendations of 
the Financial Stability Board, in 2020 BBVA 
published its first report on the risks and 
opportunities of climate change in accordance 
with the standards of the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).  

Along the same lines, BBVA and the rest of the 
Katowice banks published a joint methodology 
to align their loan portfolios with the objectives 
of the Paris Agreement and thus reconfigure 
their portfolios in order to finance a society 
with less carbon emissions.  

A year after adopting the Collective 
Commitment to Climate Action (CCCA), BBVA, 
together with other financial institution 
members, published their measures to align 
their portfolios with the international climate 
objectives.  

BBVA's progress in implementing these 
principles will be published annually. 
Additionally, BBVA Argentina, BBVA Garanti 
(Turkey), and BBVA Mexico, as signatories at 
the local level, will integrate their progress 
reports in their annual reports. 
 (See items 4.1 and 5.1.) 

Please provide your bank’s conclusion/statement if it has fulfilled the requirements regarding Progress on Implementing the Principles for Responsible 
Banking. BBVA has reinforced the transparency with the publication of its first TCFD report as well as the publication of the joint methodology for aligning 
our loan portfolios with other Katowice banks. 

 
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
137 

Group financial information 

BBVA Group main data  

BBVA GROUP MAIN DATA (CONSOLIDATED FIGURES) 

Balance sheet (millions of euros) 

Total assets 
Loans and advances to customers (gross) 
Deposits from customers 
Total customer funds 
Total equity 

Income statement (millions of euros) 

Net interest income 
Gross income 
Operating income  
Net attributable profit/(loss) 
Adjusted net attributable profit or (loss) (1) 

The BBVA share and share performance ratios 

Number of shares (million) 
Share price (euros) 
Earning per share (euros) (2) 

Adjusted earning per share (euros) (1) (2) 

Book value per share (euros) 
Tangible book value per share (euros) 
Market capitalization (millions of euros) 
Yield (dividend/price; %) (3) 

Significant ratios (%) 
ROE  (net  attributable  profit  or  (loss)/average  shareholders'  funds  +/-  average 
accumulated other comprehensive income) (1) 
ROTE (net attributable profit or (loss)/average shareholders' funds excluding average 
intangible assets  +/- average accumulated other comprehensive income) (1) 
ROA (Profit or (loss) for the year/average total assets) (1) 
RORWA (Profit or (loss) for the year/average risk-weighted assets - RWA) (1) 
Efficiency ratio 
Cost of risk 
NPL ratio  
NPL coverage ratio  

Capital adequacy ratios (%) 

CET1 fully-loaded  
CET1 phased-in (4) 
Total ratio phased-in (4) 

Other information 

Number of clients (million) 
Number of shareholders 
Number of employees 
Number of branches 
Number of ATMs 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

31-12-19 

31-12-18 

5.5 
(4.5) 
6.1 
3.8 
(8.9) 

(7.3) 
(6.1) 
(2.7) 
(62.9) 
(36.1) 

- 
(19.0) 
(70.4) 

(38.9) 

(8.5) 
(3.6) 
(19.0) 

736,176 
378,139 
409,122 
512,068 
50,020 

16,801 
22,974 
12,219 
1,305 
3,084 

6,668 
4.04 
0.14 

0.41 

6.70 
6.05 
26,905 
4.0 

6.9 

7.8 

0.53 
1.07 
46.8 
1.51 
4.0 
81 

11.73 
12.15 
16.46 

80.7 
879,226 
123,174 
7,432 
31,000 

3.6 
0.6 
(3.0) 
(4.0) 
(5.1) 

697,737 
396,012 
385,686 
493,488 
54,925 

18,124 
24,463 
12,561 
3,512 
4,830 

6,668 
4.98 
0.47 
0.66  
7.32 
6.27 
33,226 
5.2 

9.9 

11.9 

0.82 
1.57 
48.7 
1.02 
3.8 
77 

11.74 
11.98 
15.92 

77.9 
874,148 
126,973 
7,744 
32,658 

675,675 
386,225 
375,970 
474,085 
52,874 

17,511 
23,667 
11,965 
5,400 
4,703 

6,668 
4.64 
0.75 

0.64 

7.12 
5.86 
30,909 
5.4 

10.2 

12.5 

0.81 
1.56 
49.4 
0.99 
3.9 
73 

11.34 
11.58 
15.71 

74.6 
902,708 
125,627 
7,963 
32,502 

General note: as a result of the interpretation issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) regarding the collecting of interests of 
written-off financial assets for the purpose of IFRS 9, those collections are presented as reduction of the credit allowances and not as a higher interest income, recognition method 
applied until December 2019. Therefore, and in order to make the information comparable, the information of the 2019 and 2018 income statements has been restated. 
(1) Excluding the net capital gain from the bancassurance transaction in 2020 and BBVA Chile in 2018 and the goodwill impairments in the United States registered in the first quarter 
of 2020 and the last quarter of 2019. 
(2) Adjusted by additional Tier 1 instrument remuneration. 
(3) Calculated by dividing shareholder remuneration over the last twelve months by the closing price of the period. 
(4) Phased-in ratios include the temporary treatment on the impact of IFRS 9, calculated in accordance with Article 473 bis amendments of the Capital Requirements Regulation 
(CRR), introduced by the Regulation (EU) 2020/873. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
138 

Highlights 

Results 

The BBVA Group generated a net attributable profit of €1,305m during 2020, in a year marked by several factors that 
influenced the income statement: 

 

First, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the main impacts of which were increased impairment on financial 
assets and higher provisions.  

  Secondly, the goodwill impairment in the United States in the first quarter of 2020, amounting to €2,084m, 
also as a result of the pandemic. In relation to this business area, the sale agreement reached by the Group is 
detailed  later  in  this  section.  It  should  be  noted  that  the  Group's  results  in  this  report  are  shown  from  a 
management’s  business  perspective,  that  is,  with  the  United  States  business  area  in  continuity.  Financial 
information  is  being  presented  to  the  senior  management  of  the  Group  with  this  management’s  business 
perspective,  and  this  report  includes  a  conciliation  between  the  management’s  business  perspective  and  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group.  
Lastly,  and  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  execution  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2020  of  the  bancassurance  agreement 
reached with Allianz in Spain, once all required authorizations were received, which has represented a net capital 
gain of €304m, registered in the line of corporate operations of the Group. 

 

Despite the complexity of the environment, the operating income registered an 11.7% year-on-year increase at constant 
exchange rates at the end of 2020, driven by the net trading income (NTI) and the operating expenses reduction.  

The Group’s adjusted net attributable profit, excluding the goodwill impairment in the United States and the results from 
corporate  operations  in  2020,  stood  at  €3,084m,  that  is  a  36.1%  below  the  2019  result,  also  excluding  the  goodwill 
impairment in the United States in the last quarter of 2019 

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT (1) 
(MILLIONS OF EUROS)  

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT BREAKDOWN (1) 
(PERCENTAGE 2020) 

(1) 

Excluding the goodwill impairment in the United States, registered in 
2019 and 2020 and the net capital gain from the bancassurance 
operation in 2020. 

(1) Excludes the Corporate Center. 

Balance sheet and business activity 

  The figure for loans and advances to customers (gross) fell by 4.5% compared to the end of the previous year, 
with deleveraging in all portfolios in the last quarter of 2020, with the exception of consumer and credit cards.  

  Customer funds grew by 3.8% during 2020, mainly as a result of customers placing larger liquidity in demand 

deposits. 

Liquidity 

  The availability of substantial liquidity buffers in each of the geographical areas in which the BBVA Group operates 
and their management, have allowed internal and regulatory ratios to be maintained well above the minimums 
required. 

Solvency  

 

From 2021 onwards the BBVA Group sets the target to keep the CET1 fully-loaded ratio between 11.5%-12.0%, 
increasing  the  distance  to  the  minimum  requirement  (currently  at  8.59%)  to  291-341  basis  points.  As  of 
December 31, 2020, the CET1 fully-loaded ratio stood at 11.73%, already within the target range. This ratio does 
not include the positive impact of the sale of BBVA USA and other companies in the United States with activities 
related to its banking business, which according to the current estimate and taking by reference the capital base 
in 2020, would place the CET1 fully-loaded ratio at 14.58%. Additionally, it does not include the effect of the closing 
of the sale of BBVA Paraguay, which would have a positive impact of approximately +6 basis points, which will be 
registered in the first quarter of 2021. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAPITAL AND LEVERAGE RATIOS  
(PERCENTAGE AS OF 31-12-20) 

139 

Shareholder remuneration  

  Regarding shareholder remuneration, the European Central Bank (hereinafter ECB) approved on December 15, 
2020,  given  the  persistent  uncertainty  about  the  economic  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  a  new 
recommendation  which  will  be  maintained  until  the  end  of  September  2021  and  repeals  the  previous 
recommendation. The decision continues the line of recommending to the credit institutions exercise extreme 
prudence in the distribution of profits, either through the payment of dividends or through conducting share buy-
backs, remaining this remuneration below 15% of the cumulative profit for 2019 and 2020 financial years, and in 
any case, not higher than 20 basis points of the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1). 

 

Following  the  ECB  recommendation,  it  is  expected  to  be  proposed  for  the  consideration  of  the  competent 
government bodies the intention to pay out €0.059 (gross) per share to its shareholders. The maximum amount 
distributed  will  be  approximately  €393m  corresponding  to  the  15%  consolidated  profit  for  2020  (excluding 
among others, the goodwill impairment in the United States, the capital gain from corporate operations and the 
remuneration of  additional Tier 1 capital-AT1-), following the recommendation of the ECB. 

Risk management   

  The calculation of expected credit losses accumulated in 2020 incorporates: 

o  The update of the forward-looking  information in the IFRS 9 models in order to reflect the circumstances 

created by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

o  The granting of relief measures in the form of temporary payment deferrals for customers affected by the 
pandemic, as well as the option to grant lending with a public guarantee facility. In relation to said payments 
deferrals and in order to mitigate as much as possible the impact of these measures for the Group, due to the 
high concentration in the time of their maturities, an anticipation plan has been worked out. 

  The behaviour of the main credit risk indicators of the Group at the end of 2020 were: 

o  The NPL ratio stood at 4.0% at the end of December 2020, 17 basis points above the end of the previous 

year. 

o  The NPL coverage ratio closed at 81%, with a relevant improvement compared to the end of 2019. 
o  The cumulative cost of risk at the end of December stood at 1.51%, after the rebound experienced in the 

first quarter of 2020 and the subsequent correction throughout the year. 

NPL AND NPL COVERAGE RATIOS AND COST OF 
RISK (PERCENTAGE) 

 
 
 
 
 
140 

Agreement for the sale of the United States 

The BBVA Group announced, on November 16, 2020, that it has reached an agreement with The PNC Financial Services 
Group, Inc. (hereinafter PNC) for the sale of 100% of the shareholders' equity of its subsidiary BBVA USA Bancshares, 
Inc., which in turn owns, all of the shareholders' equity of the bank BBVA USA, as well as other companies of the BBVA 
Group in the United States with activities related to this banking business. The agreement reached does not include the 
sale  of  the  institutional  business  of  the  BBVA  Group  developed  through  its  broker  dealer  BBVA  Securities  Inc.  or  the 
participation in Propel Venture Partners US Fund I, L.P. Likewise, BBVA will continue to develop the wholesale business 
that  it  currently  conducts  through  its  New  York  branch.  The  price  of  the  transaction  amounts  to  aproximately  USD 
11,600m, which will be paid entirely in cash. It is estimated that the operation will generate a positive impact on the CET1 
fully-loaded  ratio  of  the  BBVA  Group  of  approximately  294  basis  points  and  a  net  of  taxes  attributable  profit  of 
approximately €580m (calculated with a rate of 1.29 euros/U.S dollar) of which at the end of the financial year 2020, are 
already  collected  approximately  €300m  (corresponding  to  the  results  generated  by  the  companies  for  sale  from  the 
signing of the transaction to the end of the year, and that there are recorded in the consolidated Financial Statements on 
31 December, 2020) and approximately 9 basis points of positive impact in the CET1 fully-loaded ratio. As usual, the closing 
of the operation is subject to obtaining regulatory authorizations from the competent authorities and it is estimated that it 
will take place in mid-2021. 

Sale of BBVA Paraguay 

The BBVA Group announced on 22 January 2021 that, once the regulatory authorizations were obtained, it has completed 
the  sale  of  its  direct  and  indirect  stake  of  100%  of  the  Shareholders'  equity  of  the  Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria 
Paraguay S.A. (hereinafter, BBVA Paraguay) to the Banco GNB Paraguay S.A. The total amount received after the closing 
of the operation amounts to  approximately  USD250m and has generated a capital loss, net of taxes, of approximately 
€9m.  Likewise,  this  transaction  will  have  a  positive  impact  on  BBVA  Group’s  Common  Equity  Tier  1  (fully-loaded)  of 
approximately +6 basis points. This impact will be reflected in the first quarter of 2021’s capital base of BBVA Group.  

 
 
 
141 

Results 

The BBVA Group generated a net attributable profit of €1,305m during 2020, in a year marked by several factors that 
influenced the income statement: 

 

First, the outbreak of the COVID-19  pandemic, the main impacts of which were the increased impairment on 
financial assets and higher provisions.  

  Secondly, the goodwill  impairment  in  the United  States recorded in the first quarter of 2020, amounting to 

€2,084m, also as a result of the pandemic.  

 

Lastly,  and  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  execution  of  the  agreement  reached  with  Allianz,  once  all  required 
authorizations were received, which had a net capital gain of €304m. 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT: QUARTERLY EVOLUTION (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

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 

Other gains (losses) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Income tax 

Profit/(loss) after tax   
Goodwill impairment in the United States and 
corporate operations (1) 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

4Q 
4,038 

2020 
3Q 
4,109 

2Q 
4,097 

1Q   
4,556 

4Q 
4,709 

2019 
3Q 

2Q 
4,473  4,544 

1Q 
4,398 

1,173 

1,143 

1,043 

1,258  

1,290 

1,273 

1,256 

1,214 

213 

(157) 

372 

38 

512 

(91) 

594  

75 

490 

(89) 

351 

22 

116 

(18) 

426 

8 

5,266 

5,663 

5,561  6,484 

6,400 

6,120 

5,897  6,046 

(2,674)  (2,570)  (2,594) 

(2,918) 

(3,082)  (2,946)  (2,952)  (2,922) 

(1,420) 

(1,356) 

(1,342) 

(1,532) 

(1,637) 

(1,572) 

(1,578) 

(1,553) 

(892) 

(362) 

(848) 

(366) 

(884) 

(369) 

(988) 

(397) 

(1,039) 

(971) 

(406) 

(403) 

(976) 

(398) 

(977) 

(392) 

2,593 

3,093 

2,967 

3,566 

3,317 

3,174 

2,945 

3,124 

(834) 

(928) 

(1,571)  (2,575) 

(1,169) 

(1,172) 

(731) 

(1,001) 

(144) 

(60) 

(228) 

(312) 

(83) 

(128) 

(101) 

1,532 

1,978 

1,066 

(29) 

649 

(243) 

(126) 

1,778 

(113) 

(117) 

(144) 

(4) 

(3) 

(22) 

1,886 

2,095 

1,957 

(407) 

(524) 

(269) 

(186) 

(430) 

(488) 

(595) 

(541) 

1,125 

1,454 

798 

463 

1,349 

1,398 

1,500 

1,416 

304 

- 

-  (2,084) 

(1,318) 

- 

- 

- 

1,430 

1,454 

798 

(1,621) 

31 

1,398 

1,500 

1,416 

(110) 

(172) 

(312) 

(162) 

(186) 

0.18 

0.16 

1,141 

1,320 

636  (1,792) 

Non-controlling interests 
Net attributable profit/(loss) 
Earning per share (euros) (2) 
Net attributable profit/(loss) excluding the 
goodwill impairment in the United States and 
corporate operations (1) 
Earning per share excluding the goodwill 
impairment in the United States and corporate 
operations (euros) (1) (2) 
General note: as a result of the interpretation issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) regarding the collecting of interests of 
written-off financial assets for the purpose of IFRS 9, those collections are presented as reduction of the credit allowances and not as a higher interest income, recognition method 
applied until December 2019. Therefore, and in order to make the information comparable, the quarterly information of the 2019 income statements has been restated. 
(1) Include the net capital gain from the sale to Allianz the half plus one share of the company created to jointly develop the non-life insurance business in Spain, excluding the health 
insurance line. 
(2) Adjusted by additional Tier 1 instrument remuneration. 

(0.29)  

(0.04) 

1,260 

1,260 

1,225 

1,225 

0.03  

(155) 

1,015 

1,163 

1,141 

0.08 

0.08 

0.14 

0.16 

0.16 

0.17 

0.17 

0.17 

0.17 

636 

292 

1,182 

1,182 

0.16 

0.16 

(173) 

(241) 

(234) 

 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

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 

Other gains (losses) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax 
Profit/(loss) after tax   
Goodwill impairment in the United States and corporate 
operations (1) 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Non-controlling interests 
Net attributable profit/(loss) 
Earning per share (euros) (2) 
Net attributable profit/(loss) excluding the goodwill 
impairment in the United States and corporate operations (1) 
Earning per share excluding the goodwill impairment in the 
United States and corporate operations (euros) (1) (2) 

  ∆ % at constant 

∆ %  exchange rates 
3.6 
(7.3) 

(8.3) 

22.3 

76.2 

(6.1) 

(9.6) 

(10.9) 

(8.9) 

(6.6) 

(2.7) 

45.1 

20.7 

119.4 

(32.3) 
(32.5) 
(32.2) 

35.0 

(52.6) 

(9.3) 

(62.9) 

(0.4) 

37.6 

46.3 

4.5 

(2.6) 

(4.4) 

(0.8) 

0.0 

11.7 

67.3 

33.0 

117.0 

(21.9) 
(22.4) 
(21.7) 

35.0 

(42.6) 

13.0 

(55.3) 

(36.1) 

(27.2) 

2020 
16,801 

4,616 

1,692 

(135) 

22,974 

(10,755) 

(5,650) 

(3,612) 

(1,494) 

12,219 

(5,908) 

(744) 

(341) 

5,225 
(1,385) 
3,840 

(1,780) 

2,060 

(756) 

1,305 

0.14 

3,084 

0.41 

142 

2019 
18,124 

5,033 

1,383 

(77) 

24,463 

(11,902) 

(6,340) 

(3,963) 

(1,599) 

12,561 

(4,073) 

(617) 

(155) 

7,716 
(2,053) 
5,663 

(1,318) 

4,345 

(833) 

3,512 

0.47 

4,830 

0.66 

General note: as a result of the interpretation issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) regarding the collecting of interests of 
written-off financial assets for the purpose of IFRS 9, those collections are presented as reduction of the credit allowances and not as a higher interest income, recognition method 
applied until December 2019. Therefore, and in order to make the information comparable, the information of the 2019 income statements has been restated. 

(1) Include the net capital gain from the sale to Allianz the half plus one share of the company created to jointly develop the non-life insurance business in Spain, excluding the health 
insurance line. 

(2) Adjusted by additional Tier 1 instrument remuneration. 

Unless expressly indicated otherwise, to better understand the changes under 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 grew 4.5% year-on-year, supported by the favorable evolution of net interest income and NTI, which offset 
the flat performance of fees and commissions and a greater negative impact of the other operating income and expenses 
line compared to 2019. 

GROSS INCOME (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

(1) At constant exchange rates: +4.5%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143 

Net interest income grew by 3.6% year-on-year, supported by the good performance, mainly, from Turkey and the Rest 
of Eurasia and, to a lesser extent, South America, which offset the smaller contribution from the United States and Mexico, 
as a result of the cuts in the benchmark interest rates by the banking authorities in these countries. Spain was also affected 
by an environment of falling rates and showed flat performance.  

Net fees and commissions were affected by the lower activity as a result of the pandemic. The areas that showed year-
on-year  reductions  were  Mexico  and  Turkey;  the  latter  was  also  affected  by  changes  in  regulations  on  fees  and 
commissions charged, which have been in application since March 2020. In Spain, the United States, Rest of Eurasia and 
South  America,  the  net  fees  and  commissions  showed  year-on-year  increase,  despite  not  charging  certain  fees  and 
commissions as a measure to support customers during the worst moments of the pandemic. 

NET INTEREST INCOME/ATAS (PERCENTAGE) 

NET INTEREST INCOME PLUS NET FEES AND 
COMMISSIONS (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

(1) At constant exchange rates: +2.7%. 

The NTI was up 37.6% year-on-year, primarily due to the exchange rate hedging gains, recorded in the Corporate Center 
and the increase in the results generated throughout the year by all the business areas, except for South America, due to 
the positive effect from selling the stake in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. on the results of the previous year, and except for 
Spain, where the negative results generated in the fourth quarter hindered positive evolution throughout the year.  

The other operating income and expenses line posted €-135m in 2020 compared to the €-77m posted 12 months earlier. 
This unfavorable evolution is due to a lower contribution by the insurance business in Spain and Mexico, as well as BBVA's 
increased contributions to the public bank deposit protection schemes in said countries. Both effects offset the positive 
impact of Argentina's lower hyperinflation adjustment. 

Operating income 

Operating expenses fell by 2.6% year-on-year as a result of the containment plans implemented by all business areas and 
also  due  to  the  lesser  execution  of  some  discretionary  expenses  since  the  beginning  of  the  pandemic.  The  expenses 
reduction is remarkable in Spain and the Corporate Center. 

OPERATING EXPENSES (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

As a result, the efficiency ratio stood at 46.8% as of December 31, 2020, significantly below the level recorded one year 
earlier (50.2%), and operating income recorded a year-on-year growth of 11.7%. 

(1) At constant exchange rates: -2.6%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFICIENCY RATIO (PERCENTAGE) 

OPERATING INCOME (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

144 

(1) At constant exchange rates: +11.7%. 

Provisions and other 

The impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit and loss (impairment on financial assets) 
closed December 67.3% above the figure recorded in the previous year, as a result of the negative impacts of COVID-19, 
mainly due to the worsening macroeconomic scenario. 

IMPAIRMENT ON FINANCIAL ASSETS  
(MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

(1) 

At constant exchange rates: +67.3%. 

Provisions  or  reversal  of  provisions  (hereinafter  provisions)  closed  December  with  a  cumulative  negative  balance  of 
€744m, 33.0% higher than the loss recorded in the previous year, mainly due to higher provisions in Spain.  

The other gains (losses) line was 117.0% more negative compared to the previous year. 

Results 

As a result of the above, the cumulative net attributable profit of the BBVA Group in 2020 was €1,305m, which includes 
results from corporate operations derived from the net capital gain of €304m, generated by the transfer to Allianz of half 
plus one share of the company created to jointly develop the non-life insurance business in Spain, excluding the health 
insurance line, and the goodwill impairment in the United States of €2,084m. This result is 55.3% less than the €3,512m 
posted the previous year in a comparison also influenced by the goodwill impairment in the United States in 2019. 

The  Group's  net  attributable  profit,  when  adjusted  to  exclude  the  goodwill  impairment  in  the  United  States  and  the 
results  from  corporate  operations  in  2020,  stood  at  €3,084m,  which  is  27.2%  lower  than  the  result  in  2019,  also 
excluding the goodwill impairment in the United States. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT  
(MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT EXCLUDING THE UNITED 
STATES GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND CORPORATE 
OPERATIONS(1)   (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

145 

(1) 

At constant exchange rates: -55.3%.                                                                                     

(1) 

(2) 

Net profit before tax because of the sale to Allianz of half plus one share of the
company  created  to  jointly  promote  non-life  insurance  business  in  Spain,
excluding the health insurance line. 
At constant exchange rates: -27.2%.                                                                                     

The cumulative net  attributable  profits, in millions of euros at  the close of December 2020 for the different business 
areas that make up the Group were: 606 in Spain, 429 in the United States, 1,759 in Mexico, 563 in Turkey, 446 in South 
America and 137 in the Rest of Eurasia. 

TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE AND 
DIVIDENDS (1) (EUROS) 

EARNING PER SHARE (1) (EUROS) 

(1) 

Replenishing dividends paid in the period. 

(1) 
(2) 

Adjusted by additional Tier 1 instrument remuneration  
 Excluding the goodwill impairment in the United States in 4Q19 and 1Q20 
and the net capital gain from the insurance operation in 4Q20. 

ROE AND ROTE (1) (PERCENTAGE) 

ROA AND RORWA (1) (PERCENTAGE) 

(1) 

Ratios  excluding  BBVA  Chile  in  2018,  the  goodwill  impairment  in  the  United 
States  in  2019  and  2020  and  the  net  capital  gain  from  the  bancassurance 
operation in 2020 . 

(1) 

Ratios excluding BBVA Chile in 2018, the goodwill impairment in the United 
States in 2019 and 2020 and the net capital gain from the bancassurance 
operation in 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
146 

Balance sheet and business activity 

The  most  relevant  aspects  related  to  the  evolution  of  the  Group's  balance  sheet  and  business  activity  in  2020,  are 
summarized below: 

 

Loans and advances to customers (gross) decreased by 4.5% compared to the end of the previous year, with 
deleveraging in all the portfolios in  the last  quarter of 2020, with  the exception of consumer and credit cards, 
which showed some dynamism thanks to the recovery of economic activity in the new normal environment. In the 
comparison  with  December  2019,  the  mortgage  portfolio  registered  the  greatest  reduction  in  absolute  terms, 
despite the good origination data in several geographical areas. 

  Non-performing loans were lower than at the end of December of the previous year, despite the increase in the 
last quarter of the year, mainly due to the entries of non-performing loans in the retail portfolios in Mexico. 

  Customer  deposits  closed  December  2020  6.1%  above  December  2019  balances,  strongly  supported  by  the 
good performance of demand deposits (up 14.0%), where customers have deposited the available liquidity to 
face the pandemic  and which more than offset the reduction in time deposits. 

  Off-balance sheet funds recovered in the quarter (up 2.9%) although it continued to show a negative growth 
rate compared to December 2019 (down 4.5%), mainly due to the unfavorable evolution of the markets during 
the first quarter of the year. 

  Regarding intangible assets, the balance sheet figures as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 include 
the goodwill impairments in the United States registered in the last quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020, 
with no effect on the tangible net equity, solvency or liquidity of the BBVA Group. 

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 

  Loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions 

  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  

31-12-20 
77,303 

109,078 

5,211 

1,117 

74,416 

430,260 

20,821 

365,006 

44,434 

1,437 

8,629 

4,297 

24,428 

736,176 
86,587 

10,050 

565,085 

77,513 

409,122 

64,591 

13,860 

9,951 

14,483 

∆ %  31-12-19 
73.1  44,666 

7.2  101,735 

(6.2) 

(8.0) 

5,557 

1,214 

21.6 

61,186 

(2.3)  440,430 

16.2 

17,924 

(4.8)  383,565 

14.1  38,940 

(3.5) 

1,488 

(14.4) 

10,077 

(38.4) 

6,970 

0.1  24,413 

5.5  697,737 
(2.4)  88,680 

0.4 

10,010 

9.1  518,182 

41.6  54,722 

6.1  385,686 

0.9  64,004 

0.6 

13,771 

(6.2) 

10,606 

(5.5) 

15,333 

686,156 

6.7  642,812 

5,471 

(11.8) 

6,201 

(14,356) 

58,904 

50,020 

736,176 

40.4  (10,226) 

(0.1)  58,950 

(8.9)  54,925 

5.5  697,737 

Memorandum item: 
Guarantees given 
General note: figures without considering the classification of BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale as of 31-12-2020 and 31-12-2019 and BBVA USA and 
the rest of Group's companies in the United States included in the sale agreement signed with PNC as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale as of 31-12-2020. 

(5.8)  45,952 

43,294 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 
Allowances (1) 
Loans and advances to customers 

31-12-20 

24,273 

163,460 

103,922 

34,256 

12,742 

12,540 

174,492 

15,914 

378,139 
(13,133) 

365,006 

∆ % 

(14.0) 

(6.5) 

(6.0) 

(6.1) 

(14.6) 

(2.8) 

(1.4) 

(0.5) 

(4.5) 
5.5 

(4.8) 

147 

31-12-19 

28,226 

174,867 

110,534 

36,500 

14,925 

12,907 

176,920 

16,000 

396,012 
(12,447) 

383,565 

General note: figures without considering the classification of BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale as of 31-12-2020 and 31-12-2019 and BBVA USA and 
the rest of Group's companies in the United States included in the sale agreement signed with PNC as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale as of 31-12-2020. 

(1) Allowances include the valuation adjustments for credit risk during the expected residual life of those financial instruments which have been acquired (mainly originated from the 
acquisition of Catalunya Banc, S.A.). As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the remaining amount was €363m and €433m, respectively. 

LOANS AND ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS 
(GROSS. BILLIONS OF EUROS) 

CUSTOMER FUNDS (BILLIONS OF EUROS) 

(1) At constant exchange rates: +3.5%. 

(1) 

At constant exchange rates: +11.9%. 

CUSTOMER FUNDS (MILLIONS OF EUROS)  

Deposits from customers 

Current accounts 

Time deposits 

Other deposits 

Other customer funds 

Mutual funds and investment companies 

Pension funds 

Other off-balance sheet funds 
Total customer funds 

31-12-20 

409,122 

320,713 

79,978 

8,430 

102,947 

64,869 

36,215 

1,863 

∆ % 

6.1 

14.0 

(17.7) 

16.3 

(4.5) 

(5.5) 

(1.1) 

(26.5) 

31-12-19 

385,686 

281,270 

97,170 

7,246 

107,803 

68,639 

36,630 

2,534 

512,068 

3.8 

493,488 

General note: figures without considering the classification of BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale as of 31-12-2020 and 31-12-2019 and BBVA USA and 
the rest of Group's companies in the United States included in the sale agreement signed with PNC as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale as of 31-12-2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148 

Solvency 

Capital base 

BBVA's fully-loaded CET1 ratio stood at 11.73% at the end of December 2020. From 2021 onwards the BBVA Group sets 
the target to keep the CET1 fully-loaded ratio between 11.5%-12.0% increasing the distance to the minimum requirement 
(currently at 8.59%) to 291-341 basis points. At the end of 2020 financial year the CET1 fully-loaded ratio is already within 
this target management range. 

In the last quarter of 2020, the CET1 fully-loaded ratio stood 21 basis points above the previous quarter. This increase 
includes a positive impact of +7 basis points due to the execution of the agreement reached with Allianz to jointly boost the 
non-life insurance business in Spain, excluding the health insurance line. The corresponding amount to €0.059 (gross) per 
share as shareholder remuneration allowed by the ECB recommendation has been already deduced from the capital base. 
This ratio does not include the positive impact of the sale of BBVA USA and other companies in the United States with 
activities related to said banking business, which, according to the current estimate and using as a  reference the capital 
level in December 2020, would place the fully-loaded CET1 ratio at 14.58%. Additionally, it does not include the effect from 
the closing of the BBVA Paraguay sale, which would have a positive impact of approximately +6 basis points and which will 
be registered in the first quarter of 2021.  

Furthermore,  the  profit  generated  in  the  period,  excluding  the  gains  generated  by  the  operation  with  Allianz,  has 
contributed +30 basis points, while the other elements of the capital ratios has contributed to a total net impact of -16 
points,  being  the  most  significant  component  the  growth  in  risk-weighted  assets,  and,  conversely,  the  good  market 
performance recorded in equity instruments measured at fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income. 
It also includes the positive effect on the regulatory deduction of software, following the publication of Delegated Regulation 
2020/2176 on December 22 concerning the prudential treatment of software. 

Fully-loaded additional Tier 1 capital (AT1) stood at 1.89% at the end of December 2020. In this regard, the world's first 
green  CoCo  for  a  financial  institution  was  issued  in  July  2020  for  €1,000m,  a  coupon  of  6%  and  with  an  early 
amortization option from five and a half years, allowing all requirements at this tier to be fulfilled, including those from the 
tiering of Pillar 2 and therefore the distance to MDA to be increased. Moreover, a CoCo of €1,500m (coupon of 6.75%) was 
amortized in February, on the first date of the early amortization option; in January 2021, the early amortization options 
were implemented for two preferential issuances, issued by BBVA International Preferred and Caixa Sabadell Preferents 
for 31 million pounds sterling and €90m respectively; and finally, for a third preferential issuance issued by Caixa Terrassa 
Societat de Participacions Preferents, the bondholders' meeting has approved its early amortization on January 29, 2021 
(versus the amortization option date of August 10, 2021). As of December 31, 2020, these issuances do not form part of 
the Group's capital adequacy ratios. 

The fully-loaded Tier 2 ratio stood at 2.30% on December 31. Two Tier 2 issuances were issued in 2020: an issuance of 
€1,000m in January, with a maturity of 10 years and an amortization option from the fifth year, with a coupon of 1%; and 
another issuance of 300 million pounds sterling in July, with a maturity of 11 years and with an early amortization option 
from the sixth year, with a coupon of 3.104%, thereby diversifying the investment base and improving the price compared 
to an equivalent issuance in euros. 

The phased-in CET1 ratio stood at 12.15% at the end of December 2020, taking into account the transitory effect of the 
IFRS 9 standard. AT1 stood at 1.89% and Tier 2 at 2.42%, resulting in a total capital adequacy ratio of 16.46%. 

Regarding shareholder remuneration, on April 9, 2020, a cash payment was made for a supplementary dividend for the 
2019  financial  year  for  the  gross  amount  of  €0.16  per  share,  according  to  the  approved  at  the  General  Shareholders' 
Meeting on March 13, 2020. This amounted to €1,067m. Thus, the total dividend for the 2019 financial year amounts to 
€0.26 gross per share. This distribution had no impact on the evolution of the capital adequacy ratio since it had already 
accrued at the end of 2019 

BBVA has announced its intention to return in 2021 to its shareholders remuneration policy, communicated through a 
relevant event on February 1, 2017, consisting of distributing annually between 35% and 40% of the profits resulting of 
each  financial  year  entirely  in  cash  through  two  distributions  (predictably  in  October  and  April  and  subject  to  relevant 
approvals) when the current ECB recommendation applicable on the date of publication of this report is revoked and there 
are  no  additional  restrictions  or  limitations.  (For  more  information  see  the  “Shareholder  remuneration”  paragraph, 
included in the “Highlights” section). 

 
FULLY-LOADED CAPITAL RATIOS (PERCENTAGE) 

149 

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 (%)  

CRD IV phased-in 

CRD IV fully-loaded 

31-12-20 (1) (2)  30-09-20  31-12-19 

  31-12-20 (1) (2)  30-09-20  31-12-19 

42,931 

41,231 

43,653  

49,597 

48,248 

49,701  

8,549 

9,056 

8,304  

41,368 

48,035 

8,103 

39,651  42,856 

46,550 

48,775 

8,628 

7,464 

58,147 

57,305  58,005 

56,138 

55,178  56,240 

353,272  343,923  364,448 

352,679 

344,215  364,942 

12.15 

14.04 

2.42 

11.99 

14.03 

2.63 

11.98  

13.64  

2.28  

11.73 

13.62 

2.30 

11.52 

13.52 

2.51 

11.74 

13.37 

2.05 

Total capital ratio (%)  
(1) As of December 31, 2020, the difference between the phased-in and fully-loaded ratios arises from the temporary treatment of certain capital items, mainly of the impact of IFRS 
9, to which the BBVA Group has adhered voluntarily (in accordance with article 473bis of the CRR and the subsequent amendments introduced by the Regulation (EU) 2020/873). 
(2) Preliminary data. 

16.66 

15.92  

16.03 

16.46 

15.92 

15.41 

Regarding the MREL (Minimum Requirement for own funds and Eligible Liabilities) requirements, BBVA has continued its 
issuance plan during 2020 by closing two public issuances of non-preferred senior debt, one in January 2020 for €1,250m 
with a maturity of seven years and a coupon of 0.5%, and another in February 2020 for CHF 160m with a maturity of six 
and a half years and a coupon of 0.125%. In May 2020, the first issuance of a COVID-19 social bond by a private financial 
institution in Europe was completed. This is a five-year senior preferred bond, for €1,000m and a coupon of 0.75%. Finally, 
in  order  to  optimize  the  MREL  requirement,  in  September  BBVA  issued  preferred  senior  debt  of  USD 2,000m  in  two 
tranches, with  maturities  of  three and five years, for USD 1,200m and USD 800m and  coupons  of  0.875% and 1.125% 
respectively.  

The Group estimates that, following the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No. 2019/877 of the European Parliament and 
of the Council of May 20 (which, among other matters, establishes the MREL in terms of RWAs and new periods for said 
requirement's  transition  and  implementation),  the  current  structure  of  shareholders’  funds  and  admissible  liabilities 
enables compliance with the MREL. 

In  November  2015  (effective  January  1,  2017)  BBVA  ceased  to  be  included  in  the  list  of  banks  with  global  systemic 
importance (Global Systemically Important Banks -G-SIBs-). This list is prepared annually by the Financial Stability Board 
(FSB) based on a set of quantitative indicators that can be consulted, together with the evaluation methodology, at the link 
www.bis.org/bcbs/gsib/.  In  November  2020,  BBVA,  at  a  consolidated  level,  was  again  identified  as  Another  Entity  of 
Systemic Importance (OEIS). As a consequence of the foregoing, the Bank of Spain imposes the obligation to maintain, as 
a buffer for OEIS during the financial year 2021, Common Equity Tier 1 elements for an amount equal to 0.75% of the total 
amount of its exposure to risk in the consolidated base.     

Finally, the Group's leverage ratio maintained a solid position, at 6.5% fully-loaded (6.7% phased-in). These figures include 
the effect of the temporary exclusion of certain positions with the central bank provided for in the "CRR-Quick fix."  

Stress testing at BBVA 

The BBVA Group has a Stress Testing Programme (hereinafter, STP) that is part of its risk management framework. This 
Stress Testing Programme covers the exercises used for BBVA’s internal management and those fostered by supervisory 
authorities (e.g., stress test of the EBA and ECB). However, as the latter usually have a specific framework determined by 
the supervisor establishing, among other, its frequency, methodology, infrastructure, assumptions to be applied, etc., the 
STP focuses on the internal stress tests. 

Some of the main targets of these internal tests are the following: 

●  Promote a better understanding of the exposures and risks assumed by the Group on its operations, identifying 

risk factors and scenarios that could jeopardize compliance with the Risk Appetite Framework. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
150 

●  Allow proactive risk management and an effective response through the design of mitigating measures, so that 

the Group remains within the target risk profile even in stress situations. 

●  Contribute to the calibration of the core metrics thresholds of the Risk Appetite Framework (maximum capacity 
and maximum appetite thresholds) supported, among other factors, on the implementation of stress tests and 
their  results,  both  internal  and  regulatory  tests  included  in  the  internal  capital  (ICAAP)  and  liquidity  (ILAAP) 
adequacy assessment processes and the Recovery Plan of the BBVA Group. 
Feed the setting of thresholds of the Risk Appetite Framework used for the budgeting process, which shall be 
aligned with the targets of the strategic plan. 

● 

●  Promote and encourage BBVA’s risk culture and dialog. 

Stress testing types 

Stress tests carried out in BBVA’s STP have different scopes depending mainly on the geographies and the type of risk 
covered. On the one hand, global tests are carried out impacting all or a large number of geographies where the Group is 
present  and  all  material  risks  faced  by  the  Group,  regardless  of  their  nature.  In  addition,  tests  focused  on  a  specific 
geographical area or aimed at stressing a specific type of risk are carried out. 

These stress tests must incorporate, among other, the following principles: 

● 

The design of global stress testing models, including the criteria adopted, the assessed scope, and the complexity 
and  granularity  of  the  calculations,  must  be  proportional  to  and  consistent  with  BBVA’s  risk  profile.  BBVA’s 
business model and the characteristics of its portfolios must be considered. 

●  Stress tests assumptions must preserve a sufficient level of prudence and conservatism as not to underestimate 

the impact of those elements that are difficult to forecast, such as diversification assumptions. 

Global stress tests are composed by the analysis of scenarios, associated with macroprudential tests (ICAAP, ILAAP and 
Recovery  Plan)  and  planning  processes,  sensitivity  analyses  and  reverse  stress  tests.  The  latter  two  are  also  inputs  to 
complete  the  analysis  of  scenarios,  as  they  contribute  to  the  risk  scenarios  definition  process  and  to  the  selection  of 
adverse  and  very  adverse  scenarios,  and,  in  the  sensitivity  analysis  case,  they  allow  for  an  agile  approximation  of  the 
assessment and analysis of scenarios. 

Global stress test 

Stress 

Frequency 

Methodology 

Infrastructure and data procurement 

High-level stress tests – 
Sensitivities 

Annual 

Sensitivities to fluctuations in the 
main macro-financial variables 
included in a stress scenario 

Ad-hoc 

One-off 

Reverse stress test  

Annual 

Group ICAAP & Recovery  Annual 

Detailed calculation by specialist 
Risk and Finance departments of 
the potential impact on fluctuations 
of macro-financial variables in a 
stress scenario 

Sensitivities to fluctuations in the 
main macro-financial variables 
included in a stress scenario 

Detailed methodology of the stress 
tests included in the ICAAP 

EBA stress test 

One-off 

Regulatory 

Stress tests integration into management 

-BBVA Research financial forecasts 
- Corporate budget database and output of 
planning tools 
- Sensitivities by type of risk of specialist 
departments 
- Internal balance sheet, income statement 
and regulatory capital base forecasting tool. 

-BBVA Research financial forecasts 
-Calculation in departmental tools of the 
impacts on the balance sheet and income 
statement 
- Internal balance sheet, income statement 
and regulatory capital base forecasting tool 

-Idem stress sensitivities 

The scenario analysis is integrated into management through the following processes: 

●  Stress test results are incorporated into capital planning processes in order to project capital paths under the 
proposed periods and scenarios, both from a regulatory (CET1, AT1, T2) and economic (economic solvency ratio) 
perspective. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
●  BBVA’s  solvency  level  and  loss-absorbency  capacity  to  face  a  variety  of  adverse  scenarios  are  assessed, 
contributing to capital self-assessment and to the calibration of the thresholds of the Risk Appetite Framework 
based on specific capital requirements. 

●  This stress analysis is also integrated into the ICAAP, ILAAP and Recovery Plan macroprudential exercises and, 
under  scenarios  with  different  severities,  contribute  to  planning  capital  and  liquidity  management  measures 
aimed at reshaping solvency and funding structure requirements and resetting target levels. 

151 

The sensitivity analysis is integrated into management through the following processes: 

●  Assessment of the impact of each High Level Risk Scenario (HLRS) developed by BBVA Research throughout the 
year describing a wide range of risk scenarios with a different nature, origin, likelihood and severity. The impact of 
these scenarios on BBVA’s core metrics allow to assess the resilience of the Group to different risk scenarios. 
●  Based on the severity of the abovementioned results, and the likelihood allocated to each scenario assessed, and 
considering the risk assessment carried out to identify the main vulnerabilities of BBVA, conclusions are made on 
the nature and driver of the adverse and very adverse scenarios developed by BBVA Research at the end of each 
year to be subsequently assessed in the ICAAP and Recovery Plan processes. 

● 

In addition, the severity of certain risk factors is adjusted through these tests, quickly assessing the impact on 
BBVA’s core metrics of different alternative levels for specific variables. 

Reverse stress tests contribute to determining the severity in the definition of the different scenarios, depending on its use 
in internal management processes, liquidity and capital self-assessment or Recovery Plan, while allowing the identification 
of those hypotheses with greater impact on the results of the stress tests and the risk sources to which the entity is more 
vulnerable. 

Elements of the Global Stress Tests 

Five  elements  are  identified  in  each  of  the  global  stress  tests:  scenarios,  models,  hypotheses  and  inputs,  tools  and 
impacts/outputs. 

The scenario generation process is described and governed by the "Rule on the generation of Internal Risk Scenarios", 
which is reviewed and approved annually by the Global Risk Management Committee. 

Stress test models must comply with the general risk strategy established by BBVA’s Board, and must be proportional to 
the level of the equity, borrowed capital and generation of recurrent earnings of the BBVA Group, and must be managed in 
a prudent and integrated manner throughout the life cycle of the risk models. 

An adequate management framework for risk models requires considering all phases of their life cycle, from the moment 
a need is identified, it is planned and the development of a model begins, or its modification, to its implementation, use, 
validation and monitoring. 

Model risk management must be based on tools that integrate the models, criteria and management strategies, and that 
allow decision  processes to be automated.  It is based on three levels and an internal governance structure that allows 
adequate mitigation of model risk: 

●  The  first  level  consists  of  owners,  technicians,  users  and  developers,  ensuring  the  existence  of  a  suitable 
governance  framework  consistent  with  the  needs  of  the  BBVA  Group.  The  second  level  consists  of  Internal 
Validation and the Risk Internal Control function, while the third level or line of defense consists of Internal Audit. 
●  With regard to the governance framework of the models, the necessary approval levels are established for each 
model or modification according to its tiering (categorization of the models according to the relative importance 
of their use in the management of the BBVA Group), which must also be applied to stress models in order to allow 
an adequate management on the deployment of the models, as well as the modifications that occur in risk models 
currently in use. 

With  regard  to  the  hypotheses,  and  regardless  of  the  specific  criteria  established  in  each  test,  they  must  all  meet  the 
following general requirements: 

●  The correlations between risk factors and types of risk must be assessed and stressed, both at an individual level 
in each entity or business area, as well as at the consolidated level of the BBVA Group, recognizing that in stress 
situations certain correlations tend to increase, reducing the benefits of the diversification between portfolios and 
geographies. 

●  The  non-linear  effects  between  risk  factors  and  stress  parameters  in  very  low  severity  scenarios  must  be 

considered. 

 
 
 
 
152 

Ratings 

In a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, BBVA’s has maintained its rating during 2020 in the single A space for senior 
preferred debt granted by all agencies.  DBRS confirmed BBVA’s rating at A (high) with a stable outlook on April 1, and on 
April 29 S&P confirmed BBVA’s rating (A-) and its outlook (negative) in a joint action with the rest of the Spanish banks, in 
which  the  agency   also  assigned  a  negative  outlook  to  the  majority  of  the  Spanish  banks.  In  the  month  of  July,  as  a 
consequence of the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19 in the countries where BBVA is present, the rating agency 
Fitch downgraded its rating by one notch to A- with a stable outlook. For its part, Moody’s has maintained BBVA’s rating at 
A3 with a stable outlook. These ratings, together with their corresponding outlooks, are shown in the following table: 

RATINGS 
Rating agency 

DBRS 

Fitch 

Moody's  

Standard & Poor's 

Long term (1) 

A (high) 

Short term 

R-1 (middle) 

A- 

A3 

A- 

F-2 

P-2 

A-2 

Outlook 

Stable 

Stable 

Stable 

Negative 

(1) Ratings assigned to long term senior preferred debt. Additionally, Moody’s and Fitch assign A2 and A- rating respectively, to BBVA’s long term deposits. 

 
 
 
 
 
153 

The BBVA share 

In a trading  year clearly marked by the evolution of the pandemic, the main stock market indexes have shown a mixed 
behaviour during 2020. In Europe, the Stoxx Europe 600 index fell slightly in the year, down 4.00%, and in Spain the Ibex 
35 fell by 15.5%. In the United States, the S&P 500 index had a faster recovery and improved by 16.3% in the period.  

With regard to the  banking  sector  indexes, its performance was worse than the general market. In Europe, the Stoxx 
Europe 600 Banks index, which includes the banks in the United Kingdom, and the Euro Stoxx Banks, the Eurozone bank 
index, fell by 24.5% and 23.7% respectively, meanwhile in the United States, the S&P Regional Banks sectoral index fell by 
10.6% in the period.  

For its part, the BBVA share price fell by 19.0% during the year, less than that  of the banking sector in Spain (the Ibex 35 
index fell by 27.3%) and closed the month of December at €4.04. 

BBVA SHARE EVOLUTION COMPARED WITH EUROPEAN INDICES (BASE INDICE 100=31-12-19) 

THE BBVA SHARE AND SHARE PERFORMANCE RATIOS 

Number of shareholders 

Number of shares issued 

Daily average number of shares traded 

Daily average trading (millions of euros) 

Maximum price (euros) 

Minimum price (euros) 

Closing price (euros) 

Book value per share (euros) 

Tangible book value per share (euros) 

Market capitalization (millions of euros) 
Yield (dividend/price; %) (1) 
(1) Calculated by dividing shareholder remuneration over the last twelve months by the closing price of the period. 

31-12-20 
879,226 

6,667,886,580 

34,180,978 

31-12-19 
874,148 

6,667,886,580 

30,705,133 

108 

5.34 

2.13 

4.04 

6.70 

6.05 

26,905 

4.0 

153 

5.68 

4.19 

4.98 

7.32 

6.27 

33,226 

5.2 

As  of  December  31,  2020,  the  number  of  BBVA  shares  was  6,668  billion,  and  the  number  of  shareholders  reached 
879,226. By type of investor, 57.18% of the capital belongs to institutional investors and the remaining 42.82% belongs to 
retail shareholders. 

 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE (31-12-2020) 

Number of shares 

Up to 500 

501 to 5,000  

5,001 to 10,000 

10,001 to 50,000 

50,001 to 100,000 

100,001 to 500,000 

More than 500,001 
Total 

Shareholders 

Number 
361,681 

406,886 

59,129 

46,362 

3,366 

1,513 

289 

% 
41.1 

46.3 

6.7 

5.3 

0.4 

0.2 

0.0 

Shares 

Number 
67,754,273 

710,105,474 

416,320,737 

888,242,755 

229,327,509 

273,726,222 

4,082,409,610 

154 

% 
1.0 

10.6 

6.2 

13.3 

3.4 

4.1 

61.2 

879,226 

100.0 

6,667,886,580 

100.0 

BBVA shares are included on the main stock market indexes, including the Ibex 35, and the Stoxx Europe 600 index, with 
a  weighting  of  6.34%  and  0.31%,  respectively  at  the  end  of  December  2020.  They  are  also  included  on  several  sector 
indexes, including Stoxx Europe 600 Banks, which includes the United Kingdom, with a weighting of 4.63% and the Euro 
Stoxx Banks index for the Eurozone with a weighting of 8.58%.  

Finally,  BBVA  maintains  a  significant  presence  on  a  number  of  international  sustainability  indexes  or  Environmental, 
Social and Governance (ESG) indexes, which evaluates companies' performance in these areas. For more information, see 
the chapter "Sustainable finance" of this management report.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
155 

Business areas 

This section presents and analyzes the most relevant aspects of the Group's different business areas. Specifically, for each 
one of them, it shows a summary of the income statement and balance sheet, the business activity figures and the most 
significant ratios. 

At the end of 2020, BBVA Group’s business areas reporting structure continued to be the same as the one presented at 
the end of 2019, although BBVA has reached agreements that, in some cases, could affect that structure. BBVA Group's 
business areas and the agreements reached in relation to some of them are summarized below: 

  Spain mainly includes the banking and insurance businesses that the Group carries out in this country. In relation 
to the agreement reached in April 2020 with Allianz to create a bancassurance alliance, by setting up a newly 
created  insurance  company,  once  the  authorizations  from  the  competent  regulators  had  been  received,  on 
December 14, 2020. BBVA Seguros transferred half plus one share from the aforementioned company to Allianz. 
The results from this new company are included in this business area. 

  The United States incorporates the businesses of BBVA USA, including the Group´s wholesale business through 
the  New  York  branch  office,  the  stake  in  Propel  Venture  Partners  and  the  broker  dealer  BBVA  Securities  Inc 
business, all of which are excluded from the sale agreement reached with PNC. In relation to said agreement (for 
more information, see the chapter “Highlights” of this report), it includes BBVA USA and other companies in the 
United  States  with  activities  related  to  this  banking  business.  Likewise,  in  accordance  with  IFRS  8  “Operating 
Segments”, the information for this business area is provided for the financial years 2020 and 2019, including the 
companies subject to the sale agreement, whose closing is subject to obtaining regulatory authorizations from 
the competent authorities.  

  Mexico  includes  banking  and  insurance  businesses  in  this  country,  as  well  as  the  activity  that  BBVA  Mexico 

carries out through its branch in Houston. 

  Turkey reports the activity of the group Garanti BBVA that is mainly carried out in this country and, to a lesser 

extent, in Romania and the Netherlands.  

  South  America  mainly  includes  banking  and  insurance  activity  carried  out   in  the  region.  With  respect  to  the 
agreement reached with Banco GNB Paraguay, S.A., for the sale of BBVA Paraguay, the closing of the transaction 
materialized on January 22, 2021, once the approval of the competent regulatory authorities was received. The 
information in this business area includes BBVA Paraguay at the end of December 2020 and 2019.  

 

 Rest of Eurasia includes the banking business activity carried out in Asia and in Europe, excluding Spain.  

The  Corporate  Center  contains  the  centralized  functions  of  the  Group,  including:  the  costs  of  the  head  offices  with  a 
corporate function; management of structural exchange rate positions; some equity instrument issuances to ensure an 
adequate  management  of  the  Group's  global  solvency.  It  also  includes  portfolios  whose  management  is  not  linked  to 
customer  relationships,  such  as  industrial  holdings;  certain  tax  assets  and  liabilities;  funds  due  to  commitments  to 
employees; goodwill and other intangible assets. 

The information by business area is based on units at the lowest level and/or companies that comprise the Group, which 
are assigned to the different areas according to the main region or company group in which they carry out their activity. 

As usual, in the case of the different business areas in Americas and Turkey, the results applying constant exchange rates 
are given as well as the year-on-year variations at current exchange rates. 

 
156 

MAIN INCOME STATEMENT LINE ITEMS BY BUSINESS AREA (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Business areas 

31-12-20 
Net interest income 

Gross income 

Operating income  
Profit/(loss) before 
tax 
Net attributable 
profit/(loss) 

31-12-19 
Net interest income 

Gross income 

BBVA 
Group 

Spain 

The United 
States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South 
America 

Rest of 
Eurasia 

∑ 
Business 
areas 

Corporate 
Center 

16,801 

22,974 

12,219 

5,225 

1,305 

3,553 

5,554 

2,515 

809 

606 

2,284 

3,152 

1,281 

5,415 

7,017 

4,677 

2,783 

3,573 

2,544 

502 

2,472 

1,522 

429 

1,759 

563 

2,701 

3,225 

1,853 

896 

446 

214 

510 

225 

184 

16,950 

23,031 

13,094 

6,386 

(149) 

(57) 

(876) 

(1,160) 

137 

3,940 

(2,635) 

18,124 

24,463 

3,567 

5,656 

2,395 

3,223 

6,209 

8,029 

2,814 

3,590 

3,196 

3,850 

175 

454 

18,357 

24,802 

(233) 

(339) 

2,402 

12,561 

1,257 

5,384 

Operating income  
Profit/(loss) before 
tax 
Net attributable 
profit/(loss) 
General note: as a result of the interpretation issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) regarding the collecting of interests of 
written-off financial assets for the purpose of IFRS 9, those collections are presented as reduction of the credit allowances and not as a higher interest income, recognition method 
applied until December 2019. Therefore, and in order to make the information comparable, the information of the 2019 income statements has been restated. 

(1,457) 

(2,517) 

6,029 

2,699 

3,691 

1,396 

1,386 

1,878 

3,512 

9,173 

7,716 

1,341 

506 

590 

705 

163 

721 

127 

161 

13,855 

(1,294) 

2,276 

2,375 

GROSS INCOME(1), OPERATING INCOME(1) AND NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT(1) BREAKDOWN 
 (PERCENTAGE. 2020) 

(1) Excludes the Corporate Center. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
157 

MAIN BALANCE-SHEET ITEMS AND RISK-WEIGHTED ASSETS BY BUSINESS AREA (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Business areas 

BBVA 
Group 

Spain 

The United 
States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South 
America 

Rest of 
Eurasia 

∑ 
Business 
areas 

Corporate 
Center 

Deletions 

31-12-20 
Loans and advances to 
customers 
Deposits from 
customers 

365,006 

167,998 

57,983 

50,002 

37,295 

33,615 

18,908 

365,801 

409,122 

206,428 

69,923 

54,052 

39,353 

36,874 

4,578 

411,208 

Off-balance sheet funds 

102,947 

62,707 

- 

22,524 

3,425 

13,722 

569 

102,947 

Total assets/liabilities 
and equity 
RWAs 

31-12-19 
Loans and advances to 
customers 
Deposits from 
customers 

736,176 

405,878 

93,953 

110,224 

59,585 

55,435 

22,881 

747,957 

353,272 

104,388 

60,365 

60,797 

53,021 

39,804 

18,249 

336,624 

383,565 

167,332 

63,162 

58,081 

40,500 

35,701 

19,669 

384,445 

385,686 

182,370 

67,525 

55,934 

41,335 

36,104 

4,708 

387,976 

Off-balance sheet funds 

107,803 

66,068 

- 

24,464 

3,906 

12,864 

500 

107,803 

Total assets/liabilities 
and equity 
RWAs 

697,737 

364,427 

88,529 

109,079 

64,416 

54,996 

23,257 

704,703 

364,448 

104,911 

65,170 

59,299 

56,642 

45,413 

17,989 

349,422 

503 

363 

- 

41,674 

16,648 

813 

308 

- 

49,886 

15,026 

(1,299) 

(2,449) 

- 

(53,455) 

- 

(1,692) 

(2,598) 

- 

(56,852) 

- 

General note: figures without considering the classification of BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale as of 31-12-2020 and 31-12-2019 and BBVA USA and 
the rest of Group's companies in the United States included in the sale agreement signed with PNC as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale as of 31-12-2020. 

The  balance  sheet  includes  a  column,  which  represents  the  deletions  and  balance  sheet  adjustments  between  the 
different business areas, especially in terms of the relationship between the areas in which the parent company operates, 
i.e. Spain, Rest of Eurasia and the United States, and the Corporate Center. 

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 

NUMBER OF BRANCHES 

(1)  December 2020 data for the United States includes Houston branch employees. 

NUMBER OF ATMS 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
158 

Spain 

Highlights 

  Activity  growth  driven  by  corporate  and  investment  banking  operations  and  government  support 

programs. 

 

Improved efficiency ratio, driven by controlled operating expenses. 

  Risk indicators contained. 

  Net attributable profit affected by the level of impairment on financial assets. 

BUSINESS ACTIVITY(1)  
(YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE. DATA AS OF 31-12-20) 

NET INTEREST INCOME/ATAS  
(PERCENTAGE) 

(1) 

Excluding repos. 

OPERATING INCOME   
(MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT  
(MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELEVANT BUSINESS INDICATORS (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE) 

159 

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/(loss) 

(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. 

2020 
3,553 

1,802 

174 

25 

465 

5,554 

(3,039) 

(1,738) 

(841) 

(460) 

2,515 

(1,167) 

(538) 

809 

(200) 

610 

(3) 

606 

31-12-20 

38,360 

137,969 
30,680 

198,173 
167,998 

21,940 

2,902 

6,535 
405,878 

73,921 

58,783 

206,428 

39,326 

- 

16,964 

10,457 

31-12-20 

165,511 

8,340 

205,809 

62,707 

104,388 

54.7 

4.3 

67 

0.67 

∆ % 
(0.4) 

2.9 

(27.2) 

(74.2) 

(10.1) 

(1.8) 

(6.6) 

(7.7) 

(5.9) 

(3.4) 

4.7 

n.s. 

39.3 

(56.9) 

(59.1) 

(56.1) 

36.5 

(56.3) 

∆ % 

141.2 

13.2 
(10.2) 

1.5 
0.4 

1.4 

(12.1) 

1.5 
11.4 

(4.9) 

43.1 

13.2 

10.7 

- 

(8.2) 

13.3 

∆ % 

0.8 

(3.4) 

12.9 

(5.1) 

(0.5) 

2019 
3,567 

1,751 

239 

98 

518 

5,656 

(3,253) 

(1,883) 

(895) 

(476) 

2,402 

(138) 

(386) 

1,878 

(489) 

1,389 

(3) 

1,386 

31-12-19 

15,903 

121,890 
34,175 

195,260 
167,332 

21,637 

3,302 

6,436 
364,427 

77,731 

41,092 

182,370 

35,520 

- 

18,484 

9,229 

31-12-19 

164,140 

8,635 

182,370 

66,068 

104,911 

57.5 

4.4 

60 

0.08 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
160 

Activity 

The most relevant aspects related to the area's activity throughout 2020 were: 

 

Lending  activity (performing loans under management) stood higher than at the end of 2019 (up 0.8%). The 
reduction in mortgage lending and lending to public institutions (down 4.2%) was offset, among others, by higher 
balances in retail banking (up 11.2%), in SMEs (up 6.5%) and in corporate and investment banking (up 3.3%), 
which benefited from the facilities guaranteed by the Spanish Instituto de Crédito Oficial (hereinafter ICO). 

  With regard to asset quality, the indicators remained stable compared to the previous quarter. As a result, the 

NPL ratio remained at 4.3% and the coverage ratio at 67%. 

  Total customer funds grew by 8.1% compared to the close of 2019, partly due to the trend for greater saving, 
both  by  companies  and  by  individual  customers.  This  has  resulted  in  an  increase  in  customer  deposits  under 
management  (up  12.9%),  which  managed  to  offset  the  negative  evolution  of  off-balance  sheet  funds  (down 
5.1%) resulting from the unfavorable performance of the markets in 2020. 

Results 

Spain  generated  a  cumulative  net  attributable  profit  of  €606m  in  2020,  56.3%  lower  than  in  2019,  mainly  due  to  the 
increase in impairment on financial assets as a result of the pandemic, meanwhile, operating income increased by 4.7% 
compared to the previous year. 

The main highlights of the area's income statement are:  

  Net  interest  income  was  slightly  lower  than  at  the  close  of  2019  (down  0.4%),  affected  by  the  falling  rate 

environment and the change in the financing mix of the companies from long- to short-term.  

  Net fees and commissions performed well (up 2.9% year-on-year), widely as a result of asset management fees 
and fees generated by corporate banking operations, which offset exemptions on some products at the worst 
moments of the pandemic. 

  NTI  decreased  (down  27.2%  year-on-year), mainly  due  to  performance  of  the  Global  Markets  area  in  the  last 

quarter of the year, which offsets the higher gains from ALCO portfolio sales in 2020. 

  The other operating income and expenses line compares negatively to the previous year (down 74.2%), due to 
increased  contributions  to  both  the  Single  Resolution  Fund  and  the  Deposit  Guarantee  Fund  and  the  lower 
contribution of the insurance business. It should also be noted that, once authorization was received from the 
competent regulators, on December 14, BBVA Seguros transferred to Allianz half plus one share of the company 
created to jointly develop non-life insurance business, excluding health insurance line. 

  There  was  a  reduction  in  operating  expenses  (down  6.6%  year-on-year),  mainly  as  a  result  of  the  cost-
containment  plans  and  supported  by  the  reduction  in  discretionary  expenses  as  a  result  of  the  pandemic. 
Therefore, the efficiency ratio stood at 54.7% compared to 57.5% in 2019. 

 

 

Impairment  on  financial  assets  increased  by  €1,029m  compared  to  the  previous  year,  mainly  due  to  the 
negative impact recorded mainly in the first quarter of 2020, as a result of deterioration in the macroeconomic 
scenario due to COVID-19, which includes credit provisions for those sectors most affected, in a comparison that 
is further impacted by portfolio sales made in 2019. In quarterly terms, this line item stood at similar levels prior 
to the pandemic, which meant that the cumulative cost of risk stood at 0.67% at the close of December. 

Finally, provisions and other results generated a more negative result compared to the previous year, mainly 
due to provisions for potential claims. 

 
 
161 

The United States 

Highlights 

 

 

Flat lending activity and strong increase in customer deposits in the year. 

 The cost of risk favorable evolution continues, with a significant improvement in the quarter. 

  Positive evolution of fees and commissions and NTI. 

  Net attributable profit impacted by the Fed rate reduction and the significant increase in the impairment 

on financial assets line. 

BUSINESS ACTIVITY (1)  
(YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE 
RATE. DATA AS OF 31-12-20)  

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: +1.9%. 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: -27.2%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELEVANT BUSINESS INDICATORS (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE) 

162 

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/(loss) 

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 and other off-balance sheet funds. 

2020 
2,284 

665 

220 

(17) 

3,152 

(1,870) 

(1,085) 

(577) 

(209) 

1,281 

(776) 

(4) 

502 

(73) 

429 

- 

429 

∆ % 
(4.6) 

3.2 

27.4 

n.s. 

(2.2) 

(4.9) 

(3.7) 

(7.1) 

(4.7) 

1.9 

41.0 

70.8 

(28.8) 

(36.8) 

(27.2) 

- 

∆ % (1) 
(2.6) 

5.5 

31.8 

n.s. 

(0.0) 

(2.8) 

(1.6) 

(5.1) 

(2.7) 

4.4 

44.3 

72.5 

(27.1) 

(35.4) 

(25.5) 

- 

(27.2) 

(25.5) 

2019 
2,395 

644 

173 

12 

3,223 

(1,966) 

(1,126) 

(621) 

(219) 

1,257 

(550) 

(2) 

705 

(115) 

590 

- 

590 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ % (1) 

31-12-19 

17,260 

6,792 
349 

66,933 
57,983 

- 

810 

2,158 
93,953 

952 

5,570 

69,923 

2,879 

4,869 

6,124 

3,636 

108.1 

(11.3) 
33.8 

(3.7) 
(8.2) 

- 

(11.4) 

0.2 
6.1 

237.9 

36.5 

3.6 

(18.9) 

42.5 

5.0 

(5.4) 

127.3 

(3.1) 
46.2 

5.2 
0.3 

- 

(3.2) 

9.5 
15.9 

269.0 

49.1 

13.1 

(11.4) 

55.7 

14.7 

3.3 

8,293 

7,659 
261 

69,510 
63,162 

- 

914 

2,153 
88,529 

282 

4,081 

67,525 

3,551 

3,416 

5,831 

3,843 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ % (1) 

31-12-19 

(8.5) 

72.3 

3.5 

- 

(7.4) 

(0.0) 

88.2 

13.1 

- 

1.2 

57,887 

1,258 

69,926 

- 

60,365 

59.3 

2.1 

84 

1.18 

63,241 

730 

67,528 

- 

65,170 

61.0 

1.1 

101 

0.88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
163 

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 rates, can be found in the attached 
tables of financial statements and relevant business indicators. In relation to the sale agreement reached by the BBVA 
Group with PNC (For more information see “Highlights” section of this report), which includes certain companies of the 
Group in the United States, the figures and comments of this business area are presented incorporating the companies 
mentioned at the end of December 2020. 

Activity 

The most relevant aspects related to the area's activity during 2020 were: 

  The  lending  activity  (performing  loans  under  management)  showed  lower  dynamism  between  October  and 
December (down 3.2%), due to the combined effect of several factors, including the volume of liquidity injected 
into the system and the use by companies of credit facilities provided during the first and second quarters of the 
year.  In  comparison  to  December  2019,  the  loan  portfolio  remains  flat,  mainly  due  to  the  performance  of  the 
Corporate and Business Banking segment, which was driven by the Paycheck Protection Program. The rest of 
the retail portfolio showed reductions in rates of change with respect to the end of 2019, due to the unfavorable 
impact of the pandemic. 

 

In terms of risk indicators, the NPL ratio showed an upward trend during the year, focused on the most sensitive 
sectors  in  the  COVID-19  environment  and  closed  at  2.1%.  For  its  part,  the  NPL  coverage  ratio  stood  at  84%, 
compared to 101% at the end of December 2019. 

  Customer deposits under management increased by 13.1% in the year, due to the placement of the increased 
liquidity made available to customers in demand deposits. This line showed a flat performance in the quarter. 

Results 

The United States generated a net attributable profit of €429m during 2020, 25.5% less than in the same period of the 
previous year. The most relevant aspects related to the income statement are summarized below: 

  Net interest income fell by 2.6% year-on-year, affected by the Fed's interest rate cuts, for a total of 225 basis 
points  since  the  first  quarter  of  2019,  partially  offset  by  the  lower  financing  costs  due  to  the  excellent  cost  of 
deposits management. This line increased by 2.3% in the quarter, mainly by both the lower expenses and the 
funding mix improvement. 

  Net fees and commissions closed with an increase of 5.5% compared to the same period last year, mainly due 

to commissions generated by the New York branch. 

  NTI contribution increased (up 31.8% year-on-year) with a favorable evolution in the quarter (up 54.8%), due to 

the higher results from the Global Markets unit and the stake in Propel. 

  Operating expenses fell compared to the previous year (down 2.8%), as a result of both the decrease in some 

discretionary expenses due to the pandemic and the containment plans implemented. 

 

Increase in the impairment on financial assets (up 44.3% year-on-year), explained mainly by the adjustment in 
the macroeconomic scenario due to  the negative effects of COVID-19, mainly registered in the first  quarter of 
2020, and to higher loan-loss provisions to cover specific customers in the Oil & Gas sector. It should be noted 
that in the last quarter of 202, this line closed with a release of €58m, which explains the improvement of the 
cumulative  cost  of  risk,  which  stood  at  1.18%  at  the  end  of  December  2020  compared  to  1.69  at  the  end  of 
September. 

 
 
 
164 

Mexico 

Highlights 

  Slight deceleration of activity, impacted by the macroeconomic environment. 

  Solid liquidity position. 

  Controlled expenses growing significatively under the inflation and the strength of the gross income. 

  Net attributable profit affected by the significant increase in the impairment on financial assets line. 

BUSINESS ACTIVITY (1)  
(YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE 
RATE. DATA AS OF 31-12-20) 

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: -13.1%.                                                                                      

                (1)      At current exchange rate: -34.8%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
165 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELEVANT BUSINESS INDICATORS (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE) 
2019 
Income statement  
6,209 
Net interest income 

∆ % (1) 
(0.7) 

∆ % 
(12.8) 

2020 
5,415 

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/(loss) 

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. 

1,065 

423 

114 

7,017 

(2,340) 

(967) 

(1,061) 

(311) 

4,677 

(17.9) 

36.4 

(46.2) 

(12.6) 

(11.5) 

(14.0) 

(9.7) 

(9.9) 

(13.1) 

(2,172) 

28.0 

(33) 

2,472 

(713) 

1,759 

(0) 

1,759 

n.s. 

(33.0) 

(28.1) 

(34.8) 

(32.6) 

(34.8) 

(6.6) 

55.3 

(38.8) 

(0.5) 

0.7 

(2.1) 

2.8 

2.5 

(1.1) 

45.6 

n.s. 

(23.8) 

(18.2) 

(25.8) 

(23.3) 

(25.8) 

1,298 

310 

212 

8,029 

(2,645) 

(1,124) 

(1,175) 

(346) 

5,384 

(1,698) 

5 

3,691 

(992) 

2,699 

(0) 

2,699 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ %(1) 

31-12-19 

9,159 

36,360 

2,589 

59,814 
50,002 

1,647 

3,244 
110,224 

23,801 

5,122 

54,052 

7,387 

14,526 

5,336 

41.2 

15.8 

233.2 

(9.6) 
(13.9) 

(18.5) 

8.7 
1.0 

9.3 

141.9 

(3.4) 

(16.4) 

(6.4) 

9.1 

62.4 

33.2 

283.4 

4.0 
(0.9) 

(6.3) 

25.0 
16.3 

25.7 

178.3 

11.2 

(3.8) 

7.7 

25.6 

6,489 

31,402 

777 

66,180 
58,081 

2,022 

2,985 
109,079 

21,784 

2,117 

55,934 

8,840 

15,514 

4,889 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ % (1) 

31-12-19 

(13.9) 

23.0 

(2.8) 

(7.9) 

2.5 

(1.0) 

41.6 

11.8 

5.9 

18.0 

50,446 

1,818 

53,775 

22,524 

60,797 

33.3 

3.3 

122 

4.02 

58,617 

1,478 

55,331 

24,464 

59,299 

32.9 

2.4 

136 

3.01 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
166 

Unless expressly stated otherwise, all the comments below on rates of change, for both activity and results, will be given 
at constant exchange rates. These rates, together with changes at current exchange rates, can be found in the attached 
tables of financial statements and relevant business indicators.  

Activity 

The most relevant aspects related to the area's activity during the year 2020 were:  

 

Lending activity (performing loans under management) decreased slightly (down 1.0% year-on-year), due to the 
economic weakness resulting from the closure of non-essential activities related to the pandemic. The wholesale 
portfolio fell slightly in 2020 (down 0.7% year-on-year) due to the amortizations related to the credit facilities 
registered in the first quarter of the year. On the other hand, the retail portfolio registered a decrease compared 
to December 2019 (down 0.5%), mainly due to the fact that the consumer and credit card portfolios recorded 
lower balances, affected by the lower economic activity resulting from the pandemic. This was partially offset by 
a year-on-year increase in the mortgage portfolio (up 7.4%). 

  As for the asset quality indicators, the NPL ratio stood above the figure at the end of 2019 (up 3.3%), with an 
increase in the balance of non-performing loans in the consumer, credit cards and mortgage portfolios, mainly 
related  to  portfolios  that  participated  in  the  support  programs.  For  its  part,  the  coverage  ratio  stood  below 
December 2019 level, at 122%. 

  Customer deposits under management increased by 11.8%, supported by the growth of demand deposits that 
offset  the  decrease  of  time  deposits,  due  to  the  preference  of  customers  to  have  their  balance  liquid  in  an 
environment of lower interest rates and uncertainty due to the pandemic. Off-balance sheet funds also performed 
well in 2020 (up 5.9%). 

Results 

BBVA Mexico achieved a net attributable profit of €1,759m in 2020, which is a 25.8% reduction compared to the previous 
year. This was due to the increase in the impairment on financial assets, generated by additional provisions made during 
the  first  half  of  the  2020,  derived  from  COVID-19.  The  most  relevant  aspects  related  to  the  income  statement  are 
summarized below: 

  Net interest income closed almost in line with the end of 2019 (down 0.7%). The appropriate management and 
optimization of the net interest income has managed to offset the lower dynamism of the retail portfolio and a 
reduction of 300 basis points in the benchmark rates throughout 2020. Additionally, this reflects the application 
of customer support programs during the first half and a change in the portfolio mix, with a higher percentage of 
wholesale customers for most of 2020 and stood at the end of December at pre-pandemic levels. 

  Net fees and commissions fell (down 6.6%), mainly as a result of the closure of non-essential activities in Mexico, 
which caused a lower transactionality with credit cards. Likewise, the lower activity in investment banking and the 
increase  in  transactions  made  through  digital  channels,  which  do  not  generate  fees  and  commissions  for 
individual customers, also influenced this decrease. 

  NTI continued to perform well, with a 55.3% year-on-year growth, mainly derived from the result of the Global 
Markets  unit,  as  well  as  greater  earnings  from  foreign  exchange  operations  and  capital  gains  from  the  ALCO 
portfolio sales. 

  The other operating income and expenses line registered a year-on-year decrease of 38.8%, as a result of a 
greater contribution to the Deposit Guarantee Fund due to the higher volume deposited by customers and a lower 
performance of the insurance business, as a result of an increase in claims. 

  Operating  expenses  closed  at  similar  levels  to  the  previous  year  (up  0.7%),  with  a  growth  that  is  below  the 
average inflation levels for the year (up 3.4%) reflecting the effort to maintain strict control, despite additional 
expenses in medical supplies to ensure the health and safety of the employees and customers. 

  The impairment  on  financial  assets line increased by 45.6%, fundamentally due  to the additional provisions 
caused  by  COVID-19,  mainly  registered  in  the  first  half  of  2020,  which  include  the  deterioration  in  the 
macroeconomic scenario  compared to the one originally forecasted in early 2020. With regard to the cumulative 
cost of risk as of December 2020, it stood at 4.02% following the upturn in March. 

  The provisions and other results line showed an unfavorable comparison at €-33m compared with a positive 
result of €5m in the previous year, and mainly includes higher provisions for contingent liabilities arising from 
COVID-19. 

 
 
 
167 

Turkey 

Highlights 

  Significant credit growth driven by Turkish lira loans. Strong growth in foreign currency deposits. 

  Outstanding performance of recurring revenue and efficiency ratio improvement. 

  Reduction in the NPL ratio year-to date. 

  Double digit growth in the main income statement margins. 

BUSINESS ACTIVITY (1)  
(YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE 
RATE. DATA AS OF 31-12-20) 

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: +7.1% 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: +11.4%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELEVANT BUSINESS INDICATORS (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE) 

168 

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/(loss) 

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 and other off-balance sheet funds. 

2020 
2,783 

510 

227 

53 

3,573 

(1,029) 

(561) 

(319) 

(150) 

2,544 

(895) 

(127) 

1,522 

(380) 

1,142 

(579) 

563 

∆ % 
(1.1) 

(28.8) 

n.s. 

7.3 

(0.5) 

(15.3) 

(17.2) 

(11.1) 

(16.4) 

7.1 

(1.2) 

(1.0) 

13.5 

21.7 

11.0 

10.6 

11.4 

∆ %(1) 
25.2 

(9.9) 

n.s. 

35.8 

26.0 

7.3 

4.8 

12.6 

5.9 

35.6 

25.0 

25.3 

43.7 

54.1 

40.5 

40.0 

41.0 

2019 
2,814 

717 

10 

50 

3,590 

(1,215) 

(678) 

(359) 

(179) 

2,375 

(906) 

(128) 

1,341 

(312) 

1,029 

(524) 

506 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ %(1) 

31-12-19 

5,477 

5,332 
415 

46,705 
37,295 

901 

1,170 
59,585 

2,336 

3,381 

39,353 

3,503 

8,476 

2,535 

(0.2) 

1.2 
(6.6) 

(8.9) 
(7.9) 

(19.4) 

(7.1) 
(7.5) 

7.0 

(24.4) 

(4.8) 

(18.0) 

(10.6) 

(5.1) 

36.1 

38.0 
27.3 

24.2 
25.5 

9.9 

26.7 
26.1 

45.8 

3.0 

29.8 

11.8 

21.9 

29.3 

5,486 

5,268 
444 

51,285 
40,500 

1,117 

1,260 
64,416 

2,184 

4,473 

41,335 

4,271 

9,481 

2,672 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ %(1) 

31-12-19 

(7.6) 

(13.1) 

(4.8) 

(12.3) 

(6.4) 

25.9 

18.5 

29.8 

19.5 

27.6 

36,638 

3,183 

39,346 

3,425 

53,021 

28.8 

6.6 

80 

2.13 

39,662 

3,663 

41,324 

3,906 

56,642 

33.8 

7.0 

75 

2.07 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
169 

Unless expressly stated otherwise, all comments below on rates of changes for both activity and 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. 

Activity  

The most relevant aspects related to the area’s activity during 2020 were: 

 

 

 

Lending  activity  (performing  loans  under  management)  increased  by  25.9%  year-to-date  mainly  driven  by  a 
growth  in  Turkish  lira  loans  (up  33.6%)  which  was  supported  by  commercial  and  consumer  loans.  Foreign-
currency loans (in U.S. dollars) fell during 2020 (down 5.4%). 

Lending growth was accelerated in the first half the year favored by the low interest rate environment, yet as the 
interest rates started to increase its loan growth moderated in the second half of the year. By segments; 

o  Turkish lira commercial loans performed remarkably well year-on-year (up 51.6%) mainly thanks to the 

Credit Guarantee Fund utilizations and short term commercial lending. 

o  Additionally, retail loans increased (up 22.3%) driven by both consumer loans including mortgages (up 
22.6%) and credit cards (up 21.5%), thanks to the recovering economic activity with the steps taken 
towards new normal in the COVID-19 environment. 

In terms of asset quality, the NPL ratio decreased from December 2019 and stood at 6.6%. The NPL coverage 
ratio increased to 80% as of December 31, 2020 compared to the previous year. 

  Customer deposits under management (66% of total liabilities in the area as of December 31, 2020) remained 
the main source of funding for the balance sheet and increased by 29.8% year-to-date. It is worth mentioning the 
positive performance of demand deposits which increased by 73.9% year-to-date and now represent 51% of total 
customer deposits, as well as the off-balance sheet funds which grew by 19.5% during the same period. Foreign 
currency demand deposit grew by 84.6% year-to-date, with remarkable increases in second and third quarters, 
mainly due to the dollarization impact and increasing demand towards gold deposits. 

Results 

Turkey generated a net attributable profit of €563m in 2020, 41.0% higher than the same period of the previous year, 
despite a decrease in the quarter (down -62.6%). The most significant aspects of the year-on-year evolution in the income 
statement are the following: 

  Net interest income grew (up 25.2%) mainly thanks to good management of customer spreads, higher activity 

volume and remarkable contribution from inflation-linked bonds. 

  Net  fees  and  commissions  contracted  by  -9.9%  on  a  year-on-year  basis,  mainly  due  to  the  changes  in  fees 
regulation that came into force in March 2020 and lower activity levels due to the impact of COVID-19. With the 
beginning of the third quarter, this line started to record growth thanks to the recovery of the economic activity 
with the gradual steps taken towards normalization. 

  Good performance of the NTI, which contributed €227m in 2020 compared to €10m in 2019. This is mainly the 

result of the good performance of foreign currency positions and trading operations. 

  Other operating income and expenses increased by 35.8% year-on-year, mainly due to the positive contribution 

of non-financial activities (renting activity) and higher insurance activity net results. 

  Operating  expenses  increased  by  7.3%,  significantly  below  the  average  inflation  rate  (12.28%),  which  is  also 
supported by the reduction in some discretionary expenses due to COVID-19. As a result of the growth of the 
gross income well above the growth of expenses, the efficiency ratio improved 5 percentage points during the 
year to 28.8%. 

 

Impairment losses on financial assets increased by 25.0% primarily due to higher provisions for specific clients 
in the commercial portfolio. As a result, the cumulative cost of risk at the end of December stood at 2.13%. 

  The line provisions  and  other  results closed in 2020 with a loss of €127m, which is a similar level to the one 
registered  in  the  previous  year,  mainly  due  to  provisions  for  special  funds  and  for  contingent  liabilities  and 
commitments. 

 
 
 
 
170 

South America 

Highlights 

  Activity growth impacted by the support measures from the different governments. 

  Year-on-year growth in recurring revenues and year-on-year decline in NTI due to the sale of the stake in 

Prisma in 2019. 

  Contained growth in expenditure, well below the area's average inflation. 

  Net attributable profit affected by the increase in the impairment on financial assets line. 

BUSINESS ACTIVITY (1)  
(YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE 
RATES. DATA AS OF 31-12-20) 

NET INTEREST INCOME/ATAS 
 (PERCENTAGE. CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATE) 

(1) 

 Excluding repos. 

OPERATING INCOME 
(MILLIONS OF EUROS AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE 
RATES) 

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT 
(MILLIONS OF EUROS AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE 
RATES) 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: -18.6%. 

(1) 

At current exchange rate: -38.2%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELEVANT BUSINESS INDICATORS (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE) 

171 

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/(loss) 

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 (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. 

2020 
2,701 

484 

407 

(367) 

3,225 

(1,372) 

(669) 

(549) 

(154) 

1,853 

(864) 

(93) 

896 

(277) 

619 

(173) 

446 

∆ % 
(15.5) 

(13.1) 

(29.3) 

(23.4) 

(16.2) 

(12.8) 

(15.7) 

(9.8) 

(10.3) 

(18.6) 

∆ % (1) 
0.9 

0.6 

(12.8) 

(18.9) 

1.7 

2.8 

0.2 

6.5 

1.9 

0.8 

11.3 

34.0 

(10.2) 

(35.8) 

(24.5) 

(39.8) 

(43.7) 

(38.2) 

24.5 

(19.9) 

(4.5) 

(25.3) 

(31.6) 

(22.6) 

2019 
3,196 

557 

576 

(479) 

3,850 

(1,574) 

(794) 

(609) 

(171) 

2,276 

(777) 

(103) 

1,396 

(368) 

1,028 

(307) 

721 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

∆ %(1) 

31-12-19 

7,126 

7,329 
108 

38,549 
33,615 

808 

1,624 
55,435 

1,326 

5,378 

36,874 

2,612 

7,093 

2,152 

31-12-20 

33,719 

1,780 

36,886 

13,722 

39,804 

42.5 

4.4 

110 

2.36 

(17.1) 

19.7 
(5.2) 

1.8 
(5.8) 

(16.5) 

12.9 
0.8 

(28.7) 

47.1 

2.1 

(18.9) 

(7.5) 

(13.6) 

∆ % 

(5.3) 

(3.9) 

2.1 

6.7 

(12.4) 

4.1 

44.3 
8.4 

20.7 
11.8 

(4.7) 

32.5 
20.7 

(17.6) 

72.0 

23.4 

(7.5) 

10.4 

4.7 

8,601 

6,120 
114 

37,869 
35,701 

968 

1,438 
54,996 

1,860 

3,656 

36,104 

3,220 

7,664 

2,492 

∆ % (1) 

31-12-19 

12.6 

13.6 

23.3 

20.3 

5.2 

35,598 

1,853 

36,123 

12,864 

45,413 

40.9 

4.4 

100 

1.88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOUTH AMERICA. DATA PER COUNTRY (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Country 
Argentina 

Colombia 

2020 
343 

591 

Operating income  

∆ % 
(37.3) 

(7.4) 

∆ % (1) 
n.s. 

6.2 

2019 
548 

639 

718 

Peru 
Other countries (2) 
Total 
(1) Figures at constant exchange rates. 
(2) Bolivia, Chile (Forum), Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. Additionally, it includes eliminations and other charges. 

(18.6) 

(23.4) 

2,276 

(13.2) 

1,853 

(11.4) 

(7.2) 

200 

827 

0.8 

261 

172 

Net attributable profit/(loss) 

2020 
89 

165 

110 

82 

446 

∆ % 
(33.0) 

(38.0) 

(45.6) 

(31.7) 

(38.2) 

∆ % (1) 
n.s. 

(28.9) 

(41.8) 

(20.2) 

(22.6) 

2019 
133 

267 

202 

120 

721 

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) 

Off-balance sheet funds (1)(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 and other off-balance sheet funds. 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

31-12-20 

31-12-19 

31-12-20 

31-12-19 

31-12-20 

31-12-19 

2,812 

1,909 

11,682 

11,234 

15,106 

12,575 

52 

4,622 

969 

5,685 

53.6 

1.8 

241 

3.24 

68 

2,845 

420 

677 

12,129 

1,567 

6,093 

13,095 

46.9 

3.4 

161 

4.22 

35.2 

5.2 

113 

2.64 

648 

904 

675 

11,097 

15,850 

12,250 

1,214 

14,172 

36.2 

5.3 

98 

1.67 

2,146 

1,523 

15,845 

19,293 

37.7 

4.5 

101 

2.13 

35.8 

4.1 

96 

1.45 

Unless expressly stated otherwise, all the comments below on rates of change, for both activity and results, will be given 
at constant exchange rates. These rates, together with the changes at current exchange rates, can be found in the attached 
tables of the financial statements and relevant business indicators.  

Activity and results 

The most relevant aspects related to the area's activity in 2020 were: 

 

Lending activity (performing loans under management) was 12.6% higher as of December 31, 2020 compared 
to the close of the previous year. The performance of the wholesale portfolio stands out (up 20.3% year-on-year), 
due to the greater drawdown of credit facilities by companies in response to the situation generated by the COVID-
19 pandemic. The retail portfolio closed up compared to the end of 2019 (up 5.1%) following the upturn in the 
quarter (up 1.9%), mainly due to the evolution of credit cards and consumer loans (up 4.3% collectively). In terms 
of asset quality, the non-performing loan ratio stood at 4.4% while the NPL coverage ratio stood at 110%. 

  On the funding side, the performance has been boosted by the measures taken by the different central banks to 
ensure  liquidity  in  the  respective  financial  systems  in  the  region.  As  a  result,  deposits  from  customers  under 
management increased by 23.3% throughout the year, mainly due to the evolution of demand deposits. Likewise, 
off-balance sheet funds grew by 20.3% throughout the year. 

South America generated a cumulative net attributable profit of €446m in 2020, representing a year-on-year decline of 
22.6% (down 38.2% at current exchange rates), mainly due to the increase in the impairment on financial assets in the 
first  half  of  2020  caused  by  the  COVID-19  crisis.  The  cumulative  impact  of  inflation  in  Argentina  on  the  area's  net 
attributable  profit  in  2020  stood  at  a  loss  of  around  €104m,  compared  to  a  cumulative  loss  of  €98m  at  the  end  of 
December 2019. 

The most notable aspects of the cumulative evolution of the income statement as of December 2020 are summarized 
below: 

  Net interest income continued to grow at constant exchange rates (up 0.9%). At current exchange rates, the 

devaluation of the main currencies in the region weakened this positive performance. 

  Decreased contribution from NTI  (down  12.8% at constant exchange  rates, down 29.3% at current exchange 
rates). This line includes the annual valuation in the last quarter of 2020 of the Bank's stake in Prisma Medios de 
Pago  S.A.  (hereinafter  Prisma),  the  outcome  of  which  was  more  positive  than  the  2019  annual  valuation,  in  a 
comparison that also includes the capital  gains in the first quarter of 2019. 

  Operating expenses (up 2.8%) increased significantly below the inflation rate in the region. 

 
 
 
 
 
173 

 

Increased requirements for impairment  on  financial  assets (up 34.0%, up 11.3% at current exchange rates) 
mainly due to the extraordinary deterioration in the macroeconomic scenario resulting from the impact of COVID-
19 and largely recorded in the first half of the year. 

The evolution throughout 2020 for the business area’s most representative countries, Argentina, Colombia and Peru, is 
summarized below: 

Argentina 

 

Lending activity grew by 47.3% since December 2019 due to growth in commercial and credit card segments. 
Throughout  the  quarter,  retail  portfolios  showed  higher  growth  than  wholesale  portfolios  as  a  result  of  lower 
activity caused by the pandemic. Greater credit card and consumer finance dynamism was also observed. There 
was a decrease in the NPL ratio, which stood at 1.8% as of December 31, 2020, from 3.4% at the end of December 
2019, due to the reduction in non-performing loans. The NPL coverage ratio increased to 241%. 

  On the total customers funds side, available liquidity meant that deposits from customers under management 
increased by 62.5% in 2020, with growth in both demand deposits and time deposits, the latter was favored by 
minimum returns on deposits in pesos established by the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina. Off-balance 
sheet funds also increased significantly. 

  Net  attributable  profit  stood  at  €89m,  with  recurrent  revenues  performing  well  (up  8.0%)  and  a  greater 
contribution as a result of the annual valuation on the remaining stake in Prisma. The year-on-year comparison is 
affected by the positive effect of the sale of the stake in Prisma and the increased need for impairment on financial 
assets in 2019, due to the rating downgrade and the situation in the country at the time. 

Colombia 

 

Lending  activity  grew  by  4.0%  in  2020  due  to  the  performance  of  retail  portfolios  (up  5.1%  year-on-year), 
particularly consumer and mortgages, the latter supported by government incentives for non-social housing. In 
terms of asset quality, the NPL ratio and NPL coverage ratio improved to 5.2% and 113% respectively at the close 
of December 2020. 

  Deposits from customers under management increased by 9.3% in 2020, driven by growth in demand deposits. 
Off-balance sheet funds continued their recovery after the withdrawals seen at the end of the first quarter of the 
year and closed 29.0% higher than the one reached at the end of December 2019. In the quarter, the search for 
more profitable investment alternatives by customers, in line with the bank's strategy of reducing financial costs, 
meant a reduction in deposits from customers (down 0.9%). 

  Net attributable profit stood at €165m, with a year-on-year decrease of 28.9%. The strength of operating income 
is notable, which increased by 6.2% in 2020 thanks to higher income generation from net interest income and 
NTI, although there was a negative impact from the higher loan-loss provisioning due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Peru 

 

Lending  activity  was 20.1%  higher than at  the end  of  the  2019 financial  year, mainly driven by  the wholesale 
portfolio, as a result of the distribution of funds from the Plan Reactiva, which more than offset the decline still 
seen in credit cards as a result of the lower activity due to the pandemic. In terms of asset quality, as of December 
31,  2020,  an  increase  was  recorded  in  the  NPL  ratio,  which  stood  at  4.5%,  due  to  the  deterioration  of  certain 
refinanced loans, as well as other assets in the commercial, SMEs and retail portfolio segments. For its part, the 
NPL coverage ratio stood at 101%, higher than at the end of December 2019. 

  Customer  deposits under management increased by 29.4% during 2020, mainly due to the  53.4%  growth in 
demand deposits driven by legislative measures that allowed pension plan participants to withdraw part of their 
funds as a relief measure to cope with the pandemic. Off-balance sheet funds increased by 40.9%. 

  Net interest income fell compared to the previous year, due to the pressure on interest rates caused by the drop 
in official rates and government-backed loans at preferential rates, which are in addition to other customer relief 
measures such as interest-free deferral of repayments on credit cards. Net fees and commissions grew slightly 
(up 0.5%), influenced by reduced activity as a result of the pandemic, the temporary elimination of certain fees 
and commissions as a measure to support customers, and the increased use of digital channels. The upturn in 
operating expenses in the last quarter caused a growth in this line (up 1.1%) in the year, but below the inflation 
growth  (up  2%).  Greater  impairment  on  financial  assets  was  observed  in  the  quarter  as  a  result  of  rating 
adjustments,  which  were  combined  with  provisions  made  mainly  in  the  first  half  of  the  year  as  a  result  of  the 
COVID-19 crisis and resulted in this line increasing by 70.2%. As a result, net attributable profit stood at €110m, 
41.8% lower than in 2019. 

 
 
 
174 

Rest of Eurasia 

Highlights 

  Activity mainly affected by the loans amortizations made during the second half of the year. 

  Contained risk indicators. 

 

Increased recurring income and good performance of NTI. 

  Reduction of operating expenses. 

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 
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/(loss) 

2020 
214 

150 

137 

9 

510 

(285) 

(135) 

(133) 

(17) 

225 

(38) 

(2) 

184 

(48) 

137 

- 

137 

Balance sheets 

31-12-20 

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 

285 

492 
- 

21,839 
18,908 

- 

65 

200 
22,881 

46 

858 

4,578 

704 

15,398 

419 

879 

∆ % 
22.4 

8.2 

4.4 

(4.8) 

12.3 

(2.7) 

(6.3) 

1.6 

(5.5) 

39.8 

n.s. 

n.s. 

13.3 

33.3 

7.6 

- 

7.6 

∆ % 

15.3 

3.0 
- 

(1.8) 
(3.9) 

- 

(9.5) 

(11.9) 
(1.6) 

(19.4) 

(17.4) 

(2.8) 

(16.0) 

0.3 

4.9 

1.7 

2019 
175 

139 

131 

9 

454 

(293) 

(144) 

(131) 

(18) 

161 

(4) 

6 

163 

(36) 

127 

- 

127 

31-12-19 

247 

477 
- 

22,233 
19,669 

- 

72 

228 
23,257 

57 

1,039 

4,708 

838 

15,351 

399 

864 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Activity and results 

∆ % 

(3.8) 

(15.3) 

(2.8) 

13.8 

1.4 

31-12-20 

18,906 

296 

4,578 

569 

18,249 

56.0 

1.1 

100 

0.18 

175 

31-12-19 

19,663 

350 

4,708 

500 

17,989 

64.6 

1.2 

98 

0.02 

The most relevant aspects of the activity and results in the area during 2020 were: 

 

Lending activity (performing loans under management) decreased  in the last quarter of the year, mainly in the 
commercial segment in Europe (excluding Spain), which together with that of the previous quarter caused the 
2020 balances in this business area to close  below those recorded in the previous year (down 3.8%). The above 
is explained by both the amortizations made during the second half of the year, as customers did not have to use 
all the liquidity initially available to cope with the situation generated by COVID-19, and by the reopening of the 
wholesale funding markets in the third quarter of 2020, as a funding alternative. 

  Credit risk indicators remained stable compared to the end of 2019: the NPL ratio and NPL coverage ratio closed 

at 1.1% and 100%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. 

  Customer deposits under management fell by 2.8%, due to the decrease in time deposits. 

 

In terms of results, double-digit increase of 16.1% year-on-year in the most recurring revenues due to the positive 
performance of both net interest income (up 22.4% year-on-year) and net fees and commissions (up 8.2% 
year-on-year), supported by CIB activity. 

  The NTI line increased (up 4.4% year-on-year) due to the good performance of customer activity and favorable 

management of market volatility. 

  Reduction of operating expenses (down 2.7% year-on-year). 

  The line of impairment on financial assets registered a release of €10m in the last quarter of the year and closed 
the year at €-38m, well above the €-4m recorded 12 months earlier, mainly as a consequence of the deterioration 
of specific customers in the wholesale portfolio. As a result, the cumulative cost of risk of the area at the end of 
the year stood at 0.18%. 

  As a result, the area's cumulative net  attributable  profit at the end of December 2020 was €137m (up 7.6% 

year-on-year). 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Corporate Center 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (MILLIONS OF EUROS AND PERCENTAGE) 
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   
Goodwill impairment in the United States and corporate operations (1) 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Non-controlling interests 
Net attributable profit/(loss) 

2020 
(149) 

(59) 

104 

47 

(57) 

(819) 

(494) 

(131) 

(194) 

(876) 

4 

(289) 

(1,160) 

305 

(856) 

(1,780) 

(2,635) 

0 

(2,635) 

∆ % 
(36.0) 

(18.6) 

n.s. 

119.8 

(83.1) 

(14.3) 

(16.4) 

(24.5) 

1.7 

(32.3) 

n.s. 

77.1 

(20.4) 

18.1 

(28.6) 

35.0 

4.7 

(61.3) 

4.7 

176 

2019 
(233) 

(73) 

(54) 

21 

(339) 

(955) 

(591) 

(173) 

(190) 

(1,294) 

(0) 

(163) 

(1,457) 

258 

(1,199) 

(1,318) 

(2,517) 

0 

(2,517) 

Net attributable profit/(loss) excluding the goodwill impairment 
in the United States and corporate operations (1) 
(1) Include the net capital gain from the sale to Allianz the half plus one share of the company created to jointly develop the non-life insurance business in Spain, excluding the health 
insurance line. 

(28.6) 

(856) 

(1,199) 

Balance sheets 

31-12-20 

∆ % 

31-12-19 

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 

Total equity 

818 

1,457 
- 

2,095 
503 

17,536 

2,063 

17,705 
41,674 

20 

820 

363 

8,179 

- 

7,266 

(24,995) 

50,020 

(2.2) 

(40.7) 
- 

(15.5) 
(38.1) 

(18.4) 

(7.9) 

(13.2) 
(16.5) 

48.3 

14.3 

17.8 

5.4 

- 

(28.4) 

4.2 

(8.9) 

836 

2,458 
- 

2,480 
813 

21,477 

2,240 

20,394 
49,886 

14 

718 

308 

7,764 

- 

10,148 

(23,989) 

54,925 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
177 

The Corporate Center registered a cumulative net attributable loss of €2,635m in 2020, due to the €2,084m goodwill 
impairment in the United States in the first quarter of 2020, which was fundamentally caused by the negative impact of 
the macroeconomic scenario adjustment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This attributable loss also includes the result of 
corporate operations for the net capital gain, of €304m, recorded in the last quarter of 2020 due to the materialization of 
the agreement with Allianz. For its part, 2019 reflected the goodwill impairment in the United States that amounted to €-
1,318m euros at the net attributable loss level, mainly due to the evolution of interest rates in the country and the slowdown 
in  the  economy  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2019.  The  Corporate  Center’s  net  attributable  loss,  excluding  the  goodwill 
impairment in the United States and the result of corporate operations in 2020, stood at €-856m, 28.6% better than in 
2019, equally excluding the goodwill impairment in the United States. 

The most relevant aspects of the income statement evolution are: 

  The net interest income increased by 36.0% due to the lower financing costs. 

  The NTI recorded €104m, mainly from gains in foreign-exchange rate hedging, which compares very positively 

to the €-54m registered in 2019. 

  Other operating income and expenses include mainly the dividends from Telefónica, S.A., as well as the income 

from the consolidated companies accounted for by the equity method. 

  Containment of the operating expenses, which decreased by 14.3% year-on-year, both for personnel expenses 

(mainly variable remuneration) and for general expenses. 

 
 
 
 
 
178 

Risk management  

General risk management and control model 

The BBVA Group has a general risk management and control model (hereinafter, the “Model”) that is appropriate for its 
business model, its organization, the countries where it operates and its corporate governance system. This model allows 
the Group to carry out its activity within the risk management and control strategy and policy defined by the corporate 
bodies of BBVA and to adapt itself to a changing economic and regulatory environment, facing this management at a global 
level and aligned to the circumstances at all times. 

The Model, for which the Group’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is responsible and that must be updated or reviewed at least 
annually, is fully applied in the Group and it comprises the following basic elements: 

  Governance and Organization 

  Risk Appetite Framework 

  Assessment, Monitoring and Reporting 

 

Infrastructure. 

The Group promotes the development of a risk culture that ensures a consistent application of the Model in the Group, and 
that guarantees that the risks function is understood and internalized at all levels of the organization. 

Governance and Organization  

The risk governance model in the BBVA Group is characterized by a special involvement of its corporate bodies, both in 
setting the risk strategy and in monitoring and supervising its implementation on an ongoing basis. 

Thus, and as explained below, the corporate bodies are responsible for approving the risk strategy and the general policies 
for the different types of risks. Global Risk Management (GRM) & Regulation and Internal Control (including, among other 
areas, Non-Financial Risks) are the functions responsible for its implementation and development, with the appropriate 
reporting to corporate bodies. 

Responsibility for day-to-day management of risks falls on business and corporate areas, the activities of which adhere to 
the general policies, regulation, infrastructures and controls that, based on the framework set by corporate bodies, are 
defined by Global Risk Management and Regulation & Internal Control in their corresponding areas of responsibility. 

To carry out this work adequately, the financial risks function in the BBVA Group (GRM) has been set up as a single, global 
function independent from commercial areas. 

The head of the risks function at an executive level, the Group’s Chief Risk Officer (or CRO), is appointed by the Board of 
Directors as a member of its senior management, and reports directly on the development of the corresponding functions 
to  the  corporate  bodies.  The  Chief  Risk  Officer,  for  the  best  fulfillment  of  the  functions,  is  supported  by  a  structure 
consisting  of  cross-cutting  risk  units  in  the  corporate  area  and  specific  risk  units  in  the  Group's  geographical  and/or 
business areas. 

In addition, and with regard to internal control and non-financial risks, the Group has a Regulation & Internal Control area 
independent from the rest of units and whose head (Head of Regulation & Internal Control) is also appointed by the Board 
of Directors of BBVA and reports directly to corporate bodies on the performance of its functions. This area is responsible 
for proposing and implementing non-financial risks policies and the Internal Control Model of the Group and it is composed 
by, among other, the Non-Financial Risks, Regulatory Compliance and Risk Internal Control units. 

The Risk Internal Control unit, within the Regulation & Internal Control area and, therefore, independent from the financial 
risks function (GRM), acts as a control unit for the activities carried out by GRM. In this regard, and without prejudice to the 
functions performed in this regard by the Internal Audit area, Risk Internal Control checks that the regulatory framework, 
processes  and  established  measures  are  sufficient  and  appropriate  for  each  type  of  financial  risk.  It  also  monitors  its 
implementation  and  operation,  and  confirms  that  those  decisions  taken  by  GRM  are  taken  independently  from  the 
business lines and, in particular, that there’s an adequate segregation of functions between units. 

Governance  and  organizational  structure  are  basic  pillars  for  ensuring  an  effective  risk  management  and  control.  This 
section summarizes the roles and responsibilities of the corporate bodies in the risks area, of the Group's Chief Risk Officer 
and, in general, of the risks function, its interrelation and the group of committees, in addition to the Risk Internal Control 
unit. 

 
 
 
179 

Corporate Bodies of BBVA 

According to the corporate governance system of BBVA, the Board of Directors of the Bank has certain reserved powers 
concerning  management,  through  the  implementation  of  the  corresponding  most  relevant  decisions,  and  concerning 
supervision and control, through the monitoring and supervision of implemented decisions and management of the Bank. 

In  addition,  and  to  ensure  an  adequate  performance  of  the  management  and  supervisory  functions  of  the  Board  of 
Directors,  the  corporate  governance  system  comprises  different  committees  supporting  the  Board  of  Directors  with 
regard  to  matters  falling  within  their  competence,  and  according  to  the  specific  charters  of  each  committee.  For  this 
purpose, a coordinated work scheme between these corporate bodies has been established. 

In  terms  of  risks,  the  Board  of  Directors  has  reserved  those  powers  referred  to  determining  the  risk  control  and 
management policy and the supervision and control of its implementation. 

In addition, and for an adequate performance of its duties, the Board of Directors is assisted by the Risk and Compliance 
Committee  (“CRC”),  on  the  issues  detailed  below,  and  by  the  Executive  Committee  (“CDP”),  which  is  focused  on  the 
strategy, finance and business functions of the Group, for the purposes of which it monitors the risks of the Group. 

The involvement of the corporate bodies of BBVA in the control and management of the risks of the Group is detailed below: 

  Board of Directors 

The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the risk strategy of the Group and, in this role, it determines 
the risks management and control policy, through the following documents: 

o  The Risk Appetite Framework of the Group, which includes in the one hand the risk appetite statement 
of the Group, that is, the general principles governing the risk strategy of the Group and its target profile; 
and, on the other hand, and based on the above mentioned risk appetite statement, a set of quantitative 
metrics (core metrics, and their corresponding statements, and by type of risk metrics), reflecting the 
risk profile of the Group; 

o  The framework of management policies of the different types of risk to which the Bank is, or could be, 
exposed. They contain the basic lines for a consistent management and control of risks throughout the 
Group, and consistent with the Risk Appetite Framework and the Model; and 

o  The model. 

All of the above in coordination with the rest of prospective-strategic decisions of the Bank, which includes the 
Strategic Plan, the Annual Budget, the Capital Plan and  the Liquidity  & Funding Plan, in addition to  the rest  of 
management objectives, whose approval is a responsibility of the Board of Directors. 

In  addition  to  defining  the  risk  strategy,  the  Board  of  Directors,  in  the  performance  of  its  risks  monitoring, 
management and control tasks, also monitors the evolution of the risks of the Group and of each main business 
and/or  geographical  area,  ensuring  compliance  with  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  of  the  Group;  and  also 
supervising the internal information and control systems. 

For the development of all these functions, the Board of Directors is supported by the CRC and the CDP, which 
are responsible for the functions detailed below. 

  Risk and Compliance Committee 

The CRC is, according to its own charter, composed of non-executive directors and its main purpose is to assist 
the Board  of  Directors on  the establishment and monitoring of  the risk control and  management policy of the 
Group. 

For this purpose, it assists the Board of Directors in a variety of risk control and monitoring areas, in addition to 
its  analysis  functions,  based  on  the  strategic  pillars  established  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  CDP,  the 
proposals on the risk management, control and strategy of the Group, which are particularly specified in the Risk 
Appetite Framework and in this Model. After the analysis, the Risk Appetite Framework and Model proposal is 
submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration and, where appropriate, approval purposes. 

In addition, the CRC proposes, in a manner consistent with the Risk Appetite Framework of the Group approved 
by the Board of Directors, the management and control policies of the different risks of the Group, and supervises 
the internal control and information systems. 

With regard to the monitoring of the evolution of the risks of the Group and their degree of compliance with the 
Risk Appetite Framework and defined general policies, and without prejudice to the monitoring task carried out 
by the Board of Directors and the CDP, the CRC carries out monitoring and control tasks with greater frequency 
and receives information with a sufficient granularity to achieve an adequate performance of its duties. 

The CRC also analyzes all measures planned to mitigate the impact of all identified risks, should they materialize, 
which must be implemented by the CDP or the Board of Directors, as the case may be. 

The CRC also monitors the procedures, tools and measurement indicators of those risks established at a Group 
level in order to have a comprehensive view of the risks of BBVA and its Group, and monitors compliance with the 
regulation and supervisory requirements in terms of risks. 

 
180 

The CRC is also responsible for analyzing those project-related risks that are considered strategic for the Group 
or corporate transactions that are going to be submitted to the Board of Directors of the CDP, within its scope of 
competence. 

In  addition,  it  contributes  to  the  setting  of  the  remuneration  policy,  checking  that  it  is  compatible  with  an 
appropriate and efficient management of risks and that it does not provide incentives to take risks breaching the 
level tolerated by the Bank. 

Lastly, the CRC ensures the promotion of the risk culture in the Group. 

In 2020, the CRC has held 23 meetings. 

 

Executive Committee (CDP) 

In  order  to  have  a  complete  and  comprehensive  view  of  the  progress  of  the  businesses  of  the  Group  and  its 
business units, the CDP monitors the evolution of the risk profile and the core metrics defined by the Board of 
Directors, being aware of any potential deviation or breach of the metrics of the Risk Appetite Framework and 
implementing, when applicable, the appropriate measures, as explained in the Model. 

In addition, the CDP is responsible for proposing the basis for developing the Risk Appetite Framework, which will 
be  established  in  coordination  with  the  rest  of  prospective/strategic  decisions  of  the  Bank  and  the  rest  of 
management objectives. 

Lastly,  the  CDP  is  the  committee  supporting  the  Board  of  Directors  in  decisions  related  to  business  risk  and 
reputational risk, according to the dispositions set out in its own charter. 

Chief Risk Officer of the Group 

The Group’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is responsible for the management of all the financial risks of the Group with the 
necessary independence, authority, rank, experience, knowledge and resources. The CRO is appointed by the Board of 
Directors  of  BBVA  and  has  direct  access  to  its  corporate  bodies  (Board  of  Directors,  CDP  and  CRC),  with  the 
corresponding regular reporting on the risk situation in the Group.  

The GRM area has a responsibility as the unit transversal to all the businesses of the BBVA Group. This responsibility is 
part  of  the  structure  of  the  BBVA  Group,  which  is  formed  by  subsidiaries  based  in  different  jurisdictions,  which  have 
autonomy and must comply with their local regulation, but always according to the risk management and control scheme 
designed by BBVA as the parent company of the BBVA Group. 

The Chief Risk Officer of the BBVA Group is responsible for ensuring that those risks of the BBVA Group within the scope 
are managed according to the established model, assuming, among other, the following responsibilities: 

  Prepare,  in  coordination  with  the  rest  of  areas  responsible  for  risks  monitoring  and  control,  and  propose  to 
corporate bodies the risk strategy of the BBVA Group, which includes the Risk Appetite statement of the BBVA 
Group, core (and their respective statements) and by type of risk metrics, and the Model. 

  Define,  in  coordination  with  the  rest  of  areas  responsible  for  risks  monitoring  and  control,  and  propose  to 
corporate bodies the general policies for each type of risk within its scope of responsibility and, as part these, to 
establish the required specific regulation. 

  Prepare,  in  coordination  with  the  rest  of  areas  responsible  for  risks  monitoring  and  control,  and  propose  for 
approval, or approving if within its competence, the risk limits for the geographies, business areas and/or legal 
entities,  which  shall  be  consistent  with  the  defined  Risk  Appetite  Framework;  it  is  also  responsible  for  the 
monitoring, supervision and control of risk limits within its scope of responsibility. 

  Submit to the Risk and Compliance Committee the information required to carry out its supervisory and control 

functions. 

  Regular reporting to the corresponding corporate bodies on the situation of those risks of the BBVA Group within 

its scope of responsibility. 

 

 

 

Identify and assess the material risks faced by the BBVA Group within its scope of responsibility, with an effective 
management of those risks and, where necessary, with the implementation of the required mitigation measures. 

Early warning to the relevant corporate bodies and the Chief Executive Officer of any material risk within its scope 
of responsibility that could compromise the solvency of the BBVA Group. 

Ensure, within its scope of responsibility, the integrity of measurement techniques and management information 
systems and, in general, the provision of models, tools, systems and resources to implement the risk strategy 
defined by the corporate bodies. 

  Promote  the  risk  culture  of  the  BBVA  Group  to  ensure  the  consistency  of  the  Model  in  the  different  countries 

where it operates, strengthening the cross-cutting model of the risks function. 

 
 
 
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For  decision-making  purposes,  the  Chief  Risk  Officer  of  the  Group  has  a  governance  structure  for  the  function  that 
culminates in a support forum, the Global Risk Management Committee (GRMC). This committee is the main executive 
committee  for  those  risks  within  its  competence,  and  its  main  purpose  is  the  development  of  the  strategies,  policies, 
regulation and infrastructure required for identifying, assessing, measuring and managing those material risks within its 
scope of responsibility faced by the Group. This committee is composed by the Chief Risk Officer, who chairs the meetings, 
and the heads of the GRM corporate disciplines of the Risk Management Group, the four most relevant geographical risk 
areas, CIB, South America and Risk Internal Control. The purpose of the GRMC is to propose and challenge, among other 
issues,  the  internal  regulatory  framework  of  GRM  and  the  infrastructures  required  to  identify,  assess,  measure  and 
manage the risks faced by the Group in carrying out its businesses and to approve risk limits. 

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 or written-off 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, as well as the approval of 
other proposals that must be seen in this Committee according to the established thresholds and criteria. 

  Asset Allocation Committee: The executive authority responsible for managing the limits by asset class for credit 
risk, equities and real estate not for own use and by business area and at group level established in the Asset 
Allocation limits planning exercise, which aims to achieve an optimal combination and composition of portfolios 
under  the  restrictions  imposed  by  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  (“RAF”),  which  allows  maximizing  the  risk-
adjusted  return  on  regulatory  and  economic  capital  when  appropriate.  Additionally,  it  takes  into  account  the 
concentration and credit quality objectives of the portfolio, as well as the prospects and strategic needs of the 
Bank. 

  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. 

  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 serve as the basis for the development of the risk management 
model and the monitoring of the insurance companies of the BBVA Group by developing and coordinating the 
strategies, policies, procedures and infrastructure necessary to identify, evaluate, measure, monitor and manage 
the material risks faced by insurance companies. 

  COPOR: its purpose is to analyze and make decision in relation to the operations of the various geographies in 

which Global Markets is present. 

Additionally, the Corporate Committee for Admission of Operational Risk and Product Governance (CCAROyGP) aims to 
ensure the adequate evaluation of initiatives with significant operational risk (new business, product, outsourcing, process 
transformation,  new  systems,  etc.)  from  the  perspective  of  operational  risk  and  approval  of  the  proposed  control 
environment 

Risk units of the corporate area and the business/geographical areas 

The risks function is comprised of risk units from the corporate area, which carry out cross-cutting functions, and of risk 
units of the geographical/business areas. 

 

The  risk  units  of  the  corporate  area  develop  and  submit  to  the  Group’s  Chief  Risk  Officer  (CRO)  the  different 
elements required to define the proposal for the Group's Risk Appetite Framework, the general policies, regulation 
and  global  infrastructures  within  the  operating  framework  approved  by  corporate  bodies;  they  ensure  their 
application and report directly or through the Group’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to the corporate bodies of BBVA. 
With regard to non-financial risks and reputational risk, which are entrusted to the Regulation & Internal Control 
and Communications & Responsible Business areas respectively, the corporate units of GRM will coordinate, with 
the corresponding corporate units of those areas, the development of the elements that should be integrated into 
the Appetite Framework of the Group. 

 
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 

The  risk  units  of  the  business  and/or  geographical  areas  develop  and  submit  to  the  Chief  Risk  Officer  of  the 
geographical and/or business areas the Risk Appetite Framework proposal applicable in each geography and/or 
business area, independently and always according  to  the  Group's Risk  Appetite Framework. In addition, they 
ensure  the  application  of  general  policies  and  rules  with  the  necessary  adaptations,  when  applicable,  to  local 
requirements, providing the appropriate infrastructures for risk management and control purposes, within the 
global risk infrastructure framework defined by the corporate areas, and reporting to the corresponding corporate 
bodies  and  senior  management,  as  applicable.  With  regard  to  Non-financial  risks,  which  are  integrated  in  the 
Regulation & Internal Control area, the local risk units will coordinate, with the unit responsible for those risks, the 
development of the elements that should be integrated into the local Risk Appetite Framework. 

Thus, the local risk units work with  the risk  units of the corporate area with the aim of  adapting  themselves to the risk 
strategy at Group level and pooling all the information required to monitor the evolution of their risks.  

As previously mentioned, the risks function has a decision-making process supported by a structure of committees, and 
also a top-level committee, the GRMC, whose composition and functions are described in section “Corporate Bodies of 
BBVA”. 

Each geographical and/or business area has its own risk management committee(s), with objectives and contents similar 
to those of the corporate area. These committees perform their duties consistently and in line with general risk policies 
and corporate rules, and its decisions are reflected in the corresponding minutes.  

Under this organizational scheme, the risks function ensures the integration and application throughout the Group of the 
risk  strategy,  the  regulatory  framework,  the  infrastructures  and  standardized  risk  controls.  It  also  benefits  from  the 
knowledge and proximity to customers in each geographical and/or business area, and conveys 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 an integrated monitoring and control of the risks of the entire Group. 

Chief Risk Officers of geographical and/or business areas 

The risks function is cross-cutting, i.e. it is present in all of the Group's geographical and/or business areas through specific 
risk units. Each of these units is headed by a Chief Risk Officer for the geographical and/or business area who, within the 
relevant scope of responsibility, carries out  risk management and control functions and is responsible for applying the 
Model, the general policies and corporate rules approved at Group level in a consistent manner, adapting them if necessary 
to local requirements and with the subsequent reporting to local corporate bodies. 

The  Chief  Risk  Officers  of  the  geographical  and/or  business  areas  have  functional  reporting  to  the  Group's  Chief  Risk 
Officer and hierarchical reporting to the head of their geographical and/or business area. This dual reporting system aims 
to  ensure  the  independence  of  the  local  risks  function  from  the  operating  functions  and  enable  its  alignment  with  the 
Group's general policies and goals related to risks. 

Risk Internal Control 

The Group has a specific Risk Internal Control unit, within the Regulation & Internal Control area, that, among other tasks, 
independently  challenges  and  control  the  regulation  and  governance  structure  in  terms  of  financial  risks  and  its 
implementation and deployment in GRM, in addition to the challenge of the development and implementation of financial 
risks control and management processes. In addition, it is also responsible for validating the risk models. 

For this purpose, it has 3 subunits: RIC-Processes, Risks Technical Secretariat and Risk Internal Validation. 

  RIC-Processes. It is responsible for challenging an appropriate development of the functions of GRM units, and 
for reviewing that the functioning of financial risks management and control processes is appropriate and in line 
with  the corresponding regulation, identifying potential opportunities for improvement and contributing to the 
design of the action plans to be implemented by the responsible units. In addition, it is the Risk Control Specialist 
(RCS)  in  the  Group's  Internal  Control  Model  and,  therefore,  establishes  the  frameworks  for  mitigating  and 
controlling the risks for which it is responsible.  

  Risks Technical Secretariat. It is responsible for the definition, design and management of the principles, policies, 
criteria  and  processes  through  which  the  regulatory  risk  framework  is  developed,  processed,  reported  and 
disclosed  to  the  countries;  and  for  the  coordination,  monitoring  and  assessment  of  its  consistency  and 
completeness. In addition, it coordinates the definition and structure of the most relevant GRM Committees, and 
monitors  their  proper  functioning,  in  order  to  ensure  that  all  risk  decisions  are  taken  through  an  adequate 
governance and structure, ensuring their traceability. It also provides to the CRC the technical support required 
in terms of financial risks for a better performance of its functions. 

  Risk Internal Validation. It is responsible for validating the risks models. In this regard, it effectively challenges the 
relevant models used to manage and control the risks faced by the Group, as an independent third party from 
those developing or using the models in order to ensure its accuracy, robustness and stability. This review process 
is not restricted to the approval process, or to the introduction of changes in the models, but it is a plan to make a 
regular  assessment  of  those  models,  with  the  subsequent  issue  of  recommendations  and  actions  to  mitigate 
identified weaknesses. 

 
183 

The Head of Risk Internal Control of the Group is responsible for the function and reports about his activities and work 
plans to the Head of Regulation & Internal Control and to the CRC, with the corresponding support in the issues required, 
and, in particular, challenging that GRM’s reports submitted to the Committee are aligned with the criteria established at 
the time.   

In addition, the risk internal control function is global and transversal, it includes all types of financial risks and has specific 
units in all geographical and/or business areas, with functional reporting to the Head of Risk Internal Control of the Group. 

The  Risk  Internal  Control  function  must  ensure  compliance  with  the  general  risks  strategy  defined  by  the  Board  of 
Directors, with adequate proportionality and continuity. In order to comply with the control activity within its scope. Risk 
Internal Control is member of GRM’s top-level committees (sometimes even assuming the Secretariat role), independently 
challenging  the  decisions  that  may  be  taken  and,  specifically,  the  decisions  related  to  the  definition  and  application  of 
internal risk regulation. 

Furthermore, the control activity is developed within a homogeneous methodological framework at a Group level, covering 
the entire life cycle of financial risks management and carried out under a critical and analytical approach. 

The Risk Internal Control team reports the results of its control function to the corresponding heads and teams, promoting 
the  implementation  of  corrective  measures  and  submitting  these  assessments  and  the  resolution  commitments  in  a 
transparent manner to the established levels. 

Lastly, and notwithstanding the control responsibility that GRM teams have in the first instance, Risk Internal Control teams 
promote a control culture in GRM, conveying the importance of having robust processes. 

Risk Appetite Framework 

Elements and development 

The Group's Risk Appetite Framework approved by the corporate bodies determines the risks and the risk level that the 
Group  is  willing  to  assume  to  achieve  its  business  objectives  considering  the  organic  evolution  of  business.  They  are 
expressed  in  terms  of  solvency,  liquidity  and  funding  and  profitability  and  income  recurrence,  which  are  reviewed 
periodically and in case of material changes in the business strategy or relevant corporate transactions. 

The Risk Appetite Framework is expressed through the following elements: 

  Risk Appetite Statement: sets out the general principles of the Group's risk strategy and the target risk profile: 

The BBVA Group develops a multichannel and responsible universal banking business model, based on values, 
committed  to  sustainable  development  and  centered  on  our  customers’  needs,  focusing  on  operational 
excellence and the preservation of adequate security and business continuity. 

BBVA intends to achieve these goals while maintaining a moderate risk profile, so the risk model established aims 
at ensuring a robust financial position, facilitating its commitment with sustainability and obtaining a sound risk-
adjusted profitability throughout the cycle, as the best way to face adverse environments without jeopardizing its 
strategies . 
Risk Management at BBVA is based on prudent management, an integral view of all risks, a portfolio diversification 
by geography, asset class and client segment and keeping a long-term relationship with the client, accompanying 
him in the transition to a sustainable future, to guarantee profitable growth and generation of recurring value. 

  Statements  and  core  metrics:  based  on  the  appetite  statement,  statements  are  established  that  specify  the 
general  principles  of  risk  management  in  terms  of  solvency,  liquidity  and  funding  and  profitability  and  income 
recurrence. Moreover, the core metrics reflect, in quantitative terms, the principles and the target risk profile set 
out in the Risk Appetite statement. Each core metric has three thresholds ranging from usual management of the 
businesses to higher levels of impairment:  

o  Management reference: reference that determines a comfortable management level for the Group.  
o  Maximum appetite: maximum level of risk that the Group is willing to accept in its ordinary activity. 
o  Maximum  capacity:  maximum  risk  level  that  the  Group  could  assume  which,  for  some  metrics,  is 

associated with regulatory requirements. 

  Statements  and  metrics  by  type  of  risk:  based  on  the  core  metrics  and  their  thresholds  for  each  type  of  risk, 
statements are established that set out the general management principles for that risk and a number of metrics 
are  determined,  whose  observance  enables  compliance  with  the  core  metrics  and  the  Group's  Risk  Appetite 
statement. These metrics have a maximum risk appetite threshold.  

In addition to this Framework, there is a level of management limits that is defined and managed by the areas responsible 
for the management of each type of risk in the development of the structure of metrics by type of risk, in order to ensure 
that  the  early  management  of  risks  complies  with  that  structure  and,  in  general,  with  the  established  Risk  Appetite 
Framework. 

 
184 

Each significant geographical area (e.g those representing more than 1% of the assets or operating income of the BBVA 
Group) has its own Risk Appetite framework, consisting of its local Risk Appetite statement, core metrics and statements, 
metrics and statements by type of risk, which must be consistent with those set at the Group level, but adapted to their 
own  reality.  These  are  approved  by  the  corresponding  corporate  bodies  of  each  entity.  This  Appetite  Framework  is 
deployed through a structure of limits consistent with the above. 

The  corporate  risks  area  works  with  the  various  geographical  and/or  business  areas  to  define  their  Risk  Appetite 
Framework, so that it is coordinated with, and integrated into, the Group's Risk Appetite Framework, making sure that its 
profile is in line with the one defined. Moreover, and for the purposes of monitoring at local level, the Chief Risks Officer of 
the  geographical  and/or  business  area  regularly  reports  on  the  evolution  of  the  metrics  of  the  Local  Risk  Appetite 
Framework to the corporate bodies, as well as to the relevant top-level local committees, following a scheme similar to that 
of the Group, in accordance with its own corporate governance systems.  

Within the issuing process of the Risk Appetite Framework, Risk Internal Control carries out, within the scope of the GRM 
area (the GRMC), the effective challenge of the Framework proposal prior to its escalation to corporate bodies, which is 
also documented, and it is extended to the approval of the management limits under which it is developed, also supervising 
its adequate approval and extension to the different entities of the Group. 

Monitoring of the Risk Appetite Framework and management of breaches 

So that corporate bodies can develop the risk functions of the Group, the heads of risks at an executive level will regularly 
report (or more frequently in the case of the CRC, within its scope of responsibility) on the evolution of the metrics of the 
Risk Appetite Framework of the Group, with the sufficient granularity and detail, in order to check the degree of compliance 
of the risks strategy set out in the Risk Appetite Framework of the Group approved by the Board of Directors. 

If, through the monitoring of the metrics and supervision of the Risk Appetite Framework by the executive areas, a relevant 
deviation or breach of the maximum appetite levels of the metrics is identified, that situation must be reported and, where 
applicable, the corresponding corrective measures must be submitted to the CRC. 

After the relevant review by the CRC, the deviation must be reported to the CDP –as part of its role in the monitoring of the 
evolution of the risk profile of the Group– and to the Board of Directors, which will be responsible, when applicable, for 
implementing  the  corresponding  executive  measures,  including  the  modification  of  any  metric  of  the  Risk  Appetite 
Framework. For this purpose, the CRC will submit to the corresponding corporate bodies all the information received and 
the proposals prepared by the executive areas, together with its own analysis. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, once the information has been analyzed and the proposal of corrective measures has been 
reviewed  by  the  CRC,  the  CDP  may  adopt,  on  grounds  of  urgency  and  under  the  terms  established  by  law,  measures 
corresponding the Board of Directors, but always reporting those measures to the Board of Directors in the first meeting 
held after the implementation for ratification purposes. 

In any case, an appropriate monitoring process will be established –with a greater information frequency and granularity, 
if  required–  regarding  the  evolution  of  the  breached  or  deviated  metric,  and  the  implementation  of  the  corrective 
measures, until it has been completely redressed, with the corresponding reporting to corporate bodies, in accordance 
with its risks monitoring, supervision and control functions. 

Integration of the Risk Appetite Framework into the management 

The transfer of the Risk Appetite Framework to ordinary management is underpinned by three basic elements: 

1.  The existence of a consistent regulatory framework: the corporate risks area defines and proposes the general 
policies within its scope of action, and develops the additional internal regulation required for the development of 
those  policies  and  the  operating  frameworks  on  the  basis  of  which  risk  decisions  must  be  adopted  within  the 
Group. The approval of the general policies for all types of risks is a responsibility of the corporate bodies of BBVA, 
while the rest of regulation is defined at an executive level according to the framework of competences applicable 
at  any  given  time.  The  Risks  units  of  the  geographical  and/or  business  areas  comply  with  this  regulation  and 
performing, where necessary, the relevant adaptation to local requirements, in order to have a decision-making 
process that is appropriate at local level and aligned with the Group's policies.  

2.  Risk  planning,  which  ensures  the  integration  into  the  management  of  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  through  a 
cascade process established to set limits adjusted to the target risk profile. The Risks units of the corporate area 
and of the geographical and/or business areas are responsible for ensuring the alignment of this process with the 
Group's  Risk  Appetite  Framework  in  terms  of  solvency,  liquidity  and  funding  and  profitability  and  income 
recurrence. 

3.  A comprehensive management of risks during their life cycle, based on differentiated treatment according to their 

type. 

 
 
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Assessment, monitoring and reporting 

Assessment, monitoring and reporting is a cross-cutting function at Group level. This function ensures that the model has 
a  dynamic  and  proactive  vision  to  enable  compliance  with  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  approved  by  the  Board  of 
Directors, even in adverse scenarios.  

This  process  is  integrated  in  the  activity  of  the  Risk  units,  both  of  the  corporate  area  and  in  the  geographical  and/or 
business  units,  together  with  the  units  specialized  in  non-financial  risks  and  reputational  risk  within  the  Regulation  & 
Internal Control and Communications & Responsible Business areas respectively, in order to generate a comprehensive 
and single view of the risk profile of the Group. 

This process is developed through the following phases: 

  Monitoring of the identified 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 testing scenarios. 

  Response to unwanted situations and proposals for redressing measures to the corresponding levels, in order to 

enable a dynamic management of the situation, even before it takes place. 

  Monitoring  the  Group's  risk  profile  and  the  identified  risk  factors,  through  internal,  competitor  and  market 

indicators, among others, to anticipate their future development.  

  Reporting:  complete  and  reliable  information  on  the  evolution  of  risks  to  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 all the risk information reporting process. 

Infrastructure 

For the implementation of the Model, the Group has the resources required for an effective management and supervision 
of risks and for achieving its goals. In this regard, the Group's risks function: 

  Has  the  appropriate  human  resources  in  terms  of  number,  ability,  knowledge  and  experience.  The  profile  of 
resources will evolve over time based on the specific needs of the GRM and Regulation & Internal Control areas, 
always  with  a  high  analytical  and  quantitative  capacity  as  the  main  feature  in  the  profile  of  those  resources. 
Likewise, the corresponding units of the geographical and/or business areas ensure they have sufficient means 
from the resources, structures and tools perspective in order to achieve a risk management process aligned with 
the corporate model. 

  Develops the appropriate methodologies and models for the measurement and management of the different risk 

profiles, and the assessment of the capital required to take those risks. 

  Has  the  technological  systems  required  to:  support  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  in  its  broadest  definition; 
calculate and measure the variables and specific data of the risk function; support risk management according to 
this Model; and provide an environment for storing and using the data required for risk management purposes 
and reporting to supervisory bodies.  

  Promotes  an  adequate  data  governance  to  ensure  solid  quality  standards  in  the  processes  aligned  with  the 

relevant internal regulation. 

Within the risk functions, both the profiles and the infrastructure and data shall have a global and consistent approach. 

The human resources among the countries must be equivalent, ensuring a consistent operation of the risk function within 
the Group. However, they will be distinguished from those of the corporate area, as the latter will be more focused on the 
conceptualization  of  appetite  frameworks,  operating  frameworks,  the  definition  of  the  regulatory  framework  and  the 
development of models, among other tasks. 

As in the case of the human resources, technological platforms must be global, thus enabling the implementation of the 
Risk Appetite Framework and the standardized management of the risk life cycle among all countries. 

The corporate area is responsible for deciding on the platforms and for defining the knowledge and roles of the human 
resources. It is also responsible for defining risk data governance. 

The foregoing is reported to the corporate bodies of BBVA so they can ensure that the Group has the appropriate means, 
systems, structures and resources. 

 
 
 
186 

Credit risk 

The local authorities of the countries in which the Group operates have initiated economic support measures including the 
granting of relief measures in terms of temporary payments deferrals for customers affected by the pandemic, as well as 
the  granting  of  loans,  especially  to  companies  and  SMEs,  with  public  guarantees.  The  amount  of  current  payment 
deferrals granted by the Group was €6,803m at December 31, 2020. 

These measures are supported by the rules issued by the authorities of the geographical areas where the Group operates 
as  well  by  certain  industry  agreements  and  should  help  to  ease  the  temporary  liquidity  needs  of  the  customers.  The 
classification of the customers’ credit quality and the calculation of the expected credit loss, once the credit quality of those 
customers have been reviewed under the new circumstances, will depend on the effectiveness of these relief measures. In 
any case, the incorporation of public guarantees is considered to be a mitigating factor in the estimation of the expected 
credit losses. 

For the purposes of classifying exposures based on their credit risk, the Group has maintained a rigorous application of 
IFRS9 at the time of the granting of the moratoriums and has reinforced the procedures to monitor credit risk both during 
their validity and upon their expiration. In this sense, additional indicators have been introduced to identify the significant 
increase  in  risk  that  may  have  occurred  in  some  operations  or  a  set  of  them  and,  where  appropriate,  proceed  to  its 
classification in the corresponding risk stage. 

Likewise the indications provided by the European Banking Authority (EBA) have been taken into account to not consider 
refinancing the moratoriums that meet a series of requirements, without prejudice to keeping the exposure classified in 
the corresponding risk stage or its consideration as refinancing if it was previously so qualified. 

In relation to the payment deferrals for customers affected by the pandemic, and with the goal of mitigating as much as 
possible the impact of these measures in the Group, due to the high concentration of its maturities over time, BBVA has 
worked on an anticipation plan based on some basic lines of action, supported by the following pillars: 

  Diagnose: portfolio segmentation. 
  Strategy: value offering and action protocols by segment. 
  Operationality: equipment and channel sizing. 

These lines of action have made it possible to advance the management actions to be carried out with customers according 
to their level of involvement and local legislation. 

Calculation of expected losses due to credit risk 

To  respond  to  the  circumstances  generated  by  the  global  COVID-19  pandemic  in  the  macroeconomic  environment, 
characterized  by  a  high  level  of  uncertainty  regarding  its  intensity,  duration  and  speed  of  recovery,  forward-looking 
information has been updated in the IFRS 9 models to incorporate the best information available at the date of publication 
of this report. The estimation of the expected losses has been calculated for the different geographical areas in which the 
Group operates, with the best information available for each of them, considering both the macroeconomic perspectives 
and the effects on specific portfolios, sectors or specific accredited. The scenarios used consider the various economic 
measures that have been announced by governments as well as monetary, supervisory and macroprudential authorities 
around the world. However, the final magnitude of the impact of this pandemic on the Group's business, financial situation 
and results, which could be material, will depend on future and uncertain events, including the intensity and persistence 
over time of the consequences derived from the pandemic in the different geographical areas in which the Group operates. 

The  expected  losses  calculated  according  to  the  methodology  provided  by  the  Group,  including  macroeconomic 
projections,  have  been  supplemented  with  additional  amounts  that  have  been  considered  necessary  to  collect  the 
particular characteristics of specific accredited sectors or portfolios and that may not be identified in the general process. 
Of  the  complementary  amounts  recognized  throughout  the  year,  at  the  end  of  2020  there  remains  a  €244m  pending 
allocation to specific accredited portfolios, mainly in Spain and to a lesser extent in the United States. 

These lines show the evolution of the exposure of corporate banking clients to the sectors that have been considered most 
vulnerable in the COVID-19 pandemic environment: 

 
 
187 

EXPOSURE AT DEFAULT TO MOST VULNERABLE SECTORS (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Leisure (2) 

Real estate sector (3) 

Retailers (4) 

Upstream & Oildfield services 

Air transportation 

Total 

31-12-20 

30-09-20(1)  30-06-20(1)  31-03-20(1) 

31-12-19 

9,279 

9,237 

9,383 

8,781 

8,077 

12,806 

13,247 

13,686 

13,405 

13,150 

4,982 

2,413 

965 

5,073 

2,229 

1,111 

5,427 

2,682 

1,061 

4,821 

2,558 

566 

4,390 

2,431 

580 

30,445 

30,897 

32,239 

30,131 

28,628 

General note: data excluding BBVA USA and the rest of Group's companies included in the sale agreement signed with PNC for all periods. 
(1) Data of Turkey as of December, 2019. 

(2) Among others; includes hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and gaming. 

(3) Includes real estate developers. 

(4) Non-food. 

Credit risk indicators of the BBVA Group 

BBVA  Group's  main  risk  indicators  evolved  during  2020  as  described  below,  as  a  result,  among  other  reasons,  of  the 
situation generated by the pandemic: 

  Credit risk decreased by 4.6% (up 1.8% at constant exchange rates) during 2020. In the last quarter of the year, 
this metric remained almost flat, in both current and constant exchange rates, as the growth in Spain, Turkey and 
South America was offset by a contraction in the United States and Rest of Eurasia. Mexico’s growth in the last 
quarter was driven by the evolution of the exchange rate. 

  The balance of non-performing loans was lower than at the end of December of the previous year, although it 
increased in the last quarter of the year (up 2.7% at current exchange rates, up 2.9% at constant exchange rates), 
mainly because of the entries into default of the retail portfolios in Mexico. 

  The NPL ratio stood at 4.0% at the end of December, above the end of the previous year and the end of the third 

 

quarter. 
Loan-loss provisions fell by 1.9% in the quarter. Compared to December 2019, they were 6.1% higher due to the 
provisions made in the first half of the year as a result of the negative effects of COVID-19. 

  The NPL coverage ratio closed at 81% from 85% in the previous quarter, due to the increase in the balance of 
non-performing loans and with a significant improvement of 488 basis points compared to the end of 2019. 

The  cumulative  cost  of  risk  at  December  31,  2020  stood  at  1.51%,  compared  to  a  cumulative  1.69%  at  the  end  of 
September  and  following  the  strong  growth  registered  in  March  related  to  the  significant  increase  in  the  loan  loss 
allowances in the first quarter. 

NON-PERFORMING LOANS AND PROVISIONS 
(MILLONS OF EUROS) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CREDIT RISK (1) (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Credit risk 

Non-performing loans  

Provisions 

31-12-20 
421,432 

30-09-20 
422,868 

30-06-20 
446,623 

31-03-20 
442,648 

16,681 

13,593 

16,241 

13,859 

16,385 

13,998 

15,998 

13,748 

31-12-19 
441,964 

16,730 

12,817 

188 

NPL ratio (%) 
NPL coverage ratio (%) (2) 
General note: figures without considering the classification of BBVA USA and the rest of Group's companies in the United States included in the sale agreement signed with PNC and 
BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale as of 31-12-2020, and BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale for the rest of periods. 
(1) Include gross loans and advances to customers plus guarantees given. 
(2)  The  NPL  coverage  ratio  includes  the  valuation  adjustments  for  credit  risk  during  the  expected  residual  life  of  those  financial  instruments  which  have  been  acquired  (mainly 
originated from the acquisition of Catalunya Banc, S.A.). Excluding these allowances, the NPL coverage ratio would stand at 79% as of December 31, 2020 and 74% as of December 
31, 2019.  

86 

85 

85 

81 

77 

3.7 

3.6 

4.0 

3.8 

3.8 

NON-PERFORMING LOANS EVOLUTION (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Beginning balance 

Entries 

Recoveries 

Net variation  

Write-offs 
Exchange rate differences and 
other 
Period-end balance 

4Q20 (1) 
16,241 

2,989 

(1,312) 

1,676 

(1,211) 

(25) 

16,681 

3Q20 
16,385 

2,273 

(1,183) 

1,091 

(613) 

(622) 

16,241 

2Q20 
15,998 

2,221 

(1,149) 

1,072 

(834) 

149 

16,385 

1Q20 
16,730 

2,049 

(1,366) 

683 

(944) 

(471) 

15,998 

4Q19 
17,092 

2,484 

(1,509) 

975 

(1,074) 

(262) 

16,730 

Memorandum item: 
Non-performing loans 
Non performing guarantees 
given 
General note: figures without considering the classification of BBVA USA and the rest of Group's companies in the United States included in the sale agreement signed with PNC and 
BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale as of 31-12-2020, and BBVA Paraguay as Non-current Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale for the rest of periods. 
(1) Preliminary data.  

15,469 

15,683 

15,914 

15,291 

16,000 

708 

702 

767 

731 

771 

Market risk 

For futher information, see Note 7.4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Structural risks 

Structural interest rate risk 

The aim of managing interest-rate risk is to limit the sensitivity of the balance sheets to interest rate fluctuations. BBVA 
carries out this work through an internal procedure following the guidelines established by the European Banking Authority 
(EBA), which measures the sensitivity of net interest income and economic value to determine the potential impact of a 
range of scenarios on the Group's different balance sheets. 

The  model  is  based  on  assumptions  intended  to  realistically  mimic  the  behavior  of  the  balance  sheet.  Assumptions 
regarding the behavior of accounts with no explicit maturity and prepayment estimates are of particular relevance. These 
assumptions are reviewed and adapted at least once a year to take into account any changes in behavior. 

At  the  aggregate  level,  BBVA  continues  to  maintain  a  moderate  risk  profile,  in  accordance  with  the  established  target, 
showing a net interest income position which would be favored by an increase in interest rates. The effective management 
of structural balance sheet risk has allowed it to mitigate the negative impact of the downward trend in interest rates and 
the volatility experienced as a result of the effects of COVID-19, and is reflected in the soundness and recurrence of net 
interest income. 

By area, the main features are: 

  Spain and the United States have balance sheets characterized by a high proportion of variable-rate loans in the 
loan  portfolio  (basically  mortgages  in  Spain  and  corporate  lending  in  both  countries)  and  liability  composed 
mainly  of  customer  deposits.  The  ALCO  portfolios  act  as  hedging  for  the  bank's  balance  sheet,  mitigating  its 
sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations. The profile of both balance sheets has remained stable during 2020. In 
Spain  the  sensitivity  of  the  net  interest  income  has  increased  in  the  year  due  the  higher  volume  of  sensitive 
balances (liquid short-term assets) as a result of the liquidity generated by the balance and the additional TILTRO 
III financing, as well as the maturity of a part of the mortgage portfolio coverage. 
In addition, following a slightly downward trend at the start of the year for European benchmark interest rates 
(Euribor), there was a rebound of around 20–30 basis points (depending on the maturity) in mid-March. This was 

 
 
 
a result of an adjustment in expectations after the ECB held the marginal deposit facility rate at -0.50% when the 
market had discounted a fall, and an increase in the required credit spread in the light  of the COVID-19 crisis. 
However, since May, Euribor has fallen between -35 and -45 basis points, reaching record lows, mainly due to the 
easing of credit spreads and the ECB's monetary stimulus measures. In the United States, base rates (Libor) have 
maintained a downward trend during the year (falling around 165 basis points in the main terms), in line with the 
Fed's rate cuts in the first quarter of the year. 

189 

 

  Mexico continues to show stability between the balance sheet items benchmarked at fixed and variable interest 
rates. In terms of assets that are most sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, the corporate portfolio stands out, 
while consumer loans and mortgages are mostly at a fixed rate. The ALCO portfolio is used to neutralize the longer 
duration of customer deposits. The sensitivity of net interest income continues to be limited and stable in 2020, 
considering the new interest rate scenario that emerged in March, with a downward trend in benchmark rates 
throughout 2020 compared to expectations at the beginning of the year. In this regard, the monetary policy rate 
at the end of December stood at 4.25%, which has meant a reduction of -300 basis points during 2020. 
In Turkey, the interest-rate risk (broken down into Turkish lira and US dollars) is limited. In terms of assets, the 
sensitivity  of  lending,  which  is  mostly  fixed-rate,  but  with  relatively  short  maturities,  and  the  ALCO  portfolio, 
including inflation-linked bonds, are balanced by the sensitivity of deposits on the liability side, which are repriced 
in  the  short  term.  The  sensitivity  of  net  interest  income  on  the  currency  balance  sheets  increased  due  to  the 
establishment of the asset ratio in the second quarter of 2020. In relation to the benchmark rates, the strong 
increase since August reverted the decreases of the previous quarters, ending the year with an increase of 500 
basis points above the level of December 2019. 
In South America, the risk profile for interest rates remains low as most countries in the area have a fixed/variable 
composition  and  maturities  that  are  very  similar  for  assets  and  liabilities,  with  a  low  and  small  variations  net 
interest income sensitivity throughout 2020. In addition, in balance sheets with several currencies, interest-rate 
risk is managed for each of the currencies, showing a very low level of risk. The measures promoted by central 
banks have helped the downward trend of the benchmark interest rates (-250 basis points in Colombia and -200 
basis points in Peru during the year) at minimum levels below that expected at the beginning of the year. 

 

Structural foreign exchange rate risk 

Foreign exchange risk management of BBVA's long-term investments, principally stemming from its overseas franchises, 
aims to preserve the Group's capital adequacy ratio and ensure the stability of its income statement. 

BBVA  has  maintained  its  policy  of  actively  hedging  its  main  investments  in  emerging  markets,  covering  on  average 
between 30%  and 50% of annual earnings  and around 70% of the CET1 capital ratio excess. Based on this policy,  the 
sensitivity of the CET1 ratio to a depreciation of 10% against the euro of the main emerging-market currencies stood at -5 
basis points for the Mexican peso and -2 basis points for the Turkish lira. In the case of the US dollar, the sensitivity to a 
depreciation of 10% against the euro is approximately +9 basis points. The transactional foreign currency risk associated 
with the sale of the subsidiary in the United States is managed in a way to minimize negative impacts at the level of net 
profit and capital ratio (after sales). At the end of December, the coverage level for expected earnings for 2021 was at levels 
close to 50% in the case of Turkey, 40% for Mexico, 50% for Peru and 40% for Colombia. 

Structural equity risk 

For futher information, see Note 7.3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Liquidity and funding risk 

Management of liquidity and funding at 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. In this context, it is important to notice that, given the nature of BBVA's business, the funding of lending activity 
is fundamentally carried out through the use of stable customer funds. 

Due to its subsidiary-based management model, BBVA is one of the few major European banks that follows the Multiple 
Point  of  Entry  (MPE)  resolution  strategy:  the  parent  company  sets  the  liquidity  policies,  but  the  subsidiaries  are 
selfsufficient  and  responsible  for  managing  their  own  liquidity  (taking  deposits  or  accessing  the  market  with  their  own 
rating), without fund transfers or financing occurring between either the parent company and the subsidiaries or between 
the different subsidiaries. This strategy limits the spread of a liquidity crisis among the Group's different areas, and ensures 
that the cost of liquidity and financing is correctly reflected in the price formation process. 

During of 2020, liquidity conditions have remained comfortable across all countries in which the BBVA Group operates. 
Since the beginning of March, the global crisis caused by COVID-19 had a significant impact on financial markets. The initial 
effects of this crisis on the Group's balance sheets have fundamentally been felt through increased drawdown of credit 
facilities by wholesale customers in the face of worsening funding conditions in the markets, with no significant effect in 
the retail world. These drawdowns were largely returned throughout the following quarters. Given this initial uncertainty, 
the different central banks provided a joint response through specific measures and programs to facilitate the funding of 

 
190 

the real economy and the provision of liquidity in the financial markets, increasing liquidity buffers in almost all geographical 
areas. 

BBVA  Group  maintains  a  solid  liquidity  position  in  every  geographical  area  with  liquidity  ratios  comfortably  above  the 
minimum required: 

The BBVA Group's liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) remained significantly above 100% during 2020 and stood at 149% as of 
December 31, 2020. For the calculation of this ratio, it is assumed that there is no transfer of liquidity among subsidiaries; 
i.e. no kind of excess liquidity levels in foreign subsidiaries are considered in the calculation of the consolidated ratio. When 
considering these excess liquidity levels, the BBVA Group's LCR would stand at 185%. 

The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), defined as the ratio between the amount of stable funding available and the amount 
of stable funding required, is one of the Basel Committee's essential reforms, whose transposition under CRR II will become 
effective in June 2021, and requires banks to maintain a stable funding profile in relation to the composition of their assets 
and off-balance sheet activities. This ratio should be at least 100% at all times. At the BBVA Group, the NSFR, calculated 
according to the Basel requirements, stood at 127% as of December 31, 2020. 

These ratios in the main geographical areas in which the Group operates are shown below: 

LCR AND NSFR RATIOS (PERCETANGE. 31-12-20) 

Eurozone (1) 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America  

LCR 

NSFR 

173 

121 

144 (2) 

126 

196 

138 

183 

154 

All countries >100 

All countries >100 

(1) Perimeter: Spain + Rest of Eurasia. 

(2) Calculated according to local regulation (Fed Modified LCR). 

The most relevant aspects related to the main geographical areas are the following: 

 

In the Eurozone, BBVA’s liquidity situation remains comfortable with a high quality ample liquidity buffer that has 
been strengthened during the year as a result of the management measures implemented and the actions of the 
European Central Bank (ECB) which have led to an increase of liquidity in the system. In the wake of the COVID-
19 crisis, there was initially a higher demand for lending through increased drawdowns of credit facilities by the 
Corporate  &  Investment  Banking  wholesale  business,  which  was  also  accompanied  by  growth  in  customer 
deposits.  Subsequently,  in  the  following  of  the  year  there  were  partial  repayments  of  the  aforementioned 
drawdowns,  while  deposits  have  continued  to  grow.  In  addition,  it  is  important  to  mention  the  measures 
implemented by the ECB in order to face the crisis, which have included different actions, such as: the expansion 
of asset purchase programs, in particular through the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) for 
€750,000m in a first tranche announced in March extended with a second tranche for a further €600,000m until 
June 2021, or until the ECB considers the crisis to be over and with a third tranche for €500,000m until at least 
the end of March 2022 ; the coordinated action by Central Banks for the provision of US dollars; a package of 
temporary  collateral  easing  measures  affecting  eligibility  for  use  in  funding  operations  and  the  easing  and 
improvement  of  the  conditions  for  the  TLTRO  III  program  and  the  creation  of  the  new  program  of  long-term  , 
refinancing  operations  without  specific  emergency  objective  (Pandemic  emergency  longer-term  refinancing 
operations,  PELTRO).  In  March  and  June,  BBVA  took  part  in  the  TLTRO  III  liquidity  windows  (with  an  amount 
drawn at the end of December of €35,032m) due to its favorable cost and maturity conditions, and repaid the 
corresponding part of the TLTRO II program. 

  BBVA USA also maintains a strong liquidity buffer consisting of high-quality assets, which has been strengthened 
during 2020. As in the Eurozone, there was an increase in loans toward the end of the first quarter of 2020, mainly 
due to a rise in the drawing down of credit facilities by wholesale customers and the US government's stimulus 
program for SMEs and self-employed workers (Paycheck Protection Program). In the following quarters, there 
were  repayments  that  have  now  brought  the  credit  facility  usage  percentage  back  to  pre-pandemic  levels.  In 
addition, deposits have grown very significantly during the year, reflecting the high level of liquidity in the system 
as a result of the stimulus programs established by the government and the Fed.  

  At  BBVA  Mexico,  the  liquidity  position  has  remained  strong  during  2020.  Following  the  COVID-19  crisis,  the 
lending gap increased in the first quarter of the year due to increased drawdowns of credit facilities. However in 
the  second  quarter,  the  success  of  the  commercial  actions  and  the  normalization  of  lending  growth  led  to  a 
reduction in the lending gap compared to December 2019 levels. During the third and fourth quarter of the year, 
the reduction in the lending gap has been exacerbated, driven by a reduction in loans and a growth in deposits, 
despite  the  progressive  ending  of  the  commercial  policies  implemented  to  attract  deposits,  creating  a 
comfortable position in liquidity ratios. Regarding the measures taken by Banxico over the year, in addition to 
reducing the monetary policy rate, it announced a reduction in the Monetary Regulation Deposit and the start of 
auctions of US dollars with credit institutions (swap line with the Fed) in which BBVA Mexico participated in April, 
in the amount of USD 1,250m, partially renewing that position from June to September for USD 700m. Likewise, 
it has participated in the Banxico 7 and 8 facilities (measures to direct funds to micro, small and medium-sized 
companies, as well as individuals affected by the pandemic). 

 
191 

  At Garanti BBVA, the liquidity situation remained comfortable during the 2020, with a contraction of loans and a 
growth of deposits in foreign currency, as well as higher growth of loans than deposits in local currency. As a result 
of the COVID-19 crisis, an increase in collateral requirements was seen due to the credit risk in Turkey (Credit 
Default Swaps) to cover derivative valuations and wholesale funding. Moreover, Turkey's regulator established 
the so-called asset ratio to encourage banks, to increase lending and avoid the accumulation of deposits, which 
caused  an  increase  in  the  lending  gap.  This  was  covered  by  the  bank's  excess  liquidity.  Later,  the  asset  ratio 
requirement was reduced in the third quarter (from 100% to 90%) and it was eliminated in December. In the face 
of contractionary policies, The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) increased the reserve requirement 
rates,  and  during  the  second  semester  of  the  year  the  cost  of  lending  and  the  base  rate  has  progressively 
increased. In addition, the Credit Default Swap returns to previous levels to COVID-19 pandemic. With all this, 
during the year, Garanti BBVA has shown a good liquidity buffer. 
In South America, an adequate liquidity situation prevails throughout the region, helped by the support of various 
central  banks  and  governments  which,  in  order  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19  crisis,  have  acted  by 
implementing  measures  to  stimulate  economic  activity  and  provide  greater  liquidity  in  financial  systems.  In 
Argentina, US dollar deposit outflows in the banking system slowed down to show growth in the fourth quarter, 
although  BBVA  Argentina  continues  to  maintain  a  strong  liquidity  position  with  comfortable  liquidity  ratios.  In 
Colombia,  after  the  adjustment  of  the  excess  liquidity  carried  out  in  the  third  quarter  by  reducing  wholesale 
deposits, a comfortable liquidity position has been maintained, as well as BBVA Perú, where the liquidity position 
has been reinforced by the increase in the volume of deposits during the second quarter, as well as by the funds 
from the Central Bank´s support programs. 

 

The wholesale funding markets in which the Group operates, after two months of great stability at the start of 2020, were 
followed by a strong correction as a result of the crisis of COVID-19 and the limited access to the primary market. This 
situation has been stabilizing, marked by the evolution of the pandemic, the vaccines development, various geopolitical 
events and  the actions of Central Banks. Secondary market levels ended the year reaching  January  2020 levels, while 
primary market volumes have been reactivating, reducing the issue premiums. 

The main transactions carried out by the companies that form part of the BBVA Group in 2020 are: 

 

  During the first quarter of 2020, BBVA, S.A. carried out two issuances of senior non-preferred debt by a total 
approximate amount of €1,400m and a Tier 2 issuance totaling €1,000m. In the second quarter of 2020, it issued 
preferred senior debt totaling €1,000m as a COVID-19 social bond, the first of its kind from a private financial 
institution in Europe. In the third quarter, it carried out three public issues: the first is the first green convertible 
bond (CoCo) ever issued by a financial institution worldwide in the amount of €1,000m; a subordinated Tier 2 
debt issuance in Pounds sterling, for the amount of 300m; and the third is a preferred debt issue filed with the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in two tranches over three and five years, in a total amount of 
USD 2,000m. On the other hand, in February 2020 a CoCo of €1,500m was amortized and in January 2020 three 
preferential  issues  were  amortized  in  advance  (For  more  information  about  these  transactions,  see  the 
"Solvency" chapter of this report). 
In Mexico, a local senior issuance was successfully carried out in February for MXN 15,000m (€614m) in three 
tranches. Two tranches in Mexican pesos over 3 and 5 years (one for MXN 7,123m at the Interbank Equilibrium 
Interest Rate (TIIE) 28 + 5 basis points and another for MXN 6,000m at TIIE 28 + 15 basis points, respectively), 
and another tranche in US dollars over 3 years (USD 100m at 3-month Libor + 49 basis points). The purpose of 
this issuance was to bring forward the refinancing of maturities in the year, taking advantage of the good market 
conditions, as well as to strengthen the liquidity situation by offsetting the seasonal outflows of deposits in the 
early months of the year. In September, it carried out an international issuance of unsecured 5-year senior debt 
in  an  amount  of  USD  500m  at  a  rate  of  1.875%,  which  represents  the  lowest  ever  for  a  financial  institution  in 
Mexico and the lowest of any of Latin America's private financial institutions. This issue is the second under BBVA 
Mexico's Global Issuer Program, which has a value of up to USD 10,000m. 
In Turkey, the issues have not been fully renewed by the foreign currency gap reduction in 2020 Garanti BBVA 
carried  out  a  Tier  2  issuance  for  TRY  750m  in  the  first  quarter.  In  the  second  quarter,  Garanti  BBVA  partially 
renewed  a  syndicated  loan  of  USD  699m  by  issuing  the  first  green  syndicated  loan  for  a  bank  indexed  to 
sustainability criteria, and in whose renovation the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) 
and  the  IFC  (International  Finance  Corporation)  participated.  In  the  fourth  quarter,  Garanti  renewed  another 
syndicated loan, by an amount of USD 636m, in two tranches and with a maturity of 367 days (a tranche by USD 
267.5m at up 2.50% Libor and another tranche by €312m at Euribor up 2.25%). 
In the United States and in South America, there have been no material issuances in 2020. 

 

 

 
 
 
192 

Operational Risk 

BBVA defines operational risk (“OR”) as any risk that could result in losses caused by human error; inadequate or flawed 
internal processes; undue conduct with respect to customers, markets or the institution; failures, interruptions or flaws in 
systems  or  communications;  theft,  loss  or  wrong  use  of  information,  as  well  as  deterioration  of  its  quality,  internal  or 
external fraud, including in any case those derived from cyberattacks; theft or harm to assets or persons, legal risks; risks 
derived from staff management and labor health; and defective 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,  monitoring  and  the 
development of control frameworks aimed at minimizing resulting economic and reputational losses and their impact on 
the recurrent generation of results, and contributing the increase the quality, safety and availability of the provided service. 
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 the 
non-financial information report.  

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 aligned with the Risk Appetite Framework ratified by the BBVA Board of Directors. 

 
  Address BBVA's management needs in terms of compliance with legislation, regulations and industry standards, 

as well as the decisions or positioning of BBVA's corporate bodies. 

  Anticipate  the  potential  operational  risk  to  which  the  Group  may  be  exposed  as  a  result  of  the  creation  or 
modification of products, activities, processes or systems, as well as decisions regarding the outsourcing or hiring 
of services, and establish mechanisms to assess and mitigate risk to a reasonable extent prior to implementation, 
as well as review the same on a regular basis.  
Establish  methodologies  and  procedures  to  enable  regular  reassessment  of  the  significant  operational  risk  to 
which the Group is exposed, in order to adopt appropriate mitigation measures in each case, once the identified 
risk  and  the  cost  of  mitigation  (cost/benefit  analysis)  have  been  considered,  while  safeguarding  the  Group's 
solvency at all times. 

 

  Promote the implementation of mechanisms that support careful monitoring of all sources of operational risk and 

 

 

 

the effectiveness of mitigation and control environments, fostering proactive risk management. 
Examine the causes of any operational events suffered by the Group and establish means to prevent the same, 
provided that the cost/benefit analysis so recommends. To this end, procedures must be in place to evaluate 
operational events and mechanisms and to record the operational losses that may be caused by the same. 
Evaluate key public events that have generated operational risk losses at other institutions in the financial sector 
and support, where appropriate, the implementation of measures as required to prevent them from occurring at 
the Group. 
Identify, analyze and attempt to quantify events with a low probability of occurrence and a high impact, which by 
their exceptional nature may not be included in the loss database; or if they are, feature with impacts that are not 
very representative for the purpose of valuing possible mitigation measures. 

  Have an effective system of governance in place, where the functions and responsibilities of the corporate areas 

and bodies involved in operational risk management are clearly defined. 

  Operational  risk  management  must  be  performed  in  coordination  with  management  of  other  risk,  taking  into 

consideration credit or market events that may have an operational origin. 

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: 

Operational risk management parameters 

Operational risk forms part of the risk appetite framework of the Group and includes three types of metrics and limits:  

 

Economic capital calculated with the operational losses database of the Group, 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. 

  ORI metrics (Operational Risk Indicator: operational risk losses vs. gross income) broken down by geography, 

business area and type of risk.  

 
193 

  Additionally,  a  more  granular  common  scheme  of  metrics  (indicators  and  limits)  covering  the  main  types  of 
operational  risk  is  being  implemented  throughout  the  Group.  These  metrics  make  it  possible  to  intensify  the 
anticipatory management of risk and objectify the appetite to different sources.  

Operational risk admission  

The main purposes of the operational risk admission phase are the following: 

 

 

To  anticipate  potential  operational  risk  to  which  the  Group  may  be  exposed  due  to  the  release  of  new,  or 
modification  of  existing,  products,  activities,  processes  or  systems,  as  well  as  purchasing  decisions  (e.g. 
outsourcing). 

To  ensure  that  implementation  and  the  roll  out  of  initiatives  is  only  performed  once  appropriate  mitigation 
measures have been taken in each case, including risk assurance where deemed appropriate.  

The Corporate Non-Financial Risk Management Policy 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"  associated  with  processes.  This  is  done  by  carrying  out  a  periodic  re-
evaluation in order to generate and maintain an updated map of the relevant operational risks in each Area, and 
evaluate  the  adequacy  of  the  monitoring  and  mitigation  environment  for  said  risks.  This  promotes  the 
implementation of action plans to redirect the weaknesses detected.  

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 and to contrast 
the consistency of the Group's operational risk map. To that end, a corporate tool of the Group is used. 

The  Group  ensures  continuous  monitoring  by  each  Area  of  the  due  functioning  and  effectiveness  of  the  control 
environment, taking into consideration management indicators established for the Area, any events and losses that have 
occurred, as well as the results of actions taken by the second line of defense, the internal audit unit, supervisors or external 
auditors. 

Operational risk mitigation 

The Group promotes the proactive mitigation of the financial risks to which it is exposed and which are identified in the 
monitoring activities. 

In order to rollout common monitoring and anticipated mitigation practices throughout the Group, several cross-sectional 
plans are being promoted  related to focuses from events, lived by the Group or by the industry, self-assessments and 
recommendations  from  auditors  and  supervisors  in  different  geographies,  thereby  analyzing  the  best  practices  and 
fostering comprehensive action plans to strengthen and standardize the control environment. 

Insurance of operational risk 

Insurance is one of the possible options for managing the operational risk to which the Group is exposed, and mainly has 
two potential purposes: 

  Coverage  of  extreme  situations  linked  to  recurrent  events  that  are  difficult  to  mitigate  or  can  only  be  partially 

mitigated by other means. 

  Coverage of nonrecurrent events that could have significant financial impact, if they occurred. 

The Group has a general framework that regulates this area, and allows systematizing risk assurance decisions, aligning 
insurance  coverage  with  the  risks  to  which  the  Group  is  exposed  and  reinforcing  governance  in  the  decision-making 
process of arranging insurance policies. 

Operational risk control model 

 
194 

BBVA Group's operational risk governance model is based on two components: 

 

Three-line defense control model, in line with industry best practices, and which guarantees compliance with the 
most advanced operational risk internal control standards. 

  Scheme of Corporate Assurance Committees and Internal Control and Operational Risk Committees at the level 

of the different business and support areas. 

Corporate Assurance establishes a structure of committees, both local and corporate, to provide senior management with 
a  comprehensive  and  homogeneous  vision  of  the  main  non-financial  risks  and  significant  situations  of  the  control 
environment. The aim is to support rapid decision-making with foresight, for the mitigation or assumption of the main risks. 

Each geography has a Corporate Assurance Committee chaired by the Country Manager and whose main functions are: 

  Monitoring the changes in the non-financial risks and their alignment with the defined strategies and policies and 

the risk appetite. 

  Analyzing and assessing controls and measures established to mitigate the impact of the risks identified, should 

they materialize. 

  Making decisions about the proposals for risk taking that are conveyed by the working groups or that arise in the 

Committee itself 

  Promoting transparency by promoting the proactive participation of the three lines of defense in discharging their 

responsibilities and the rest of the organization in this area  

At the holding company level there is a Global Corporate Assurance Committee, chaired by the Group's Chief Executive 
Officer.  Its  main  functions  are  similar  to  those  already  described  but  applicable  to  the  most  important  issues  that  are 
escalated from the geographies and the holding company areas. 

The  business  and  support  areas  have  an  Internal  Control  and  Operational  Risk  Committee,  the  purpose  of  which  is  to 
ensure  the  due  implementation  of  the  operational  risk  management  model  within  its  scope  of  action  and  drive  active 
management of such risk, taking mitigation decisions when control weaknesses are identified and monitoring the same. 

Additionally, the Non-Financial Risk unit periodically  reports  the status  of the management  of non-financial risks in the 
Group to the Board's Risk and Compliance Committee. 

Reputational risk 

Reputational risk assessment 

Since 2016, BBVA disposes of a reputational risk assessment methodology. Through this methodology, the Bank defines 
and reviews regularly a map in which it prioritizes the reputational risks which have to be faced and the set of action plans 
to mitigate them. The prioritization is done based on two variables: the impact on the perception of the stakeholders and 
the strength of BBVA facing the risk. 

This exercise is performed annually in all geographical areas where the Group is operating and the business areas CIB and 
AM EMEA. As a result of the assessment carried out in 2019, 24 mitigation action plans have been conducted during 2020. 

The guide for the Annual Reputational Risk Assessment of the stock was updated by the end of 2019 and was implemented 
in all Banks of BBVA Group during 2020. Likewise, it is planned to elaborate in 2020 a guide for the Annual Reputational 
Risk Assessment in the process of the Admission of Non-financial Risks. 

 
 
 
195 

Identification of the Reputational Risk 

The Responsible Business teams collaborate, together with the rest of the members of BBVA’s second defense line, in the 
different  Committees  of  Admission  of  the  Operational  Risk,  both  at  Group  and  local  level.  Those  Committees  are 
responsible  for  the  initial  identification  of  potential  reputational  risks,  and,  where  appropriate,  an  assessment  of  the 
foreseeable impact on BBVA’s reputation. 

Reporting of the Reputational Risk 

The results of the annual assessment of the Reputational Risk are reported in every geographical area at the appropriate 
governance  level  and,  at  Group  level,  reported  to  the  Global  Corporate  Assurance  Committee  and,  since  2020,  to  the 
Executive Committee. 

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. 

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: 

Risk related to new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic 

The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting the world economy and economic activity and conditions in the countries 
in which the Group operates, leading many of them to economic recession in 2020 and relatively moderate activity growth 
in 2021, so that probably only from 2022 will the GDP levels observed before the crisis recover. Among other challenges, 
these countries are experiencing widespread increases in unemployment levels and falls in production, while public debt 
has increased significantly due to support and spending measures implemented by government authorities. In addition, 
there  is  an  increase  in  defaults  on  debts  by  both  companies  and  individuals,  volatility  in  financial  markets,  including 
exchange rates, and falls in the value of assets and investments, all of which have had a negative impact on the Group's in 
the year 2020 and is expected to continue to affect in the future. 

Furthermore,  the  Group  may  be  affected  by  the  measures  adopted  by  regulatory  authorities  in  the  banking  sector, 
including but not limited to, the recent reductions in reference interest rates, the relaxation of prudential requirements, the 
suspension of dividend payments, the adoption of payment deferrals measures for bank clients (such as those included in 
Royal Decree Law 11/2020 in Spain, as well as in the CECA-AEB agreement to which BBVA has adhered and which, among 
other things, allows loan debtors to extend maturities and defer interest payments) and facilities to grant credit through a 
line of guarantees or public guarantees, especially to companies and the self-employed individuals, as well as any changes 
in the financial asset purchase programs. 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has experienced a decline in its activity. For example, the granting of 
new  loans  to  individuals  has  significantly  decreased  since  the  beginning  of  mobility  restriction  measures  approved  in 
certain  countries  in  which  the  Group  operates.  In  addition,  the  Group  faces  several  risks,  such  as  a  greater  risk  of 
impairment of the value of its assets (including financial instruments valued at fair value, which may undergo significant 
fluctuations) and of the securities held for liquidity reasons, a possible significant increase in non-performing loans and a 
negative impact on the cost of the Group's financing and its access to financing (especially in an environment where credit 
ratings are affected). 

Furthermore, in several of the countries in which the Group operates, including Spain, the Group has temporarily closed a 
significant number of its offices and reduced opening hours to the public, and the teams that provide central services have 
been working remotely. Although these measures have been gradually reversed due to the continued expansion of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear how long it will take until normal operations can fully resume. On the other hand, the 
pandemic could adversely affect the business and operations of third parties that provide critical services to the Group 
and, in particular, the higher demand and / or lower availability of certain resources could in some cases make it more 
difficult  to  maintain  the  service  levels.  In  addition,  the  generalization  of  remote  work  has  increased  the  risks  related  to 
cybersecurity, as the use of non-corporate networks has increased. 

 
 
196 

As a result of the above, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on the Group's results and capital base. During 
the first half of the year the main accumulated impacts were: 

● 

● 

an  increase  in  the  cost  of  risk  associated  with  the  lending  activity,  mainly  due  to  the  deterioration  of  the 
macroeconomic environment, which has had a negative impact of €2,009 million in the Group (including the initial 
adverse  effect  of  the  payment  deferral)  and  provisions  for  credit  risk  and  contingent  commitments  for  €95 
million, (see Notes 7.2, 46 and 47 of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Stemens); and 

a deterioration in the goodwill of the Group's subsidiary in the United States, mainly due to the deterioration of the 
macroeconomic  scenario  in  the  United  States,  which  has  had  a  net  negative  impact  of  €2,084  million  on  the 
Group's  attributed  profit  in  this  period  (although  this  impact  does  not  affect  the  tangible  book  value,  nor  the 
solvency  or  the  liquidity  of  the  Group)  (see  Notes  18.1  and  49  of  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements). 

From June 30, 2020  on, and as a consequence of  the general deterioration of the global macroeconomic scenario, its 
specific effects cannot be isolated, affecting all of the Group's consolidated Financial Statements. 

Macroeconomic and geopolitical risks 

The Global economy is being severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply, demand and financial factors caused 
an unprecedented fall in GDP in the first half of 2020. Supported by strong fiscal and monetary policy measures, as well as 
greater  control  over  the  spread  of  the  virus,  global  growth  rebounded  more  than  expected  in  the  third  quarter,  before 
slowing down in the fourth, when the number of infections rose again in many regions, mainly in the United States and 
Europe. As for 2021, the unfavorable evolution of the pandemic is expected to adversely affect activity in the short term, 
while  new  fiscal  and  monetary  stimuli,  as  well  as  the  administering  of  coronavirus  vaccines,  are  expected  to  support 
recovery from mid-year onwards. 

Following the massive fiscal and monetary stimuli to support economic activity and reduce financial tensions, government 
debt  has  increased  across  the  board  and  interest  rates  have  been  cut,  and  are  now  at  historical  low  levels.  Additional 
countercyclical measures may be required. Similarly, a significant reduction in current stimuli is not expected, at least until 
the recovery takes hold. 

Tensions in the financial markets have moderated rapidly since the end of March 2020, following the decisive actions taken 
by  the  main  central  banks  and  the  fiscal  packages  announced  in  many  countries.  In  recent  months,  the  markets  have 
shown relative stability and, at certain times, risk-taking  movements. Likewise, progress related to the development  of 
COVID-19 vaccines and prospects for economic recovery should pave the way for financial volatility to persist at relatively 
low levels in general going forward. 

BBVA Research estimates that global GDP contracted by around 2.6% in 2020 and will expand by around 5.3% in 2021 
and 4.1% in 2022. Activity will recover gradually and heterogeneously among countries. Various epidemiological, financial 
and geopolitical factors are also contributing to the persistent exceptionally high uncertainty. 

With regard to the banking system, in an environment in which much of the economic activity has been at a stand still for 
several  months,  the  services  provided  have  played  an  essential  role,  basically  for  two  reasons:  firstly,  the  banks  have 
ensured the proper functioning of collections and payments for households and companies, thereby contributing to the 
maintenance of economic activity; secondly, the granting of new lending or the renewal of existing lending has reduced the 
impact of the economic slowdown on household and business income. The support provided by the banks over the months 
of lockdown and public guarantees have been essential in softening the impact of the crisis on companies' liquidity and 
solvency, meaning that banking has become its main source of funding for most companies.  

In terms of profitability, European and Spanish banking have deteriorated, primarily because many entities recorded high 
provisions for impairment on financial assets in the first two quarters of 2020 as a result of the worsening macroeconomic 
environment following the pandemic outbreak. Pre-pandemic profitability levels remained far from the levels prior to the 
previous financial crisis. This is in addition to the accumulation of capital since the previous crisis and the very low interest 
rate environment that we have been experiencing for several years. Nevertheless, the banks are facing this situation from 
a healthy position and with solvency that has been constantly increasing since the 2008 crisis, with reinforced capital and 
liquidity buffers and, therefore, with a greater lending capacity. 

The BBVA Group has a General Risk Management and Control Model appropriate to its business model, its organization, 
the countries in which it operates and its corporate governance system, which allows it to carry out its activity within the 
framework of the risk management and control strategy and policy defined by the corporate bodies. This model deals with 
management in global form adapting itself to the circumstances of each moment. This Model is applied integrally in the 
Group. 

 In  this  sense,  from  the  beginning  of  the  crisis,  the  BBVA  Group  implemented  specific  measures  for  the  proper 
management of these associated risks, establishing different global initiatives that define the risk management strategy 
during the crisis, with common action protocols that should be implemented and adapted, when needed, to local needs. 

 
197 

The  BBVA  Group  global  risk  unit  -  Global  Risk  Management  (hereinafter,  “GRM”)  -  has  increased  the  frequency  and 
intensity of the evaluation of potential impacts on the different groups and clients, in order to prevent their future evolution, 
and carried out appropriate adjustments and reclassifications, reinforcing its processes, governance and teams in Holding 
and countries to act in a coordinated manner, focusing priority on crisis management. 

Over the past year, it has been found that the pandemic has a  global impact ,  affecting to a greater extent the sectors in 
which there is a high level of human interaction (transport, especially air transport, leisure, especially hotel establishments, 
as well as industries and activities dependent on them), regardless of the regional area in question. For this reason, the 
Bank's  risk  management  has  clearly  been  intensified  by  sectorial  vectors  over  other  conditioning  factors  such  as 
geographic. 

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, the internal control model, the Code of Conduct, the Corporate 
Principles in tax matters 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, etc.) but also 
opportunities  (new  framework  of  relations  with  customers,  greater  ability  to  adapt  to  their  needs,  new  products  and 
distribution channels, etc.). 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.  

The  financial  sector  faces  an  environment  of  increasing  regulatory  and  litigious  pressure,  and  thus,  the  various  Group 
entities are usually party to individual or collective judicial proceedings (including class actions) resulting from their activity 
and  operations,  as  well  as  arbitration  proceedings.  The  Group  is  also  party  to  other  government  procedures  and 
investigations, such as those carried out by the antitrust authorities in certain countries which, among other things, have 
in the past and could in the future result into sanctions, as well as lead to claims by customers and others. In addition, the 
regulatory framework, in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, is evolving towards a supervisory approach more 
focused  on  the  opening  of  sanctioning  proceedings  while  some  regulators  are  focusing  their  attention  on  consumer 
protection and behavioral risk.  

In Spain and in other jurisdictions where the Group operates, legal and regulatory actions and proceedings against financial 
institutions,  prompted  in  part  by  certain  judgments  in  favor  of  consumers  handed  down  by  national  and  supranational 
courts, have increased significantly in recent years and this trend could continue in the future. The legal and regulatory 
actions  and  proceedings  faced  by  other  financial  institutions  in  relation  to  these  and  other  matters,  especially  if  such 
actions or proceedings result in favorable resolutions for the consumer, could also adversely affect the Group. 

All of the above may result in a significant increase in operating and compliance costs or even a reduction of revenues, and 
it is possible that an adverse outcome in any proceedings (depending on the amount thereof, the penalties imposed or the 
procedural  or  management  costs  for  the  Group)  could  damage  the  Group's  reputation,  generate  a  knock-on  effect  or 
otherwise adversely affect the Group. 

It is difficult to predict the outcome of legal and regulatory actions and proceedings, both   those to which the Group is 
currently  exposed  and  those  that  may  arise  in  the  future,  including  actions  and  proceedings  relating  to  former  Group 
subsidiaries  or  in  respect  of  which  the  Group      may  have  indemnification  obligations,  but  such  outcome  could  be 
significantly adverse to the Group. In addition, a decision in any matter, whether against the Group or against another credit 
entity facing similar claims as those faced by the Group, could give rise to other claims against the Group. In addition, these 
actions and proceedings attract resources from the Group and may occupy a great deal of attention on part of the Group's 
management and employees. 

 
198 

As of December 31, 2020, the Group had €612 million in provisions for the proceedings it is facing (included in the line 
"Provisions for litigation and pending tax cases" in the consolidated balance sheet) (see Note 25), of which €574 million 
correspond  to  legal  contingencies  and  €38  million  to  tax  related  matters.  However,  the  uncertainty  arising  from  these 
proceedings (including those for which no provisions have been made, either because it is not possible to estimate them 
or for other reasons) makes it impossible to guarantee that the possible losses arising from these proceedings will not 
exceed, where applicable, the amounts that the Group currently has provisioned and, therefore, could affect the Group's 
consolidated results in a given period. 

As a result of the above, legal and regulatory actions and proceedings currently faced by the Group or to which it may 
become  subject  in  the  future  or  otherwise  affected  by,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  if  resolved  in  whole  or  in  part 
adversely to the Group ́s interests, could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition and 
results of operations. 

As mentioned in the section “Other non-financial risks” of the Non-financial information report of this Management report, 
Central Investigating Court No. 6 of the National High Court is investigating the activities of Centro Exclusivo de Negocios 
y  Transacciones,  S.L.  (Cenyt)  in  the  Preliminary  Proceeding  No.  96/2017.  Piece  No.  9  of  this  proceeding  includes  the 
provision of services to the Bank. It is not possible at this time to predict the scope or duration of such proceeding or any 
related proceeding or its or their possible outcomes or implications for the Group, including any fines, damages or harm to 
the Group’s reputation caused thereby. 

 
 
199 

Subsequent events 

On January 22, 2021, BBVA communicated that the sale of its direct and indirect shareholding stake of 100% share capital 
in BBVA Paraguay to Banco GNB Paraguay, S.A., after obtaining all required authorizations, had been completed for an 
amount of approximately USD 250 million (approximately €210 million). 

On January 29, 2021 it was announced that it was foreseen to submit for the consideration of the corresponding BBVA 
governing bodies a cash distribution of 0.059 euros gross per share as shareholders’ distributions in relation to the Group’s 
results in 2020, subject to the prior obtention of the corresponding authorizations, all in accordance with the provisions of 
the recommendation of the European Central Bank of 15 December 2020, number ECB/2020/62, on dividend payments 
during the COVID-19 pandemic (see Note 4 of the attached Consolidated Financial Statements). 

From January 1, 2021 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. 

 
 
200 

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) as well as the statement published by 
the ESMA on May 20, 2020 (ESMA 32-63-972), about implications of the COVID-19 outbreak on the half-yearly financial 
reports. The guidelines mentioned before 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). 

Reconciliation of the Financial Statements of the BBVA Group 

Below  is  the  reconciliation  between  the  consolidated  Financial  Income  Statements  and  the  consolidated  management 
income statements, shown throughout this report, for 2020 and 2019.  

The main difference between them is the treatment of the results generated by the portion of the business in the United 
States  that  is  subject  to  the  sale  agreement  reached  on  November  16,  2020.  As  a  result,  in  the  management  income 
statements, the results of the Group are presented by consolidating the  said business for sale in continuity, compared to 
the  treatment  of  the  income  statement  of  the  consolidated  Financial  Statements  in  which,  according  to  the  applicable 
accounting  regulation,  and  since  the  transaction  represents  a  sale  agreement  that  includes  a  large  section  of  the 
businesses that constitute a significant geographical area for the Group (IFRS 5.32 and Appendix A), it has been considered 
as a “discontinued operation”. Based on this consideration, the results obtained by the business subject to the sale are 
presented under a single line of the income statements - "Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations" - (IFRS 5.33) 
and the income statements of the consolidated Financial Statements for the comparative periods presented have been re-
expressed (IFRS 5.34).This line of the consolidated Financial Statements includes the successive goodwill impairments in 
the  United  States  made  in  the  last  quarter  of  2019  and  the  first  quarter  of  2020  that,  in  the  management  income 
statements are collected in a management margin called “United States goodwill impairment and corporate operations”.  

Additionally, there is a difference between both approaches that derives from the materialization of the agreement with 
Allianz  that, in  the Financial Income Statements is  included with its gross impact on the line "Gains (losses) from non-
current assets and disposable groups of items classified as held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations" and its 
corresponding tax effect on the line "Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations” while, for 
management  purposes, it has been classified as “Corporate Operation” for its net amount, being included in the same 
management margin mentioned above.  

 
 
 
CONCILIATION OF THE BBVA GROUP'S INCOME STATEMENTS. 2020 (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Consolidated income statement  

Adjustments 

Management income statement 

201 

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 expense 
     Other administrative expense 
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 

NET OPERATING INCOME 

Impairment or reversal of impairment of investments in joint ventures 
and associates 

Impairment or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets 

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

Negative goodwill recognized in profit or loss 

Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified 
as held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations     

2020  
22,389 

(7,797) 

14,592 

137 

(39) 

5,980 

(1,857) 

4,123 

139 

777 

208 

56 

7 

359 

1,546 

492 

(1,662) 

2,497 

(1,520) 

(95) 
20,166 
(7,799) 
(4,695) 
(3,105) 
(1,288) 
11,079 

(746) 

2020  

3,534 

25,923  Financial income 

(1,325) 

(9,122)  Financial expenses 

2,209 

16,801  Net interest income 

(*) 

(*) 

677 

6,657  Fees and commissions income 

(183) 

(2,040)  Fees and commissions expenses 

494 

4,616  Net fees and commissions  

145 

1,692  Net trading income 

(40) 
2,808 

(955) 
(507) 
(205) 
1,140 

(135)  Other operating income and expenses 

22,974  Gross income 

(10,755)  Operating expenses (**) 
(5,650) 
(3,612) 
(1,494) 
12,219  Operating income  

Personnel expenses 
Other administrative expenses 
Depreciation 

2 

(744)  Provisions or reversal of provisions 

(5,179) 

(729) 

(5,908) 

Impairment on financial assets not 
measured at fair value through profit or loss 

5,153 

(190) 

(153) 

(7) 

- 

444 

94 

413 

5,566  

(435) 

(341)  Other gains (losses) 

PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

5,248 

(22) 

5,225  Profit/(loss) before tax 

Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing 
operations 

(1,459) 

73 

(1,385)  Income tax 

PROFIT (LOSS) AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

3,789 

51 

3,840  Profit/(loss) after tax   

Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations 

(1,729) 

1,729 

-  

- 

(1,780) 

(1,780) 

Goodwill impairment in the United States 
and corporate operations   

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST (NON-CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS) 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT 

2,060 

(756) 

1,305 

- 

- 

- 

2,060  Profit/(loss) for the year 

(756)  Non-controlling interests 

1,305  Net attributable profit/(loss) 

(*) Included within the Other operating income and expenses of the Management Income Statements 
(**) Depreciations included. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONCILIATION OF THE BBVA GROUP'S INCOME STATEMENTS. 2019 (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Consolidated income statement  

Adjustments 

Management income statement 

202 

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 expense 
     Other administrative expense 
Depreciation and amortization 

Provisions or reversal of provisions 

2019  
27,762 
(11,972) 

15,789 

153 

(42) 

6,786 
(2,284) 
4,502 

186 

419 

143 

(98) 

55 

581 

1,286 

639 

(1,943) 

2,890 

(1,751) 

(55) 
21,522 
(8,769) 
(5,351) 
(3,418) 
(1,386) 
11,368 

(614) 

2019  

5,880 
(3,546) 

33,642  Financial income 
(15,518)  Financial expenses 

2,335 

18,124  Net interest income 

(*) 

(*) 

736 
(205) 
531 

7,522  Fees and commissions income 
(2,489)  Fees and commissions expenses 

5,033  Net fees and commissions  

98 

1,383  Net trading income 

(22) 
2,941 

(989) 
(545) 
(214) 
1,193 

(77)  Other operating income and expenses 

24,463  Gross income 
(11,902)  Operating expenses (**) 
(6,340) 
(3,963) 
(1,599) 
12,561  Operating income  

Personnel expenses 
Other administrative expenses 
Depreciation 

(3) 

(617)  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 

(3,552) 

(521) 

(4,073) 

Impairment on financial assets not 
measured at fair value through profit or loss 

NET OPERATING INCOME 

7,202 

670 

7,872  

Impairment or reversal of impairment of investments in joint ventures 
and associates 

Impairment or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets 

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

Negative goodwill recognized in profit or loss 

Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified 
as held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations     

PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

(46) 

(128) 

(5) 

- 

23 

(156) 

7,046 

0 

(155)  Other gains (losses) 

670 

7,716  Profit/(loss) before tax 

Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing 
operations 

(1,943) 

(110) 

(2,053)  Income tax 

PROFIT (LOSS) AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

5,103 

560 

5,663  Profit/(loss) after tax   

Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations 

(758) 

758 

-  

- 

(1,318) 

(1,318) 

Goodwill impairment in the United States 
and corporate operations   

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST (NON-CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS) 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT 

4,345 

(833) 

3,512 

- 

- 

- 

4,345  Profit/(loss) for the year 

(833)  Non-controlling interests 

3,512  Net attributable profit/(loss) 

(*) Included within the Other operating income and expenses of the Management Income Statements 
(**) Depreciations included. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Below  is  the  reconciliation  between  the  balance  sheets  of  the  consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  those  of  the 
management as of 12-31-2020 and 12-31-2019,  based on which the financial information of this report is provided. The 
main difference between both of them is the classification in the consolidated balance sheets of the sale transactions of 
BBVA Paraguay (closed on January 22)   and part of the BBVA Group business in the United States  (expected to close by 
the middle of the 2021 financial year)  as Non-current Assets held for Sale7. On the other hand, the management balance 
sheets  as  of  12-31-2020  and  12-31-2019  are  presented  in  continuity,  being  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  these  two 
transactions included in each corresponding balance sheet line. 

CONCILIATION OF THE BBVA GROUP'S BALANCE SHEET. 2020 (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

203 

Consolidated 
balance sheet of the 
financial 
statements 

31-12-20

Adjustments

Consolidated 
management 
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 at fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

  Loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions 

  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  

65,520 

11,784 

108,257

5,198

1,117

821

13

-

69,440 

4,976 

367,668 

62,592 

20,784

37

311,147 

53,859 

35,737 

8,697 

1,437

7,823 

2,345 

(0)

807 

1,952 

107,373 

(82,944) 

736,176 

86,488

10,050

- 

98

-

490,606 

74,480 

72,806 

4,707 

342,661 

66,460 

61,780 

13,358

9,951

2,811 

501

-

89,061 

(74,578) 

686,156

5,471

(14,356)

58,904

50,020

736,176 

-

-

-

-

-

- 

31-12-20

77,303 

109,078

5,211

1,117

74,416 

430,260 

20,821

365,006 

44,434 

1,437

8,629 

4,297 

24,428 

736,176 

86,587

10,050

565,085 

77,513 

409,122 

64,591 

13,860

9,951

14,483 

686,156

5,471

(14,356)

58,904

50,020

736,176 

(*) "Derivatives - hedge accounting", "Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk", "Joint ventures and associates", "Insurance and reinsurance 
assets", "Tax assets", "Other assets", and "Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale".  
(**) "Derivatives - hedge accounting", "Fair value changes of the hedged items in porftolio hedges of interest rate risk", "Provisions", "Tax liabilities", "Other liabilities", and "Liabilities 
included in disposal groups classified as held for sale".  

7 As of 12-31-2019, only BBVA Paraguay is classified as Non-current Assets held for Sale and as of 12-31-2020, BBVA Paraguay and BBVA 
USA and the rest of Group’s companies included in the sale agreement signed with PNC are classified under this balance sheet line.

204 

Adjustments 

Consolidated 
management 
balance sheet 

CONCILIATION OF THE BBVA GROUP'S BALANCE SHEET. 2019 (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

Consolidated 
balance sheet of 
the financial 
statements 
31-12-19 

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 

  Loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions 

  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  

44,303 

101,735 

5,557 

1,214 

61,183 

439,162 

17,924 

382,360 

38,877 

1,488 

10,068 

6,966 

363 

0 

- 

- 

2 

1,268 

0 

1,205 

63 

- 

9 

4 

26,060 

(1,647) 

697,737 

88,680 

10,010 

516,641 

54,700 

384,219 

63,963 

13,758 

10,606 

- 

0 

- 

1,542 

22 

1,467 

40 

13 

- 

16,875 

(1,542) 

642,812 

6,201 

(10,226) 

58,950 

54,925 

697,737 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

31-12-19 

44,666 

101,735 

5,557 

1,214 

61,186 

440,430 

17,924 

383,565 

38,940 

1,488 

10,077 

6,970 

24,413 

697,737 

88,680 

10,010 

518,182 

54,722 

385,686 

64,004 

13,771 

10,606 

15,333 

642,812 

6,201 

(10,226) 

58,950 

54,925 

697,737 

(*) "Derivatives - hedge accounting", "Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk", "Joint ventures and associates", "Insurance and reinsurance 
assets", "Tax assets", "Other assets", and "Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale".  

(**) "Derivatives - hedge accounting", "Fair value changes of the hedged items in porftolio hedges of interest rate risk", "Provisions", "Tax liabilities", "Other liabilities", and "Liabilities 
included in disposal groups classified as held for sale".  

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 countries 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. 

Adjusted profit/ (loss) for the year 

Explanation  of  the  formula:  The  adjusted  profit/(loss)  for  the  year  is  the  profit/(loss)  for  the  year  from  the  Group’s 
consolidated income statement, excluding those extraordinary items that, from a management point of view are defined 
at any given moment. 

Relevance  of  its  use:  This  measure  is  commonly  used,  not  only  in  the  banking  sector,  for  homogeneous  comparison 
purposes. 

 
 
 
205 

Adjusted profit/(loss) for the year 
Millions of euros 

Jan.-Dec.-20 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

Jan.-Dec.-18 

+ 

+ 

Annualized profit/(loss) after tax from 
ongoing operations 
Annualized profit/(loss) after tax from 
discontinued operations 

=  Annualized profit/(loss) for the year 

-  The United States goodwill impairment
-  Profit of BBVA Chile 

-  Net capital gains from the sale of BBVA Chile

- 

Net capital gain from the assurance 
transaction 

=  Adjusted profit/(loss) for the year 

3,789

(1,729)

2,060 

(2,084)
- 

- 

304

3,840 

5,103

(758)

4,345 

(1,318)
- 

- 

-

5,523

704

6,227 

-
93 

633 

- 

5,663 

5,501 

Adjusted net attributable profit 

Explanation of the formula: The adjusted net attributable profit is the net attributable profit from the Group’s consolidated 
income statement, excluding those extraordinary items that, from a management point of view are defined at any given 
moment. 

Relevance of its use: This measure is commonly used, not only in the banking sector, for comparison purposes. 

Adjusted net attributable profit/(loss) 
Millions of euros 

+ Annualized net attributable profit/(loss)

-  The United States goodwill impairment
-  Net attributable profit of BBVA Chile 

-  Net capital gains from the sale of BBVA Chile

- 

Net capital gain from the assurance 
transaction 

=  Adjusted net attributable profit/(loss) 

Jan.-Dec.-20 
1,305 

(2,084)
- 

- 

304

3,084 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

3,512 

(1,318)
- 

- 

-

Jan.-Dec.-18 
5,400 

-
64 

633 

- 

4,830 

4,703 

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 (Millions of 
euros) 

+ Shareholders' funds

+ Dividend-option adjustment

31-12-20

58,904 

- 

31-12-19

58,950 

- 

31-12-18

57,333 

- 

+  Accumulated other comprehensive income

(14,356) 

(10,226) 

(10,223) 

Denominator        
(Millions of euros) 

= 

+  Number of shares outstanding

+ Dividend-option
-  Treasury shares 

Book value per share  
(euros / share) 

6,668 

- 
14 

6.70 

6,668 

- 
13 

7.32 

6,668

- 
47 

7.12 

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

206 

Explanation  of  the  formula:  The  figures  for  ‘’shareholders'  funds’’,  ‘’accumulated  other  comprehensive  income’’  and 
‘’intangible  assets’’8  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

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

+ Dividend-option adjustment
+  Accumulated other comprehensive income

-

-

Intangible assets

Intangible assets classified as Non-Current 
Assets Held for Sale 

+  Number of shares outstanding

+ Dividend-option
-  Treasury shares 

Tangible book value per share 
(euros / share) 

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

= 

Dividend yield 

31-12-20

58,904 

- 
(14,356) 

2,345 

1,952

6,668 

- 
14 

6.05 

31-12-19

58,950 

- 
(10,226) 

6,966 

4

6,668 

- 
13 

6.27 

31-12-18

57,333 

- 
(10,223) 

8,314 

-

6,668

- 
47 

5.86 

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

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 

31-12-20
0.16 
4.04 
4.0% 

31-12-19
0.26 
4.98 
5.2% 

31-12-18
0.25 
4.64 
5.4% 

8 For the purposes of the calculation, intangible assets classified under the non-current assets held for sale are also considered. 

207 

Adjusted earning per share 

The adjusted earning per share takes the earning per share calculated in accordance to the criteria established in the IAS 
33 “Earnings Per Share” and takes into account the same adjustments made in the net attributable profit to calculate the 
adjusted net attributable profit, previously defined in these alternative performance measures. 

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 of ”Credit risk” within 
the “Risk management” section 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.  

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

NPLs

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

Credit Risk 

31-12-20

31-12-19

16,681

16,730 

31-12-18

17,087

421,432 

441,964 

433,799 

= 

Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio 

4.0% 

3.8% 

3.9% 

NPL coverage ratio 

This ratio reflects the degree to which the impairment of non-performing loans has been covered in the accounts via value 
adjustments. 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 allowances, for 
both loans and advances to customer and contingent risk.  Their calculation is based on the headings in the first table of 
“Credit Risk” within the “Risk management” section 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 value adjustments.  

NPL coverage ratio 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

Provisions

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

NPLs

= 

NPL coverage ratio 

31-12-20

31-12-19

13,593 

12,817 

16,681

81% 

16,730 

77% 

31-12-18

12,493

17,087

73% 

 
208 

Cost of risk 

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 

+

+

Annualized loan-loss provisions from 
ongoing operations 
Annualized loan-loss provisions from 
discontinued operations 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

=  Annualized loan-loss provisions

31-12-20

31-12-19

31-12-18

5,160

729

5,889 

3,462

521

3,983 

3,662

222

3,884

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

Average loans and advances to customers 
(gross) 

390,868

390,494

392,037

= 

Cost of risk 

1.51% 

1.02% 

0.99% 

Efficiency ratio 

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 graphs on “Results” section of this report 
should be consulted, 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. 

Efficiency ratio 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

+

+

Operating expenses from ongoing 
operations 
Operating expenses from discontinued 
operations 

Jan.-Dec.-20 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

Jan.-Dec.-18 

(9,088)

(10,155)

(10,054)

(1,668)

(1,748)

(1,648)

=  Operating expenses 

(10,755) 

(11,902) 

(11,702) 

+ 

Gross income from ongoing operations

20,166

21,522

20,936

+

Gross income from discontinued 
operations 

2,808

2,941

2,731

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

=  Gross income 

= 

Efficiency ratio 

22,974 

46.8% 

24,463 

48.7% 

23,667 

49.4% 

 
 
209 

Adjusted ROE 

The  adjusted  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 adjusted net attributable profit
Average shareholders′funds (cid:3397) Average accumulated other comprehensive income

Explanation of the formula: The numerator is the adjusted net attributable profit previously defined in these alternative 
performance measures. 

‘’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.  

Adjusted ROE 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

Adjusted ROTE 

Jan.-Dec.-20 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

Jan.-Dec.-18 

Adjusted net attributable profit/(loss) 

+  Average shareholder's funds 

+ 

Average accumulated other comprehensive 
income 

=  Adjusted ROE 

3,084 

57,626 

(12,858)

6.9% 

4,830 

58,888 

(9,921)

9.9% 

4,703 

55,885 

(9,800)

10.2% 

The  Adjusted  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 adjusted 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 adjusted 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 the adjusted ROE. 

‘’Average intangible assets’’ are the intangible assets on the balance sheet, including goodwill and other intangible assets9. 
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.  

Adjusted ROTE 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

Jan.-Dec.-20 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

Jan.-Dec.-18 

Adjusted net attributable profit/(loss) 

+  Average shareholder's funds 

+ 

Average accumulated other comprehensive 
income 

- Average intangible assets

- 

Average intangible assets classified as Non-
Current Asset Held for Sale 

=  Adjusted ROTE 

3,084 

57,626 

(12,858)

4,754 

253

7.8% 

4,830 

58,888 

(9,921)

8,303 

2

11.9% 

4,703 

55,885 

(9,800)

8,298 

36 

12.5% 

9   For the purposes of the calculation, intangible assets classified under the non-current assets held for sale are also considered. 

210 

Adjusted ROA 

The adjusted ROA (return on assets) ratio measures the return obtained on an entity's assets. It is calculated as follows: 

Annualized adjusted profit for the year
Average total assets

Explanation of the formula: The numerator is the annualized adjusted profit/(loss) for the year previously defined in these 
alternative performance measures. 

‘’Average total assets’’ are the moving weighted average of the total assets of the Group’s consolidated balance sheet at 
the end of each month of the period under analysis.  

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.  

Adjusted ROA 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

Adjusted RORWA 

Adjusted profit/(loss) for the year 

3,840 

5,663 

5,501 

Jan.-Dec.-20 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

Jan.-Dec.-18 

Average total assets 

729,833 

692,797 

678,662 

=  Adjusted ROA 

0.53% 

0.82% 

0.81% 

The  adjusted  RORWA  (return  on  risk-weighted  assets)  ratio  measures  the  return  obtained  on  an  entity's  assets.  It  is 
calculated as follows:  

Annualized adjusted profit for the year
Average risk (cid:3398) weighted assetsrage total assets

Explanation of the formula: The numerator is the annualized adjusted profit/(loss) for the year previously defined in these 
alternative performance measures. 

‘’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.  

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.  

Adjusted RORWA 

Numerator (Millions of 
euros) 

Denominator (Millions of 
euros) 

Adjusted profit/(loss) for the year 

3,840 

5,663 

5,501 

Jan.-Dec.-20 

Jan.-Dec.-19 

Jan.-Dec.-18 

Average RWA 

359,774 

361,359 

353,199 

=  Adjusted RORWA 

1.07% 

1.57% 

1.56% 

Other customer funds 

This includes off-balance sheet funds, these are, mutual funds, pension funds and other off-balance sheet funds.  

Explanation  of  the  formula:  It  is  the  period-end  sum  on  a  given  date  of  the  mutual  funds,  pension  funds  and  other  off-
balance sheet funds; as displayed in the table on “Balance sheet and business activity” section 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  and  other  off-balance  sheet 
funds.  

Other customer funds 
Millions of euros 

= 

+  Mutual funds
+  Pension Funds
+ Other off-balance sheet funds
Other customer funds 

31-12-20
64,869 
36,215 
1,863 
102,947 

31-12-19
68,639 
36,630 
2,534 
107,803 

31-12-18
61,393
33,807
2,914 
98,114 

 
211 

Appendix 
Companies  excluded  from  the  sale  agreement  of  the  BBVA 
subsidiary in the United States 

Hereafter the income statement and the balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 of the companies of the United 

States subsidiary excluded from the sale agreement reached with PNC10 is presented. 

INCOME STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANIES EXCLUDED FROM THE SALE AGREEMENT OF THE BBVA 
SUBSIDIARY IN THE UNITED STATES (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

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 

Other gains (losses) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Non-controlling interests 
Net attributable profit/(loss) 

2020 
76 

182 

59 

47 

364 

(193) 

(129) 

(62) 

(3) 

170 

(47) 

(6) 

- 

118 

(18) 

100 

- 

100 

2019 
60 

139 

58 

50 

307 

(201) 

(134) 

(62) 

(5) 

105 

(30) 

0 

(0) 

76 

(10) 

66 

- 

66 

SUMMARIZED BALANCE SHEETS OF THE COMPANIES EXCLUDED FROM THE SALE AGREEMENT OF 
THE BBVA SUBSIDIARY IN THE UNITED STATES (MILLIONS OF EUROS) 

31-12-20 

31-12-19 

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 

5,854 

970 
153 

5,376 
5,109 

- 

10 

94 
12,304 

803 

845 

4,756 

105 

4,943 

305 

548 

2,613 

277 
161 

6,650 
6,475 

- 

14 

50 
9,604 

163 

945 

3,895 

391 

3,471 

233 

505 

10 For more information about the agreement, see the chapter “Highlights” of this report. 

 
 
 
 
                                                                    
212 

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 2020 (which is an integral part of the Management Report for that year) following 
the  contents  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  1/2020,  dated  October  6,  of  CNMV.  It 
includes a section detailing the degree to which the Bank is compliant with the recommendations of the Good Governance 
Code of listed companies 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 

213 

ISSUER IDENTIFICATION      

YEAR-END DATE: 31/12/2020 

 Tax Identification No. [C.I.F.].  A-48265169 

Company Name: BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.  

Registered Office: Plaza de San Nicolás, 4, 48005 Bilbao (Bizkaia)  

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
OF LISTED COMPANIES  

214 

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 

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 the 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 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Blackrock, Inc. 

5.48% 

0.44% 

Norges Bank 

3.24% 

0.13% 

5.92% 

3.37% 

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 

Indicate the most significant changes in the shareholder structure during the financial year:   

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 2020, 10.94%, 1.31% and 
8.36% 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 shareholdings to the Spanish National Securities Market Commission 
(CNMV): On 18 April 2019, Blackrock, Inc. informed the CNMV that it had an indirect holding of 
5.917% of BBVA's share capital, through the company Blackrock, Inc.  

Communication of significant shareholdings to the CNMV: On 11 May 2020, Norges Bank informed 
the CNMV that it had a direct holding of 3.366% of BBVA's share capital.  

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
A.3  Fill in the following tables with the members of the company's board of directors with voting rights on 

company shares:   

Name or corporate 
name of the director  

% of voting rights 
attached to shares  

% of voting rights 
through financial 
instruments 

Direct 

Indirect 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total % of 
voting right 

% of voting rights that 
can be transferred 
through financial 
instruments  

Direct 

Indirect 

215 

Carlos Torres Vila 

0.01 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.01 

0.00 

0.00 

Onur Genç 

0.01 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.01 

0.00 

0.00 

José Miguel 
Andrés Torrecillas 

Jaime Félix 
Caruana Lacorte 

Raúl Catarino 
Galamba de Oliveira 

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 

Belén Garijo López 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Sunir Kumar Kapoor 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

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 

Juan Pi Llorens 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

Ana Leonor 
Revenga Shanklin 

Susana 
Rodríguez Vidarte 

Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

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 

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:  

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 

216 

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 directors that are legal persons.  

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  

Remarks 

 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:  

If there has been any amendment or breaking-off of said pacts or agreements or concerted actions in 
the financial year, indicate this expressly:   

No 

217 

 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  

592,832 

13,760,000 

0.22% 

(*) Through:  

Name or corporate name of direct holder of shareholding 

Number of direct shares 

Corporación General Financiera, S.A. 

Total: 

13,760,000 

13,760,000 

Give details of any significant changes that have occurred during the financial year:   

Explain the significant changes 

In 2020, five communications regarding treasury shares were sent to the CNMV, as the acquisitions had exceeded the 1% 
threshold. The communications were as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

Communication date: 21/01/2020. A total of 2,834,633 direct shares and 13,930,924 indirect shares, 
representing a total of 0.251% of the share capital.  

Communication date: 01/04/2020. A total of 3,332,105 direct shares and 4,165,426 indirect shares, representing 
a total of 0.112% of the share capital.  

Communication date: 12/06/2020. A total of 2,173,039 direct shares and 3,563,872 indirect shares, representing 
a total of 0.086% of the share capital.  

Communication date: 07/09/2020. A total of 1,333,849 direct shares and 15,542,111 indirect shares, 
representing a total of 0.253% of the share capital.  

Communication date: 09/12/2020. A total of 1,268,461 direct shares and 15,844,930 indirect shares, 
representing a total of 0.257% of the share capital. 

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.  

  The BBVA General Meeting held on 17 March 2017, under item three of the agenda, passed 

a resolution to delegate to the Board 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 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
218 

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 this 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 
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 General Meeting of 17 March 2017, under the fifth item on the agenda, delegated 

to the Board 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 another currency; the 
Board may likewise resolve upon, set and determine the terms and conditions of the issues 
carried out, 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 under 
the agreement, when the corporate interest so requires, in compliance with any applicable 
legal requirements. 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 using this 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 same Meeting, 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,  BBVA  has  made  six  issuances  of  contingently 
convertible  perpetual  securities  (Additional  Tier  1  capital  instruments),  without  pre-emptive 
subscription rights, namely two issuances in the 2017 financial year in the amounts of EUR 
500 million and USD 1 billion; one in the 2018 financial year in the amount of EUR 1 billion; 
two in the 2019 financial year in the amounts of EUR 1 billion and USD 1 billion; and one in 
2020 in the amount of EUR 1 billion. 

  Under the third item of the agenda of the BBVA General Meeting held on 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 applicable legal conditions or by the competent authorities and, in particular, with the 
following conditions: (i) the 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 Meeting also expressly 
authorised that the shares acquired by BBVA or any of its subsidiaries may, through this 
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 

Remarks 

219 

%  

90.48% 

This estimated floating BBVA capital has been calculated by deducting, from the share capital, the capital held by the 
direct and indirect holders of significant shares (Section A.2), the members of the Board of Directors (Section A.3) and 
the capital held in treasury shares (Section A.9), all as of 31 December 2020, in accordance with the instructions for 
completing 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.    

Yes 

Description of the restrictions 

Regarding the exercise of the right to vote, there are no legal or statutory restrictions on this. Thus, in accordance with 
Article 31 of the Bylaws, each voting share will confer the right to one vote on the holder, whether present or 
represented at the General Shareholders' Meeting, regardless of its disbursement.  

There are also no statutory restrictions on the acquisition or transfer of shares in the company's share capital.  

As for the legal restrictions on the acquisition or transfer of holdings in the company's share capital, Spanish Act 
10/2014, of 26 June, on the regulation, supervision and solvency of credit institutions (the LOSS) establishes that the 
direct or indirect acquisition of a significant holding (as defined in Article 16 of that Act) in a credit institution 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 the LOSS, establishes that the Bank of Spain shall evaluate proposals for 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. 

 A.13  Indicate  whether  the  general  meeting  has  agreed  to  adopt  measures  to  neutralise  a  public 

takeover bid, pursuant to Act 6/2007.  

No 

If  so,  explain  the  measures  approved  and  the  terms  under  which  the  restrictions  would  be 
rendered effective:  

Explain the measures approved and the terms under which such limitations would cease to apply 

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
220 

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 the rights and obligations that 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 political 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 to trade on the stock exchanges in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia, through 
the Spanish Stock Exchange Interconnection System (Continuous Market), as well as on the stock exchanges in 
London and Mexico. BBVA's American Depositary shares (ADS) are traded on the New York stock exchange. 

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 

Quorum on 
second call 

Description of the differences 

0.00% 

0.00% 

66.66% 

60.00% 

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 50% of the subscribed capital with voting rights. 

On second calling, 25% of said capital will be sufficient. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Article 25 of the BBVA Bylaws requires a super quorum of 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: change 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 
requirements 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 

 
  
  
221 

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. 

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 (the LOSS), establishes that the Bank 
of Spain shall be responsible for authorising the amendments to the bylaws of credit institutions as set 
out by applicable regulations. 

Further to the above, Article 10 of Royal Decree 84/2015, of 13 February, implementing the LOSS, 
stipulates  that  the  Bank  of  Spain  shall  make  a  decision  within  two  months  following  receipt  of  the 
request for amendment of the Bylaws and that said 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, the aforementioned Article 10 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  15  working  days  following  the  adoption  of  the  statute 
amendment resolution. 

Finally, as a significant entity,  BBVA is under the direct supervision of the European Central Bank 
(ECB)  in  cooperation  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  

Indicate  the  data  on  attendance  at  general  meetings  held  during  the  financial  year  to  which  this 
report refers and the previous two financial years:   

Date of general meeting  

% physically  
present  

% present 
by proxy  

Attendance data 

% distance voting 

Electronic 
vote 

Other 

Total  

13/03/2020 

0.06% 

47.76% 

4.34% 

14.67% 

66.83% 

Of which is 
floating capital: 

0.04% 

38.48% 

4.34% 

14.67% 

57.53% 

15/03/2019 

1.77% 

38.95% 

0.92% 

22.79% 

64.43% 

Of which is 
floating capital: 

1.75% 

33.03% 

0.92% 

22.79% 

58.49% 

16/03/2018 

1.71% 

40.47% 

0.23% 

22.13% 

64.54% 

Of which is 
floating capital: 

1.62% 

34.53% 

0.23% 

22.13% 

58.51% 

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:  

 
  
 
Number of shares required to attend the general meeting 

Number of shares required to vote remotely 

500 

1 

Yes 

222 

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 record, 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 voter’s identity is duly guaranteed. 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, on 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 the Company's general meetings can be accessed 
via the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. company website, www.bbva.com, in the Shareholders 
and 
section 
(https://shareholdersandinvestors.bbva.com/corporate-governance-and-remuneration-policy/ ). 

Corporate  Governance 

Remuneration 

Investors 

Policy 

and 

– 

 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  

 Remarks 

15 

5 

15 

In accordance with the provisions of Article 34, Paragraph 2 of the Bylaws, the General Shareholders' 
Meeting, held on 13 March 2020, resolved to set the total number of directors on the BBVA Board of 
Directors at 15. 

 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
C.1.2  Fill in the following table on the board members:   

Name or 
corporate name 
of the director  

Representative 

Directorship 
type 

Position on 
the board 

Date of first 
appointment 

Date of most 
recent 
appointment 

Election 
procedure 

223 

Carlos 
Torres Vila 

Onur 
Genç 

José Miguel 
Andrés 
Torrecillas 

Jaime Félix 
Caruana 
Lacorte 

Raúl Catarino 
Galamba de 
Oliveira 

Belén Garijo 
López 

Sunir Kumar 
Kapoor 

Lourdes Máiz 
Carro 

José 
Maldonado 
Ramos 

Ana Cristina 
Peralta Moreno 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Ana Leonor 
Revenga 
Shanklin 

Susana 
Rodríguez 
Vidarte 

Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

Jan Paul Marie 
Francis 
Verplancke 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Executive 

Chairman 

04/05/2015 

15/03/2019 

Executive 

Chief 
Executive 
Officer 

20/12/2018 

15/03/2019 

 Independent 

Deputy Chair 

13/03/2015 

16/03/2018 

Independent  

Director  

16/03/2018 

16/03/2018 

Independent 

Director  

13/03/2020 

13/03/2020 

Independent 

Director  

16/03/2012 

16/03/2018 

Independent 

Director  

11/03/2016 

15/03/2019 

Independent 

Director 

14/03/2014 

13/03/2020 

Other external 

Director  

28/01/2000 

16/03/2018 

Independent 

Director 

16/03/2018 

16/03/2018 

Independent 

Lead Director 

27/07/2011 

16/03/2018 

Independent 

Director 

13/03/2020 

13/03/2020 

Other external 

Director 

28/05/2002 

13/03/2020 

Other external 

Director  

13/03/2020 

13/03/2020 

Independent 

Director  

16/03/2018 

16/03/2018 

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  

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  

Total number of directors 

 15 

 
 
Indicate  any  appointment  terminations,  as  a  result  of  resignation  or  by  resolution  of  the  general 
meeting, that have occurred on the board of directors during the reporting period:    

C.1.3  Fill in the following tables on the board members and their directorship type:  

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS   

224 

Name or 
corporate name 
of the director 

Carlos 
Torres Vila 

Position within 
the company's 
organisation 
structure  

Profile  

Chairman 

Chairman of the BBVA Board of Directors. 

Onur 
Genç 

Chief Executive 
Officer 

He was Chief Executive Officer of BBVA from May 2015 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 being of particular note, as 
well as partner at McKinsey & Company. 

He completed his studies in Electrical Engineering (BSc) at the Massachusetts 
Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also received a degree in Business 
Administration. He holds a 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). 

Chief Executive Officer of BBVA. 

He served as Chairman and CEO of BBVA Compass and as BBVA Country 
Manager in the U.S. from 2017 to December 2018, and served as Deputy 
CEO and Executive Vice President of retail and private banking at Garanti 
BBVA between 2012 and 2017. 

He has also held positions of responsibility in different McKinsey & Company 
offices, having also been a Senior Partner and Manager of its Turkish office. 

He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering (BSc) from the University of 
Boğaziçi in Turkey and a master's degree in Business Administration 
(MSIA/MBA) from Carnegie Mellon University in the USA. 

Total number of executive directors 

% of all directors 

2 

13% 

EXTERNAL PROPRIETARY DIRECTORS   

Name or corporate name 
of the director 

Name or corporate name of the significant 
shareholder whom they represent or who has 
proposed their appointment 

Profile 

Total number of proprietary directors 

% of all directors 

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
225 

EXTERNAL INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS   

Name or corporate 
name of the director 

Profile 

José Miguel 
Andrés Torrecillas 

Jaime Félix 
Caruana Lacorte 

Deputy Chairman of the BBVA Board of Directors. 

His developed his professional career at Ernst & Young, where he has been General 
Managing Partner of Audit and Advisory Services and Chairman of Ernst & Young Spain 
until 2014. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Zardoya Otis, S.A. 

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 Junta Directiva del Instituto Español de 
Analistas Financieros (Spanish Institute of Financial Analysts Management Board), 
Fundación Empresa y Sociedad (the Business and Society Foundation), Instituto de 
Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (Spanish Institute of Chartered Accountants), 
Consejo Asesor del Instituto de Auditores Internos (the Advisory Board of the Institute of 
Internal Auditors) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales 
(ICAEW). 

He holds a degree in Economic and Business Sciences from the Complutense University 
of Madrid and has studied at post-graduate level in Management Programs from IESE, 
Harvard and IMD. 

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), Chairman of the Basel Committee on 
Banking Supervision, Governor of the Bank of Spain and member of the Governing 
Council of the ECB, among other positions. He is a member of the Group of Thirty (G-30) 
and Trustee of the Spanish Aspen Institute Foundation. 

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.  

Raúl Catarino 
Galamba de Oliveira 

He is the Chairman (independent) of the Board of Directors of CTT - Correios de Portugal, 
S.A. and a non-executive director of José de Mello Saúde and José de Mello Capital. 

Belén Garijo López 

His career has been linked to McKinsey & Company, where he was appointed Partner in 
1995 and Senior Partner in 2000, and where he was Managing Partner for Spain and 
Portugal (2005–2011), Managing Partner for Global Risk Practice (2013–2016), Member 
of the Global Shareholders' Council (2005–2011), Member of the Global Partner 
Nomination and Evaluation Committees (2001–2017), Member of the Remuneration 
Committee (2005–2013) and Chairman of the Global Learning Board (2006–2011). 

He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Systems Engineering from the 
Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in Portugal, and an MBA from the Nova School of 
Business Economics, also in Portugal. 

She is Vice Chair of the Executive Board and Deputy CEO of the Merck Group since 
2020, and on 1 May 2021 she will be Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of the Merck 
Group. She is also a 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. 

She has held various positions of responsibility at Abbot Laboratories (1989–1996), 
Rhône-Poulenc (1996–1999), Aventis Pharma (1999–2004), Sanofi Aventis (2004–2011) 
and Merck (since 2011). 

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. She also holds a master's degree in Business and Management from the 
Ashridge Management School (UK).  

 
 
 
Sunir Kumar Kapoor 

He is involved in a range of technology companies in Silicon Valley and Europe, and is an 
Operating Partner at Atlantic Bridge Capital, an independent director at Stratio and an 
mCloud consultant. 

226 

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

He has been Manager of Business Enterprise EMEA for Microsoft Europe and Director of 
Worldwide Business Strategy for the Microsoft Corporation. Among other roles, she was 
previously the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Cassatt 
Corporation and Chair 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 has also been a director of several 
companies, including Renfe, GIF (Gerencia de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias — Railway 
Infrastructure Administrator, now ADIF), the ICO (Instituto de Crédito Oficial — Official 
Credit Institution), Aldeasa and Banco Hipotecario. 

She worked in Research, giving classes in Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge at the 
Complutense University of Madrid for five years. She became State Attorney 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 the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Patrimoniales (SEPPA) at the 
Ministry of Economy and Finance and Technical General Secretariat of the Ministry of 
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

She holds degrees in Law and Philosophy and Education Sciences as well as a Ph.D. in 
Philosophy. 

Ana Cristina 
Peralta Moreno 

She is an independent director at Grenergy Renovables and an independent director at 
Inmobiliaria Colonial, SOCIMI, S.A.  

She was previously Chief Risk Officer and a member of the Bankinter Management 
Committee, and Chief Risk Officer and member of the Banco Pastor Management 
Committee. She has also held various positions at a number of financial organisations, 
notably serving as an independent director at Deutsche Bank SAE, independent director 
at Banco Etcheverría, independent director at Grupo Lar Holding Residencial, S.A.U., and 
Senior Advisor at Oliver Wyman Financial Services. 

She is a graduate in Economic and Business Sciences from Complutense University of 
Madrid. She also has a master's degree in Economic-Financial Management from 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.  

Juan Pi Llorens 

Lead Director of BBVA. 

Ana Leonor 
Revenga Shanklin 

He is currently non-executive Chair of Ecolumber, S.A., non-executive director at Oesia 
Networks, S.L. and Tecnobit, S.L.U. (Grupo Oesía). 

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 from the Universidad Politécnica de Barcelona 
and completed the PDG (Programa en Dirección General – general management 
programme) at IESE.  

Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Associate Professor at the Walsh School of 
Foreign Service at Georgetown University and Chair of the Board of Trustees at the 
ISEAK Foundation. 

Her career has been linked mainly to the World Bank, where, after holding several 
technical and management positions in East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central 
Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, she has held several leadership positions, 
including Senior Director of Global Poverty & Equity (2014–2016) and Deputy Chief 
Economist (2016–2017). 

She holds a BA in Economics and Mathematics, magna cum laude, from Wellesley 
College (USA), an MA and PhD in Economics from Harvard University (USA), and a 
Certificate in Human Rights from the Faculty of Law at the University of Geneva 
(Switzerland). 

 
227 

Jan Paul Marie 
Francis Verplancke 

His roles have included Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Group Head of Technology 
and Banking Operations at Standard Chartered Bank, Vice President of Technology and 
Chief Information Officer (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 
is currently an advisor to the internal advisory board at Abdul Latif Jameel.  

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 

10 

67% 

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 their 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 their own name or as a significant shareholder, director or 
senior manager of an entity that maintains or has maintained such a relationship.  

Where applicable, include a reasoned statement from the board with the reasons why it deems that 
this director can perform their 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  

José 
Maldonado Ramos 

He has been a director for a 
continuous period of more 
than 12 years. 

Company, executive 
or shareholder to 
which related  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

Susana 
Rodríguez Vidarte 

She has been a director for a 
continuous period of more 
than 12 years. 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A. 

Profile  

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 General 
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 became State Attorney 

She has been Professor of Strategy 
at the Faculty of Economics and 
Business Administration at the 
University of Deusto and a non-
practising member of the Institute of 
Accounting and Accounts Auditing. 
She was Dean of the Faculty of 
Economics and Business 
Administration at the University of 
Deusto, Director of the Postgraduate 
Area and Director of the Instituto 
Internacional de Dirección de 
Empresas (INSIDE). 
She holds a PhD in Economic and 
Business Administration from the 
University of Deusto.  

 
  
 
 
 
  
  
Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

Grupo Financiero 
BBVA Bancomer, S.A. 
de C.V. 

Applying a criterion of 
prudence in the 
interpretation of the 
applicable law, Mr Salazar 
Lomelín has been assigned 
the status of external director 
to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya 
Argentaria, S.A., in view of 
his membership of the 
management bodies of 
companies related to BBVA 
Mexico for more than 15 
years. 

228 

Non-executive director of Grupo 
Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. 
de C.V.; non-executive director of 
BBVA Bancomer, S.A., Institución 
de Banca Múltiple, Grupo 
Financiero BBVA Bancomer; non-
executive director of Seguros BBVA 
Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., Grupo 
Financiero BBVA Bancomer; non-
executive director of Pensiones 
BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., 
Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer; 
and non-executive director of BBVA 
Bancomer Seguros Salud, S.A. de 
C.V., Grupo Financiero BBVA 
Bancomer. 
He is also the Chairman of Mexico's 
Business Coordinating Council 
(since 2019) and an independent 
director at Sukarne (since 2017) 
and Alsea (since 2019). 
His career has been linked mainly 
to Grupo Fomento Económico 
Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (Femsa), 
where he was General Manager of 
Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-
Moctezuma and then Chief 
Executive Officer of Femsa (2014–
2017). 
He holds a degree in Economics 
and has completed postgraduate 
studies in Business Administration 
at Instituto Tecnológico y de 
Estudios Superiores de Monterrey 
(Monterrey Institute of Technology 
and Higher Education). 

Total number of other external directors 

% of all directors 

3 

20% 

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  

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
229 

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 
2020 

Financial 
year 
2019 

Financial 
year 
2018 

Financial 
year 
2017 

Financial 
year 
2020 

Financial 
year 
2019 

Financial 
year 
2018 

Financial 
year 
2017 

Executive  

Proprietary  

Independent  

Other external  

Total: 

0 

0 

4 

1 

5 

0 

0 

3 

1 

4 

0 

0 

3 

1 

4 

0 

0 

2 

1 

3 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

0.00% 

40% 

37.5% 

37.5% 

33.33% 

33.33% 

25% 

25% 

25% 

33.33% 

26.67% 

26.67% 

23.08% 

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.  

If the company does have a diversity policy, explain the reason for this.   

Outline of the policies, their objectives, their measures, the way in which they have been 
applied and the results thereof 

The Bank has a Policy on the selection, suitability and diversity of the BBVA Board of Directors (the 
Selection Policy), the current text of which was revised and approved at the end of 2020 by the Board 
of  Directors,  at  the  proposal  of  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee,  in  both 
cases, 
the 
recommendations  included  in  the  Good  Governance  Code  of  Listed  Companies  of  the CNMV  and 
local and international best practices and recommendations. 

their  respective  regulatory  powers, 

in  accordance  with 

into  account 

taking 

This  Selection  Policy  sets  out  the  principles  and  criteria  governing  the  process  for  the  selection, 
appointment  and  renewal  of  the  members  of  the  BBVA  Board  of  Directors,  as  well  as  the  legal 
requirements that directors must meet, including suitability requirements. The Policy also provides for 
elements and objectives concerning the composition of the corporate bodies, including diversity, which 
will be attended to ensure that the corporate bodies properly exercise their functions and to guarantee 
their effective functioning. All the foregoing in the Bank's best corporate interest. 

In this sense, with regard to diversity, the Selection Policy states that the BBVA Board of Directors will 
promote diversity in the composition of the Bank's corporate bodies by encouraging the inclusion of 
people with different profiles, qualities, knowledge, training and experience. 

To ensure that the corporate bodies have an adequate and balanced composition, the refreshment 
and selection processes will encourage diversity of their members, based on the needs of the Bank 
at all times. 

In particular, they will strive to ensure that the Board of Directors has a balanced representation of 
men and women. To this end, the Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee has set a 
target for representation of the lesser-represented gender, namely to endeavour that female directors 
should represent at least 40% of  the Board of Directors by the end of the 2022 financial year and 
beyond, not dropping below 30% prior to this. 

Additionally,  the  composition  of  the  Board  of  Directors  shall  seek  to  feature  an  adequate  balance 
between the different types of director, for non-executive directors to represent an ample majority over 

 
 
 
230 

executive directors and for the number of independent directors to account for at least 50% of the total 
seats. 

The corporate bodies shall also seek to combine 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 relevant to the Bank. 

In any case, BBVA's corporate bodies may take any other diversity factor into consideration that is 
relevant at any given moment to accommodate the composition of the corporate bodies to the needs 
of  the  Bank,  including  criteria  such  as  gender  diversity,  academic  profile,  professional  experience, 
knowledge, disability, origin or age, thus being able to achieve an adequate balance aimed at ensuring 
that the corporate bodies can properly and effectively exercise their functions. 

In line with the foregoing, the composition of the BBVA Board of Directors brings together directors 
with broad experience and knowledge of the financial and banking sector with other directors who 
have experience and knowledge in the other areas of interest to the Bank and its Group, such as audit, 
risk  management,  sustainability,  corporate  governance,  the  legal  and  academic  field,  multinational 
enterprise,  public  institutions  and  digital  business  and  technology,  both  at  the  national  and 
international level. 

Together with this diversity of profiles and expertise, the Board has members with broad experience 
on the Board of Directors, which gives them in-depth knowledge of the Bank and its businesses at 
both the national and international level. It also ensures that the process of ongoing refreshment of 
the corporate bodies, which entails the inclusion of new profiles with lesser knowledge of the Group, 
is carried out without affecting the proper functioning of the Board. 

Thus, the Board, as a whole, has suitable balance in its composition and suitable knowledge of the 
Bank  and  Group's  environment,  activities,  strategies  and  risks,  which  contributes  to  bettering  its 
functioning. 

In addition, as a result of the Board refreshment process that has taken place in recent years, in 2020: 

(i)  the  appropriate  balance  between  the  different  types  of  director  has  been  strengthened  and  the 
majority of non-executive directors on the Board has increased (to 86.67%); 

(ii) the majority of independent directors has been increased (to 66.67%); and  

(iii) the target for female representation established in the Selection Policy applicable to 2020, i.e. for 
30% of directors to be female by 2020, has been achieved (specifically, women represent 33.33% of 
the Board). 

Therefore, at the end of the 2020 financial year,  the Board of Directors meets the aforementioned 
diversity targets relating to the composition of the Board of Directors, as provided for in the Selection 
Policy, which are also in line with applicable regulations. 

C.1.6  Explain any measures that have been agreed by the Appointments Committee to ensure that 
the selection procedures are free from implicit biases that could hinder the selection of female 
directors,  and  to  ensure  that  the  company  includes  and  makes  a  conscious  effort  to  find 
potential female candidates who match the professional profile, in order to achieve a balanced 
representation  of  men  and  women.  Also  indicate  whether  these  measures  include 
encouraging the company to have a significant number of female senior managers:   

Explanation of the measures  

As stated in Section C.1.5, the Board of Directors has a Selection Policy that establishes that, with 
respect to the selection processes for new Bank directors, as part of the process of progressive and 
systematic  refreshment  of  the  corporate  bodies,  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance 
Committee will ensure that they promote diversity and that, in general, they are not impaired by implicit 
biases that may lead to any form of discrimination. 

Furthermore,  the  Committee  will  ensure  that  these  selection  processes  facilitate  the  selection  of  a 
sufficient number of female directors so as to guarantee a balanced representation of women and 
men, endeavouring to ensure that women with the relevant professional profile are included amongst 
potential candidates. 

To  this  end,  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  has  set  a  target  for 
representation of the lesser-represented gender, namely to endeavour that female directors represent 

 
231 

at least 40% of the Board by the end of the 2022 financial year and beyond, not dropping below 30% 
prior to this. 

In light of the foregoing, BBVA has developed director selection processes in recent years, through 
which  it  has  ensured  compliance  with  the  above  principles,  as  they  applied  at  any  given  time.  In 
particular, the presence of women on the Board has been increasing. At the end of the year, one third 
of all Board members and 40% of independent directors were female. 

As of the date of this report, BBVA has five women on its Board and they are members of five of the 
Committees.  Furthermore,  the  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  the 
Remunerations Committee are women, including the Chair of the Remunerations Committee. 

This  means  it  is  meeting  the  target  established  in  the  Selection  Policy,  which  is  aligned  with  the 
provisions of the CNMV Good Governance Code, for at least 30% of directors to be female in 2020. 

Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of Article 540 of the Spanish Corporate Enterprises 
Act,  which  stipulates  that  a  brief  description  of  the  diversity  policy,  with  regard  to  members  of 
management, must be provided, BBVA has a selection and appointment policy for members of Senior 
Management that has been approved by the Board. 

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 business and professional reputation, and commitment 
to BBVA's values. 

Pursuant to the provisions of this policy, for 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  business  and  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  Regulations  of  the  Board,  the  functions  of  this  body  include 
appointing members of Senior Management based on a report from the Appointments and Corporate 
Governance Committee. Prior to the proposal and appointment, the Bank follows a selection process 
for members of Senior Management which is governed by the principles and criteria outlined in the 
selection  and  appointment  policy  for  members  of  Senior  Management.  This  process  involves 
analysing  the  functions  and  candidate  profiles,  confirming  the  suitability  of  the  selected  candidate, 
submitting  the  proposal  for  the  consideration  of  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance 
Committee, which drafts a preliminary report for the Board, and, finally, submitting the proposal to the 
Board for approval, which must be supported by a favourable preliminary report from the Appointments 
and Corporate Governance Committee. 

Appointment of senior managers will be made on the proposal of the Group Executive Chairman for 
those who report thereto, and of the proposal of the Chief Executive Officer (Consejero Delegado), for 
those who report instead thereto, prior information to the Group Executive Chairman. The Board of 
Directors will be responsible for the appointment and dismissal of the head of the Internal Audit area, 
based on a proposal from the Audit Committee, and the Head of Regulation & Internal Control, on a 
proposal from the Risk and Compliance Committee, as well as the determination of their objectives 
and assessment of their performance, on a proposal from the corresponding committee. 

Following  the  implementation  of  this  policy,  the  number  of  women  in  Senior  Management  has 
increased, and 27% of senior managers were women at the end of the financial year. 

When, despite the measures taken, there are few or no female directors or senior managers, explain 
the reasons:  

 
Explanation of the reasons 

232 

C.1.7    Explain  the  conclusions  of  the  appointments  committee  regarding  the  verification  of 
compliance with  the  policy  aimed  at  promoting  an  appropriate  composition  of  the  board  of 
directors. 

As part of the annual performance assessment of the Board carried out for 2020, the Appointments 
and  Corporate  Governance  Committee,  in  accordance  with  its  Regulations,  has  analysed  the 
structure, size and composition of the corporate bodies, taking into account that these must remain 
balanced and adapted to their needs at all times, and that the Board as a whole must have the right 
knowledge, skills and experience to understand the business, activities and main risks of BBVA and 
its Group, thereby also ensuring that it has the effective capacity to carry out its functions in the Bank's 
best corporate interest. 

This analysis is carried out in the context of the Board's ongoing and systematic refreshment of the 
corporate bodies, whereby people with different profiles and experiences are introduced at appropriate 
intervals,  thus  increasing  diversity  and  ensuring  adequate  rotation  of  the  Board  members,  thereby 
guaranteeing a balanced representation of directors with a range of experience. 

The analysis also takes into account the forecasts and objectives regarding the structure, size and 
composition of the Board as set out in applicable legislation, the Regulations of the corporate bodies 
and the Selection Policy, as well as the end of the statutory terms each director, where appropriate in 
each year. 

The Committee also takes into account the functioning and performance of the corporate bodies in 
recent years. In 2020, it took into account, in particular, how they have operated during the COVID-19 
crisis,  during  which  the  directors  have  shown  a  great  deal  of  dedication  to  the  Bank  as  well  as 
demonstrating flexibility and an ability to adapt to the current circumstances, and during which their 
knowledge  of  the  landscape  and  the  Group  itself  has  not  only  enabled  the  corporate  bodies  to 
adequately carry out their functions, it has also contributed to the Group being able to tackle the crisis 
from a position of strength. 

Furthermore, the Committee takes into account the areas and subjects that are of particular relevance 
to  the  performance  of  the  corporate  bodies'  functions,  in  particular  the  Group's  current  and  future 
activities, business and strategy. 

Among the information used by the Committee to carry out its work, of particular note is the skills and 
diversity  matrix  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  which  is  developed  to  help  to  identify  the  Board's  skills, 
characteristics and experience, as well as those areas that needed to be improved in the future. The 
matrix also includes areas, sectors and matters related to banking and finance, as well as others that 
are of particular relevance to the Group's strategy and activities. 

The  matrix  includes  areas  such  as  banking  and  financial  services;  accounting  and  auditing;  risk 
management;  innovation  and  information  technology;  macroeconomic  strategy  and  environment; 
human resources and compensation; institutions, legal and regulations; and corporate governance 
and sustainability. 

The matrix includes directors' professional experience and career paths in different areas such as, for 
example,  business,  boards  of  directors,  public  administration  and  academia,  both  nationally  and 
internationally. It also indicates the Board's ratio of men to women. 

Regarding the above, the Committee has been able to verify that the Board brings together directors 
with broad experience and knowledge of the financial and banking sector with other directors who 
have experience in each of the other areas analysed, and that its directors have a diverse range of 
career paths, both nationally and internationally. 

The  Board's  diversity  of  skills,  knowledge  and  experience  has  been  reinforced  by  the  thorough 
refreshment process with regard to the corporate bodies, which has seen the introduction of seven 
new directors in the past three years, which in turn has bolstered said skills, knowledge and experience 
on the Board in areas of particular relevance to the Bank's strategy, business and activities. 

 
  
233 

In  this  regard,  the  Board  currently  comprises  directors  with  diverse  experience  on  the  Board, 
combining newly appointed members with others who have experience in the corporate bodies, and 
who have significant knowledge of  the Group  the operational  dynamics  and working culture  of  the 
corporate bodies; facilitating the progressive renewal process of the corporate bodies, which involves 
appointing new members with lesser knowledge of the Bank, without affecting the proper functioning 
of the corporate bodies.  

Continued in section H. 

C.1.8  Where applicable, explain why proprietary  directors have been appointed at the behest of 

shareholders whose holding is less than 3% of the capital:   

Name or corporate name of the shareholder 

Justification 

Indicate whether formal petitions for a seat on the board have been denied if such request 
has come 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 not granted:  

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 

He holds the widest-ranging representative and management powers in line 
with his duties as Chairman of the Company. 

Onur Genç 

He holds the widest-ranging representative and management powers in line 
with his duties as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. 

Executive Committee 

Pursuant to Article 30 of BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors and 
Article 1.2 of the Regulations of the Executive Committee, the Executive 
Committee will be made aware of matters delegated to it by the Board of 
Directors, in accordance with the law, the Bylaws, the Regulations of the 
Board or the Regulations of the Executive Committee. 

C.1.10  Where  applicable,  identify  any  members  of  the  board  who  hold  positions  as  directors, 
representatives of directors or executives in other companies that belong to the same group 
as the listed company:   

Name or corporate 
name of the director  

Corporate name 
of the group's entity  

Carlos Torres Vila 

BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de 
Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero 
BBVA Bancomer 

Carlos Torres Vila 

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, 
S.A. de C.V. 

Position 

Director 

Director 

Onur Genç 

BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc. 

Director 

Onur Genç 

Onur Genç 

BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de 
Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero 
BBVA Bancomer 

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, 
S.A. de C.V. 

Director 

Director 

Does the director 
have executive 
duties? 

No 

No 

No 

No 

No 

 
 
 
Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, 
S.A. de C.V. 

Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

Carlos Vicente 
Salazar Lomelín 

BBVA Bancomer, S.A., Institución de 
Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero 
BBVA Bancomer 

Seguros BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de 
C.V. Grupo Financiero BBVA 
Bancomer 

Pensiones BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de 
C.V. Grupo Financiero BBVA 
Bancomer 

BBVA Bancomer Seguros Salud, S.A. 
de C.V. Grupo Financiero BBVA 
Bancomer 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

234 

No 

No 

No 

No 

No 

C.1.11  Where applicable, provide details of any company directors (or representatives of corporate 
directors)  who  also  serve  as  directors  (or  representatives  of  corporate  directors)  on  the 
boards  of  other  entities  that  are  listed  on  regulated  markets  and  do  not  form  part  of  the 
company 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 

Raúl Catarino Galamba de Oliveira 

CTT- Correios de Portugal, S.A. 

Chairman 

Belén Garijo López 

L’Oréal Société Anonyme 

Director 

Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Grenergy Renovables, S.A. 

Director 

Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Inmobiliaria Colonial, SOCIMI S.A. 

Director 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Ecolumber, S,A. 

Chairman 

Carlos Vicente Salazar Lomelín 

Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. 

Director 

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:  

Explanation of the rules and where they are set out 

Yes 

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 
current applicable regulations, and in particular, to the provisions of Act 10/2014 on the regulation, 
supervision and solvency of credit institutions (the LOSS). 

In  this  regard,  Article  26  of  the  LOSS  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  and  two  non-executive  positions;  or  (ii)  four  non-executive  positions.  Executive 
positions are understood to be those that undertake management duties irrespective of the legal bond 
attributed by those duties. In this respect, 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 scheme or (ii) trading companies in 
which the entity holds a significant shareholding. Positions held in non-profit organisations or entities 
or  companies  pursuing  non-commercial  purposes  will  not  count  when  determining  the  maximum 

 
235 

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 
proper performance of the director's activities 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 that compete with the Bank or any of the 
companies within its Group, 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 were conducted before the director joined the Bank, they posed no effective 
competition and the Bank had been informed of such at that time. 

  Have direct or indirect shareholdings in businesses or enterprises in which the Bank or 
companies within its Group hold an interest, unless such shareholding was held prior to 
joining the Board of Directors or prior to the Group's acquisition of 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 political positions or perform any other activities that might have public significance or 
affect the Company's image in any way, unless authorised to do so by the Bank's Board of 
Directors. 

C.1.13    Indicate the amounts of the following items relating to the total remuneration of the board 

of directors:   

Remuneration of the board of directors accrued during the financial year 
(thousands of euro) 

Amount of entitlements accrued by current directors in regard to pensions 
(thousands of euro) 

Amount of entitlements accrued by former directors in regard to pensions 
(thousands of euro) 

14,828 

23,057 

73,157 

Remarks 

The remuneration included in the first item of this section includes the fixed remuneration received by all 
directors in 2020, as well as, in the case of executive directors, the amount corresponding to the payment of the 
Deferred Portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2017 financial year to vest in 2021, in cash and in 
shares, together with its corresponding update. The amounts of the Deferred Portion of the Annual Variable 
Remuneration for 2017 have been determined in 2021, following the result of the Multi-Year Performance 
Indicators to which said remuneration was subject, and will be paid in the first quarter of 2021, providing that the 
conditions to that effect are met.  

To calculate the amount in Euros of the Deferred Portion of 2017 Annual Variable Remuneration of the Chief 
Executive Officer, associated to his previous role as President & CEO de BBVA Compass (currently BBVA 
USA), the closing exchange rate for January 2021 has been used (USD/EUR 1.2136). 

It is noted that executive directors have not accrued any Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2020 financial 
year, since they have voluntarily waived it in view of the exceptional circumstances arising from the COVID-19 
crisis. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
C.1.14  Identify  the  members  of  senior  management  who  are  not  also  executive  directors,  and 

indicate the total remuneration accrued by them throughout the financial year: 

236 

Name or corporate name 

Position(s) 

María Luisa Gómez Bravo 

Global Head of Corporate 
& Investment Banking 

Jorge Sáenz-Azcúnaga Carranza 

Country Monitoring 

Pello Xabier Belausteguigoitia Mateache 

Country Manager Spain 

Eduardo Osuna Osuna 

David Puente Vicente 

Country Manager Mexico 

Global Head of Client Solutions 

Jaime Sáenz de Tejada Pulido 

Global Head of Finance 

Rafael Salinas Martínez de Lecea 

Global Head of Global Risk Management 

José Luis Elechiguerra Joven 

Global Head of Engineering & Organization 

Carlos Casas Moreno 

Ricardo Martín Manjón 

Global Head of Talent & Culture 

Global Head of Data 

Victoria del Castillo Marchese 

Global Head of Strategy & M&A 

María Jesús Arribas de Paz 

Domingo Armengol Calvo 

Ana Fernández Manrique 

Global Head of Legal 

General Secretary 

Global Head of Regulation 
and Internal Control 

Joaquín Manuel Gortari Díez 

Global Head of Internal Audit 

Number of women in senior management 

Percentage out of all senior management members 

Total remuneration of senior management 
(thousands of euro) 

Remarks 

4 

26.67% 

16,241 

 C.1.15 Indicate whether there have been any amendments to the regulations of the board during 

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: 

The  General  Meeting  is  responsible  for  appointing  and  re-appointing  members  of  the  Board  of 
Directors, though the Board has the authority to co-opt members if a seat falls vacant, in accordance 
with the regulations, the Bylaws, the Regulations of the Board and the Selection Policy described in 
Sections C.1.5 and C.1.6.  

The persons proposed to be appointed or re-appointed as members of the Board of Directors must 
meet  the  requirements  set  out  in  current  legislation,  in  the  specific  regulations  applicable  to  credit 
institutions, in the Bylaws, in the Regulations of the Board and in the Selection Policy.  

 
  
 
  
  
 
237 

Proposals for appointment or re-appointment of directors submitted by the Board of Directors to the 
General Meeting, as well as appointments made directly to fill vacancies under its co-opting authority, 
will  be  approved  at  the  proposal  of  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  for 
independent directors and subject to a report from this Committee for all other directors.  

Furthermore, proposals for appointment and re-appointment submitted to the General Meeting must 
be accompanied by an explanatory report from the Board of Directors assessing the skills, experience 
and  merits  of  the  proposed  candidate.  Proposals  for  the  appointment  or  re-appointment  of  non-
independent directors must also be accompanied by a report from the Appointments and Corporate 
Governance Committee.  

To this end, said Committee will assess the balance of knowledge, skills and experience on the Board 
of Directors, as well as the conditions that the candidates must meet to cover vacancies (applicable 
legal and suitability requirements, inter alia), evaluating the time commitment considered necessary 
so that they can carry out their duties, according to the needs of the corporate bodies.  

Thus, the Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee will develop renewal and selection 
processes  for  directors  as  part  of  the  process  of  progressive  and  systematic  refreshment  of  the 
corporate bodies, with a view to ensuring that the structure and composition of the Board remains 
balanced and in line with the needs of the Bank at all times, having directors with different profiles, 
knowledge, training, experience and qualities.  

Within  these  processes,  the  Committee  will  ensure  that  diversity  is  promoted  and  that,  in  general, 
there are no implicit biases that may lead to any form of discrimination.  

It  shall  also  ensure  that  these  processes  facilitate  the  selection  of  a  sufficient  number  of  female 
directors  to  guarantee  a  balanced  representation  of  men  and  women,  with  the  aim  that  female 
directors represent at least 40% of the Board by the end of the 2022 financial year and beyond, with 
the figure not dropping below 30% prior to this, while endeavouring to ensure that women who match 
the professional profile sought are included amongst potential candidates.  

Additionally, the aim is for the composition of the Board of Directors to feature an appropriate balance 
between the different types of director, for non-executive directors to represent an ample majority over 
executive directors and for the number of independent directors to account for at least 50% of the total 
seats.  

The corporate bodies will also be assessed to ensure that they have a mix of individuals who have 
experience and knowledge of the Bank, the Group, its businesses and the financial sector in general, 
as  well  as  others  who  have  training,  skills,  knowledge  and  experience  in  other  areas  and  sectors 
relevant to the Bank.  

In any case, BBVA's corporate bodies may take any other relevant diversity factor into consideration 
to adapt the composition of the corporate bodies to the needs of the Bank, taking into account criteria 
such as gender diversity, academic profile, professional experience, knowledge, disability, origin or 
age, thus being able to achieve an adequate balance. 

In  the  performance  of  its  functions,  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee  may 
employ external services to select potential candidates, when it deems this necessary or appropriate.   

Duration of mandate and termination:  

The directors will hold their position for the term set out in the company Bylaws (three years, after 
which they may be reappointed one or more times for an additional three-year term) or, if they have 
been  co-opted,  until  the  first  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  has  been  held.  They  will  leave  their 
positions when the term for which they were appointed expires, unless they are re-appointed.  

Directors must also inform the Board of Directors of any circumstances affecting them that could harm 
the  company's  standing  and  reputation,  and  any  circumstances  that  may  have  an  impact  on  their 
suitability  for  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  held  after  the  General 
Shareholders' Meeting approving the accounts for the financial year in which they reach said age. 

 
238 

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 

Article 17 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors states that the Board will assess the quality and 
efficiency  of  the  operation  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  based  on  the  report  submitted  to  it  by  the 
Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee.  This  procedure  was  followed  in  the  2020 
financial year, and certain measures (indicated below) were undertaken and consolidated, as part of 
the ongoing process of developing and adapting BBVA's Corporate Governance System to the needs 
of  the  corporate  bodies,  to  the  environment  in  which  it  carries  out  its  activities  and  to  regulatory 
requirements and best practices.  

Accordingly, the BBVA Board of Directors has carried out their self-assessment process for the 2020 
financial year, having carried out an analysis of its Corporate Governance System, which took into 
consideration, as a starting point, the self-assessment process for the 2019 financial year.  

Within the evaluation process for the 2020 financial year, the following is highlighted: 

 

 

the renewal of the composition of the Board of Directors, with the appointment of three new 
directors and the re-appointment of two directors, and of the composition of the Board 
Committees, in the terms set out in this Report; 

the consolidation of measures to improve governance structures implemented in the 2019 
financial year, together with the development and implementation, in 2020, of measures to 
strengthen and improve efficiency in certain aspects of the organisation and functioning of the 
corporate bodies, in particular concerning meeting dynamics and the information model; 

  Reinforcement in terms of the distribution of functions among the corporate bodies and the 

handling of issues of particular relevance to the Group; 

  The approval of internal regulation to standardise and unify the methodology for the creation, 
approval, application and supervision of the Group's internal rules, and the approval and 
updating of general policies, through which the corporate bodies establish the general 
principles, objectives and the main management and control guidelines that the BBVA Group 
must observe within its various areas of activity; and 

  Finally, it was noted that the COVID-19 crisis, which has impacted the organisation at all 

levels, meant that the corporate bodies: reinforced their monitoring of the impact of the crisis 
and management of the Group's activities, business and results; strengthened the interaction 
between the Board, its Committees and the executive team for the analysis of all relevant 
information on the evolution of the crisis and its management by the Bank; directly and 
continuously monitored and observed the management carried out by the executive team; 
and considered the need to adapt the dynamics of their meetings, in terms of how they are 
held, the number of meetings and the prioritisation of issues. 

In  all  of  this,  the  Bank's  corporate  bodies  sought  to  keep  BBVA's  Corporate  Governance  System 
adapted to the reality, circumstances and needs of the Bank and, consequently, to emphasise the 
importance attributed to ensuring its solidity and resilience under all circumstances. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
239 

Describe the evaluation process and the areas evaluated by the board of directors (assisted, where 
applicable,  by  an  external  consultant)  to  assess  the  operation  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 its operation, as well as the performance of the functions of the Chairman of 
the  Board,  based,  in  each  case,  on  the  report  submitted  to  it  by  the  Appointments  and  Corporate 
Governance Committee. The Board of Directors also assesses the performance of the Chief Executive 
Officer,  based  on  the  report  by  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee,  which 
includes the assessment performed by the Executive Committee. Finally, the Board of Directors also 
assesses the operation of its committees, on the basis of the reports submitted to it by the latter.  

The  evaluation  process  carried  out  in  relation  to  the  2020  financial  year  consisted  of  a  thorough 
analysis and evaluation of the quality and efficiency of the operation of the corporate bodies and the 
performance of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. This evaluation was carried out by the 
Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee, taking into account several aspects, such the 
Board's self-assessment for the 2019 financial year, the directors' view of the operation of the Board, 
and the various reports issued, described below.  

In line the foregoing, the Board of Directors evaluated: (i) the quality and efficiency of the operation of 
the Board of Directors; (ii) the performance of the duties of the Chairman and the Chief Executive 
Officer; and (iii) the operation of the Board Committees; as detailed below:  

  The Board of Directors analysed the quality and efficiency of its operation during the 2020 
financial year, on the basis of the report by the Appointments and Corporate Governance 
Committee on the quality and efficiency of the Board's operation and on its structure, size and 
composition. This report contained a detailed analysis of the following: the structure, size and 
composition of the Board of Directors, as per Sections C.1.5, C.1.6 and C.1.7; the 
organisation, preparation and conducting of the meetings of the Board; the independence and 
suitability of directors, and the degree of commitment the Bank requires of Board members (in 
particular, the chair of each of the committees) to ensure the proper execution of the duties of 
director and the proper operation of the corporate bodies. This analysis was performed on the 
basis of the needs of the corporate bodies at any given time and taking into account the 
Selection Policy.  

  The assessment of the performance of the functions of the Chairman of the Board of 

Directors, which was led by the Lead Director in accordance with Article 21 of the Regulations 
of the Board, was carried out by the Board on the basis of the report by the Appointments and 
Corporate Governance Committee (in accordance with Article 5 of the Regulations of the 
Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee) which details the key elements of the 
Chairman's performance for the 2020 financial year.  

  The assessment of the performance of the duties of the Chief Executive Officer was carried 
out by the Board on the basis of the report by the Appointments and Corporate Governance 
Committee, including the assessment carried out in this respect by the Executive Committee 
(in accordance with Article 17 of the Regulations of the Board) which details the key elements 
of the Chief Executive Officer's performance for the 2020 financial year.  

In addition, the Board assessed the quality and efficiency of the functioning of each Committee on the 
basis of the reports submitted by their respective Chairs, as described in Section H of this Report.  
C.1.18  For  those  financial  years  in  which  an  external  consultant  provided  assistance  for  the 
evaluation, provide details of any ongoing business relationships that the consultant or any 
entity in their group maintains with this company or any company in this group.  

The assessment carried out by the Board of Directors in the 2020 financial year regarding 
its  quality  and  operation,  its  Committees  and  the  performance  of  the  functions  of  the 
Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer was carried out without the support 
of an independent expert. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
240 

C.1.19  Indicate the circumstances under which directors are obliged to resign.  

In addition to the circumstances established in applicable law, directors will cease to hold 
office 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:  

 

If they find themselves in circumstances deemed incompatible or prohibited 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 as directors. 

  When they are in serious dereliction of their duties as director; 

  When, for reasons attributable to them, acting in their capacity as director, serious 

damage has been done to the Company's equity, standing or reputation; or 

  When they are no longer suitable to hold the position 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 chairman of the board of directors.  

No   

C.1.22  Indicate whether the bylaws or regulations of the board establish an age limit for directors:  

Yes 

Chairman 

Chief Executive Officer 

Director 

Remarks 

Age limit 

 - 

 - 

 75 

As stipulated in Article 4 of the BBVA Regulations of the Board of Directors, directors will resign from their 
positions, 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 held after the General Shareholders' Meeting approving the accounts for the 
financial year in which they reach said age. 

C.1.23  Indicate  whether  the  bylaws  or  regulations  of  the  board  of  directors  establish  a  limited 
mandate  or  other  stricter  requirements  for  independent  directors  in  addition  to  those 
provided for in law:  

No   

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
241 

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 for other directors, how this is carried out 
and, in particular, the maximum number of proxies that a director may have and whether 
there are any restrictions as to what categories may be appointed as a proxy, beyond the 
limitations provided for in law. Where applicable, provide a brief description of these rules.  

Article 5 of the BBVA Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that directors are 
required  to  attend  meetings  of  the  corporate  bodies of  which  they  form  part,  unless  they 
have  a  justifiable  reason  for  not  doing  so.  Directors  will  participate  in  the  deliberations, 
discussions and debates on matters submitted for their consideration and must personally 
attend the meetings held.  

However, as set forth in Article 26 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, if it is not 
possible  for  a  director  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  this  director  may 
authorise another director to act as their proxy and cast votes on their behalf, by sending a 
letter or email to the Company with the information needed by the proxy director to follow 
the absent director's instructions. Applicable legislation states that non-executive directors 
may only grant proxy to another non-executive director. The same applies to attendance at 
meetings of Board Committees.  

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 chairman 
in attendance. The chairman will be considered to have been in attendance if represented 
by a proxy provided with specific instructions.  

Number of board meetings 

Number of board meetings without the chairman in attendance 

 15 

 0 

Indicate how many meetings were held by the lead director with the other board members, without 
any executive director in attendance or represented:   

Number of meetings 

Remarks 

63 

BBVA's Board of Directors has a Lead Director who performs the functions set forth in the applicable legislation, as well 
as those stipulated by Article 21 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors. 
In the performance of the functions assigned, during the financial year the Lead Director maintained ongoing contact, 
held recurring meetings and had conversations with other directors of the Bank in order to seek their opinions on the 
corporate governance and operation of the Bank's corporate bodies.  
In addition, in accordance with Article 37 of the Regulations of the Board, the Lead Director held and coordinated various 
meetings of non-executive directors, which took place following the meetings of the Board of Directors. 
Furthermore, as of the date of this report, the Lead Director serves as Chair of the Risk and Compliance Committee and 
as a member of the Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee, which are composed of non-executive 
directors with a majority of independent directors. In addition, the Lead Director has held individual meetings with non-
executive directors within the framework of the Board's annual self-assessment process, in addition to those meetings 
described above, in order to fully fulfil his duties. 

Indicate how many meetings of the board committees were held during the financial year:   

Number of meetings of the executive committee  

Number of meetings of the audit committee  

Number of meetings of the appointments and corporate governance committee 

Number of meetings of the remunerations committee  

Number of meetings of the risk and compliance committee  

Number of meetings of the technology and cybersecurity committee  

30 

13 

4 

4 

23 

7 

 
 
242 

C.1.26  Indicate how many meetings were held by the board of directors during 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  

15 

99.11% 

15 

100% 

Remarks 

The Board of Directors holds ordinary meetings on a monthly basis, in accordance with the annual calendar of 
ordinary meetings drawn up before the beginning of the financial year, and holds extraordinary meetings as 
often as deemed necessary.  

Furthermore, following the declaration of a state of alarm in Spain and due to the situation created by the 
coronavirus and the measures taken in this respect by the authorities, Board meetings were held entirely 
remotely in such a way that enabled the recognition of attendees and made it possible for attendees to interact 
and for each of them to address the meeting in real time, maintaining the unity of the event, in accordance with 
the applicable regulations and the Regulations of the Board. 

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 prior to board approval:  

C.1.28  Explain  the  mechanisms,  if  any,  established  by  the  board  of  directors  to  ensure  that  the 
annual financial statements presented by the board of directors to the general shareholders' 
meeting are drawn up in accordance with accounting regulations.   

Article 32 of the Regulations of the BBVA Board of Directors specifies that the main task of 
the Audit Committee, which is composed exclusively of independent directors, is to assist the 
Board  of  Directors  in  supervising  the  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  and  public 
information, as well the relationship with the external auditor and the Internal Audit area. 

In this regard, in accordance with Article 5 of the Regulations of the Audit Committee, it is the 
responsibility  of  the  Audit  Committee  to  oversee  the  process  of  preparing  and  reporting 
financial information and submit recommendations or proposals on safeguarding the integrity 
thereof to the Board of Directors. 

It is also the responsibility of the Audit Committee to analyse all financial information and any 
related non-financial information contained in the annual financial statements of both the Bank 
and its consolidated Group, prior to their submission to the Board of Directors and in enough 
detail to guarantee their accuracy, reliability, sufficiency and clarity. 

It is also the Committee's responsibility to review the correct application of accounting criteria, 
as well as all relevant changes relating to the accounting principles used and the presentation 
of the financial statements, including the accurate consolidation perimeter. 

Similarly,  in  accordance  with  Article  5  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Audit  Committee,  said 
Committee is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Company's internal control 
and  risk  management  systems  in  the  preparation  and  reporting  of  financial  information, 
including tax-related risks. 

In  the  performance  of  these  functions,  the  Audit  Committee  maintains  direct  and  ongoing 
contact with the heads of the area in the Group responsible for Accounting functions through 
monthly meetings, monitoring the evolution of the main figures on the Balance Sheet and the 
Income Statement of the Bank and its Group each month; overseeing the accounting policies, 
practices and principles and the valuation criteria followed by the Bank and the Group during 

 
  
243 

the process of preparing and submitting financial information; and analysing changes made 
in relation to the main applicable accounting regulations, as well as the main impacts that their 
incorporation has had on the financial information of the Bank and its Group. To this end, the 
Committee had all of the information that it required, with the level of aggregation deemed 
appropriate. 

In addition, given that the external audit is one of the core elements in the chain of control 
mechanisms  established  to  ensure  the  quality  and  integrity  of  the  financial  information,  in 
accordance with the Regulations of the Audit Committee, it is the Committee's responsibility 
to check, at appropriate intervals, that the external audit schedule of work is being conducted 
under  the  agreed  conditions,  and  that  this  satisfies  the  requirements  of  the  competent 
authorities and the corporate bodies. 

Moreover,  it  will  require  the  auditor  to  periodically—at  least  once  a  year—provide  an 
evaluation  of  the  quality  of  the  internal  control  procedures  regarding  the  preparation  and 
reporting of the Group's financial information, discussing with the auditor any weaknesses in 
the internal control system identified during the audit, without undermining its independence, 
to then be able to submit recommendations or proposals to the Board of Directors, along with 
the deadline for their follow-up. 

The Committee will also be apprised of any infringements, situations requiring adjustments or 
anomalies that may be detected during the external audit and are material in nature, i.e. those 
that, in isolation or as a whole, could cause significant and substantive harm to the Group's 
equity, earnings or reputation, and discernment of such matters will be at the discretion of the 
Internal Audit area which, in the presence of doubt, must report these. 

These matters are carefully considered by the Audit Committee, which maintains direct and 
ongoing  contact  with  the  external  auditors  through  monthly  meetings  not  attended  by  the 
Bank's executives. At these meetings, the auditors provide detailed information on their work 
and the results thereof, which enables the Committee to continuously monitor said work and 
the conclusions thereof, ensuring that it is performed under optimal 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 

Representative 

Domingo Armengol Calvo 

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 the Regulations of the Audit Committee, one of the Committee's functions, 
described  in  Section  C.2.1,  is  to  ensure  the  independence  of  the  auditor  through  a  dual 
approach: 

 

 

Avoiding that the auditor's warnings, opinions or recommendations may be 
adversely influenced. To this end, ensuring that compensation for the auditor's work 
does not compromise either its quality or independence, in compliance with the 
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 the provision of which by the 
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 auditor, in which case, conformity of the Committee will be required, and this 
decision may be delegated in advance to its Chair. The auditor will be prohibited 

 
 
 
244 

from providing unauthorised services outside the scope of the audit, in compliance 
with the auditing legislation in force at any given moment. 

This matter is carefully considered by the Audit Committee, which holds meetings with the 
auditor's representatives at each of the monthly meetings it has, without Bank executives in 
attendance, to gain a detailed understanding of any issues that may hinder the audit process, 
the  progress  and  quality  of  the  work  carried  out,  and  to  confirm  independence  in  the 
performance of its work. 

The Committee also continually oversees the engagement of additional services to ensure 
compliance with the Regulations of the Audit Committee and with applicable legislation and 
thus the independence of the auditor, in accordance with the Bank's internal procedure. 

Moreover, in accordance with the provisions of Point f), Section 4 of Article 529 quaterdecies 
of  the  Spanish  Corporate  Enterprises  Act  and  Article  5  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Audit 
Committee, each year before the audit report is issued, the Committee must issue a report 
expressing  its  opinion  on  whether  or  not  the  independence  of  the  auditor  has  been 
compromised. This report must, in all cases, contain a reasoned assessment of the provision 
of each and every kind of additional service provided to the Group companies, considered 
individually and collectively, except the legal audit and those relating to independence or the 
regulations  on  audit  activity.  Each  year,  the  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 auditor and Audit Committee reports 
confirming the auditor's independence were issued in the 2020 financial year. 

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. 

The  Board  of  Directors  also  has  a  policy  in  place  for  communication  and  contacts  with 
shareholders and investors. The policy is governed by the principle of equal treatment for all 
shareholders and investors, who are in the same position in terms of information, participation 
and the exercise of their rights as shareholders and investors, inter alia. 

Moreover,  this  policy  contains  the  principles  and  channels  established  in  relation  to 
shareholders  and  investors,  which  govern,  where  applicable,  BBVA  relations  with  other 
stakeholders,  such  as  financial  analysts,  Bank  share  management  companies  and 
custodians, 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:  

No   

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  the  aforementioned  amount  represents  of  the  total  fees  billed  to  the 
company and/or its group for audit work:  

Yes  

Company 

Group 
companies 

Total 

Amount of non-audit work (thousands of euro) 

0 

362 

362 

 
  
245 

Amount of non-audit work/total amount billed by 
the auditing firm (%) 

0,00% 

2,22% 

1,23% 

C.1.33  Indicate whether the audit report on the annual financial statements for the previous financial 
year  contained  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 qualifications.  

No 

Explanation of the reasons and direct link to the document made available to the shareholders at the 
time of the calling in relation to this matter 

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. 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 

Number of financial years audited by the current audit firm/ 
Number of financial years the company or its group have been audited (%) 

Individual 

Consolidated 

4 

4 

20% 

20% 

C.1.35    Indicate  whether  there  is  a  procedure  in  place  (and  provide  details,  where  applicable) 
whereby directors are provided with the information they need with sufficient time to be able 
to prepare for meetings of the management bodies:  

Details of the procedure 

Yes 

As set forth in Article 5 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, prior to the meetings, directors will 
be provided 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 of Directors' committees. 

Furthermore, as set forth in Article 28 of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the directors will be 
provided with such information or clarifications as deemed necessary or appropriate with regards to 
the matters to be discussed at the meeting, either before or after the meetings are held. 

In addition, BBVA implements an information model that ensures that decisions are made on the basis 
of  complete,  comprehensive,  appropriate  and  consistent  information,  prepared  in  accordance  with 
common principles so that analyses carried out by the corporate bodies are based on the correct data, 
thus allowing directors to perform their duties to the best of their ability.  

Thus, the Bank's corporate bodies have a procedure in place for checking the information submitted 
for  consideration,  coordinated  by  the  Board's  Secretariat  with  the  departments  responsible  for  the 
information, in order to provide directors with complete, comprehensive, appropriate and consistent 
information in sufficient time for the meetings of  the Bank's various corporate bodies. 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 have access.  

 
 
 
246 

C.1.36  Indicate and, where applicable, provide details of whether the company has set out rules 
that  require  directors  to  report  and,  where  applicable,  resign  in  the  event  that  they  are 
affected by circumstances that, whether or not related to their actions at the company itself, 
could harm the company's standing and reputation:  

Explanation of the rules 

Yes 

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 continuing, they are required to tender their 
resignation when, for reasons attributable to the directors in their status as such, serious damage has 
been done to the Company's equity, standing or reputation or when they are no longer suitable to hold 
the status of director at the Bank, among other circumstances referred to in Section C.1.19 of this 
report.  

C.1.37  Indicate, unless there have been special circumstances recorded in the minutes, whether 
the board was informed or otherwise came to know of any situation concerning a director, 
whether  or  not  related  to  their  role  in  the  company  itself,  that  could  harm  the  company's 
standing and reputation:  

     No 

C.1.38  Detail any significant agreements reached by the Company that are coming into force, or 
were amended or concluded as a result of a change in the control of the company stemming 
from a public takeover bid, and its effects.   

The Company has not reached any significant agreements that are coming into force, or were 
amended or concluded as a result 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  provide  for  severance  pay  (guarantee  or  golden  parachute 
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 

66 

Beneficiary type 

Description of the agreement 

66 managers and other 
employees 

The Bank has no commitments to provide severance pay to directors. 
As at 31 December 2020, in accordance with the provisions of their contracts, 66 
managers and employees are entitled to receive severance pay in the event of 
departure 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 salary and length of service and will not, under 
any circumstances, be paid in the event of lawful dismissal at the employer's 
decision on grounds of the employee's serious dereliction of duties. 

 
 
 
 
Indicate whether, in addition to the circumstances provided for by law, the corporate bodies of the 
company or 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:   

247 

Body that authorises the clauses 

Is the general meeting informed of these clauses? 

Remarks 

Board of Directors 

General meeting 

Yes 

YES  

 X 

No 

NO  

The Board of Directors approves resolutions relating to the basic contractual conditions of members of Senior Management, 
pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 of the Regulations of the Board, which are 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 

Position 

Chairman 

Member  

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 

Member 

Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 

José Maldonado Ramos 

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

Member  

Member  

Member  

% of executive directors 

% of proprietary directors  

% of independent directors  

% of other external directors  

Category 

Executive 

Executive 

Independent 

Independent 

Other external 

Other external 

33.33% 

0% 

33.33% 

33.33% 

Explain the functions that have been delegated or assigned to this committee, other than those that 
have already been described in Section C.1.9, and describe both the procedures and organisational 
and  operational  rules  of  the  committee.  For  each  of  these  functions,  indicate  its  most  significant 
actions during the financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the functions attributed 
to it, whether in law, in the bylaws or in other corporate resolutions.   

Pursuant  to  Article  30  of  BBVA's  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  Article  1.2  of  its  own 
Regulations, the Executive Committee will be made aware of matters that the Board, as required by 
law, the Bylaws, the Regulations of the Board or its own Regulations, resolves to delegate to it. 

In  particular,  in  accordance  with  the  powers  conferred  on  it  by  Article  5  of  the  Regulations  of  the 
Executive Committee, the Committee performs the following functions: 

  Supporting the Board in its decision-making: 

I. 

In relation to strategy: establishment of the bases on which proposals are prepared and 
prior analysis of proposals submitted to the Board regarding the Strategic Plan or other 
strategic decisions such as the Risk Appetite Framework (RAF); prior analysis of the 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
248 

strategic and financial aspects of proposals submitted to the Board regarding corporate 
transactions that fall within its decision-making remit; and decision-making or 
implementation of the mandates which are expressly delegated to it by the Board in 
these areas, once the decisions within its remit have been adopted. 

In relation to budgets: prior analysis of budget proposals submitted to the Board; 
decision-making within its remit with regard to the implementation of the budget 
approved by the Board; and analysis of deviations from the approved budget. 

In relation to finance: establishment of the bases on which proposals are prepared and 
prior analysis of proposals submitted to the Board regarding the funding plan, the 
capital and liquidity structure and the Bank's dividend policy; and decision-making on 
the implementation of mandates conferred upon it by the Board in these areas. 

In relation to business risk: analysis of matters relating to business risk in the proposals 
and plans submitted to the Board of Directors; and, in relation to reputational risk, 
analysis, evaluation and management of matters relating thereto. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

  Prior reporting of policies submitted to the Board and approval of Company and Group 

general policies: analysis, prior to their consideration by the Board, of the general Group and 
Company policies that, in accordance with the law or internal regulations, must be approved 
by the Board, except for policies relating to issues handled by other Board committees, which 
will be approved or reported to the Board beforehand by the appropriate committee. 

  Oversight and control of the following matters: (i) Group activity and results; (ii) budgetary 
monitoring; (iii) progress of the Strategic Plan, by analysing key performance indicators 
established for this purpose; (iv) monitoring of the Group's funding and liquidity plan and 
capital situation, as well as the activities of the Assets and Liabilities Committee; (v) 
monitoring of changes in the risk profile and core metrics defined by the Board; (vi) share-
price performance and changes in shareholder composition; (vii) analysis of the markets in 
which the Group operates; and (viii) progress of projects and investments agreed within its 
remit, as well as those agreed by the Board within the strategic sphere. 

  Decision-making powers on the following matters: (i) investments and divestments between 

EUR 50 million and EUR 400 million, unless they are of a strategic nature, in which case they 
will be the Board's responsibility; (ii) plans and projects that are considered to be of 
importance to the Group and that arise from its activities, and that are not within the remit of 
the Board; (iii) decisions regarding the assumption of risks that exceed the limits set by the 
Board, which must be reported to the Board at its first meeting thereafter for ratification; (iv) 
granting and revoking of the Bank's powers; (v) proposals for the appointment and 
replacement of directors in the Bank's subsidiaries or affiliates with more than EUR 50 million 
in equity; and (vi) compliance so that executive directors may hold management positions in 
subsidiaries, in which the Bank holds a direct or indirect controlling interest, or in the Group's 
affiliate companies. 

The Regulations of the Executive Committee set out the operational principles of the Committee and 
lay down the basic rules of its organisation and operation. 

The  Regulations  of  the  Executive  Committee  specifically  provide  that  the  Committee  will  meet 
whenever it is called to do so by its Chair, who is empowered to call the Committee and to set the 
agenda, and also set out the procedure for calling ordinary and extraordinary meetings. 

For the proper performance of its functions, the Committee will have available, where necessary, 
the reports of the relevant Board committees on matters within their remits, and may request as a 
matter of relevance the attendance of the chairs of those committees at its own meetings where 
such reports are to be dealt with. 

Other aspects of the organisation and operation of the Committee shall be subject to the Regulations 
of the Committee itself. All other matters not provided for in the aforementioned Regulations will be 
subject to the Regulations of the Board, insofar as they are applicable. 

The most significant actions carried out by the Executive Committee in the 2020 financial year are 
detailed in Section H of this Report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
249 

AUDIT COMMITTEE   

Name  

Position  

 Category  

Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 

Chairman 

Independent 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 

Member 

Belén Garijo López 

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Member 

Member 

Member 

% of proprietary directors  

% of independent directors  

% of other external directors  

Independent 

Independent 

Independent 

Independent 

0% 

100% 

0% 

Explain the functions 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 functions, indicate its most significant actions during the 
financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the functions attributed to it, whether in 
law, in the bylaws or in other corporate resolutions.   

The main task of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in overseeing the preparation 
of the financial statements and public information, and the relationship with the external auditor and 
the Internal Audit area. 

More specifically, in accordance with the powers assigned to it by Article 5 of the Regulations of the 
Audit Committee, and notwithstanding any other functions assigned to it by law, by the Bank's internal 
regulations or by resolution of the Board the Audit Committee is entrusted with the following functions, 
inter alia: 

In relation to overseeing the financial statements and public information: 

  Oversee the process of preparing and reporting financial information and submit 

recommendations or proposals to the Board for safeguarding the integrity thereof. 

  Analyse, prior to their submission to the Board 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 and related non-financial information. 

  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. 

  Monitor the effectiveness of the Company's internal control as well as its risk management 
systems, in terms of the process of preparing and reporting financial information, including 
tax-related risks, and discuss with the auditor any significant weaknesses detected in the 
internal control system during the audit, without undermining its independence. 

In relation to the Internal Audit function: 

  Propose the selection, appointment, re-appointment and removal of the Head of the Internal 

Audit function to the Board of Directors; monitor the independence, effectiveness and 
functioning of the Internal Audit function; analyse and set objectives for the Head of the 
Internal Audit function and conduct the performance assessment; ensure that the Internal 
Audit function has the necessary material and human resources; and analyse and, where 
appropriate, approve the annual work plan for the Internal Audit function. 

 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
250 

  Receive monthly information from the Head of the Internal Audit function regarding the 

activities carried out by it, and regarding any incidents and obstacles that may arise, and 
verify that Senior Management takes into account the conclusions and recommendations of 
the reports; and also follow up on these plans. 

  Be aware of the audited units' degree of compliance with corrective measures previously 

recommended by the Internal Audit area and inform the Board of those cases that may 
involve a significant risk for the Group. 

In relation to the external audit process: 

  Submit to the Board any 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 for the engagement terms, and periodically 
obtain information from the external auditor on the external audit plan and its execution, in 
addition to preserving its independence in the performance of its functions. 

  Ensure the independence of the auditor: (i) by avoiding any possibility that the auditor's 
warnings, opinions or recommendations may be adversely influenced, ensuring that 
compensation for the auditor's work does not compromise either its quality or independence; 
and (ii) by establishing incompatibility between the provision of audit and consulting services, 
unless they are tasks required by supervisors or the provision of which by the 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 auditor, in which case, 
agreement by the Committee will be required. 

  Establish appropriate relationships with the auditor in order to receive information regarding 
any issues that may pose a threat to its independence and any other issues related to the 
account audit process. 

  Where appropriate, authorise the provision of additional services by the auditor or associated 
persons or entities, excluding prohibited services, as required by applicable regulations in 
each case, under the terms provided for in auditing legislation. 

 

Issue, on an annual basis and before the audit report is issued, a report expressing an 
opinion on whether the auditor's independence has been compromised. This report must 
contain a reasoned assessment of each of the additional services mentioned in the previous 
section, considered individually and collectively, over and above the legal audit and in relation 
to the independence requirements or to the rules governing the account auditing process. 

  Ensure that the auditor holds an annual meeting with the full Board of Directors to inform it of 
the work undertaken and developments in the Company's risk and accounting situations. 
The most significant actions carried out by the Audit Committee in the 2020 financial year, as well as 
its organisational and operational rules, 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 their knowledge and experience of accounting or auditing, or both, and specify the date on which 
the Chair of this committee was appointed to the post.  

251 

Names of the directors with experience 

Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 
José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Belén Garijo López 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Date of appointment of the chair to the post 

29 April 2019 

APPOINTMENTS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 

Name  

Position  

 Category  

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 

Chairman 

Independent 

Belén Garijo López 

José Maldonado Ramos 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

% of proprietary directors  

% of independent directors  

% of other external directors  

 Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Independent 

Other external 

Independent 

Other external 

0% 

60% 

40% 

Explain the functions 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 functions, indicate its most significant actions during the 
financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the functions attributed to it, whether in 
law, in the bylaws or in other corporate resolutions.  

The main task of the Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee is to assist the Board of 
Directors in matters relating to the selection and appointment of members of the Board of Directors; 
the  assessment  of  their  performance;  the  drafting  of  succession  plans;  the  Bank's  Corporate 
Governance System; and the oversight of the conduct of directors and any conflicts of interest that 
may affect them.  

More specifically, in accordance with the powers assigned to it by Article 5 of the Regulations of the 
Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee,  and  notwithstanding  any  other  functions 
assigned to it by law, by the Bank's internal regulations or by resolution of the Board of Directors, the 
Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee is entrusted with the following functions: 

1.  Submit proposals to the Board of Directors for the appointment, re-appointment or removal 

of independent directors and 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 any 
vacancies that arise, evaluating the time commitment considered necessary so that they can 
adequately carry out their duties, according to the needs of the corporate bodies at any given 
time. 

The Committee will ensure that selection procedures are not implicitly biased in such a way 
that involves any kind of discrimination or, in particular, hinders the selection of members of 
the  underrepresented  gender,  endeavouring  to  ensure  that  members  of  this  gender  who 
match the professional profile sought are included amongst potential candidates. 

 
  
 
 
 
252 

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. 

2.  Propose to the Board of Directors the selection and diversity policies for members of the 

Board. 

3.  Establish a target for representation of the underrepresented gender on the Board of 

Directors and draw up guidelines on how to reach that target. 

4.  Analyse the structure, size and composition of the Board of Directors, at least once per 

year, when assessing its operation. 

5.  Analyse the suitability of the members of the Board of Directors. 

6.  Review the status of each director each year, so that this may be reflected in the Annual 

Corporate Governance Report. 

7.  Report on proposals for the appointment of Chairman and Secretary and, where 

appropriate, Deputy Chair and Deputy Secretary, as well as the Chief Executive Officer. 

8.  Submit to the Board of Directors proposals for the appointment, removal or re-appointment 

of the Lead Director. 

9.  Determine the procedure for assessing the performance of the Chairman of the Board of 

Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors as a whole and the Board 
committees, and oversee its implementation. 

10.  Report on the operational quality and efficiency of the Board of Directors. 

11.  Report on the performance of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and of the Chief 

Executive Officer, incorporating for the latter the assessment made in this regard by the 
Executive Committee, for the purpose of periodic evaluation of both by the Board. 

12.  Study and arrange the succession of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief 
Executive Officer and, where applicable, the Deputy Chair, in conjunction with the Lead 
Director in the case of the Chairman, and, where appropriate, draft proposals to the Board 
of Directors to ensure that the succession takes place in a planned and orderly manner. 

13.  Review the Board of Directors' policy on the selection and appointment of members of the 

Group's Senior Management, and file recommendations with the Board when applicable. 

14.  Report on proposals for the appointment and removal of senior managers. 

15.  Regularly review and assess the Company's Corporate Governance System and, where 
applicable, propose to the Board of Directors, for approval or submission at the General 
Shareholders' Meeting, any amendments and updates that would facilitate its 
implementation and continuous improvement. 

16.  Ensure compliance with the provisions applicable to directors contained in the Regulations 

of the Board of Directors or in the applicable regulations, as well as with the rules relating 
to conduct on the securities markets, and inform the Board of these if it deems it 
necessary. 

17.  Report, prior to any decisions that may be made by the Board of Directors, on all matters 

within its remit as provided for by law, the Bylaws, the Regulations of the Board and the 
Regulations of the Committee, and in particular on situations of conflict of interest of the 
directors. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  organisational  and  operational  rules  and  the  most  significant  actions  carried  out  by  the 
Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee in the 2020 financial year are detailed in Section 
H of this Report.    

253 

REMUNERATIONS COMMITTEE  

Name  

Position  

 Category  

Belén Garijo López 

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

Chair 

Member 

Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno 

Member 

Independent 

Independent 

Independent 

Carlos Vicente Salazar Lomelín 

Member 

Other external 

Jan Paul Marie Francis Verplancke 

Member 

Independent 

% of proprietary directors  

% of independent directors  

% of other external directors  

0% 

80% 

20% 

Explain the functions 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 functions, indicate its most significant actions during the 
financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the functions attributed to it, whether in 
law, in the bylaws or in other corporate resolutions.  

The main task of the Remunerations Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in remuneration 
matters  within  its  remit  and,  in  particular,  those  relating  to  the  remuneration  of  directors,  senior 
managers and those employees whose professional activities have a significant impact on the risk 
profile  of  the  Group  (hereinafter,  the  Identified  Staff),  ensuring  that  the  established  remuneration 
policies are observed.  

More specifically, in accordance with the powers assigned to it by Article 5 of the Regulations of the 
Remunerations  Committee,  and  notwithstanding  any  other  functions  assigned  to  it  by  law,  by  the 
Bank's  internal  regulations  or  by  resolution  of  the  Board,  the  Remunerations  Committee  broadly 
performs the following functions: 

1.  Propose to the Board of Directors, for submission to the General Meeting, the 

remuneration policy for directors, and also submit its corresponding report, all in 
accordance with the terms established by applicable regulations. 

2.  Determine the remuneration of non-executive directors, as provided for in the remuneration 
policy for directors, and submit the corresponding proposals to the Board of Directors. 

3.  Determine the extent and amount of individual remunerations, rights and other economic 
rewards, as well as other contractual conditions for executive directors, so that these can 
be contractually agreed, in accordance with the remuneration policy for directors, and 
submit the corresponding proposals to the Board. 

4.  Determine and propose to the Board the objectives and criteria for measuring the variable 
remuneration of the executive directors, and evaluate their degree of achievement.  

5.  Analyse, where appropriate, the need to make ex-ante or ex-post adjustments to variable 
remuneration, including the application of malus and clawback arrangements for variable 
remuneration, and submit the corresponding proposals to the Board, prior reports from the 
relevant committees in each case.  

6.  Annually submit the proposal of the annual report on the remuneration of the Bank's 
directors to the Board of Directors, which will be submitted to the Annual General 
Shareholders' Meeting, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable law. 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
254 

7.  Propose to the Board of Directors the remuneration policy for senior managers and rest of 
Identified Staff. Likewise, oversee its implementation, including oversight of the process for 
identifying such employees. 

8.  Propose to the Board of Directors, and oversee the implementation of, the remuneration 

policy for the Group, which may include the policy for senior managers and other members 
of the Identified Staff, stated in the previous paragraph. 

9.  Submit to the Board of Directors the proposed basic contractual conditions for senior 
managers, including their remuneration and severance indemnity in the event of 
termination. 

10.  Directly oversee the remuneration of senior managers and, within the framework of the 
remuneration model applicable to Senior Management at any given time, the objectives 
and criteria for measuring variable remuneration of the heads of the Regulation & Internal 
Control area and the Internal Audit area, submitting the corresponding proposals to the 
Board of Directors, based on those submitted to it in turn by the Risk and Compliance 
Committee and the Audit Committee, respectively.  

11.  Ensure compliance with the remuneration policies established by the Company and review 
them periodically, proposing, where appropriate, any modifications that it deems necessary 
to ensure, amongst other things, that they are adequate for the purposes of attracting and 
retaining the best professionals, and that they contribute to the creation of long-term value 
and adequate control and management of risks, and address the principle of equal pay. In 
particular, the Committee shall ensure that the remuneration policies established by the 
Company are subject to internal, central and independent review at least once a year. 

12.  Verify information on the remuneration of directors and senior managers contained in the 

various corporate documents, including the annual report on the remuneration of directors. 

13.  Supervise the selection of external advisers, whose advice or support is required for the 

performance of its functions in remuneration matters, ensuring that any conflicts of interest 
do not impair the independence of the advice provided. 

The  organisational  and  operational  rules  and  the  most  significant  actions  carried  out  by  the 
Remunerations Committee in the 2020 financial year are detailed in Section H of this Report.  

 RISK AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE  

Name  

Juan Pi Llorens 

Position  

Chairman 

Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 

Member 

Raúl Catarino Galamba de Oliveira 

Member 

Ana Leonor Revenga Shanklin 

Member 

 Category  

Independent 

Independent 

Independent 

Independent 

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 

Member 

Other external 

% of proprietary directors  

% of independent directors  

% of other external directors  

0% 

80% 

20% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
255 

Explain the functions assigned to this committee and describe both the procedures and organisational 
and operational rules of the committee. For each of these functions, indicate its most significant actions 
during the financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the functions attributed to it, 
whether in law, in the bylaws or in other corporate resolutions.  

The  main  task  of  the  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Board  of  Directors  in  the 
determination and monitoring of the Group's risk control and management policy, including internal 
risk  control  and  non-financial  risks,  with  the  exception  of  those  related  to  internal  financial  control, 
which are the responsibility of the Audit Committee; those related to technological risk, which are the 
responsibility  of  the  Technology  and  Cybersecurity  Committee;  and  those  related  to  business  and 
reputational risk, which are the responsibility of the Executive Committee. It also assists the Board in 
monitoring the Compliance function and implementing a risk and compliance culture in the Group. 

More  specifically,  in  accordance  with  Article  5  of  the  Regulations  of  the  Risk  and  Compliance 
Committee,  and  notwithstanding  any  other  functions  assigned  to  it  by  law,  by  the  Bank's  internal 
regulations or by resolution of the Board, the Risk and Compliance Committee performs the following 
functions: 

1.  Analyse, on the strategic bases established by the Board of Directors or the Executive 

Committee, and submit proposals on the Group's strategy, control and risk management to 
the Board, including the Group's risk appetite; and the level of acceptable risk in terms of 
the risk profile and risk capital broken down between the Group's businesses and areas of 
activity, on the basis of the strategic and financial approaches determined by the Board of 
Directors and the Executive Committee. 

2.  Define, in a manner consistent with the Risk Appetite Framework established by the Board 
of Directors, the control and management policies for the various risks faced by the Group 
within its remit. 

3.  Supervise the effectiveness of the Regulation & Internal Control function (which include 
Supervisors, Regulation and Compliance, Internal Risk Control and Non-Financial Risk), 
and in particular will: (i) propose to the Board of Directors the appointment and removal of 
the function; (ii) analyse and establish the objectives for the function, and carry out an 
evaluation of their performance; (iii) ensure that function has the resources necessary for 
the effective performance of its functions; (iv) analyse and/or approve the annual work plan 
for the function, and monitor compliance with it. 

4.  Receive monthly information from the Head of Regulation & Internal Control regarding their 

activities carried out, as well as regarding any incidents that may arise, and verify that the 
Group's Senior Management takes into account the conclusions and recommendations of 
their reports. 

5.  Monitor the evolution of the risks faced by the Group and their compatibility with 

established strategies and policies, and with the Group's Risk Appetite Framework, and 
monitor risk-measurement procedures, tools and indicators established to obtain a global 
view of the risks faced by the Group; monitor compliance with prudential regulation and 
supervisory requirements regarding risks; analyse the measures to mitigate the impact of 
identified risks, should these materialise, to be adopted. 

6.  Analyse, within its remit, risks associated with strategic projects or those associated with 
corporate transactions to be submitted to the Board of Directors or to the Executive 
Committee and, where necessary, submit the corresponding report. 

7.  Analyse risk operations that will be submitted to the Board of Directors or Executive 

Committee for consideration. 

8.  Examine whether the prices of the assets and liabilities offered to customers take into 

account the Bank's business model and risk strategy and, if not, submit a plan to the Board 
of Directors aimed at rectifying the situation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
256 

9.  Participate in the process of establishing the remuneration 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. 

10.  Check that the Group has means, systems, structures and resources that are consistent 

with best practices to implement their risk management strategy, ensuring that the risk 
management mechanisms are adequate in relation thereto. 

11.  Report, prior to any decisions that may be made by the Board of Directors, on all matters 

within its remit as provided for by law or internal regulations. 

12.  Ensure compliance with applicable regulations on matters related to money laundering, 

conduct on the securities markets, data protection and the scope of Group activities with 
respect to competition, and 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. 

13.  Obtain information on all violations of regulations and any significant events detected by 

the areas reporting to it during its monitoring and control operations. The Committee shall 
also be notified about significant issues relating to legal risks that may arise during the 
Group's operations. 

14.  Examine draft codes of ethics and conduct and their modifications prepared by the 

corresponding area of the Group, and give its opinion in advance of the proposals to be 
made to the corporate bodies. 

15.  Have knowledge of the reports, submissions or communications from external supervisory 
bodies, and confirm that the instructions, requirements and recommendations received 
from the supervisory bodies are implemented in order to correct any irregularities, 
deficiencies or inadequacies detected. 

16.  Ensure the promotion of the risk culture across the Group. 

17.  Supervise the Group's criminal risk prevention model. 

18.  Review and supervise the systems under which employees may report any irregularities in 

terms of financial information or other matters. 

The organisational and operational rules and the most significant actions carried out by the Risk and 
Compliance Committee in the 2020 financial year are detailed in Section H of this Report.  

TECHNOLOGY AND CYBERSECURITY COMMITTEE  

Name  

Position  

 Category  

Carlos Torres Vila 

Chairman 

Executive 

Raúl Catarino Galamba de Oliveira 

Member 

Independent 

Sunir Kumar Kapoor 

Juan Pi Llorens 

Member 

Member 

Independent 

Independent 

Jan Paul Marie Francis Verplancke 

Member 

Independent 

% of executive directors 

% of proprietary directors  

% of independent directors  

% of other external directors  

20% 

0% 

80% 

0% 

Explain the functions assigned to this committee and describe both the procedures and organisational 
and operational rules of the committee. For each of these functions, indicate its most significant actions 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
257 

during the financial year and how it has, in practice, exercised each of the functions attributed to it, 
whether in law, in the bylaws or in other corporate resolutions.  

The main task of the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in 
overseeing technological risk, in managing cybersecurity and in monitoring the Group's technological 
strategy. 

Specifically,  in  accordance  with  the  powers  assigned  to  it  by  Article  5  of  the  Regulations  of  the 
Technology and Cybersecurity Committee, and notwithstanding any other functions assigned to it by 
law, by the Bank's internal regulations or by resolution of the Board, the Technology and Cybersecurity 
Committee performs the following functions, which fall into two categories: 

  Functions relating to monitoring technological risk and managing cybersecurity, such as: 

-  Reviewing the Bank's main technological risks, including risks related to information 

security and cybersecurity, as well as the procedures adopted by the executive area for 
monitoring and controlling 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 individually or as a whole, may cause significant 
impact or harm to the Group's equity, results or reputation. 

-  Being informed, as required, by the Head of the Technological Security area regarding the 

activities it carries out, as well as any incidents that may arise. 

  Functions related to the Technology Strategy:  

-  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.  

The  organisational  and  operational  rules  and  the  most  significant  actions  carried  out  by  the 
Technology and Cybersecurity Committee during the 2020 financial year 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 2020 

Financial year 2019 

Financial year 2018 

Financial year 2017 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

258 

Executive Committee 

Audit Committee  

Appointments and 
Corporate Governance 
Committee 

Remunerations 
Committee 

Risk and Compliance 
Committee 

Technology and 
Cybersecurity 
Committee 

1 

3 

2 

3 

2 

- 

16.66% 

1 

16.66% 

1 

16.66% 

1 

16.66% 

60% 

40% 

60% 

40% 

- 

3 

2 

3 

1 

- 

60% 

3 

60% 

40% 

3 

60% 

60% 

20% 

- 

3 

1 

- 

60% 

20% 

- 

2 

2 

2 

1 

- 

40% 

40% 

40% 

20% 

- 

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.  

All the committees of the Board of Directors have their own regulations, approved by the Board 
and  available  on  the  Bank's  corporate  website  (www.bbva.com),  under  “Shareholders  and 
Investors”,  “Corporate  Governance  and  Remuneration  Policy”,  in  the  “Board  Committees” 
section. The regulations were not amended during the 2020 financial year. 

In addition, within the framework of the annual performance process, all the committees of the 
Board have prepared and submitted a report to the Board of Directors detailing the activity 
carried out by each of them in the exercise of their functions during the 2020 financial year, 
which are described in Sections C.1.17 and C.2.1 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.  

Article 17.1.e) (iii) of the Regulations of the Board of Directors establishes that the Board is responsible 
for approving, where applicable, transactions conducted by the Company or Group companies with 
directors  or  with  shareholders  that,  individually  or  together  with  others,  hold  a  significant  stake, 
including  shareholders  represented  in  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  or  of  other  Group 
companies or with individuals related to them, with the exceptions provided for by law. 

Moreover,  Article  8.6  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 
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 are executed 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 given their amount or content carried out between the 

company or its group companies and the company's significant shareholders:   

 
 
 
 
 
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) 

259 

D.3  Detail any transactions deemed to be significant for their amount or content carried out 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 company 
or group company  

Relationship  

Nature of the 
transaction  

Amount 
(thousands 
of euro) 

Remarks 

D.4  Detail  the  significant  transactions  in  which  the  company  has  engaged  with  other  companies 
belonging  to  the  same  group,  except  those  that  are  eliminated  in  the  process  of  drawing  up  the 
consolidated financial statements and that do not form part of the company's usual trade with respect 
to its objects 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  

Brief description of the transaction  

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE LTD. 

Current account deposits 

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE LTD. 

Term account deposits 

Amount 
(thousands 
of euro) 

2,356 

5,542 

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE LTD. 

Issue-linked subordinated liabilities 

163,178 

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 BBVA's Regulations of the Board of Directors regulate issues relating to possible 
conflicts of interest, in summary, as follows: 

Article  7:  Directors  must  adopt  necessary  measures  to  avoid  incurring  in  situations  where  their 
interests, whether on their own account or for that of others, may enter into conflict with the corporate 
interest  and  with  their  duties  with  respect  to  the  Company,  unless  the  Company  has  granted  its 
consent under the terms established in applicable legislation and in the 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 decisions 
relate to the appointment or removal of positions on the management body. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
260 

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 Article 7 above obliges 
the directors to refrain from, in particular: 

  Carrying out transactions with the Company, unless these relate to ordinary business, 
performed under standard conditions for customers and of insignificant quantity. Such 
transactions are deemed to be those whose information is not necessary to provide a true 
picture of the Company's equity, financial situation and results. 

  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 with the performance of their role, unless they are mere tokens of 
courtesy. 

  Engaging in activities on 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 sections 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 the General Shareholders' Meeting. 

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 Shareholders' 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 equity or, where applicable, that it is carried out under market conditions and that the 
process is transparent. 

Approval by the Board of Directors of the transactions of the Bank or companies within its Group with 
directors will be granted, where appropriate, after receiving a report from the Audit 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 are executed 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 (the LOSS), 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 the LOSS, unless expressly authorised by the Bank of Spain. 

Continued in Section H of this Report. 

D.7 

Indicate whether the company is controlled by another entity within the meaning of Article 42 of the 
Spanish  Commercial  Code,  whether  listed  or  not,  and  has,  directly  or  through  its  subsidiaries, 
business relations with said entity or one of its subsidiaries (other than those of the listed company) 
or engages in activities related to those of any one of them.  

261 

E.  RISK CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS  

No 

 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 management and control model (hereinafter, the Model) adapted 
to its business model, its organisation, the countries in which it operates and its Corporate Governance 
System.  This  allows  the  BBVA  Group  to  operate  within  the  framework  of  the  risk  control  and 
management strategy and policy defined by the Bank's corporate bodies and to adapt to the changing 
economic and regulatory environment, addressing risk management on a global level in a manner 
adapted to the circumstances at any moment.  

This Model, which is the responsibility of the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and which must be updated or 
reviewed  at  least  annually,  is  applied  comprehensively  in  the  Group  and  is  made  up  of  the  basic 
elements set out below:  

I.  Governance and organisation 

II.  Risk Appetite Framework 

III.  Evaluation, monitoring and reporting  

IV.  Infrastructure  

The Group promotes the development of a risk culture that ensures consistent application of the Model 
within the Group, and that guarantees that the risk function is understood and internalised at all levels 
of the organisation. 

The Model applies to the management and control of all financial and non-financial risks of the Group, 
including tax risks, without prejudice to the fact that, with regard to tax, in addition to the management 
of  this  type  of  risk  as  a  non-financial  risk,  BBVA  has  a  tax  risk  management  policy  based  on  an 
adequate  control  environment,  a  risk  identification  system  and  a  process  for  the  monitoring  and 
continuous improvement of the effectiveness of the established controls. This management model is 
revised and assessed by an independent expert. 

For more information on the basic elements of the Model, see "General risk management and control 
model" in the "Risk management" chapter of the individual and consolidated Management Reports for 
financial year 2020.  

 
  
 
 
 
 
E.2 

Identify  the  corporate  bodies  responsible  for  drawing  up  and  enforcing  the  Risk  Control  and 
Management System, including tax-related risks.  

262 

With regard to risks, the Board of Directors' responsibilities are those relating to establishing the policy 
for controlling and managing risk and the oversight and control of its implementation. 

In addition, and for a proper discharge of its functions, the Board of Directors is assisted by the Risk 
and  Compliance  Committee  in  the  matters  specified  below.  It  is  also  assisted  by  the  Executive 
Committee, which focuses on strategy, finance and business-related matters in an integrated manner, 
in order to monitor the Group's risks. 

In particular, the Board of Directors establishes the Group's risk strategy and, in the discharge of this 
function, determines the risk control and management policy, which is set out in: the BBVA Group's 
Risk Appetite Framework, which includes the Group's risk appetite statement, containing the general 
principles of the Group's risk strategy and its target profile, as well as a set of quantitative metrics 
(core  metrics—with  their  respective  statements—and  metrics  by  type  of  risk)  originating  from  said 
statement that reflect the Group's risk profile; the management policy framework for the different types 
of risk to which the Bank is or may be exposed, which contains the basic principles for managing and 
controlling risks consistently throughout the Group and in accordance with the Model and the Risk 
Appetite Framework; and the Model. 

Furthermore, in parallel with the function of defining the risk strategy and within the scope of its risk 
monitoring,  supervision  and  control  functions,  the  Board  of  Directors  monitors  the  evolution  of  the 
BBVA  Group's  risks  as  well  as  the  risks  of  each  of  its  main  geographical  and/or  business  areas, 
ensuring  their  compliance  with  the  BBVA  Group's  Risk  Appetite  Framework,  and  also  overseeing 
internal information and control systems. 

At  the  executive  level,  the  Group’s  Chief  Risk  Officer  (the  Head  of  Global  Risk  Management)  is 
responsible  for  managing  all  of  the  Group's  financial  risks  with  the  independence,  authority,  rank, 
experience, knowledge and resources required. They are responsible for ensuring, within their scope 
of functions, that the BBVA Group's risks are managed according to the established model. 

For  decision-making,  the  Group’s  Chief  Risk  Officer  has  a  governance  structure  for  the  role  that 
culminates in a support forum, the Global Risk Management Committee (GRMC), which is established 
as  the  main  executive-level  committee  on  the  risks  within  its  remit.  Its  purpose  is  to  develop  the 
strategies, policies, regulations and infrastructures needed to identify, assess, measure and manage 
the material risks within its remit that the Group faces in its business activity. 

In addition, the chief risk officers of the geographical and business areas report functionally to the 
Group’s Chief Risk Officer and report operationally 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 risk-related general 
policies and goals. 

With regard to non-financial risks and internal control, the Group has a Regulation & Internal Control 
area that is independent from the other units. This area is under the responsibility of the Global Head 
of Regulation & Internal Control, who is also appointed by the BBVA Board of Directors and reports 
directly to the corporate bodies, providing updates on the performance of its functions. This area is 
responsible  for  proposing  and  implementing  policies  related  to  non-financial  risks  and  the  Group's 
internal  control  model.  It  also  includes,  amongst  others,  the  Non-Financial  Risk,  Compliance  and 
Internal Risk Control units. 

For  more  information  on  the  bodies  responsible  for  risk  management  and  control  at  BBVA,  see 
"Governance and organisation" in the "General risk management and control model" section in the 
"Risk management" chapter of the individual and consolidated Management Reports for financial year 
2020. 

As far as tax risk is concerned, the Tax function of the BBVA Group is responsible for establishing the 
control mechanisms and internal rules necessary to ensure compliance with current tax regulations, 
as well as proposing tax strategy to the Board of Directors for their consideration and approval, where 
appropriate. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the tax risks in the process 
of preparing and presenting financial information, which is evidenced by the reports made by the Head 
of the BBVA Group's Tax function to the Committee.  

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.  

 
263 

BBVA  has  processes  to  identify  risks  and  analyse  scenarios,  enabling  dynamic  and  advance  risk 
management. These 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 scenario analyses and stress testing, and considers the controls to which 
the risks are subject. 

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 
  Regulatory and reputational risks 
  Business, legal and operational risks 

For  more  information  on  these  risks,  see  "Risk  factors"  in  the  "Risk  management"  chapter  of  the 
individual  and  consolidated  Management  Reports  for  financial  year  2020,  and  "Other  non-financial 
risks" chapter of the Non-Financial Information Statement, included in said Management Reports. 

Likewise, amongst the possible crimes included in the criminal prevention model are those related to 
corruption  and  bribery,  since  there  are  a  number  of  risks  that  could  manifest  in  a  company  with 
characteristics such as those of BBVA. For more information, see "Other standards of conduct" and 
“Criminal  prevention  model”  in  the  "Compliance  system"  section,  which  is  included  in  the  "Ethical 
behaviour"  chapter  of  the  Non-Financial  Information  Statement  in  the  individual  and  consolidated 
Management Reports for the 2020 financial year.  

On the other hand, and not having the consideration of significant risk referred to in this section, the 
Spanish  judicial  authorities  are  investigating  the  activities  of  the  company  Centro  Exclusivo  de 
Negocios y Transacciones, S.L. (Cenyt). The investigation includes services provided to the Bank. 

In relation to this, on 29 July 2019, the Bank was served the notice from Central Magistrates Court 
No.  6  of  the  Spanish  High  Court,  citing  the  Bank  as  an  investigated  legal  entity  in  the  preliminary 
proceedings 96/2017 — investigation piece number 9 — for alleged events that could be constitutive 
of bribery, revelation of secrets and corruption in business. On 3 February 2020, the Bank was notified 
that  the  Central  Magistrates  Court  No.  6  of  the  Spanish  High  Court  lifted  the  secrecy  of  the 
proceedings.  Certain  Group  managers  and  employees,  both  current  and  former,  as  well  as  some 
former directors, are also under investigation in relation to this case. The Bank has been and continues 
to proactively cooperate with judicial authorities and has shared with them the relevant documentation 
arising from the forensic investigation hired by the Bank in 2019 to help to clarify the events. As of the 
date of this document, no indictment has been filed against BBVA for any crime. 

The above-mentioned criminal proceedings are in the pre-trial phase. It is therefore impossible at this 
time  to  predict  their  scope  or  duration,  their  possible  outcome  or  the  possible  implications  for  the 
Group, including potential fines and losses and damage to the Group's reputation. 

Continued in Section H of this Report. 

E.4 

Identify whether the company has risk tolerance levels, including for tax-related risks.   

The Group's Risk Appetite Framework, approved by the Board of Directors, 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, and profitability and recurrence of revenue, which are reviewed not only periodically but 
also if there are any substantial changes in the business strategy or relevant corporate transactions.  

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 appetite statement, these statements set out 

the general risk management principles in terms of solvency, liquidity and funding, profitability 
and recurrence of revenue. 

 
 
264 

  Statement and metrics by type of risk: The general principles for managing each risk are 

established based on the core metrics and their thresholds for each type of risk. A series of 
metrics are also determined, and adherence to these ensures compliance with the core 
metrics and the Group's Risk Appetite Statement.  

In addition to this Framework, there is a level of management limits that is defined and managed by 
the  areas  responsible  for  managing  each  type  of  risk.  This  is  to  ensure  that  anticipatory  risk 
management respects this structure and, in general, the established Risk Appetite Framework.  

Each significant geographical area has its own Risk Appetite Framework consisting of its local Risk 
Appetite statement, core metrics and statements, statements and metrics by type of risk, which should 
be  consistent  with  those  set  at  the  Group  level,  but  adapted  to  their  reality  and  approved  by  the 
corresponding corporate bodies of each entity. This Risk Appetite Framework has a limit structure in 
line and consistent with the above.  

The corporate Risk area works together with the various geographical and/or business areas to define 
their  Risk  Appetite  Framework,  so  that  it  is  coordinated  with  and  integrated  into  the  Group's  Risk 
Appetite  Framework,  making  sure  that  its  profile  is  in  line  with  the  one  defined.  Also,  for  local 
monitoring purposes, the Chief Risk Officer for the geographical and/or business area will periodically 
report on the evolution of the local Risk Appetite Framework metrics to its corporate bodies, as well 
as, where appropriate, to the appropriate local top-level committees, following a scheme similar to that 
of the Group, in accordance with its own corporate governance systems. 

For  more  information  on  the  Risk  Appetite  Framework  described  above  and  on  its  monitoring  and 
management integration, see "Risk Appetite framework" in the "General Risk management and control 
model" section within the "Risk management" chapter of the individual and consolidated Management 
Reports for financial year 2020. 

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 therefore offers detailed information on the evolution 
of  risks  which,  by  their  nature,  continuously  affect  the  Group  in  carrying  out  its  activity.  This 
information is provided in its annual financial statements (notes 7 and 19 on risk management and 
tax risks, respectively, in the BBVA Group's Consolidated Annual Financial Statements; and notes 
5 and 17, on the same subject matters, in BBVA's Individual Annual Financial Statements, both for 
financial year 2020) and in the individual and consolidated Management Reports, both for financial 
year  2020  (the  "Risk  management"  chapter  and  "Other  non-financial  risks"  chapter  of  the  Non-
Financial Information Statement).  

E.6  Explain the response and oversight 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  for  operational  risks  is  based  on  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).  

The control model has a system comprising three lines of defence: 

  The Group's business and support units constitute the first line of defence. They are 

responsible for primary management of current and emerging risks, and implementing control 
procedures for risk mitigation. They are also responsible for reporting to their 
business/support unit. 

  The second line of defence is comprised of specialised control units in different areas of risk: 

Compliance, Legal, Finance, People, Physical security, Technological security, Information 
and Data Security, Suppliers, Internal Risk Control and Processes. This line defines the 
control frameworks in its specialist field, across the entire Entity, and provides training to 
areas exposed to risk. It also checks the identification of current and emerging risks carried 

 
 
 
265 

out by the different business and support units, and assesses the adequacy and effectiveness 
of the control environments implemented by them. 

With regard to operational risk, the control activity of the first and second lines of defence is 
coordinated by the Non-Financial Risks Unit, which is responsible for providing the units with a 
common internal control methodology and global tools. This second line of defence is in place 
in  all  geographical  areas  in  which  the  Group  is  present  and  acts  in  accordance  with 
standardised practices that come from the corporate units in each of the fields. 

The Group's Head of Non-Financial Risks is responsible for the function and, together with the 
Chief Compliance Officer and the Head of Internal Risk Control, reports on its activity to the 
Global  Head  of  Regulation  &  Internal  Control  and  to  the  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee, 
assisting the latter 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 to independently and objectively assess the first and second lines of 
defence, evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of internal control policies and systems, 
risk management and the governance processes and policies established by the Group. 

As part of the second line of defence, the Group has a specific Internal Risk Control unit, within 
the area of Regulation & Internal Control, which, among other tasks, independently checks and 
monitors regulations and governance structure, in terms of financial risks, and the application 
and  operation  thereof  in  the  area  of  Global  Risk  Management,  as  well  as  checking  the 
development and implementation of financial risk management and control processes. It is also 
responsible for the validation of risk models. 

The  Group's  Head  of  Internal  Risk  Control  is  responsible  for  the  function  and  reports  on  its 
activities  and  work  plans  to  the  Head  of  Regulation  &  Internal  Control  and  to  the  Risk  and 
Compliance  Committee,  assisting  the  Committee  in  any  matters  where  requested,  and  in 
particular  checking  that  the  GRM  reports  presented  to  the  Committee  comply  with  the 
established criteria at all times. 

In addition, the Internal Risk Control function is global and transversal, covering all types of 
financial  risks  and  having  specific  units  in  all  geographical  and/or  business  areas,  with 
functional dependency on the Group's Head of Internal Risk Control. 

As  far  as  tax  risk  is  concerned,  the  Tax  Department,  located  within  the  Finance  area,  is 
responsible  for  establishing  the  policies  and  controls  necessary  to  ensure  compliance  at  all 
times with the current tax regulations and the tax strategy approved by the Board of Directors. 
The Internal Financial Control Unit, as a second line of defence against financial, accounting 
and tax risks, is responsible for assessing the quality of the design and effectiveness of the 
control model operating in tax processes, as detailed in Section F of this document. 

In order to meet the new challenges that arise, 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, in addition to the work carried out by the Bank's different 
areas of control (Risk, Regulation & Internal Control and Internal Audit), as well as other areas 
of the Bank, such as the legal and finance areas, and the corresponding Board committees 
(such  as  the  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  or  the  Audit  Committee),  there  is  also  the 
monitoring and supervision carried out by the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee. Its 
work allows the Board of Directors to be informed of the main technological risks to which the 
Group is exposed—including those relating to information security risks, information technology 
compliance  risks  and  cybersecurity  risks—as  well  as  of  current  technological  trends  and 
strategies, business continuity plans in matters of technology and relevant cybersecurity events 
affecting the Group or which might 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: 

266 

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 
Committee whose main task, among others, is to assist the Board in monitoring the preparation of 
financial statements and public information, as well as monitoring internal financial control. 

In  this  regard,  the  Rules  of  Procedure  of  BBVA's  Audit  Committee  establish  that  one  of  the 
Committee's functions is to monitor the effectiveness of the Company's internal control and the risk 
management systems in the process of drawing up and presenting financial information, including tax 
risks, as well as discussing with the statutory auditor the significant weaknesses of the internal control 
system detected during the audit. 

The BBVA Group complies with the requirements imposed by the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) for each 
financial year's consolidated annual financial statements 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  area  has  been 
responsible during 2020 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 briefly outlined below: 

The BBVA Group works continuously to bolster its internal control model, which comprises two key 
elements. The first is the control structure organised into three lines of defence, which is described in 
Section  E.6  above;  and  the  second  is  a  governance  scheme  called  Corporate  Assurance,  which 
establishes a framework for monitoring the internal control model and bringing the main aspects of the 
Group's internal control to the attention of Senior Management. 

Corporate Assurance establishes a committee structure, both at the local and corporate levels, that 
provides Senior Management with a comprehensive and homogeneous view of the main non-financial 
risks  and  relevant  situations  as  regards  the  control  environment.  The  aim  is  to  facilitate  fast  and 
proactive decision-making in relation to the mitigation or assumption of major risks. These committees 
are formed by the main executives responsible for the business and support areas, as well as those 
responsible for the second line of defence (RCS). 

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  coordinated  by  the 
Internal  Financial  Control  area  and  involves  risk  control  specialists  (RCS),  as  the  second  line  of 
defence, and risk control assurers (RCA) for the main processes, in both business areas 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,  conducted  by  Internal  Audit  and  Internal  Financial  Control,  is  reported  to  the  Audit 
Committee by the heads of 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. 

 
267 

Financial information is produced in the local Financial Management Units of the BBVA 
Group banks in the different countries where it maintains a presence. The consolidation 
work is carried out in the Corporate Centre, in the Finance Department, which has overall 
responsibility  for  the  preparation  and  issuance  of  the  Group's  financial  and  regulatory 
information. 

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; provides the channels and circuits necessary for the proper 
communication of the financial information; and provides a procedure for the dissemination 
of  the  annual  financial  statements.  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 whistleblowing channel regarding possible infringements of 
the Code. It is the subject of training and refresher programmes that include key personnel 
in the financial function. 

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. 

One of the functions of the Risk and Compliance Committee is to examine draft codes of 
ethics and conduct and their respective modifications prepared by the corresponding area 
of the Group, and give its opinion in advance of the proposals to be drafted to the corporate 
bodies. 

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 
function 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 customers, 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. 

 
268 

  Whistleblowing channel, which allows financial and accounting irregularities to be 
communicated to the audit committee, as well as possible breaches of 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 and contemplates a Whistleblowing Channel, whereby BBVA 
employees, as well as other parties not part of BBVA, may communicate, in a confidential 
manner and, if they wish, anonymously, any behaviours that may not comply with the Code 
or that may infringe applicable regulation. Complaints are handled promptly and diligently, 
guaranteeing  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. The Whistleblowing Channel is available 24 hours 365 days.  

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. 

- 

In 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. 

Also, through the Compliance area, periodic reports are made to the Risk and Compliance 
Committee,  which,  pursuant  to  its  own  Regulations,  monitors  and  controls  the  proper 
functioning of the Whistleblowing Channel. 

  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. 

The  Finance  area  has  a  specific  programme  of  courses  and  seminars,  run  in  both  its 
classroom and virtual campus, which complement the general training of all employees of 
the BBVA Group, in line with their roles and responsibilities. Specific training and periodic 
refresher courses are given on accounting and tax regulations, internal control and risk 
management, particularly for teams in the 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. These courses are taught by professionals from the 
area and renowned external providers. 

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. 

 
  
  
  
269 

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 on the generation of financial 
information, the processes through which such information is generated are analysed and 
documented, and an analysis of the risks, errors or inaccuracies that may arise in each is 
later conducted. 

Based on the corporate internal control methodology, the risks are categorised by type, 
including process errors and fraud, and their probability of occurrence and possible impact 
are analysed. 

The process of identifying risk in the preparation of Financial Statements, including risks 
of error, falsehood or omission, is carried out by the first line of defence: those responsible 
for each of the processes that contribute to  the preparation of financial information and 
those responsible for their control. This risk identification is performed taking into account 
the theoretical risk model and the mitigation and control framework previously defined by 
the specialists for each type of risk (within the second line of defence) which, in the case 
of Finance, is the Internal Financial Control unit (tax and financial reporting risk specialist), 
who, in addition, challenges the functioning and effectiveness of the controls implemented.  

Whether  the  assessment  of  their  controls  is  annual,  quarterly  or  monthly  is  determined 
based on the significance of the risks, this 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 understanding of and insight into 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 or process 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 regulations applicable at all times, the risks affecting 
them and the controls that mitigate them. 

All this is documented in a corporate management tool developed and managed by the 
Non-Financial  Risk  area  (STORM).  This  tool  documents  all  the  risks  and  controls,  by 
process, that are managed by the different risk specialists, including the Financial Internal 
Control unit. 

 
 
 
 
 
270 

  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 regulatory requirements and market needs. 

The  financial  information  control  model  analyses  each  of  the  phases  of  the  processes 
mentioned above (from procedural governance, documentation, criteria setting, decision 
making,  information  provision,  application  operation,  monitoring  generated  information, 
and reporting), in order to ensure that the risks identified in each process are adequately 
covered by controls that operate efficiently. The control model is updated when changes 
arise in the relevant processes or support tools 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  Finance  area  includes  a  department  responsible  for  the  Group's  financial 
consolidation, which carries out a monthly process of identification, analysis and updating 
of the perimeter of the Group's consolidated companies. 

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 a specific committee at corporate level, whose objective is to 
analyse and document the changes in the composition of the corporate group and optimise 
its corporate structure (Corporate Structure Committee — CSC).  

In addition, the Finance area of the Bank, in controlling special purpose entities, makes a 
periodic report to the Audit Committee on the structure of the Group of companies. 

  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  mentioned  above,  the  Group  has  an  internal  control  model  coordinated  by  the 
Regulation  &  Internal  Control  area,  which  uses  a  single  methodology  to  assess  all  the 
Group's non-financial risks (mainly operational, technological, financial, legal, tax-related, 
reputational, third party and compliance). All the specialist risk areas and heads of control 
use a common tool (STORM) to document the identification of the risks, the controls that 
mitigate those risks and the assessment of their effectiveness. 

There are control assurers 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 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 for generating financial information is documented at least once a year, and is 
overseen by the Internal Audit area.  

Moreover,  the  Group's  head  of  Internal  Financial  Control  reports  annually  to  the  Audit 
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 Section F.1 
above. 

271 

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 Section 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 effectiveness of the controls and the degree of risk mitigation. 

In particular, the main processes relating to the generation of financial information are found in 
the Finance area, and they 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, in the processes of the 
various business areas or other support areas, that may have a financial impact on the financial 
statements. 

In the aforementioned review procedures, special attention is paid, from a control point of view, 
to the financial and tax-related information disseminated to the securities markets, including the 
specific  review  of  controls  on  relevant  judgements,  estimates  and  projections  used  in  the 
preparation of the above-mentioned information. 

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: 

  The value corrections of 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 assignments of the price paid in business combinations. 

  The fair value of certain unlisted assets and liabilities. 

  The recoverability of deferred tax assets. 

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 a Technical Committee. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
272 

The Group's current internal control model has expanded the catalogue of technological risks 
managed as non-financial risks to three distinct categories: 

✔   Physical Security: Covers risks from inadequate management of the physical security of 
assets (including technology) and individuals due to the damage and deterioration of such 
assets. 

✔   Technological  Security:  Covers  risks  from  inadequate  management  of  technology 
changes,  IT  system  failures,  risk  from  low  IT  availability  and  performance,  IT  system 
integrity risk, application tampering fraud, and logical impersonation. 

✔  

Information  and  Data  Security:  Covers  risks  from  unauthorised  access,  modification  or 
destruction of data infrastructure, loss, theft or misuse of information and cyber attacks that 
affect the privacy, confidentiality, availability and integrity of information. 

The internal control models therefore 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. 

Both types of control are identified in the model of internal control over financial reporting and 
are analysed and assessed periodically, in order to guarantee the integrity and reliability of the 
information drawn up. 

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 for technology and IT systems 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  sets  out specific  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 specialist area of risk arising in third-party operations, a standard and a committee 
for  non-financial  risk  admission,  which  also  analyses  outsourcing  operations  and  which 
establishes and supervises the requirements to be fulfilled at the Group level for 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 

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, 

 
273 

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 Finance area and in particular the Accounting & Regulatory Reporting area have robust 
governance systems which include two Technical Committees: one for Accounting and one for 
Capital. 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.  This  Manual  is  approved  by  the  Technical  Accounting 
Committee and is continuously 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 BBVA Group's Finance 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 supplying 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 contains a 
breakdown that is tailored to regulatory requirements and sufficient so as 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 possible 
weaknesses and designing, implementing and monitoring the mitigation measures and action 
plans. 

The  first  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  risk  controls  for  the  financial  information 
preparation process is carried out by the RCA (Risk Control Assurer), who is responsible for 
control in the first line of defence, and layer by the RCS (Risk Control Specialist — second line 
of defence) who must challenge the design and operation of the controls in order to issue a 
conclusion on the operation of the control model on the risks covered by his field of expertise. 

 
274 

BBVA  also  has  an  Internal  Audit  unit  that  supports  the  Audit  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. 

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 risk. 

During  the  2020  financial  year,  the  areas  responsible  for  Internal  Control  conducted  a  full 
assessment of the system for internal control over financial reporting, and, to date, no material 
or significant weakness having any impact on the preparation of financial information have been 
revealed therein. 

Additionally,  in  compliance  with  the  SOX,  the  Group's  Internal  Control  and  Internal  Auditing 
areas  annually  assesses  the  effectiveness  of  the  model  of  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  on  a  group  of  risks  (within  the  perimeter  of  SOX  companies)  that  could  affect  the 
drawing up of financial statements at local and consolidated levels. This perimeter incorporates 
risks and controls in Finance and other specialisms that are not directly financial (technology, 
risks,  operational  processes,  human  resources,  procurement,  legal  etc.).  The  results  of  this 
assessment are reported annually to the Audit Committee. 

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 described in section (F.5.1) above, the Group has a procedure in place whereby the internal 
auditor and the heads of Internal Financial Control report to the Audit Committee any significant 
internal  control  weaknesses  detected  in  the  course  of  their  work.  Any  significant  or  material 
weaknesses, if present, will likewise be reported. Similarly, there is a procedure whereby the 
external auditor reports to the Audit Committee the result of their work assessing the system for 
internal control over financial information. 

Since  BBVA  is  listed  with  the  SEC,  the  BBVA  Group's  external  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 2019 financial year is available at www.sec.gov and www.bbva.com. 

All control weaknesses detected by the Internal Control, Internal Audit and External Audit areas 
have an action plan for resolution and are reported to the Internal Control Committees of each 
area, to the Corporate Assurance Committees (local or global, depending on the severity of the 
weaknesses) and also to the Audit Committee. 

The internal control oversight carried out by the Audit Committee, described in the Regulations 
of the Audit Committee published on the Group website, www.bbva.com, 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 in all other required financial information and related non-
financial information. 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, as well as all the 

 
  
 
275 

necessary information made available to it with the level of aggregation deemed 
appropriate. 

  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. 

  Monitor the effectiveness of the Company's internal control as well as its risk 

management systems, in terms of the process of preparing and reporting financial 
information, including tax-related risks, and discuss with the auditor any significant 
weaknesses detected in the internal control system during the audit, without 
undermining its independence. For such purposes, and where appropriate, the 
Committee may submit recommendations or proposals to the Board of Directors, along 
with the deadline for their follow-up. 
Analyse and, where appropriate, approve the annual work plan for the Internal Audit 
area, as well as any other occasional or specific plans to be implemented as a result of 
regulatory changes or as required for organisation of the Group's business. 

Be aware of the audited units' degree of compliance with corrective measures 
previously recommended by the Internal Audit area and inform the Board of those 
cases that may involve a significant risk for the Group. 

 

 

The  external  auditor  and  the  head  of  Internal  Audit  attend  all  regular  meetings  of  the  Audit 
Committee to report on the matters dealt with within their respective remits. 

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 reporting 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 accounts published at the close of each financial year. 

On 28 February 2020, 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 2019, 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. 
The  Form  20-F  report  also  included  the  opinion  of  the  external  auditor  regarding  the 
effectiveness of the Company's system of internal control over financial reporting at the close 
of the 2019 financial year.  

G.  DEGREE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RECOMMENDATIONS    

Indicate the extent of the company's compliance with 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 

 
 
  
  
276 

2.  When the listed company is controlled, pursuant to the meaning established in Article 42 of the 

Commercial Code, by another listed or non-listed entity, and has, directly or through its subsidiaries, 
business relationships with that entity or any of its subsidiaries (other than those of the listed company) or 
carries out activities related to the activities of any of them, this is reported publicly, with specific 
information about:   

a)  The respective areas of activity and possible business relationships between, on the one hand, the 

listed company or its subsidiaries and, on the other, the parent company or its subsidiaries.  

b)  The mechanisms established to resolve any conflicts of interest that may arise.  

NOT APPLICABLE 

3.  During the annual general meeting the chairman of the board of directors 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 that have occurred since the previous annual general meeting.  

b)  The specific reasons for the company not following a given Corporate Governance Code 

recommendation, and any alternative procedures followed in its stead.  

✔ COMPLIANT      

4.  The company should define and promote a policy for communication and contact with shareholders and 

institutional investors within the framework of their involvement in the company, as well as with proxy 
advisors, that complies in full with the rules on market abuse and gives equal treatment to shareholders 
who are in the same position. The company should make said policy public through its website, including 
information regarding the way in which it has been implemented and the parties involved or those 
responsible its implementation.  

Further, without prejudice to the legal obligations of disclosure of inside information and other regulated 
information, the company should also have a general policy for the communication of economic-financial, 
non-financial and corporate information through the channels it considers appropriate (media, social media 
or  other  channels)  that  helps  maximise  the  dissemination  and  quality  of  the  information  available  to  the 
market, investors and other stakeholders.  

✔ 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 of directors 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 do not dilute the interests of shareholders.  

6.  Listed companies drawing up the following reports on a voluntary or compulsory basis should publish 
them on their website well in advance of the annual general shareholders’ meeting, even if their 
distribution is not obligatory:  

a)  Report on auditor independence.  

b)  Reports on the operation of the audit committee and the nomination and remuneration committee.  

c)  Audit committee report on related-party transactions.  

✔ COMPLIANT      

7.  The company should broadcast its general shareholders' meetings live on its website.  

The company should have mechanisms that allow the delegation and exercise of votes by electronic means 
and even, in the case of large-cap companies and, to the extent that it is proportionate, attendance and active 
participation in the general shareholders’ meeting.  

PARTIALLY COMPLIANT 

 
277 

The Company broadcasts, live on its website, its General Shareholders' Meetings; and has mechanisms that allow 
for proxy voting and remote voting by its shareholders. It is also expected that, for the 2021 General Shareholders' 
Meeting, mechanisms will be in place to allow remote attendance and active participation by shareholders. 

8.  The audit committee should strive to ensure that the financial statements that the board of directors 

presents to the general shareholders’ meeting are drawn up in accordance to accounting legislation. And 
in those cases where the auditors includes any qualification in its report, the chairman of the audit 
committee should give a clear explanation at the general meeting of their opinion regarding the scope and 
content, making a summary of that opinion available to the shareholders at the time of the publication of 
the notice of the meeting, along with the rest of proposals and reports of the board.  

✔ COMPLIANT       

9.  The company should disclose its conditions and procedures for admitting share ownership, the right to 

attend the general shareholders' meeting 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.  

10.  When an accredited shareholder exercises the right to supplement the agenda or submit new proposals 

prior to the general shareholders' meeting, the company should:  

✔ COMPLIANT       

a)  Immediately circulate the supplementary items and new proposals.  

b)  Disclose the model of attendance card or proxy appointment 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 shareholders' 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 shareholders' 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.  

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       

14.  The board of directors should approve a policy aimed at promoting an appropriate composition of the 

✔ COMPLIANT 

board of directors and that:   

a)  Is concrete and verifiable;  

b)  Ensures that appointment or re-election proposals are based on a prior analysis of the competences 

required by the board; and  

c)  Favours s diversity of knowledge, experience, age and gender. Therefore, measures that encourage 
the company to have a significant number of female senior managers are considered to favour 
gender diversity.  

The  results  of  the  prior  analysis  of  competences  required  by  the  board  should  be  written  up  in  the 
nomination  committee’s  explanatory  report,  to  be  published  when  the  general  shareholders’  meeting  is 
convened that will ratify the appointment and re-election of each director.  

 
278 

The  appointments  committee  should  run  an  annual  check  on  compliance  with  the  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.  

Further,  the  number  of  female  directors  should  account  for  at  least  40%  of  the  members  of  the  board  of 
directors before the end of 2022 and thereafter, and not less than 30% previous to that.  

✔ 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 of directors but not 

otherwise related.  

17.  Independent directors should be at least half of all board members.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

However,  when  the  company  is  not  highly  capitalised  or  is  highly  capitalised  but  has  one  or  more 
shareholders acting in concert and controlling more than 30% of the share capital, the minimum number of 
independent directors should be at least one third of the total.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

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)  Date of their first appointment as a board member and subsequent re-appointments.  

e)  Shares held in the company, and any options on the same.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

19.  Following verification by the nomination 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% 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.  

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 latter number should be reduced accordingly.  

NOT APPLICABLE 

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 
nomination 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  

 
279 

22.  Companies should establish rules obliging directors to disclose any circumstance that might harm the 

organisation’s name or reputation, related or not to their actions within the company, and 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.  

When the board is informed or becomes aware of any of the situations mentioned in the previous paragraph, 
the  board  of  directors  should  examine  the  case  as  soon  as  possible  and,  attending  to  the  particular 
circumstances, decide, based on a report from the nomination and remuneration committee, whether or not 
to  adopt  any  measures  such  as  opening  of  an  internal  investigation,  calling  on  the  director  to  resign  or 
proposing his or her dismissal. The board should give a reasoned account of all such determinations in the 
annual corporate governance report, unless there are special circumstances that justify otherwise, which 
must  be  recorded  in  the  minutes.  This  is  without  prejudice  to  the  information  that  the  company  must 
disclose, if appropriate, at the time it adopts the corresponding measures.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

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 position before their tenure expires, through resignation or resolution of the 

general meeting, should state the reasons for this decision, or in the case of non-executive directors, their 
opinion of the reasons for the general meeting resolution, in a letter to be sent to all members of the board.  

This should all be reported in the annual corporate governance report, and if it is relevant for investors, the 
company should publish an announcement of the departure as rapidly as possible, with sufficient reference 
to the reasons or circumstances provided by the director.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

25.  The nomination committee should ensure that non-executive directors have sufficient time available to 

fulfil their responsibilities effectively.  

The  board  of directors’  regulations  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.  

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.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

✔ COMPLIANT 

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 
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.  

 
280 

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.  

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 

✔ 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 coordinate regular evaluations of the board and, 
where appropriate, the company’s chief executive officer; 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 board of directors regulations 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 
coordinate 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 chief 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 nomination committee.  
Every  three  years,  the  board  of  directors  should  engage  an  external  facilitator  to  aid  in  the  evaluation 
process. 
Any business dealings that the facilitator 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 there is an executive committee, there should be at least two nonexecutive members, at least one of 

whom should be independent; and its secretary should be the secretary of the board of directors.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

38.  The board should be kept fully informed of the business transacted and decisions made by the executive 

committee. To this end, all board members should receive a copy of the committee’s minutes.  

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, both financial and non-
financial.  

✔ 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 internal reporting and control systems. This unit should 
report functionally to the board’s non-executive chairman or the chairman of the audit committee.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

✔ COMPLIANT 

 
41.  The head of the unit handling the internal audit function should present an annual work programme to the 

audit committee, for approval by this committee or the board, inform it directly of any incidents or scope 
limitations arising during its implementation, the results and monitoring of its recommendations, and submit 
an activities report at the end of each year.  

42.  The audit committee should have the following functions over and above those legally assigned:   

1.  With respect to internal control and reporting systems:   

✔ COMPLIANT 

281 

a)  Monitor and evaluate the preparation process and the integrity of the financial and non-financial 
information, as well as the control and management systems for financial and non-financial risks 
related to the company and, where appropriate, to the group – including operating, technological, 
legal, social, environmental, political and reputational risks or those related to corruption – 
reviewing compliance with regulatory requirements, 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 and removal of the head of the internal audit service; propose the service’s budget; 
approve or make a proposal for approval to the board of the priorities and annual work programme 
of the internal audit unit, ensuring that it focuses primarily on the main risks the company is 
exposed to (including reputational risk); 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 that allows employees and other persons related to the 
company, such as directors, shareholders, suppliers, contractors or subcontractors, to report 
irregularities of potential significance, including financial and accounting irregularities, or those of 
any other nature, related to the company, that they notice within the company or its group. This 
mechanism must guarantee confidentiality and enable communications to be made anonymously, 
respecting the rights of both the complainant and the accused party.  

d)  In general, ensure that the internal control policies and systems established are applied effectively 

in practice.  

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.  

PARTIALLY COMPLIANT 

Certain functions contained in this recommendation, in particular in paragraph 1(a), on the monitoring of risk control 
and management systems; paragraph 1(c), on the monitoring of a mechanism for the reporting of irregularities of 
particular importance; and paragraph 1(d), on the monitoring of the implementation of internal control policies and 
systems, are assigned, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations of the Board of Directors, to the Risk 
and  Compliance  Committee,  composed  exclusively  of  non-executive  directors,  most  of  them  being  independent 
directors, as well as its Chairman.  
Within the framework of BBVA's Corporate Governance System, this Committee assists the Board in determining 
and monitoring the policy for control and management of all risks (financial and non-financial) of the Group, with the 
exception  of  the  functions  that  correspond  to  internal  financial  control,  that  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Audit 
Committee; those of technological risk, which correspond to the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee; and those 
of business and reputational risk, which correspond to the Executive Committee. It also carries out monitoring of the 
information and internal control systems, the Regulation & Internal Control function (which includes, among other 
units, the Compliance Unit) and implementation within the Group of risk and compliance culture.  
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Audit Committee may, where appropriate, receive information on the above, within 
the  framework  of  its  responsibilities  and  under  the  inter-committee  coordination  mechanism  provided  for  in  the 
Regulations of the Board, for the best exercise of its functions.  

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 

 
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44.  The audit committee should be informed of any fundamental changes or corporate transactions 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, 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, financial, legal, social, environmental, political and reputational risks, 
and risks relating to corruption), with the inclusion under financial or economic risks of contingent 
liabilities and other off-balance-sheet risks.  

b)  A risk control and management model based on different levels, of which a specialised risk 

committee will form part when sector regulations provide or the company deems it appropriate.  

c)  The level of risk that the company considers acceptable.  

d)  The measures in place to mitigate the impact of identified risk events should they occur.  

e)  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 a risk control and management function in the charge of one of the 

company’s internal department 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 nomination and remuneration committee – or of the nomination 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 nomination and remuneration committees.   

✔ COMPLIANT 

✔ COMPLIANT 

49.  The nomination committee should consult with the company’s chairman and chief executive, especially on 

matters relating to executive directors. 

When there are vacancies on the board, any director may approach the nomination 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 of senior management contracts.  

b)  Monitor compliance with the remuneration policy established 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 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 statement.   

 
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51.  The remuneration committee should consult with the company’s chairman and chief executive, especially 

on matters relating to executive directors and senior officers.   

✔ COMPLIANT 

✔ COMPLIANT 

52.  The rules of performance and membership 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:   

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 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 the policies and rules of the company in the environmental, social 

and corporate governance areas, and internal rules of conduct, should be assigned to one board 
committee or split between several, which could be the audit committee, the nomination committee, a 
committee specialised in sustainability or corporate social responsibility, or a dedicated committee 
established by the board under its powers of selforganisation. Such a committee should be made up solely 
of non-executive directors, the majority being independent and specifically assigned the following 
minimum functions.  

PARTIALLY COMPLIANT 

The responsibility of supervising compliance with the Bank’s policies and rules in the area of environmental, social 
and corporate governance, as well as internal codes of conduct, and other matters referred to in Recommendation 
54, is shared between several Board Committees: namely, the Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee, 
the Audit Committee and the Risk and Compliance Committee, composed exclusively of non-executive directors; 
and also the Executive Committee. 

In particular, regarding environmental and social matters, the Executive Committee and the Risk and Compliance 
Committee play a more active role in assisting the Board on such matters, each within the limits of their powers.  

The Executive Committee, which is comprised of a majority non-executive directors, is established to support the 
Board in the area of strategy and finance and oversees, on a recurrent basis, the integration of sustainability into the 
Group's business processes and activity, in line with the strategic priorities set out by the Bank. This Committee also 
oversees  the  implementation  of  the  Bank’s  Sustainability  Policy,  approved  by  the  Board,  as  well  as  the 
implementation of the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, also approved by the Board. 

In turn, the Risk and Compliance Committee, composed of a large majority of independent directors and without the 
presence of executive directors, monitors and supervises the integration of sustainability into the Group's risk analysis 
and management, from the perspectives of both risk planning and risk management. This Committee’s functions also 
include to examine draft codes of ethics and conduct and their respective modifications, and matters related to money 
laundering,  conduct  on  the  securities  markets,  data  protection  and  the  scope  of  Group  activities  with  respect  to 
competition. 

Finally, the Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee, composed of a majority of independent directors, 
is responsible for regularly reviewing and assessing BBVA’s corporate governance system; and the Audit Committee, 
composed exclusively of independent directors, is responsible for overseeing the process of preparing and reporting 
financial and related non-financial information. 

54.  The minimum functions referred to in the above recommendation are as follows:  

a)  Monitor compliance with the company’s internal codes of conduct and corporate governance rules, 

and ensure that the corporate culture is aligned with its purpose and values.  

b)  Monitor the implementation of the general policy regarding the disclosure of economic-financial, 

non-financial and corporate information, as well as communication with shareholders and investors, 
proxy advisors and other stakeholders. Similarly, the way in which the entity communicates and 
relates with small and medium-sized shareholders should be monitored.  

 
284 

c)  Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s corporate governance system and 

environmental and social policy, 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)  Ensure the company’s environmental and social practices are in accordance with the established 

strategy and policy.  

e)  Monitor and evaluate the company’s interaction with its stakeholder groups.  

55.  Environmental and social sustainability policies should identify and include at least:   

✔ COMPLIANT 

a)  The principles, commitments, objectives and strategy regarding shareholders, employees, clients, 
suppliers, social welfare issues, the environment, diversity, fiscal responsibility, respect for human 
rights and the prevention of corruption and other illegal conducts.  

b)  The methods or systems for monitoring compliance with policies, associated risks and their 

management.  

c)  The mechanisms for supervising non-financial risk, including that related to ethical aspects and 

business conduct.  

d)  Channels for stakeholder communication, participation and dialogue.  

e)  Responsible communication practices that prevent the manipulation of information and protect the 

company’s honour and integrity.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

56.  Director remuneration should be sufficient to attract 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 plans, retirement schemes and other savings 
schemes, 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. This condition, however, will not apply to 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.  

And, 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.  

b)  Promote the long-term sustainability of the company and include nonfinancial criteria that are 

relevant for the company’s long-term value creation, such as compliance with its 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.   

✔ COMPLIANT 

59.  The payment of the variable components of remuneration is subject to sufficient verification that 

previously established performance, or other, conditions have been effectively met. Entities should include 
in their annual directors’ remuneration report the criteria relating to the time required and methods for 
such verification, depending on the nature and characteristics of each variable component.  

Additionally,  entities  should  consider  establishing  a  reduction  clause  (‘malus’)  based  on  deferral  for  a 
sufficient period of the payment of part of the variable components that implies total or partial loss of this 
remuneration in the event that prior to the time of payment an event occurs that makes this advisable.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

 
285 

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 major part 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, options or financial instruments corresponding to the remuneration 

schemes, executive directors should not be able to transfer their ownership or exercise them until a period 
of at least three years has elapsed.  

Except for the case in which the director maintains, at the time of the transfer or exercise, a net economic 
exposure to the variation in the price of the shares for a market value equivalent to an amount of at least 
twice  his  or  her  fixed  annual  remuneration  through  the  ownership  of  shares,  options  or  other  financial 
instruments.  

The foregoing shall not apply to the shares that the director needs to dispose of to meet the costs related to 
their acquisition or, upon favourable assessment of the nomination and remuneration committee to address 
an extraordinary situation.  

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 

✔ 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.  

For  the  purposes  of  this  recommendation,  payments  for  contractual  termination  include  any  payments 
whose accrual or payment obligation arises as a consequence of or on the occasion of the termination of 
the contractual relationship that linked the director with the company, including previously unconsolidated 
amounts  for  long-term  savings  schemes  and  the  amounts  paid  under  post-contractual  non-compete 
agreements.  

✔ COMPLIANT 

H.  OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST  

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 Bank 
or its group, give a brief description of them.  

2.  This section may also include any other information, clarification or detail related to previous sections of the 

report if it is 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 signed up to the Code of Good Tax Practices of 20 July 2010.    

The  data  in  this  report  refers  to  the  financial  year  ending  31  December  2020,  except  in  those  cases  when 
another reference date is specifically stated.  

Further to Section A.3, BBVA has a fixed remuneration system with deferred share delivery for its non-executive 
directors, as approved by the General Meeting. This consists of the annual allocation to each non-executive 
director of a number of BBVA “theoretical shares” equivalent to 20% of the total cash compensation received 
by each non-executive director in the previous year. This will be delivered as appropriate, after their termination 
as a director for any reason other than serious dereliction of duties. Details on the annual allocation made by 

 
 
286 

the Board and the accumulated theoretical shares can be found in Notes 54 and 49 on “Remuneration and other 
benefits to the Board of Directors and to members of the Bank's Senior Management” within the notes to the 
annual financial statements corresponding to BBVA's Consolidated and Individual Annual Accounts for the 2020 
financial year, respectively, as well as in BBVA's Annual Report on the Remuneration of Directors.  

The  remuneration  system  for  executive  directors  includes,  among  other  elements,  an  annual  variable 
remuneration whose settlement and payment system includes a share portion and deferral periods. The details 
of the shares that correspond to each executive director as part of this remuneration are also set out in Notes 
54 and 49 on “Remuneration and other benefits to the Board of Directors and to members of the Bank's Senior 
Management” of the notes to the annual financial statements for the BBVA Consolidated and Individual Annual 
Accounts the 2020 financial year, respectively, and in BBVA's Annual Report on the Remuneration of Directors. 

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 income statement, of gains or losses made through 
transactions carried out with 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 into the registries of that body. This model is related to communications with treasury 
shares and contains the reason for such communication.  

For the purpose of clarifying the information contained in Section C.1.2, it is indicated that Jaime Félix Caruana 
Lacorte accepted his appointment on 4 June 2018; Ana Cristina Peralta Moreno accepted her appointment on 
8 May 2018; Ana Leonor Revenga Shanklin and Carlos Vicente Salazar Lomelín accepted their appointments 
on 1 April 2020, with the date of appointment by the corresponding General Meeting set out in Section C.1.2. 

Further  to  section  C.1.7,  the  Committee  observed  that  independent  directors  contribute  to  the  suitable 
composition of both the Board of Directors and its committees and, in particular, those that assist the Board in 
its  supervision  and  control  functions.  These  Committees  must  have  a  significant  number  of  independent 
directors, from among which the chairs of these committees must also be appointed. 

Finally,  the  current  composition  of  the  Board  complies  with  the  provisions  of  the  applicable  legislation,  the 
Regulations of the corporate bodies and the objectives of the Selection Policy in this regard. In addition to the 
foregoing paragraphs, it is worth noting that: 

i. 

there is adequate balance between the different types of director; 

ii. 

iii. 

non-executive directors comprise 86.67% of the total directors (thus meeting the objective of there 
being a majority of non-executive directors); 

independent directors make up two thirds of the Board (thus meeting the objective of having at least 
50% independent directors); and 

iv.  women currently represent one third of directors (thus meeting the specific target for 2020 of having at 

least 30% female directors). 

In light of the above, it is the view of the Committee that the Board of Directors as a whole has an adequate and 
diverse composition, with extensive knowledge of the environment, strategy, activities, business and risks of 
the Bank and its Group, and which is balanced and suited to current needs, thus helping the corporate bodies 
to perform their functions in the Bank's best corporate interest. 

Further to Section C.1.9, the various Board Committees with oversight and control functions also have certain 
functions delegated by the Board of Directors, which are set forth in their corresponding regulations and are 
available on the Bank's website.  

Further to the information included in section C.1.13:  

The amount included in the item "Remuneration of the Board of Directors accrued during the financial year" 
corresponds, based on the instructions of this Report, with the amount declared as total remuneration accrued 
according  to  Table  C)  "Summary  of  remunerations"  of  section  3.4  (Statistical  appendix)  of  BBVA's  Annual 
Report on the Remuneration of Directors, which includes: the fixed and in-kind remuneration of the executive 
and non-executive directors received during the 2020 financial year; the payment of the deferred portion of the 
Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  the  2017  financial  year,  in  cash  and  monetised  shares,  together  with  its 
corresponding update, payable in 2021 if the corresponding conditions are met; as well as the remuneration 

 
 
 
 
287 

paid as a result of the non-compete agreement to the former executive director Head of Global Economics & 
Public Affairs, who ceased as director on 13 March 2020, and the consolidated amounts of rights to savings 
system corresponding to this director. The consolidated amount of rights to savings system indicated in the 
Annual Report of Remunerations for Directors corresponds to the total of the accumulated funds to meet the 
retirement commitments made by the Bank to the former executive director Head of Global Economics & Public 
Affairs,  which,  in  accordance  to  BBVA  Directors’  Remuneration  Policy  and  the  conditions  established  in  his 
contract,  he  will  be  entitled  to  receive,  paid  as  a  lump  sum  or  in  instalments,  when  he  reaches  the  legally 
established retirement age, without the Bank having to make any additional contributions since the termination.  

The amount included in the item "Remuneration of the Board of Directors accrued during the financial year" 
does not include the initial portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration of the executive directors for the 2020 
financial  year  since  it  has  not  accrued  due  to  the  executive  directors  waiving  its  generation  in  light  of  the 
exceptional circumstances arising from the COVID-19 crisis. 

These concepts are detailed, individually for each director, in Notes 54 and 49 of the notes to the annual financial 
statements corresponding to BBVA's Annual Consolidated and Individual Accounts for the 2020 financial year, 
respectively.  

For the purposes of calculating the cash value of the shares corresponding to the Deferred Portion of the 2017 
Annual Variable Remuneration, to be paid in 2021, and bearing in mind that these shares had not yet been 
delivered to their beneficiaries as of the date of this report, the average closing price of BBVA's share price for 
the stock exchanges between 15 December 2020 and 15 January 2021 inclusive has been taken as a reference. 
This price stood at EUR 4.12 per share. The price used to initially determine the number of shares of the deferred 
part of the 2017 Annual Variable Remuneration in accordance with the policy applicable in that financial year 
was the average closing price of BBVA's share for trading sessions between 15 December 2017 and 15 January 
2018, which was EUR 7.254 per share.  

With  regard  to  the  "Amount  of  entitlements  accrued  by  current  directors  in  regard  to  pensions"  indicated  in 
section  C.1.13  of  this  Report,  during  the  2020  financial  year,  the  Bank  made  pension  commitments  to  the 
Chairman to cover the contingencies of retirement, disability and death in accordance with the provisions of the 
Bylaws, the BBVA Directors’ Remuneration Policy and his contract entered into with the Bank. For the Chief 
Executive  Officer,  the  Bank  has no  pension commitments,  although  it  does  have  commitments  to  cover  the 
contingencies for disability and death, in accordance with the BBVA Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the 
contract entered into with the Bank.  

The main characteristics of the pension system of the Chairman to cover the retirement contingency are detailed 
in the BBVA Directors’ Remuneration Policy, and include, inter alia, the following: it is a defined contribution 
system; no provision for receiving the retirement pension in advance; and 15% of the agreed contribution is 
considered "discretionary pension benefits", in accordance with the requirements of the applicable regulations. 
They are also included in Notes 54 and 49 of the Annual Report corresponding to the annual financial statements 
for BBVA's Consolidated and Individual Annual Financial Statements for the 2020 financial year, respectively, 
which include the amounts of the entitlements accrued by the Chairman as at 31 December 2020.  

The balance of the item "Provisions — Funds for pensions and similar obligations" on the Group's consolidated 
balance  sheet  at  31  December  2020  includes  EUR  73  million  as  post-employment  provision  commitments 
maintained with former members of the Board of Directors. 

Further to the information included in section C.1.14: 

The  item  "Total  remuneration  of  Senior  Management"  includes  the  remuneration  of  the  members  of  Senior 
Management (15 members as at 31 December 2020, excluding the executive directors), which includes: the 
annual and in-kind fixed remuneration received during  the 2020 financial year; the  payment of the Deferred 
Portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2017 financial year, in cash and monetised shares, together 
with its corresponding update, payable in 2021, if the corresponding conditions are met. The monetised shares 
stood at the same value as that indicated in the case of the executive directors (i.e. EUR 4.12 per share; see 
Section  C.1.13).  As  in  the  case  of  the  executive  directors,  this  item  does  not  include  the  Annual  Variable 
Remuneration  for  the  2020  financial  year  as  it  has  not  been  accrued  since  the  members  of  the  Senior 
Management waived its generation in light of the exceptional circumstances arising from the COVID-19 crisis.  

The main characteristics of the pension systems for this group are, inter alia, the following: defined contributions; 
no  provision  for  receiving  the  retirement  pension  in  advance;  and  15%  of  the  agreed  contributions  are 
considered "discretionary pension benefits", in accordance with the requirements of the applicable regulations.  

 
 
288 

The above concepts are detailed in Notes 54 and 49 of the annual financial statements corresponding to BBVA's 
Consolidated and Individual Annual Financial Statements for the 2020 financial year, respectively. 

The balance of the item "Provisions — Funds for pensions and similar obligations" on the Group's consolidated 
balance  sheet  at  31  December  2020  includes  EUR  282  million  as  post-employment  provision  commitments 
maintained with former members of the Bank's Senior Management.  

In  addition,  it  is  indicated  that,  on  22  December  2020,  José  Luis  Elechiguerra  was  appointed  Head  of 
Engineering  &  Organization;  as  at  the  date  of  this  report,  his  position  as  Senior  Manager  of  Banco  Bilbao 
Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.  was  pending  registration  in  the  Bank  of  Spain's  Register  of  Senior  Officers,  in 
accordance with the applicable regulations. 

Further  to  Section  C.1.17,  set  out  below  is  the  assessment  carried  out  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  its 
committees' operation, based on reports submitted by their respective Chairs:  

  The various committees have regularly reported to the Board of Directors on the activities carried out 

and the resolutions adopted by each of the committees, as part of their functions. This has ensured 
that all directors have a full understanding of the work being undertaken by the various Board 
committees, and has reinforced coordination among the corporate bodies. 

 

In addition to the above, at its meeting held on 25 November 2020, the Board received the report by 
the Chairman on the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee's activity for the 2020 financial year in 
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. 

  At its meeting held on 22 December 2020, the Board received the report by the Chairman of the Risk 

and Compliance Committee on its activities throughout the 2020 financial year. The report detailed the 
tasks executed by the Committee in its ongoing monitoring and oversight of the risks faced by the 
Group and the extent to which consistency is maintained with certain strategies and policies, as well 
as the monitoring of regulation & internal control and compliance. 

  At its meeting held on 28 January 2021, the Board of Directors received the Chairman's report on the 
activity carried out by the Executive Committee during the 2020 financial year. The report detailed, 
among other activities, the Committee's work in support of the Board of Directors in decision-making 
in the areas of strategy and finance, development or implementation of decisions taken by the Board 
in the areas of strategy, budgets and finance, supervision and monitoring of activity and results, 
strategic-forward information, as well as selected projects, transactions and Group policies. 

  At its meeting of 28 January 2021, the Board received the report by the Chair of the Audit Committee 
on the activities of the Committee during the 2020 financial year. This included its role of overseeing 
the preparation of financial statements and the application of accounting criteria, the sufficient, 
adequate and effective operation of internal control systems in the preparation of financial data, and 
the planning, progression and depth of external auditor tasks. 

  At its meeting held on 28 January 2021, the Committee received the report by the Chair of the 

Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee on the activities undertaken by the Committee 
throughout the 2020 financial year in terms of its assigned functions, including its tasks relating to the 
appointment and re-appointment of directors, assessment of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of 
the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the review of Policies within its remit, and the monitoring of 
developments in the Corporate Governance System, among others. 

  Lastly, at its meeting held on 28 January 2021, the Board received the report by the Chair of the 

Remunerations Committee on the activities undertaken by this Committee throughout the 2020 
financial year, reporting on, among other matters, 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 directors, Senior Management, 
Identified Staff and the BBVA Group. 

All of which has been taken into consideration by the Board of Directors during the assessment process carried 
out in respect of the 2020 financial year described in the preceding paragraphs. 

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 and 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, the following is a brief indication of what the regulations establish with regard to the 
composition and functions of each of the remaining Board Committees: 

289 

  Executive Committee: Article 30 of the Regulations of the Board and the Regulations of the Executive 
Committee 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, composed of a minimum 
of four directors appointed by the Board of Directors, ensuring that there is a majority of non-executive 
directors over executive directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors will be an ex-officio member 
of the Committee. The Secretary of the Board of Directors will hold the same position on the 
Committee. If absent, the Secretary will be replaced by the Deputy Secretary or the person appointed 
by the attendees of the relevant meeting. 

  Audit Committee: The Regulations of the Audit Committee establish that it shall consist of a minimum 
of four directors, all of them independent directors. Committee members will be appointed by the Board 
of Directors, seeking to ensure that they possess the necessary dedication, skills and experience to 
carry out their roles. In any event, at least one member will be appointed taking into account their 
knowledge and experience in accounting, auditing or both. As a whole, the Committee members will 
possess relevant technical expertise in the financial sector. The Board will, from amongst its members, 
appoint the Chair of this Committee, who must be replaced every four years and may be re-appointed 
one year after the end of their term of office. 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. The Secretary of the Board of Directors or, on behalf 
thereof, the Deputy Secretary of the Board of Directors, will act as Secretary for the Committee. 

  Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee: The Regulations of the Appointments and 
Corporate Governance Committee establish that it shall consist of a minimum of three directors, all of 
them non-executive and most of them independent, as well as its Chairman. Committee members will 
be appointed by the Board of Directors, seeking to ensure that they possess the necessary dedication, 
skills and experience to carry out their roles. The Board of Directors will appoint the Chair of the 
Committee from amongst its independent members. 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. The Secretary of the Board of Directors or, on behalf 
thereof, the Deputy Secretary of the Board of Directors, will act as Secretary for the Committee.  

  Remunerations Committee: The Regulations of the Remunerations Committee establishes that it 

must be comprised of a minimum of three non-executive directors and the majority, including the Chair, 
must be independent directors. Committee members will be appointed by the Board of Directors, 
seeking to ensure that they possess the necessary dedication, skills and experience to carry out their 
roles. The Board of Directors will appoint the Chair of the Committee from amongst its independent 
members. 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. The Secretary of the Board of Directors or, on behalf thereof, the Deputy Secretary of the 
Board of Directors, will act as Secretary for the Committee. 

  Risk and Compliance Committee: The Regulations of the Risk and Compliance Committee 

establishes that it will consist of a minimum of three directors, appointed by the Board of Directors, who 
possess the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to understand and control the Bank's risk 
strategy. All the members of the Committee must be non-executive directors, with its Chair and a 
majority of members being independent directors. The Board will appoint the Chair of the Committee 
from amongst its independent members. 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. The Secretary of the Board of Directors or, on behalf thereof, the 
Deputy Secretary of the Board of Directors, will act as Secretary for the Committee. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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  Technology and Cybersecurity Committee: The Regulations of the Technology and Cybersecurity 
Committee establish that the Committee shall consist of a minimum of three directors, most of whom 
shall be non-executive directors. Committee members will be appointed by the Board of Directors, 
seeking to ensure that they possess the necessary dedication, skills and experience to carry out their 
roles. The Board will appoint the Chair of the Committee from amongst its members. 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. The Secretary of the Board of 
Directors or, on behalf thereof, the Deputy Secretary of the Board of Directors, will act as Secretary for 
the Committee. 

Also, following the most important activities of the Board Committees and their organisational and operational 
rules as set out in paragraph C.2.1: 

  Executive Committee: The most noteworthy actions carried out by the Committee during the 2020 
financial year included the monitoring of the monthly evolution of the Group and its business areas' 
activity and results, its crucial role in ensuring the integrity, coordination, consistency and coherence of 
the Group's strategic and prospective processes, such as the Strategic Plan, the RAF, the ICAAP, the 
ILAAP, the Budget and planning of capital, liquidity and funding, taking into account aspects common to 
all processes, and driving the integration of the strategic bases established by the Board into all 
processes. 

In addition, the Committee has played a key role in monitoring and controlling the measures implemented 
in  BBVA  for  the  management  of  the  health  and  economic  crisis  caused  by  COVID-19,  with  intensive 
monitoring of the Bank's businesses and activities adapted to the needs of the Bank and the environment, 
in  a  changing  and  uncertain  context,  and  prioritising  matters  that  required  increased  monitoring  and 
control  as  well  as  those  with  the  greatest  impact  on  BBVA,  including  the  Bank's  main  management 
measures, the impacts of the crisis on activity, results and organisation, the capital situation, liquidity and 
solvency, and the development of risk management. 

Furthermore,  the  Committee  has  ensured  the  coherence  and  alignment  of  RAF  with  the  strategy 
established by the Board of Directors and has reviewed and proposed the bases for the proposals upon 
which RAF has been drafted, which were submitted to the Board by the Risk and Compliance Committee. 
The Committee has also supported the Board in analysing and monitoring the drafting of the Budget, the 
Capital Plan and the Liquidity and Funding Plan prior to submission to the Board. 

The Committee also undertook work to oversee, monitor and control the Group's risk management. It 
monitored the evolution of the risk profile and metrics; the most significant aspects relating to changes in 
the macroeconomic environment and other factors that impacted the Group's management and activities 
over the course of the financial year; as well as any developments in BBVA share prices. 

In addition, it has analysed progress in the corporate transaction processes, the competence to decide 
on  which  rested  with  the  Board,  including  their  strategic  and  financial  aspects,  in  advance  of  their 
consideration  by  the  Board,  as  well  as  other  issues  and  projects  relating  to  the  development  of  the 
Strategic Plan, like the Group's progress in terms of sustainability (including in environmental and social 
matters), or the day-to-day management of business. 

Finally, particularly noteworthy is the work carried out by the Committee on the prior reporting of policies 
submitted to the Board, except for policies relating to issues handled by other Board committees; as well 
as the Group's authorisation to appoint directors in subsidiaries or investee companies, and the granting 
of the powers vested in the Group. 

  Audit Committee: Regarding organisational and operational rules, the operational principles of the 

Audit Committee are indicated in its Regulations, which lay down the basic rules of its organisation and 
operation. In particular, the Audit Committee's Regulations stipulate that, inter alia, the Committee shall 
meet whenever it is called by its Chair, who is empowered to convene the Committee and to set the 
agenda for its meeting. The Regulations contain the procedure for the calling of ordinary and 
extraordinary meetings. 

Executives responsible for the areas that manage matters within their remits may be called to meetings, 
in  particular  Accounting  and  Internal  Auditing  areas,  and,  at  the  request  of  the  heads  of  these,  those 
persons within the Group who have knowledge of or responsibility for the matters covered by the agenda, 
when their presence at the meeting is deemed appropriate. The Committee may also call on any other 
Group employee or manager, and even arrange for them to appear without the presence of any other 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
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manager, while ensuring that the presence of non-Committee members at its meetings is limited to those 
cases where it is necessary and to the items of the agenda for which they are called. 

The Committee may, through its Secretary, 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. 

Other aspects of the organisation and operation of the Committee will be subject to the Regulations of 
the  Committee.  All  matters  not  provided  for  in  the  aforementioned  Regulations  will  adhere  to  the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors, insofar as they are applicable. 

In terms of the most significant actions carried out by the Audit Committee during the 2020 financial year, 
in  the  performance  of  the  functions  established  to  it  by  law,  it  has  analysed  the  following  matters, 
submitting the corresponding reports and proposals to the Board for approval, where appropriate. 

In relation to overseeing the financial statements and public information, it analysed and oversaw the 
process of preparing and presenting financial and non-financial information related to the Bank as well 
as  its  consolidated  Group  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. 

These  financial  information  supervision  functions  were  performed  through  a  continuous  process 
throughout the year, in which it has monitored the monthly development of the balance sheet and income 
statement,  the  quarterly  and  semi-annual  financial  reports,  the  closing  results  of  each  period  and  the 
preparation process for the corresponding financial information, paying special attention to the accounting 
criteria  applied  and  any  changes  therein,  as  well  as  accounting  regulations  and  the  changes  in  the 
Group's scope of consolidation. 

In addition, following the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the Committee has continuously monitored 
and analysed the impacts that would affect the business, balance sheet and income statement of the 
Bank  and  its  Group  from  an  accounting  perspective.  Particularly  noteworthy  are  the  analysis  and 
monitoring performed on (i) the extraordinary update made to the macroeconomic information required 
for the calculation of expected losses due to credit risk in application of the accounting standard IFRS 9; 
(ii) the results corresponding to the impairment test carried out on the goodwill recorded in the Group's 
accounts, in compliance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 36, and the methodology used for 
this assessment; (iii) the scope and impact of the moratorium measures agreed upon, whether by public 
initiative or initiative of the Group itself; (iv) the extraordinary provisions applied as a result of the COVID-
19 crisis; and (v) changes made to policies or the accounting criteria applied, among others. 

Hence, prior to their drafting and/or 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  Universal 
Registration Document, US SEC Form 20-F of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the 
Prudential Relevance Report, among others, submitting to the Board the corresponding reports and/or 
opinions of the Committee on the financial information of the Bank and its Group. 

In addition, within the financial information monitoring process, the Committee oversaw the sufficiency, 
suitability  and  effective  functioning  of  the  internal  control  systems  established  for  the  preparation  of 
financial information, including tax-related systems, as well as learning from the internal reports and the 
reports by the executive areas of the Bank and the external auditor on the effectiveness of the internal 
financial control, submitting to the Board the Committee's reports on the sufficiency of the internal control 
systems established by the Group for the generation of financial information. 

Similarly, at the same time as overseeing the main financial information of the Bank and its Group, the 
Committee analysed the Group's main tax figures, monitoring, inter alia, the real tax rate, total tax risk, 
the tax position on capital, as well as the main criteria used, the main decisions adopted and the impact 
on the financial information. 

With  regards  to  activities  related  to  the  external  audit,  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 Annual Plan established for performing its work 
in connection with the audit of the Bank and Group annual financial statements, of the interim financial 
statements, and of other financial information subject to review during the account auditing. 

 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
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It  also  received  and  analysed  the  opinion  reports  and  communications  required  by  account  auditing 
legislation,  from  the  external  auditor,  among  which:  the  work  carried  out  on  the  Group's  financial 
information, other regulatory work of the External Auditor, such as the supplementary report to the Bank's 
Annual Financial Statements, as well as confirmations of its independence with regard to the Bank and 
other companies within its group. 

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. 

In addition, the Committee has analysed the proposal for External Auditor's fees for the 2020 financial 
year, prior to it being submitted to the Board for consideration, as well as the quality of the work carried 
out by the external auditor during the financial year. It agreed to submit to the Board of Directors the 
proposal for the re-appointment of KPMG Auditors S.L. as auditor of the Bank and its Group for the 2021 
financial year, which is submitted for approval by the next 2021 General Meeting. 

With  regards  to  Internal  Audit  tasks,  the  Committee  has  ensured  that  the  Internal  Audit  area  has  the 
necessary  material  and  human  resources  for  effective  performance  of  its  functions,  overseeing  the 
efficiency and operation of the role as well as its independence from other areas of the Bank for such 
purpose. 

As such, the  Committee analysed and approved the Annual Internal Audit Plan for the 2020 financial 
year, overseeing its development and  regularly monitoring the activity and reports issued by the area 
during its monthly meetings. It was also notified of the result of its most relevant work, weaknesses and 
opportunities for improvement identified, and the recommendations made by the Internal Audit as a result 
of its review work. 

The Committee has also been made aware of the adjustments made to the Annual Internal Audit Plan for 
the  financial  year,  resulting  from  the  contingency  situation  caused  by  COVID-19.  It  has  analysed  the 
extraordinary measures taken in the area to ensure the continuity of its activity in all geographies, changes 
made to the working methodology, the re-planning of work and the design of new alternative work based 
on the risk analysis review, which had the prior agreement of the Committee. 

Similarly, the Committee has analysed the proposed update to the regulations of the Group's Internal 
Audit Function Charter, evaluating the main envisaged changes to its regulations and content, having 
expressed its agreement with the proposed amendments prior to the Charter's submission to the Board 
of Directors for consideration. 

With regard to the Strategic Plan established by the Internal Audit Area for the 2020–2024 period, the 
Committee  was  informed  of  and  monitored  its  progress  during  the  financial  year,  analysing  the 
development of all projects established for each of the strategic priorities defined, as well as the degree 
of  implementation  of  the  improvements  identified  following  the  review  process  of  the  Internal  Audit 
function by an independent external expert. 

The Committee also reviewed the changes to the structure of the Group of companies over the financial 
year,  as  well  as  the  Group's  governance  for  the  control,  oversight  and  management  of  its  corporate 
structure. 

Similarly,  the  Committee  has  been  informed  of  major  corporate  operations  planned  by  the  Group, 
monitoring the economic conditions and the main accounting impacts foreseen in the Group's financial 
statements, and issuing, prior to the decisions that the Board should take, the Committee's report on the 
operation. 

The Committee also analysed, prior to submission for consideration by the Board, the Bank's general 
policy  for  the  disclosure  of  economic-financial,  non-financial  and  corporate  information,  drawn  up  in 
accordance with the new recommendation set out in June 2020 by the CNMV's new Good Governance 
Code of Listed Companies. 

 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
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Lastly,  during  the  Bank's  General  Shareholders'  Meeting  held  in  2020,  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 
by the Committee. 

  Appointments and Corporate Governance Committee: The Regulations of the Appointments and 

Corporate Governance Committee set out the operational principles of the Committee and lay down the 
basic rules of its organisation and operation. The Regulations of the Appointments and Corporate 
Governance Committee specifically provide that the Committee will meet whenever it is called to do so 
by its Chair, who is empowered to call the Committee and to set the agenda for its meetings, and set 
out the procedure for calling ordinary and extraordinary meetings. 

Executives responsible for the areas that manage matters within their remits may be called to meetings, 
as well as, at the request thereof, those persons within the Group who have knowledge of or responsibility 
for the matters covered by the agenda, when their presence at the meeting is deemed appropriate. The 
Committee may also call on any other Group employee or manager, and even arrange for them to appear 
without the presence of any other manager, while ensuring that the presence of non-Committee members 
at its meetings is limited to those cases where it is necessary and to the items of the agenda for which 
they are called.  

The Committee may also, through its Secretary, 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. 

Other aspects of the organisation and operation of the Committee shall be subject to the Regulations of 
the Committee. All other matters not provided for in the aforementioned Regulations will be subject to the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors, insofar as they are applicable.  

With  respect  to  the  Appointments  and  Corporate  Governance  Committee's  most  significant  actions  in 
2020,  in  performing  the  functions  assigned  to  it,  of  particular  note  were:  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 functions; and 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, among other matters. 

Taking this analysis into account, and the process of ongoing refreshment of the Board described above 
and the director selection processes led by the Committee, the Committee carried out the corresponding 
proposals and reports on the appointment and re-appointment of directors to the Board, for subsequent 
submission to the Company's General Meeting in 2020. 

The  committee  also  carried  out  an  analysis  of  the  assessment  of  the  operation  of  the  Board  and  the 
performance of the functions of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, submitting 
the corresponding reports for consideration by the Board. 

In addition, in 2020 the Committee reviewed and proposed an update to the Selection Policy, including, 
among  many  other  matters,  the  new  target  for  representation  of  the  underrepresented  gender,  as 
indicated above. 

Furthermore,  following  Committee's  assumption  of  new  functions  relating  to  the  Bank's  Corporate 
Governance  System  in  2019,  it  worked  intensively  on  this  matter  in  2020,  and  in  this  regard,  has 
monitored and supervised the progress made in the Bank's Corporate Governance System during the 
financial year, reviewed the draft annual corporate governance report for 2019 and the amendments to 
certain recommendations of the CNMV Good Governance Code. It has also received information on the 
result  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Roadshow,  where  meetings  were  held  with  the  Bank's  main 
institutional investors and proxy advisors over the last months of 2020. 

In light of the foregoing, the Committee analysed and reviewed the proposed new Corporate Governance 
General  Policy  for  the  BBVA  Group,  which  sets  out  the  general  principles,  objectives  and  main 
characteristics  of  corporate  governance  for  the  Group  and  its  internal  organisation,  including  the 

 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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relationship model between BBVA and the entities comprising its Group; issuing its favourable opinion 
prior to submission to the Board for approval. 

The Committee verified that the circumstances set out in the BBVA Directors’ Remuneration Policy for 
the  application  of  malus  and  clawback  clauses  elated  to  the  conduct  of  executive  directors,  had  not 
occurred, for the purpose of payment of the variable remuneration accrued in previous years. 

Finally, the Committee analysed the appointment and dismissal of senior managers that were proposed 
during the 2020 financial year, in view of the selection and appointment policy of the members of the 
Senior  Management;  The Committee reviewed  and  verified  the suitability  of  the  proposed  new  senior 
managers, submitting their corresponding reports to the Board. 

  Remunerations Committee: The Regulations of the Remunerations Committee set out the operational 

principles of the Committee and lay down the basic rules of its organisation and functioning. The 
Regulations of the Remunerations Committee specifically provide, amongst other things, that the 
Remunerations Committee will meet whenever it is called to do so by its Chair, who is empowered to 
call the Committee and to set the agenda for its meetings, and set out the procedure for calling ordinary 
and extraordinary meetings. 

Executives responsible for the areas that manage matters within their remits may be called to meetings, 
as well as, at the request thereof, those persons within the Group who have knowledge of or responsibility 
for the matters covered by the agenda, when their presence at the meeting is deemed appropriate. The 
Committee may also call any other Group employee or manager, and even arrange for them to appear 
without the presence of any other manager. It will, however, seek to ensure that the presence of persons 
outside the Committee during its meetings be limited to those cases where it is necessary and to the 
items on the agenda for which they had been called.  

The Committee may also, through its Secretary, 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. 

Other aspects of the organisation and operation of the Committee shall be subject to the Regulations of 
the Committee. All other matters not provided for in the aforementioned Regulations will be subject to the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors, insofar as they are applicable. 

With regard to the most important activities carried out by the Remunerations Committee during the 2020 
financial year, the activity of the Committee has been focused on performing the functions assigned to it 
by Article 5 of its Regulations, as well as the development of the framework established in the BBVA 
Directors Remuneration Policy, approved by the General Meeting held in March 2019, and in the BBVA 
Group Remuneration Policy, approved by the Board of Directors in November 2017, which is generally 
applicable to all BBVA staff and which includes the Remuneration Policy for the Identified Staff. These 
policies focus on the recurring generation of value for the Group, and also seek to align the interests of 
its employees and shareholders with prudent risk management. 

Therefore, the Remunerations Committee carried out the actions detailed below during the 2020 financial 
year  to  perform  its  functions  and  implement  the  aforementioned  remuneration  policies,  submitting  the 
corresponding proposals to the Board of Directors for approval, where appropriate. 

However, as detailed below, the activities of the Remunerations Committee in the 2020 financial year 
have  been  affected  by  the  crisis  caused  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  as  has  the  activity  of  the  other 
corporate bodies of the Bank. 

During the first few months of the 2020 financial year, the Committee carried out its usual activity in the 
area of remuneration. Thus, the Committee submitted necessary proposals to the Board for determining 
the amount of the Annual Variable Remuneration of executive directors for the 2019 financial year, as 
well  as  the  scales  of  achievement  for  the  multi-year  performance  indicators  that  would  apply  to  the 
Deferred  Portion  of  2019  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  and  the  TSR  (Total  Shareholder  Return) 
indicator reference group; determining the amount of the Deferred Portion of the Annual Variable Rate 
for the 2016 financial year, which was to be paid to executive directors in 2020, and the updated amount; 
and determining the annual and multi-year performance indicators, and their corresponding weightings, 
used for the calculation of the Annual Variable Remuneration of executive directors for the 2020 financial 
year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
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The Remunerations Committee was informed of the remuneration conditions for directors as established 
in  2019,  in  accordance  with  the  BBVA  Directors’  Remuneration  Policy,  and  resolved  not  to  submit  a 
proposal to the Board for their amendment. 

With regard to those matters relating to Senior Management, the Committee established, for its proposal 
to  the  Board  and  in  line  with  the  basic  contractual  framework  for  Senior  Management,  the  basic 
contractual conditions applicable to members of the Bank's Senior Management who were appointed by 
the Board on 19 December 2019, effective from 1 January 2020; as well as the salary review of certain 
senior managers, also within said contractual framework. Similarly, the Committee reviewed the Annual 
Variable Remuneration of members of Senior Management for the 2019 financial year, as well as the 
Deferred  Portion  of  the  2016  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  for  Senior  Managers  who  receive  such 
remuneration, both to be paid in 2020. 

Similarly, the Committee determined the 2019 Annual Variable Remuneration for the heads of Regulation 
& Internal Control and Internal Audits (under the direct authority of the Board) , for its proposal to the 
Board,  on  the  basis  of  the  approach  taken  by  the  Risk  and  Compliance  and  Audit  Committees, 
respectively, in relation to the assessment of their objectives. 

Regarding  matters  relating  to  the  Identified  Staff,  which  includes  Senior  Management,  the  Committee 
established  that  the  scales  of  achievement  for  the  multi-year  indicators  for  the  deferred  2019  Annual 
Variable Remuneration, as well as the TSR indicator reference group, were the same as those set for the 
executive directors. The Committee also established that the multi-year indicators for the 2020 Annual 
Variable Remuneration determined for the executive directors were also applicable to the Identified Staff. 

Also in 2020, as in every year, the Committee submitted to the Board, for its approval and subsequent 
submission to a vote at the General Meeting: The Annual Report on the Remuneration of Directors for 
the  2019  financial  year,  which  was  finally  approved  with  92.46%  of  the  votes;  and  the  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, which was approved with 97.23% of the votes. 

In March 2020, after the General Meeting, the health crisis caused by COVID-19 began, which largely 
determined  the  activity  of  the  Remunerations  Committee  for  the  remainder  of  the  financial  year.  In 
particular, at this time, in view of the exceptional circumstances arising from the COVID-19 crisis and as 
a gesture of responsibility and commitment toward customers, shareholders, employees and society in 
general, 330 members of the Identified Staff, including the executive directors and members of the Senior 
Management, waived generation of the Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2020 financial year. 

In this context, the Remunerations Committee analysed the waiver of the Annual Variable Remuneration 
for the 2020 financial year by the executive directors and the consequences thereof in terms of resolutions 
previously adopted by the corporate bodies of the Bank for the generation of the same, which were mostly 
ineffective. 

Likewise,  the  Remunerations  Committee  analysed  the  minimum  thresholds  for  Attributable  Profit  and 
Capital Ratio established by the executive area for determining the 2020 Annual Variable Remuneration, 
if applicable, both for those members of the Identified Staff who had not fully waived said Annual Variable 
Remuneration as well as for the rest of the Group's staff, all of which the Board was informed of. 

With  regard  to  the  function  of  the  Committee  in  ensuring  compliance  with  the  remuneration  policies 
established by the Company, the Remunerations Committee carried out a review of the implementation, 
in the 2019 financial year, of the approved remuneration policies (the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 
the BBVA Group's Remuneration Policy, which includes the Remuneration Policy for the Identified Staff), 
based on the annual Internal Audit Area Report. In addition, the Committee has been informed of the 
development and outcome of identifying the BBVA Group Identified Staff in 2020. 

During  2020 the  Committee  has  also  verified  the  information  about  the  remuneration  of  directors  and 
senior managers contained in the Financial Statements and in the Annual Report on the Remuneration 
of Directors for the 2019 financial year. 

  Risk and Compliance Committee: The Regulations of the Risk and Compliance Committee set out 
the operational principles of the Committee and lay down the basic rules of its organisation and 
operation. In particular, the Risk and Compliance Committee's Regulations stipulate, inter alia, that the 

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
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Committee shall meet whenever it is called by its Chair, who is empowered to call the Committee and to 
set the agenda for its meeting. The Regulations contain the procedure for the calling of ordinary and 
extraordinary meetings. 

Executives responsible for the areas that manage matters within their remits may be called to meetings, 
including the Regulation & Internal Control area and the Risks area, and, at the request of the heads of 
these, those persons within the Group who have knowledge of or responsibility for the matters covered 
by the agenda, when their presence at the meeting is deemed appropriate. The Committee may also call 
on any other Bank employee or manager, and even arrange for them to appear without the presence of 
any other manager, while ensuring that the presence of non-Committee members at its meetings is limited 
to those cases where it is necessary and to the items of the agenda for which they have been called. 

The Committee may also, through its Secretary, 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. 

Other aspects of the organisation and operation of the Committee shall be subject to the Regulations of 
the Committee. All other matters not provided for in the aforementioned Regulations will be subject to the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors, insofar as they are applicable. 

With regard to the most important activities carried out by the Risk and Compliance Committee during 
the 2020 financial year, the Committee analysed in several of its meetings and submitted a proposal for 
the BBVA Group's Risk Appetite Framework for the 2021 financial year (on the basis of the approach 
taken by the Executive Committee), as well as an update to the BBVA Group's General Risk Management 
and  Control  Model.  These  were  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Directors  for  its  consideration  and,  where 
appropriate, its approval. 

During  the  2020  financial  year,  the  Committee  reviewed  reports  on  the  internal  capital  adequacy 
assessment process (ICAAP) and the internal liquidity adequacy assessment process (ILAAP), as well 
as  regulatorily  required  adequacy  proposals  for  capital  and  liquidity.  This  review  was  carried  out  to 
monitor the development of stress scenarios and verify their alignment with the approved Risk Appetite 
Framework, with assistance from the Risk, Finance and Regulation & Internal Control areas, amongst 
others. This made it possible to ensure that these reports and proposals faithfully reflected the Group's 
situation  in  the  areas  analysed  prior  to  them  being  submitted  for  consideration  by  the  Executive 
Committee and the Board of Directors. 

The Risk and Compliance Committee has participated in the annual review and updating of the Group's 
general  risk  management  and  control  policies,  both  financial  and  non-financial,  ensuring  they  are 
consistent with the Group's General Risk Management and Control Model. 

The Risk and Compliance Committee also confirmed that the model is adequate and that the Group has 
structural risk-management areas both at corporate level and in each geographical and/or business area. 
They  added  that  these  function  correctly  and  provide  the  Committee  with  the  information  required  to 
understand the Group's risk exposure at all times, thus enabling the Committee to fulfil its monitoring, 
supervision and control functions. 

The Risk and Compliance Committee has monitored the effectiveness of the Regulation & Internal Control 
area,  involving  itself  in  matters  related  to  the  Head  of  the  area  and  ensuring  that  the  area  has  the 
resources necessary to carry out its functions. 

The Risk and Compliance Committee has received monthly information from the Head of Regulation & 
Internal Control regarding the activity carried out by each of the units that comprise that area, with a focus 
on the work carried out to tackle the impact of the pandemic. In addition, the Committee has received 
periodic reports directly from the heads of Compliance, Non-Financial Risks and Internal Risk Control, all 
of which fall under the Regulation & Internal Control area. 

Throughout the 2020 financial year, the Risk and Compliance Committee monitored the evolution of the 
different risks to which the Group is exposed—both financial (e.g. credit risk, structural risks, market risk, 
insurance risk) and non-financial (mainly operational risks)—as part of the BBVA Group's General Risk 
Management and Control Model and in accordance with the Risk Appetite Framework approved by the 
Board of Directors. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
297 

The  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  therefore  received  and  analysed  information  from  the  Risk  and 
Regulation & Internal Control areas suitably frequently, and had the support of the Group's Chief Risk 
Officer, the Head of Regulation & Internal Control, those in charge of each type of risk in the corporate 
field and the risk directors of the Group's main geographical and/or business areas, and spoke directly 
with each one to discuss this topic. 

All  of  this  afforded  the  Risk  and  Compliance  Committee  direct  knowledge  of  the  Group's  risks,  both 
globally and locally, allowing it to perform its function of monitoring the evolution of the Group's risks, 
regardless of the type of risk, the geographical or business area in which it originates, and even the sector 
or portfolio to which it belongs. 

In the performance of this function, the Risk and Compliance Committee also regularly monitored the 
compliance of the metrics established for the 2020 financial year, with the necessary frequency and level 
of detail to ensure adequate monitoring of said indicators. To further enhance its monitoring of the Risk 
Appetite Framework, the Committee received information about key internal and external variables that 
do not directly form part of the Risk Appetite Framework but affect its compliance. All of this prior to its 
follow-up by the other corporate bodies with risk functions. 

In particular, and since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee has been continuously 
monitoring  those  risks  most  affected  by  the  pandemic,  with  a  focus  on  the  behaviour  of  those  credit 
portfolios which has been subject to legal or sectoral moratoria, as well as new lending operations granted 
with public guarantees. 

In addition, the credit committees of Global Risk Management (GRM) informed the Risk and Compliance 
Committee periodically of the main credit risk operations in their respective areas of competency, as well 
as  the  Group's  most  significant  cases  of  credit  exposure.  Each  month,  the  Risk  and  Compliance 
Committee  was  also  provided  with  information  about  the  qualitative  risk  operations  authorised  by  the 
committees of Global Risk Management. 

The Risk and Compliance Committee has analysed, in advance, the financial and non-financial risks of 
corporate operations submitted for consideration by the Board of Directors. 

In 2020, the Committee received recurring information on the evolution of metrics and analysis in terms 
of profitability and capital, which evaluate the alignment of the resulting pricing in the 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 Bank's 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. 

The Committee was involved in establishing the multi-year performance indicators for the 2020 Annual 
Variable Remuneration, as well as the scales of achievement for the multi-year performance indicators 
for  the  2019  Annual  Variable  Remuneration,  analysing  their  alignment  with  appropriate,  effective  and 
prudent risk management, prior to their submission to the Board by the Remunerations Committee. 

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 in relation to its strategy. 

The Risk and Compliance Committee participated in the review of the Group's Recovery Plan with a view 
to assessing its alignment with the Risk Appetite Framework approved by the Group and analysing the 
risk scenarios used, with the help of the Risk and Finance areas, inter alia, before being submitted to the 
Executive Committee and subsequently the Board of Directors for consideration. 

Regarding the functions of the Committee in relation to compliance, it should be noted first and foremost 
that during the 2020 financial year, the Committee analysed each of the policies prepared by the executive 
areas in this regard (e.g. conflicts of interest, anti-corruption), issuing its favourable opinion prior to their 
submission to the board to be approved or updated. Before being approved by the Board of Directors, 
the Committee also examined the new Charter of the Compliance Function, which was updated in 2020 
to  ensure  its  alignment  with  new  regulations,  supervisory  expectations  and  the  BBVA  Group's 
organisational structure. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
298 

The Committee also regularly monitored information received by the Compliance Unit over the course of 
the financial year regarding the Group's compliance with applicable internal and external regulations. The 
Committee examined the findings of the independent review processes carried out both internally within 
the Group and externally by the competent authorities, as well as the degree of progress in implementing 
planned measures within the various areas of activity (e.g. conduct, prevention of money laundering and 
terrorist financing, data protection). It also specifically monitored the activity of the Compliance Unit in 
relation to the MiFID regulations and bank transparency. 

Moreover, the Committee was informed, as often as appropriate, of the findings of external audits and 
any  other  reviews  carried  out  by  external  experts  on  compliance-related  matters,  including  existing 
internal control measures concerning the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. 

Similarly, the Committee also monitored the main legal risks deriving from litigation to which the Group is 
exposed.  Furthermore,  regarding  compliance  with  applicable  internal  regulations,  the  Committee  was 
informed  by  the  heads  of  the  relevant  executive  areas  of  any  pertinent  compliance-related  issues 
concerning the implementation of internal regulation (e.g. general policies, procedures) approved by the 
Group. 

Regarding  BBVA's  Crime  Prevention  and  Criminal  Risk  Management  Model,  the  Committee  was 
informed of its development over the course of the financial year and the main lines of work involved in 
relation to the model's various elements. 

The Committee was also informed by the head of the Compliance Unit—the unit responsible for promoting 
and ensuring, in an independent and objective manner, that BBVA acts with integrity, particularly in areas 
such as anti-money laundering, conduct with clients, security market conduct, anti-corruption and other 
aspects  of  corporate  conduct—of  the  functioning  of  the  whistleblowing  channel,  as  well  as  of  the 
noteworthy aspects of the area. 

Finally, the Committee analysed the degree of implementation of the Compliance Unit's Annual Plan for 
the  2019  financial  year.  It  also  examined  the  Annual  Plan  set  out  for  2020,  as  well  as  monitoring  its 
progress in terms of implementation, which was impacted by the crisis and extraordinary activity carried 
out following the outbreak of the pandemic. 

Regarding communications and recommendations from supervisors, the Committee was made aware of 
the  major  communications  and  inspections  carried  out  by  the  Group's  supervisory  bodies,  whether 
national or foreign, being informed, where appropriate, of the recommendations, weaknesses or areas of 
improvement  identified,  as  well  as  the  action  plans  and  other  measures  established  by  the  relevant 
executive areas in order to overcome them in time. 

Finally, during the 2020 financial year, the Risk and Compliance Committee verified the progress and 
effectiveness of the various actions and initiatives drawn up by the Risk and Regulation & Internal Control 
areas to strengthen the risk and compliance culture in the Group, so as to enable employees to perform 
their duties in a secure environment, and to encourage the mitigation of risks, both financial and non-
financial, to which their activities are exposed. 

  Technology and Cybersecurity Committee: The Regulations of the Technology and Cybersecurity 
Committee set out the operational principles of the Committee and lay down the basic rules of its 
organisation and operation. In particular, the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee's Regulations 
stipulate, inter alia, that the Committee shall meet whenever it is convened by its Chair, who is 
empowered to call the Committee and set the agenda of its meetings. The Regulations contain the 
procedure for the calling of ordinary and extraordinary meetings. 

Executives responsible for the areas that manage matters within their remits may be called to meetings, 
as well as, at the request thereof, those persons within the Group who have knowledge of or responsibility 
for the matters covered by the agenda, when their presence at the meeting is deemed appropriate. The 
Committee may also call on any other Bank employee or manager, and even arrange for them to appear 
without the presence of any other manager, while ensuring that the presence of non-Committee members 
at its meetings is limited to those cases where it is necessary and to the items of the agenda for which 
they have been called. 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
299 

The Committee may also, through its Secretary, 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. 

Other aspects of the organisation and operation of the Committee shall be subject to the Regulations of 
the Committee. All other matters not provided for in the aforementioned Regulations will be subject to the 
Regulations of the Board of Directors, insofar as they are applicable.  

With regard to the most relevant actions carried out by the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee 
during  the  2020  financial  year,  the  Committee  has  received  information  on  the  Group's  technology 
strategy from the heads of the Engineering and Organization Area, regarding the main strategic projects 
and plans defined by that Area, with a focus on those related to resilience, cloud infrastructure, banking 
functionalities  and  the  development  of  engineering  solutions  for  the  areas  and  the  data  platform. 
Additionally, the input of external advisers was made available to the Committee in order to strengthen 
the Committee's independence in the performance of this function. 

Within the context of these plans and projects, the Committee has been informed of technological trends 
and of other issues pertaining to new technologies, applications, IT systems and best practices that affect 
or may affect the Group's technology strategy or plans. 

The Committee has received recurring updates on the metrics established by the Group for management 
and control in the technological field. 

In relation to the Committee's functions in the area of technological risk supervision and cybersecurity 
management for the Group, firstly, since the beginning of the crisis caused by COVID-19, the Committee 
was informed about (a) the management of business continuity from an operational point of view; (b) the 
move to remote working by the vast majority of staff; and (c) the strengthening of the Group's operational 
capabilities and other cybersecurity and fraud management measures during the pandemic. 

Also, the Committee received information about the updated framework of technological risks to which 
the Group is exposed, as well as the measures for identifying, managing, monitoring and mitigating such 
risks. 

In  particular,  the  Committee  has  been  provided  with  further  detail  on  identification,  management, 
monitoring and mitigation of IT-related risks faced by the Group as a result of services that are contracted 
to suppliers; along with the main risks associated with the use of shadow IT elements. 

Additionally, the Committee has been informed of how the Bank complies with the EBA's ICT guidelines 
in relation to IT and security risk management. 

The Committee was also informed of progress made in relation to the business continuity strategy and 
lessons learnt as a result of the pandemic. 

The Committee has reviewed the main programmes in the field of cybersecurity and was informed about 
progress  made,  the  implementation  of  artificial  intelligence  solutions,  the  evolution  of  the  established 
metrics and future plans. 

Finally,  at  each  of  its  meetings,  the  Committee  also  received  information  on  the  main  cybersecurity-
related events at industry level and on those that are relevant to the BBVA Group. This information was 
provided by the head of the Corporate Security unit, who explained how the Group is prepared to deal 
with attacks of a similar nature, as well as how it has dealt with attacks and, where applicable, mitigated 
their consequences for the Group. 

With respect to Section D (Related-party and Intragroup Transactions), see Notes 53 and 48 within the BBVA 
Consolidated and Individual Annual Financial Statements for the 2020 financial year, respectively. 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 
2020 financial year.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
300 

Furthermore, with respect to Section D.6, all members of the Board of Directors and BBVA Senior Management 
are subject to the provisions of the BBVA Code of Conduct, the Group's General Policy on Conflicts of Interest 
and the Internal Standards of Conduct in the Securities Markets, which establish principles and guidelines to 
identify, prevent and manage potential conflicts of interest. In particular, the Internal Standards of Conduct in 
the Securities Markets establishes that all persons subject to them 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  compromise  their  impartiality,  before  they  engage  in  any  transaction  or  conclude  any 
business in the securities market in which such may arise. 

To complement Section E.3 of this report, and in relation to Preliminary Proceeding No. 96/2017 – Piece No. 9- 
regarding the provision of services by Centro Exclusivo de Negocios y Transacciones, S.L. (Cenyt) to the Bank, 
since 2019 this issue was reported on a recurrent basis to the Bank's corporate bodies, namely to the Board of 
Directors and also to its committees that have functions in relation to this matter (the Audit Committee and the 
Risk and Compliance Committee). These bodies have driven and overseen internal investigation procedures, 
ensuring that the Bank fully cooperates with the judicial authorities and develops a policy of transparency. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  Bank's  management  bodies  have  continued  to  adopt  various  measures  to 
strengthen  the  Bank's  internal  monitoring  systems,  outlined  in  the  Compliance  System  section  of  the  Non-
Financial Information Statement included in the Individual and Consolidated Management Reports for the 2020 
financial year, which include this Annual Corporate Governance Report. These measures include the approval 
of  new  policies  and  other  internal  developments,  improvements  in  internal  control  processes  and  the 
strengthening of the crime prevention model.  

It is also worth noting that relevant documentation obtained from the forensic investigation hired in 2019 to help 
to clarify the events does not indicate any implication by any of the current members of the Board of Directors 
nor the Executive Chairman of the Bank, and it has not been proven that the Bank has committed any criminal 
activity. BBVA sustains that no criminal responsibility for the Entity is derived from the investigated events. 

It must also be stressed that, to date, the case has not impacted the development of the Bank's business, nor 
has it negatively impacted the Bank's reputation indices, which are subject to recurrent monitoring by both the 
executive team and by its management bodies. 

BBVA has created a specific area on its corporate web page with information on issues related to the Cenyt 
case (https://www.bbva.com/en/specials/the-cenyt-case/). 

To supplement Recommendation 64 included in Section G, it is expressly noted that, in accordance with BBVA 
Directors’  Remuneration  Policy,  approved  by  the  2019  General  Shareholders’  Meeting,  the  Bank  has  no 
commitments to pay severance indemnity to executive directors. 

As detailed in said Remuneration Policy, the contractual framework defined for executive directors establishes 
a post-contract non-compete agreement for a two-year period after they cease as BBVA executive directors, 
provided that said leave is not due to retirement, disability or serious breach of duties. As compensation for this 
agreement,  executive  directors  will  receive  remuneration  of  an  amount  equivalent  to  one  annual  fixed 
remuneration per year of duration, which shall be paid monthly over the course of the two-year duration of the 
non-compete agreement. 

As  described  in  Section  C.1.3  above,  the  Bank  has  undertaken  welfare  commitments  to  cover  retirement, 
disability and death contingencies with the Group Executive Chairman, which conditions are described in the 
BBVA Directors’ Remuneration Policy. With regard to the pension commitment, this is established as a defined-
contribution  scheme,  according  to  which  the  annual  contributions  to  be  made  to  cover  retirement  are  set  in 
advance. Pursuant to this commitment, the Group Executive Chairman is entitled to a retirement benefit when 
he reaches the legally established retirement age, which amount shall result from the sum of the contributions 
made by the Bank and their corresponding yields up to said date, provided that his leave is not due to serious 
breach of his duties. The system do not provide for the possibility of receiving the retirement pension in advance.  

Regarding adherence to codes of ethics or good practice, the BBVA Board of Directors approved in 2011 the 
Bank's adhesion to the Código de Buenas Prácticas Tributarias (Code of Good Tax Practices) approved by the 
Large Corporations Forum according to the wording proposed by the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT). The Group 
meets the obligations assumed as a result of this adherence and, during the 2020 financial year, voluntarily 
prepared  and  submitted  to  the  Spanish  Tax  Agency  the  Annual  Fiscal  Transparency  Report  for  companies 

 
301 

adhering to this Code. In this vein, the BBVA Group has adhered since 2013 to the Code of Practice on Taxation 
for Banks promoted by British tax authorities, and has met its obligations in this regard.  

Furthermore, BBVA is committed to implementing the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
and  is  a  member  of  all  major  international  initiatives  for  sustainable  development,  such  as  the  Principles  of 
United  Nations  Global  Compact,  the  Equator  Principles,  the  United  Nations  Principles  for  Responsible 
Investment,  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme  Financial  Initiative,  the  Green  Bond  Principles,  the 
Social Bond Principles, the Green Loan Principles, the Thun Group of Banks on Human Rights, the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP), the RE100 initiatives, the Science Based Targets, Grupo Español para el Crecimiento 
Verde (Spanish Green Growth Group) initiatives, the World Economic Forum (WEF)'s Alliance of CEO Climate 
Leaders, as well as others conventions and treaties of international organisations such as the Organization for 
Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Labour Organization. Also noteworthy is the 
fact that in 2019 BBVA signed, as a founding signatory, the Principles for Responsible Banking and joined the 
Collective Commitment to Climate Action as part of this year's UN Climate Action Summit. Moreover, BBVA is 
firmly committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 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  during  its 
meeting on 8 February 2021.  

List whether any directors voted against or abstained from voting on the approval of this report.  

No 

 
 
 
03.
BBVA Group’s 
non-financial 
information 
alignment 
with WEF - IBC 
and SASB 
standards    

1 

BBVA  Group’s  non-financial  information  alignment  with 
WEF - IBC and SASB standards 

BBVA is committed to disclose essential environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors regarding its business, in a 
consistent, reliable and standardized manner.  

Among the many existing standards, BBVA’s Non-financial Information Report (hereinafter, “NFIR”, included in section 
“02. Management Report” within this report) for the fiscal year 2020 includes its non-financial information according to 
the Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”). 

In addition to GRI, BBVA discloses its progress with respect to ESG disclosure according to two of the most advanced 
standards in the market: 

  WEF-IBC Core metrics: BBVA has been one of the first entities in the world to support the Measuring Stakeholder 
Capitalism initiative of the International Business Council (IBC) of the World Economic Forum (WEF), assuming 
the commitment to report according to its metrics and disclosures which were published in September, 2020.   

  Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) - Commercial Bank standards: The Sustainability Accounting 
Standards Board sets standards in order to guide companies in the disclosure of financially relevant information 
and  consistent  in  terms  of  sustainability,  which  are  followed  by  an  increasing  number  of  relevant  institutional 
investors at a global level. 

This  analysis1  is  a  step  forward  in  the  commitment  of  BBVA  to  the  continuous  improvement  of  transparency.  A 
commitment on which it will continue working in order to meet the demands of investors, regulators, customers and other 
stakeholders.  

1   This analysis is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Management Report and the Auditor’s Report of BBVA Group. 

 
 
                                                                    
WEF-IBC Core metrics 

Topic 

Metric 

Reporting criteria 

BBVA Group disclosure 

2 

PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNANCE  

Governing purpose 

Setting purpose. 

The British Academy and Colin 
Mayer, GRI (102-26), 
Embankment Project for 
Inclusive Capitalism (World 
Economic Forum Integrated 
Corporate Governance - EPIC) 
and others. 

Quality of governing 
body  

Governing body composition.  

GRI (102-22), GRI (405-1a), IR 
4B. 

Stakeholders 
engagement 

Material issues impacting stakeholders. 

GRI (102-21), GRI (102-43), 
GRI (102-47). 

NFIR 2020: 
Chapters "Strategy and 
business model" and 
"Sustainability at BBVA".  

Annual Corporate 
Governance Report 
(hereinafter, ACGR) C.1.1 to 
C.1.12, C.2.1 and C.2.2. 

NFIR 2020: 
"Materiality” section within 
the chapter "Strategy and 
business model".  

NFIR 2020:  
"Compliance system" 
section within the chapter 
"Ethical behavior".  

BBVA will continue working 
in order to increase its 
disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years.  

GRI (205-2), GRI (205-3). 

GRI (102-17). 

NFIR 2020:  
"Other conduct standards" 
section within the chapter 
"Compliance system". 

Ethical behavior 

Anti-corruption 

1. Total percentage of governance body 
members, employees and business partners 
who have received training on the organization’s 
anti-corruption policies and procedures, broken 
down by region. 

2. Total number and nature of incidents of 
corruption confirmed during the current year, 
but related to previous years; and 

3. Total number and nature of incidents of 
corruption confirmed during the current year, 
related to this year. 

Protected ethics advice and reporting 
mechanisms: 

1. Seeking advice about ethical and lawful 
behavior and organizational integrity;  

2. Reporting concerns about unethical or 
unlawful behavior and lack of organizational 
integrity; 

3. Discussion of initiatives and stakeholder 
engagement to improve the broader operating 
environment and culture, in order to combat 
corruption. 

Risk and opportunity 
oversight 

Integrating risk and opportunity into business 
process. 

EPIC, GRI (102-15), World 
Economic Forum Integrated 
Corporate Governance, IR 4D. 

NFIR 2020:  
"Environmental impacts and 
risk management" section 
within the chapter 
"Sustainability at BBVA" 
and  
"Customer security and 
protection" section within 
the chapter "Customer 
comes first".  

Management Report 2020:  
Chapter "Risk 
Management".  

 
 
 
 
PLANET  

Climate change  

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

TCFD implementation.  

GRI (305:1-3), Task Force on 
Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (hereinafter, 
TCFD) recommendations, 
GHG Protocol. 

TCFD Recommendations; 
CDSB R01, R02, R03, R04 y 
R06; 
SASB 110; Science Based 
Targets initiative. 

Nature loss 

Land use and ecological sensitivity. 

GRI (304-1). 

3 

NFIR 2020:  
"Management of direct 
environmental impacts" 
within the chapter 
"Sustainability at BBVA".  

BBVA will continue working 
in order to increase its 
disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years. 
NFIR 2020:  
"Environmental impacts and 
risk management" section 
within the chapter 
"Sustainability at BBVA".  

BBVA Report on TCFD. 

The BBVA offices are in 
urban settings, which 
therefore have no impact on 
protected natural areas or 
biodiversity. 
Given the activities of BBVA 
Group, this indicator is not 
considered material. 

Water consumption and withdrawal in 
water-stressed areas. 

SASB CG-HP-140a.1, 
Aqueduct water risk atlas tool 
developed by World Resources 
Institute (hereinafter, WRI). 

Given the activities of BBVA 
Group, this indicator is not 
considered material. 

Freshwater 
availability  

PEOPLE 

Diversity and inclusion  

GRI (405-1b).  

Pay equality (%)  

GRI (405-2). 

NFIR 2020: 
"Professional development" 
section within the chapter 
"The best and most 
engaged team".  

NFIR 2020: 
"Remuneration" section 
within the chapter "The best 
and most engaged team".  

Ratio of standard entry level wage by gender 
compared to local minimum wage. 

Ratio of the annual total compensation of the 
best paid person to the median of the annual 
total compensation of all its employees, except 
the best paid person. 

GRI (202-1), adapted from the 
Dodd-Frank Act, US SEC 
Regulations. 

NFIR 2020: 
"Remuneration" section 
within the chapter "The best 
and most engaged team".  

Dignity and equality  

Risk for incidents of child, forced or compulsory 
labour.  

GRI (408-1b), GRI (409-1). 

BBVA has not identified any 
operations or suppliers as 
having significant risk 
related to forced or child or 
compulsory labor. 

NFIR 2020:  
"Contents index of the GRI 
standards"  

Given the activities of BBVA 
Group, this indicator is not 
considered material. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Health and well-
being 

Health and safety - rate of fatalities and rate of 
absenteeism.  

GRI: 2018 (403-9 a and b), 
GRI: 2018 (403-6). 

Skills for the future  

Training provided - Average hours of training and 
average expenditure per employee. 

GRI (404-1), SASB HC 101-15. 

4 

NFIR 2020:  
"Health and labor safety" 
section within the chapter 
"The best and most 
engaged team".  

BBVA will continue working 
in order to increase its 
disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years.  
NFIR 2020:  
"Professional development" 
section within "The best and 
most engaged team" 
chapter.  

PROSPERITY 

Employment and 
wealth generation 

Innovation of better 
products and 
services 

Community and 
social vitality  

Absolute number and rate of employment. 

Adapted from GRI (401-1 a and 
b) in order to include more 
metrics on diversity and 
inclusion.  

NFIR 2020:  
"Professional development" 
section within the chapter 
"The best and most 
engaged team".  

Economic contribution 

GRI (201-1), GRI (201-4). 

1. Total capital expenditures (CapEx) minus 
depreciation, supported by narrative to describe 
the company’s investment strategy. 

2. Share buybacks plus dividend payments, 
supported by narrative to describe the 
company’s strategy for returns of capital to 
shareholders. 

Aligned with IAS 7 and US 
GAAP ASC 230. 

Total R&D expenses.  

US GAAP ASC 730. 

Total tax paid 
The total global tax borne by the company, 
including corporate income taxes, property 
taxes, non-creditable VAT and other sales taxes, 
employer-paid payroll taxes, and other taxes 
that constitute costs to the company, by 
category of taxes. 

GRI (201-1) and GRI (207-4). 

NFIR 2020:  
"Contents index of the GRI 
Standards".  

The information of this 
metric is included in the 
Consolidated Financial 
Statements (e.g. Notes 4, 
17, and 18) and in the 
Management Report of the 
BBVA Group.  

NFIR 2020:  
"Technology and 
innovation".  

BBVA will continue working 
in order to increase its 
disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years. 

NFIR 2020:  
"Fiscal transparency" 
section within the chapter 
"Contribution to society".  

Note: 
For WEB - IBC standards the reporting criteria column is included as they have been developed on the basis of other international standards. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SASB – Commercial Banks  

Topic 

Metric 

Data security  

(1) Number of data breaches, (2) percentage involving 
personally identifiable information (PII), (3) number of 
account holders affected. 

Description of approach to identifying and addressing data 
security risks. 

(1) Number and (2) amount of loans outstanding qualified to 
programs designed to promote small business and 
community development. 

(1) Number and (2) amount of past due and nonaccrual loans 
qualified to programs designed to promote small business 
and community development. 

Number of no-cost retail checking accounts provided to 
previously unbanked or underbanked customers. 

Financial inclusion and 
capacity building  

5 

BBVA Group disclosure  
NFIR 2020: 
"Customer security and protection" 
section within the chapter "Customer 
comes first".  

BBVA will continue working in order to 
increase its disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years. 

NFIR 2020: 
"Customer security and protection" 
section within the chapter "Customer 
comes first".  

NFIR 2020:  
"Financial inclusion and 
entrepreneurship" section within the 
"Sustainability at BBVA" chapter.  
BBVA will continue working in order to 
increase its disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years.  

Number of participants in financial literacy initiatives for 
unbanked, underbanked, or underserved customers. 

NFIR 2020:  
"Community investment" section within 
the chapter "Contribution to society".  

Incorporation of 
Environmental, Social, and 
Governance Factors in credit 
analysis 

Commercial and industrial credit exposure, by industry. 

Description of approach to incorporation of environmental, 
social, and governance (ESG) factors in credit analysis. 

Business Ethics 

Total amount of monetary losses as a result of legal 
proceedings associated with fraud, insider trading, anti-trust, 
anti-competitive behavior, market manipulation, malpractice, 
or other related financial industry laws or regulations. 

Systemic Risk Management 

Description of whistleblower policies and procedures. 

Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) score, by 
category. 

Description of approach to incorporation of results of 
mandatory and voluntary stress tests into capital adequacy 
planning, long-term corporate strategy, and other business 
activities. 

(1) Number and (2) value of checking and savings accounts 
by segment: (a) personal and (b) small business. 

Activity metrics  

(1) Number and (2) value of loans by segment: (a) personal, 
(b) small business, and (c) corporate. 

NFIR 2020: 
"Environmental impacts and risk 
management" section within the 
chapter "Sustainability at BBVA".  

NFIR 2020:  
"Compliance system" section within the 
chapter "Ethical behavior".  

BBVA will continue working in order to 
increase its disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years. 
NFIR 2020:  
"Compliance system" section within the 
chapter "Ethical behavior". 

Management Report 2020:  
"Capital base" section within the 
chapter "Solvency". 

Management Report 2020:  
"Stress testing at BBVA“ section within 
the chapter “Solvency”. 

EINF 2020: 
“Helping our clients transition toward a 
sustainable future” section within the 
chapter "Sustainability at BBVA". 

Management Report 2020:  
Chapter "Business areas". 

BBVA will continue working in order to 
increase its disclosures on this metric in 
the following financial years 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04.
Consolidated
financial
statements 
and Auditors’
report

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 to 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 expense ........................................................................................................  8 

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

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

NOTES TO THE ACCOMPANYING  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

1. 
Introduction, basis for the presentation of the Consolidated Financial  Statements, Internal Control over Financial  Reporting and 
other information .............................................................................................................................................................................13  

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

sale 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

Principles of consolidation, accounting policies and measurement bases applied and recent IFRS pronouncements ...................18 

BBVA Group ...........................................................................................................................................................................41  

Shareholder remuneration system ......................................................................................................................................... 44 

Earnings per share .................................................................................................................................................................  45 

Operating segment reporting ................................................................................................................................................. 45 

Risk management .................................................................................................................................................................. 47 

Fair value of financial instruments........................................................................................................................................... 99 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits ........................................................................................... 110 

Financial assets and liabilities held for trading ..................................................................................................................... 111 

Non-trading financial assets mandatorily at fair value through profit or loss ......................................................................... 112 

Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair valu e through profit or loss ........................................................................ 113 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income..................................................................................... 113 

Financial assets at amortized cost .....................................................................................................................................  117 

Hedging derivatives and fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk ................................120 

Investments in joint ventures and associates .....................................................................................................................122  

Tangible assets ................................................................................................................................................................124  

Intangible assets ..............................................................................................................................................................127  

Tax assets and liabilities....................................................................................................................................................  131 

Other assets and Liabilities ...............................................................................................................................................135  

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

........................................................................................................................................................................................135  

Financial liabilities at amortized cost..................................................................................................................................140  

Assets and liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts ........................................................................................146  

Provisions ........................................................................................................................................................................148  

Post-employment and other employee benefit commitments.............................................................................................150 

Common stock................................................................................................................................................................. 157 

Share premium ................................................................................................................................................................158  

Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves................................................................................................158  

Treasury shares ...............................................................................................................................................................  161 

 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

45. 

46. 

47. 

48. 

49. 

50. 

51. 

52. 

53. 

54. 

55. 

56. 

57. 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ..............................................................................................................  161 

Non-controlling interest ....................................................................................................................................................162  

Capital base and cap ital man agement ...............................................................................................................................163  

Commitments and guarantees given ................................................................................................................................. 168 

Other contingent assets and liabilities................................................................................................................................168  

Purchase and sale commitments and future payment obligations .......................................................................................168  

Transactions on behalf of third parties ...............................................................................................................................169  

Net interest income ..........................................................................................................................................................169  

Dividend income...............................................................................................................................................................170  

Share of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method..............................................................................170 

Fee and commission income and expense .........................................................................................................................170 

Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities, hedge accounting and exchange differences, net  ........................................ 171 

Other operating income and expense ................................................................................................................................172  

Income and expense from insurance and reinsurance contracts .........................................................................................173  

Administration costs.........................................................................................................................................................173 

Depreciation and amortization ..........................................................................................................................................176  

Provisions or reversal of provisions ...................................................................................................................................176  

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

gains by modification ........................................................................................................................................................176  

Impairment or reversal of impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates .........................................................177  

Impairment or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets ............................................................................................177  

Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale not qualifying as discontinued ................ 

operations........................................................................................................................................................................177  

Consolidated statements of cash flows ..............................................................................................................................178  

Accountant fees and services............................................................................................................................................179  

Related-party transactions................................................................................................................................................180  

Remuneration and other benefits for the Board of Directors and members of the Bank's Senior Management  ...................... 181 

Other information .............................................................................................................................................................188  

Subsequent events...........................................................................................................................................................190  

Explanation added for translation into English ....................................................................................................................190 

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
APPENDICES 

APPENDIX I. Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 202 0 .....192 

APPENDIX II. Additional information on investments joint ventures and associates in the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020........ 200 

APPENDIX III. Changes and notifications of participations in the BBVA Group in 2020 .......................................................................201 

APPENDIX IV. Fully consolidated subsidiaries with more than 10% o wned by non-Group shareholders as of December  31, 2020 ....... 205 

APPENDIX V. BBVA Group’s structured entities in 2020. Securitization funds.................................................................................. 206 

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, 2020, 2 019 and 2018 ................................................................................................................... 207 

APPENDIX VII Consolidated balance sheets held in foreign currency as of December 31, 202 0, 2019 and 2018................................... 211 

APPENDIX VIII. Consolidated income statements for the first and second half of 2020 and 2019........................................................213 

APPENDIX IX. Financial Statements of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. ...................................................................................214 

APPENDIX X. Information on data derived from the special accounting registry and other information bonds .................................... 222 

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

6/2012 

 .................................................................................................................................................................... 229 

APPENDIX XII. Additional information on risk concentration ............................................................................................................ 240 

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  .................................................................................................................................................251 

GLOSSARY 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019  and 2018 

ASSETS  (Millions of Euros) 

CASH, CASH BALANCES AT CENTRAL BANKS AND OTHER DEMAND DEPOSITS 

FINANCIAL ASSETS HELD FOR TRADING 

  Notes 

9 

10 

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 

11 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 
Loans and advances to customers 

FINANCIAL ASSETS DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 

Debt securities 
FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Equity instruments 
Debt securities 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 
FINANCIAL ASSETS AT AMORTIZED COST 

Debt securities 
Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Loans and advances to customers 

DERIVATIVES - HEDGE ACCOUNTING 

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 

Properties, plant and equipment 

For own use 

Other assets leased out under an operating lease 

Investment properties 
INTANGIBLE  ASSETS  

Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 

TAX ASSETS 

Current tax assets 
Deferred tax assets  
OTHER  ASSETS  

Insurance contracts linked to pensions 

Inventories 
Other 

NON-CURRENT  ASSETS AND DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE  

TOTAL ASSETS 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

12 

13 

14 

15 

15 

16 

23 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

3, 6 

2020 

65,520 

108,257 

40,182 
11,458 
23,970 

53 
20,499 
12,095 

5,198 

4,133 
356 
709 

1,117 

1,117 
69,440 

1,100 
68,307 

33 
367,668 

35,737 
6,209 
14,575 

311,147 

1,991 

51 

1,436 

149 
1,287 

306 

7,823 

7,601 
7,311 

290 
222 
2,345 

910 
1,435 

16,526 

1,199 
15,327 
2,512 

- 

572 
1,940 

85,986 

736,176 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

44,303 

101,736 

32,232 
8,892 
26,309 

535 
21,286 
12,482 

5,557 

4,327 
110 
1,120 

1,214 

1,214 
61,183 

2,420 
58,730 

33 
439,162 

38,877 
4,275 
13,650 

382,360 

1,729 

28 

1,488 

154 
1,334 

341 

10,068 

9,816 
9,553 

263 
252 
6,966 

4,955 
2,011 

17,083 

1,765 
15,318 
3,800 

- 

580 
3,220 

3,079 

58,196 

89,103 

29,522 
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 
9,162 

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 

697,737 

675,675 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019  and 2018 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES HELD FOR TRADING  

Derivatives 

Short positions 

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

Notes 

10 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

86,487 

41,680 

12,312 

6,277 

16,558 

9,660 

- 

- 

88,680 

34,066 

12,249 

7,635 

24,969 

9,761 

- 

- 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES DESIGNATED  AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR 
LOSS  

12 

10,050 

10,010 

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

Memorandum item: Subordinated liabilities 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT AMORTIZED COST  

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial liabilities 

Memorandum item: Subordinated liabilities 

DERIVATIVES - HEDGE ACCOUNTING 

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

LIABILITIES UNDER INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE CONTRACTS  

PROVISIONS 

Pensions and other post employment defined benefit obligations 

Other long term employee benefits 

Provisions for taxes and other legal contingencies 

Commitments and guarantees given 

Other provisions 

TAX LIABILITIES  

Current tax liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

OTHER  LIABILITIES  

LIABILITIES INCLUDED IN DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

 (*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

22 

15 

15 

23 

24 

19 

20 

21 

- 

- 

902 

4,531 

4,617 

- 

490,606 

45,177 

27,629 

342,661 

61,780 

13,359 

16,488 

2,318 

- 

9,951 

6,141 

4,272 

49 

612 

728 

480 

2,355 

545 

1,810 

2,802 

75,446 

686,156 

- 

- 

944 

4,656 

4,410 

- 

516,641 

25,950 

28,751 

384,219 

63,963 

13,758 

18,018 

2,233 

- 

10,606 

6,538 

4,631 

61 

677 

711 

458 

2,808 

880 

1,928 

3,742 

1,554 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020. 

642,812 

622,801 

79,760 

30,801 

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 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019  and 2018 

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 
Retained earnings 
Revaluation reserves 
Other reserves 

Reserves or accumulated losses of investments in 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 (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 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) 
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 joint ventures 
and associates 
MINORITY INTERESTS (NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
Other items 
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). 

Notes 

26 

27 

28 
28 
28 

29 

30 

31 

Notes 

33 
33 
33 

2020 

58,904 
3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
- 
42 
30,508 
- 
(164) 

(164) 

- 
(46) 
1,305 
- 
(14,356) 
(2,815) 
(1,473) 
(65) 

- 

(1,256) 

- 

- 

- 

(21) 

(11,541) 
(62) 
(14,185) 
10 

2,069 

- 
644 

(17) 

5,472 
(6,949) 
12,421 
50,020 
736,176 

2020 

132,584 
10,665 
36,190 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

58,950 
3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
- 
56 
29,388 
- 
(119) 

(119) 

- 
(62) 
3,512 
(1,084) 
(10,226) 
(1,875) 
(1,498) 
3 

- 

(404) 

- 

- 

- 

24 

(8,351) 
(897) 
(9,147) 
(44) 

1,760 

- 
(18) 

(5) 

6,201 
(5,572) 
11,773 
54,925 
697,737 

2019 (*) 

130,923 
10,984 
39,209 

57,333 
3,267 
3,267 
- 
23,992 
- 
50 
26,063 
3 
(37) 

(37) 

- 
(296) 
5,400 
(1,109) 
(10,223) 
(1,284) 
(1,245) 
- 

- 

(155) 

- 

- 

- 

116 

(8,939) 
(218) 
(9,630) 
(6) 

943 

- 
1 

(29) 

5,764 
(5,290) 
11,054 
52,874 
675,675 

2018 (*) 

118,959 
16,454 
35,098 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated income statements for  the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (Millions of Euros) 

  Notes 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

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 expense 
     Other administrative expense 
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 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 
Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for 
sale not qualifying as discontinued operations     

PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations 
PROFIT (LOSS) AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations 
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 

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 

19 

21 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST (NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS) 

31 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT 

22,389 
(7,797) 
14,592 
137 
(39) 
5,980 
(1,857) 

139 

777 

208 

56 

7 
359 
492 
(1,662) 
2,497 
(1,520) 
20,166 
(7,799) 
(4,695) 
(3,104) 
(1,289) 
(746) 

(5,179) 

(5,160) 
(19) 
5,153 

(190) 

(153) 
(125) 
(19) 
(9) 
(7) 
- 

445 

5,248 

(1,459) 
3,789 
(1,729) 
2,060 

755 

1,305 

27,761 
(11,972) 
15,789 
153 
(42) 
6,785 
(2,284) 

186 

419 

143 

(98) 

55 
581 
639 
(1,943) 
2,890 
(1,751) 
21,522 
(8,769) 
(5,351) 
(3,418) 
(1,385) 
(614) 

(3,552) 

(3,470) 
(82) 
7,202 

(46) 

(128) 
(94) 
(12) 
(22) 
(5) 
- 

23 

7,046 

(1,943) 
5,103 
(758) 
4,345 

833 

3,512 

26,954 
(11,669) 
15,285 
145 
(7) 
6,462 
(2,059) 

191 

640 

96 

139 

69 
13 
929 
(2,022) 
2,949 
(1,894) 
20,936 
(9,020) 
(5,205) 
(3,815) 
(1,033) 
(395) 

(3,681) 

(3,680) 
(1) 
6,807 

- 

(137) 
(4) 
(83) 
(50) 
80 
- 

815 

7,565 

(2,042) 
5,523 
704 
6,227 

827 

5,400 

EARNINGS PER SHARE  (Euros) 
     Basic earnings (losses) per share from continued operations 
     Diluted earnings (losses) per share from continued operations  
     Basic earnings (losses) per share from discontinued operations  
     Diluted earnings (losses) per share from discontinued operations 

 (*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

  Notes 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

5 

0.14 
0.40 
0.40 
(0.26) 
(0.26) 

0.47 
0.58 
0.58 
(0.11) 
(0.11) 

0.75 
0.64 
0.64 
0.11 
0.11 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated income statement as of December  31, 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated  statements of recognized income  and expense for  the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 and 2018 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RECOGNIZED INCOME AND EXPENSE  (Millions of Euros) 

PROFIT RECOGNIZED IN INCOME STATEMENT 

OTHER RECOGNIZED  INCOME (EXPENSE) 

ITEMS NOT SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION TO INCOME STATEMENT 
Actuarial gains (losses) from defined benefit pension plans 
Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale 

Share of other recognized income and expense of entities accounted for using 
the equity method 

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

Gains (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 
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 (losses) taken to equity 
Transferred to profit or loss 
Other reclassifications 
Foreign currency  translation 
Translation gains (losses) taken to equity 
Transferred to profit or loss 
Other reclassifications 
Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 
Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity 
Transferred to profit or loss 
Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items 
Other reclassifications 
Debt securities at fair value through other comprehensive income 
Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity 
Transferred to profit or loss 

Other reclassifications 
Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale 
Valuation gains (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/EXPENSE 
Attributable to minority interest (non-controlling interests) 
Attributable to the parent company 

 (*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

2,060 

(5,375) 

(822) 
(87) 
17 

- 

4,345 

(285) 

(584) 
(364) 
2 

- 

6,227 

(2,605) 

(141) 
(79) 
- 

- 

(796) 

(229) 

(172) 

- 

4 

40 

(4,553) 

378 
378 
- 
- 
(4,873) 
(4,873) 
- 
- 
230 
230 
- 
- 
- 
460 
514 
(54) 

- 
(492) 
(472) 
(20) 
- 
(13) 

(243) 

(3,315) 
(606) 
(2,709) 

- 

(133) 

140 

299 

(687) 
(687) 
- 
- 
(104) 
(123) 
1 
18 
(203) 
(193) 
(10) 
- 
- 
1,131 
1,280 
(149) 

- 
461 
472 
- 
(11) 
33 

(332) 

4,060 
551 
3,509 

- 

166 

(56) 

(2,464) 

(244) 
(244) 
- 
- 
(2,186) 
(2,191) 
5 
- 
(10) 
(69) 
59 
- 
- 
(860) 
(725) 
(135) 

- 
581 
561 
20 
- 
11 

244 

3,622 
(443) 
4,065 

The accompanying  Notes and Appendices  are an integral part of the consolidated statement of recognized income  and expense as  of 
December 31, 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2020,  2019 and 2018 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

Capital 
(Note 26) 

Share 
Premium 
(Note 27) 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other Equity  

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 28) 

Revaluation 
reserves 
 (Note 28) 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28) 

(-) Treasury 
shares (Note 
29) 

Non-controlling interest 

Profit or loss 
attributable to 
owners of the 
parent 

(-) Interim 
dividends 
(Note 4) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
 (Note 30) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
(Note 31) 

Other 
(Note 31) 

Total 

Balances as of January 1, 2020 (*) 

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 2.2.19) 

Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 
Share based payments 
Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 

3,267 

- 
3,267 
- 

23,992 

- 
23,992 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

Balances as of December 31, 2020 

3,267 

23,992 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

56 

- 
56 
- 

(14) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(22) 
8 

42 

26,402 

2,986 
29,388 
- 

1,120 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(1,066) 
- 

- 
- 
- 
2,585 

- 
- 
(399) 

30,508 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(125) 

6 
(119) 
- 

(45) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(41) 

- 
- 
(4) 

(62) 

- 
(62) 
- 

16 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(807) 

823 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

3,512 

- 
3,512 
1,305 

(3,512) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(3,512) 

- 
- 
- 

(164) 

(46) 

1,305 

(1,084) 

- 
(1,084) 
- 

1,084 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
1,084 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(7,234) 

(2,992) 
(10,226) 
(4,014) 

(116) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(116) 

- 
- 
- 

(3,527) 

(2,045) 
(5,572) 
(1,361) 

(16) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(16) 

- 
- 
- 

9,728 

2,045 
11,773 
755 

(107) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

54,925 

- 
54,925 
(3,315) 

(1,590) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(124) 
- 

- 
(1,190) 
(807) 

- 
- 
- 
16 

- 
- 
1 

823 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(22) 
(394) 

(14,356) 

(6,949) 

12,421 

50,020 

(*) 

Balances as of December 31, 2019 as originally reported in the consolidated Financial Statements for the year 2019. 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated statement of changes in equity as of December  31, 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2020,  2019 and 2018 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

2019 (*) 

Capital 
(Note 26) 

Share 
Premium 
(Note 27) 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other Equity  

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 28) 

Revaluation 
reserves 
 (Note 28) 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28) 

(-) Treasury 
shares (Note 
29) 

Non-controlling interest 

Profit or loss 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 

(-) Interim 
dividends 
(Note 4) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
 (Note 30) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
(Note 31) 

Other 
(Note 31) 

Total 

Balances as of January 1, 2019 (**) 

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 2.2.19) 

Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 
Share based payments 
Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 

3,267 

- 
3,267 
- 

23,992 

- 
23,992 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

Balances as of December 31, 2019 

3,267 

23,992 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

50 

- 
50 
- 

6 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(4) 
10 

56 

23,017 

3,046 
26,063 
- 

3,325 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(1,063) 
- 

13 
- 
- 
4,364 

- 
- 
11 

29,388 

3 

- 
3 
- 

(3) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(3) 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(56) 

19 
(37) 
- 

(82) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(70) 

- 
- 
(12) 

(119) 

(296) 

- 
(296) 
- 

234 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(1,088) 

1,322 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

5,324 

76 
5,400 
3,512 

(5,400) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(5,400) 

- 
- 
- 

(975) 

(134) 
(1,109) 
- 

(7,216) 

(3,007) 
(10,223) 
(3) 

(3,236) 

(2,054) 
(5,290) 
(282) 

25 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(1,084) 
- 

- 
- 
- 
1,109 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

9,000 

2,054 
11,054 
833 

(114) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

52,874 

- 
52,874 
4,060 

(2,009) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(142) 
- 

- 
(2,289) 
(1,088) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
28 

1,335 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(4) 
37 

(62) 

3,512 

(1,084) 

(10,226) 

(5,572) 

11,773 

54,925 

(**) 

Balances as of December 31, 2018 as originally reported in the consolidated Financial Statements for the year 2018. 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated statement of changes in equity as of December  31, 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2020,  2019 and 2018 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

2018 (*) 

Capital 
(Note 26) 

Share 
Premium 
(Note 27) 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other Equity  

Retained 
earnings  
(Note 28) 

Revaluation 
reserves 
 (Note 28) 

Other 
reserves 
(Note 28) 

(-) Treasury 
shares (Note 
29) 

Non-controlling interest 

Profit or loss 
attributable to 
owners of the 
parent 

(-) Interim 
dividends 
(Note 4) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
 (Note 30) 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income (loss) 
(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 2.2.19) 
Increase/Reduction of equity due to business combinations 
Share based payments 

3,267 
- 
3,267 

23,992 
- 
23,992 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

Other increases or (-) decreases in equity 
Balances as of December 31, 2018 

- 
3,267 

- 
23,992 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

54 
- 
54 

- 
(4) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(19) 

15 
50 

25,474 
348 
25,822 

- 
241 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(996) 

- 
(24) 
- 
- 

1,278 
- 
- 

(17) 
26,063 

12 
- 
12 

- 
(9) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(9) 
- 
- 

- 
3 

(44) 
31 
(13) 

- 
(24) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(23) 
- 
- 

(1) 
(37) 

(96) 
- 
(96) 

- 
(200) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

(1,684) 
1,484 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(296) 

3,519 
(5) 
3,514 

5,400 
(3,514) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(3,514) 
- 
- 

- 
5,400 

(1,043) 
(129) 
(1,172) 

- 
63 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(1,109) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

1,172 
- 
- 

- 
(1,109) 

(8,792) 
(1,192) 
(9,984) 

(1,335) 
1,096 
- 

(3,378) 
(1,181) 
(4,559) 

(1,270) 
539 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

1,096 
- 
- 

- 
(10,223) 

539 
- 
- 

- 
(5,290) 

10,358 
1,209 
11,567 

827 
(1,340) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(378) 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(539) 
- 
- 

(423) 
11,054 

53,323 
(919) 
52,404 

3,622 
(3,152) 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(2,483) 

(1,684) 
1,460 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(19) 

(426) 
52,874 

(**) 

Balances as of December 31, 2017 as originally reported in the consolidated Financial Statements for the year 2017. 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated statement of changes in equity as of December  31, 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of cash flows  for  the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

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 
Financial assets at amortized cost 

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 
Other business units 

Non-current assets classified as held for sale and associated liabilities 
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 classified as held for sale and associated liabilities 
Other collections related to investing activities 

C) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (1 + 2) 
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 PERIOD (INCLUDING ENTITIES HELD FOR SALE IN THE UNITED STATES) (E+F) 

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

39,349 
2,060 
11,653 
1,288 
10,365 

(57,483) 
(10,463) 
(241) 

97 
(16,649) 
(30,212) 

(15) 
85,074 
361 

647 
84,853 
(787) 

(1,955) 
(37) 
(1,185) 
(632) 

(491) 
(62) 
- 

- 
- 
1,148 

558 
- 
307 

- 
283 
- 

(2,069) 
(5,316) 
(1,065) 
(2,820) 

- 
(807) 
(624) 

3,247 
2,425 
- 

822 
- 

(4,658) 
32,585 
44,303 

76,888 

(10,654) 
4,345 
9,582 
1,386 
8,196 

(39,247) 
(11,724) 
(318) 

99 
(3,755) 
(26,559) 

3,010 
16,268 
8,121 

2,680 
8,016 
(2,549) 

(1,602) 
97 
(1,494) 
(852) 

(528) 
(114) 
- 

- 
- 
1,591 

128 
- 
98 

5 
1,198 
162 

(2,702) 
(7,418) 
(2,147) 
(3,571) 

- 
(1,088) 
(612) 

4,716 
3,381 
- 

1,335 
- 

(634) 
(13,893) 
58,196 

44,303 

13,436 
6,227 
7,619 
1,034 
6,585 

(7,762) 
1,524 
(643) 

349 
(206) 
(7,880) 

(906) 
10,141 
(611) 

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 
- 

(344) 
15,516 
42,680 

58,196 

Cash 
Balance of cash equivalent in central banks 
Other financial assets 
Less: Bank overdraft refundable on demand 

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR 

  Notes 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

9 
9 
9 

6,447 
53,079 
5,994 
- 

65,520 

7,060 
31,755 
5,488 
- 

44,303 

6,346 
43,880 
7,970 
- 

58,196 

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CLASSIFIED AS NON-CURRENT ASSETS AND DISPOSABLE GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS 
HELD FOR SALE IN THE UNITED  STATES 

21 

11,368 

- 

- 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only (Note 1.3). 

The accompanying Notes and Appendices are an integral part of the consolidated statement of cash flows as of December 31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Notes to the accompanying  Consolidated Financial Statements  

Introduction,  basis  for  the  presentation of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements, 

1. 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting and other information  

1.1 

Introduction 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  Argentaria, S.A. (hereinafter “the Bank”, “BBVA" or “BBVA, S.A.”) 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, 2020, the BBVA Group had 269 consolidated entities and 48 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, 2019 were approved by the shareholders at 
the Annual General Meetings (“AGM”) held on March 13, 2020. 

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, 2020, 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 compliance  with IFRS-IASB (International Financial  Reporting 
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board), as well as in accordance with the International Financial Reporting 
Standards endorsed by the European Union (hereinafter, “EU-IFRS”) applicable  as of December  31, 2020, considering the Bank of Spain  
Circular  4/2017,  and  with  any  other legislation  governing financial  reporting which  is  applicable  and  with  the  format  and  mark-up 
requirements established in the EU Delegated Regulation 2019/815 of the European Commission. 

The  BBVA Group’s accompanying  Consolidated Financial  Statements for the  year  ended  December  31, 2020  were  prepared  by  the 
Group’s Directors  (through  the  Board  of  Directors  meeting  held  on  February  8,  2021)  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, 2020, together with the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows generated during the year ended 
December 31, 2020. 

These Consolidated Financial  Statements were  prepared on the basis of the accounting records kept by the Bank and each of the other 
entities in the Group. Moreover, they include  the adjustments and 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. 

 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
1.3 

Comparative information 

The information included in the accompanying consolidated financial  statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December  
31, 2018, is presented in accordance with the applicable regulation, for the purpose of comparison with the information for the year ended 
December 31, 2020.  

Agreement for the sale of BBVA’s U.S. subsidiary to PNC Financial Service  Group 

As mentioned in Note 3, in 2020 BBVA reached an agreement to sell its entire stake in BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc., parent company of 
the Group companies engaged in the banking business in the United States. As required by IFRS 5 "Non-current assets held for sale  and 
discontinued operations", the balances of assets and liabilities corresponding to said companies for sale have been reclassified  from their 
corresponding accounting headings to the headings "Non-current assets and disposal groups classified  as held for sale” and “Liabilities 
included  in  disposal  groups classified  as  held  for sale”  respectively,  from the consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of December  31, 2020.  
Similarly,  as  required  by  the  aforementioned  IFRS 5, the  results generated  by  these  companies  during the financial  year  2020  are 
presented in the heading “Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations” of the consolidated income statement for such year, and 
in the heading "Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale"  in the consolidated statements of recognized income 
and expense  for such year.  Additionally, the results corresponding to the years 2019  and 2018 have  been reclassified,  to facilitate  the 
comparison between  years,  to that same  section  of the respective  consolidated  income  statements and consolidated  statements of 
recognized income and expense for both years. Finally, in the consolidated statements of cash flows, the balances corresponding to cash 
and cash equivalents have been reclassified  to the heading "Total cash and cash equivalents classified as non-current assets and disposal 
groups classified as held for sale" as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

Note  21  includes  the condensed  consolidated  balance  sheets, the  condensed  consolidated  income  statements  and  the  condensed 
consolidated cash flow statements of the companies for sale in the United States as of and for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018. 

Hyperinflationary economies 

Considering the interpretation issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) in its “IFRIC Update” of 
March  2020  on IAS 29  “Financial  information in  hyperinflationary  economies”,  the  Group made  an  accounting  policy  change  which 
involves recording the differences  generated when translating the restated financial  statements of the subsidiaries  in hyperinflationary 
economies into euros in the line item “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – Items that may be reclassified  to profit or loss 
– Foreign currency translation” of our consolidated balance sheet net equity. 

In order  to  make  the  information  as  of  December  31,  2019  and  2018  comparable  with  information  as  of  December  31,  2020,  such 
information has been restated by reclassifying  €2,985 million  and €2,987 million,  respectively,  from “Shareholders’ funds – Retained  
earnings” and €6 million and €20 million, respectively, from “Shareholders’ funds – Other reserves” to the headings “Accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) – Items that may be reclassified  to profit or loss –  Foreign currency translation and “Accumulated other 
comprehensive  income  (loss)  –  Items that may  be reclassified  to profit or loss –  Share  of  other recognized  income  and expense  of 
investments in joint ventures and associates” as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

The  reclassifications  corresponding to January  1,  2020  and  2019  are  included  as  "Effect  of  changes  in  accounting  policies"  in  the 
Consolidated Total Statements of Changes in Equity corresponding to the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

IFRS 9- collection of interest on impaired financial  assets 

As a consequence of the application of the interpretation issued by the IFRIC in its “IFRIC Update” of March 2019 regarding the collection 
of interest on impaired financial assets under IFRS 9, such collections are presented since 2020 as reductions in credit-related write-offs 
whereas  previously  they  were  included  as  interest income.  In  order to make  the  information comparable,  the consolidated  income 
statement information for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 has been restated by recognizing a €78 and €80 million reduction 
in the heading “Interest and other income”, respectively against the heading “Impairment or reversal of impairment on financial assets 
not measured at fair value through profit or loss or net gains by modification”. This reclassification has had no net impact on the profit for 
the years  ended December  31, 2019  and  2018,  respectively,  nor on the consolidated  net equity as  of  December  31, 2019  and 2018,  
respectively. 

Trading derivatives recognition 

Information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 has been subject to certain non-significant presentation modifications, in the 
balance  sheet related to the derivative  activity. In order to make  the information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 
2018 comparable with the information as of and for the year ended December  31, 2020, figures as of and for the years ended December  
31, 2019 and 2018 have been restated by recognizing a €953 million and a €1,013 million reduction in the Total Assets and Total Liabilities, 
respectively. 

1.4 

Seasonal nature of income and expense 

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, and are not significantly affected by seasonal factors within the same year. 

 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

1.5 

Management and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic    

The appearance of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in China and its global expansion to a large number of countries, motivated the viral outbreak 
to be classified as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization since last March 11, 2020. The pandemic has affected and continues 
to adversely affect  the world economy and economic activity and conditions in the countries in which the Group operates, leading many 
of them to economic recession. The governments of the different countries in which the Group operates have adopted different measures 
that have conditioned the evolution of the year (see Note 7.2). 

In this pandemic situation, BBVA has focused its attention on ensuring the continuity of the business operational security as a priority and 
monitoring the impacts on the business and on the risks of the Group (such as the impacts on results, capital or liquidity). Additionally, 
BBVA adopted from the beginning a series  of measures  to support its main interest groups. In this sense, the purpose and the Group's 
long-term strategic priorities  remain  the same  and are  even  reinforced,  with a  commitment to technology and data-driven decision-
making. 

With the aim  of mitigating the impact  of COVID-19, various  European and  International bodies  have made  pronouncements aimed  at 
allowing  greater  flexibility  in  the  implementation  of  the  accounting and  prudential  frameworks.  The  BBVA Group has  taken  these 
pronouncements into consideration when preparing these consolidated financial statements (see Note 7.2.1). 

The main impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in the BBVA Group's consolidated Financial Statements are detailed in the following Notes: 

  Note 1.6 includes information on the consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic in the estimates made. 

  Note 4 mentions the amendment of the Group’s shareholder remuneration policy, in accordance with the recommendation issued 
by the European Central Bank, which  no longer pays any amount as a dividend  for the financial  year  2020  until as  long as the 
uncertainties generated by the pandemic remain. 

  Note 7.1 details the main risks associated with the pandemic as well as the impacts that have occurred both in the operations and 
in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. Information on the impact of COVID-19 is included 
in the macroeconomic forecasts and in the calculation of expected losses. 

  Note 7.2 includes information related to the initiatives carried  out by the Group to help the most affected  clients, jointly with the 
corresponding governments. Likewise,  it contains, among others, information regarding the level  of  activity  and  the amount 
corresponding to moratorium measures, both public and private, granted by the Group worldwide. 

 Note 7.5 presents information regarding the impact on liquidity and financing risk. 

 Note 18.1 includes information concerning the impairment of the goodwill in the United States carried out during the first quarter 
of 2020, mainly  due to the impact of COVID-19 in updating the macroeconomic  scenario and the expected evolution of interest  
rates. 

 Note 32 includes information with regard to the impact on the Group's capital. 

  Note 47 includes information on the impact of the update of the macroeconomic scenario affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1.6 

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 Statements in order to calculate the recorded 
or disclosed amount of some assets, liabilities, income, expense and commitments. These estimates relate mainly to the following: 

Loss allowances on certain financial assets (see Notes 7, 12, 13, 14 and 16). 

The assumptions used to quantify certain provisions (see Notes 23 and 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). 

As mentioned before, on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (see Note 1.5). 
The  great  uncertainty associated  to the  unprecedented  nature of  this  pandemic  entails  a  greater  complexity  of  developing  reliable 
estimations and applying judgment.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Therefore, these estimates were made on the basis of the best available  information on the matters analyzed, as of December 31, 2020.  
However, it is possible that events may take place  in the future which could make  it necessary  to amend these estimations (upward or 
downward),  which  would  be  carried  out prospectively,  recognizing  the  effects  of  the  change  in  estimation  in  the  corresponding 
consolidated income statement. 

During 2020 there have been no relevant changes in the assumptions and estimates made as of December  31, 2019 and 2018, with the 
exception of those indicated in these consolidated Financial Statements. 

1.7 

BBVA Group’s Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

BBVA Group’s Consolidated Financial  Statements are  prepared  under  an Internal  Control over Financial  Reporting Model (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, defined and led by Regulation & Internal Control, and 
which is based in two pillars: 

A control system organized into three lines of defense that has been updated and strengthened in 2020, as described below: 

• 

• 

• 

The first line of defense (1LoD) is located within the business and support units, which are responsible for identifying risks 
associated  with their processes, as well  as for implementing and executing the necessary  controls to mitigate them. In 
2019, in order to reinforce the adequate risk management in each area’s processes, the role of the Risk Control Assurer 
was created.  

The second line of defense (2LoD) comprises the specialized  control units for each type of risk (Finance, Legal, IT, Third 
Party, Compliance or Processes among others). This second line defines the mitigation and control frameworks for their 
areas  of  responsibility  across  the  entire  organization  and  performs  challenge  to  the control  model  (supervises  the 
implementation and design of the controls and assesses their effectiveness).  

The third line of defense (3LoD) is the Internal Audit unit, which conducts an independent review  of the model, verifying  
the compliance and effectiveness  of the model. 

A committee structure in the Group, called  Corporate Assurance, which enables  the escalation  of possible  weaknesses  and 
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 within Finance comply with a common and standard methodology established at the 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 ICRF 
effectiveness

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 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 Committee of the 
Bank’s Board of Directors. 

The BBVA Group is also required to comply with 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 is  included  in  the Corporate Governance  Annual Report within the Management  Report attached  to the 
consolidated financial  statements for the year ended December  31, 2020. 

 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
2. 
recent IFRS pronouncements 

Principles of  consolidation,  accounting  policies and  measurement bases  applied and 

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

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 (for definition of control, see Glossary). 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, 2020.  Appendix I  includes  other 
significant information on all entities. 

Joint ventures 

Joint ventures are  those entities for 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 as of December 31, 2020.  

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

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,  
2020, these entities are not significant to 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  applicab le 
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,  assessing  whether  the  Group  has  control  over  the  relevant  elements,  exposure  to  variable  returns  from 
involvement with the investee and the ability to use control 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

- 

- 

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. 

These types of entities include  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 advances, 
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 recorded as 
liabilities  within the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. 

For additional information on the accounting treatment for the transfer and derecognition of financial  instruments, see Note 2.2.2. 
“Transfers and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities”.   

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, 2020,  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. 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 carrying 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 year only include 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, 2020, financial  statements as of December  31 of all  Group entities were  utilized  
except for the case  of the consolidated financial  statements of 6 associates deemed  non-significant for which financial  statements as of 
November 30, 2020 were used. 

Separate financial  statements 

The separate financial  statements of the parent company of the Group 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 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”. 

Appendix IX shows BBVA’s financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

2.2 

Accounting principles and policies and applied valuation methods 

The accounting principles and policies and the valuation methods applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements may 
differ from those used, at the individual level,  by some of the entities that are  part of the BBVA Group; This is why, in the consolidation 
process, the necessary  adjustments and reclassifications  are  made to standardize  such principles  and criteria among themselves  and 
bring them into line with the IFRS-EU. 

 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
In preparing the accompanying consolidated Annual Accounts, the following accounting principles and policies  and assessment criteria 
have been applied: 

2.2.1 

Financial  instruments 

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. However,  the Group has  chosen to continue applying IAS 39  for 
accounting for hedges, until the completion of the macro-hedging project of IFRS 9 as permitted by IFRS 9. 

Classification and measurement of financial assets 

Classification of financial  assets 

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

The classification  of financial  instruments in the categories of amortized cost or fair value  depends on the business model with which the 
entity manages  the assets and the contractual characteristics  of the cash flows, commonly known as the "solely payments of principle 
and interest" criterion (hereinafter, the SPPI). 

The assessment of the business model should reflect the way the Group manages groups of financial assets and does not depend on the 
intention for an individual  instrument. Thus, for each  entity within the BBVA Group there are  different business models  for managing 
assets. 

In order to determine the business model, the following aspects are taken into account: 

The way  in which the performance of the business model (and that of the assets which comprise such business model) is 
evaluated and reported to the entity's key personnel; 

The risks and the way in which the risks that affect the performance of the business model are managed; 

The way  in which business model managers are remunerated; 

The frequency, amount and timing of sales in previous years, the reasons for such sales and expectations regarding future 
sales. 

Regarding the SPPI  test, the analysis  of the cash flows aims  to determine whether the contractual cash flows of the assets correspond 
only to payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding at the beginning of the transaction. Interest is understood 
here as the consideration for the time value of money; and for the credit risk associated with the principal amount outstanding during a 
specific  period; and for financing and structure costs, plus a profit margin. 

The most significant judgments used by the Group in evaluating compliance with the conditions of the SPPI test are the following: 

  Modified time  value: in the event that a  financial  asset includes  a  periodic interest rate adjustment but the frequency  of this 
adjustment does not coincide with the term of the reference interest rate (for example, the interest rate reset every six months 
to a one-year rate), the Group assesses, at the time of the initial recognition, this mismatch to determine whether the contractual 
cash  flows (undiscounted) differ  significantly  or not from the cash flows  (undiscounted) of a benchmark  financial  asset, for 
which there would be no change in the time value of money. The defined tolerance  thresholds are 10%  for the differences  in  
each period and 5% for the analysis accumulated throughout the financial asset life. 

Contractual clauses: The contractual clauses can modify the calendar or the amount of the contractual cash flows are 
analyzed to verify if the contractual cash flows that would be generated during the life of the instrument due to the exercise of 
those clauses are only payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. To do this, the contractual 
cash flows that may be generated before and after the modification are analyzed. 

The main criteria taken into account in the analysis are: 

o 

o 

Early termination clauses: generally  a contractual clause that permits the debtor to prepay a debt instrument before 
maturity is consistent with SPPI when the prepayment amount substantially represents unpaid amounts of principal 
and interest on the principal amount outstanding (which may include reasonable additional compensation for the 
early termination of the contract). 

Instruments with an interest rate linked to contingent events: 

 

 

An instrument whose interest rate is reset to a higher rate if the debtor misses a particular payment may 
meet the SPPI criterion because  of the relationship between missed payments and an increase in credit 
risk. 

An instrument with contractual cash flows that are indexed to the debtor’s performance – e.g. net income 
or is adjusted based on a certain index or stock market value would not meet the SPPI criterion. 

o 

Perpetual instruments: to the extent that they can be considered instruments with continuous (multiple) extension 
options, they meet the SPPI test if the contractual flows meet it. When the issuer can defer the payment of interest, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

if such payment would affect their solvency, they would meet the SPPI test if the deferred interest accrues 
additional interest, while if they do not, they would not meet the test. 

Non-recourse financial instruments: In the case of debt instruments that are repaid primarily with the cash flows of specific 
assets or projects and the debtor has no legal responsibility, the underlying assets or cash flows are evaluated to determine 
whether the contractual cash flows of the instrument are consistent with payments of principal and interest on the principal 
amount outstanding. 

o 

o 

If the contractual terms do not give rise to additional cash flows to payments of principal and interest on the amount 
of principal outstanding or limitations to these payments, the SPPI test is met. 

If the debt instrument effectively represents an investment in the underlying assets and its cash flows are 
inconsistent with principal and interest (because they depend on the performance of a business), the SPPI test is 
not met. 

Contractually linked instruments: a look-through analysis is carried out in the case of transactions that are set through the 
issuance of multiple financial instruments forming tranches that create concentrations of credit risk in which there is an order 
of priority that specifies how the flows of cash generated by the underlying set of financial instruments are allocated  to the 
different tranches. The debt tranches of the instrument will comply with the requirement that their cash flows represent only 
payment of principal and interest on the outstanding principal if: 

a)  the contractual terms of the tranche being assessed for classification (without looking through to the underlying pool of 
financial  instruments) give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount 
outstanding  

b)  the underlying pool of financial instruments comprises instruments with cash flow that are solely payments of principal 

and interest on the principal amount outstanding, and 

c)  the exposure to credit risk in the underlying pool of financial instruments inherent in the tranche is equal to or lower than 
the exposure to credit risk of the underlying pool of financial instruments (for example, the credit rating of the tranche 
being assessed for classification  is equal to or higher than the credit rating that would apply to a single tranche that 
funded the underlying pool of financial instruments) 

In any event, the contractual conditions that, at the time of the initial  recognition, have a minimal  effect  on cash flows or depend on the 
occurrence of exceptional and highly unlikely events do not prevent compliance with the conditions of the SPPI test. 

Based on the above characteristics, financial  assets will  be classified  and valued as described below. 

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 maturity, to receive 
contractual cash flows; and 

The contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise to cash flows that are only payments of principal and interest. 

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  cash flows  which  only  represent the return of the principal  and 
interest. 

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. 

Measurement of financial  assets 

All financial  instruments are initially  recognized at fair  value, plus, those transaction costs which are  directly attributable to the issue of 
the particular instrument, with the exception of those financial assets which are classified  at fair value through profit or loss.  

All changes in the value of financial  assets due to the interest accrual and similar  items are recorded in the headings "Interest income and 
other similar income" or "Interest expenses", of the consolidated income statement of the year  in which the accrual  occurred (see  Note 
37), except for trading derivatives that are not economic and accounting hedges. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 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. 

“Financial  assets  held for trading”, “Non-trading financial  assets  mandatorily at fair  value  through profit and loss” or “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 or 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. Financial assets are classified  in “Financial  assets designated at fair value through profit or loss” 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  sheet are measured upon acquisition at fair value and changes 
in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized as their net value under the headings “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” and “Gains (losses)  
on financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss, net” in the accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 41). 
Changes in fair value resulting from variations in foreign exchange rates are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences, 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.  This category of valuation  
implies  the  recognition of  the information  in  the income  statement as  if  it  were  an  instrument valued  at  amortized  cost, while  the 
instrument is valued at fair value in the balance sheet. Thus, both interest income on these instruments and the exchange differences and 
impairment that arise in their case are recorded in the profit and loss account, while subsequent changes in its fair value (gains or losses)  
are recognized temporarily (by the amount net of tax effect) under the heading “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - 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). 

The amounts recognized under the headings “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - Items that may be reclassified  to profit 
or loss - Fair value  changes of financial  assets measured  at fair value through other comprehensive income” continue to form part of the 
Group's consolidated equity until the corresponding asset is derecognized from the consolidated balance  sheet or until a loss allowance 
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” (see Note 41). 

The net loss allowances  in “Financial  assets at fair  value through other comprehensive income” over the year  are recognized under the 
heading  “Impairment or  reversal  of impairment  on financial  assets  not measured  at  fair  value  through profit or loss or  net gains by 
modification - Financial  assets at fair value  through other comprehensive income” (see Note 48) in the consolidated income statement 
for that period. 

Interest income on these instruments are recorded in the consolidated profit and loss account (see Note 37). Changes in foreign exchange 
rates are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences, net" in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 41). 

Equity instruments 

At the time of initial  recognition of specific  investments in equity instruments, the BBVA Group may  make  the irrevocable  decision to 
present subsequent changes  in fair  value  in other comprehensive  income. Subsequent changes in  this valuation will  be recognized in  
"Other accumulated comprehensive income - Items that will not be reclassified  in results - Changes in the fair value of equity instruments 
measured  at fair value  with changes in other comprehensive  income". Dividends received  from these investments are  recorded in the 
heading "Dividend income" in the consolidated income statement (see Note 38). These  instruments are not subject to the impairment 
model of IFRS 9. 

“Financial assets at amortized cost” 

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

Net loss allowances  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 or net gains by modification – financial assets 
measured at amortized cost” in the consolidated income statement for such period (see Note 47). 

Classification and measurement of financial liabilities  

Classification of financial  liabilities 

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

 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

• 

• 

• 

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

Measurement of financial  liabilities 

Financial  liabilities  are  initially recorded at fair value, less  transaction costs that are directly  attributable to the issuance  of instruments, 
except for financial instruments that are classified at fair value through profit or loss. 

Variations in the value of financial liabilities  due to the interest accrual and similar items are recorded in the headings “Interest income and 
other similar income” or “Interest expense”, of the consolidated income statement for the period in which the accrual occurred (see Note 
37), except for trading derivatives that are not economic and accounting hedges. 

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 headings “Gains  (losses) on financial  assets and liabilities  held for trading, net” and 
“Gains  (losses) on financial  assets and liabilities  designated at fair  value  through profit or loss, net” in the accompanying  consolidated 
income statements (see Note 41). Nevertheless, the changes in the own credit risk of the liabilities  designated under the fair value option 
is presented in “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”, unless this treatment brings about or 
increases  an asymmetry in the income statement. However, changes in fair value resulting from variations in foreign exchange rates are 
recognized under the heading “Exchange differences,  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. 

Hybrid financial  liabilities 

When a  financial  liability  contains an embedded  derivative,  the Group analyzes  whether the economic  characteristics  and risks  of the 
embedded derivative and the host instrument are closely related. 

If the characteristics and risks of the host and the derivative are closely  related, the instrument as a whole will be classified  and measured  
according  to the  general  rules  for financial  liabilities.  If, on  the other hand, the economic  characteristics  and risks  of  the embedded  
derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host, its terms meet the definition of a derivative and the 
hybrid contract is not measured  at fair  value  with  changes in fair  value  recognized  in profit or loss, the embedded  derivative  shall  be 
separated from the host and accounted for as a derivative separately at fair value with changes in profit and loss and the host instrument 
will be classified  and measured according to its nature. 

“Derivatives-Hedge Accounting” and “Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest-rate risk” 

The Group uses financial  derivatives as a tool for managing financial risks, mainly interest rates and exchange rates (See  Note 7). 

When these transactions meet certain requirements, they are considered "hedging". 

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  (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,  except for interest-rate risks hedges (which are almost all of the hedges used by the Group), for which 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, with the corresponding 

 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

offset on the headings “Derivatives-Hedge Accounting” 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  (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 (loss) - Items that may be reclassified  to profit or loss - Hedging 
derivatives. Cash flow hedges (effective  portion)” 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 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 (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 (loss) - Items that may be reclassified  
to profit or loss – Hedging of net investments in foreign operations (effective  portion)" 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). 

Loss allowances on financial assets 

The “expected losses” impairment model is applied  to financial assets valued at amortized cost, to debt instruments valued at fair value 
with  changes  in  other accumulated  comprehensive  income,  to financial  guarantee  contracts and  other commitments.  All  financial 
instruments valued at fair value through profit or loss are excluded from the impairment model 

The 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. 

Both, the modeling for expected losses estimates and the factors affecting such losses forecasts require considerable  judgment, which 
must be carried out on a weighted probability basis. 

The BBVA Group has applied the following definitions: 

Default 

The Group has applied a definition of default for financial  instruments that is consistent with that used in internal credit risk management, 
and coherent with the definition applied  by the Group within the prudential context. The Group has considered the existence of 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,  2020,  the Group has  not 
considered periods higher than 90 days for any significant portfolio.  

These  criteria  are  aligned  in  all  the geographies  where  the Group  operates, being  only  minor  differences  kept  in  order  to facilitat e 
management  adoption al  a  national level.  In this sense,  national criteria  are  permitted, within the Group standards and searching  for 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
consistency and coherence between the geographies, easing the adoption of the default definition management. 

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, or 

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. 

Credit risk management for wholesale  counterparties is carried  out at the customer (or group) level. For this reason, the classification of 
any of a client's exposures as impaired, whether due to more than 90 days of default or due to any of the subjective criteria, implies  the 
classification  as impaired of all  the client's exposures. There may be some justified exception that, in any case, are not significant. 

Regarding retail clients, which are  managed at the operation level, the scoring systems review  their score, among other reasons, in the 
event of a breach in any of their transactions which also triggers the necessary recovery actions. These include refinancing measures that, 
where  appropriate, may  lead  to all  customer transactions being considered  impaired.  Furthermore, given the granularity of the retail 
portfolios, the differential  behavior of these clients in relation to their products and collateral provided, as well as the time necessary to 
find the best solution, the Group has established as an indicator that when a transaction of a retail client has default in excess of 90 days  
and this represents more than 20% of the client's total balance, all  its transactions are considered impaired, this without prejudice to the 
fact that lower limits have been established due to management practices in some geography. 

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 
(for more detail on the methodology used, see Note 7.2.1): 

• 

• 

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  (see Note 7.2.1).  

Qualitative criterion: most indicators for detecting significant risk increase are included in the Group's systems through rating and 
scoring systems or macroeconomic scenarios, so the quantitative analysis covers the majority of circumstances. The Group uses 
additional qualitative criteria to identify significant increase  in credit risk and thus, to include circumstances that are not reflected  
in the rating/score systems or macroeconomic scenarios used. Such qualitative criteria are the following: 

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, 2020, the Group has not considered 
periods higher than 30 days. 

o  Watch list: They are subject to special watch by the Risk 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, or that, having been previously identified, the 

existence of significant increase  in credit risk is still considered. 

Although the standard introduces a series  of operational simplifications, also known as 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 

 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
credit risk at the presentation date. This possibility is limited to those financial instruments that are classified as having high credit quality 
and high liquidity to comply with the liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”). This does not prevent these assets from being assigned the credit  
risk coverage that corresponds to their classification as Stage 1 based on their credit rating and macroeconomic expectations. 

The classification  of financial  instruments subject to impairment under 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 derived from defaults.  

Stage 2– significant increases  in credit risk 

When the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since the initial recognition, the loss allowances  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. 

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  

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, and 

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

forecasts of future economic conditions. 

Expected losses are measured both individually and collectively 

The individualized  estimate  of credit losses results from calculating the difference  between  the expected  cash flows  discounted at the 
effective  interest rate of the transaction and the carrying amount of the instrument (See Note 7.2.1). 

For the collective measurement of expected losses the instruments are classified into groups of assets based on their risk characteristics. 
Exposure within each group is segmented according to credit risk common characteristics, which indicate the payment capacity of the 
borrower according to the 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 (see Note 7): 

  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.  

 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

LGD: estimate of the loss in case  of default, calculated  as the difference  between the contractual cash flows and receivables,  
including  guarantees. For these  purposes, the  probability  of  executing  the guarantee  is  considered  in  the estimation,  the 
moment until its ownership and subsequent realization, the expected cashflows and acquisition and sale costs. 

CCF: cash conversion factor is the estimate made on off-balance  sheet to determine the exposure subject to credit risk in the 
event of a default. 

At the BBVA Group, the calculated expected credit losses are based on internal models developed for all portfolios within the IFRS 9 scope, 
except for the cases that are subject to individual analysis. 

The calculation and recognition of expected losses includes exposures with governments and credit institutions, for which, despite having 
a reduced number of defaults in the information databases, internal models have been developed, considering, as sources of information, 
the data  provided by external  rating agencies  or other observed in the market, such as changes in bond yields, prices of credit default 
swaps or any other public information on them. 

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 low. To achieve this, 
the Group generally evaluates the linear relationship between its estimated loss parameters (PD, GDP, EAD) with the historical and future 
forecasts of the macroeconomic scenarios.  

Additionally, 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 a methodology based on the use of three scenarios. The first is the most probable 
scenario (base  scenario) that is consistent with that used in the Group's internal management processes, and two additional ones, one 
more positive and the other more negative. The combined outcome of these three scenarios is calculated  considering the weight given to 
each of them. The main macroeconomic variables  that are valued in each of the scenarios for each of the geographies in which the Group 
operates are the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the real  estate price index, interest rates and the unemployment rate, although, in the 
first place, the main goal is seeking the greatest predictive capacity with respect to the former two (see Note 7.2.1). 

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  expense  of the new  financial 
liability  continue to be recognized. 

Treatment of securitizations 

The securitizations to which the Group entities transfer their credit portfolios are consolidated entities of the Group. For more information, 
refer to Note 2.1 “Principles of consolidation”. 

The Group considers that the risks and benefits of the securitizations are  substantially retained if the subordinated bonds are held and/ 
or if subordination funding has been granted to those securitization funds, which means that the credit loss risk of the securitized assets 
will be assumed. Consequently, the Group is not derecognizing those transferred loan portfolios. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
On the other hand, the Group has carried out synthetic securitizations, which are transactions where risk is transferred through derivatives 
or financial  guarantees and in which  the exposure of these securitizations remains  in  the balance  sheet of the Group. The  Group has  
established the synthetic securitizations through received financial guarantees. As for the commissions paid, they are accrued during the 
term of the financial guarantee. 

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 recognizes 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. 

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  loss allowances  on  debt instruments measured  at 
amortized cost (see Note 2.2.1). 

The provisions recognized for financial  guarantees 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). 

Synthetic securitizations made by the Group to date meet the requirements of the accounting regulations for accounting as guarantees. 
Consideration as a financial guarantee means recognition of the commission paid for it over the period. 

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

The heading “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified  as held for sale”  in the consolidated balance  sheet includes the carrying  
amount of individual items or items integrated in a group ("disposal group") or that form part of a significant business line or geographic 
area that it is intended to be disposed of (“discontinued operation”) whose sale is highly probable that it will take place under the conditions 
in which such assets are currently located within a period of one year from the date to which the financial  statements refer. Additionally, 
assets that were expected to be disposed of within a year but which disposal is delayed and is caused by events and circumstances beyond 
the control of the Group can be classified as held for sale (see Note 21). 

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

The heading "Non-current assets and disposal groups as held for sale" includes the assets received by the subsidiaries for the satisfaction, 
in whole or in part, of the payment obligations of their debtors (foreclosed or received  in payment of debt or recoveries  from financial 
leasing transactions, unless the Group has decided  to make continued use of those assets). The BBVA Group has specific units focused 
on real estate management and sale of these types of assets. 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified  as  held for sale  are  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. An impairment or reversal 
of impairment for the difference  is recognized if applicable.  When the amount of the sale  less estimated costs of sale  is higher than the 
carrying value, the gain is not recognized until the moment of disposal and derecognition from the balance sheet. 

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 classified as held for sale”. 

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 assets is based mainly  on appraisals  or valuations carried out by independent experts on an  
annual basis or more frequently if there are indications of impairment by appraisal, evaluating the need to apply a discount on the asset 

 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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. 

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  “Gains 
(losses)  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 expense  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 (loss) after 
tax from discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statement (see Note 1.3 and 21). This heading includes the earnings from 
their sale or other disposal (net of tax effects). 

2.2.5  Tangible Assets 

Property, plant and equipment for own use 

This heading includes the assets under ownership or acquired under lease terms (right to use), 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 which are expected to be held for continuing use. 

For more information regarding the accounting treatment of right to use assets under lease terms, see Note 2.2.18 "Leases". 

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 the net carrying amount of each item 
with its corresponding recoverable amount (see Note 17). 

Depreciation  is calculated  using the straight-line method, during the useful life  of the asset, 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 

Type of assets 

Buildings for own use 

Furniture 

Fixtures 

Office  supplies and hardware 

Lease use rights 

Annual Percentage 

1% - 4% 

8% - 10% 

6% - 12% 

8% - 25% 

The lesser of the lease  term or the useful life of the 
underlying asset 

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 (defined 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 previously impaired  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 recognized 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 analyses are  performed for these CGUs to check whether sufficient cash flows are generated to support 
the value of the assets comprised within. 

Operating and maintenance expense 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  expense  - 
Property, fixtures and materials" (see Note 44.2). 

 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 such date. This fair value will  be determined taking as 
references  the valuations performed by independent experts. 

2.2.6  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  measure  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. 

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. 

2.2.7 

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 CGUs that expect to be the beneficiaries  of the synergies derived from the business combinations. 
The CGUs 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 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 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” (see Note 49). 

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 amortization 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 losses 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 49). 
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. 

2.2.8 

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 expense  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 recorded by consolidated insurance entities with respect to insurance policies issued by them are set out 
by their nature in Note 23. 

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

 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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: 

This provision includes the amount of the bonuses accruing to policyholders, insurees or 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. 

2.2.9  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. These  amounts are  calculated  by applying  to each  temporary  difference  the tax  rates that are 
expected to apply when the asset is realized  or the liability settled (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 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
is unlikely that it will reverse in the future. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that the consolidated entities 
will generate enough taxable profits to make deferred tax assets effective  and do not correspond to those from initial recognition (except 
in the case of business combinations), which also does not affect the fiscal outcome. 

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

2.2.10  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 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 
2.2.11, 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 
businesses combinations) but are disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, unless the possibility of an outflow of 
resources embodying economic benefits is remote. 

2.2.11  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 expense. 

Costs are  charged  and recognized under the heading “Administration costs – Personnel  expense  –  Other personnel expense”  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. 

 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The  contributions made  to  these  plans  in  each  year  by  BBVA  Group  entities  are  charged  and  recognized  under  the  heading 
“Administration costs – Personnel expense–  Defined-contribution plan expense” of the consolidated income statement (see Note 44.1).  

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

Interest credits/charges relating to these commitments are charged and recognized in net terms under the headings “Interest and other 
income” or, where appropriated, “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. 

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 (loss) – Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss – Actuarial gains (losses) on defined 
benefit pension plans" of equity in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 30). 

2.2.12  Equity-settled  share-based payment  transactions 

Equity –settled share-based payment transactions, provided they constitute the delivery of such equity instruments once completion of 
a specific period of services has occurred, 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 

 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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. 

2.2.13  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.  

2.2.14  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). 

2.2.15  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. 

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  initially  accounted  for  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, 

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. 

  Monetary items are converted to the functional currency at the closing exchange rate. 

Income and expense 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 recorded to equity 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” 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 expense 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 during the year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 (loss) – Items 
that may be reclassified  to profit or loss - Foreign currency translation” 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 (loss) - Items that may be reclassified 
to profit or loss - of other recognized income and expense of investments in joint ventures and associates" (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 2.2.19). 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 “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – Items that may be reclassified  to 
profit or loss - Foreign currency translation”. 

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

Venezuela 

Local financial  statements of the Group subsidiaries in Venezuela are expressed in Venezuelan Bolivar, and converted into euros for the 
consolidated financial  statements. Venezuela is a country with strong exchange restrictions that has different rates officially published, 
and, since December  31, 2015, the Board of Directors considers that the use of these 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 this country. Therefore, since  the year  ended December  31, 2015, the exchange  rate for 
converting bolivars into euros is an estimation taking into account the evolution of the estimated inflation in Venezuela.  

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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 (see Note 2.2.19).  

2.2.16  Recognition of income and expense 

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

Interest income and expense and similar items: 

As a general rule, interest income and expense 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 expense: 

• 

• 

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 
of the equity instrument because it represents a partial 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Commissions, fees and similar items: 

Income and  expense  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 expense: 

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. 

2.2.17  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). 

2.2.18  Leases 

Effective January 1, 2019, IFRS 16 replaced  IAS 17 “Leases”. The single lessee accounting model requires the lessee to record assets and 
liabilities  for all lease  contracts. The standard provides two exceptions to the recognition of lease assets and liabilities that can be applied  
in the case  of short-term contracts and those in which the underlying assets have low value. BBVA elected  to apply both exceptions. A 
lessee  is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset, which is recorded under the 
headings ‘‘Tangible assets – Property plants and equipment’’ and ‘‘Tangible assets – Investment properties’’ of the consolidated balance 
sheet (see Note 17) and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments which is recorded under the heading ‘‘ Financial 
liabilities  at amortized cost – Other financial  liabilities’’ in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 22.5). 

At the initial date of the lease, the lease  liability represents the present value of all lease  unpaid payments. The liabilities  registered under 
this heading of the consolidated balance  sheets are  measured after their initial  recognition at amortized cost, this being determined in 
accordance with the “effective  interest rate” method. 

The right to use assets are initially recorded at cost. This cost consists of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any payment made 
before the initial date less any lease  incentives received,  all direct initial expenses  incurred, as well  as an estimate of the expenses  to be 
incurred by the lessee, such as expenses related to the removal and dismantling of the underlying asset. The right to use assets recorded 
under this heading of the consolidated balance sheets are measured after their initial recognition at cost less: 

The accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment 

Any remeasurement of the lease liability. 

The interest expense on the lease  liability  is recorded in the consolidated income statements under the heading “Interest expense”  (see 
note 37). Variable payments not included in the initial measurement of the lease liability  are recorded under the heading “Administration 
costs – Other administrative expense” (see Note 44). 

Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the lifetime of the lease contract, on the basis of the cost of the assets. The 
tangible  asset  depreciation  charges  are  recognized  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statements  under  the  heading 
"Depreciation and Amortization" (see Note 45). 

In case of electing one of the exceptions in order not to recognize the corresponding right to use and the liability in the consolidated balance 
sheets, payments related to the corresponding lease  are  recognized in the consolidated income statements, over the contract period, 
lineally,  or in the way  that best represents the structure of the lease  operation, under the heading "Other operating expense”  (see  Note 
42). 

Operating  lease  and  sublease  incomes  are  recognized  in the  consolidated  income  statements under the  headings “Other  operating 
income” (see Note 42). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
As a lessor, 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 
advances”  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 
income” and "Other operating expense" (see Note 42). 

If a fair value sale and leaseback  results in a lease, the profit or loss generated from the effectively transferred part of the sale is recognized 
in the consolidated income statement at the time of sale (only for the effectively  transmitted part).  

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. 

2.2.19  Entities  and branches located in countries with hyperinflationary  economies 

In accordance  with the EU-IFRS 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 savings 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 

Since 2018, the economy of Argentina has been considered hyperinflationary under the above criteria. As a result, the financial statements 
of the BBVA Group’s entities located in Argentina have therefore been adjusted to correct for the effects of inflation in accordance  with 
IAS 29 “Financial reporting in hyperinflationary economies“.  

During 2020,  2019  and 2018,  the increase  in  the reserves  of Group entities  located  in Argentina derived  from  the re-expression  for 
hyperinflation (IAS 29) amounts to €343, €470 and €703 million, respectively, of which €228, €313 and €463 million, respectively, have 
been recorded within “Equity – Accumulated other comprehensive income /(loss)” and €115, €157 and €240 million, respectively,  within 
“Minority interests – Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)”. Furthermore, during 2020, 2019 and 2018 the decrease  in the 
reserves  of  Group  entities  located  in  Argentina derived  from  the  conversion (IAS  21)  amounted to  €482, €460  and  €773 million,  
respectively, of which €320, €305 and €515 million, respectively, have been recorded within “Equity – Accumulated other comprehensive 
income/(loss)”,  and  €162,  €155  and  €258  million,  respectively,  within  “Minority  interests  –  Accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income/(loss)”.  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 years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The net loss in the profit attributable 
to the parent company of the Group in 2020, 2019 and 2018 derived from the application of IAS 29 amounted to €148, €190  and €209 
million, respectively. In addition, there is a net loss in the profit attributable to the parent company of the Group in 2020, 2019 and 2018  
derived from the application of IAS 21 which amounted to €26, €34 and €57 million, respectively. 

The breakdown of the General Price  Index (“GPI”) and the inflation index used as of December  31, 2020 for the inflation of the financial 
statements of the Group companies located in Argentina is as follows:  

General Price Index  

0 

GPI 
Average GPI 
Inflation of the period 

Venezuela 

2020 

387 
331 
36.5% 

Since  2009,  the  economy  of  Venezuela  has  been  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“. 

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 €5, €8 and €12 million 
in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively (see Note 2.2.15). 

 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
2.3  Recent IFRS pronouncements   

Standards  and interpretations that became  effective  in 2020 

The following amendments to the IFRS standards or their interpretations (hereinafter “IFRIC”) became effective in 2020.  

IAS 1 and IAS 8 – “Definition of Material” 

The  amendments  clarify  the  definition  of  “material”  in  the preparation  of  the financial  statements  by  aligning  the  definition  of  the 
Conceptual  Framework,  IAS 1  and  IAS 8  (which,  before  such  amendment,  contained  similar  but not  identical  definitions).  The  new 
definition of material  is as follows: “information is material  if its omission, misrepresentation or obscuration can reasonably be expected  
to influence the decisions made by the primary users of a specific entity’s general purpose financial statements, based on those financial 
statements.” 

The implementation of this standard has had no significant impact on the Group´s consolidated financial statements. 

IFRS 3 – “Definition of a business” 

The amendment  clarifies  the difference  between  “acquiring  a business”  or “acquiring  a  group of assets”  for accounting purposes. To 
determine whether a transaction is the acquisition of a business, an entity has to evaluate and conclude that the following two conditions 
are met: 

The fair value of the assets acquired is not in a single asset or group of similar assets. 

The set of acquired activities and assets includes, as a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together contribute 
to the ability to create products.  

The implementation of this standard has had no significant impact on the Group´s consolidated financial statements.  

IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 – Modifications – IBOR Reform 

The IBOR Reform (Phase 1) refers to the amendments issued by the IASB on IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 to avoid that some accounting 
hedges have to be discontinued in the period before the reform of the reference rates becomes effective. BBVA Group applies IAS 39 for 
hedge accounting, and therefore the amendments to IFRS 9 referred to in this section do not apply. 

In some cases, and/or jurisdictions, there may exist uncertainty about the future of some reference  rates or their impact on the entity’s 
contracts, which  directly  causes  uncertainty about  the  timing or  amounts of  cash  flows  of  the  hedged  instrument or  the hedging 
instrument. Due to such uncertainties, some entities may be forced to discontinue an accounting hedge, or not be able to designate new 
hedging relationships. 

Consequently, the amendments include several  temporary simplifications  of the requirements for the application  of hedge accounting 
which apply to all hedging relationships that are affected by the uncertainty arising from the Reform. A hedging relationship is affected by 
the reform if it generates uncertainty about the timing or amount of cash flows of the hedged financial  instrument or the hedge linked to 
the specific  benchmark. The simplifications  refer to the requirements on the highly probable future transaction in cash flow hedges, on 
prospective and retrospective  effectiveness  (exemption  from compliance  with the 80%-125%  effectiveness  ratio) and on the need to 
separately identify the risk component. 

As the amendments aim is to provide temporary exceptions to the application of certain specific  hedge accounting requirements, these 
exceptions should terminate once the uncertainty is resolved or the hedge ceases to exist. 

The  Group  also  has  cash  flow  and  fair  value  hedge  accounting relationships  which  are  exposed  to different  IBORS,  predominantly 
EURIBOR, LIBOR in US dollars and to a much lesser degree Sterling LIBOR and other benchmark interest rates. The Group considers that 
the amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7 are applicable  when there is uncertainty about future cash flows.  

The nominal amount of the hedging instruments directly affected by the IBOR reform as of December 31, 2020 is the following: 

Millions of Euros  

Cash flow hedges 

Fair value hedges 

 (*) Equilibrium Interbank Interest Rate used in Mexico.    

LIBOR USD  

LIBOR GBP 

Other - TIIE (*) 

TOTAL 

9,084 

10,608 

- 

266 

574 

1,477 

9,658 

12,351 

 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

As of December 31, 2020, the Group considers that, in general, there is no uncertainty regarding EURIBOR as it has been replaced by 

the hybrid EURIBOR which uses a methodology that meets the standards required by the various international organizations. In the case 

of accounting hedges which are referenced to other benchmark interest rates, despite the uncertainty, based on the simplifications 

provided by the standard, the hedging relationships for the annual period that ended on December 31, 2020, will not be affected by the 
IBOR reform. 

IFRS 16 –Leases – COVID-19 modifications 

On May 28, 2020, the IASB approved an  amendment to IFRS 16  to include  a practical  expedient  to the accounting treatment for rent 
concessions (payment deferrals  and temporary rent reductions) that occur due to a direct consequence of COVID-19 (see Note 1.5). 

The amendment permits lessees to account for rent concessions as if they were not lease modifications to the initial ones. It is applicable 
to rent concessions related to COVID-19, which reduces lease  payments before June 30, 2021. This amendment is effective  from June 1, 
2020. 

The implementation of this standard has had no significant impact on the Group´s consolidated financial statements. 

Standards  and interpretations issued but not yet  effective as  of December 31, 2020 

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, 2020. Although in some 
cases the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) allows early adoption before their effective  date, the BBVA Group has not 
proceeded with this option for any such new standards. 

IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 - Modifications - IBOR reform 

On August 27, 2020, the IASB issued the second phase of the IBOR reform that involves the introduction of amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 
39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16, to ensure that the financial statements reflect the economic effects of the IBOR reform. The amendments 
focus on the accounting for financial instruments once a new benchmark has been introduced. 

Such modifications introduce the practical simplification of accounting for changes in the cash flows of the financial  instruments directly 
caused by the IBOR reform and, if they take place  under an “economically  equivalent”  context, through the effective interest rate of the 
financial  instrument update.  Similarly,  a  practical  simplification  will  be  applied  to IFRS 16  “Leases”  for leases,  when  accounting for 
modifications in lease  agreements as a consequence of the IBOR reform. Additionally, some exemptions to the hedging requirements are 
introduced  so  as  not  to  discontinue  certain  hedging  relationships.  However,  similar  to  the  phase  1  amendments,  these  phase  2 
amendments do not provide exceptions to the valuation requirements applicable to hedged items and hedging instruments in accordance 
with IFRS 9 or IAS 39. Thus, once the new benchmark has been implemented, the hedged items and hedging instruments must be valued 
according to the new index, and any possible ineffectiveness  that may exist in the hedge will  be recognized in profit or loss. On the other 
hand, new disclosures are introduced. 

The IBOR transition is considered to be a complex initiative, which affects BBVA Group in different geographical areas and business lines,  
as  well  as  in  a  multitude of products, systems  and processes.  Therefore,  BBVA Group has  established  an  IBOR transition program, 
provided with a robust governance structure by means of an Executive Steering Committee, with representation from senior management 
of the affected areas, which reports directly to the Group's Global Leadership Team. At the local level, each geography has defined a local 
governance structure with the participation of senior management. The coordination between geographies is realized through the Project 
Management Office (PMO) and the Global Working Groups that incorporate a multi-geographic and transversal view on the areas of Legal, 
Risk, Regulatory, Engineering, Finance and Accounting. The project also involves both Corporate Assurance of the different geographies 
and business lines and Global Corporate Assurance of the Group. 

The IBOR transition project within BBVA Group takes  into account the different approaches and timings of transition to the new  RFRs 
(risk-free rate) when evaluating the economic, operational, legal, financial, reputational or compliance risks associated with the transition, 
as well  as defining the lines of action to mitigate them. A relevant aspect of this transition is its impact on contracts referenced to LIBOR 
(mainly dollar) and EONIA rates that mature after 2021. In this regard, in the case of the EONIA, BBVA aims to carry out a novation of the 
contracts maturing after 2021 (it should be noted that these exposures are immaterial  in the Group) and has already  begun, proactively, 
the renegotiation of collateral contracts to adapt them to the operations against clearing houses homogeneously which already migrated 
last  July.  The  Group already  has  new  fallbacks  in  place  which  incorporate  the €STR  as  a  replacement  rate,  as  well  as  language  to 
incorporate this benchmark as the main reference  rate in new contracts. In the case  of LIBOR, BBVA Group has identified  the stock of 
contracts expiring after 2021 and is working on the implementation of tools/systems that will allow  the stock to be migrated to solutions 
such as those proposed by ISDA (Group entities are either already adhering to the ISDA protocol or in the process of doing so). Likewise, 
BBVA Group continues to work on adapting all  its systems and processes  to deal  with alternative  Risk Free  Rates, such as SOFR  and 
SONIA. In the case  of EURIBOR, the European authorities have encouraged amendments of its methodology so that it complies with the 
requirements of the European Regulation on Benchmarks. BBVA actively participates in various working groups, including the EURO RFR 
WG which works specifically,  amongst others, on the definition of fallbacks in contracts, in anticipation of an option to change the index in 
the future. 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
BBVA Group has a significant number of financial  assets  and liabilities  referenced  to IBOR rates, especially  EURIBOR, which are  used, 
among others, in loans, deposits, debt issuances and financial  derivatives. Furthermore, although the exposure to EONIA is lower in the 
banking book, this benchmark interest rate is used in financial derivatives  in the trading book, as well as in the collateral  agreements and 
most are booked in Spain. In the case of LIBOR, the USD is the most relevant currency for both cash products and financial derivatives in  
the banking book and the trading book. Other LIBOR currencies (CHF, GBP and JPY) have a much lower specific  weight. 

These modifications introduced in the second phase of the reform will be mandatory as of January 2021, with possible early adoption. In 
this sense, based on the progress of the transition to the new indices in the Group, the BBVA Group has considered that it is not necessary 
to early  adopt IBOR reform phase  2 in  the BBVA Group in 2020.  On January  13, 2021,  the European Commission has  endorsed the 
aforementioned modifications. 

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, 2023. In 2019,  the Group established  an IFRS 17 
implementation project with the objective of harmonizing the criteria in the Group and with the participation of all the affected areas. 

Amendments to IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts 

The amendment to IFRS 4 includes  a deferral  in the temporary exception option regarding the application of IFRS 9 for entities whose 
business model is predominantly an insurance model until January 1, 2023, aligning it with the entry into force of the IFRS 17 Insurance 
Contracts rule. This modification will  be applicable  from January 1, 2021, although it will not have an impact on the Group since the Bank 
will not take such option. 

3. 

BBVA Group 

The BBVA Group is an international diversified  financial  group with a significant presence  in retail banking, wholesale  banking and asset  
management. The Group also operates in the insurance sector. 

The  following  information is  detailed  in  the  appendices  of these  consolidated  financial  statements of  the Group for  the  year  ended  
December 31, 2020: 

Appendix I shows relevant information related to the consolidated subsidiaries and structured entities. 

Appendix II shows relevant information related to investments in 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. 

The following table sets forth information related to the Group’s total assets as of December 31, 2020, 2019  and 2018, broken down by 
the Group’s entities according to their activity:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Contribution to Consolidated Group total assets. Entities by main activities (Millions of euros) 

Banking and other financial services 

Insurance and pension fund managing companies 

Other non-financial services 

Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

705,683 

666,366 

646,199 

28,667 

1,826 

29,300 

2,071 

26,684 

2,793 

736,176 

697,737 

675,675 

The total assets and results of operations broken down by operating segments 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  carried  out through Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  Argentaria, S.A. The Group also  has other 
entities that mainly operate in Spain’s banking sector and insurance sector. 

  Mexico 

The BBVA Group operates in Mexico, not only in the banking sector, but also in the insurance sector through BBVA Mexico. 

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, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Chile. 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, 2020, are consolidated (see Note 2.1). 

The United States 

The Group’s activity in the United States is mainly carried out through the BBVA, S.A. New York branch, the Houston branch of 
BBVA Mexico, the stake in Propel Venture Partners and the business developed through its broker dealer BBVA Securities Inc. 
and a representative office in Silicon Valley (California). Regarding the sale agreement reached with PNC, it includes BBVA USA 
and other subsidiaries in the United States with activities related to the banking activity (see below “Significant  transactions in 
the Group in 2020” in this same Note) 

Turkey 

The Group’s activity in Turkey is mainly carried  out through the Garanti BBVA Group. 

Rest of Europe 

The  Group’s  activity  in  Europe is  carried  out through  banks  and  financial  institutions in Switzerland,  Italy,  Germany,  the 
Netherlands, Finland and Romania, and branches in Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom. 

Asia-Pacific 

The  Group’s activity  in this  region is  carried  out through  the Bank branches (in  Taipei,  Tokyo,  Hong Kong, Singapore and 
Shanghai) and representative offices (in Beijing, Seoul, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi and Jakarta). 

Significant  transactions in the  Group in 2020  

Divestitures  

Agreement for the sale of BBVA’s U.S. subsidiary to PNC Financial Service  Group 

On November 15, 2020, BBVA reached an agreement with The PNC Financial Services  Group, Inc. for the sale of 100% of the capital stock 
of its subsidiary BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc., which in turn owns all the capital stock of the bank, BBVA USA, as well  as other companies 
of the BBVA Group in the United States with activities related to this banking business.  

The agreement reached  does not include the sale  of the institutional business of the BBVA Group developed through its broker dealer 
BBVA Securities Inc. nor the participation in Propel Venture Partners US Fund I, L.P. which will be transferred by BBVA USA Bancshares, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Inc. to entities of the BBVA Group prior to the closing of the transaction. In addition, BBVA will continue to develop the wholesale business 
that it currently carries out through its branch in New York.  

The price of the transaction amounts to approximately $11,600 million. The price will  be fully paid in cash. 

It is  expected  that the transaction would  result  in  a  positive  impact  on BBVA Group’s Common Equity  Tier  1  ratio  (fully  loaded)  of 
approximately 294 basis points and positive results (net of taxes) of approximately €580 million (calculated at an exchange rate 1.20 EUR 
/USD). During the year  ended December  31, 2020, approximately  €300  million has been  recognized for the entities to be disposed of 
(which  corresponds to the results of the entities  to be  disposed of recognized in the caption Profit (loss) after  tax from discontinued 
operations excluding the impacts of the impairment of goodwill), as well as an approximately positive impact of 9 basis points of Common 
Equity Tier I (fully loaded).   

The closing of the transaction is subject to obtaining regulatory authorizations from the competent authorities. It is estimated that the 
closing of the transaction would take place in mid 2021. 

Note 21 shows, among other information the condensed balance sheets of the entities to be disposed of as of December 31, 2020, 2019 
and 2018 and the related condensed income statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. 

Alliance with Allianz, Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. 

On April 27, 2020, BBVA reached an agreement with Allianz, Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. to create a bancassurance  joint 
venture in order to develop the non-life insurance business in Spain, excluding the health insurance line of the business. 

On December 14, 2020, once the required authorizations had been obtained, BBVA completed the operation and announced the transfer 
to Allianz, Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. of half plus one share of the company BBVA Allianz Seguros y Reaseguros, SA, for 
which it received  €274 million euros, without taking into account a variable part of the price (up to 100 million euros depending on certain 
objectives and planned milestones). This operation has resulted in a profit net of taxes of 304 million euros and a positive impact on the 
fully loaded CET1 of the BBVA Group of 7 basis points. 

Significant  transactions in the  Group in 2019 

Divestitures  

Sale  of BBVA’s stake in BBVA Paraguay 

On August 7, 2019, BBVA reached an agreement with Banco GNB Paraguay, S.A., an affiliate  of Grupo Financiero Gilinski, for the sale  of 
its wholly-owned subsidiary Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  Argentaria Paraguay,  S.A. (“BBVA Paraguay”).  BBVA owned, directly and indirectly, 
100%  of its share capital in BBVA Paraguay. 

On January  22, 2021 and  after obtaining all  required authorizations, BBVA has  completed the sale  to Banco  GNB Paraguay,  S.A., an  
affiliate  of Grupo Gilinski,  of its 100%  direct and indirect stake share capital  in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  Argentaria Paraguay, S.A. (“BBVA 
Paraguay”).  

The  amount received  by BBVA amounts to approximately  USD250  million  (approximately  €210  million). The  transaction results in a 
capital  loss  of  approximately  €9  million  net  of  taxes.  A  positive  impact  on BBVA Group’s  Common Equity  Tier  1  (fully  loaded)  of 
approximately 6 basis points is estimated to be recognized during the first quarter of 2021 (see Note 56).  

Significant  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  amounted to, approximately, USD 2,200 million. The 
transaction resulted 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 was transferred (the “Business”).  

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 contributed the Business. 

The transaction did not have a significant impact on BBVA Group’s attributable profit of 2018 or the Common Equity Tier 1 (fully loaded)  
as of December 31, 2018. 

4. 

Shareholder remuneration system 

Cash Dividends 

Throughout 2018, 2019 and 2020, 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” and “Total Equity – Retained earnings” of the consolidated balance sheet of the 
relevant year:  

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  to €996  million  and  is  recognized  under heading  “Total  equity-  Retained  earnings”  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) per  BBVA share, as  gross interim dividend  against 2018  results. The  total amount paid to shareholders on 
October 10, 2018, after deducting treasury shares held by the Group's companies, amounted to €663 million and is recognized 
under the heading “Total equity- Interim dividends” of the consolidated balance  sheet as of December  31, 2018. 

The Annual General  Meeting of BBVA held on March 15, 2019, approved, under item 1 of the Agenda, the payment of a final 
dividend  for  2018,  in  addition  to other  dividends  previously  paid,  in  cash  for  an  amount equal  to  €0.16  (€0.1296  net  of 
withholding tax) per BBVA share. The total amount paid to shareholders on April 10, 2019, after deducting treasury shares held 
by the Group’s Companies, amounted to €1,064 million and is recognized under the heading “Total equity- Retained earnings” 
of the consolidated balance sheet as of December  31, 2019. 

The  Board  of  Directors, at  its  meeting  held  on October  2,  2019,  approved  the  payment  in  cash  of  €0.10  (€0.081  net  of 
withholding tax) per BBVA share, as  gross interim dividend based  on 2019 results. The total amount paid to shareholders on 
October 15, 2019, after deducting treasury shares held by the Group´s companies, amounted to €665 million and is recognized 
under the heading “Total equity- Interim dividends” of the consolidated balance  sheet as of December  31, 2019. 

The Annual General Meeting of BBVA held on March 13, 2020, approved, under item 1 of the Agenda, the payment of a final 
dividend for 2019, in addition to other dividends previously paid, in cash for an amount equal to €0.16 (€0.1296 net of 
withholding tax) per BBVA share. The total amount paid to shareholders on April 9, 2020, after deducting treasury shares held 
by the Group’s Companies, amounted to €1,065 million and is recognized under the heading “Total equity- Retained earnings” 
of the consolidated balance sheet as of December  31, 2020. 

In accordance with recommendation ECB/2020/19 issued by the ECB on March 27, 2020 on dividend distributions during the COVID-19 
pandemic, the Board of Directors of BBVA resolved to modify for the financial year corresponding to 2020 the dividend policy of the Group, 
announced on February 1, 2017, determining as  new policy  for 2020 not to pay  any dividend  amount corresponding to 2020 until the 
uncertainties caused by COVID-19 disappear and, in any case, not before the end of such fiscal year. On July 27, 2020, the ECB prolonged 
this recommendation until January 1, 2021 by adopting recommendation ECB/2020/35. 

On December  15, 2020 the ECB issued recommendation ECB/2020/62, repealing  recommendation ECB/2020/35 and recommending 
that significant credit institutions exercise extreme prudence when deciding on or paying out dividends or performing share buy-backs 
aimed at remunerating shareholders. Recommendation ECB/2020/62 circumscribes prudent distributions to results of 2019 and 2020 
but excluding distributions regarding 2021 until September 30, 2021, when the ECB will reevaluate the economic situation. BBVA intends 
to reinstate its dividend policy  of the Group announced on February 1, 2017 once the recommendation ECB/2020/62 is repealed and 
there are no additional restrictions or limitations. 

Proposal on allocation of earnings for 2020 

The Board of Directors will submit for the approval of the Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting the proposal to apply the result of Banco 
Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria, S.A. for  the 2020  financial  year  amounting to €2,182  million  of losses  to the prior years’  losses  account. 
Furthermore, the offsetting of the prior years’  losses will  likewise  be submitted for approval,  the amount of which amounts to €2,182 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
million, after the application of the 2020 financial  year results in accordance  with the previous paragraph, against the voluntary reserves  
account under the "Retained earnings" heading. 

Other shareholder  remuneration 

On January 29, 2021, it was announced that a cash distribution in the amount of €0.059 gross per share as shareholder remuneration in 
relation  to the Group’s result in the 2020  financial  year  was  expected  to be submitted to the relevant  governing bodies of  BBVA for 
consideration (see Note 56). 

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 

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) 

Of which: profit from discontinued operations (net of non-controlling interest) (B) (See Note 
21) 

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 earnings per share (C) 

Adjusted number of shares - diluted earnings per share (D) 

Earnings (losses) per share (*) 

Basic earnings  (losses) per share from continued  operations (Euros per share)A-B/C 

Diluted earnings  (losses) per share from continued  operations (Euros per share)A-B/D 

Basic earnings  (losses) per share from discontinued  operations (Euros per  share)B/C 

Diluted earnings  (losses) per share from discontinued  operations (Euros per share)B/D 

2020 

2019 (**) 

2018 (**) 

1,305 

(387) 

917 

(1,729) 

6,668 

6,668 

6,655 

6,655 

0.14 

0.40 

0.40 

(0.26) 

(0.26) 

3,512 

(419) 

3,093 

(758) 

6,668 

6,668 

6,648 

6,648 

0.47 

0.58 

0.58 

(0.11) 

(0.11) 

5,400 

(447) 

4,953 

704 

6,668 

6,668 

6,636 

6,636 

0.75 

0.64 

0.64 

0.11 

0.11 

(1) 

Remuneration in the year related to contingent convertible securities, recognized in equity (see Note 22.4). 

(2)  Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions of euros), excluding weighted average of treasury shares during the year. 

(3) 

Corrective factor, due to the capital increase with pre-emptive subscription right, applied for the previous years. 

 (*)          In 2020, 2019 and 2018 the weighted average number of shares outstanding was 6,668 million and the adjustment of additional Tier 1 securities 

amounted to €387 million (€419 and €447 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively). 

 (**)       Amounts in December 2019 and 2018 have been restated (see Note 1.3). 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019  and 2018, 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.  

As of December 31, 2020, the structure of the information by operating segments of the BBVA Group remains basically the same as that 
of the financial year ended 2019, although BBVA reached agreements that, in some cases, could affect its structure. Due to the agreement 
reached  for the sale  of the Group's entire stake in BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc., parent company of the Group companies  related to the 
banking business in the United States, the balance sheet items of the companies for sale and the gains and losses generated by them have 
been  classified  in  accordance  with IFRS 5 “Non-current assets  held  for sale  and  discontinued operations” (see  Notes  2.2.4 and  21). 
Likewise,  in accordance  with IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”, information on the United States operating segment including the balances  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
of the companies for sale  continues to be provided for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018. The BBVA Group's operating segments and the 
agreements reached  are summarized below: 

Spain  

Includes  mainly  the banking  and  insurance  business  that the Group  carries  out in Spain,  including the  results  of  the  new 
company BBVA Allianz Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. (see Note 3). 

The United States 

Includes the business activity of BBVA USA, comprising the Group's wholesale business through the New York branch, the stake 
in  Propel  Venture  Partners  and  the  business  developed  through  its  broker  dealer  BBVA  Securities  Inc.  None  of  the 
aforementioned activities  has been  included in the sale  agreement reached  with PNC. Regarding this agreement, it includes 
BBVA USA and other subsidiaries in the United States with activities related  to the banking activity (see  Notes 1.3, 3 and Note 
21). 

  Mexico 

Includes banking and insurance businesses in this country as well as the activity of BBVA Mexico in Houston.  

Turkey 

Reports the activity of Garanti BBVA group that is mainly carried out in this country and, to a lesser extent, in Romania and the 
Netherlands.  

South America 

Primarily  includes  the Group´s banking and insurance  businesses in the region. In relation to the sale  of BBVA Paraguay, the 
closing of the transaction took place in January 2021 (see Note 3). 

Rest of Eurasia  

Includes the banking business activity carried out by the Group in Europe and Asia, excluding Spain. 

Lastly,  Corporate Center  performs  centralized  Group  functions, including:  the  costs  of  the  head  offices  with  a  corporate  function; 
management  of  structural exchange  rate  positions; some equity  instruments issuances  to ensure  an  adequate  management  of  the 
Group's global solvency. It also includes portfolios whose management is not linked to customer relationships, such as industrial holdings, 
certain tax assets and liabilities;  funds due to commitments to employees; goodwill and other intangible assets. 

The breakdown of the BBVA Group’s total assets by operating segments as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, is as follows: 

Total assets by operating segments (Millions of Euros) 

Spain 

The United States 
Mexico 

Turkey  

South America 
Rest of Eurasia 

Subtotal assets by operating segments 
Corporate Center and adjustments 

Total assets BBVA Group 

2020 

2019 

2018 

405,878 

93,953 
110,224 

59,585 

55,435 
22,881 

747,957 
(11,781) 

736,176 

364,427 

88,529 
109,079 

64,416 

54,996 
23,257 

704,703 
(6,967) 

697,737 

353,923 

82,057 
97,432 

66,250 

54,373 
18,845 

672,880 
2,796 

675,675 

The following table sets forth certain summarized information relating to results of each operating segment and Corporate Center for 
the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

2020 
Net interest income 

Gross income 

Operating income 
Operating profit /(loss) before tax 
Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued 
operations 

BBVA 
Group 

Spain 

The 
United 
States 

Mexico  Turkey 

South 
America 

Rest of 
Eurasia 

Corporate 
Center 

Adjustments 
(***) 

14,592  3,553 

2,284 

5,415  2,783 

2,701 

20,166  5,554 

3,152 

7,017  3,573 

3,225 

11,079  2,515 
5,248  809 

1,281  4,677  2,544 
1,522 
502  2,472 

1,853 
896 

(1,729) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

214 

510 

225 
184 

- 

(149) 

(57) 

(876) 
(1,160) 

(2,209) 

(2,808) 

(1,140) 
22 

- 

(1,729) 

Net attributable profit (loss) (**) 

1,305  606 

429 

1,759 

563 

446 

137 

(2,635) 

- 

2019 (*) 
Net interest income 

Gross income 
Operating income 

15,789  3,567 

2,395  6,209  2,814 

21,522  5,656 
11,368  2,402 

3,223  8,029  3,590 
1,257  5,384  2,375 

3,196 

3,850 
2,276 

Operating profit /(loss) before tax 

7,046  1,878 

705 

3,691 

1,341 

1,396 

175 

454 
161 

163 

(233) 

(339) 
(1,294) 

(1,457) 

Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued 
operations 
Net attributable profit (loss) (**) 

2018 (*) 
Net interest income 

Gross income 
Operating income 
Operating profit /(loss) before tax 
Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued 
operations 
Net attributable profit (loss) (**) 

(758) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,512  1,386 

590  2,699 

506 

721 

127 

(2,517) 

15,285  3,618 

2,276  5,568  3,135 

3,009 

20,936  5,888 
10,883  2,554 
7,565  1,840 

2,989 
7,193  3,901 
1,129  4,800  2,654 
1,444 
920  3,269 

3,701 
1,992 
1,288 

704 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,400  1,400 

736  2,367 

567 

578 

175 

415 
128 
147 

- 

96 

(269) 

(420) 
(1,291) 
(1,329) 

- 

(343) 

(2,335) 

(2,941) 
(1,193) 

(670) 

(758) 

- 

(2,227) 

(2,731) 
(1,083) 
(15) 

704 

- 

(*) The figures corresponding to 2019 and 2018 have been restated (see Note 1.3). 
(**) See Note 55. 
(***) It includes the reclassification as “Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations” of the balances from companies for sale in BBVA USA (see Note 21).    

The accompanying Consolidated Management Report presents the consolidated income statements and the balance sheets by operating 
segments. 

7  Risk management 

7.1  Risk factors   

BBVA Group has processes in place for identifying risks and analyzing scenarios in order to enable the Group to manage risks in a dynamic 
and proactive way. 

The risk identification processes  are forward looking to seek  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 identified  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.  

In this context, there are a number of emerging risks that could affect the evolution of the Group's business. These risks are  included in  
the following blocks:  

  The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is adversely  affecting  the world economy and economic activity and conditions in the 
countries in which the Group operates, leading many of them to economic recession in 2020 and relatively moderate activity 
growth in 2021, so that probably only from 2022 will the GDP levels observed before the crisis recover. Among other challenges, 
these countries are  experiencing widespread  increases  in unemployment levels  and falls  in production, while public debt has  
increased significantly due to support and spending measures implemented by government authorities. In addition, there is an 
increase  in defaults on debts by both companies and individuals, volatility in financial markets, including exchange rates, and 
falls  in the value  of assets  and investments, all  of which  have had  a negative  impact on the Group's in the year  2020  and is 
expected to continue to affect in the future. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Furthermore, the Group may be affected by the measures adopted by regulatory authorities in the banking sector, including but 
not limited  to, the recent reductions in reference  interest rates, the relaxation of prudential requirements, the suspension of 
dividend payments, the adoption of payment deferrals measures for bank clients (such as those included in Royal Decree  Law 
11/2020  in Spain, as well  as in the CECA-AEB agreement to which BBVA has adhered and which, among other things, allows 
loan debtors to extend maturities and defer  interest payments) and  facilities  to grant credit through a line  of guarantees or 
public  guarantees, especially  to companies  and the self-employed  individuals,  as well  as  any  changes in the financial  asset  
purchase programs. 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has experienced a decline in its activity. For example, the granting of new 
loans  to  individuals  has  significantly  decreased  since  the  beginning  of  mobility  restriction  measures  approved  in  certain  
countries in which the Group operates. In addition, the Group faces several  risks, such as a greater risk of impairment of the 
value of its assets (including financial  instruments valued at fair value, which may  undergo significant fluctuations) and of the 
securities held for liquidity reasons, a possible significant increase in non-performing loans and a negative impact on the cost of 
the Group's financing and its access to financing (especially  in an environment where credit ratings are affected). 

Furthermore, in several  of the  countries in  which  the Group operates, including Spain,  the Group has temporarily  closed  a 
significant number of its offices and reduced opening hours to the public, and the teams that provide central services have been 
working remotely. Although these measures  have  been gradually  reversed  due to the continued expansion  of the COVID-19 
pandemic, it is unclear how long it will  take until normal operations can fully resume. On the other hand, the pandemic could 
adversely  affect  the business and operations of third parties that provide critical  services  to the Group and, in particular, the 
higher demand and / or lower availability  of certain resources could in some cases make it more difficult to maintain the service 
levels.  In addition, the  generalization  of  remote  work  has  increased  the  risks  related  to cybersecurity,  as  the  use  of  non-
corporate networks has increased. 

As a result of the above, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on the Group's results and capital base. During the 
first half of the year the main accumulated impacts were: 

(i) 

(ii) 

an  increase 
in  the  cost  of  risk  associated  with  the  lending  activity,  mainly  due  to  the  deterioration  of  the 
macroeconomic  environment, which has had a negative impact  of €2,009 million  in the Group (including the initial 
adverse  effect of the payment deferral)  and provisions for credit risk and contingent commitments for €95 million, 
(see Notes 7.2, 46 and 47); and 

a deterioration in the goodwill of the Group's subsidiary in the United States, mainly  due to the deterioration of the 
macroeconomic scenario in the United States, which has had a net negative impact of €2,084 million on the Group's 
attributed profit in this period (although this impact does not affect the tangible book value, nor the solvency or the 
liquidity of the Group) (see Notes 18.1 and 49). 

From June 30, 2020 on, and as a consequence of the general deterioration of the global macroeconomic scenario, its specific 
effects cannot be isolated, affecting all of the Group's consolidated Financial Statements. 

  Macroeconomic and geopolitical risks 

The Global economy is being severely  affected  by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply, demand and financial  factors caused  
an unprecedented fall in GDP in the first half of 2020. Supported by strong fiscal and monetary policy measures, as well  as 
greater control over the spread of  the virus, global  growth rebounded more  than expected  in  the third quarter, before 
slowing down in the fourth, when the number of infections rose again in many regions, mainly in the United States and 
Europe. As for 2021, the unfavorable evolution of the pandemic is expected to adversely  affect activity in the short term, 
while  new  fiscal  and  monetary stimuli,  as  well  as  the  administering of  coronavirus vaccines,  are  expected  to support 
recovery from mid-year onwards. 

Following the massive fiscal  and monetary stimuli to support economic activity and reduce financial tensions, government 
debt has increased  across  the board and interest rates  have  been cut, and are  now at  historical low  levels.  Additional 
countercyclical measures may be required. Similarly, a significant reduction in current stimuli is not expected, at least until 
the recovery takes hold. 

Tensions in the financial markets have moderated rapidly since the end of March 2020, following the decisive actions taken 
by the main  central  banks and  the fiscal  packages  announced in  many countries. In recent months, the markets have 
shown relative  stability and, at certain  times, risk-taking movements. Likewise,  progress related  to the development of 
COVID-19 vaccines and prospects for economic recovery should pave the way for financial volatility to persist at relatively 
low levels in general going forward. 

BBVA Research estimates that global GDP contracted by around 2.6% in 2020 and will  expand by around 5.3% in 2021 
and 4.1% in 2022. Activity will recover gradually and heterogeneously among countries. Various epidemiological, financial 
and geopolitical factors are also contributing to the persistent exceptionally high uncertainty. 

With regard to the banking system, in an environment in which much of the economic activity has been at a stand still for 
several  months, the services  provided have  played  an essential  role, basically  for two reasons: firstly,  the banks have 
ensured the proper functioning of collections and payments for households and companies, thereby contributing to the 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

maintenance of economic activity; secondly, the granting of new lending or the renewal of existing lending has reduced the 
impact of the economic slowdown on household and business income. The support provided by the banks over the months 
of lockdown and public guarantees have been essential  in softening the impact of the crisis  on companies'  liquidity and 
solvency, meaning that banking has become its main source of funding for most companies.  

In terms of profitability, European and Spanish banking have deteriorated, primarily because many entities recorded high 
provisions for impairment on financial assets in the first two quarters of 2020 as a result of the worsening macroeconomic 
environment following the pandemic outbreak. Pre-pandemic  profitability levels  remained  far from the levels prior to the 
previous financial  crisis. This is in addition to the accumulation of capital since the previous crisis and the very low interest 
rate environment that we have been experiencing for several years. Nevertheless, the banks are facing this situation from 
a healthy position and with solvency that has been constantly increasing since the 2008 crisis, with reinforced capital and 
liquidity buffers and, therefore, with a greater lending capacity. 

The BBVA Group has a General  Risk Management and Control Model appropriate to its business model, its organization, 
the countries in which it operates and its corporate governance system, which allows  it to carry out its activity within the 
framework of the risk management and control strategy and policy defined by the corporate bodies. This model deals with 
management in global form adapting itself to the circumstances  of each moment. This Model is applied integrally  in the 
Group. 

 In  this  sense,  from  the  beginning  of  the  crisis,  the  BBVA  Group  implemented  specific  measures  for  the  proper 
management of these associated  risks, establishing different global initiatives  that define the risk  management strategy 
during the crisis, with common action protocols that should be implemented and adapted, when needed, to local needs. 

The  BBVA Group global  risk  unit -  Global  Risk  Management  (hereinafter,  “GRM”)  -  has  increased  the  frequency  and 
intensity of the evaluation of potential impacts on the different groups and clients, in order to prevent their future evolution, 
and carried out appropriate adjustments and reclassifications, reinforcing its processes, governance and teams in Holding 
and countries to act in a coordinated manner, focusing priority on crisis management 

Over the past year,  it has been found that the pandemic  has a global impact, affecting to a greater extent the sectors in 
which there is a high level of human interaction (transport, especially air transport, leisure, especially hotel establishments, 
as well  as industries and activities  dependent on them), regardless  of the regional area  in question. For this reason, the 
Bank's  risk  management  has  clearly  been  intensified  by  sectorial  vectors  over  other  conditioning factors  such  as 
geographic. 

  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, the internal control model, the Code of Conduct, the Corporate 
Principles in tax matters 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, etc.) but also 
opportunities (new  framework  of relations  with customers, greater  ability  to adapt to their  needs, new  products and 
distribution channels, etc.). 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.  

The financial  sector faces  an  environment of increasing  regulatory and litigious pressure, and  thus, the various Group 
entities  are  usually  party  to individual  or  collective  judicial  proceedings  (including class  actions)  resulting from  their 
activity and operations, as well  as arbitration proceedings. The Group is also party to other government procedures and 
investigations, such as those carried out by the antitrust authorities in certain countries which, among other things, have 
in the past and could in the future result into sanctions, as well as lead to claims by customers and others. In addition, the 
regulatory framework, in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, is evolving towards a supervisory approach more 
focused  on the  opening of sanctioning proceedings  while  some  regulators are  focusing  their attention on consumer 
protection and behavioral risk.  

 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In Spain  and  in  other jurisdictions  where  the  Group operates,  legal  and regulatory  actions  and  proceedings  against 
financial  institutions, prompted in  part  by  certain  judgments  in  favor  of  consumers  handed  down  by  national  and 
supranational courts, have increased significantly in recent years and this trend could continue in the future. The legal and 
regulatory actions and proceedings faced by other financial institutions in relation to these and other matters, especially 
if such actions or proceedings result in favorable resolutions for the consumer, could also adversely affect the Group. 

All of the above may  result in a significant increase  in operating and compliance  costs or even  a reduction of revenues, 
and it is possible that an adverse outcome in any proceedings (depending on the amount thereof, the penalties imposed  
or the procedural or management costs for the Group) could damage the Group's reputation, generate a knock-on effect 
or otherwise adversely  affect the Group. 

It is  difficult to predict the outcome of legal  and regulatory actions and proceedings, both those to which the Group is 
currently exposed  and those that may  arise  in the future, including actions and proceedings relating to former Group 
subsidiaries  or  in  respect  of  which  the  Group  may  have  indemnification  obligations,  but  such  outcome  could  be 
significantly  adverse  to the Group. In addition, a decision  in any matter, whether against the Group or against another 
credit entity facing similar claims as those faced by the Group, could give rise to other claims against the Group. In addition, 
these actions and proceedings attract resources from the Group and may occupy a great deal of attention on part of the 
Group's management and employees. 

As of December  31, 2020, the Group had €612 million  in provisions for the proceedings it is facing (included in the line 
"Provisions for litigation and pending tax cases" in the consolidated balance  sheet) (see  Note 25), of which €574 million  
correspond to legal  contingencies and €38 million  to tax related  matters. However, the uncertainty arising from these 
proceedings (including those for which no provisions have been made, either because it is not possible to estimate them 
or for other reasons) makes  it impossible to guarantee that the possible losses arising from these proceedings will  not 
exceed, where applicable,  the amounts that the Group currently has provisioned and, therefore, could affect the Group's 
consolidated results in a given period. 

As a result of the above, legal  and regulatory actions and proceedings currently faced  by the Group or to which it may 
become  subject  in the future or otherwise  affected  by, individually  or in the  aggregate, if  resolved  in  whole or  in part 
adversely  to the Group ́s interests, could have a material adverse  effect on the Group’s business, financial condition and 
results of operations. 

Spanish judicial authorities are investigating the activities of Centro Exclusivo de Negocios y Transacciones, S.L. (Cenyt). 
Such investigation includes the provision of services by Cenyt to the Bank. On 29th July, 2019, the Bank was named as an 
official   suspect  (investigado)  in  a  criminal   judicial   investigation (Preliminary  Proceeding No. 96/2017  – Piece  No. 9, 
Central Investigating   Court No. 6 of the National  High Court) for alleged  facts  which  could be constitutive of bribery,  
revelation of secrets and corruption. On February 3, 2020, the Bank was notified by the Central Investigating Court No. 6 
of the National  High Court of the order lifting the secrecy  of the proceedings. Certain  current and former  officers  and 
employees  of the Group, as well  as former directors  have  also  been  named  as  official   suspects  in  connection  with  
this  investigation. The Bank  has been  and  continues  to  proactively  collaborate  with  the  Spanish  judicial  authorities, 
including  sharing  with  the  courts  the  relevant   information obtained in the internal investigation hired by the entity in 
2019 to contribute to the clarification of the facts. As of the date of the approval of the consolidated financial statements, 
no formal accusation against the Bank has been made.  

This criminal judicial  proceeding is at the pre-trial phase. Therefore, it is not possible at this time to predict the scope or 
duration  of  such  proceeding  or  any  related  proceeding  or  its or their  possible  outcomes  or  implications  for  the  
Group,  including any fines, damages or harm to the Group’s reputation caused thereby. 

7.2  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.  

The general principles governing credit risk management in the BBVA Group are: 

Risks taken should comply with the general risk policy established by the Board of Directors of BBVA. 

Risks taken should be in line  with the level  of equity and generation of recurring revenue of the BBVA Group prioritizing risk 
diversification and avoiding relevant concentrations. 

Risks taken  should be  identified,  measured  and assessed  and  there should be  management  and monitoring procedures, in  
addition to sound mitigation and control mechanisms. 

Risks should be managed in a prudent and integrated manner during their life cycle and their treatment should be based on the 
type of risk. In addition, portfolios should be actively managed on the basis of a common metric (economic capital). 

The main criterion when granting credit risks is the capability  of the borrower or obligor to fulfill on a timely basis all financial 
obligations with its business income or source of income without depending upon guarantors, bondsmen or pledged assets. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Improve the financial  health of our clients, help them in their decision making and in the daily  management of their finances 
based on personalized advice. 

Help  our clients  in the transition towards a  sustainable future, with a focus on climate  change and inclusive  and sustainable 
social development. 

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. 

At Group level:  frameworks  for action and standard rules of conduct are  defined for handling risk, specifically,  the channels,  
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 channel: 

o 

o 

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. 

The risk function has a decision-making process supported by a structure of committees with a solid governance scheme, which describes 
their purposes and functioning for a proper performance of their tasks.  

Payment deferral 

This governance scheme has been fundamental in managing the COVID-19 crisis in all the geographies where the Group operates, where 
both, assessing the flow  of necessary  funds for the economies  with the rigor in the analysis  and monitoring of the credit quality of the 
exposures. 

Since  the beginning of the pandemic,  the Group has offered  payment deferral  to its customers (retail,  SMEs and wholesale)  in all  the 
geographies where  it operates. These moratoriums have  been both legislative  (based  on national laws)  and non-legislative (based  on 
sectorial or individual schemes), aimed at mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Depending on the cases, the payment of principal and / or 
interest has been postponed, maintaining the original contract. Generally,  these deferrals  have  been given for a period of less  than one 
year. This measure has been extended to different sectors, being Leisure, Real Estate and Auto the main users. The deadline to qualify for 
the moratorium has been extended in some geographies in recent months, having already come to an end in Mexico and Argentina. In the 
others, where this measure  is still in force, this period ends in the first quarter of 2021, except Turkey (in May 2021), Colombia (in July 
2021) and the USA (in January 2022). 

Specifically,  the Group's participation in the following moratorium or public guarantee measures by geography stands out: 

• 

In Spain, payment  deferral  measures  have  been covered  mainly  by Royal Decree  Law  8/2020  and 11/2020,  as well  as  the 
agreement promoted by the Spanish Banking Association (hereinafter “AEB”) to which BBVA has adhered. 

The moratoriums covered  by the Royal Decree  Law have been  proposed to the especially  vulnerable  groups indicated in the 
regulation. These measures  consist of payment deferral  of three months of principal and interest. In addition, the possibility of 
customers joining sector agreements for the remaining term until the limit established has been offered that, once said legal 
moratorium has expired. By type of customer, they are aimed at individuals, individual or self-employed entrepreneurs, and by 
type of product, mortgage, personal loans or consumer loans. 

The moratoriums granted under the sectorial  agreement  of the AEB are  aimed  at  individuals  for up to 12 months of capital 
deferral  in  the case  of mortgage loans and up to 6 months in personal  loans. Said  sector agreement has been  in force  until 
September 29, 2020, but it has been extended until March 30, 2021, although the new conditions only provide for the payment 
deferral of capital in mortgages up to 9 months, remaining 6 months on personal loans. 

In  addition, the  Official  Credit  Institute (ICO) has  published  several  aid  programs aimed  at  the  self-employed,  SMEs  and  
companies, through which a guarantee of between 60% and 80% is granted for a period of up to 5 years to the new financing  
granted. The amount of the guarantee and its length depends on the size of the company and the type of product. The ICO has 
also subsidized individuals the amount of the rent up to 6 months in loans up to 6 years. 

• 

• 

In Mexico, the National Banking Commission of Securities (“CNBV”) published official letters P285/2020 of March 26, 2020 
and  P293/2020  of  April  15,  2020,  allowing  the  granting of  capital  and  interest  payment  deferral  for  a  period  4  months 
extendable  for additional  2  additional  months. These measures  were  mainly  used  by  individuals  and  companies,  affecting  
mortgage loans, personal loans and consumer loans, including credit cards. 

In the United States, payment deferral measures have been mainly encouraged by the CARES Act, signed on March 27, 2020, 
which includes a wide range of supporting measures for companies and individuals, as well  as an interagency statement (Office 
of the Comptroller of the Monetary Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 
Office  of Consumer Financial Protection and National Administration of Credit Unions) of April 7, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

• 

• 

• 

In Turkey, in mid March the government announced a program to stimulate the economy (Economic Stability Shield) allowing  
banks to defer  payments for 3 months, with the possibility of extending up to 6 months, which was accompanied by several 
communications of the Banking Regulation and Supervisory Agency (“BRSA”) in this regard. These  supporting measures are 
granted to both individuals and companies. 

Likewise,  public support programs have been recognized guaranteeing up to 80% of loans granted to companies for a period 
of 1 year. 

In Colombia,  the  binding legislation  for payment  deferral  comes  from  the Financial  Superintendency,  specifically  from  its 
Circulars 07/2020 and 14/2020, as well as from Resolution No. 385. The payment deferral consists of the deferral of payments 
of principal and interest until 6 months. The term to avail themselves of them has been extended until July 2021. 

In Peru, measures  were  approved  through various official  letters  issued by  the Superintendency  of Banking and  Insurance 
(“SBS”),  allowing  the deferral  of principal and interest payments initially  up to 6 months and then extended to 12, mainly  to 
individuals, self-employed and small companies. 

Additionally, there have been public support programs such as “Reactiva”,  “Crecer”  or “FAE” aimed at companies and micro-
companies with guaranteed amounts that, depending on the program and the type of company, are in a range of between 60% 
and 98%. 

• 

In Argentina, payment deferral measures are based on state legislation such as Royal Decree 544/2020 or Decree 319/202, as 
well as various Central Bank regulations. Aimed at a broad group of customers, they facilitate deferral of capital and interest for 
up to 3 months. 

Certain public support programs offering guarantees of up to 100%  to micro-SMEs or individuals and up to 25% to other companies in  
financing for up to 1 year. 

The amount of payment deferrals  (existing and completed) and the financing granted with public guarantees given at a Group level, as 
well  as the number of customers of both measures, as of December 31, 2020 are as follows: 

Amount of payment deferral and financing with public guarantees as of December 31, 2020 (Millions of Euros)  

Payment deferral 

Financing with  
public guarantees 

Existing   Completed 

Total  

Number of 
 customers 

Total  

Number of 
customers 

Total  
Payment deferral 
and guarantees 

(%) credit 
investment 

Group  
13.1% 
The amount of payment deferrals  (existing and completed) and financing granted with public guarantees given at a Group level,  broken 
down by segment, as of December  31, 2020 are as follows: 

27,025  33,828 

2,843,977 

271,870 

52,446 

18,619 

6,803 

Amount of payment deferral and financing with public guarantees as of December 31, 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Group 

Customers 

Of which: Mortgages 

SMEs 

Non-financial corporations 

Other 

Payment deferral 

Existing  

Completed 

Total 

Financing with 
 public guarantees 

6,803 

4,657 

3,664 

1,031 

1,055 

60 

27,025 

33,828 

16,676 

8,723 

5,056 

5,095 

198 

21,333 

12,387 

6,087 

6,150 

258 

18,619 

1,237 
1 

11,373 

5,930 

79 

Amount of payment deferral by stages as of December 31, 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Group 

Customers 

Of which: Mortgages 

SMEs 

Non-financial corporations 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

21,670 
13,608 

8,310 
4,326 

3,495 

9,761 
5,920 

3,163 
1,461 

2,362 

2,397 
1,805 

914 
299 

293 

33,828 
21,333 

12,387 

6,087 

6,150 

Other 
258 
The payment deferral measures for bank customers result in the temporary suspension, total or partial, of the contractual obligations with 
a deferral  for a specific  period of time. Considering that the payment deferrals  granted in connection with COVID-19 provide temporary 

240 

17 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
relief  to debtors and that the economic value  of the affected loans has not been significantly  impacted, the payment deferral  measures 
granted  have  not  been  considered  substantial  contractual  modifications  and,  therefore,  modified  loans  are  accounted  for  as  a 
continuation of the originals. When a payment deferral  does not generate interest collection rights, a temporary loss of value is triggered 
for the transaction, which is  calculated  as the difference  between  the current value  of  the original and the modified  cash  flows,  both 
discounted at the effective interest rate of the original transaction. The difference is recognized at the initial time in the income statement 
under the heading “Impairment or (reversal)  of impairment on financial  assets not measured  at fair  value  through profit or loss or net 
gains by modification” in the balance sheet as a reduction of the asset value  of the loans. From that point on, said correction accrues as 
net interest income at the original effective  interest rate within the period of the payment deferral.  Thus, at the end of the moratorium 
period, the impact on net attributed profit is basically neutral. As of December 31, 2020, the temporary value loss of the payment deferral 
included in the consolidated income statements amounted to €304 million, from which €300 million have already  been recognized as a 
higher interest margin as of that date. 

Regarding the classification  of exposures according to their credit risk, the Group has maintained a rigorous application of IFRS 9 when  

granting the payment deferrals  and has reinforced the procedures for monitoring credit risk both throughout the life of the transactions 
and at their maturity. 

This means that the payment deferrals  granting does not imply in itself an automatic trigger for a significant increase  in risk and that the 
transactions subject to the payment deferrals are initially  classified  in the stage they had previously, unless, based on their risk profile, 

they should be classified in a worse stage. On the other hand, as evidence of payment has ceased  to exist or has been reduced, the Group 
has introduced additional indicators or segmentations to identify the significant increase in credit risk that may have occurred in some 
transactions or a set  of them and, where  appropriate, it has  been classified  in  Stage 2. Furthermore, the indications provided by  the 

European Banking Authority (EBA) have been taken into account to not consider forbearance the payment deferrals that meet a series of 
requirements. All this without prejudice to maintaining its consideration as a forbearance if it was previously qualified as such or classifying 
the exposure in the corresponding stage previously stated.  

On the other hand, the treatment planned for the payment deferrals that expire and may require additional support will be in accordance 
with the updated evaluation  of the customer's credit quality  and the characteristics  of the solution granted. If applicable,  they will  be 
treated as Refinancing or Restructuring as described in Note 7.2.7 of the Financial Statements. 

Regarding public support for the loans’ lending, it does not affect the evaluation of the significant increase in risk since it is valued through 
the credit quality of the instrument. However, in estimating the expected loss, the existence of the guarantor implies a possible reduction 

in the level  of provisions necessary since, for the hedged part, the loss that would be incurred in the foreclosure of the guarantee is taken  
into account. 

The public guarantees granted in the different geographies in which the Group operates have been considered as an integral part of the 

terms and conditions of the loans granted under the consideration that the guarantees are granted at the same time that the financing is 
granted to the client and in a way inseparable  from it. 

7.2.1  Measurement  of Expected  Credit Loss (ECL) 

IFRS 9 requires determining the expected credit loss (ECL) of a financial instrument in a way that reflects an unbiased estimation removing 
any conservatism or optimism, including the time value of money and a forward-looking perspective (including the economic forecast), 
all  this based  on the information that is available  at a  certain point in  time and that is reasonable  and  bearable  with respect  to future 
economic conditions. 

Therefore, the recognition and measurement of expected credit losses is highly complex and involves the use of significant analysis  and 
estimation including formulation and incorporation of forward-looking economic conditions into the ECL model. 

The  modeling  of  the  ECL calculation  is  subject  to a  governance  system  that is  common to  the entire  Group. Within this  common 
framework,  each  geography  makes  the  necessary  adaptations  to  capture  its  particularities.  The  methodology, assumptions  and 
observations used by each  geography are reviewed  annually, and after a validation and approval process, the outcome of this review  is 
incorporated into the ECL calculations. 

Risk parameters by homogeneous groups 

Expected losses can be estimated both individually and collectively.  Regarding the collective estimate, the instruments are distributed in 
homogeneous groups  (segments)  that  share  similar  risk  characteristics.  Following  the  guidelines  established  by  the  Group for  the 
development of models under IFRS 9, each geography performs the grouping based on the information available, its representativeness  
or relevance  and compliance with the necessary statistical requirements. 

Depending on the portfolio or the parameter  being estimated, one risk  driver  or another will  apply and  different segments will  reflect  
differences  in PDs and LGDs. Thus, in each segment, changes in the level of credit risk will  respond to the impact of changing conditions 
on the common range of credit risk drivers. The effect on the group’s credit risk in response to changes in forward-looking information will 
be considered as well.  Macroeconomic modeling for each segment is carried out using some of the shared risk characteristics. 

 
 
 
 
 
P.54 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

These  segments share  credit  risk  characteristics  such that changes in  credit  risk  in a  part of  the portfolio are  not concealed  by  the 
performance of other parts of the portfolio. In that sense, the methodology developed for ECL estimation indicates the risk drivers that 
have to be taken into account for PD segmentation purposes, depending on whether the estimation is for retail or wholesale portfolios. 

As an example  of the variables that can be taken into consideration to determine the final models, the following stand out: 

PD - Retail: Contractual residual maturity, credit risk scoring, type of product, days past due, forbearance, time on books, time 
to maturity, nationality of the debtor, sale  channel, original term, indicator of credit card activity, percentage  of initial  drawn  
balance. 

PD  - Wholesale:  Credit Risk Rating, type of product, watch-list level,  forbearance  (client), time  to maturity, industry sector, 
updated balance (y/n), written off, grace period. 

LGD – retail: credit Risk Scoring, segment, type of product, secured / unsecured, type of collateral,  sales channel, nationality, 
business area, debtor’s commercial segment, forbearance (account) EAD (this risk driver could be correlated with the time on 
books or the LTV so, before  including it, an assessment  should be done in order to avoid a  double counting effect), time on 
default of the account (for defaulted exposures), geographical location. 

LGD - wholesale: credit Risk Rating, geographical location, segment, type of product, secured / Unsecured, type of collateral,  
business area, forbearance (client), debtor’s commercial segment time on default of the deal (for defaulted exposures). 

CCF: wholesale/retail,  percentage of initial drawn balance,  debtor’s commercial  segment, days past due, forbearance, credit  
limit activity, time on books. 

In the BBVA Group, the expected losses calculated are based on the internal models developed for all the Group's portfolios, unless clients 
are subject to individualized estimates. 

Exposures with other credit institutions, sovereign debt or with public administrations are characterized  by a low number of defaults, so 
the Group's historical bases do not contain sufficiently representative information to build impairment models based on them. However,  
there are external sources of information that, based on broader observations, are capable of providing the necessary inputs to develop 
models of expected losses. Therefore, based on the rating assigned to these exposures and taking into account the inputs obtained from 
these  sources, the calculations  of expected  losses  are  developed  internally,  including  their projection based  on the  macroeconomic 
perspectives. 

Individual estimation of expected credit losses 

The Group periodically  and individually  reviews  the situation and credit rating of its customers, regardless of their classification, taking 
into consideration the information deemed necessary  to do so. It also has procedures in place within the risk management framework to 
identify the factors that may lead to increased risk and, consequently, to a greater need for provisions. 

The monitoring model established  by the Group consists of continuously monitoring the risks to which it is exposed, which guarantees 
their proper classification  in the different categories of IFRS 9. The original analysis  of the exposures is reviewed  through the procedures 
for updating the rating tools (rating and scoring), which periodically  review  the financial  situation of clients, influencing the classificatio n  
by stages of exposures. 

Within this credit risk management framework, the Group has procedures that guarantee the review, at least annually, of all its wholesale 
counterparties through  the so-called  financial  programs, which  include  the current and  proposed positioning of  the Group with  the 
customer  in  terms  of  credit  risk.  This  review  is  based  on  a  detailed  analysis  of  the  client's  up-to-date financial  situation, which  is 
complemented  by  other  information  available 
in  relation  to  individual  perspectives  on  business  performance,  industry  trends, 
macroeconomic  prospects or other public data. As a  result of this analysis,  the preliminary  rating of the client is obtained, which, after 
undergoing the internal procedure, can be revised down if deemed appropriate (for example, general economic environment or evolution 
of the sector). These  factors in addition to the information that the client can  provide are  used  to review  the ratings even  before  the 
scheduled financial plan reviews are conducted if circumstances warrant. 

Additionally, the Group has established procedures to identify wholesale  customers in the internal Watch List category, which is defined  
as that risk in which, derived from an individualized credit analysis, an increase in credit risk is observed, either due to economic or financial 
difficulties or because  they have suffered, or are expected to suffer, adverse situations in their environment, without meeting the criteria 
for classification as impaired risk. Under this procedure, all a customer's Watch List exposures are considered Stage 2 regardless of when  
they originated, if as a result of the analysis the customer is considered to have significantly increased  risk. 

Finally,  the Group has so-called  Workout Committees, both local and  corporate, which analyze  not only the situation and evolution of 
significant clients in Watch List and doubtful situations, but also those significant clients in which, without having still rated on Watch List, 
they may present some Stage 2 rated exposure for a quantitative reason (PD comparison from origination). This analysis is carried out in 
order to decide if, derived from this situation, all the client's exposures should be considered in the Watch List category, which would imply 
the migration of all the client's operations to Stage 2 regardless of the date on which they originated. 

With this, the Group ensures an individualized review of the credit quality of its wholesale counterparties, identifying the situations in which 
a change in the risk profile of these clients may have occurred and proceeding, where appropriate, to estimate individualized credit losses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Along with  this review,  the Group  individually  estimates  the  expected  losses  of  those clients  whose  total exposure  exceeds  certain  
thresholds, including  those that part  of their operations may  be classified  in  stage 1  and part  in stage  2. In setting thresholds, each  
geography determines  the minimum amount of a client's  exposure  whose expected  losses must be estimated  individually  taking into 
account the following: 

• For clients with exposures in stage 3. The analysis of clients with total risk above this threshold implies analyzing at least 
40% of the total risk of the wholesale  portfolio in stage 3. Although the calibration of the threshold is done on the wholesale 
portfolio, clients of other portfolios must be analyzed if they exceed the threshold, staying in Stage 3. 

• For all other situations. The analysis of clients with total risk above this threshold implies analyzing at least 20% of the total 
risk of the Watch List wholesale portfolio. Although the threshold calibration is carried out on the exposure classified as Watch 
List, wholesale  clients  or clients  belonging to other portfolios that  have  exposures  classified  in  stage 2  and  whose  total 
exposure exceeds  the mentioned threshold must be analyzed individually, considering both the exposures classified in stage 
1 as in stage 2. 

Regarding the methodology for the individual estimation of expected losses, it should be mentioned, firstly, that these are measured as 
the difference  between  the asset’s carrying  amount and  the estimated future cash  flows  discounted at the financial  asset’s effective 
interest 

The estimated recoverable  amount should correspond to the amount calculated under the following method: 

The present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective  interest rate; and  

The estimation of the recoverable  amount of a collateralized  exposure reflects the cash flows that may result from the 
liquidation of the collateral. 

The estimated future cash flows depend on the type of approach applied, which can be: 

Going concern scenario: when the entity has updated and reliable  information about the solvency and ability of payment of 
the holders or guarantors. The operating cash flows  of the debtor, or the guarantor, continue and can be used to repay the 
financial  debt to all creditors. In addition, collateral may be exercised  to the extent it does not influence operating cash flows.  
The following aspects should be taken into account: 

Future operating cash flows should be based on the financial statements of the debtor. 

o 
o  When the projections made on these financial statements assume a growth rate, a constant or decreasing growth 

rate must be used over a maximum growth period of 3 to 5 years, and subsequently constant cash flows 

o 

o 

The growth rate should be based on the analysis of the evolution of the debtor's financial statements or on a sound 
and applicable  business restructuring plan, taking into account the resulting changes in the structure of the 
company (for example, due to divestments or the interruption of unprofitable lines of business). 

(Re)-investments that are needed to preserve cash flows should be considered, as well  as any foreseeable  future 
cash-flow changes (e.g. if a patent or a long-term loan expires). 

o  When the recoverability of the exposure relies  on the realization of the disposal of some assets by the debtor, the 
selling price should reflect the estimated future cash flows that may result from the sale of the assets less the 
estimated costs associated with the disposal. 

Gone concern scenario: when the entity does not have updated and reliable  information, it should consider that the estimation 
of loan receivable  flows is of high uncertainty. Estimation should be carried out through the estimation of recoverable amounts 
from the effective real guarantees received. It will not be admissible as effective  guarantees, those whose effectiveness depends 
substantially on the creditworthiness of the debtor or economic group in which it takes part. Under a  gone concern scenario, 
the collateral is exercised and the operating cash flows of the debtor cease. This could be the case if: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

The exposure has been past due for a long period. There is a rebuttable presumption that the allowance should be 
estimated under a gone concern criterion when arrears are greater than 18 months.  

Future operating cash flows of the debtor are estimated to be low or negative.  

Exposure is significantly collateralized,  and this collateral is central to cash-flow generation  

 There is a significant degree of uncertainty surrounding the estimation of the future cash flows. This would be the 
case if the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of the two previous years had 
been negative, or if the business plans of the previous years had been flawed (due to material discrepancies  in the 
back-testing) 

 Insufficient information is available  to perform a going concern analysis 

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.56 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Significant increase in credit risk 

As  indicated  in  Note  2.2, the  criteria  for  identifying  the  significant  increase  in  risk  are  applied  consistently  throughout  the Group, 
distinguishing between quantitative reasons or by comparison of probabilities of default and qualitative reasons (more than 30 days of 
default, watch list consideration or non-impaired refinancing). 

To manage credit risk, the Group uses all relevant information that is available and that may affect the credit quality of the exposures. This 
information may come mainly from the internal processes of admission, analysis and monitoring of operations, from the strategy defined 
by the Group regarding the price of operations or distribution by geographies, products or sectors of activity, from the observance of the 
macroeconomic  environment, from market  data such as  interest rate curves, or prices  of the different financial  instruments, or from 
external sources of credit rating. 

This set  of information is  the basis  for determining the rating and  scoring (see  note 7.1.4 for more  information on rating and scoring 
systems) corresponding to each  of the exposures and which  are  assigned  a probability  of default (PD)  that, as already  mentioned, it 
undergoes  an  annual  review  process  that  assesses  its  representativeness  (backtesting)  and  is  updated  with  new  observations. 
Furthermore, the projection of these PDs over time has been modeled based on macroeconomic expectations, which allows obtaining the 
probabilities of default throughout the life of the operations. 

Based on this common methodology, and in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 9 and the EBA guidelines on credit risk management 
practices (EBA / GL / 2017/06), each  geography has established  absolute and relative thresholds for identifying whether the expected  
changes in the probabilities of default have increased significantly compared to the initial moment, adapted to the particularities of each  
one of them in terms of origination levels, product characteristics, distribution by sectors or portfolios, and macroeconomic situation. To 
establish the aforementioned thresholds, a series of general principles are considered, such as: 

Uniformity: Based on the rating and scoring systems that, in a homogeneous manner, are implemented in the Group's units. 

 Stability: The thresholds must be established to identify the significant increase in risk produced in exposures since their 
initial recognition and not only to identify those situations in which it is already foreseeable  that they will reach the level of 
impairment. For this reason, it is to be expected that of the total exposures there will always  be a representative group for 
which said increased  risk is identified. 

 Anticipation: The thresholds must consider the identification of the increased risk in advance  with respect to the recognition 
of the exposures as impaired  or even before a real default occurs. The calibration of the thresholds should minimize the cases 
in which the instruments are classified in stage 3 without having previously been recognized as stage 2. 

 Indicators or metrics: It is expected that the classification of the exposures in stage 2 will have sufficient permanence to allow 
them to develop an anticipatory management of them before, where appropriate, they end up migrating to stage 3. 

 Symmetry: IFRS 9 provides for a symmetric treatment both to identify the significant increase in risk and to identify that it has 
disappeared, so the thresholds also work to improve the credit classification of exposures. In this sense, it is expected that the 
cases in which the exhibitions that improve from stage 3 are directly classified  into stage 1 will be minimal. 

The identification  of the significant increase  in risk from the comparison of the probabilities  of default should be  the main  reason why 
exposures in stage 2 are recognized. 

Specifically,  a contract will be transferred to stage 2 when the following two conditions are met by comparing the current PD values  and 
the origination PD values: 

𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃

𝑜𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑐𝑐 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃
Current PD – Origination PD > Absolute threshold (pbs) 

− 1 ∗ 100 > 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑇𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑅𝑅𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑅𝑅𝑜𝑜 (%)

 and 

These absolute and relative  thresholds are consistently established for each geography and for each portfolio, taking into account their 
particularities and based on the principles described. The thresholds set by each geography are included within the annual review process 
and, generally  speaking,  are  in the range of 30%  to 250% for the relative  threshold and from 10  to 150  basis points for the absolute 
threshold. 

The  establishment of  absolute and  relative  thresholds, as  well  as  their different  levels,  comply  with  the provisions of IFRS 9  when  it 
indicates that a  certain change, in absolute terms, in the risk of a default will be more significant for a financial instrument with a lower 
initial risk of default compared to a financial  instrument with higher initial risk of default. 

For existing contracts before the implementation of IFRS 9, given the limitations in the information available  on them, the thresholds are 
calibrated based on the PDs obtained from the prudential or economic models for calculating capital. 

Risk Parameters  Adjusted by Macroeconomic Scenarios 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 Group uses the classical credit risk parameters PD, LGD and EAD in order to calculate the ECL for the 
credit portfolios. 

BBVA Group´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 forecasting 
capacity. 

How economic scenarios are reflected in calculation of ECL 

The forward looking component is added to the calculation of the ECL through the introduction of macroeconomic scenarios as an input. 
Inputs highly depend on the particular combination of region and portfolio, so inputs are adapted to available data regarding each of them. 

Based  on  economic  theory and  analysis,  the main  indicators most directly  relevant  for  explaining  and  forecasting  the selected  risk 
parameters (PD, LGD and EAD) are:  

The net income of families, corporates or public administrations. 

The outstanding payment amounts on the principal and interest on the financial instruments.  

The value of the collateral  assets pledge to the loan. 

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 one of the following core macroeconomic indicators 
should be chosen as first option: 

The  real  GDP  growth for the purpose of  conditional forecasting can  be seen  as  the only “factor”  required for capturing the 
influence of all potentially relevant macro-financial  scenarios on internal PDs and LGD. 

The most representative short term interest rate (typically  the policy rate or the most liquid sovereign yield  or interbank rate)  
or exchange rates expressed in real terms. 

A comprehensive and representative index of the price of real estate properties expressed in real terms in the case of mortgage 
loans and a representative and real term index of the price of the relevant commodity 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 IFRS 9 

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 Group, 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.  

BBVA Research tracks, analyzes and forecasts the economic environment to provide a consistent forward looking assessment 
about the most likely scenario and risks that impact BBVA’s footprint. To build economic scenarios, BBVA Research combines 
official  data, econometric techniques and expert knowledge. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The non-linearity overlay is defined as the ratio between the probability-weighted ECL under the alternative scenarios and the 
baseline scenario, where the scenario’s probability depends on the distance of the alternative scenarios from the base one. 

BBVA Group establishes  equally  weighted scenarios, being the probability 34% for the baseline  scenario,  33% for the worst 
alternative scenario and 33% for the best alternative scenario. 

The approach in BBVA Group 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. This effect is calculated taking into account the weighted weight of 
the expected loss determined for each scenario. 

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 On the other hand, the BBVA Group also takes into account the range of possible scenarios when defining its 
significant increase  in credit risk. Thus, the PDs used in the quantitative process to identify the significant increase in credit risk will be 
those that result from making a weighted average of the PDs calculated  under the three scenarios. 

Macroeconomic scenarios as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic 

The  COVID-19  pandemic  has  generated  a  macroeconomic  uncertainty  situation with  a  direct  impact  on  credit  risk  of  the  entities, 
particularly,  on the expected  credit losses under IFRS 9. Even though the situation is unclear and of an unforeseeable  time length, the 
expectation is that this situation will  provoke a severe  recession followed by an economic recovery, which will not achieve  the pre-crisis  
GDP levels in the short-term, supported by the measures issued by governments and monetary authorities. 

This situation has allowed the accounting authorities and the banking supervisors to adopt measures in order to mitigate the impacts that 
this crisis could imply on the calculation of expected credit losses under IFRS 9 as well  as on solvency, urging: 

the entities to evaluate  all  the available  information, weighing more the long-term forecasts against the short-term economic 
situation 
the governments to adopt measures to avoid the effects of impairment, 
the entities to develop managerial measures as the design of specific products adapted to the situation which could occur during 
this crisis. 

Almost all  accounting and  prudential  authorities have  issued  recommendations  or measures  within  the  COVID-19 crisis  framewor k 
regarding the estimation of the expected losses under IFRS 9 in a coordinated manner. 

The common denominator of all of these recommendations is that, given the difficulty of establishing reliable  macroeconomic forecasts, 
the transitory term of the economic shock and the need to incorporate the effect of the mitigating measures issued by the governments, 
a  review  of the automatic application  of the models in  order to increase  the weight of the long-term macroeconomic  forecasts  in the 
calculation of the expected losses is needed. As a result thereof, the expected outcome over the lifetime of the transactions will have more 
weight than the short-term macroeconomic impact. 

In this respect, the BBVA Group has taken into account those recommendations in the calculation of the expected credit losses under 
IFRS 9, considering that the economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is transitory and will be followed by a recovery, even if 
there is  uncertainty over the level  and the time period  of such recovery.  As a consequence,  different scenarios  have  been  taken into 
consideration in the calculation of expected losses, resulting in the model management believes suits best the current economic situation 
and the combined recommendations issued by the authorities. In addition to the outcome of the calculation of the scenarios, individual 
analysis of exposures which could be most affected by the circumstances caused by the COVID-19, have been taken into account. 

The estimate for the next five  years  of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), of the variation in the unemployment rate and of the House 
Price Index (HPI), for the most relevant countries where it represents a significant factor, is determined by BBVA Research and it has been 
used at the time of the calculation of the expected credit loss as of December 31, 2020: 

Positive scenario of GDP, unemployment rate and HPI for the main geographies 

Date 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

GDP 

Unemployment  HPI 

GDP 

Unemployment  HPI 

GDP 

Unemployment 

Spain 

Mexico 

Turkey 

(11.20%) 

6.63% 

6.27% 

2.95% 

2.07% 

2.01% 

16.44% 

16.03% 

12.72% 

10.82% 

9.58% 

8.55% 

(1.44%) 

(3.28%) 

4.56% 

5.79% 

3.66% 

3.57% 

(8.85%) 

4.58% 

3.80% 

1.62% 

1.47% 

1.47% 

4.57% 

5.40% 

5.17% 

5.04% 

4.91% 

4.76% 

1.71% 

(1.23%) 

0.32% 

0.31% 

1.01% 

1.72% 

2.07% 

9.08% 

5.30% 

4.13% 

4.11% 

4.10% 

13.45% 

12.60% 

11.58% 

11.58% 

11.19% 

10.85% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Date 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

Peru 

Argentina 

Colombia 

GDP 

Unemployment 

GDP 

Unemployment 

GDP 

Unemployment 

(11.74%) 

12.56% 

5.25% 

3.68% 

3.58% 

3.35% 

12.75% 

10.29% 

10.00% 

8.73% 

7.23% 

6.88% 

(10.64%) 

9.95% 

3.52% 

2.08% 

2.11% 

2.14% 

13.60% 

14.39% 

11.88% 

8.99% 

7.69% 

6.78% 

(6.80%) 

6.80% 

3.70% 

3.15% 

3.27% 

3.60% 

18.14% 

16.14% 

14.53% 

14.28% 

12.49% 

12.28% 

Estimate of GDP, unemployment rate and HPI for the main geographies 

Date 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

Date 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

Spain 

Mexico 

Turkey 

GDP  Unemployment 

HPI 

GDP  Unemployment 

HPI 

GDP  Unemployment 

(11.48%) 

5.99% 

6.04% 

2.93% 

2.07% 

2.01% 

16.95% 

17.51% 

14.35% 

12.41% 

11.14% 

9.99% 

(1.98%) 

(5.08%) 

3.48% 

5.44% 

3.20% 

3.12% 

(9.25%) 

3.71% 

3.53% 

1.55% 

1.45% 

1.46% 

4.62% 

5.57% 

5.35% 

5.19% 

5.03% 

4.88% 

1.81% 

(0.01%) 

(1.32%) 

0.15% 

0.31% 

1.02% 

1.71% 

5.52% 

4.53% 

4.01% 

3.99% 

3.98% 

13.98% 

14.05% 

12.58% 

11.95% 

11.38% 

11.03% 

Peru 

Argentina 

Colombia 

GDP 

Unemployment 

GDP 

Unemployment 

GDP 

Unemployment 

(13.04%) 

10.05% 

4.52% 

3.69% 

3.58% 

3.35% 

12.80% 

10.48% 

10.23% 

8.93% 

7.41% 

7.06% 

(13.00%) 

5.54% 

2.54% 

1.98% 

1.98% 

2.01% 

13.98% 

15.40% 

12.80% 

9.60% 

8.18% 

7.28% 

(7.51%) 

5.48% 

3.46% 

3.15% 

3.27% 

3.60% 

18.23% 

16.40% 

14.83% 

14.57% 

12.78% 

12.55% 

Negative scenario of GDP, unemployment rate and HPI for the main geographies 

Date 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

Date 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

GDP 

Unemployment  HPI 

GDP 

Unemployment  HPI 

GDP 

Unemployment 

Spain 

Mexico 

Turkey 

(11.76%) 

5.37% 

5.82% 

2.88% 

2.03% 

1.97% 

17.44% 

18.94% 

15.92% 

13.99% 

12.70% 

11.45% 

(2.60%) 

(6.69%) 

2.49% 

4.94% 

2.45% 

2.36% 

(9.64%) 

2.84% 

3.25% 

1.48% 

1.41% 

1.41% 

4.67% 

5.75% 

5.53% 

5.34% 

5.17% 

5.02% 

1.89% 

(2.10%) 

(1.48%) 

(0.06%) 

0.17% 

0.99% 

1.70% 

1.75% 

3.56% 

3.92% 

3.91% 

3.91% 

14.49% 

15.51% 

13.64% 

12.33% 

11.56% 

11.20% 

Peru 

Argentina 

Colombia 

GDP 

Unemployment 

GDP 

Unemployment 

GDP 

Unemployment 

(14.33%) 

7.53% 

3.78% 

3.69% 

3.57% 

3.35% 

12.85% 

10.69% 

10.48% 

9.15% 

7.62% 

7.27% 

(15.28%) 

0.89% 

1.33% 

1.86% 

1.83% 

1.86% 

14.34% 

16.38% 

13.69% 

10.19% 

8.63% 

7.75% 

(8.25%) 

4.16% 

3.16% 

3.15% 

3.27% 

3.60% 

18.31% 

16.66% 

15.10% 

14.84% 

13.04% 

12.80% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The estimate for the next five years of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is determined by BBVA Research and it has been used at the 
time of the calculation of the expected credit loss as of December 31, 2019: 

GPD for the main geographies 

GDP 
negative 
scenario 

Spain 

GDP base 
scenario 

GDP 
positive 
scenario 

GDP 
negative 
scenario 

Mexico 

GDP base 
scenario 

GDP 
positive 
scenario 

GDP 
negative 
scenario 

Turkey 

GDP base 
scenario 

United States 

GDP 
positive 
scenario 

GDP 
negative 
scenario 

GDP base 
scenario 

GDP 
positive 
scenario 

0.96% 

1.54% 

2.15% 

(0.58%) 

0.23% 

1.06% 

(0.60%) 

3.32% 

7.06% 

1.16% 

2.12% 

3.13% 

1.35% 

1.87% 

2.42% 

0.93% 

1.66% 

2.39% 

(0.68%) 

2.48% 

5.27% 

1.00% 

1.81% 

2.62% 

2.01% 

2.10% 

2.19% 

2.05% 

2.14% 

2.23% 

4.60% 

4.74% 

4.91% 

1.84% 

1.92% 

2.03% 

1.85% 

1.89% 

1.88% 

2.07% 

2.14% 

2.19% 

4.28% 

4.38% 

4.47% 

1.83% 

1.86% 

1.91% 

1.81% 

1.85% 

1.85% 

2.11% 

2.15% 

2.17% 

4.31% 

4.38% 

4.50% 

1.88% 

1.91% 

1.94% 

Date 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

GDP for the main geographies 

Date 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

Peru 

Argentina 

GDP negative 
scenario 

GDP base 
scenario 

GDP positive 
scenario 

GDP negative 
scenario 

GDP base 
scenario 

GDP positive 
scenario 

Colombia 
GDP negative 
scenario 

GDP base 
scenario 

GDP positive 
scenario 

0.34% 

0.32% 

3.07% 

3.39% 

3.86% 

2.92% 

2.46% 

3.28% 

3.39% 

3.86% 

5.43% 

4.56% 

3.49% 

3.39% 

3.86% 

(7.41%) 

(6.62%) 

2.08% 

1.64% 

1.95% 

(2.47%) 

(2.57%) 

2.30% 

1.78% 

2.10% 

2.40% 

0.85% 

2.51% 

1.88% 

2.23% 

1.93% 

3.29% 

4.58% 

1.71% 

3.61% 

2.73% 

3.61% 

3.74% 

3.61% 

3.59% 

3.59% 

3.59% 

3.59% 

3.59% 

3.59% 

Sensitivity to macroeconomic scenarios 

A sensitivity  exercise  has been  carried  out on the expected  losses  due  to variations  in the key  hypotheses as  they are  the ones that 
introduce the greatest uncertainty in estimating such losses.  As a  first step, GDP and  House Prices  have  been  identified  as the most 
relevant  variables.  These  variables  have  been  subjected  to  shocks  of  +/-  100  bps  in  their  entire  projection  window.  Independent 
sensitivities  have  been  assessed,  under  the  assumption  of  assigning  a  100%  probability  to  each  determined  scenario  with  these 
independent shocks.  

Variation in provisions is  determined both by re-staging (that is: in worse scenarios due to the recognition of lifetime credit losses for 
additional operations that are  transferred to stage 2 from stage1 where  12 months of losses are  valued: or vice  versa  in improvement 
scenarios) as well  as variations in the collective  risk parameters (PD and LGD) of each financial  instrument due to the changes defined in 
the macroeconomic forecasts of the scenario. 

Expected loss variation 

BBVA Group 

Spain 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Total 
Portafoli
o 

Retail 

Mortgage
s 

Wholesale
r 

Fixed 
income 

Total 
Portafoli
o 

Mortgage
s 

Companie
s 

Total 
Portafoli
o 

Mortgage
s 

Cards 

Total 
Portafoli
o 

Mortgage

s  Cards 

3.55%  3.47% 
(3.14%

3.72% 

3.91% 

1.58% 
(1.97%

3.72% 

4.39% 

3.96% 

3.91% 

2.20%  6.30% 
(5.78%

1.56% 

1.58% 

(3.25%) 

)  (3.03%) 

(3.69%) 

)  (3.32%) 

(3.57%) 

(3.53%)  (3.64%) 

(2.07%) 

)  (1.47%) 

(1.55%) 

1.62% 
(1.47%
) 

5.41% 

0.79%   

(5.35%) 

(0.77%)   

3.13% 

(4.47%) 

GPD 

-100pb 

+100pb 

Housin
g price 

-100pb 

+100pb   

Additional adjustments to expect loss measurement 

In addition to what is described on individualized  and collective  estimates of expected losses and macroeconomic estimates, the Group 
may supplement the expected losses if it deems  it necessary  to collect  the effects  that may not be included, either by considering risk 
drivers or by the incorporation of sectorial particularities  or that may affect a set of operations or borrowers. These adjustments should 
be temporary, until the reasons that motivated them disappear or materialize. 

For this reason, the expected  losses have been supplemented with additional amounts that have been considered necessary to collect 
the  particular  characteristics  of  borrowers,  sectors  or  portfolios  and  that  may  not  be  identified  in  the  general  process.  Of  the 
supplementary amounts recognized throughout the year, at the end of the year 2020, 244 million euros are pending allocation to specific 
borrowers, of which 223 million euros are located in Spain (mainly 57 million euros based on the volume of arrears pending maturity and 
whose behavior pattern is still subject to uncertainty, 127 million euros in sectors most affected by the pandemic and 40 million euros as 
a complement to the individualized analyzes) and 21 million euros in the United States in relation to the uncertainty of the Oil & Gas sector. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

7.2.2  Credit risk exposure 

In accordance with IFRS 7 “Financial instruments: Disclosures”, the BBVA Group’s credit risk exposure by headings in the balance sheets 
as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is provided below. It does not consider the loss allowances and the availability of collateral or 
other credit enhancements to guarantee compliance with payment obligations. The details are broken down by financial  instruments and 
counterparties: 

December                  

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Maximum credit risk exposure (Millions of Euros) 

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 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 
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 
Total loan commitments and financial  guarantees 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Other commitments given 
Total maximum credit exposure 

Notes 

10 
10 
10 

11 
11 
11 

12 

13 

13 

33 
33 
33 

 2020 

68,075 

23,970   
11,458   
32,647   

5,198  

709   
356   
4,133   

1,117  

46,302  

69,537  

68,404 
1,100 

33 
379,857 
6,229 

14,591 
323,252 
35,785 
570,084 
179,440 

132,584 
10,665 
36,190 
749,524 

67,995 

410 

- 

33 
334,552 
6,229 

14,565 
277,998 
35,759 
- 
165,726 

124,104 
9,208 
32,414 

- 
30,607 
- 

20 
30,581 
6 
- 
12,682 

8,214 
1,168 
3,300 

- 
14,698 
- 

6 
14,672 
20 
- 
1,032 

265 
290 
477 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Maximum credit risk exposure (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

December 
2019 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

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 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
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 
Total loan commitments and financial  guarantees 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Other commitments given 
Total maximum credit exposure 

Maximum credit risk exposure (Millions of Euros) 

10 

10 
10 

11 
11 
11 

12 

13 
13 

33 
33 
33 

69,503 
26,309   

8,892   
34,303  

5,557  

1,120   
110   
4,327   

1,214  

39,462  

61,293  

58,841 
2,420   
33 
451,640 

4,285 
13,664 
394,763 

38,930 
628,670  
181,116 

130,923 
10,984 
39,209 
809,786 

58,590 

250 

- 

33 
402,024 

4,285 
13,500 
345,449 

38,790 

169,663 

123,707 
9,804 
36,151 

- 
33,624 

- 
158 
33,360 

106 

10,452 

6,945 
955 
2,552 

- 
15,993 

- 
6 
15,954 

33 

1,001 

270 
224 
506 

Notes 

December 
2018 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

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 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
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 
Total loan commitments and financial  guarantees 

Loan commitments given 
Financial guarantees given 
Other commitments given 
Total maximum credit exposure 

10 
10 
10 

11 
11 
11 

12 

13 
13 

33 
33 
33 

59,581 

25,577   
5,254   
28,750   

5,135  

1,803   
237   
3,095   

1,313  

38,249  

56,365  

53,737 
2,595   
33 
431,927 

3,947 
9,175 
386,225 
32,580 
592,571  
170,511 

118,959 
16,454 
35,098 
763,082 

53,734 

3 

- 

33 
384,632 

3,947 
9,131 
339,204 
32,350 

161,404 

113,403 
14,902 
33,099 

- 
30,902 

- 
34 
30,673 
195 

8,120 

5,308 
1,220 
1,591 

- 
16,394 

- 
10 
16,348 
35 

987 

247 
332 
408 

The maximum credit exposure presented in the table above is determined by type of financial  asset as explained below: 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In the case  of financial  instruments recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, exposure to credit risk is considered equal 
to its carrying amount (not including loss allowances) with the only exception of trading and hedging derivatives. 

The maximum credit risk exposure on financial commitments and guarantees granted is the maximum that the Group would be 
liable  for if these guarantees were  called  in, or the higher amount pending to be disposed from the customer in the case  of 
commitments. 

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 breakdown by geographical location and Stage of the maximum credit risk exposure, the accumulated allowances  recorded and 
the carrying amount of the loans and advances to customers as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is shown below: 

December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross exposure 

Accumulated allowances 

Carrying amount 

Spain (*) 
Mexico 
Turkey (**) 
South America (***) 
Others  
Total (****) 

Of which: individual 
Of which: collective 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

195,983 
52,211 
39,633 
34,499 
925 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
8,199 
1,767 
2,995 
1,703 
8 

171,397 
46,373 
30,832 
28,484 
912 
323,252  277,998 

16,387 
4,071 
5,806 
4,312 
5 
30,581 

(5,679) 
(2,211) 
(2,338) 
(1,870) 
(7) 
14,672  (12,105) 
(2,611) 
(9,494) 

(753) 
(685) 
(246) 
(320) 
(1) 
(2,005) 
(10) 
(1,995) 

(849) 
(442) 
(535) 
(460) 
- 
(2,287) 
(479) 
(1,808) 

(4,077)  190,304 
(1,083)  50,000 
37,295 
(1,557) 
32,629 
(1,090) 
918 
(6) 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
4,122 
684 
1,438 
612 
2 
6,860 

15,538 
3,628 
5,272 
3,852 
4 
(7,813)  311,147  275,993  28,294 
(2,122)   
(5,691)   

170,644 
45,688 
30,586 
28,165 
911 

(*) 
(**) 
(***) 
(****) 

Spain includes all countries where BBVA, S.A. operates. 
Turkey includes all countries in which Garanti BBVA operates. 
In South America, BBVA Group operates mainly in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay. 
The amount of the accumulated impairment includes the provisions recorded for credit risk over the remaining expected lifetime of purchased financial instruments. Those 
provisions were determined at the moment of the Purchase Price Allocation and were originated mainly in the acquisition of Catalunya Banc S.A. (as of December 31, 2020, 
the remaining balance was €363 million). These valuation adjustments are recognized in the consolidated income statement during the residual life of the operations or are 
applied to the value corrections when the losses materialize.  

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross exposure 

Accumulated allowances 

Carrying amount 

Spain (*) 
The United States 
Mexico 
Turkey (**) 
South America (***) 
Others  
Total (****) 

Of which: individual 
Of which: collective 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
8,616 
632 
1,478 
3,451 
1,769 
9 

14,599 
7,011 
3,873 
5,127 
2,742 
7 
394,763  345,449  33,360 

197,058 
57,387 
60,099 
43,113 
36,265 
839 

173,843 
49,744 
54,748 
34,536 
31,754 
824 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
(3,939) 
(182) 
(912) 

173,131 
49,580 
54,052 
34,347 
31,388 
823 
(2,181)  (8,093)  382,360  343,320 

191,747 
56,699 
58,087 
(1,974)  40,500 
34,497 
(1,079) 
(6) 
832 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
4,677 
450 
566 
1,477 
690 
2 
7,861 

13,939 
6,670 
3,469 
4,677 
2,419 
6 
31,179 

(661) 
(342) 
(404) 
(450) 
(323) 
(1) 

(5,311) 
(688) 
(2,013) 
(2,613) 
(1,769) 
(8) 
15,954  (12,402) 
(2,795) 
(9,608) 

(712) 
(165) 
(697) 
(189) 
(366) 
(1) 
(2,129) 
(6) 
(2,123) 

(347) 
(1,834) 

(2,441)   
(5,652)   

(*) 
(**) 
(***) 
(****) 

Spain includes all countries where BBVA, S.A. operates. 
Turkey includes all countries in which Garanti BBVA operates. 
In South America, BBVA Group operates mainly in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. 
The amount of the accumulated impairment includes the provisions recorded for credit risk over the remaining expected lifetime of purchased financial instruments. Those 
provisions were determined at the moment of the Purchase Price Allocation and were originated mainly in the acquisition of Catalunya Banc S.A. (as of December 31, 2019 
the remaining balance was €433 million). These valuation adjustments are recognized in the consolidated income statement during the residual life of the operations or are 
applied to the value corrections when the losses materialize. 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross exposure 

Accumulated allowances 

Spain (*) 
The United States 
Mexico 
Turkey (**) 
South America (***) 
Others  
Total (****) 

Of which: individual 
Of which: collective 

Total 
195,447 
57,321 
52,858 
43,718 
36,098 
783 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
10,021 
172,599 
50,665 
733 
1,138 
48,354 
2,722 
34,883 
1,715 
31,947 
19 
756 
386,225  339,204 

12,827 
5,923 
3,366 
6,113 
2,436 
8 
30,673 

Total 
(5,874) 
(658) 
(1,750) 
(2,241) 
(1,656) 
(19) 
16,348  (12,199) 
(3,333) 
(8,866) 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
(4,284) 
(153) 
(737) 
(1,479) 
(1,084) 
(18) 

(713) 
(206) 
(640) 
(171) 
(338) 
- 
(2,070) 
(3) 
(2,067) 

(877) 
(299) 
(373) 
(591) 
(234) 
(1) 
(2,374) 
(504) 
(1,870) 

Total 
189,574 
56,663 
51,107 
41,479 
34,442 
763 

Carrying amount 
Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 
5,737 
580 
401 
1,244 
631 
1 
8,593 

11,951 
5,624 
2,992 
5,523 
2,202 
7 
(7,755)  374,027  337,134  28,299 
(2,826)   
(4,929)   

171,886 
50,459 
47,714 
34,712 
31,609 
755 

(*) 
(**) 
(***) 
(****) 

Spain includes all countries where BBVA, S.A. operates. 
Turkey includes all countries in which Garanti BBVA operates. 
In South America, BBVA Group operates mainly in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. 
The amount of the accumulated impairment includes the provisions recorded for credit risk over the remaining expected lifetime of purchased financial instruments. Those 
provisions were determined at the moment of the Purchase Price Allocation and were originated mainly in the acquisition of Catalunya Banc S.A. (as of December 31, 2018 
the remaining balance was €540 million). These valuation adjustments are recognized in the consolidated income statement during the residual life of the operations or are 
applied to the value corrections when the losses materialize. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown  by counterparty of the maximum  credit risk  exposure, the accumulated  allowances  recorded,  as well  as the carrying  
is  shown  below: 

loans  and  advances  to  customers  as  of  December  31,  2020,  2019  and  2018 

amount  by  stages  of 

December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross exposure 

Accumulated allowances 

Net amount 

Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3  Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Public administrations 
Other financial corporations 

19,439 
9,856 

19,163 
9,747 

200 
95 

76 
14 

(48) 
(39) 

(14) 
(25) 

(9) 
(6) 

(25) 
(7) 

19,391 
9,817 

19,149 
9,722 

191 
88 

Non-financial corporations 

142,547 

119,891 

15,179 

7,477 

(6,123) 

(774) 

(1,110) 

(4,239)  136,424 

119,117 

14,069 

Individuals 

151,410 

129,196 

15,108 

7,106 

(5,895) 

(1,192) 

(1,161) 

(3,542)  145,515  128,005 

13,946 

51 
7 

3,238 

3,564 

Loans and advances to 
customers 

323,252  277,998  30,581 

14,672  (12,105)  (2,005)  (2,287) 

(7,813)  311,147  275,993  28,294  6,860 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross exposure 

Accumulated allowances 

Net amount 

Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Public administrations 

28,281 

27,511 

Other financial corporations 

11,239 

11,085 

682 

136 

88 

17 

(59) 

(31) 

(15) 

(19) 

(22) 

(2) 

(21) 

(10) 

28,222 

27,496 

11,207 

11,066 

660 

134 

66 

8 

Non-financial corporations 

173,254 

148,768 

16,018 

8,468 

(6,465) 

(811) 

(904)  (4,750) 

166,789 

147,957 

15,114 

3,718 

Individuals 
Loans and advances to 
customers 

181,989 

158,085 

16,523 

7,381 

(5,847)  (1,283)  (1,252) 

(3,312) 

176,142 

156,801 

15,272 

4,069 

394,763  345,449  33,360 

15,954  (12,402)  (2,129)  (2,181)  (8,093)  382,360  343,320  31,179 

7,861 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross exposure 

Accumulated allowances 

Net amount 

Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Total  Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Total 

Stage 1  Stage 2  Stage 3 

Public administrations 

28,632 

27,740 

Other financial corporations 

9,490 

9,189 

764 

291 

128 

11 

(84) 

(22) 

(21) 

(13) 

(25) 

(4) 

(38) 

28,549 

27,719 

(4) 

9,468 

9,176 

739 

286 

Non-financial corporations 

169,764 

145,875 

15,516 

8,372 

(6,260) 

(730) 

(1,190) 

(4,341) 

163,503 

145,145 

14,327 

Individuals 

178,339 

156,400 

14,102 

7,838 

(5,833)  (1,305) 

(1,155)  (3,372) 

172,506  155,094 

12,946 

91 

6 

4,031 

4,466 

Loans and advances to 
customers 

386,225  339,204  30,673  16,348  (12,199)  (2,070)  (2,374)  (7,755)  374,027  337,134  28,299 

8,593 

The breakdown by counterparty and product of loans and advances, net of loss allowances,  as well  as the gross carrying amount by type 
of product, classified in different headings of the assets, as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is shown below: 

December  2020  (Millions  of  Euros) 

On  demand  and  short  notice 

Credit  card  debt 

Commercial  debtors 

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 

Gross 
carrying 
amount 

- 

- 

- 

472 

5,690 

48 

6,209 

472 

7 

- 

898 

197 

- 

18,111 

260 

19,475 

372 

952 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,914 

3,972 

8,721 

14,608 

- 

- 

502 

2 

317 

6 

- 

5,799 

3,191 

9,817 

209 

317 

1,798 

1,485 

14,262 

7,125 

71 

111,141 

1,084 

528 

11,605 

67 

322 

- 

2,835 

3,021 

13,093 

14,220 

15,544 

15,796 

7,650 

8,013 

2,457 

2,463 

132,603 

277,317 

287,467 

473 

13,777 

13,833 

136,966 

145,598 

332,672 

344,813 

22,091 

3,763 

94,147 

2,059 

116,819 

120,194 

7,562 

7,776 

39,799 

39,799 

43,037 

94,098 

94,098 

95,751 

10,721 

10,721 

11,032 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December  2019 (Millions  of Euros) 

On  demand  and  short  notice 

Credit  card  debt 

Commercial  debtors   

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 

December  2018 (Millions  of  Euros) 

On  demand  and  short  notice 

Credit  card  debt 

Commercial  debtors 

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 

Gross 
carrying 
amount 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4,240 

35 

4,275 

- 

9 

10 

971 

227 

- 

26,734 

865 

28,816 

1,067 

10,447 

- 

1 

- 

- 

1,817 

4,121 

7,743 

13,682 

15 

93 

118 

3 

230 

6 

- 

2,328 

1,940 

15,976 

8,091 

26 

595 

3,050 

3,251 

14,401 

16,355 

17,608 

99 

387 

- 

17,276 

17,617 

8,711 

9,095 

1,843 

1,848 

7,795 

137,934 

160,223 

341,047 

351,230 

3,056 

11,208 

261 

2,106 

951 

506 

13,156 

13,214 

167,246 

176,211 

401,438 

413,863 

23,575 

111,085 

136,003 

139,317 

29,009 

6,893 

48,548 

49,266 

46,356 

46,356 

49,474 

110,178 

110,178 

111,636 

12,259 

12,259 

12,415 

Central  banks 

General 
governments 

Credit 
institutions 

Other  financial 
corporations 

Non-financial 
corporations 

Households 

Total 

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 

- 

648 

13,108 

103 

406 

- 

3,641 

3,834 

15,446 

16,495 

17,436 

17,716 

8,650 

9,077 

770 

772 

133,573 

157,760 

332,060 

342,264 

984 

498 

10,962 

11,025 

163,922 

172,522 

388,966 

401,183 

26,784 

31,393 

111,809 

139,883 

144,005 

6,835 

47,081 

47,855 

40,124 

111,007 

40,124 

42,736 

111,007 

112,952 

13,973 

13,973 

14,286 

7.2.3  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. 

This is carried out through a prudent risk policy that consists of the analysis of the financial risk, based on the capacity for reimbursement 
or generation of resources of the borrower, the analysis of the guarantee, assessing, among others, the efficiency, the robustness and the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
risk, the adequacy of the guarantee with the operation and other aspects such as the location, currency, concentration or the existence 
of limitations. Additionally, the necessary  tasks for the constitution of guarantees must be carried out - in any of the generally  accepted  
forms (collaterals, personal guarantees and financial hedge instruments) - appropriate to the risk assumed. 

The procedures for the management and valuation of collateral are set out in the corporate general policies (retail and wholesale), which  
establish  the  basic  principles  for  credit  risk  management,  including  the  management  of  collaterals  assigned  in  transactions  with 
customers. The criteria  for the systematic,  standardized and effective  treatment of collateral  in credit transaction procedures in BBVA 
Group’s wholesale and retail banking are included in the Specific  Collateral Rules. 

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 valuation of the collateral is taken into account in the calculation of the expected losses. The Group has developed internal models to 
estimate the realization value of the collaterals received, the time that elapses until then, the costs for their acquisition, maintenance and 
subsequent sale,  from real  observations based  on its own experience.  This modeling is part of the LGD estimation processes  that are 
applied to the different segments, and is included within the annual review and validation procedures. 

The following is a description of the main types of collateral  for each financial  instrument class: 

Debt instruments held for trading: The guarantees or credit enhancements obtained directly from the issuer or counterparty 
are implicit in the clauses of the instrument (mainly guarantees of the issuer). 

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 (mainly collaterals).  

The summary of the offsetting effect (via netting and collateral) for derivatives and securities operations as of December 31, 2020 is 
presented in Note 7.3.2. 

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 (mainly personal guarantees). 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019  and 2018, BBVA Group had no credit risk exposure of impaired  financial  assets at fair valu e 
through other comprehensive income (see Note 7.2.2). 

Financial assets at amortized cost: 

• 

• 

• 

Loans and advances to credit institutions: These usually have the counterparty’s personal guarantee or pledged securities 
in the case of repos. 

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 or insurances). 

Debt securities: The guarantees or credit enhancements obtained directly from the issuer or counterparty are inherent to 
the structure of the instrument. 

Financial  guarantees, other contingent risks and drawable  by third parties: these have the counterparty’s personal guarantee 
or other types of collaterals. 

The  disclosure  of impaired  loans  and advances  at amortized  cost covered  by  collateral  (see  Note  7.2.6), by type  of collateral,  as  of 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, is the following:  

December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Maximum 
exposure  to 
credit  risk 

Of which  secured  by collateral 

Residential 
properties 

Commercial 
properties 

Cash 

Others 

Financial 

Impaired loans and advances at amortized cost 

14,678 

2,717 

Total 

14,678 

2,717 

789 

789 

18 

18 

52 

52 

575 

575 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Impaired loans and advances at amortized cost 
Total 

15,959 
15,959 

3,396 
3,396 

939 
939 

35 
35 

221 
221 

542 
542 

Maximum 
exposure  to 
credit  risk 

Of which  secured  by collateral 

Residential 
properties 

Commercial 
properties 

Cash 

Others 

Financial 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Impaired loans and advances at amortized cost 
Total 

16,359 
16,359 

3,484 
3,484 

1,255 
1,255 

13 
13 

317 
317 

502 
502 

Maximum 
exposure  to 
credit  risk 

Of which  secured  by collateral 

Residential 
properties 

Commercial 
properties 

Cash 

Others 

Financial 

The value of guarantees received  as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, is the following: 

Guarantees received (Millions of Euros) 

Value of collateral 

Of which: guarantees  normal risks under special monitoring 

Of which: guarantees  non-performing risks 

Value of other guarantees 

Of which: guarantees  normal risks under special monitoring 

Of which: guarantees  non-performing risks 

Total value of guarantees received 

2020 
116,900  

11,296  

3,577  

47,012  

4,045  

575  

163,912   

2019 
152,454   

14,623  

4,590  

35,464   

3,306  

542  

187,918   

2018 
158,268   

14,087  

5,068  

16,897   

1,519  

502  

175,165   

The  maximum  credit risk  exposure  of impaired  financial  guarantees  and other commitments at December  31, 2020,  2019  and 2018  
amounts to €1,032, €1,001 and €987 million, respectively  (see Note 7.2.2). 

7.2.4  Credit quality  of financial assets  that are neither past  due nor impaired 

The BBVA Group has  tools 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-approve new transactions. 

Rating 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 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, 2020: 

External rating 

Internal rating 

Standard&Poor's List 

Reduced List (22 groups) 

Average 

Probability of default 
(basis 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. 

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 terms of the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Probability of default (basis points) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Subject to 12 
month ECL (Stage 
1) 

Subject to lifetime 
ECL (Stage 2) 

Subject to 12 
month ECL 
(Stage 1) 

Subject to lifetime 
ECL (Stage 2) 

Subject to 12 
month ECL 
(Stage 1) 

Subject to lifetime 
ECL (Stage 2) 

0 to 2 
2 to 5 
5 to 11 
11 to 39 
39 to 194 
194 to 1,061 
1,061 to 2,121 
> 2,121 
Total 

% 

4.0 
10.2 
7.7 
26.8 
24.0 
15.1 
1.5 
0.6 
89.9 

% 

- 
0.1 
0.1 
0.5 
2.3 
3.4 
1.2 
2.5 
10.1 

% 

5.5 
6.3 
14.6 
24.5 
24.5 
14.0 
1.4 
0.4 
91.0 

% 

- 
- 
0.2  
0.8 
1.6 
3.6 
1.2 
1.5 
9.0 

% 

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 

7.2.5  Impaired  secured loan risks 

The breakdown of loans and advances,  within financial  assets at amortized cost, non-performing and accumulated impairment, as well 
as the gross carrying amount, by counterparties as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Non-performing 
loans and advances 

Accumulated 
impairment  

Non-performing 
loans and 
advances as a 
% of the total 

Central banks 

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 communications 

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 

6,229 

19,439 

14,591 

9,856 

142,547 

3,438 

4,349 

33,771 

13,490 

899 

10,019 

24,594 

8,117 

8,337 

5,764 

5,298 

10,025 

2,886 

3,955 

129 

665 

1,812 

1,131 

3,871 

151,410 
344,072 

- 

76 

6 

14 

7,477 

132 

47 

1,486 

591 

17 

1,397 

1,456 

489 

358 

73 

123 

617 

177 

142 

5 

54 

67 

46 

198 

7,106 
14,678 

(20) 

(48) 

(16) 

(39) 

(6,123) 

(108) 

(59) 

(1,129) 

(509) 

(15) 

(722) 

(1,223) 

(368) 

(294) 

(60) 

(132) 

(494) 

(124) 

(192) 

(4) 

(43) 

(59) 

(65) 

(523) 

(5,895) 
(12,141) 

- 

0.4% 

- 

0.1% 

5.2% 

3.8% 

1.1% 

4.4% 

4.4% 

1.9% 

13.9% 

5.9% 

6.0% 

4.3% 

1.3% 

2.3% 

6.2% 

6.1% 

3.6% 

3.5% 

8.1% 

3.7% 

4.1% 

5.1% 

4.7% 
4.3% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Central banks 

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 communications 

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 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Non-performing 
loans and 
advances 

Accumulated 
impairment  

Non-
performing 
loans and 
advances as a 
% of the total 

4,285 

28,281 

13,664 

11,239 

173,254 

3,758 

4,669 

39,517 

12,305 

900 

10,945 

27,467 

9,638 

8,703 

6,316 

6,864 

19,435 

4,375 

3,415 

282 

903 

4,696 

1,396 

7,671 

181,989 
412,711 

- 

88 

6 

17 

8,467 

154 

100 

1,711 

684 

14 

1,377 

1,799 

507 

279 

95 

191 

782 

167 

118 

5 

41 

66 

47 

331 

7,381 
15,959 

(9)  - 

(60) 

(15)  - 

(31) 

(6,465) 

(124) 

(86) 

(1,242) 

(575) 

(16) 

(876) 

(1,448) 

(392) 

(203) 

(65) 

(140) 

(527) 

(140) 

(134) 

(6) 

(38) 

(55) 

(39) 

(360) 

(5,847) 
(12,427) 

0.3% 

0.2% 

4.9% 

4.1% 

2.1% 

4.3% 

5.6% 

1.6% 

12.6% 

6.6% 

5.3% 

3.2% 

1.5% 

2.8% 

4.0% 

3.8% 

3.4% 

1.7% 

4.5% 

1.4% 

3.4% 

4.3% 

4.1% 
3.9% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Non-
performing 
loans and 
advances 

Accumulated 
impairment  

Non-
performing 
loans and 
advances as a 
% of the total 

Central banks 

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 communications 

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 

3,947 

28,198 

9,175 

9,490 

170,182 

3,685 

4,952 

36,772 

13,853 

1,061 

11,899 

25,833 

9,798 

7,882 

5,238 

6,929 

17,272 

5,096 

3,162 

319 

912 

4,406 

1,323 

9,791 

178,355 
399,347 

- 

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 

(6) 

(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) 
(12,217) 

- 

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% 

The changes during the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 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  

2020 

2019 

2018 

16,770 

9,533 

(5,024) 

4,509 
(3,603) 

(968) 

16,708 

17,134 

9,857 

(5,874) 

3,983 
(3,803) 

(544) 

16,770 

20,590 

9,792 

(6,909) 

2,883 
(5,076) 

(1,264) 

17,134 

 (*)   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. 

The changes during the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 in financial assets derecognized from the accompanying consolidated balance sheet  
as their recovery is considered unlikely  ("write-offs"), is shown below: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Changes in impaired financial  assets written-off from the balance sheet (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Balance at the beginning  

Companies held for sale (*) 

Increase 

Decrease: 

Re-financing or restructuring 

Cash recovery 

Foreclosed assets 

Sales  (**) 

Debt forgiveness 

Time-barred debt and other causes  

Net exchange differences 

Balance at the end 

47 

26,245 

(4,646) 

3,440 

(2,715) 

(7) 

(339) 

(479) 

(1,223) 

(607) 

(60) 

(323) 

22,001 

32,343 

- 

4,712 

(11,039) 

(2) 

(919) 

(617) 

(8,325) 

(493) 

(682) 

230 

26,245 

30,139 

- 

6,164 

(4,210) 

(10) 

(589) 

(625) 

(1,805) 

(889) 

(292) 

250 

32,343 

 (*) Amount in 2020 is mainly due to the sale of the stake in BBVA USA (see Notes 3 and 21).  

(**) Includes principal and interest. 

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 a time-
barred financial  asset, the financial  asset is forgiven, or other reason. 

7.2.6  Loss allowances 

Movements in  gross  accounting balances  and  accumulated  allowances  for loan  losses  during 2020  and  2019  are  recorded  on  the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December  31, 2020 and 2019, in order to cover the estimated loss allowances  in loans 
and advances and debt securities measured at amortized cost.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Changes in gross accounting balances of loans and advances at amortized cost. 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance 
Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from stage 1 to Stage 2 
Transfers from stage 2 to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 

Net annual origination of financial assets 

Becoming write-offs 
Changes in model / methodology 
Foreign exchange 

Modifications that do not result in derecognition 

Other 
Discontinued operations 
Closing balance 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

363,234 
(11,935) 
(15,843) 
5,107 
(1,701) 
502 

16,119 
(3) 
- 
(21,472) 

(204) 
(283) 
(46,664) 
298,793 

33,518 
8,807 
15,843 
(5,107) 
(2,659) 
729 

(827) 
(2) 
- 
(2,342) 

827 
(190) 
(9,190) 
30,601 

15,959 
3,128 
- 
- 
4,359 
(1,231) 

102 
(2,944) 
- 
(1,157) 

511 
270 
(1,192) 
14,678 

412,711 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

15,395 
(2,949) 
- 
(24,970) 

1,134 
(204) 
(57,045) 
344,072 

Changes in allowances of loans and advances at amortized cost. 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance 
Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from stage 1 to Stage 2 
Transfers from stage 2 to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 

Net annual origination of allowances 

Becoming write-offs 
Changes in model / methodology 
Foreign exchange 

Modifications that do not result in derecognition 

Other 
Discontinued operations 
Closing balance 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

(2,149) 
184 
156 
(50) 
81 
(3) 

(872) 
- 
- 
227 

12 
160 
401 
(2,037) 

(2,183) 
(511) 
(923) 
253 
218 
(59) 

(795) 
- 
- 
256 

(118) 
618 
444 
(2,289) 

(8,094) 
(1,806) 
- 
- 
(1,950) 
144 

(1,329) 
2,567 
- 
721 

(177) 
25 
278 
(7,815) 

(12,427) 
(2,133) 
(766) 
202 
(1,652) 
83 

(2,996) 
2,568 
- 
1,204 

(283) 
803 
1,123 
(12,141) 

Changes in gross accounting balances of loans and advances at amortized cost. 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance 
Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from stage 1 to Stage 2 
Transfers from stage 2 to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 

Net annual origination of financial assets 
Becoming write-offs 
Changes in model / methodology 
Foreign exchange 

Modifications that do not result in derecognition 

Other 
Closing balance 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

352,282 
(9,021) 
(13,546) 
5,656 
(1,571) 
440 
20,296 
(152) 
- 
1,611 

(1) 

(1,782) 
363,234 

30,707 
6,279 
13,546 
(5,656) 
(2,698) 
1,087 
(2,739) 
(349) 
- 
35 

(27) 

(388) 
33,518 

16,359 
2,741 
- 
- 
4,269 
(1,527) 
246 
(3,407) 
- 
16 

15 

(11) 
15,959 

399,347 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
17,804 
(3,908) 
- 
1,662 

(13) 

(2,180) 
412,711 

Changes in allowances of loans and advances at amortized cost. 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Opening balance 
Transfers of financial assets: 

Transfers from stage 1 to Stage 2 
Transfers from stage 2 to Stage 1 
Transfers to Stage 3 
Transfers from Stage 3 

Net annual origination of allowances 
Becoming write-offs 
Changes in model / methodology 
Foreign exchange 

Modifications that do not result in derecognition 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

(2,082) 
176 
126 
(38) 
89 
(1) 
(542) 
130 
- 
(30) 

(15) 

(2,375) 
(227) 
(649) 
273 
234 
(86) 
(116) 
337 
- 
(18) 

(149) 

(7,761) 
(1,574) 
- 
- 
(1,810) 
236 
(1,711) 
2,789 
- 
69 

(12,217) 
(1,626) 
(523) 
235 
(1,487) 
149 
(2,370) 
3,256 
- 
20 

(89) 

(254) 

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Other 
Closing balance 

215 
(2,149) 

366 
(2,183) 

183 
(8,094) 

764 
(12,427) 

The following are the movements produced during 2018 in the value adjustments recorded in the accompanying balance  sheets to cover 
the impairment or reversal  of the estimated impairment of financial assets at amortized cost: 

Financial assets at amortized cost. December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Not credit-impaired 

Credit-impaired 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Total 

Credit-impaired  
(Stage 3) 

Loss allowances 

Loss allowances 
(collectively 
assessed) 

Loss allowances 
(individually 
assessed) 

Loss allowances  Loss allowances 

(2,237) 
131 
208 
(125) 
55 
(7) 
358 
(1,072) 
- 
2 
641 
13 
- 
(84) 
5 
3 
135 
(2,106) 

(1,827) 
(155) 
(930) 
619 
282 
(126) 
(53) 
(375) 
- 
3 
432 
14 
- 
72 
10 
(8) 
133 
(1,753) 

(525) 
328 
(218) 
50 
564 
(68) 
(260) 
(244) 
- 
- 
118 
2 
- 
(93) 
25 
1 
20 
(628) 

(9,371) 
(1,794) 
- 
- 
(2,127) 
333 
(3,775) 
- 
- 
110 
1,432 
4,433 
- 
343 
98 
(362) 
1,111 
(7,777) 

(13,960) 
(1,490) 
(940) 
544 
(1,226) 
132 
(3,730) 
(1,692) 
- 
115 
2,623 
4,461 
- 
239 
138 
(366) 
1,399 
(12,264) 

(12,217) 
(46) 

Opening balance 
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 

Of which: Loans and advances 
Of which: Debt certificates 

7.2.7  Refinancing and restructuring transactions  

Group policies and principles with respect to refinancing and restructuring transactions 

Refinancing and restructuring transactions (see definition in the Glossary) are carried  out with customers who have requested such a 
transaction 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 transaction 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 transaction, 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 transactions do not in general increase the amount of the customer’s loan, except for the expense 
inherent to the transaction itself.  

The capacity  to refinance and restructure a 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.75 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
In the case of retail customers (private individuals), the main aim of the BBVA Group’s policy on refinancing and restructuring a loan is to 
avoid  default  arising  from a  customer’s temporary liquidity  problems  by  implementing structural solutions that do not  increase  the 
balance of the 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 transactions 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  transaction  in  all  cases.  No  
arrangements may be concluded that involve a grace period for both principal and interest. 

Refinancing and restructuring of transactions is only allowed on those loans in which the BBVA Group originally entered into. 

Customers subject to refinancing and restructuring transactions are excluded from marketing campaigns of any kind. 

In the case of non-retail customers (mainly companies, enterprises and corporates), refinancing/restructuring is authorized according to 
an economic and financial  viability plan based on: 

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 transaction does  not mean  the  loan is 
reclassified  from "impaired" or "significant increase in credit risk" to normal 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 assets classified  as "Impaired assets" should comply with the following conditions in order to be reclassified  to "Significant increase 
in credit risk": 

The customer has to have paid a significant part of the pending exposure. 

At least one year must have elapsed  since its classification  as "Impaired asset". 

The customer does not have past due payments and objective criteria, demonstrating the borrower´s ability to pay, have been  
verified. 

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. 

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; and 

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 economic impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has required the adaptation of the repayment schedule of a large volume of loans 
in all geographies and portfolios. In general, this support has been conducted through the concession of deferrals  that comply with the 
principles  established  by  the  EBA,  which  has  allowed  for  the  application  of  a  differential  accounting  and  prudential  treatment. 

Renewals  and renegotiations will  be classified  as normal  risk, provided that there is no significant increase  in risk. This classification  is 
applicable  at the initial moment, and in the event of any deterioration, the criteria established  in the existing governance are followed. In 
this sense, the aforementioned conditions are considered, including, among others, no facility with more than 30 days delinquency  and 
not being identified as 'unlikely  to pay'. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.76 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 restructured and  renegotiated loans than the  average  internal  rating 
assigned to non-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). 

For quantitative information on refinancing and restructuring transactions see Appendix XI. 

7.2.8  Risk concentration 

Policies for preventing excessive risk concentration  

In order to prevent the build-up of excessive  risk concentrations at the individual,  sector, portfolio and geography 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. 

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. 

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  
and during 2018, when doubtful assets exited the balance sheet and recovery of the sector concluded. A corporate sales policy has been  
rolled out to eliminate those real estate assets from the balance sheet which have been most difficult to commercialize. 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 Group 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 risk 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. 

 
 
 
P.77 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 cyclical. 

Specific  policies for analysis  and granting of new developer risk transactions 

In the analysis  of new  transactions, the assessment of the commercial operation in terms of the economic and financial viability of the 
project has been  one of the constant. The monitoring of the work, sales  prospects and the legal  situation of the project are  essential 
aspects for the admission and follow-up of new real estate transactions. 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. 

In this context, and within the current Real Estate cycle, the strategy with clients is subject to an Asset Allocation limit and to an action 
framework that allows defining a target portfolio, both in volume and in credit quality. 

Risk monitoring policies 

The base information for analyzing the real estate portfolios is updated monthly. There is a systematic monitoring of developments under 
close monitoring with the evolution of works and sales. Since 2013, there are no threats of new defaults in the portfolio. 

Policies  applied in the management of real estate assets in Spain 

The internal Rules on Real Estate Financing, which establish recommendations for financing a  new housing development business, are 
reviewed  and updated annually. 

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. 

For quantitative information about the risk related to the developer and Real-Estate sector in Spain see Appendix XII.  

7.3  Market risk 

Market risk originates from the possibility of experiencing losses in the value of positions held as a result of movements in market variables 
that affect  the valuation of financial  assets and liabilities.  Market risk in the Group's trading portfolios stems mainly from the portfolios 
originated by Global Markets valued at fair value and held for the purpose of trading and generating short-term results. Market risk in the 
field  of banking book is clearly  and distinctly addressed and can be broken down into structural risks relating to interest rate, exchange 
rate and equity (see Note 7.4). 

7.3.1  Market  risk in trading portfolios  

The main risks in the trading portfolios 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.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
P.78 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The metrics developed  to control and monitor market risk  in the 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  various  risks,  such as  credit  spread  risk, basis  risk,  as  well  as  volatility  and 
correlation risk.  

With respect to the risk measurement models used by the BBVA Group, the Bank of Spain has authorized the use of the internal market  
risk model to determine bank capital requirements deriving from risk positions on the BBVA S.A. and BBVA Mexico trading book, which 
jointly accounted for around 72%, 72% and 76% of the Group’s trading-book market risk as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. For 
the rest of the geographical areas where the Group operates (applicable mainly to the Group´s South America subsidiaries, Garanti BBVA 
and BBVA USA), bank capital for the risk positions in the trading book is calculated using the Standardized Approach defined by the Basel 
Committee on Banking Supervision (which is referred to herein as 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 predicts 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. 

VaR figures are estimated with the following 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.  

The use of VaR by historical simulation methodology as a risk metric has many advantages, but also certain limitations, among which it 
is worth highlighting: 

The estimate of the maximum daily loss of the Global Markets portfolio positions (with a confidence level  of 99%) depends on 
the market movements of the last two years, not picking up the impact of large market events if they have not occurred within 
that historical window 

The  use  of the 99%  confidence  level  does  not consider potential losses  that can  occur  beyond this level.  To mitigate  this 
limitation, different stress exercises  are also performed, as described later. 

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 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 risk  factors  inherent  to market  operations 
(including interest-rate risk, exchange-rate  risk, equity risk  and credit  risk, among others). 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 IRC charge is exclusively  applied  in  entities in respect of which  the 
internal market risk model is used (i.e. BBVA, S.A. and BBVA Mexico). The IRC charge is determined based on the associated  
losses  (calculated  at 99.9% confidence  level  over a one year  horizon under the hypothesis of constant risk) due to a rating 
change and/or default of the issuer with respect to an asset. In addition, the price risk is included in sovereign positions for the 
specified  items. 

Specific  Risk  -  Securitization  and  correlation  portfolios. Capital  charges  for  securitizations  and  correlation  portfolios  are 
assessed based on the potential losses associated with the rating level of a specific  credit structure. They are calculated  by the 
standard model.  The scope  of  the correlation portfolios refers  to the First To Default  (FTD)-type market  operation and/or 
tranches of market CDOs and only for positions with an active market and hedging capacity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.79 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 assessed 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 a trading desk 
level  in order to enable more specific  monitoring of the validity of the measurement models. 

Market risk in 2020 

The Group’s market risk  related to its trading portfolio remained at low levels  compared  to other risks managed by BBVA, particularly 
credit risk. This is due to the nature of the business. In 2020 the average VaR was €27 million, above the figure of 2019, with a maximum 
level  in the year reached on the day May 14, 2020 of €39 million. The evolution in the BBVA Group’s market risk during 2020, 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 continued to be that linked to interest 
rates, with a  weight of 56% of the total at December 31, 2020 (this figure includes the spread risk). The relative weight of this risk has 
increased  compared  with the close  of 2019  (58%). Exchange-rate risk  accounted for 22% of  the total risk,  increasing its weight  with 
respect to December 2019 (13%), while equity, volatility and correlation risk has decreased, with a weight of 22% at the close of 2020 (vs. 
29% at the close of 2019). 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018  the VaR was  €32 million, €20 million  and €17 million, respectively.  The total VaR figures for 
2020, 2019 and 2018 can be broken down as follows: 

 
 
P.80 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

VaR by Risk Factor (Millions of Euros) 

Interest/Spread 
risk 

Currency risk 

Stock-market 
risk 

Vega/Correlation 
risk 

Diversification 
effect(*) 

Total 

2020 

VaR average in the year 

VaR max in the year 

VaR min in the year 

End of period VaR 

2019 

VaR average in the year 

VaR max in the year 

VaR min in the year 

End of period VaR 

2018 

VaR average in the year 

VaR max in the year 

VaR min in the year 

End of period VaR 
(*) 

29 

39 

20 

32 

21 

28 

13 

24 

20 

23 

17 

19 

12 

20 

3 

12 

6 

6 

5 

5 

6 

7 

6 

5 

4 

10 

1 

2 

4 

3 

5 

5 

4 

6 

4 

3 

11 

20 

6 

11 

9 

9 

9 

8 

9 

11 

7 

7 

(28) 

(14) 

(39) 

(29) 

(20) 

(21) 

(18) 

(22) 

(20) 

(21) 

(18) 

(17) 

27 

39 

18 

28 

19 

25 

14 

20 

21 

26 

16 

17 

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 internal market risk model 

The internal market  risk model is validated  on a  regular basis by backtesting in both, BBVA, S.A. and Global Markets Mexico (in BBVA 
Mexico). 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 Global Markets Mexico is adequate and precise. 

Two types of backtesting have been carried  out in 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

"Hypothetical" backtesting: the daily VaR is compared with the results obtained, not taking into account the intraday results or 
the changes in the portfolio positions. This validates the appropriateness of the market risk metrics for the end-of-day position. 

"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 a risk factor or business type level, thus making a deeper comparison 
of the results with respect to risk measurements. 

For the period between  the year ended December  31, 2019 and the year  ended December  31, 2020, the backtesting of the internal VaR 
calculation model was carried out, comparing the daily results obtained to the risk level  estimated by the internal VaR calculation model. 
In that period, there were no negative exceptions in BBVA S.A., while in BBVA Mexico there were  a total of 3 exceptions. The COVID-19 
epidemic  together with the fall in the oil price resulted in a sharp depreciation of the local currency, a considerable  spike in stock market  
volatility, a breakdown of the correlation between different curves and an abrupt movement in local interest rate curves. 

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 been the case  each year since the internal market risk model was 
approved for the Group.  

Stress testing 

A number of stress tests are carried  out on the 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 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.81 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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 that are recalculated periodically  depending on the main risks affecting the trading portfolios. On a data window wide enough to 
collect different periods of stress (data are taken from January 1, 2008  until the date of the assessment), a simulation is performed by 
resampling of historic observations, generating a distribution of losses and gains that serve to analyze the most extreme of births in the 
selected  historical  window. The  advantage of this 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 greater richness of 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) there is flexibility in  
the inclusion of new risk factors and c) it allows the introduction of a lot of variability in the simulations (desirable for considering extreme 
events). 

The impact of the stress test under multivariable simulation of the risk factors of the portfolio based on the expected shortfall (expected  
shortfall calculated  at a 95% confidence level,  20 days) as of December  31, 2020 is as follows: 

Impact of the stress test (Millions of Euros) 

Expected shortfall 

(121) 

(69) 

(8) 

- 

(8) 

(4) 

(8) 

0 

Europe 

Mexico 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Turkey 

7.3.2 

Financial  Instruments  offset 

Financial assets and liabilities  may be netted in certain cases. In particular, they are presented for a net amount on the consolidated balance 
sheet only when the Group's entities satisfy 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. 

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 the net amount. 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  the ones 
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  counterparties, the collateral  agreement  annexes  called  Credit 
Support Annex (“CSA”) are included, thereby minimizing exposure to a potential default of the counterparty. 

Moreover, many of the transactions involving assets purchased or sold under a repurchase agreement  are transacted through clearing 
houses that articulate mechanisms to reduce counterparty risk, as well as through the signing of various master agreements for bilateral 
transactions, the most widely used being the Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA), published by the 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.82 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

A  summary  of  the  effect  of  offsetting (via  netting and collateral)  for  derivatives  and  securities  operations  is  presented  below  as  of 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

December 2020 (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 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Gross amounts not offset in 
the consolidated balance 
sheets (D) 

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) 

5,688 

42,173 

33,842 

9,018 

- 

34,500 

35,141 

5,688 
5,722 

76,674 
43,998 

68,983 
33,842 

161 

9,178 
9,435 

(686) 

(802) 

(1,488) 
721 

- 

43,950 

44,677 

1,619 

(2,346) 

Gross 
amounts 
recognized (A) 
47,862 

Notes 

10, 15 

10, 15 

34,500 

82,362 
49,720 

43,950 

93,670 

5,722 

87,948 

78,519 

11,054 

(1,624) 

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) 

10, 15 

36,349 

2,388 

33,961 

25,020 

8,210 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing 
and similar  agreements 
Total assets 

Trading and hedging derivatives 
Repurchase, securities lending and similar 
agreements 

10, 15 

35,805 

72,154 
38,693 

45,977 

21 

35,784 

2,409 
2,394 

69,744 
36,299 

35,618 

60,637 
25,020 

204 

8,415 
10,613 

21 

45,956 

45,239 

420 

Total liabilities 

84,670 

2,414 

82,256 

70,259 

11,033 

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) 

10, 15 

48,895 

16,480 

32,415 

24,011 

7,790 

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 

28,074 

76,969 
50,583 

43,035 

42 

28,032 

28,022 

169 

16,522 
17,101 

60,447 
33,481 

52,033 
24,011 

7,959 
6,788 

42 

42,993 

42,877 

34 

93,618 

17,143 

76,474 

66,888 

6,822 

2,765 

The amount of recognized financial  instruments within derivatives  includes the effect in case  of compensation with counterparties with 
which the Group holds netting agreements, while, for repos, it reflects the market value of the collateral associated with the transaction. 

731 

(39) 

692 
667 

297 

964 

613 

(159) 

454 
2,682 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
7.4  Structural risk 

The structural risks are defined, in general terms, as the possibility of sustaining losses due to adverse movements in market risk factors 
as a result of mismatches in the financial  structure of an entity´s balance sheet. 

In the Group, the following types of structural risks are defined, according to the nature and the following market factors: interest rate, 
exchange rate and equity. 

The  scope of  structural risks  in  the Group is  limited  to the  banking book, excluding  market  risks  in the trading book that are  clearly 
delimited and separated and make up the Market Risks.  

The Assets and Liabilities  Committee (ALCO) is  the main  responsible body for the management  of structural risks regarding liquidity/ 
funding interest rate, currency, equity and solvency. Every month, with the participation of the CEO and representatives from the areas of 
Finance, Risks and Business Areas; this committee monitors the structural risks and is presented with proposals with regard to action 
plans related with its management for its approval. These management proposals are made  by the Finance area  with a forward-looking 
focus, maintaining the alignment with the risk appetite framework, trying to guarantee the recurrence of results and financial  stability, as 
well  as  to preserve  the solvency  of  the entity. All  balance  management  units have  a  local  ALCO, which  is  permanently  attended  by 
members  of the corporate center, and there is a  corporate ALCO where  management  strategies are  monitored and presented  in the 
Group's subsidiaries. 

GRM area  acts  as  an  independent  unit, ensuring adequate  separation  between  the  management  and  risk  control  functions, and  is 
responsible for ensuring that the structural risks in the Group are managed according to the strategy approved by the Board of Directors. 

Consequently,  GRM  deals  with  the  identification,  measurement,  monitoring and  control  of  those  risks  and  their  reporting  to  the 
corresponding corporate bodies. Through the Global Risk Management Committee (GRMC), it performs the function of control and risk 
assessment  and  is  responsible  for developing  the strategies, policies,  procedures  and  infrastructure necessary  to identify,  evaluate,  
measure and manage the significant risks that the BBVA Group faces. To this end, GRM, through the corporate unit of Structural Risks, 
proposes a scheme  of limits and alerts that defines the risk appetite set for each of the relevant structural risk types, both at Group level 
and by management units, which will be reviewed annually, reporting the situation periodically to the Group's corporate bodies as well as 
to the GRMC. 

Within the three lines of defense scheme in which BBVA's internal control model is established according to the most advanced standards 
in terms of internal control, the first line of defense is composed by the Finance area, which is responsible for managing the structural risk. 

While  GRM, as  a  second  line  of  defense,  is  in  charge  of  identifying  risks,  and  establishing  policies  and  control models,  periodically 
evaluating their effectiveness. 

In the second line of defense, there are  also the Internal Risk Control units, which independently review  the Structural Risk control, and 
Internal  Financial  Control, which  carry  out a  review  on the  design  and effectiveness  of  the operational  controls over  structural  risk 
management. 

The third line  of defense  is represented by the Internal Audit area, which, with total independence, is  responsible for reviewing  specific 
controls and processes. 

7.4.1 

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 with an integral vision, combining two complementary points 
of view: net interest income (short term) and economic value (long term). 

The exposure of a financial entity to adverse interest rates movements is a risk inherent to the development of the banking business, which 
is also, in turn, an opportunity to create economic value. Therefore, interest rate risk must be effectively  managed so that it is limited in  
accordance with the entity’s equity and in line with the expected economic result. 

This function falls to the Global ALM (Asset & Liability Management) unit, within the Finance area, who, through ALCO, aims to guarantee 
the recurrence of results and preserve the solvency of the entity, always adhering to the risk profile defined by the management bodies of 
the BBVA Group. The interest rate risk management of the balance  sheet aims  to promote the stability of the net interest income and 
book value with respect to changes in market interest rates, types of markets in the different balance-sheets, while  respecting solvency 
and internal limits, as well  as complying with current and future regulatory requirements. Likewise,  a specific  monitoring of the banking 
book instruments registered at market value (fair value) is developed, which due to their accounting treatment have an impact on results 
and / or equity. 

In this regard, the BBVA Group maintains an exposure to fluctuations on interest rates according to its objective strategy and risk profile, 
being carried out in a decentralized and independent manner in each of the banking entities that compose its structural balance-sheet. 

 
 
 
 
 
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The management is carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the European Banking Authority (EBA), with a monitoring 
of interest rate risk metrics, with the aim of analyzing the potential impact that could be derived from the range of scenarios in the different 
balance-sheets of the Group. 

Nature of Interest Rate Risk  

Repricing risk arises  due to the difference  between the repricing or maturity terms of the assets and liabilities,  and represents the most 
frequent interest rate risk faced by financial entities. However, other sources of risk as changes in the slope and shape of the yield  curve, 
the reference  to different indexes  and the optionality risk embedded in certain banking transactions, are also taken into account by the 
risk control system. 

BBVA's structural interest-rate risk management process is formed from a set of metrics and tools that enables the capture of additional 
sources to properly monitor the risk profile of the Group, backed-up by an assumptions set that aims to characterize the behavior of the 
balance sheet items with the maximum accuracy. 

The IRRBB measurement is carried out on a monthly basis, and includes probabilistic measures based on methods of scenario simulation, 
which  enables  to capture  additional sources of risk  to the parallel  shifts, as the changes in slope  shape  and the basis of yield  curves. 
Additionally, sensitivity analysis to multiple parallel  shocks of different magnitude are also assessed on a regular basis. The process is run 
separately for each currency to which the Group is exposed, considering, at a later stage, the diversification effect among currencies and 
business units. 

The risk measurement model is complemented by the assessment  of ad-hoc scenarios  and stress tests. As stress testing has become 
more relevant during the recent years, the evaluation of extreme  scenarios of rupture of historical interest rates levels,  correlations and 
volatility has continued to be enhanced, while  assessing, also, BBVA Research market scenarios, and incorporating the set of scenarios  
defined according to EBA guidelines. 

During 2020, the Group worked to improve the control and management model in accordance with the guidelines established by the EBA 
on the management of interest rate risk in the banking book. It is worth highlighting, among other aspects, the reinforcement of the stress 
analysis,  including the evaluation of the impacts on the main  balance  sheet accounts of the Group that could derive from the range of 
interest rate scenarios defined according to the EBA guidelines mentioned above. 

Key assumptions of the model 

In order to measure structural interest rate risk, the setting of assumptions on the evolution and behavior of certain balance  sheet items 
is particularly  relevant, especially  those related to products without an explicit or contractual maturity. 

The  assumptions  that characterize  these  balance  sheet  items  must  be  understandable  for  the  areas  and  bodies  involved  in  risk 
management  and  control  and  remain  duly  justified  and  documented.  The  modeling  of  these  assumptions  must  be  conceptually 
reasonable and consistent with the evidence based on historical experience, reviewed  at least once a year. 

In view  of  the  heterogeneity of  the  financial  markets  and  the  availability  of  historical  data,  each  one of  the  entities  of the  Group is 
responsible  for determining the behavior assumptions to be  applied  to the balance  sheet  items, always  under the guidelines  and the 
applicability  of the corporate models existing in the Group. 

Among the balance  sheet assumptions stand out those established for the treatment of items without contractual maturity, mainly for 
demand customer deposits, and those related  to the expectations on the exercise  of interest rate options, especially  those relating to 
loans and deposits subject to prepayment risk. 

For the modeling of demand deposits, a segmentation of the accounts in several  categories  is previously carried out depending on the 
characteristics of the customer (retail / wholesale) and the product (type of account / transactionality / remuneration), in order to outline 
the specific behavior of each segment. 

In order to establish the remuneration of each  segment, the relationship between the evolution of market interest rates and the interest 
rates of managed  accounts is analyzed,  with the aim  of determining the translation dynamic  (percentages  and lags) of interest rates  
variations to the remuneration of the accounts. 

The  behavior assigned  to each  category of accounts is  determined  by an  analysis  of the historical  evolution of  the balances  and  the 
probability of cancellation  of the accounts. For this, the volatile  part of the balance  assigned to a short-term maturity is isolated,  thus 
avoiding fluctuations in the level  of risk caused by specific  variations in the balances  and promoting stability in the management of the 
balance.  Once  the stable  part is  identified, a medium  / long term maturity model is applied  through a decay  distribution based on the 
average term of the accounts and the conditional cancellation probabilities throughout the life of the product. 

Additionally, the relationship of the evolution of the balance of deposits with the levels of market interest rates is taken into account, where 
appropriate, including the potential migration between the different types of deposits (on demand / time deposits) in the different interest 
rate scenarios. 

 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Equally relevant is the treatment of early cancelation options embedded in credit loans, mortgage portfolios and customer deposits. The 
evolution of market interest rates may condition, along with other variables, the incentive that customers have to prepay loans or deposits, 
modifying the future behavior of the balance amounts with respect to the forecasted contractual maturity schedule. 

The detailed  analysis  of the historical information related  to prepayment data, both partial and total prepayment, combined with other 
variables  such as interest rates, allows  estimating future amortizations and, where  appropriate, their behavior linked  to the evolution of 
such variables. 

The approval and updating of the risk behavior models of structural interest rate risk are subject to corporate governance under the scope 
of GRM-Analytics. In this way, the models must be properly inventoried and cataloged and comply with the requirements established in  
the  internal  procedures  for  their  development,  updating  and  management  of  the  changes.  The  models  are  also  subject  to  the 
corresponding internal validations based on their relevance and the established monitoring requirements. 

The table below shows the profile of average interest rate risk in terms of sensitivities of the main currencies in the BBVA Group in 2020: 

Sensitivity to interest-rate analysis - December 2020 

EUR  

MXN 

TRY 

Other 
BBVA Group 

Impact on net interest income (*) 

Impact on economic value (**) 

100 basis-point 
increase 

100 basis-point 
decrease (***) 

100 basis-point 
increase 

100 basis-point 
decrease (***) 

[1.5% , 3.5%] 

[-1.5% , -0.5%] 

[3.5% , 5.5%] 

[-3.5% , -1.5%] 

[0.5% , 1.5%] 

[-1.5% , -0.5%] 

[-1.5% , -0.5%] 

[0.5% , 1.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 
[3.5% , 5.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 
[-3.5% , -1.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 
[3.5% , 5.5%] 

[-0.5% , 0.5%] 
[-3.5% , -1.5%] 

(*) 

Percentage of "1 year" net interest income forecast for each unit. 

(**) 

Percentage of Core Capital for each unit. 

(***) 

In EUR and USD, negative interest rates scenarios are allowed up to plausible levels lower than current rates. 

During 2020, central banks and governments have carried out monetary stimulus measures to mitigate the economic impact caused by 
the COVID-19 pandemic,  which  has significantly  affected  the global economy,  spreading to most countries. In Europe, the monetary 
stimulus measures of the European Central Bank have continued, and the Euribor have fallen, reaching historical low records. In the United 
States, the reference rates (Libor) have maintained a downward trend, in line with the cuts made by the Federal Reserve in the first quarter 
of the  year.  Also in Mexico,  the monetary policy  rate  has  fallen  significantly  during the  year.  In Turkey, although it  initially  showed  a 
downward trend in interest rates, aggressive increases  have been registered since August, reversing the declines  of previous quarters, 
ending the year with an increase of 500 basis points above December's level  of 2019. 

In South America, monetary policy has been expansionary, with a reduction in reference  rates in the economies of Colombia and Peru, 
reaching  historical  low records,  affected  by  the contraction in  activity. On  the other hand, in Argentina there is  a  strongly restrictive 
monetary policy, with a high increase in interest rates in the second half of the year, due to the strong volatility of the markets, affected by 
the devaluation of the exchange rate. 

The  BBVA Group, at  an aggregate level,  continues to maintain  a  moderate  risk  profile, in  accordance  with  the established  objective,  
showing a favorable position to a rise in interest rates on net interest income. Effective management of the balance  sheet structural risk 
has mitigated the negative impact of the downward trend in interest rates and the volatility experienced as a result of the effects of COVID-
19, and is reflected in the strength and recurrence of the margin of interests: 

In Europe and the United States, the downward trend in interest rates remains limited  by current levels,  preventing extremely 
adverse scenarios from occurring. Both balance sheets are characterized  by a loan portfolio with a high proportion referenced 
to a variable interest rate (mainly mortgages in Spain and loans to companies in both countries) and a liability composed mainly 
of  customer  deposits. The  COAP  portfolios act  as  hedging  of  the  bank  balance,  mitigating  its  sensitivity  to interest  rate 
movements. This profile has remained stable during 2020 on both balance sheets. In Spain, the sensitivity of the interest margin 
has increased  in the year due to the maintenance  of higher balances  of sensitive  liquid assets as a result of the generation of 
liquidity  on the balance  sheet  and the additional  financing  of TLTRO III  (see  Note 22), and due  to maturity of  a  part of the 
coverage  of the mortgage portfolio. In the United States, the sensitivity has  been reduced  due to the balance  sheet  hedges 
carried out in late 2019 and early 2020. 

In Mexico, a balance  has been maintained between balances referenced  to fixed and variable  interest rates. Among the assets 
most sensitive to interest rate movements, the wholesale  portfolio stands out, while consumer and mortgages are mostly at a 
fixed rate. The COAP portfolio is used to balance  the longer term of customer deposits. The sensitivity of the interest margin 
remains  limited and stable during 2020, considering the new  interest rate scenario that emerged in March, with a downward 
trend in rates benchmark throughout 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In Turkey, the interest rate risk on the balance sheet increased during 2020, as a result of regulatory requirements (such as the 
Asset Ratio, applied by the Banking Regulation Supervision Agency (BRSA) and the Good Bank, established by the Central Bank 
of Turkey (CBRT)) that encourage loan growth. As a result of the establishment of these Regulations, the growth of loans, mostly 
at a fixed rate, together with the increase  in the COAP portfolio, negatively affected  sensitivity, being offset by inflation-linked 
bonds and floating bonds, as well as due to the increase in deposits in the liability side. 

In South America, the risk profile on interest rates continues to be low, as most of the countries in the area have a composition 
of fixed  / variable  and  very similar  maturities between  assets and liabilities,  showing a  sensitivity of the margin interest rate 
limited and with slight variations throughout 2020. Likewise, in countries with balances  in several  currencies, interest rate risk 
is  also managed  for each  of the currencies,  showing a  very  low level  of risk. The  measures  promoted by central  banks  and 
governments have  contributed to raising  deposits  and  excess  liquidity  in  Colombia  and  Peru,  as  well  as  their  positions in 
monetary assets, generating a slight positive variation in margin sensitivity. 

7.4.2  Structural  exchange-rate  risk  

Structural exchange rate risk, inherent to the business of international banking groups that develop their activities in different geographies 
and currencies, is defined as the possibility of impacts on solvency, equity value  and results driven by fluctuations in the exchange rates  
due to exposures in foreign currencies.  

In the 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 management of permanent foreign currency exposures, taking 
diversification into account.  

The corporate Global ALM unit, through ALCO, designs and executes hedging strategies with the main purpose of preserving the stability 
of consolidated capital ratios and income flows generated in a currency other than the euro in the BBVA Group, keeping a value generation 
perspective to preserve the Group’s equity in the long term. To this end, a dynamic management strategy is carried out, considering hedge 
transactions according to market expectations and their costs.  

The risk monitoring metrics included in the framework of limits, in line with the Risk Appetite Framework, are integrated into management 
and supplemented with additional assessment indicators. At the 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  back-testing  exercises.  The  final  element  of 
structural exchange-rate risk control is the stress and scenario analysis  aimed to assess the vulnerabilities  of foreign currency structural 
exposure not contemplated by the risk metrics and to serve as an additional tool when making management decisions. The scenarios are 
based both on historical situations simulated by the risk model and on the risk scenarios provided by BBVA Research. 

As of December  31, 2020, the main  currencies of the geographies where  the Group operates have depreciated  against the euro during 
the year: Mexican peso (-13.1%), US Dollar (-8.5%), Turkish lira (-26.7%), Colombian peso (-12.6%), Peruvian sol (-16.3%) and Argentine 
peso (-34.8%). 

The Group's structural exchange-rate risk exposure level has in some cases increased due to the restrictions related to dividend payments 
from the subsidiaries which have offset the reduction in risk due to the depreciation of the currencies. The hedging policy intends to keep 
low levels of sensitivity to movements in the exchange rates of emerging markets currencies against the euro. The risk mitigation level in  
the capital ratio due to the book value of the BBVA Group's holdings in foreign emerging markets currencies stood at around 65% and, as 
of the end of 2020, CET1 ratio sensitivity to the depreciation of 10% in the euro exchange rate for each currency is estimated: USD +9 bps; 
Mexican  peso -5 bps; Turkish lira  -2 bps; other currencies  -1  bp (excluding hyperinflation  economies). On the other hand, hedging of 
emerging markets currency denominated earnings in 2020 reached 65%, concentrated in Mexican peso, Turkish lira and the main Latin 
American currencies. 

For the years 2020, 2019 and 2018, the estimated sensitivities of the result attributable to the parent company are shown below, taking 
into account the coverage against depreciations and appreciations of 1% of the average  rate in the main currencies. To the extent that 
hedging positions are periodically modulated, the sensitivity estimate attempts to reflect an average (or effective) sensitivity in the year: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Sensitivity to 1%  (Millions of Euros) 

Currency 
Mexican peso 
Turkish lira 
Peruvian sol 
Chilean peso 
Colombian peso 

Argentinian peso 
US Dollar  

7.4.3  Structural  equity risk 

2020 
4.9 
4.5 
0.4 
0.3 
1.4 

0.9 
4.3 

2019 
12.7 
3.1 
1.9 
0.5 
2.6 

1.3 
5.9 

2018 
13.0 
3.0 
1.3 
0.7 
1.9 

(0.3) 
7.3 

Structural equity risk refers to the possibility of suffering losses in the value of positions in shares and other equity instruments held in the 
banking book with long or medium term investment horizons due to fluctuations in the value of equity indexes or shares. 

BBVA Group's exposure to structural equity risk arises largely from minority shareholdings held on industrial and financial companies. 
This exposure is modulated in some portfolios with positions held on 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 Global ALM and other 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 structural equity risk metrics, designed by GRM according to the corporate model, contribute to the effective monitoring of the risk 
by  estimating the  sensitivity  and  the capital  necessary  to cover  the  possible  unexpected  losses  due  to changes  in  the  value  of  the 
shareholdings in the Group's investment portfolio, with a level  of confidence that corresponds to the objective rating of the entity, taking 
into account the liquidity of the positions and the statistical behavior of the assets to be considered 

In order to analyze  the risk profile  in depth, stress tests and scenario analysis of sensitivity to different simulated scenarios are carried 
out. They are  based on both past crisis  situations and forecasts made by BBVA Research. These  analyses  are  carried  out regularly to 
assess  the vulnerabilities  of structural equity  exposure not contemplated by  the risk metrics  and to serve  as  an additional  tool when  
making management decisions. 

Backtesting is carried out on a regular basis on the risk measurement model used.  

Global  Equity markets have  been severely  affected  by the outbreak of the coronavirus in the first quarter. The extraordinary fiscal  and 
monetary response fostered their recovery although this has been uneven across different  geographies and sectors. In this sense, the 
Spanish equity market has shown one of the worst performances as it fell 15% during 2020. 

Structural equity risk, measured in terms of economic capital, has remained  fairly  stable in the period. 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 decreased  to -€20 
million as of December  31, 2020, compared to -€26 million as of December  31, 2019. 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 portfolios) and the net delta-
equivalent positions in derivatives on the same underlyings 

7.5  Liquidity and funding risk 

Liquidity and funding risk is defined as the incapacity of a bank in meeting its payment commitments due to lack of funds or that, to face 
those commitments, should have to make use of funding under burdensome terms 

7.5.1 

Liquidity  and Funding Strategy and Planning 

The BBVA Group is a multinational financial  institution whose business is focused mainly  on retail and commercial  banking activities. In 
addition to the retail business model, which forms its core business, the Group engages in corporate and investment banking, through the 
global CIB (Corporate & Investment Banking) division. 

Liquidity and funding risk management aims to maintain a solid balance sheet structure which allows a sustainable business model. The 
Group’s liquidity and funding strategy is based on the following pillars: 

The principle  of the funding self-sufficiency  of its subsidiaries, meaning that each  of the Liquidity Management Units (LMUs) 
must cover its funding needs independently on the markets where  it operates. This avoids possible contagion due to a crisis 
affecting one or more of the Group’s LMUs. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Stable customer deposits as the main source of funding in all the LMUs, in accordance with the Group’s business model. 

Diversification  of the sources of wholesale  funding, in terms of maturity, market, instruments, counterparties and currencies,  
with recurring access to the markets. 

Compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring the availability of ample liquidity buffers, of high quality, as well as sufficient  
instruments as required by regulations with the capacity to absorb losses. 

Compliance with the internal Liquidity Risk and Funding metrics, while adhering to the Risk Appetite level established  for each  
LMU at any time. 

Liquidity and Financing Risk  Management aims,  in the short term, to prevent an entity from having difficulties in meeting its payment 
commitments in due time and form or that, to meet them, it has to resort to obtaining funds in burdensome conditions that deteriorate 
the image or reputation of the entity. 

In the medium term, its objective is to ensure the suitability of the Group's financial  structure and its evolution, within the framework  of 
the economic situation, the markets and regulatory changes 

This management of structural and liquidity funding is based on the principle of financial  self-sufficiency  of the entities that comprise it. 
This approach helps prevent and limit  liquidity risk by reducing the Group’s vulnerability during periods of high risk. This decentralized 
management prevents possible contagion from a crisis affecting only one or a few Group entities, which must act independently to meet 
their liquidity requirements in the markets where they operate. 

Within this strategy, the BBVA Group is organized into eleven LMUs compose of the parent company and the bank subsidiaries in each  
geography, plus the branches that depend on them. 

In addition, the policy for managing liquidity and funding risk is also based on the model’s robustness and on the planning and integration 
of risk  management into the budgeting process of each  LMU, according to the financing risk appetite  that it decides  to assume  in its 
business.  

Liquidity and funding planning is part of the strategic processes for the Group’s budgetary and business planning. This objective is to allow 
a recurrent growth of the banking business with suitable maturities and costs within the established risk tolerance levels  by using a wide 
range of instruments which allow the diversification of the funding sources and the maintenance of a high volume of available liquid assets. 

7.5.2  Governance and monitoring 

The responsibility for liquidity and funding management in the development of normal business activity lies with the Finance area as a first 
line  of defense  in  managing the risks inherent to this activity,  in accordance  with  the principles  established  by the European Banking 
Authority (EBA) and in line  with the most demanding standards, policies,  procedures and controls in the framework established by the 
governing bodies. Finance, through the Balance-Sheet Management area, plans and executes the funding of the structural long-term gap 
of each LMU and proposes to the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) the actions to be taken on this matter, in accordance with the 
policies established by the Risk Committee in line with the metrics of the Risk Appetite Framework approved by the Board of Directors.  

Finance is  also responsible  for preparing the regulatory reporting of liquidity, coordinating with the responsible areas  in each  LGU the 
necessary processes to cover the requirements at corporate and regulatory level, ensuring the integrity of the information provided. 

GRM is responsible for ensuring that the liquidity and financing risk in the Group is managed in accordance with the framework established 
by governing bodies. It also deals with the identification, measurement, monitoring and control of such risks and their communication to 
the relevant corporate bodies. In order to carry out this task properly, the risk function in the Group has been configured as a single, global 
function, independent of the management areas 

Additionally, the Group has, in its second line of defense, an Internal Risk Control unit, which performs an independent review of the control 
of Liquidity and Financing Risk, and a Financial Internal Control Unit that reviews the design and effectiveness  of the controls operations 
on liquidity management and reporting. 

As the third line of defense of the Group's internal control model, Internal Audit is in charge of reviewing specific  controls and processes  
in accordance with a work plan that is drawn up annually. 

The Group’s fundamental objectives regarding the liquidity and funding risk are determined through the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) 
and through the Loan-to-Stable Customer Deposits (LtSCD) ratio.  

The LCR ratio is a regulatory metric that aims to guarantee the resilience of entities in a scenario of liquidity tension within a time horizon 
of 30 days. Within its risk appetite framework  and system of limits and alerts, BBVA has established a required LCR compliance level  for 
the entire Group and for each individual LMU. The internal levels  required are aimed at efficiently  meeting the regulatory requirement, at 
a widely level  above 100%. 

 
 
 
 
 
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(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The  LtSCD ratio measures  the relationship  between  net lending  and stable  customer funds. The  aim  is  to preserve  a  stable funding 
structure in the medium term for each of the LMUs which make  up the BBVA Group, taking into account that maintaining an adequate 
volume  of stable  customer funds is key  to achieving  a  sound liquidity  profile.  In geographical  areas  with dual-currency balances,  the 
indicator is also controlled by currency to manage the mismatches that might occur. 

Stable customer funds are considered to be the financing obtained and managed from the LMUs among their target customers. Those 
funds are characterized by their low sensitivity to market changes and by their less volatile behavior at aggregated level per operation due 
to the loyalty of the customer to the entity. The stable resources are calculated by applying to each identified customer segment a haircut 
determined by the analysis of the stability if the balances by which different aspects are evaluated (concentration, stability, level of loyalty). 
The main source of stable resources arises from wholesale  funding and retail customer funds. 

In order to establish the target (maximum) levels  of LtSCD in each LMU and provide an optimal funding structure reference  in terms of 
risk appetite, the corporate Structural Risks unit of GRM identifies  and assesses  the economic and financial  variables  that condition the 
funding structures in the different geographical areas.  

Additionally, liquidity and funding risk management aims to achieve  a proper diversification of the funding structure, avoiding excessive 
dependence on short-term funding by establishing a maximum level  for the short-term funds raised, including both wholesale financing  
and the least  stable  proportion of customer funds In relation to long-term financing, the maturity profile  does not present significant  
concentrations, which makes it possible to adapt the schedule of the planned issuance plan to the best financial conditions in the markets. 
Lastly, concentration risk is monitored at LMU level, with the aim of ensuring a correct diversification of both the counterparty and type of 
instrument. 

One of the fundamental metrics within the general management framework of the liquidity and funding risk is the maintenance of a liquidity 
buffer consisting of high quality assets free  of charges which can be sold or offered as  collateral  to obtain funding, either under normal 
market conditions or in stress situations. 

The Finance is responsible for the collateral  management and determining the liquidity buffer within the BBVA Group. According to the 
principle of auto-sufficiency of the Group's subsidiaries, each LMU is responsible for maintaining a buffer of liquid assets which complies 
with the regulatory requirements applicable  under each jurisdiction. In addition, the liquidity buffer of each LMU must be aligned with the 
liquidity and funding risk tolerance as well  as the management limits set and approved for each case. 

In this context, the short-term resistance of the liquidity risk profile is promoted, ensuring that each LMU has sufficient collateral  to deal 
with the risk of the closure  of wholesale  markets. Basic  capacity  is the internal metric  for the management  and control of short-term 
liquidity risk, which is defined as the relationship between the explicit assets available  and the maturities of wholesale liabilities  and volatile 
resources, at different time periods up to the year, with special  relevance  at 30 and 90 days, with the objective of preserving the survival 
period above 3 months with the available buffer, without considering the balance inflows. 

As a  fundamental element of the liquidity and financing risk  monitoring scheme, stress tests are carried out. They enable to anticipate 
deviations from the liquidity targets and the limits set in the appetite, and to establish tolerance ranges in the different management areas. 
They also play a major role in the design of the Liquidity Contingency Plan and the definition of specific measures to be adopted to rectify 
the risk profile if necessary. 

For each  scenario,  it  is checked  whether  BBVA has  a  sufficient  stock of  liquid  assets  to guarantee  its capacity  to meet  the liquidity 
commitments/outflows in  the different  periods analyzed.  The  analysis  considers  four scenarios:  one central  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 entity’s clients; and a mixed scenario, as a combination of the 
two aforementioned scenarios). Each scenario considers the following factors: existing market liquidity, customer behavior and sources 
of  funding, the  impact  of  rating  downgrades,  market  values  of  liquid  assets  and  collateral,  and  the  interaction  between  liquidity 
requirements and the development of BBVA's credit quality. 

The stress tests conducted on a  regular basis  by GRM reveal  that BBVA maintains  a sufficient  buffer of liquid  assets to deal  with the 
estimated liquidity outflows in a scenario  resulting from the combination of a systemic  crisis and an unexpected internal crisis, during a 
period of longer than 3 months in general  for the different LMUs (with the exception of Turkey where despite closing the year above 3 
months, the  regulatory  requirements  have  led  to  non-compliance  during  certain  periods),  including  in  the  scenario  of  a  significant 
downgrade of the Bank’s rating by up to three notches. 

Together with the results of the stress tests and the risk metrics, the early warning indicators play an important role within the corporate 
model  and  the  Liquidity  Contingency Plan.  They  are  mainly  indicators  of  the funding  structure, in  relation  to  asset  encumbrance,  
counterparty concentration, flights of customer deposits, unexpected use  of credit facilities,  and of the market, which help  anticipate 
possible risks and capture market expectations. 

Finance is the area responsible for the elaboration, monitoring, execution and update of the liquidity and funding plan and of the market  
access strategy to guarantee and improve the stability and diversification  of the wholesale funding sources. 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
In order to implement and establish management in an anticipated manner, limits are  set on an annual basis for the main management  
metrics that form part of the budgeting process for the liquidity and funding plan. This framework of limits contributes to the planning of 
the joint future performance of: 

The loan book, considering the types of assets and their degree of liquidity, as well  as their validity as collateral in collateralized  
funding.  

Stable customer funds, based on the application of a methodology for establishing which segments and customer balances are 
considered to be stable or volatile funds based on the principle of sustainability and recurrence of these funds.  

Projection of the credit gap, in order to require a degree of self-funding that is defined in terms of the difference between the 
loan-book and stable customer funds. 

Incorporating the planning of securities portfolios into the banking book, which include both fixed-interest and equity securities, 
and are classified  as financial  assets at fair value through other comprehensive income and at amortized cost, and additionally 
on trading portfolios. 

The structural gap projection, as a result of assessing the funding needs generated both from the credit gap and by the securities  
portfolio in the banking book, together with the rest of on-balance-sheet wholesale funding needs, excluding trading portfolios. 
This gap therefore needs to be funded with customer funds that are not considered stable or on wholesale markets. 

As a result of these funding needs, the BBVA Group plans the target wholesale  funding structure according to the tolerance set in each  
LMU target. 

Thus, once the structural gap has been identified and after resorting to wholesale markets, the amount and composition of wholesale 
structural funding is established in subsequent years, in order to maintain a diversified funding mix and guarantee that there is not a high 
reliance  on short-term funding (short-term wholesale funding plus volatile customer funds). 

In practice, the execution of the principles of planning and self-funding at the different LMUs results in the Group’s main source of funding 
being customer deposits, which consist mainly of demand deposits, savings deposits and time deposits.  

As sources of funding, customer deposits are complemented by access to the interbank market and the domestic and international capital 
markets  in order to address  additional  liquidity requirements, implementing  domestic and international programs for the issuance  of 
commercial  paper and medium and long-term debt. 

The process  of analysis  and assessment  of the liquidity and funding situation and of the inherent risks is  a process  carried  out on an  
ongoing basis in the BBVA Group, with the participation of all the Group areas involved in liquidity and funding risk management. This 
process is  carried  out at both local  and corporate level.  It is incorporated into the decision- making  process for liquidity  and funding 
management, with integration between the risk appetite strategy and establishment and the planning process, the funding plan and the 
limits scheme. 

7.5.3  Liquidity  and funding performance 

During 2020, the BBVA Group has maintained a robust and dynamic funding structure with a predominantly retail nature, where customer 
resources represent the main source of funding. 

During 2020, liquidity conditions have remained  comfortable in all the countries where the BBVA Group operates. Since the beginning of 
March, the global crisis caused by COVID-19 has had a significant impact on financial  markets. The effects  of this crisis on the Group's 
balance  sheets materialized  fundamentally at first, through greater provision of credit lines by wholesale  clients in view  of the worsening 
financing conditions in the markets, with no significant effect  on the retail world. These provisions were largely paid off over the following 
quarters. Dealing with this situation of initial uncertainty, the different central banks provided a joint response through specific measures  
and programs to facilitate the financing of the real economy and the provision of liquidity in financial  markets, increasing liquidity buffers 
in almost all areas  with BBVA presence 

Thus, the performance of the indicators show that the robustness of the funding structure remained steady during 2020, 2019 and 2018, 
in the sense that all LMUs held self-funding levels with stable customer resources above the requirements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

LtSCD by LMU 

Group (average) 

Eurozone 

BBVA USA 

BBVA Mexico 

Garanti BBVA 

Other LMUs 

2020 

95% 

97% 

92% 

98% 

95% 

86% 

2019 

108% 

108% 

111% 

116% 

99% 

103% 

2018 

106% 

101% 

119% 

114% 

110% 

99% 

With respect to LCR, the Group has maintained a liquidity buffer at both a consolidated and individual  level in 2020. As a result, the ratio 
has remained comfortably above 100%, with the consolidated ratio as of December 31, 2020 standing at 149%. 

Although this requirement is  only established  at a  Group level,  for banks in the Eurozone, the minimum  level  required  is  comfortably 
exceeded in all subsidiaries. It should be noted that the calculation of the Consolidated LCR does not allow the transfer of liquidity between 
subsidiaries,  so no excess  liquidity may  be transferred  from these entities for the purpose of calculating  the consolidated ratio. If the 
impact of these highly liquid assets was considered, the LCR would be 185%, or +36 basis points above the required level. 

LCR main LMU 

Group 

Eurozone 

BBVA USA (*) 

BBVA Mexico 

Garanti BBVA 

0 

2020 

149% 

173% 

144% 

196% 

183% 

2019 

129% 

147% 

145% 

147% 

206% 

2018 

127% 

145% 

143% 

154% 

209% 

(*) BBVA USA LCR calculated according to local regulation (Fed Modified LCR).

Each  entity maintains an  individual  liquidity buffer, both BBVA, S.A. and each  of its subsidiaries,  including BBVA USA,  BBVA Mexico, 
Garanti BBVA and the Latin American subsidiaries. 

The table below shows the liquidity available by instrument as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 for the most significant entities based 
on prudential supervisor’s information (Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) 2017/2114 of November 9, 2017): 

December 2020 (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 

BBVA 
Eurozone 

BBVA Mexico  Garanti BBVA 

Other 

39,330 
48,858 

5,119 

6,080 

20,174 

- 

8,930 
9,205 

106 

11 

421 

- 

6,153 
7,019 

- 

- 

701 

- 

6,831 
6,237 

- 

0 

745 

- 

Cumulated counterbalancing capacity 

119,560 

18,672 

13,873 

13,814 

December 2019 (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 Mexico  BBVA USA 

Garanti 
BBVA 

Other 

14,516 

41,961 

403 

5,196 

22,213 

- 

84,288 

6,246 

7,295 

316 

219 

1,269 

- 

15,344 

4,949 

11,337 

344 

- 

952 

2,935 

20,516 

6,450 

7,953 

- 

- 

669 

- 

6,368 

3,593 

- 

12 

586 

- 

15,072 

10,559 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 

BBVA 
Eurozone 

26,506 

29,938 

449 

4,040 

8,772 

- 

BBVA Mexico 

BBVA USA  Garanti BBVA 

Other 

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 

- 

69,705 

14,475 

16,024 

14,634 

10,946 

The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), defined as the ratio between the amount of stable funding available and the amount of stable funding 
required, is  one of the Basel  Committee's essential  reforms, and requires  banks to maintain  a stable  funding profile  in relation to the 
composition of their assets and off-balance-sheet activities. This ratio should be at least 100%  at all times.  

The NSFR of BBVA Group and its main  LMUs at December  31, 2020  and 2019, calculated  based  on the Basel  requirements, was  the 
following: 

NSFR main LMU 

Group 
BBVA Eurozone 
BBVA Mexico 
BBVA USA 
Garanti BBVA 
Below is a matrix of residual maturities by contractual periods based on supervisory prudential reporting as of December 31, 2020, 2019 
and 2018: 

154% 

151% 

2019 
120% 
113% 
130% 
116% 

2020 
127% 
121% 
138% 
126% 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2020. 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 

- 

- 

- 

921 

677 

3,616 

42,518  32,741 

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 
December 2020. Contractual maturities (Millions of Euros) 

279  16,939  24,280  23,012 

6,680  6,557 

-  20,033 

2,202 

3,896 

4,757 

1,351 

855 

797 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

356 

461 

117 

120 

- 

2 

-  75,258 

39 

6,309 

734 

543 

1,251 

721 

515 

500 

8,119 

364 

368  3,320 

1,849 

891 

1,089  34,021 

15,579  17,032  46,182  38,851  51,709  110,173  344,036 

5,084 

13,014  9,858  15,494  17,231  50,045  127,859 

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 

- 

4,750 

2,618 

3,963 

1,283 

1,543  10,573  7,505  12,793  23,839  68,868 

8,838 

7,859 

254 

741 

152 

726 

825 

189 

166 

371 

20,120 

12,735 

4,324 

2,694 

588 

353 

272 

957 

337 

459 

870  23,589 

308,360  39,978 

13,416  6,808 

4,526 

4,366 

3,361 

1,213 

869 

799  383,694 

-  41,239 

5,301 

1,643 

1,192 

368 

11,304  28,510  3,740 

1,516  94,812 

- 

(722) 

15 

(961) 

(85) 

134 

(400) 

(157)  (264) 

(159)  (2,599) 

December 2019. 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 

- 

- 

- 

283 

488 

3,591 

20,954  20,654 

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 
December 2019. Contractual maturities (Millions of Euros) 

22,015  25,056  24,994 

21,612 

6,620 

2,287 

3,873 

3,858 

1,336 

1,622 

1,120 

796 

157 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  41,608 

585 

503 

189 

24 

120 

432 

6,216 

589 

991 

1,420 

1,072 

672 

2,089 

10,084 

561 

808 

4,121 

1,838 

411 

803  36,299 

15,777 

16,404  42,165  35,917  54,772  122,098  359,354 

2,017 

7,292  21,334 

6,115  13,240  46,022  108,136 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 

1 

1,393 

1,714 

4,208 

1,645 

4,386 

8,328  10,608  10,803  27,840 

70,927 

7,377 

7,608 

493 

1,122 

172 

1,514 

386 

614 

206 

510  20,004 

10,177 

3,859 

867 

381 

367 

257 

982 

503 

499 

952 

18,843 

Customer deposits  271,638  43,577 

18,550 

10,013 

7,266 

6,605 

3,717  2,062 

854 

1,039  365,321 

Security pledge 
funding 

Derivatives, net 

- 

- 

45,135 

3,202 

15,801 

1,456 

653 

3,393  7,206 

759 

1,308 

78,914 

(66) 

(25) 

29 

(11) 

1,097 

(830) 

(278) 

(333) 

(420) 

(838) 

December 2018. 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 

- 

- 

141 

801 

216 

3,211 

9,550  40,599 

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 
December 2018. Contractual maturities (Millions of Euros) 

19,825  25,939  23,265 

21,266 

5,990 

4,379 

1,408 

1,655 

1,875 

1,158 

664 

750 

132 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

50,149 

83 

152 

133 

178 

27 

1,269 

6,211 

647 

375 

1,724 

896 

1,286 

2,764 

10,515 

805 

498 

205 

1,352 

390 

210 

27,539 

15,347 

16,433  42,100  32,336  53,386  120,571  349,334 

2,148 

6,823 

8,592  12,423  11,533  42,738 

96,501 

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 

1 

2,678 

1,652 

2,160 

2,425 

2,736  7,225  8,578 

16,040  26,363  69,858 

7,107 

5,599 

751 

1,992 

377 

1,240 

1,149 

229 

196 

904 

19,544 

10,680 

4,327 

1,580 

458 

302 

309 

781 

304 

825 

1,692  21,258 

Customer deposits 

252,630  44,866 

18,514 

10,625 

6,217 

7,345  5,667 

2,137 

1,207 

1,310  350,518 

Security pledge funding 

40  46,489 

2,219 

2,274 

114 

97  22,911 

526 

218 

1,627  76,515 

(68) 
Derivatives, net 
(840) 
With regard to the financing structure, the loan portfolio is mostly financed  by retail  deposits. 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 a behavior analysis which is done every year in every entity, this type of account is considered to be stable and for liquidity risk purposes 
receive  a better treatment. 

(392) 

(523) 

(117) 

(67) 

(75) 

(91) 

498 

(5) 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
The liquidity situation of the Group's main management units is detailed below: 

In the Euro Liquidity Management Unit (UGL), the liquidity and financing situation remains solid and comfortable with a large high-quality 
liquidity  buffer that has  been  increased  during the year  as  a  result of  the growth in  customer deposits and the actions  taken by  the 
European Central Bank, which have meant an injection of liquidity in the system. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, there was initially a 
greater demand for credit through the increase in the use of credit lines by the Corporate & Investment Banking wholesale business, which 
was  also accompanied  by a growth in customer deposits. Subsequently, there were  partial  refunds of those lines  while  deposits have 
continued to grow. In addition, it is important to note the measures implemented by the ECB to deal with this crisis, which have included  
different  actions such  as: the expansion  of  asset purchase  programs, especially  through the PEPP  (Pandemic  Emergency  Purchase 
Program) for  750,000  million  of euros in  a  first tranche  announced in March  and expanded  with  a second  tranche for  an additional 
600,000  million euros until June 2021 or until the ECB considers that the crisis has ended, the coordinated action of central banks for the 
provision of US dollars, a temporary package  of measures  to make flexible  the collateral  eligible  for financing operations, the relaxation  
and improvement of the conditions of the TLTRO III program and the creation of the new  program of long-term refinancing operations 
without specific emergency objective (PELTRO). In this regard, BBVA attended the TLTRO III program windows in March and June (with 
an  amount drawn  down  at the end  of December  of  35,032 million  euros) due to its  favorable  conditions in  terms of cost and  term, 
amortizing the corresponding part of the TLTRO II program (see Note 22). 

In the United States there is a comfortable liquidity situation with significant growth in deposits during the year, driven mainly by stimulus 
measures from the American government and the Federal Reserve. This has led to an increase in the liquidity buffer and the liquidity and 
financing  indicators are  comfortable. As in  the euro zone, during the end of the first  quarter of 2020  there was  an increase  in loans 
stemmed mainly from an increase  in the use of credit lines by wholesale  clients and the stimulus program of the American  government 
aimed  at SMEs and freelances  (Paycheck  Protection Program). Subsequently, there were repayments that bring the percentage of use 
of credit lines to levels prior to the pandemic. 

In Mexico, the liquidity position has remained solid during the year due to the increase in deposits driven by the success of the commercial 
actions  carried  out by  the entity,  especially  in the  second  semester,  as  well  as  by  the  stimulus measures  implemented  by  Banxico  
throughout the year to provide liquidity to the financial system, which made it possible to offset the increase in the use of credit lines as a 
result of the COVID-19 crisis. This good performance in deposits, together with the normalization in credit growth, has reduced the credit 
gap, resulting in the entity being in a comfortable situation in liquidity and financing ratios. 

At Garanti BBVA, the liquidity situation remained comfortable during 2020, with a contraction of loans and a growth of deposits in foreign 
currency, as  well  as  a higher growth in loans  than deposits in local  currency. As a  result of the COVID-19 crisis, the Turkish regulator 
established  the so-called  asset ratio to mainly  increase  loans and discourage the accumulation of deposits, causing an increase  in the 
credit gap, which was covered with the excess liquidity that the entity had. Subsequently, the asset ratio requirement was reduced in the 
third quarter (from 100% to 90%) and was eliminated  in December. All in all, Garanti BBVA has shown a solid liquidity buffer. 

In South America, an adequate liquidity situation is maintained throughout the region, favored by the support of the different central banks 
and governments that, with the aim of mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, have implemented measures for stimulating economic 
activity and providing greater liquidity to financial systems. In Argentina, the outflow of deposits in US dollars in the banking system slowed 
down during 2020, and even showed some growth in the fourth quarter. BBVA Argentina continues to maintain a solid liquidity position 
BBVA Colombia,  after  the  actions  carried  out to  adjusting  excess  liquidity  by  reducing  wholesale  deposits,  continues  to  show  a 
comfortable liquidity position. BBVA Peru has seen its comfortable liquidity situation strengthened as a result of the continuous increase 
in the volume of deposits during the second semester, as well  as the funds from the Central Bank's support programs. 

The wholesale  financing markets in which  the Group operates, after the first two months of 2020 of great stability were  followed  by a 
strong correction derived from the COVID-19 crisis and limited access  to the primary market. This situation has been stabilizing due to 
the evolution of the pandemic, the development of vaccines, various geopolitical events and the actions of the Central Banks. Secondary 
market volumes ended the year reaching the levels  of January 2020, while primary market volumes have been reactivated, lowering the 
issue premiums 

The main transactions carried out by the companies that form part of the BBVA Group in 2020 were:  

During the first quarter of 2020 BBVA, S.A. made 2 senior non-preferred securities issues for a total of 1,400 million euros and 
another Tier 2 for 1,000 million euros (for further information, see “Solvency” section of the Consolidated Management Report). 
In the second quarter of 2020, an  issuance  of senior preferred  securities  for 1,000  million  euros was  executed  as a  social-
COVID-19  bond, the  first  of  its  kind  for  a  private  financial  entity  in  Europe  (for  further  information, see  “Solvency”  and 
“Responsible Banking” sections of the Consolidated Management Report). In the third quarter, three public issues were made:  
the first is the first green convertible bond of a financial  institution world-wide for an amount of 1,000 million euros; the second 
is a Tier 2 subordinated securities issue denominated in pound sterling, for an amount of 300 million pounds; and the third is an 
issuance of preferred securities registered with the US SEC (Securities  Exchange Commission) in two tranches with maturities 
of three and five  years, for a total of 2,000 million dollars. On the other hand, in February 2020, BBVA exercised the call  option 
of a convertible bond of 1,500 million euros, and in January 2021, the entity has early amortized three preferred issuances (for 
more information on these transactions see the section “Solvency”  of this report). 

In 2020, BBVA México successfully carried out a local senior issuance of 15,000 million Mexican pesos (614 million euros) in 
three tranches (two tranches in Mexican pesos at 3 and 5 years and another tranche in US dollars at 3 years), in order to advance 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

the refinancing of maturities in the year taking advantage of the good market moment. It also carried out an international issue 
of senior unsecured securities for an amount of 500 million US  dollars of 5 years with a rate of 1.875%, which represents the 
lowest in history for a financial institution in Mexico and for any private financial  institutions in Latin America. Furthermore, within 
the measures  adopted by Banxico throughout the year, BBVA Mexico  has participated  in auctions of US  dollars with credit  
institutions (swap line with the Fed) initially for an amount of 1,250 million US dollars, partially renewing that position from June 
to September,  for  an  amount of  US  $  700  million.  Likewise,  it has  participated  in the  so-called  Banxico  facilities  7  and  8 
(measures to transfer funds to micro, small and medium-sized companies, as well as to individuals affected by the pandemic). 

In Turkey, Garanti BBVA carried out a Tier 2 issuance  for TRY 750 million in the first quarter of 2020. In the second quarter of 
2020, Garanti BBVA renewed a syndicated loan by issuing the first green syndicated loan indexed to sustainability criteria, and 
in  whose  renovation  the  EBRD -European Bank  for  Reconstruction and Development-  and  the  IFC -International  Finance 
Corporation- have participated. And in the fourth quarter, Garanti BBVA partially renewed a syndicated loan for an amount of 
$636 million. 

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.  

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. 

7.5.4  Asset encumbrance 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the encumbered (those provided as collateral for certain liabilities)  and unencumbered assets 
are broken down as follows: 

December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Encumbered assets 

Non-encumbered assets 

Book value  

Market value 

Book value  

Market value  

Assets 
Equity instruments 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances and other assets 

121,999 
2,134 

29,379 

90,486  

2,134 

26,112 

614,260 
14,556 

100,108 

499,595  

14,556 

100,108 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Encumbered assets 

Non-encumbered assets 

Book value  

Market value 

Book value  

Market value 

Assets 
Equity instruments 

Debt Securities 

101,792 
3,526 

29,630 

3,526 

29,567 

Loans and Advances and other assets 

68,636   -      

596,898 
12,113 

95,611 

489,174   -      

12,113 

95,611 

December 2018 (Millions of euros) 

Encumbered assets 

Non-encumbered assets 

Book value 

Market value 

Book value 

Market value 

Assets 
Equity instruments 
Debt Securities 

Loans and Advances and other assets 

107,950 
1,864 
31,157 

74,928  

1,864 
32,216 

567,573 
6,485 
82,209 

478,880  

6,485 
82,209 

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  22.4)  as  well  as  those  used  as  a  guarantee  to  access  certain  funding 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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. 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, collateral  pledges received  mainly due to repurchase agreements and securities  lending, and 
those which could be committed in order to obtain funding are provided below: 

December 2020. 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 2019. Collateral received  (Millions of Euros) 

30,723 

239 

30,484 

- 

3 

8,652 

204 

8,448 

- 

94 

1,071 

- 

1,071 

- 

- 

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 2018. Collateral received  (Millions of euros) 

38,496 

65 

38,431 

- 

- 

9,208 

70 

9,130 

8 

82 

48 

- 

38 

10 

- 

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 

27,474 
89 

27,385 

- 

78 

5,633 
82 

5,542 

8 

87 

319 
- 

300 

19 

- 

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.  

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, financial liabilities  issued related to encumbered assets in financial  transactions as well as their 
book value were as follows: 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Sources of encumbrance (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Matching 
liabilities, 
contingent 
liabilities  or 
securities  lent 

Assets,  collateral 
received and own 
debt securities  issued 
other than covered bonds 
and ABSs encumbered 

Matching 
liabilities, 
contingent 
liabilities  or 
securities  lent 

Assets,  collateral 
received and own 
debt securities 
issued other than 
covered bonds and 
ABSs encumbered 

Matching 
liabilities, 
contingent 
liabilities  or 
securities  lent 

Assets,  collateral 
received and own 
debt securities 
issued other than 
covered bonds and 
ABSs encumbered 

Book value of financial 
liabilities 

Derivatives 

Loans and advances 

Outstanding subordinated debt 

Other sources 

131,352 
16,611 
98,668 
16,073 
653 

147,523 
16,348 
111,726 
19,449 
5,202 

124,252 

135,500 

113,498 

19,066 

87,906 

17,280 

449 

20,004 

94,240 

21,256 

4,788 

8,972 

85,989 

18,538 

3,972 

131,172 

11,036 

97,361 

22,775 

4,330 

 
 
 
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 to 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 following the IFRS 13 principles:  Fair value  is the price that would be received  to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability  in an  
orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market or most advantageous market, at the measurement date. 

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 Management Report - Risk) 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 valuation global area  and using models that have been validated and approved by the responsible areas. 

Fair value hierarchy 

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 such 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.  

Level 3: Valuation of financial  instruments with valuation techniques that use significant unobservable inputs in the market. As 
of December 31, 2020, the affected instruments at fair value accounted for approximately 0.55% of financial assets and 0.40% 
of the Group’s financial liabilities. Model selection and validation is undertaken by control areas outside the business areas. 

8.1 

Fair value of financial instruments 

The  fair  value  of the  Group’s financial  instruments in  the accompanying  consolidated balance  sheets and  its corresponding carrying  
amounts, as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are presented below:  

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Fair Value and carrying amount (Millions of euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Notes 

Carrying 
amount 

Fair value 

Carrying 
amount 

Fair value 

Carrying 
amount 

Fair value 

ASSETS 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

9 

65,520 

65,520 

44,303 

44,303 

58,196 

58,196 

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 

10 

11 

12 

108,257 

108,257 

101,735 

101,735 

89,103 

89,103 

5,198 

5,198 

5,557 

5,557 

5,135 

5,135 

1,117 

1,117 

1,214 

1,214 

1,313 

1,313 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

13 

69,440 

69,440 

61,183 

61,183 

56,337 

56,337 

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 

14 

15 

10 

12 

22 
15 

367,668 

374,267 

439,162 

442,788 

419,660 

419,857 

1,991 

1,991 

1,729 

1,729 

2,892 

2,892 

86,488 

86,488 

88,680 

88,680 

79,761 

79,761 

10,050 

10,050 

10,010 

10,010 

6,993 

6,993 

490,606 
2,318 

491,006 
2,318 

516,641 
2,233 

515,910 
2,233 

509,185 
2,680 

510,300 
2,680 

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). 

8.1.1 

Fair value of financial instruments 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 Over The Counter (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 level  used to determine their fair value as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 
Debt securities  
Equity instruments  
Derivatives 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Level 1 

Level 2  Level 3 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

32,555  73,856 
2,379  28,659 
11,123 
12,790 
11,367 
31 
6,019  34,043 

1,847  31,135 
697 
1,609 
18,076 
57 
8,832 
60 
3,530 
121 

69,092 
32,321 
8,178 
- 
28,593 

1,508 
1,285 
55 
59 
109 

26,730 
47 
17,884 
5,194 
3,605 

61,969 
28,642 
7,494 
- 
25,833 

404 
60 
199 
60 
85 

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

3,826 

381 

992 

4,305 

92 

1,160 

3,127 

78 

1,929 

Loans and advances 
Debt securities  
Equity instruments 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Loans and advances 
Debt securities  
Equity instruments 

210 
4 
3,612 

939 

- 
939 
- 

- 
324 
57 

178 

- 
178 
- 

499 
28 
465 

- 

- 
- 
- 

82 
- 
4,223 

1,214 

- 
1,214 
- 

- 
91 
1 

- 

- 
- 
- 

1,038 
19 
103 

- 

- 
- 
- 

25 
90 
3,012 

1,313 

- 
1,313 
- 

- 
71 
8 

- 

- 
- 
- 

1,778 
76 
75 

- 

- 
- 
- 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

60,976 

7,866 

598  50,896 

9,203 

1,084 

45,824 

9,323 

1,190 

Loans and advances 
Debt securities  
Equity instruments 

Derivatives – Hedge accounting 
LIABILITIES- 
Financial liabilities held for trading  

Deposits 
Trading derivatives 
Other financial liabilities 

33 
59,982 
961 
120 

- 
7,832 
34 
1,862 

- 

33 
493  49,070 
1,794 
105 
44 
8 

- 
9,057 
146 
1,685 

27,587  58,045 
8,381  23,495 
7,402  34,046 
504 
11,805 

856  26,266 
9,595 
621 
4,425 
232 
12,246 
3 

61,588 
32,121 
29,466 
1 

- 
604 
480 
- 

827 
649 
175 
2 

33 
43,788 
2,003 
7 

22,932 
7,989 
3,919 
11,024 

- 
9,211 
113 
2,882 

56,560 
29,945 
26,615 
- 

- 
711 
479 
3 

269 
- 
267 
1 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss 

- 

8,558 

1,492 

Customer deposits 
Debt certificates (*) 
Other financial liabilities 

Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

- 
- 
- 
53 

902 
3,038 
4,617 
2,250 

- 
1,492 
- 
15 

- 

- 
- 
- 
30 

8,629 

1,382 

- 

3,149 

3,844 

944 
3,274 
4,410 
2,192 

- 
1,382 
- 
11 

- 
- 
- 
223 

976 
1,529 
643 
2,454 

- 
1,329 
2,515 
3 

 (*) The information for the years 2019 and 2018 has been subject to certain modifications, related to some issuances of Garanti Group 

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, 2020, 2019 and 2018:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Fair  value  of  financial 

Instruments  by levels.  December  2020  (Millions  of  euros) 

ASSETS 

Financial assets  held for trading 

73,856  1,847  69,092  1,508  61,969  404 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Level 
2 

Level 
3 

Level  2 

Level 
3 

Level 
2 

Level 
3 

Loans  and  advances 

28,659  1,609  32,321 

1,285  28,642 

60 

Debt  securities 

11,123 

57 

8,178 

55 

7,494 

199 

31 

60 

- 

59 

- 

60 

34,043 

121 

28,593 

109 

25,833 

85 

Equity  instruments 

Derivatives 

Interest  rate 

Equity 

Foreign  exchange  and  gold 

Credit 

Commodities 

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

381 

992 

92 

1,160 

78 

1,929 

Loans  and  advances 

- 

499 

- 

1,038 

- 

1,778 

Valuation technique(s) 

Observable  inputs 

Unobservable  inputs 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash 
flows) 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash 
flows) 
Observed  prices  in  non  active 
markets 
Comparable  pricing 
(Observable  price  in  a  similar 
market) 
Net  asset  value 

  -  Issuer´s  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest 
rates 
-  Funding  interest  rates 
observed  in  the  market 
or  in  consensus  services 
-  Exchange  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 
-  Funding  interest  rates 
not  observed  in  the 
market  or  in  consensus 
services 

-  Prepayment  rates 
-  Issuer´s  credit  risk 
-  Recovery  rates 

-  NAV  not  published 

rate 

products  
rate  Swaps,  C a ll 
Swaps  and  FRA):  

Interest 
(Interest 
money 
Discounted  cash  flows 
Caps/Floors:  Black,  Hull-Whit e  
and  SABR 
Bond  options:  Black 
Swaptions:  Black,  Hull-Whit e  
and  LGM 
Other 
Black,  Hull-White  and  LGM 
Constant  Maturity 
SABR 

rate  Options :  

Interest 

Swaps: 

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 

losses  of the  EPA 

Specific  liquidation  criteria 
regarding 
proceedings 
PD  and  LGD  of  the  internal 
models,  valuations  and 
specific  criteria  of  the  EPA 
proceedings 
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 
-  Implicit  correlations 
between  tenors 
-  interest  rates  volatility 

-  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 
-  Business  plan  of  the 
underlying  asset, 
WACC,  macro  scenario 
-  Property  valuation 

Debt  securities 

324 

28 

91 

19 

71 

76 

Equity  instruments 

57 

465 

1 

103 

8 

75 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash 
flows) 

-  Issuer  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest 
rates 

-  Prepayment  rates 
-  Issuer  credit  risk 
-  Recovery  rates 

Comparable  pricing 
(Observable  price  in  a  similar 
market) 
Net  asset  value 

-  Brokers  quotes 
-  Market  operations 
-  NAVs  published 

-  NAV  provided  by the 
administrator  of  the 
fund 

Financial assets  designated  at  fair value  through  profit or loss 

Debt  securities 

178 

178 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash 
flows) 

-  Issuer  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest 
rates 

Financial assets  at  fair  value through  other comprehensive  income 

7,866 

598  9,203  1,084  9,323  1,190   

Debt  securities 

7,832 

493 

9,057 

604 

9,221 

711 

Equity  instruments 

Hedging derivatives 

34 

105 

146 

480 

113 

479 

1,862 

8 

1,685 

- 

2,882 

3 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash 
flows) 
Observed  prices  in  non  active 
markets 
Comparable  pricing 
(Observable  price  in  a  similar 
market) 
Net  asset  value 

-  Issuer´s  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest 
rates 
-  Non  active  market 
prices 

-  Prepayment  rates 
-  Issuer  credit  risk 
-  Recovery  rates 

-  Brokers  quotes 
-  Market  operations 
-  NAVs  published 

-  NAV  provided  by the 
administrator  of  the 
fund 

Interest  rate 

Equity 

Foreign  exchange  and  gold 

Credit 

Interest  rate  products 
(Interest  rate  Swaps,  Call 
money  Swaps  and  FRA): 
Discounted  cash  flows 
Caps/Floors:  Black,  Hull-
White  and  SABR 
Bond  options:  Black 
Swaptions:  Black,  Hull-White 
and  LGM 
Other  Interest  rate  Options: 
Black,  Hull-White  and  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 

-   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.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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Commodities 

Fair  Value  of  financial 

Instruments  by Levels.(Millions  of  Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Level  2 

Level 
3 

Level  2 

Level  3  Level  2 

Level 
3 

LIABILITIES 

Financial liabilities held for trading   58,045 

856  61,588 

827 

56,56
0 

269 

Commodities:  Momentum 
adjustment  and Discounted 
cash  flows 

Valuation technique(s) 

Observable  inputs 

Unobservable  inputs 

Deposits 

23,495 

621 

32,121 

649  29,945 

- 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash  flows) 

Derivatives 

34,046 

232 

29,466 

175  26,615 

267   

-  Interest  rate  yield 
-  Funding  interest  rates 
observed  in  the  market  or  in 
consensus  services 
-   Exchange  rates 

-  Funding  interest  rates  not 
observed  in  the  market  or 
in  consensus  services 

Interest  rate 

Equity 

Foreign  exchange  and  gold 

Credit 

Commodities 

Interest  rate  products  (Interest  rate  Swaps,  call  money 
Swaps  and  FRA):  Discounted  cash  flows 
Caps/Floors:  Black,  Hull-White  and   SABR 
Bond  options:  Black 
Swaptions:  Black,  Hull-White  and  LGM 
Other  Interest  rate  Options:  Black,  Hull-White  and  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 

-   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 

Short  positions 

504 

3 

1 

2 

- 

1 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash  flows) 

Financial liabilities designated at 
fair  value through  profit or loss 

8,558  1,492 

8,629 

1,382 

3,149  3,844 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future  cash  flows) 

-  Prepayment  rates 
-  Issuer´s  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest  rates 

Derivatives  – Hedge accounting 

2,250 

15 

2,192 

11 

2,454 

3 

Interest  rate 

Equity 

Foreign  exchange  and  gold 

Credit 

Commodities 

Interest  rate  products  (Interest  rate  Swaps,  Call  money 
Swaps  and  FRA):  Discounted  cash  flows 
Caps/Floors:  Black,  Hull-White  and  SABR 
Bond  options:  Black 
Swaptions:  Black,  Hull-White  and  LGM 
Other  Interest  rate  Options:  Black,  Hull-White  and  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 

-   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 

-  Prepayment  rates 
-  Issuer´s  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest 
rates 

-  Prepayment  rates 
-  Issuer´s  credit  risk 
-  Current  market  interest 
rates 

-  Beta 
-  Implicit  correlations 
between  tenors 
-  interest  rates  volatility 

-  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.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 to 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 financial instrument, 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 technique utilizes certain assumptions to use net asset value as representative of fair value, which is equal 
to the total value of the assets and liabilities  of a fund published by the managing entity. 

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 applied in rate/credit  
hybrid operative. The multifactorial frame of this model makes it ideal for the valuation of instruments sensitive to the slope or 
curve, including interest rate option. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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, 2020, 2019 
and 2018: 

Unobservable inputs. December 2020 

Financial instrument 

Valuation 
technique(s) 

Significant 
unobservable inputs 

Min 

Average 

Max 

Units 

Debt Securities 

Present value method 

Equity/Fund instruments (*) 

Net Asset Value 

Comparable Pricing 

Credit Spread 

4.32 

47.01 

564.22 

Recovery Rate 

           0.0% 

37.06% 

40.00% 

0.10% 

99.92% 

143.87% 

Security Finance 

Present value method  Repo funding curve 

(1.18%) 

(0.25%) 

0.74% 

p.b. 

% 

% 

Abs Repo 
rate 

Gaussian Copula 

Correlation Default 

30.40% 

44.87% 

60.95% 

% 

Credit Derivatives 

Equity Derivatives 

FX Derivatives 

IR Derivatives 

Black 76 

Option models on 
equities, baskets of 
equity, funds 

Option models on FX 
underlyings 

Option models on IR 
underlyings 

Volatility 

Volatility 

Beta 

Price Volatility 

Dividends (**) 

- 

Vegas 

Correlations 

(77%) 

51% 

98% 

% 

6.52 

29.90 

141.77 

Vegas 

4.11 

10.00 

16.14 

Vegas 

0.25 

2.00 

18.00 

% 

% 

Correlation Rate/Credit 

(100) 

100 

(*) Due to the diversity of valuation models of equity valuations, we would not include all the unobservable inputs or the quantitative ranges of them.  

(**) The range of unobservable dividends is too wide range to be relevant. 

Credit Default Volatility 

- 

- 

- 

Vegas 

Unobservable inputs. December 2019 

Financial instrument 

Valuation 
technique(s) 

Significant 
unobservable inputs 

Min 

Average 

Max 

Units 

Loans and advances 

Present value method  Repo funding curve 

Debt securities 

Comparable pricing 

Credit spread 

Recovery rate 

(6) 

18 

16 

83 

100 

504 

0.00% 

28.38% 

40.00% 

0.01% 

98.31% 

135.94% 

p.b. 

p.b 

% 

% 

Equity instruments (*) 

Comparable pricing 
Net asset value 

Credit option 

Gaussian Copula 

Correlation default 

19.37% 

44.33% 

61.08% 

% 

Corporate Bond option 

Black 76 

Heston 

Price volatility 

- 

- 

- 

Vegas 

Forward volatility skew 

35.12 

35.12 

35.12 

Vegas 

Equity OTC option 

Dividends (**) 

FX OTC options 

Local volatility 

Black Scholes/Local 
Vol 

Volatility 

Volatility 

Beta 

2.49 

3.70 

23.21 

60.90 

Vegas 

6.30 

10.05 

Vegas 

0.25 

2.00 

18.00 

% 

% 

Interest rate options 

Libor Market Model 

Correlation rate/Credit 

(100) 

100 

(*) Due to the diversity of valuation models of equity valuations, we would not include all the unobservable inputs or the quantitative ranges of them.  

(**) The range of unobservable dividends is too wide range to be relevant. 

Credit default Volatility 

- 

- 

- 

Vegas 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Unobservable inputs. December 2018 

Financial instrument 

Valuation 
technique(s) 

Significant 
unobservable inputs 

Min 

Average 

Max 

Units 

Debt securities 

Comparable pricing 

Equity instruments (*) 

Comparable pricing 
Net asset value 

Credit spread 

Recovery rate 

37 

152 

385 

p.b. 

0.00% 

32.06% 

40.00% 

1.00% 

88.00% 

275.00% 

% 

% 

Credit option 

Gaussian Copula 

Correlation default 

0.00% 

37.98% 

60.26% 

% 

Corporate Bond option 

Black 76 

Heston 

Price volatility 

- 

- 

- 

Vegas 

Forward volatility skew 

47.05 

47.05 

47.05 

Vegas 

Equity OTC option 

Dividends (**) 

FX OTC options 

Local volatility 

Black Scholes/Local 
Vol 

Volatility 

Volatility 

Beta 

13.79 

27.24 

65.02 

Vegas 

5.05 

7.73 

9.71 

Vegas 

0.25 

9.00 

18.00 

% 

% 

Interest rate options 

Libor Market Model 

Correlation rate/Credit 

(100) 

100 

(*) Due to the diversity of valuation models of equity valuations, we would not include all the unobservable inputs or the quantitative ranges of them.  

(**) The range of unobservable dividends is too wide range to be relevant. 

Credit default Volatility 

- 

- 

- 

Vegas 

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 observable data of probabilities of default and recoveries  used in the calculation. 

These adjustments are calculated  by estimating Exposure At Default, Probability of Default and Loss Given Default, which are based on 
the recovery  levels  for all  derivative  products on any instrument, deposits and repos at the legal entity level (all counterparties under a 
same master agreement), in which BBVA has exposure. 

Credit Valuation Adjustment (hereinafter “CVA”) and Debit Valuation Adjustments (hereinafter “DVA”) are included in the valuation of 
derivatives, both assets and liabilities,  to reflect the impact on the fair value  of the counterparty credit risk and its own, respectively. The 
Group incorporates in its valuation, for all exposures classified  in any of the categories valued at fair value, both the counterparty credit 
risk and its own. In the trading portfolio, and in the specific case of derivatives, credit risk is recognized through such adjustments. 

As a general rule, the calculation of CVA is the sum of the expected positive exposure in time t, the probability of default between t-1 and 
t, and the Loss Given Default of the counterparty. Consequently, the DVA is calculated as the sum of the expected negative exposure in  
time  t, the probability  of  default  of  BBVA between  t-1 and  t, and  the Loss Given  Default  of BBVA. Both  calculations  are  performed 
throughout the entire period of potential exposure. 

The calculation  of the expected positive and negative exposure is done through a Montecarlo simulation of the market variables involved  
in all trades’ valuation under the same legal netting set.  

The information needed to calculate the probability of default and the loss given default of a counterparty comes from the credit markets. 
The counterparty’s Credit Default Swaps are used if liquid quotes are available.  If a market price is not available, BBVA has implemented  
a mapping process based on the sector, rating and geography of the counterparty to assign probabilities of default and loss given default 
calibrated directly to market. 

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 related to the valuation adjustments 
to the credit assessment of the derivative  asset as “Credit Valuation Adjustments” (“CVA”) was €-142 million, €-106 and €-163 million 
respectively, and the valuation adjustments to the derivative liabilities  as “Debit Valuation Adjustment” (DVA) was €124 million, €117 and 
€214 million, respectively.  The impact recorded under “Gains  or (-) losses on financial  assets and liabilities  held for trading, net” in the 
consolidated income statement as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 corresponding to the mentioned adjustments was a net impact 
of €-29 million, €67 and €-24 million respectively.   

Additionally, as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, €-9, €-8 and €-12 million related to the “Funding Valuation Adjustments” (“FVA”) 
were recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, being the impact on results €-1 million, €4 and €-2 million, respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 

The changes in the balance  of Level  3 financial  assets and liabilities  included in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets are  as 
follows: 

Financial assets Level 3: Changes in the year (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Assets 

Liabilities  Assets 

Liabilities  Assets  Liabilities 

Balance at the beginning 

3,754 

2,220 

3,527 

4,115 

835 

1,386 

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 

 Discontinued operations (***) 

Balance at the end 

609 

(89) 

293 

(4) 

(699) 

(393) 

549 

(160) 

(518) 

287 

(35) 

(5) 

112 

2 

5 

77 

31 

- 

71 

- 

(167) 

(4) 

(28) 

- 

595 

2,102 

2,710 

(2,751) 

761 

189 

- 

- 

- 

47 

- 

- 

3,446 

2,363 

3,754 

2,219 

3,527 

4,115 

 (*) 

Profit or loss that is attributable to gains or losses relating to those financial assets and liabilities held as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Valuation 
adjustments are recorded under the heading “Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities (net)”. 

(**)  Of which, in 2020, the assets roll forward is comprised of €326 million of acquisitions, €1,014 million of disposals and €11 million of liquidations. The liabilities roll 

forward is comprised of €115 million of acquisitions, €449 million of sales and €11 million of liquidations. 

(***)  Amount in 2020 are mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Notes 3 and 21). 

During the 2020 financial year, the level of significance  of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value hierarchy of loans and 
advances  to customers at amortized cost has been reviewed,  resulting in a greater exposure classified  as Level 3. This review has been  
carried  out in the context of availability  of new information, more adjusted to the changes that have occurred both in market conditions 
and in the composition of the credit portfolio. The effect on the consolidated results and solvency ratios, resulting from this review, does 
not represent any change (see Note 8.2). 

During 2019, certain interest rate yields  were adapted to those observable  in the market, which mainly  affected  the valuation of certain  
deposit classes recorded under “Financial liabilities at amortized cost” and certain insurance products recorded under “Financial liabilities 
designated at fair value through profit or loss - Other financial liabilities”, and, as a result thereof, their classification changed from Level 3 
to Level 2. Additionally, €1,285 million in assets held for trading and €649 million in liabilities held for trading were classified in Level 3, 
mainly due to certain reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements, due to the non-observability and liquidity in the interest rate yield  
for the financing of assets applied in the calculation of their fair value. 

As  of  December  31,  2020,  2019  and  2018,  the profit/loss  on sales  of financial  instruments classified  as  Level  3  recognized  in  the 
accompanying consolidated income statement was not material. 

Transfers between levels 

The Global  Valuation Area, in collaboration with the Group, has established  the rules for an  appropriate financial  instruments held  for 
trading classification according to the fair value hierarchy defined by IFRS. 

On a monthly basis, any new assets added to the portfolio are classified,  according to this criterion, by the subsidiaries. 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 years  ended December  31, 2020, 2019  and 
2018 are at the following amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Transfer between Levels. December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

From: 

To: 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1  

Level 3 

Level 1 

Level2 

ASSETS 

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 

Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

Total 
LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit 
or loss 
Derivatives – Hedge accounting 
Total 

Transfer between levels (Millions of Euros). 

1,460 

9 

143 

484 

- 

11 

11 

- 

- 

- 

2,096 

23 

8 

- 

- 
8 

3 

- 

- 
3 

203 

548 

4 

- 

135 

- 

342 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

96 

8 

652 

268 

56 

- 
324 

4 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4 

- 

- 

- 
- 

98 

17 

- 

6 

- 

122 

13 

27 

- 
40 

2019 

2018 

From: 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

To:  Level 2  Level 3  Level 1   Level 3  Level 1  Level2  Level 2  Level 3  Level 1   Level 3  Level 1  Level2 

ASSETS 

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 

Derivatives – Hedge accounting 

Total 
LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities held for trading 
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through 
profit or loss 
Derivatives – Hedge accounting 
Total 

74 

- 

- 

6 

- 

79 

1 

- 

- 
1 

- 

- 

- 

6 

- 

6 

- 

- 

- 
- 

1,119 

502 

23 

- 

4 

- 

2 

- 

209 

26 

1,145 

739 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

27 

27 
54 

160 

1,171 

44 

- 

- 

- 

454 

134 

10 

- 

667 

1,305 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

-  2,679 

- 
125 
-  2,804 

- 

- 

- 
- 

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 during the year ended December  31, 2020, 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 securities 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 to Level 3 are mainly due to transactions of financial assets held for trading, non-trading financial assets 
mandatorily valued at fair value, hedging derivatives, financial  liabilities  held for trading and financial liabilities  designated at fair  
value through profit or loss. 

Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 generally affect derivative  and debt securities 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 valuation risk that is incurred in such 
assets without applying diversification criteria between them. 

As of  December  31,  2020,  the effect  on profit for the  year  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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial instruments Level 3: Sensitivity analysis  (Millions of Euros) 

Potential impact on consolidated 
 income statement  

Potential impact on 
other comprehensive income 

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 

Total 

10 

1 

5 

1 

3 

229 

204 

15 

9 

- 

- 

239 

(40) 

(1) 

(5) 

(31) 

(3) 

(60) 

(29) 

(15) 

(16) 

- 

- 

(101) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

22 

22 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(23) 

(23) 

8.2 

Fair value of financial instruments carried at cost, by valuation criteria 

The valuation technique used to calculate the fair value of financial  assets and liabilities  carried at cost 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. 

  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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, broken down according to the method of valuation used for the estimation: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Fair value of financial instruments at amortized cost by levels (Millions of euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

ASSETS 
Cash, cash balances at central banks and other 
demand deposits 

65,355 

- 

165 

44,111 

- 

192 

58,024 

- 

172 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

35,196 

15,066 

324,005 

29,391 

217,279 

196,119 

21,419 

204,619 

193,819 

LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities at amortized cost  
182,948 
144,889 
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

289,599 

255,278 

159,082 

269,128 

58,225 

90,839 

67,229 

Fair Value of financial Instruments at amortized cost by valuation technique. December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Level 2  Level 3  Level 2  Level 3  Level 2  Level 3 

Valuation 
technique(s) 

Main inputs used 

ASSETS  

Financial assets at 
amortized cost 

15,066  324,005  217,279  196,119  204,619  193,819 

Central banks 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

1 

Loans and advances to 
credit institutions 

Loans and advances to 
customers 

1,883 

12,641 

9,049 

4,628 

4,934 

4,291 

3,904  310,924  194,897  190,144  190,666  183,645 

Debt securities 

9,279 

440 

13,333 

1,345 

9,019 

5,881 

- Credit spread 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future 
cash flows) 

- Credit spread 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

- Credit spread 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

- Credit spread 
- Interest rate yield 

LIABILITIES 

Financial liabilities at 
amortized cost  

Deposits from central 
banks 

Deposits from credit 
institutions 

Deposits from 
customers 

255,278  144,889  289,599  159,082  269,128  182,948 

- 

207 

129 

- 

196 

- 

22,914 

4,633 

21,575 

6,831 

22,281 

9,852 

210,097  129,525  245,720  135,514  240,547  135,270 

Present-value  method 
(Discounted  future 
cash flows) 

- Issuer´s credit risk 
- Prepayment rates 
- Interest rate yield 

Debt certificates 

14,413 

4,848 

14,194 

11,133 

6,104  25,096 

Other financial 
liabilities 

7,854 

5,676 

7,981 

5,604 

- 

12,730 

9. 

Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand deposits 

The breakdown of the balance under the heading “Cash, cash balances at central banks and other demand 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 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

6,447 

53,079 

5,994 

7,060 

31,755 

5,488 

8.1 

65,520 

44,303 

6,346 

43,880 

7,970 

58,196 

(*) The variation in 2020 is mainly due to an increase in balances of BBVA, S.A. at the Bank of Spain. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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) 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

ASSETS 
Derivatives (*) 

Equity instruments 

Credit institutions 

Other sectors 

Debt securities 

Issued by central banks 

Issued by public administrations 

Issued by financial  institutions 

Other debt securities 

Loans and advances  

Loans and advances to central banks 

Reverse repurchase agreement  (**) 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Reverse repurchase agreement  (**) 

Loans and advances to customers 

Reverse repurchase agreement  (**) 

Total assets 
LIABILITIES 
Derivatives (*) 
Short positions 
Deposits 

Deposits from central banks  

Repurchase agreement (**) 
Deposits from credit institutions  

Repurchase agreement (**) 

Customer deposits 

Repurchase agreement (**) 

32,232 

29,523 

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

8.1 

40,183 

11,458 

633 

10,824 

23,970 

1,011 

19,942 

1,479 

1,538 

32,647 

53 

53 
20,499 

20,491 
12,095 

11,493 
108,257 

41,680 
12,312 
32,496 

6,277 
6,277 
16,558 

16,217 
9,660 

9,616 
86,488 

8,892 

1,037 

7,855 

26,309 

840 

23,918 

679 

872 

34,303 

535 

535 
21,286 

21,219 
12,482 

12,187 
101,735 

34,066 
12,249 
42,365 

7,635 
7,635 
24,969 

24,578 
9,761 

9,689 
88,680 

5,254 

880 

4,374 

25,577 

1,001 

22,950 

790 

836 

28,750 

2,163 

2,163 
14,566 

13,305 
12,021 

11,794 
89,103 

30,801 
11,025 
37,934 

10,511 
10,511 
15,687 

14,839 
11,736 

11,466 
79,761 

Total liabilities 
(*) The variation in 2020 is mainly due to the evolution of exchange rate derivatives at BBVA, S.A. The information for 2019 and 2018 has been subject to certain 
modifications related to the operation of non-significant cross currency swaps in order to improve comparability with the figures for 2020. 
 (**) See Note 35. 

8.1 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 “Short positions” include €11,696, €11,649 and €10,255 million, respectively, held with general 
governments. 

10.2  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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, trading derivatives were mainly contracted 
in over-the-counter (OTC) markets, with counterparties, consisting primarily of foreign credit institutions and other financial corporations, 
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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Derivatives by type of risk and by product or by type of market (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Interest rate 
OTC  
Organized market 
Equity instruments 
OTC 
Organized market 

Foreign exchange and gold 

OTC 
Organized market 
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  Liabilities 

26,451 
26,447 
3 
2,626 
584 
2,042 

10,952 
10,942 
10 
153 
146 
- 
7 
- 
1 
- 
40,183 
24,432 
8,211 
5,484 

26,028 
26,020 
8 
4,143 
1,836 
2,307 

11,216 
11,216 
- 
292 
156 
- 
136 
- 
1 
- 
41,680 
27,244 
8,493 
3,627 

Notional 
amount - 
Total 

Assets  Liabilities 

Notional 
amount - 
Total 

Assets  Liabilities 

Notional 
amount - 
Total 

3,252,066  21,004 
21,004 
3,233,718 
- 
18,348 
2,263 
72,176 
353 
42,351 
1,910 
29,825 

20,378  3,024,794 
2,997,443 
20,377 
27,351 
1 
84,140 
3,499 
40,507 
1,435 
43,633 
2,065 

18,546 
18,546 
- 
2,799 
631 
2,168 

18,169  2,929,371 
18,169  2,910,016 
19,355 
114,184 
39,599 
74,586 

- 
2,956 
463 
2,492 

461,898 
457,180 
4,719 
23,411 
21,529 
- 
1,882 
- 
26 
- 
3,809,577 
958,017 
2,663,978 
134,690 

8,608 
8,571 
37 
353 
338 
- 
14 
- 
4 
- 
32,232 
19,962 
6,028 
4,294 

9,788 
9,782 
6 
397 
283 
2 
113 
- 
4 
- 

472,194 
463,662 
8,532 
29,077 
26,702 
150 
2,225 
- 
64 
- 

7,942 
7,931 
11 
232 
228 
2 
2 
- 
3 
- 
34,066  3,610,269  29,523 
16,305 
1,000,243 
22,973 
7,136 
2,370,988 
6,089 
3,902 
159,521 
2,932 

9,280 
9,225 
55 
393 
248 
- 
145 
- 
3 
- 

432,283 
426,952 
5,331 
25,452 
22,791 
500 
2,161 
- 
67 
- 
30,801  3,501,358 
18,055 
897,384 
7,522  2,355,784 
148,917 
2,677 

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 to customers 

Total  

Notes  

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

8.1 

2020 

4,133 

356 

709 

5,198 

2019 

4,327 

110 

1,120 

5,557 

2018 

3,095 

237 

1,803 

5,135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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) 

ASSETS 
Debt securities 

LIABILITIES 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial  liabilities: Unit-linked products 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

7.2.2 

1,117  

1,214 

1,313  

902  

4,531  

4,617  

944 

4,656 

4,410 

976  

2,858  

3,159  

6,993  

Total liabilities 

8.1 

10,050  

10,010 

Within “Financial  liabilities  designated at fair value  through profit or loss”, liabilities  linked to insurance products where the policyholder  
bears the risk ("Unit-Link") are recorded. 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. 

In addition, the assets and liabilities  are  included  in these headings to reduce  inconsistencies  (asymmetries)  in the valuation of those 
operations and those used to manage their risk. 

13. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 

13.1 

Breakdown of the balance 

The breakdown of the balance by the main financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets is as follows: 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (Millions of Euros) 

Equity instruments 

Debt securities (*) 

Loans and advances to credit institutions 

Total  

Of which: loss allowances of debt securities 

Notes 

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

8.1 

2020 

1,100 

68,308 

33 

69,440 

(97) 

2019 

2,420 

58,731 

33 

61,183 

(110) 

2018 

2,595 

53,709 

33 

56,337 

(28) 

(*) The variation corresponds mainly to the increase in financial assets issued by governments in BBVA, S.A. 

During financial  years 2020 and 2019, there have been no significant reclassifications  from “Financial  assets at fair value  through other 
comprehensive income” to other headings or from other headings to “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income”. 

13.2 

Equity instruments 

The  breakdown  of the balance  under the heading "Equity instruments" of  the accompanying  consolidated financial  statements as  of 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. Equity instruments. (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Amortized 
cost 

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 

value  

Amortized 
cost 

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
 value  

Amortized 
cost 

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
 value  

Equity instruments 

Spanish companies shares 

2,182 

Foreign companies shares 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

100 

27 

1 

2 

70 

- 

38 

- 

33 

4 

1 

(1,309)  873 

2,181 

(17) 

121 

- 

- 

- 

27 

34 

6 

136 

30 

1 

3 

(17) 

54 

102 

Subtotal equity instruments listed 

2,282 

38 

(1,326)  995 

2,317 

Equity instruments 

Spanish companies shares 

Foreign companies shares  

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

Other countries 

Subtotal unlisted equity instruments 

5 

58 

- 

- 

5 

52 

62 

Total 

2,344 

13.3  Debt securities 

1 

43 

- 

- 

- 

43 

44 

82 

- 

5 

(1) 

100 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5 

(1) 

94 

5 

450 

387 

- 

5 

57 

(1) 

105 

454 

(1,327)  1,100 

2,772 

- 

87 

47 

33 

2 

5 

87 

1 

79 

32 

- 

4 

43 

80 

167 

(507)  1,674 

2,172 

(11) 

213 

- 

- 

- 

(11) 

78 

34 

5 

96 

90 

20 

1 

3 

66 

- 

43 

17 

25 

- 

1 

(210)  1,962 

(12) 

121 

- 

- 

(1) 

(11) 

37 

26 

2 

56 

(518)  1,886 

2,262 

43 

(222)  2,083 

- 

5 

(1) 

528 

- 

- 

- 

419 

- 

9 

(1) 

99 

(1)  533 

6 

453 

388 

- 

6 

59 

459 

(519)  2,420 

2,721 

1 

54 

23 

- 

4 

27 

55 

98 

- 

7 

(1) 

506 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

411 

- 

10 

85 

(1) 

513 

(223)  2,595 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  under  the  heading  “Debt  securities”  of  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  as  of 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, broken down by issuers, is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. Debt securities (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Amortized      

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
value 

Amortized      

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
value 

cost  

cost  

Amortized       

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
value 

cost 

Domestic 
debt 
securities 
Government 
and other 
government 
agency debt 
securities 
Central banks 
Credit 
institutions 
Other issuers 

Subtotal  
Foreign debt 
securities 
Mexico 
Government 
and other 
government 
agency debt 
securities 
Central banks 
Credit 
institutions 
Other issuers 
The United 
States 
Government 
securities  
Treasury and 
other 
government 
agencies 
States and 
political 
subdivisions  
Central banks 
Credit 
institutions 
Other issuers 

Turkey 
Government 
and other 
government 
agency debt 
securities 
Central banks 
Credit 
institutions 
Other issuers 
Other 
countries 
Other foreign 
governments 
and other 
government 
agency debt 
securities 
Central banks 
Credit 
institutions 
Other issuers 

Subtotal  

Total 

- 

5 

15 

52 

9 

9 

- 

- 

3 

- 

113 

685 

4,642 

2,307 

2,307 

- 

- 

186 

2,149 

3,456 

28,582 

801 

(16)  29,367 

20,740 

830 

(20)  21,550 

17,205 

661 

(9)  17,857 

- 

1,363 

867 

- 

76 

40 

- 

- 

(0) 

1,439 

(1) 

906 

- 

959 

907 

- 

65 

40 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,024 

947 

- 

793 

804 

- 

63 

37 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

855 

841 

30,811 

917 

(17)  31,712 

22,607 

935 

(21)  23,521 

18,802 

761 

(10)  19,553 

9,107 

291 

(3)  9,395 

7,790 

22 

(26)  7,786 

6,299 

6 

(142)  6,163 

8,309 

271 

(1) 

8,579 

6,869 

18 

(19)  6,868 

5,286 

- 

- 

- 

118 

- 

77 

(2) 

698 

843 

(3)  4,691 

11,376 

(1) 

2,315 

8,570 

- 

2 

2 

68 

42 

- 

- 

- 

78 

- 

35 

(6) 

840 

978 

(51)  11,393 

14,507 

(12)  8,599 

11,227 

4 

- 

- 

2 

47 

37 

(121) 

5,169 

- 

(1) 

- 

34 

(20) 

961 

(217)  14,338 

(135) 

11,130 

(1) 

2,315 

5,595 

32 

(2)  5,624 

7,285 

29 

(56) 

7,258 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

188 

2,975 

10 

(10)  2,975 

3,942 

- 

122 

2,684 

3,752 

- 

2 

24 

38 

- 

- 

- 

124 

- 

49 

(39)  2,670 

(76)  3,713 

3,231 

4,164 

8 

- 

1 

9 

(79) 

3,872 

- 

- 

- 

50 

(82) 

3,158 

20 

(269)  3,916 

40 

90 

(2) 

2,187 

(73)  3,473 

3,456 

90 

(73) 

3,473 

3,752 

38 

(76) 

3,713 

4,007 

20 

(256) 

3,771 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

157 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(13) 

145 

- 

- 

18,340 

739 

(42)  19,037 

11,870 

554 

(106)  12,318 

9,551 

319 

(130)  9,740 

10,458 

502 

(17)  10,943 

6,963 

383 

(78) 

7,269 

4,510 

173 

(82) 

4,601 

1,599 

2,521 

3,762 

35,545 

21 

116 

100 

1,172 

(8) 

1,611 

1,005 

(8) 

2,629 

1,795 

(8) 

3,854 

2,106 

(120)  36,596 

34,788 

9 

109 

53 

681 

(4) 

1,010 

987 

(12) 

1,892 

1,856 

(12) 

2,147 

2,197 

(259)  35,210 

34,521 

66,356 

2,089 

(137)  68,308 

57,395 

1,617 

(280)  58,731 

53,323 

2 

111 

33 

392 

1,153 

(4) 

986 

(20) 

1,947 

(25)  2,206 

(758)  34,157 

(768)  53,709 

The credit ratings of the issuers of debt securities as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Debt securities by rating 

AAA 

AA+ 

AA 

AA- 

A+ 

A 

A- 

BBB+ 

BBB 

BBB- 

BB+ or below 

Unclassified 

Total 

13.4  Gains/losses 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Fair value 
(Millions of Euros) 

% 

Fair value 
(Millions of Euros) 

% 

Fair value 
(Millions of Euros) 

% 

4,345 

595 

449 

406 

5,912 

2,112 

6.4% 

0.9% 

0.7% 

0.6% 

8.7% 

3.1% 

3,669 

6.2% 

531 

1.0% 

7,279 

12.4% 

13,100 

24.4% 

317 

265 

3,367 

0.5% 

0.5% 

5.7% 

12,895 

22.0% 

222 

409 

632 

687 

0.4% 

0.8% 

1.2% 

1.3% 

31,614 

46.3% 

10,947 

18.6% 

18,426 

34.3% 

8,629 

12.6% 

9,946 

16.9% 

9,195 

17.1% 

4,054 

5,116 

4,731 

345 

5.9% 

7.5% 

6.9% 

0.5% 

2,966 

1,927 

4,712 

441 

5.1% 

3.3% 

8.0% 

0.8% 

4,607 

1,003 

4,453 

445 

8.6% 

1.9% 

8.3% 

0.8% 

68,308 

100.0% 

58,731 

100.0% 

53,709 

100.0% 

The changes  in the gains/losses  (net of taxes) in  December  31, 2020,  2019 and  2018  of debt securities  recognized  under the equity 
heading “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – Items that may be reclassified  to profit or loss – Fair value changes of debt 
instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income” and equity instruments recognized under the equity 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”  in  the accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  as 
follows: 

Other comprehensive income - Changes in gains / losses (Millions of Euros) 

Debt securities 

Equity instruments 

Notes 

Balance at the beginning  
Effect of changes in accounting policies (IFRS 9)  
Valuation gains and losses 
Amounts transferred to income 
Amounts transferred to Reserves 
Income tax and other 
Balance at the end 

30 

2020 
1,760 

489 
(72) 

(107) 
2,069 

2019 
943 

1,267 
(119) 

(331) 
1,760 

2018 
1,557 
(58)  
(640) 
(137)  

221 
943 

2020 
(403) 

2019 
(155) 

(876) 

(238) 

- 
23 
(1,256) 

- 
(10) 
(403) 

2018 
84 
(40) 
(174) 

- 
(25) 
(155) 

In 2020, 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 or net gains by modification– Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” in the 
accompanying consolidated income statement amounted to €19 million (see Note 47). 

In 2019, 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 or net gains by modification– Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” in the 
accompanying consolidated income statement amounted to €82 million (see  Note 47) as  a result of the decrease  in the rating of debt 
securities in Argentina during the last quarter of 2019. 

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 or net gains by modification– Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” in the 
accompanying consolidated income statement amounted to €1 million (see Note 47). 

In 2020, equity securities presented a decrease  of 876 million euros in the heading “Gains and losses from valuation - Accumulated other 
comprehensive income - Items that will  not be reclassified  to profit and loss - Fair value changes of equity instruments measured at fair  
value through other comprehensive income”, mainly due to the Telefónica quotation. 

During 2020, 2019 and 2018 there has been no significant impairment recorded in equity instruments under the heading “Impairment or 
reversal  of impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss or net gains by modification- Financial assets 
at fair value through other comprehensive income” (see Note 47). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

14.  Financial assets at amortized cost 

14.1  Breakdown of the balance 

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 
Government 
Credit institutions 
Other financial  corporations 
Non-financial corporations 

Loans and advances to central banks 
Loans and advances to credit institutions 
Reverse repurchase agreements (**) 
Other loans and advances 

Loans and advances to customers  (***) 

Government 
Other financial  corporations 
Non-financial corporations 

Other 

Total 

Of which: impaired assets of loans and advances to customers (*) 

Of which: loss allowances of loans and advances (*) 

Of which: loss allowances of debt securities 

(*)  See Note 7.2 
(**) See Note 35. 
(***) Amount in 2020 is mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 21). 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

35,737 
28,727 
783 
5,027 
1,200 
6,209 
14,575 
1,914 
12,661 
311,147 
19,391 
9,817 
136,424 

145,515 
367,668 
14,672 

(12,141) 

(48) 

38,877 
31,526 
719 
5,254 
1,379 
4,275 
13,649 
1,817 
11,832 
382,360 
28,222 
11,207 
166,789 

176,142 
439,162 
15,954 

(12,427) 

(52) 

32,530 
25,014 
644 
5,421 
1,451 
3,941 
9,163 
478 
8,685 
374,027 
28,114 
9,468 
163,922 

172,522 
419,660 
16,349 

(12,217) 

(51) 

8.1 

During financial  years 2020, 2019 and 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”. 

14.2  Debt securities 

The breakdown of the balance  under the heading “Debt securities” in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets, according to the 
issuer of the debt securities, is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Financial assets at amortized cost: Debt securities. (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Amortized      

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

cost  

Fair 
 value  

Amortized      

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
 value 

cost  

Amortized      

Unrealized  
gains 

Unrealized  
losses 

Fair 
 value 

cost  

Domestic debt 
securities 
Government and 
other government 
agencies 
Central banks 

Credit institutions 
Other issuers 

Subtotal  
Foreign debt 
securities 
Mexico 
Government and 
other government 
agencies debt 
securities 
Central banks 
Credit institutions 

Other issuers 
The United 
States 
Government 
securities  

Treasury and 
other 
government 
agencies 
States and 
political 
subdivisions  

Central banks 

Credit institutions 

Other issuers 
Turkey 
Government and 
other government 
agencies debt 
securities 
Central banks 
Credit institutions 

Other issuers 

Other countries 
Other foreign 
governments and 
other government 
agency debt 
securities 
Central banks 

Credit institutions 
Other issuers 

Subtotal  

Total 

14,868 

12,755 

630 

(21)  13,363 

10,953 

458 

(265) 

11,146 

13,656 

1,212 

- 

- 

4,835 

- 

- 

59 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

26 

(7) 

4,887 

4,903 

18,492 

1,271 

(7) 

19,756 

17,684 

- 

- 

38 

668 

- 

- 

- 

26 

- 

53 

(10)  4,931 

5,014 

- 

- 

41 

- 

- 

- 

53 

(25) 

5,030 

(31)  18,320 

16,019 

499 

(290) 

16,228 

7,771 

534 

(16) 

8,289 

6,374 

168 

(18)  6,525 

5,148 

10 

- 

- 

- 

(16) 

7,442 

5,576 

166 

-  5,742 

4,571 

- 

687 

160 

- 

526 

272 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

- 

529 

(18) 

254 

- 

350 

227 

9 

- 

1 

- 

(26) 

26 

6,125 

111 

(20)  6,217 

2,559 

15 

(3) 

2,570 

6,963 

479 

- 

632 

176 

52 

14 

14 

- 

- 

23 

15 

- 

55 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(16) 

(10) 

14 

5,690 

111 

(18)  5,783 

2,070 

14 

1,161 

50 

(17) 

1,193 

118 

- 

- 

7 

5 

4,530 

61 

(1)  4,590 

1,952 

- 

25 

410 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

(1) 

- 

25 

409 

- 

23 

466 

3,628 

95 

(25) 

3,698 

4,113 

48 

(65)  4,097 

4,062 

3,621 

95 

(25) 

3,691 

4,105 

47 

(65)  4,088 

4,054 

- 

6 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6 

1 

- 

7 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

8 

1 

- 

7 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,157 

4,579 

- 

351 

227 

- 

- 

- 

- 

9 

6 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2) 

(1) 

2,070 

118 

1,952 

- 

30 

470 

(261) 

3,801 

(261) 

3,793 

- 

- 

- 

- 

7 

1 

5,795 

505 

(1) 

6,299 

4,581 

82 

(26)  4,637 

4,741 

32 

(152) 

4,622 

4,473 

467 

(1) 

4,939 

3,400 

82 

(22)  3,459 

3,366 

27 

(152) 

3,242 

- 

122 

1,200 

- 

- 

38 

- 

- 

- 

- 

122 

- 

135 

1,238 

1,047 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

135 

64 

147 

(4) 

1,043 

1,164 

17,245 

1,134 

(68) 

18,311 

21,194 

409 

(129)  21,476 

16,510 

35,737 

2,405 

(75)  38,067 

38,877 

1,077 

(160)  39,796 

32,530 

- 

- 

5 

57 

556 

- 

- 

- 

64 

147 

1,169 

(416) 

(706) 

16,150 

32,378 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the credit ratings of the issuers of debt securities classified  as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Debt securities by rating 

AAA 

AA+ 

AA 

AA- 

A+ 

A 

A- 

BBB+ 

BBB 

BBB- 

BB+ or below 

Unclassified 

Total 

2020 

Carrying 
amount 
(Millions of 
Euros) 

151 

74 

64 

48 

42 

590 

16,736 

7,919 

942 

4,499 

3,928 

743 

% 

0.4% 

0.2% 

0.2% 

0.1% 

0 

1.7% 

46.8% 

22.2% 

2.6% 

12.6% 

11.0% 

2.1% 

2019 

Carrying 
amount 
(Millions of 
Euros) 

2018 

Carrying 
amount 
(Millions of 
Euros) 

% 

39 

0.1% 

6,481 

16.7% 

14 

713 

- 

- 

1.8% 

- 

16,806 

43.2% 

49 

1,969 

62 

- 

607 

21 

% 

0.2% 

6.1% 

0.2% 

- 

1.9% 

0.1% 

607 

1.6% 

6,117 

18.8% 

3,715 

9.6% 

13,894 

42.7% 

551 

3,745 

1.4% 

9.6% 

5,123 

13.2% 

1,083 

2.8% 

1,623 

2,694 

5.0% 

8.3% 

4,371 

13.4% 

1,123 

3.5% 

35,737 

100.0% 

38,877  100.0% 

32,530 

100.0% 

14.3 

Loans and advances to customers 

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 agreements 

Other term loans 

Advances that are not loans 

Total  

2020 

2,835 

13,093 

15,544 

7,650 

71 

267,031 

4,924 

311,147 

2019 

3,050 

16,354 

17,276 

8,711 

26 

332,160 

4,784 

382,360 

2018 

3,641 

15,445 

17,436 

8,650 

294 

324,767 

3,794 

374,027 

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. 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the gross carrying amount "Loans and advances to customers" with maturity greater than 
one year by fixed and variable  rate as of December 31, 2020: 

Interest sensitivity of outstanding loans and advances maturing in more than one year (Millions of Euros) 

Fixed rate 

Variable rate 

Total 

2020 

2019 

Domestic 
46,104 

86,710 
132,814 

Foreign 
66,444 

41,452 
107,895 

Total 
112,548 

128,162 
240,710 

Domestic 
55,920 

79,329 
135,249 

Foreign 

Total 
68,915  124,835 

97,765  177,095 
166,680  301,929 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 47%, 41% and 38%, respectively, of "Loans and advances to customers" with maturity greater 
than one year have fixed-interest rates and 53%, 59% and 62%, respectively, have variable  interest rates. 

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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Securitized loans (Millions of Euros) 

Securitized mortgage assets 

Other securitized assets 

Total 

2020 

23,953 

6,144 

30,098 

2019 

26,169 

4,249 

30,418 

2018 

26,556 

3,221 

29,777 

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 
Derivatives - Hedge accounting 

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 

2020 

2019 

2018 

1,991 

51 

1,729 

28 

2,892 

(21) 

2,318 

2,233 

2,680 

- 

- 

- 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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.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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Derivatives - Hedge accounting breakdown by type of risk and type of hedge. (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Assets  Liabilities 

Interest rate 

OTC  

Organized market  

Equity 

OTC  

Organized market 

Foreign exchange and gold 

OTC 

Organized market 

Credit 

Commodities 

Other 

FAIR VALUE HEDGES 

Interest rate 

OTC  

Organized market 

Equity 

Foreign exchange and gold 

OTC  

Organized market 

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 

989 

989 

- 

- 

- 

- 

435 

435 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,424 

154 

154 

- 

- 

225 

225 

- 

- 

- 

- 

379 

166 

18 

3 

1,991 

1,718 

273 

- 

525 

525 

- 

- 

- 

- 

350 

350 

- 

- 

- 

- 

874 

1,055 

1,041 

15 

- 

55 

50 

5 

- 

- 

- 

1,111 

139 

170 

23 

2,318 

1,965 

333 

- 

920 

920 

- 

- 

- 

- 

420 

420 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,341 

224 

224 

- 

- 

115 

115 

- 

- 

- 

- 

339 

12 

37 

1 

1,729 

1,423 

306 

- 

488 

488 

- 

3 

3 

- 

316 

316 

- 

- 

- 

- 

808 

850 

839 

11 

- 

18 

18 

- 

- 

- 

- 

868 

242 

216 

99 

2,233 

1,787 

426 

8 

982 

982 

- 

6 

6 

- 

587 

587 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,575 

221 

219 

2 

- 

955 

955 

- 

- 

- 

- 

513 

513 

- 

- 

- 

- 

398 

398 

- 

- 

- 

- 

912 

562 

562 

- 

- 

873 

873 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,176 

1,435 

92 

33 

15 

2,892 

2,534 

355 

2 

231 

90 

12 

2,680 

2,462 

216 

2 

Below there is a breakdown of the items covered by fair value hedges: 

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Hedged items in fair value hedges. December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Carrying 
amount 

Hedge 
adjustments 
included in the 
carrying amount 
of 
assets/liabilities 

Remaining 
adjustments 
for 
discontinued 
micro hedges 
including 
hedges of net 
positions 

Hedged items 
in portfolio 
hedge of 
interest rate 
risk 

ASSETS 
Financial assets measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 
Interest rate 

Other 

Financial assets measured at amortized cost 

Interest rate 

LIABILITIES 

Financial liabilities measured at amortized costs 

Interest rate 

Equity 

Foreign exchange and gold 

28,091 
28,059 

33 

11,177 
11,177 

23,546 
23,543 

- 

3 

(99) 

12 

- 

386 

(576) 

3 

2 

2,500 

- 

The following is the calendar of the notional maturities of the hedging instruments as of December 31, 2020: 

Calendar of the notional maturities of the hedging instruments (Millions of Euros) 

FAIR VALUE HEDGES 

Of which: Interest rate 

CASH FLOW HEDGES 

Of which: Interest rate 

HEDGE OF NET INVESTMENTS IN A FOREIGN OPERATION 

PORTFOLIO FAIR VALUE HEDGES OF INTEREST RATE RISK 

PORTFOLIO CASH FLOW HEDGES OF INTEREST RATE RISK 

Up to 3 
months 

3,581 

3,569 

10,495 

6,756 

1,853 

299 

101 

From 3 
months to 1 
year 
10,945 

10,879 

2,808 

154 

2,910 

576 

11 

From 1 to 5 
years 

More than 
5 years 

28,487 

26,946 

2,576 

1,816 

- 

1,533 

1,049 

18,656 

18,609 

6,972 

6,600 

- 

1,029 

- 

Total 

61,668 

60,003 

22,852 

15,326 

4,763 

3,437 

1,161 

DERIVATIVES-HEDGE ACCOUNTING 

15,933 

17,340 

33,984 

26,623 

93,881 

In 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2020, 2019 and 
2018 were not material.  

16. 

Investments in joint ventures and associates  

16.1 

Joint ventures and associates 

The breakdown of the balance  of “Investments in joint ventures and associates”  in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets is as 
follows:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Joint ventures and associates. Breakdown by entities (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Joint ventures 
Altura Markets, S.V., S.A. 

RCI Colombia 

Desarrollo Metropolitanos del Sur, S.L. 

Other 

Subtotal 

Associates 

Divarian Propiedad, S.A.U. 

Metrovacesa, S.A. 

BBVA Allianz Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. 

ATOM Bank PLC 

Solarisbank AG 

Cofides 

Redsys servicios de procesamiento, S.L. 

Servicios Electrónicos Globales  S.A. de CV 

Other 

Subtotal 

Total 

77 

36 

17 

19 

149 

567 

285 

250 

64 

39 

25 

14 

11 

33 

73 

37 

14 

30 

154 

630 

443 

- 

136 

36 

23 

14 

11 

41 

69 

32 

13 

59 

173 

591 

508 

- 

138 

37 

22 

12 

9 

88 

1,288 

1,437 

1,334 

1,488 

1,405 

1,578 

Details of the joint ventures and associates as of December 31, 2020 are shown in Appendix II.  

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the changes  in  the  in  December  31,  2020,  2019  and  2018  under this  heading  in the  accompanying  
consolidated balance  sheets: 

Joint ventures and associates. 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 

2020 

1,488 
257 

(47) 

(7) 

(39) 

(27) 

(188) 

1,437 

2019 

1,578 
161 

(149) 

(27) 

(42) 

10 

(43) 

1,488 

2018 

1,588 
309 

(516) 

211 

(7) 

2 

(8) 

1,578 

During the year  2020, the most significant changes  in the heading  “Investments in  joint ventures and associates”  correspond to the 
valuation of Metrovacesa and BBVA Allianz Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. 

During the year 2019, there was no significant change in the heading “Investment in joint ventures and associates”. 

The variation during the year 2018 was mainly  explained by the decrease  of BBVA Group stakes in Testa Residencial,  S.A., Metrovacesa 
Suelo y Promoción, S.A. and the contribution of assets and subsequent sale to Cerberus of 80% of the capital stake in Divarian Propiedad, 
S.A.U., (see Note 3 and Appendix III). 

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 125 of the Securities Market Act 4/2015. 

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, 2020, 2019 and 2018 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, 2020,  2019  and 2018  there  was  no contingent liability  in  connection with the investments  in joint ventures  and 
associates (see Note 53.2).  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

16.3 

Impairment 

As described in IAS 36, the book value of the associates  and joint venture entities has been 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. For the year ended December  
31,  2020,  €158  million  have  been  recorded  in  the Group’s consolidated  income  statement due  to impairment.  For the year  ended  
December 31, 2019, €46 million were recorded due to impairment. There were no impairments recognized in 2018 (see Note 48).  

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 2020. (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

Land and 
buildings 

Work in 
progress 

Furniture, 
fixtures 
and 
vehicles 

Right to use asset 

Own use 

Investment 
properties 

Investment 
properties 

Assets 
leased out 
under an 
operating 
lease 

Total 

Cost  

Balance at the beginning 
Additions 

Retirements 

Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  
Companies held for sale (*) 

Transfers 

Exchange difference  and other 

Balance at the end 

Accrued depreciation  

Balance at the beginning 
Additions 
Additions transfer to discontinued 
operations (*) 
Retirements 
Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year  

Companies held for sale (*) 

Transfers 

Exchange difference  and other 

Balance at the end 

Impairment  
Balance at the beginning 
Additions 

Retirements 

Acquisition of subsidiaries in the year 
Companies held for sale (*) 

Transfers 

Exchange difference  and other 

Balance at the end 

Net tangible assets 

6,001 
157 

(10) 

- 
(925) 

(248) 

(595) 

4,380 

1,253 
83 

24 

(2) 
- 

(373) 

(42) 

(110) 

833 

212 
18 

- 

- 
(8) 

(68) 

(5) 

149 

45 

49 

56 
54 

(23) 

- 
(31) 

(2) 

(2) 

52 

6,351 
255 

(294) 

- 
(366) 

(5) 

(426) 

3,516 
183 

(157) 

- 
(294) 

(60) 

(127) 

5,515 

3,061 

4,344 
370 

20 

(248) 
- 

(321) 

(12) 

(294) 

3,859 

- 
26 

- 

- 
- 

- 

(26) 

370 
312 

32 

(10) 
- 

(71) 

(9) 

(42) 

582 

191 
68 

- 

- 
- 

10 

5 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

101 
- 

(3) 

- 
- 

25 

- 

123 

11 
12 

- 

- 
- 

- 

4 

- 

27 

14 
12 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

216 
2 

(11) 

- 
- 

18 

(24) 

201 

15 
3 

- 

- 
- 

- 

1 

(3) 

16 

26 
1 

- 

- 
- 

7 

- 

337 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

16,578 
651 

(498) 

- 
(1,616) 

(272) 

8 

(1,166) 

345 

13,677 

74 
1 

6,067 
781 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

76 

(260) 
- 

(765) 

(58) 

(21) 

(470) 

54 

5,371 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

443 
125 

- 

- 
(8) 

(51) 

(26) 

483 

- 

274 

26 

34 

Balance at the beginning  
Balance at the end 
(*) Amount is mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

4,536 
3,398 

56 
52 

2,007 
1,656 

2,955 
2,205 

76 
70 

175 
151 

263 
291 

10,068 
7,823 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Tangible assets. Breakdown by type of assets and changes in the year 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Right to use asset  

Notes 

Land and 
buildings 

Work in 
progress 

Furniture, 
fixtures and 
vehicles 

Own use 

Investment 
properties 

Investment 
properties 

Assets 
leased out 
under an 
operating 
lease 

Total 

70 

63 

6,314 

- 

335 

3,574 

- 

101 

(20) 

(302) 

(57) 

201 

12 

(10) 

- 

- 

13 

- 

386 

12,910 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(49) 

4,175 

(433) 

- 

- 

(88) 

14 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6,351 

3,516 

101 

216 

337 

16,578 

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 

45 

Additions transfer to discontinued 
operations (*) 

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 

49 

5,939 

90 

(44) 

- 

- 

(41) 

57 

6,001 

1,138 

92 

34 

(38) 

- 

- 

(16) 

43 

1,253 

217 

14 

(3) 

- 

- 

(16) 

- 

212 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(51) 

(6) 

56 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(8) 

12 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

4,212 

431 

26 

(255) 

- 

- 

(13) 

(57) 

4,344 

- 

20 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(20) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2,102 

- 

338 

43 

(3) 

- 

- 

(1) 

(7) 

370 

- 

60 

- 

- 

- 

127 

4 

191 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0  

76 

5,437 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2) 

74 

0  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

876 

103 

(296) 

- 

- 

(30) 

(23) 

6,067 

244 

94 

(3) 

- 

- 

121 

(13) 

443 

- 

- 

- 

- 

11 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

11 

4 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

11 

15 

27 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(4) 

3 

26 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

14 

- 

14 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at the beginning  

4,584 

Balance at the end 
4,536 
(*) Amount in 2019 is mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

70 

56 

2,007 

2,955 

76 

163 

175 

310 

7,229 

263 

10,068 

The right to use  asset consists mainly  of the rental of commercial  real  estate  premises for central  services  and the network branches 
located in the countries where the Group operates whose average term is between 5 and 20 years. The clauses included in rental contracts 
correspond to a large extent to rental contracts under normal market conditions in the country where the property is rented. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Tangible assets. Breakdown by type of assets and changes in the year 2018 (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 
Additions transfer to discontinued operations (*) 
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 

Additions transfer to discontinued operations (*) 

45 

49 

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 

5,490 
445 
(98) 
- 
- 
64 
38 

5,939 

1,076 
86 
34 
(36) 
- 
(3) 
(31) 
12 

1,138 

315 
29 

1 

- 
- 

- 

(77) 
(51) 

217 

- 

234 
78 
(17) 
- 
- 
(177) 
(48) 

6,628 
404 
(492) 
- 
- 
(12) 
(214) 

12,352 
927 
(607) 
- 
- 
(125) 
(224) 

70 

6,314 

12,323 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

4,380 
442 
27 
(403) 
- 
- 
(22) 
(212) 

5,456 
528 
61 
(439) 
- 
(3) 
(53) 
(200) 

4,212 

5,350 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

315 
29 

1 

- 
- 

- 

(77) 
(51) 

217 

- 

228 
11 
(149) 
- 
- 
(5) 
116 

201 

13 
5 
- 
(8) 
- 
- 
(2) 
3 

11 

20 
(25) 

- 

(27) 
- 

- 

(3) 
62 

27 

- 

492 
- 
(1) 
- 
- 
- 
(105) 

13,072 
938 
(757) 
- 
- 
(130) 
(213) 

386 

12,910 

77 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1) 

76 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

5,546 
533 
61 
(447) 
- 
(3) 
(55) 
(198) 

5,437 

335 
4 

1 

(27) 
- 

- 

(80) 
11 

244 

- 

4,099 

4,584 

234 

70 

2,248 

2,102 

6,581 

6,756 

195 

163 

415 

310 

7,191 

7,229 

(*) Amount is mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

As of December  31, 2020,  2019 and  2018, the cost of fully  amortized  tangible assets that remained  in use were  €2,299, €2,658 and 
€2,624 million respectively  while its recoverable  residual value was not significant. 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Branches by geographical location (Number of branches) 

Spain 

Mexico 

South America 
The United States  
Turkey 
Rest of Eurasia 
Total 

2020 

2,482 

1,746 

1,514 
639 
1,021 
30 
7,432 

2019 

2,642 

1,860 

1,530 
643 
1,038 
31 
7,744 

2018 

2,840 

1,836 

1,543 
646 
1,066 
32 
7,963 

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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

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 

2020 

4,294 

3,529 

7,823 

2019 

4,865 

5,203 

10,068 

2018 

2,705 

4,524 

7,229 

The breakdown of the balance  under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets, according to the cash-generating 
unit (hereinafter “CGU”) to which goodwill has been allocated, is as follows:  

Goodwill. Breakdown  by CGU and changes of the year  (Millions of Euros) 

The United 
States 

Mexico 

Turkey  Colombia 

Chile 

Other 

Total 

Balance as of December 31, 2017 

4,837 

493 

Additions  

Exchange difference 

Impairment 

Other 

- 

229 

- 

- 

- 

26 

- 

- 

Balance as of December 31, 2018 

5,066 

519 

Additions  

Exchange difference 

Impairment 

Other 

- 

98 

(1,318) 

- 

Balance as of December 31, 2019 

3,846 

Additions  

Exchange difference 

Impairment 

Companies held for sale 

Other 

Balance as of December 31, 2020 

- 

(22) 

(2,084) 

(1,740) 

- 

- 

- 

31 

- 

- 

550 

- 

(72) 

- 

- 

- 

509 

- 

(127) 

- 

- 

382 

- 

(36) 

- 

- 

346 

- 

(92) 

- 

- 

- 

168 

- 

(7) 

- 

- 

161 

- 

3 

- 

- 

164 

- 

(21) 

- 

- 

- 

32 

- 

(3) 

- 

- 

29 

- 

(2) 

- 

- 

27 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

478 

254 

143 

27 

23 

6,062 

- 

- 

- 

- 

23 

- 

(1) 

- 

- 

22 

- 

(1) 

- 

118 

- 

- 

6,180 

- 

93 

(1,318) 

- 

4,955 

- 

(208) 

(13) 

(2,097) 

- 

- 

8 

(1,740) 

- 

910 

As of December  31, 2020, the remaining  goodwill of the United States  CGU was  reclassified  to the heading  “Non-current assets  and 
disposal groups classified  as held for sale”  of the consolidated balance  sheet, whereas  the impairment was  reclassified  to the heading 
“Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations” of the consolidated income statements (see Notes 1.3, 3 and 21). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Goodwill in business combinations 

There were no significant business combinations during 2020, 2019 and 2018. 

Impairment Test 

As mentioned in  Note  2.2.8, the 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. Furthermore, it is analyzed  whether certain changes in the valuation assumptions used could give rise to differences in the 
result of the impairment test. 

The BBVA Group performs estimations on the recoverable amount of certain CGU´s by calculating the value in use through the discounted 
value of future cash flows method. 

The main hypotheses used for the value in use calculation are the following: 

The forecast cash flows, including net interest margin and cost of risk, estimated by the Group's management, and based on 
the latest available  budgets for the next 4 to 5 years, considering the macroeconomic  variables  of each  CGU, regarding the 
existing  balance  structure as  well  as  macroeconomic  variables  such as  the evolution of  interest  rates  and  the CPI  of  the 
geography where the CGU is located, among others.  

The constant growth rate  for extrapolating cash  flows, starting in the fourth or fifth year, 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 assumptions is  based  both on its projections and  past 
experience. These values are verified and use external sources of information, wherever possible. Additionally, the valuation of the goodwill 
of the CGU of Turkey has been reviewed by independent experts (not the Group's external auditors).  

As of  December  31, 2020,  as  a  result  of the  CGU´s  assessment,  the Group concluded  there is  no  evidence  of further indicators  of 
impairment losses that requires recognizing significant additional impairment  losses in any of the CGUs where goodwill that the Group 
has recognized in the consolidated balance sheet is allocated. 

As of March 31, 2020, the Group identified an indicator of impairment of goodwill in the United States CGU and as a result of the goodwill 
impairment  test, the Group estimated impairment  in the United States CGU, of €2,084 million,  which was  mainly  due to the negative 
impact  of the update of the macroeconomic  scenario  following  the COVID-19 pandemic  (see  Note 1.5) and the expected  evolution of 
interest rates. This recognition did not affect the tangible book value nor the liquidity nor the solvency ratio of the BBVA Group. 

As of December 31, 2019, the Group estimated impairment losses in the United States CGU of €1,318 million, which was mainly as a result 
of the negative evolution of interest rates, especially  in the second half of the year, which accompanied  by the slowdown of the economy 
caused  the expected  evolution of results below  the previous estimation. This recognition did not affect the tangible book value  nor the 
liquidity nor the solvency ratio of the BBVA Group. 

As of December 31, 2018, no impairment had been identified in any of the main CGUs. 

Goodwill - the United States CGU 

As of December  31, 2020, the remaining goodwill corresponding to the United States CGU has been reclassified  to the heading "Non-
current assets and disposal groups classified  as held for sale"  in the consolidated balance  sheets (see  Notes 1.3, 3 and 21). Pursuant to 
IFRS 5.15, the CGU must be measured at the lower of fair  value less costs to sell and the carrying amount. Given the price agreed in the 
sale agreement, the fair value less costs to sell is higher than carrying amount of the assets and liabilities of the CGU, which means that as 
of December 31, 2020 these will  remain valued at their carrying amount (included goodwill) on the reclassification date. 

The most significant assumptions used in the latest impairment tests of such CGU are: 

Impairment test assumptions CGU goodwill - United States 

Discount rate (*) 

Sustainable  growth rate 

(*) Post-tax discount rates. 

March 2020 

December 2019 

December 2018 

10.3% 

3.0% 

10.0% 

3.5% 

10.5% 

4.0% 

In accordance with paragraph 33.c of IAS 36, as of March 31, 2020, the Group used a constant growth rate of 3.0%, based on the real GDP 
growth rate of the United States, the expected inflation and the potential growth of the banking sector in the United States. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.129 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The assumptions that carry the most weight and whose volatility could affect the most in determining the present value of cash flows from 
the fifth  year  on  are  the discount rate  and  the growth rate. The  following  shows the  amount that  would  increase  (or  decrease)  the 
recoverable  value of the CGU, as a consequence of a reasonably  possible variation (in basis points, “bp”) of each of the key assumptions 
as of March 31, 2020: 

Sensitivity analysis for main  assumptions  - United States (Millions of Euros) 

Discount rate 

Sustainable growth rate 

(755) 

270 

869 

(235) 

Increase of 50 basis points (*) 

Decrease of 50 basis points (*) 

(*) The use of very different discount or growth rates would be inconsistent with the macroeconomic assumptions under which the Unit builds its business plan, such as inflation 
assumptions or interest rate curves used to determine cash flows. 

Goodwill - Mexico CGU 

The Group’s most significant goodwill corresponds to the CGU in Mexico, the main significant assumptions used in the impairment test of 
this mentioned CGU as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

Impairment test assumptions CGU goodwill in Mexico  

Discount rate (*) 

Sustainable growth rate 

(*) Post-tax discount rates. 

2020 

2019 

2018 

15.3% 

5.7% 

14.8% 

5.9% 

14.8% 

5.6% 

In accordance  with paragraph 33.c of IAS 36, as of December  31, 2020, the Group used a  growth rate of 5.7% based on the real GDP 
growth rate of Mexico, the expected inflation and the potential growth of the banking sector in Mexico.  

The assumptions with a greater relative  weight and whose volatility could have a greater impact in determining the present value of the 
cash flows  starting on the fourth year are  the discount rate and the growth rate. Below, in a simplified way, is shown the increased (or 
decreased) amount of the CGU recoverable amount as a result of a reasonable variation (in basis points) of each of the key assumptions, 
considered in isolation as of December  31, 2020, where, in any case, the value in use would continue to exceed their book value: 

Sensitivity  analysis  for main assumptions - Mexico (Millions of Euros) 

Discount rate 

Growth rate 

Impact of an increase of 50 basis points 
(*) 

Impact of a decrease of 50 basis 
points  (*) 

(1,043) 

688 

1,156 

(620) 

(*) 

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 - Turkey CGU 

The main significant assumptions used in the impairment test of the CGU of Turkey as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are: 

Impairment test assumptions CGU goodwill in Turkey 

Discount rate (*) 

Growth rate 

(*) Post-tax discount rates. 

2020 

21.0% 

7.0% 

2019 

17.4% 

7.0% 

2018 

24.3% 

7.0% 

Given the potential growth of the sector in Turkey, in accordance with paragraph 33.c of IAS 36, as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018  
the Group used a steady growth rate of 7.0% based on the real GDP growth rate of Turkey and expected inflation.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.130 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 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 growth rate. Below, in a  simplified  way,  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, considered in 
isolation as of December 31, 2020, where, in any case, the value in use would continue to exceed their book value: 

Sensitivity  analysis  for main assumptions - Turkey (Millions of Euros) 

Impact of an increase of 50 basis points (*) 

Impact of a decrease of 50 basis points (*) 

Discount rate 

Growth rate 

(164) 

29 

175 

(26) 

(*) 

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. 

Considering the uncertainty caused by the current economic situation, the Group has carried out additional sensitivities on other variables 
such as the net interest income and the cost of risk forecasts, not having detected any modification on the result of the impairment test 
on the CGU. 

As of March 31, 2020, a goodwill impairment test of the Turkey CGU was carried out due to the identification of indicators of impairment. 
As a result of such test, the Group determined that there was no impairment in this CGU.  

Goodwill - Other CGUs 

The sensitivity analysis  on the main assumptions carried  out for the rest of the CGUs of the Group indicate that their value in use would 
continue to exceed their book value. 

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 expense 

Other intangible assets with an infinite useful life 

Other intangible assets with a definite useful life 

Total 

The changes of this heading in December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, are as follows: 

2020 

1,202 

12 

221 

1,435 

2019 

1,598 

11 

401 

2,010 

2018 

1,605 

11 

518 

2,134 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.131 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Other intangible assets (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Notes 

Computer 
software 

Other 
intangible  
assets 

Total of 
intangible 
assets 

Computer 
software 

Other 
intangible  
assets 

Total of 
intangible 
assets 

Computer 
software 

Other 
intangible  
assets 

Total of 
intangible 
assets 

1,598 

452 

412 

2,010 

1,605 

529 

2,134 

1,682 

8 

460 

525 

8 

533 

540 

721 

12 

2,402 

552 

45 

(448) 

(59) 

(507) 

(447) 

(63) 

(510) 

(436) 

(65) 

(500) 

(77) 

(3) 

(80) 

(106) 

(4) 

(110) 

(105) 

(8) 

(114) 

(38) 

(91) 

(129) 

32 

(58) 

(25) 

(74) 

(49) 

(123) 

(6) 

- 

(6) 

(11) 

(279) 

(34) 

(313) 

- 

(1) 

- 

(12) 

(2) 

(81) 

(83) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Balance at the 
beginning 
Additions 

Amortization in the 
year 
Amortization 
transfer to 
discontinued 
operations (*) 
Exchange 
differences  and 
other  

Impairment 
Decreases  by 
companies held for 
sale (*) 

Balance at the end 

1,202 

233 

1,435 

1,598 

412 

2,010 

1,605 

529 

2,134 

(*) Amount is mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the cost of fully amortized intangible assets that remained in use were €2,622 million, €2,702 
million, €2,412 million respectively, while their recoverable  value was not significant. 

19. 

Tax assets and liabilities 

19.1  Consolidated tax group 

Pursuant to current  legislation,  BBVA consolidated tax  group in  Spain  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 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 

At 31 December 2020, the BBVA consolidated tax group in Spain is currently under inspection for the years 2014 to 2016 inclusive for the 
main taxes applicable  to it. 

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. 

On the other hand, in relation to the main jurisdictions in which the Group is present and carries out its activity, in the case of Mexico, BBVA 
Bancomer S.A., is currently under inspection by the Mexican Tax  Authorities for the years  2016  and 2017 corresponding to Corporate 
Income Tax and Value Added Tax. 

In addition, in the case  of Turkey, the head entity in this country, Garanti BBVA A.S., is currently under inspection by the Tax Authorities 
of that country for all the taxes applicable  to it corresponding to the years 2017 and 2018. 

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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.132 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Reconciliation of taxation at the Spanish corporation tax rate to the tax expense recorded  for the year (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

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 

USA 

Others 

Revenues with lower tax rate (dividends/capital gains) 

Equity accounted earnings 

Other effects (**) 

Income tax 

Of which: Continuing operations 
Of which: Discontinued operations 

Amount 

3,576 
5,248 

(1,672) 

1,073 

(181) 

(32) 

(2) 

3 

(7) 

(73) 

(75) 

5 

(49) 

12 

661 

1,516 
1,459 
57 

Effective 
tax  
% 

Amount 

Effective 
tax  
% 

Amount 

Effective 
tax  
% 

29% 

23% 

31% 

28% 

25% 

16% 

6,398 
7,046 

(648) 

1,920 

(381) 

(112) 

(2) 

6 

(12) 

(86) 

(97) 

(78) 

(49) 

18 

545 

2,053 
1,943 
110 

27% 

27% 

32% 

28% 

23% 

17% 

8,446 
7,565 

881 

2,534 

(234) 

(78) 

(18) 

10 

(12) 

(132) 

(97) 

93 

(57) 

3 

(27) 

2,219 
2,042 
177 

28% 

21% 

33% 

28% 

20% 

20% 

 (*) 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. 
(**) This amount is generated in 2020 and 2019 mainly as a result of the impact of the goodwill impairment of The United States' CGU. 

. 

The effective  income tax rate for the Group in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Effective tax rate (Millions of Euros) 

Income from: 
Consolidated tax group in Spain 

Other Spanish entities 

Foreign entities 

Gains (losses) before taxes from  continuing operations 

Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations 
Effective tax rate 

2020 

2019 

2018 

259 

7 

4,982 

5,248 
1,459 

27.8% 

(718) 

7 

7,757 

7,046 
1,943 

27.6% 

1,482 

33 

6,050 

7,565 
2,042 

27.0% 

In the year 2020, in the main countries in which the Group has presence, there has been no changes in the nominal tax rate on corporate 
income tax except for Colombia, where the applicable  tax rate is 36% compared to the tax rate applicable last year 33%. In the year 2019, 
there has been no changes in the nominal tax rate on corporate income tax, except for Colombia where the applicable  tax rate has been  
33% compared to the initially forecasted 37%. 

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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
P.133 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Tax recognized in total equity (Millions  of Euros) 

Charges to total equity 
Debt securities and others 

Equity instruments 
Subtotal 

Total 

19.5  Current and deferred taxes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

(230) 

(43) 
(273) 

(273) 

(130) 

(40) 
(170) 

(170) 

(87) 

(56) 
(143) 

(143) 

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 

Loss allowances   

Other 

Secured  tax assets 

Tax losses 

Total 

Tax liabilities 
Current tax liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Financial  Instruments 

Other 

Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

1,199 

15,327 

439 

1,292 

1,683 

1,069 

9,361 

1,483 

16,526 

545 

1,809 

908 

901 

2,355 

1,765 

15,318 

456 

1,386 

1,636 

1,045 

9,363 

1,432 

2,784 

15,316 

405 

1,401 

1,375 

1,292 

9,363 

1,480 

17,083 

18,100 

880 

1,928 

1,014 

914 

2,808 

1,230 

2,046 

1,136 

910 

3,276 

The most significant variations of the deferred assets and liabilities  in the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 derived from the followings causes:  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities. Annual variations (Millions of Euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Pensions 

Financials instruments 
Loss allowances 

Others 
Guaranteed tax assets 
Tax losses 

Balance at the end 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Deferred 
assets 

Deferred 
liabilities 

Deferred 
assets 

Deferred 
liabilities 

Deferred 
assets 

Deferred 
liabilities 

15,318 
(17) 

(94) 
47 

24 
(2) 
51 

1,928 
- 

(106) 
- 

(13) 
- 
- 

15,327 

1,809 

15,316 
51 

(15) 
261 

(247) 
- 
(48) 

15,318 

2,046 
- 

(122) 
- 

4 
- 
- 

14,725 
10 

(52) 
370 

65 
(70) 
268 

2,184 
- 

(291) 
- 

153 
- 
- 

1,928 

15,316 

2,046 

With respect to the changes in  assets and liabilities  due to deferred tax  in 2020 contained in the above  table, the following should be 
pointed out: 

Secured tax assets maintain a very similar  balance to that of the previous year. 

The increase  in tax assets due to tax loss arises as a result of the generation of tax losses and deductions in the year. 

The evolution of deferred tax assets (other than those guaranteed and those linked to tax losses) net of deferred tax 
liabilities  is due to the agreement to sell the US business unit (its deferred tax assets and liabilities  in 2020 are shown 
under "Non-current assets or liabilities and disposal groups classified as held for sale"), the effect of exchange rates, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.134 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

especially  in the case of Mexico and Turkey, and the operation of corporate income tax, where the differences between 
accounting and taxation give rise to constant movements in 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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 106 million euros, 473 million euros and 443 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 
Loss allowances 

Total 

2020 
1,924 
7,437 

9,361 

2019 
1,924 
7,439 

9,363 

2018 
1,924 
7,439 

9,363 

As of December  31, 2020, non-guaranteed net deferred tax assets of the above table amounted to €4,156 million (€4,027 and €3,907 
million as of December  31, 2019 and 2018 respectively), which broken down by major geographies is as follows:  

Spain: Net deferred tax assets recognized in Spain totaled €2,590 million as of December  31, 2020  (€2,447 and €2,653 
million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively). €1,480 million of the figure recorded in the year ended December  
31, 2020 for net deferred tax assets related to tax credits and tax loss carry forwards and €1,110 million relate to temporary 
differences.  

  Mexico: Net deferred tax assets recognized in Mexico amounted to €1,036 million as of December  31, 2020 (€1,083 and 
€826 million as  of December  31, 2019 and 2018, respectively).  Practically  all  of deferred  tax assets  as of December  31, 
2020 relate to temporary differences. 

South America: Net deferred tax assets recognized in South America amounted to €126 million as of December 31, 2020 
(€84 and €0.4 million as of December  31, 2019 and 2018, respectively).  Practically  all  the deferred tax assets are related  
to temporary differences. 

The United States: Net deferred  tax assets recognized in the United States  amounted to €2 million  as of December  31, 
2020 (€122 and €164 as  of December  31, 2019  and 2018, respectively).  All the deferred  tax assets relate  to temporary 
differences.  In this respect, it should be noted that the 2020 figure is affected  by the sale  agreement of the US business 
unit (the deferred tax assets and liabilities of the business subject to the sale agreement in 2020 are shown as "Non-current 
assets or liabilities  and disposal groups that have been classified as held for sale"). 

Turkey: Net deferred tax assets recognized in Turkey amounted to €395 million as of December 31, 2020 (€278 and €250 
million as  of December  31, 2019 and 2018, respectively).  Practically  all  the deferred  tax assets are related  to temporary 
differences. 

Based on the information available  as of December  31, 2020, including historical levels  of benefits and projected results available  to the 
Group for the coming 15 years, the Group has carried out an analysis of its recovery of deferred tax assets and liabilities taking into account 
the impact of COVID-19 pandemic (see Note 1.5). 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 negative tax bases and deductions for which, in general, there is no legal period 
for offsetting, amounting to approximately € 2,156 million euros, which are mainly originated by Catalunya Banc. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.135 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

20.  Other assets and Liabilities  

The composition of the balance of these captions of the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets is: 

Other assets and liabilities  (Millions of Euros) 

ASSETS 

Inventories 

Transactions in progress 

Accruals 

Other items 

Total 

LIABILITIES 

Transactions in progress 

Accruals 

Other items 

Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

572 

160 

756 

1,025 

2,513 

75 

1,584 

1,144 

2,802 

581 

138 

804 

2,277 

3,800 

39 

2,456 

1,247 

3,742 

635 

249 

702 

3,886 

5,472 

39 

2,558 

1,704 

4,301 

Non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups  classified  as  held  for  sale  and  liabilities 

21. 
included in disposal groups classified as held for sale     

The composition of the balances  under the headings “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale” and “liabilities 
included in 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 (*) 
Assets from tangible assets 
Companies held for sale (**) 

Accrued amortization (***) 

Impairment losses  

Total non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Companies held for sale (**) 

Total liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale 

2020 

1,398 
480 
84,792 

(89) 

(594) 

85,987 

75,446 

75,446 

2019 

1,647 
310 
1,716 

(51) 

(543) 

3,079 

1,554 

1,554 

2018 

2,210 
433 
29 

(44) 

(628) 

2,001 

- 

- 

 (*) 

2018 figures correspond mainly to the agreement with Cerberus to transfer the "Real Estate" business in Spain (see Note 3). 

 (**)  2020 figures correspond mainly to the sale of BBVA´s stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 2019 figures correspond mainly to the BBVA´s stake in BBVA Paraguay 

(see Note 3). 

 (***)   Corresponds to the accumulated depreciation of assets before their classification as "Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale". 

Assets and liabilities  from discontinued operations 

As mentioned in Note 3, in 2020 the agreement for the sale  of the BBVA subsidiary in the United States was announced. The assets and 
liabilities  corresponding to the companies for sale were reclassified  to the headings “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as 
held for sale”  and “Liabilities  included in disposal groups classified as held for sale”  of the consolidated balance sheet as of December  31, 
2020; and the earnings of these companies for the years  ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were  classified  under the heading 
"Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations" of the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 1.3).  

The condensed consolidated balance  sheets, condensed consolidated income statements and condensed consolidated statements of 
cash flow of the companies for sale in the United States subsidiary for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 are provided below: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.136 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Condensed balance sheets of companies held for sale in the United States subsidiary as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 

CONDENSED  ASSETS  (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 at fair  value through  other  comprehensive  income 
Financial  assets at amortized  cost 
Derivatives  - hedge  accounting 

Tangible  assets 

Intangible  assets  
Tax  assets 
Other  assets  
Non-current  assets and  disposal  groups  classified as held  for  sale  

TOTAL ASSETS 

CONDENSED  LIABILITIES  (Millions  of Euros) 

Financial  liabilities  held  for  trading   
Financial  liabilities  at amortized  cost  

Derivatives  - hedge  accounting 

Provisions 
Tax  liabilities   
Other  liabilities   
TOTAL LIABILITIES 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Millions of Euros) 

Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit pension plans 
Hedge of net investments in foreign operations (effective portion) 
Foreign currency translation  
Hedging derivatives. Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 
Fair value changes of debt instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income 
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

2020 
11,368 
821 

13 

4,974 
61,558 
9 

799 

1,949 
360 
1,390 
16 

83,257 

2020 
98 
73,132 

2 

157 
201 
492 
74,082 

2020 
(66) 
(432) 
801 
250 

70 

622 

2019 
5,678 
513 

18 

6,834 
62,860 
10 

900 

4,183 
263 
1,463 
31 

2018 
2,326 
228 

18 

10,030 
59,302 
23 

665 

5,438 
446 
1,401 
30 

82,751 

79,908 

2019 
94 
70,438 

11 

186 
87 
464 
71,279 

2019 
(80) 
(432) 
1,576 
81 

(11) 

1,134 

2018 
114 
66,635 

21 

172 
249 
497 
67,688 

2018 
(69) 
(432) 
1,337 
5 

(130) 

710 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Condensed income statements of companies held for sale in the United States subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2020, 
2019 and 2018 

CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS (Millions of Euros) 

Interest and other income 
Interest expense 
NET INTEREST INCOME 
Dividend income  
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 
GROSS INCOME 
Administration costs 
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 
NET OPERATING INCOME 

Impairment or reversal of impairment on non-financial assets 

Gains (losses) on derecognition of non-financial assets and subsidiaries, net 
Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for 
sale not qualifying as discontinued operations     
PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations 
PROFIT (LOSS) AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations 

PROFIT (LOSS) FOR THE PERIOD 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST (NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST) 

2020 
2,638 
(429) 
2,209 
4 
677 
(183) 

19 

90 

8 

5 

4 
19 
19 
(63) 
2,808 
(1,462) 
(205) 
2 

(729) 

413 

(2,084) 

(3) 

2 

(1,671) 
(57) 
(1,729) 

- 

(1,729) 

- 

2019 
3,221 
(887) 
2,335 
10 
736 
(205) 

54 

30 

- 

3 

4 
5 
32 
(64) 
2,941 
(1,534) 
(214) 
(3) 

(521) 

670 

(1,318) 

2 

(2) 

(648) 
(110) 
(758) 

- 

(758) 

- 

2018 
2,797 
(570) 
2,227 
13 
670 
(194) 

25 

66 

- 

3 

3 
(22) 
20 
(79) 
2,731 
(1,474) 
(174) 
22 

(221) 

884 

(1) 

(2) 

- 

881 
(177) 
704 

- 

704 

- 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT 
704 
Condensed statements of cash flows of companies held for sale in the United States subsidiary for the years ended December 
31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 

(1,729) 

(758) 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Millions of Euros) 

A) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
B) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
C) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
D) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES 

(INCREASE/DECREASE) NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (A+B+C+D) 

2020 
6,874 
(145) 
(65) 
(974) 

5,690 

2019 
3,888 
(133) 
(468) 
65 

3,352 

2018 
(228) 
(123) 
(256) 
84 

(522) 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

The changes in the balances of “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale” in 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

Foreclosed 
assets 

Property, Plant 
and Equipment 
(*) 

Companies held 
for sale (**) 

Total 

Cost (1) 
Balance at the beginning 
Additions  

Contributions from merger transactions 
Retirements (sales and other decreases) 
Transfers, other movements and exchange 
differences  (**) 
Disposals by companies held for sale 
Balance at the end 

Impairment (2) 

Balance at the beginning 
Additions  
Additions transfer to discontinued operations 

Contributions from merger transactions 

Retirements (sales and other decreases) 
Other movements and exchange differences 

Disposals by companies held for sale 

Balance at the end 
Balance at the end of net carrying value (1)-(2) 

50 

1,648 
285 

- 
(288) 

(228) 

(19) 
1,398 

411 
74 
- 

- 

(56) 
(42) 

(1) 

386 
1,012 

258 
- 

- 
(45) 

180 

(2) 
391 

132 
29 
- 

- 

(13) 
60 

- 

208 
183 

1,716 
83,266 

- 
(190) 

- 

- 
84,792 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
84,792 

(*) 

Net of accumulated amortization until assets were reclassified as “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale” 

(** )  The variation corresponds mainly to the agreement for the sale of BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale. Changes in the year 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

3,622 
83,551 

- 
(523) 

(48) 

(21) 
86,581 

543 
103 
- 

- 

(69) 
18 

(1) 

594 
85,987 

Notes 

Foreclosed 
assets 

Property, Plant 
and Equipment 
(*) 

Companies held 
for sale (**) 

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  

Additions transfer to discontinued operations 

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 

2,211 
665 
2 

(1,023) 

(207) 

1,648 

504 
67 

5 

- 

(164) 
(1) 

411 

1,237 

389 
10 
- 

(206) 

65 

258 

124 
5 

- 

- 

(22) 
25 

132 

126 

29 
1,676 
- 

- 

11 

1,716 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

1,716 

2,629 
2,351 
2 

(1,229) 

(131) 

3,622 

628 
72 

5 

- 

(186) 
24 

543 

3,079 

(*) 

Net of accumulated amortization until assets were reclassified as “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale”  

(** )  The variation corresponds mainly to the BBVA’s stake in BBVA Paraguay (see Note 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 to 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 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

Foreclosed 
assets 

From own use 
assets  
(*) 

Companies 
held for 
sale (**) 

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  
Additions transfer to discontinued operations 
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) 

6,207 
692 
- 
(4,489) 
(199) 
2,211 

1,154 
204 
2 
- 
(830) 
(26) 
504 
1,707 

50 

371 
4 
- 
(227) 
241 
389 

194 
2 
- 
- 
(101) 
29 
124 
265 

18,623 
- 
- 
(18,594) 
- 
29 

25,201 
696 
- 
(23,310) 
42 
2,629 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
29 

1,348 
206 
2 
- 
(931) 
3 
628 
2,001 

(*) 

Net of accumulated amortization until assets were reclassified as “Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale” 

(** ) 

 The variation corresponds mainly to the BBVA’s stake in BBVA Chile and the agreement with Cerberus to transfer the "Real Estate" business in Spain (see Note 
3). 

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 carrying amount. As of December 31, 2020,  
2019 and 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, 2020, 2019  and 2018, assets from foreclosures  and recoveries,  net of impairment  losses, by nature of the asset, 
amounted to €747, €871 and €1,072 million in assets for residential use; €215, €259 and €182 million in assets for tertiary use (industrial, 
commercial  or office) and €21, €28 and €19 million in assets for agricultural use, respectively. 

In December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the average sale  time of assets from foreclosures or recoveries was between 2 and 3 years. 

During the years 2020, 2019 and 2018, some of the sale transactions for these assets were financed by Group companies. The amount of 
loans granted to the buyers of these assets in those years amounted to €78, €79 and €82 million, respectively; with an average financing  
of 28.3% of the sales price during 2020. 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the amount of the profits arising from the sale of assets financed by Group companies that are 
not recognized in the consolidated income statement amounted to €1 million. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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) 

Deposits 

Deposits from central banks 

Demand deposits 

Time deposits and other 

Repurchase agreements (*) 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Demand deposits 

Time deposits and other  

Repurchase agreements (*) 

Customer deposits (**) 

Demand deposits 

Time deposits and other  

Repurchase agreements (*) 

Debt certificates 

Other financial  liabilities 

Total  

 (*) See Note 35.  

2020 

415,467 

45,177 

163 

38,274 

6,740 

27,629 

7,196 

16,079 

4,354 

342,661 

266,250 

75,666 

746 

61,780 

13,358 

490,606 

2019 

2018 

438,919 

25,950 

23 

25,101 

826 

28,751 

7,161 

18,896 

2,693 

384,219 

280,391 

103,293 

535 

63,963 

13,758 

516,641 

435,229 

27,281 

20 

26,885 

375 

31,978 

8,370 

19,015 

4,593 

375,970 

260,573 

114,188 

1,209 

61,112 

12,844 

509,185 

(**) Amount in 2020 is mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 21). 

The amount recorded in Deposits from central  banks - Time deposits includes the provisions of the TLTRO III facilities  of the European 
Central Bank, mainly  BBVA S.A. amounting to €35,032 million as of December 31, 2020, that basically explains the change compared to 
the previous year (see Note 7.5). 

On April 30, 2020, the European Central Bank modified some of the terms and conditions of the TLTRO III facilities in order to support the 
continued access of companies and households to bank credit in the face of interruptions and temporary shortages of funds associated 
with the COVID-19 pandemic. Entities whose  eligible  net lending exceeds  0%  between March  1, 2020 and  March 31, 2021 will  pay an  
interest rate 0.5% lower than the average rate of the deposit facilities during the period that includes from June 24, 2020 to June 23, 2021. 
This means  that the interest rate applicable  to the facilities  drawn down is -1%. Outside of this period, the average  interest rate of the 
deposit facilities  will  be  applied  (currently  -0.5%) provided  that the financing  objectives  are  met  according  to the conditions of  the 
European Central Bank. 

The Group is reasonably certain about the fulfillment of these financing objectives. Therefore, the effective  interest rate of each facility is 
-0.5% and the accounting registration of the discount in the interest rate associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is recognized during the 
annual period from June 24, 2020 to June 23, 2021. 

The  positive  remuneration currently  being generated  by  the drawdowns  of  the TLTRO  III  facilities  is  recorded  under  the heading  of 
"Interest income  and other similar  income  – other income" in the consolidated income  statements and amounts to €211 million  as  of 
December 31, 2020 (See Note 37.1). 

22.2  Deposits from credit institutions 

The  breakdown  by  geographical  area  and  the  nature  of  the  related  instruments  of  this heading  in  the  accompanying 
consolidated  balance sheets is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Deposits from credit institutions. December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Spain 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total  

Demand 
deposits   

Time deposits  and 
other (*) 

Repurchase 
agreements 

345 

689 

8 

557 

2,842 

2,755 

7,196 

1,405 

672 

580 

1,484 

4,531 

7,406 

16,079 

1 

188 

28 

- 

4,070 

67 

4,354 

(*)      Subordinated deposits are included amounting €12 million. 

Deposits from credit institutions. December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total  

Demand 
deposits   

Time deposits  and 
other (*) 

Repurchase 
agreements 

2,104 

2,082 

432 

302 

394 

1,652 

194 

7,161 

1,113 

4,295 

1,033 

617 

2,285 

5,180 

4,374 

18,896 

1 

- 

168 

4 

161 

2,358 

- 

2,693 

(*)      Subordinated deposits are included amounting €195 million. 

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   

Time deposits  and 
other (*) 

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 

1,751 

1,549 

617 

2,041 

11,444 

10,228 

27,629 

Total 

3,218 

6,377 

1,634 

924 

2,840 

9,190 

4,568 

28,751 

Total 

4,563 

4,379 

566 

1,323 

2,335 

14,545 

4,268 

31,978 

(*)      Subordinated deposits are included amounting €191 million. 

22.3  Customer deposits 

The  breakdown  by  geographical  area  of  this  heading  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets,  by  type  of 
instrument is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Customer deposits. December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Spain 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total  

Demand deposits 

Time deposits  and 
other 

Repurchase 
agreements 

168,690 

43,768 

17,906 

25,730 

8,435 

1,720 

266,250 

20,065 

10,514 

16,707 

11,259 

12,373 

4,748 

75,666 

2 

117 

8 

- 

619 

- 

746 

Customer deposits. December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Demand 
deposits 

Time deposits  and 
other (*) 

Repurchase 
agreements 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total  

146,651 

46,372 

43,326 

13,775 

22,748 

6,610 

909 

280,391 

24,958 

19,810 

12,714 

22,257 

13,913 

8,749 

892 

103,293 

(*)      Subordinated deposits are included amounting to €189 million. 

Customer deposits. December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Total 

188,757 

54,398 

34,621 

36,989 

21,427 

6,468 

342,661 

Total 

171,611 

66,181 

56,564 

36,042 

36,661 

15,360 

1,801 

2 

- 

523 

10 

- 

- 

- 

535 

384,219 

Spain 

The United States 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Europe 

Rest of the world 

Total  

Demand 
deposits 

Time deposits  and 
other (*) 

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 

114,188 

3 

- 

770 

7 

- 

429 

- 

1,209 

Total 

166,403 

62,539 

50,991 

33,427 

37,970 

22,077 

2,563 

375,970 

(*)      Subordinated deposits are included amounting to €220 million. 

22.4  Debt certificates  

The breakdown of the balance under this heading, by financial instruments and by currency, is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 perpetual certificates 

Convertible subordinated debt 

Non-convertible preferred stock 

Other non-convertible 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 perpetual certificates 

Convertible subordinated debt 

Non- convertible preferred stock 

Other non-convertible subordinated liabilities 

2020 

42,462 
860 

14,538 

13,274 

355 

2,538 

2,331 

8,566 

4,500 

- 

159 

3,907 

19,318 
1,024 

8,691 

217 

455 

4 

1,016 

7,911 

1,633 

- 

35 

6,243 

  Total 
 (*) Including mortgage-covered bonds (see Appendix X). 
(**) Corresponds to the issuance of structured notes whose underlying risk differs from the underlying risk of the derivative.  

61,780 

2019 

40,185 
737 

12,248 

15,542 

518 

1,354 

1,817 

7,968 

5,000 

- 

83 

2,885 

23,778 
1,210 

10,587 

362 

1,156 

17 

780 

9,666 

1,782 

- 

76 

7,808 

63,963 

2018 

37,436 
267 

9,638 

15,809 

814 

1,630 

142 

9,136 

5,490 

- 

107 

3,540 

23,676 
3,237 

9,335 

569 

1,455 

38 

544 

8,499 

873 

- 

74 

7,552 

61,112 

Most of the foreign currency issues are denominated in U.S. dollars. 

22.4.1. Subordinated liabilities 

The breakdown  of this heading,  is as follows: 

Memorandum item: Subordinated liabilities at amortized cost  

Subordinated deposits 

Subordinated certificates  

Preferred stock 

Compound convertible financial instruments  

Other non-convertible subordinated liabilities (*) 

2020 

12 

16,476 

194 

6,133 

10,149 

2019 

384 

17,635 

159 

6,782 

10,693 

2018 

411 

17,635 

181 

6,363 

11,092 

18,047 
Total 
(*) Subordinated issues of BBVA Paraguay as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet under the heading “Liabilities included in disposal groups 
classified as held for sale" amounting to €37 and €40 million, respectively. The subordinated issues of BBVA USA as of December 31, 2020 are recognized in the consolidated balance 
sheet under the heading “Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale" amounting to €735 million (see Note 21). 
The  issuances  of  BBVA  International  Preferred,  S.A.U.,  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.  

16,488 

18,018 

The balance  variances are mainly due to the following transactions: 

Convertible perpetual liabilities   

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 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 for conversion of  mandatory  convertible  issuances  made  under  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. 

Under that delegation, BBVA made the following issuances that qualify as additional tier 1 capital of the Bank and the Group in accordance 
with Regulation (EU) 575/2013: 

In May and November 2017, BBVA carried out two issues of perpetually convertible securities (additional Tier 1 capital 
instruments) excluding shareholders' pre-emptive rights, for a nominal amount of 500 million euros and 1,000 million U.S. 
dollars, respectively. These issues are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin of the Irish Stock Exchange 
and were directed only to qualified investors and foreign private banking clients, and cannot be placed or subscribed in Spain 
or among investors resident in Spain. 

In September 2018 and March 2019, BBVA carried out both issuances of perpetual contingent convertible securities (additional 
tier 1 instruments), with exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights of shareholders, for a total nominal amount of €1 billion 
each. These issuances  are listed in the AIAF Fixed Income Securities Market and were targeted only at professional clients and 
eligible counterparties, not being offered or sold to any retail clients.  

On  September  5,  2019,  BBVA carried  out  an  issuance  of  perpetual  contingent  convertible  securities  (additional  tier  1 
instruments), with exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights of shareholders, for a total nominal amount of $1 billion. This 
issuance  is  listed in  the Global  Exchange Market  of Euronext Dublin and  was  targeted only at qualified  investors, not being 
offered to, and not being subscribed for, in Spain or by Spanish residents.  

On July 15, 2020, BBVA carried out an issuance  of perpetual contingent convertible securities (additional tier 1 instruments), 
with exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights of shareholders, for a total nominal amount of €1 billion. This issuance is listed 
in the AIAF Fixed Income Securities Market and was targeted only at professional clients and eligible  counterparties, not being 
offered or sold to any retail clients. 

Additionally, an issue of perpetually convertible securities (additional Tier 1 capital instruments) is outstanding, which was carried out in 
April 2016, for an amount of 1,000 million euros, by virtue of previous delegations of the shareholders' meeting. This issue was directed 
only to qualified investors and foreign private banking clients, and cannot be placed or subscribed in Spain or among investors residing 
in Spain. This issue is listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin of the Irish Stock Exchange and is computed as additional 
Tier 1 capital of the Bank and the Group, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 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 issuances 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  contingently convertible  preferred  securities  (additional  tier  1 
instruments) carried out by the Bank on May 9, 2013, for an amount of $1.5 billion on the First Reset Date of the issuance  and 
once the prior consent from the Regulator had been obtained.  

On February 19, 2019 the Bank early redeemed  the issuance  of contingently convertible preferred securities (additional tier 1 
instruments), 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 had been obtained. 

On February 18, 2020, the Bank early  redeemed the issuance  of contingently convertible preferred securities (additional tier 1 
instruments) carried out by the Bank on February 18, 2015, for an amount of €1.5 billion on the First Reset Date of the issuance 
and once the prior consent from the Regulator had been obtained. 

 Preferred securities 

The breakdown by issuer of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Preferred securities by issuer (Millions of Euros) 

BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U. (1) 

Unnim Group (2) 

BBVA USA 

BBVA Colombia 

Other 

Total 

(1) Call exercised.  
(2) Unnim Group: Issuances prior to the acquisition by BBVA. 

2020 

35 

159 

- 

- 

- 

194 

2019 

2018 

37 

83 

19 

20 

- 

159 

35 

98 

19 

19 

9 

181 

These  issuances  were  fully  subscribed  at  the  moment  of  the  issue  by  qualified/institutional  investors  outside  the  Group and  are 
redeemable,  totally or partially, at the issuer’s option after five years from the issue date, depending on the terms of each issuance  and 
with the prior consent from the Bank of Spain or the relevant authority. 

In connection with the above, once the necessary authorization from the European Central Bank was received  and in conformity with its 
authority to redeem: 

The  Extraordinary  and  Universal  General  Meeting  of  Caixasabadell  Preferents,  S.A.  Unipersonal,  at  its  meeting  held  on 
December  11,  2020,  decided  to delegate  on  the  company’s  Board  of  Directors  the  authority  to agree  on  the  total early 
redemption of its only  live  issuance,  subject to the applicable  legal  provisions and having previously  obtained all  necessar y 
authorisations. In use of such delegation, having satisfied all legal  and contractual formalities  required and having obtained all 
relevant authorizations, the company’s Board of Directors, on the same date, agreed to carry out the early redemption of the 
total nominal amount of the issuance  on January 14, 2021. As a result, once all necessary  communications were released,  on 
January 14, 2021 the total early redemption of the issuance took place. 

The  Extraordinary and Universal  General  Meeting of BBVA International Preferred,  S.A. Unipersonal,  at its meeting held  on 
December  11,  2020,  decided  to delegate  on  the  company’s  Board  of  Directors  the  authority  to agree  on  the  total early 
redemption of its only  live  issuance,  subject to the applicable  legal  provisions and having previously  obtained all  necessar y 
authorisations. In use of such delegation, having satisfied all legal  and contractual formalities  required and having obtained all 
relevant authorizations, the company’s Board of Directors, on the same date, agreed to carry out the early redemption of the 
total nominal amount of the issuance  on January 19, 2021. As a result, once all necessary  communications were released,  on 
January 19, 2021 the total early redemption of the issuance took place. 

The Extraordinary and Universal General Meeting of Caixa Terrassa  Societat de Participacions Preferents, S.A. Unipersonal, at 
its meeting held on December  11, 2020, decided  to delegate  on the company’s Board of Directors the implementation  of all 
necessary  actions in order to modify its only live  issuance so as to include a new clause regarding the early redemption of the 
preferred securities. In use of the delegated authority and having obtained all  necessary authorizations, the company’s Board 
of Directors, on the same  date, agreed  to modify  the relevant  issuance  in  order to include  a  new  clause  for the total early 
redemption of the preferred  securities  on January  29, 2021, therefore convening the relevant  meeting of noteholders of the 
issuance  to be  held  in Bilbao,  on January  14, 2021,  at first  call,  or on January  15, 2021,  at second  call.  Having  satisfied  all 
applicable  legal requirements, the noteholders’ meeting was held at first call and passed, with the necessary  majority of votes, 
among other resolutions, the inclusion of a new total early redemption clause. As a result, on January 29, 2021 the total early 
redemption of the issuance took place. 

22.5  Other financial liabilities 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follo ws: 

Other financial  liabilities  (Millions of Euros) 

Lease liabilities 

Creditors for other financial liabilities 

Collection accounts 

Creditors for other payment obligations 

2020 

2,674 

2,408 

3,275 

5,000 

Total 
13,358 
A breakdown of the maturity of the lease liabilities,  due after December  31, 2020 is provided below: 

2019 

3,335  

2,623 

3,306 

4,494 

13,758 

2018 

2,891 

4,305 

5,648 

12,844 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Maturity of future payment obligations (Millions of Euros) 

Assets and liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts 

Up to 1 
year 

244 

1 to 3 
years 

430 

3 to 5 
years 

Over 5 
years 

Total 

397 

1,602 

2,674 

Leases 

23. 

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 and 
Management Report - Risk), 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 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the balance under this heading amounted to €306 million, €341 million and €366 million respectively. 

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.  

The breakdown of the balance under this heading is as follows:  

Technical  reserves (Millions of Euros) 

Mathematical reserves 

Individual life  insurance  (1) 

Savings 

Risk 

Group insurance (2) 

Savings 

Risk 

Provision for unpaid claims reported 

Provisions for unexpired risks and other provisions 

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:  

2020 

2019 

2018 

8,731 

6,268 

5,431 

836 

2,463 

2,298 

165 

672 

548 

9,247 

6,731 

5,906 

825 

2,517 

2,334 

182 

641 

718 

8,504 

6,201 

5,180 

1,021 

2,303 

2,210 

93 

662 

668 

9,951 

10,606 

9,834 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Maturity (Millions of euros). Liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Up to 1 year 

1 to 3 years  3 to 5 years 

Over 5 years 

1,227 

1,571 

1,686 

950 

1,197 

1,041 

1,616 

1,806 

1,822 

6,158 

6,032 

5,285 

Total 

9,951 

10,606 

9,834 

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 96% 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.  

The table below shows the key assumptions as of December 31, 2020, used in the calculation of the mathematical reserves for insurance 
products in Spain and Mexico, respectively: 

Mathematical reserves 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Mortality table 

Average technical 
interest type 

Mortality table 

Average technical 
interest type 

Mortality table 

Average 
technical 
interest type 

Individual life 
insurance  (1) 

Spain  Mexico 
GRMF 
80-2,  
GKM 80 
/ GKMF 
95, 
PASEM, 
GKMF 
80/95, 
PERFM 
2000 

Tables of 
the 
Comisión 
Nacional 
de 
Seguros y 
Fianzas 
2000-
individual 

Group 
insurance(2) 

PERFM 
2000 

Tables of 
the 
Comisión 
Nacional 
de 
Seguros 
y Fianzas 
2000-
grupo 

Spain  Mexico  Spain  Mexico 

Spain  Mexico  Spain  Mexico 

Spain  Mexico 

0.25% -
2.87% 

2.5% 

GRMF 
80-2, 
GKMF 
80/95.  
PASEM, 
PERMF 
2000 

Depending 
on the 
related 
portfolio 

5.5% 

PERMF 
2000 

Tables of 
the 
Comisión 
Nacional 
de 
Seguros y 
Fianzas 
2000-
individual 

Tables of 
the 
Comisión 
Nacional 
de 
Seguros 
y Fianzas 
2000-
grupo 

0.25% -
2.91% 

2.50% 

GRMF 
80-2, 
GKM 
80 / 
GKMF 
95 
PERMF 
2000 
PASEM 

Depending 
on the 
related 
portfolio 

5.50% 

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 BBVA Group entities) on behalf of their employees. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 

25 

25 

2020 

4,272  

49  

612  

728  

479  

2019 

4,631 

61 

677 

711 

457 

2018 

4,787 

62 

686 

636 

601 

6,141   

6,538 

6,772 

(*) 

Individually insignificant provisions or contingencies, for various concepts in different geographies. 

The change in provisions for pensions and similar obligations for the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 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 expense and similar  charges 

Personnel expense 

Provision expense 
Charges to equity (1) 

Transfers and other changes (2) 

Less 

Benefit payments 

Employer contributions 

Balance at the end 

Notes 

44.1 

25 

25 

2020 

4,631 

298 

44 

49 

205 

191 

(71) 

(654) 

(124) 

4,272 

2019 

2018 

4,787 

5,407 

327 

63 

49 

215 

329 

(29) 

(718) 

(65) 

4,631 

125 

77 

58 

(10) 

41 

96 

(779) 

(103) 

4,787 

(1)  Correspond to actuarial losses (gains) arising from certain post-employment defined-benefit commitments for pensions recognized in “Equity” (see Note 2.2.12). 
(2) 

It includes the amount of the sale of BBVA´s U.S. subsidiary (see Notes 1.3, 3 and 21). 

Provisions for taxes, legal contingencies  and other provisions. Changes  over the year (Millions of Euros) 

Balance at beginning  

Additions 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Unused  amounts reversed  during  the year 

Amount  used  and other variations  

Balance at the end 

Ongoing legal proceedings and litigation 

2020 

1,134 

555 

- 

(215)

(383)

1,091 

2019 

1,286 

396 

- 

(96)

(453)

1,134 

2018 

1,425 

455 

- 

(184) 

(410) 

1,286 

The financial sector faces  an environment of increased  regulatory pressure and litigation. In this environment, the various Group entities 
are often sued on lawsuits and are therefore involved in individual or collective legal  proceedings and litigation arising from their activity 
and operations, including proceedings arising from their lending activity, from their labor relations and from other commercial, regulatory 
or tax issues, as well as in arbitration.  

On the basis of the information available,  the Group considers that, as of December 31, 2020, the provisions made in relation to judicial 
proceedings and  arbitration, where  so required,  are  adequate  and  reasonably  cover  the liabilities  that might arise,  if  any, from  such 

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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

proceedings. Furthermore, on the basis  of the information available  and with the exceptions indicated  in Note 7.1 "Risk factors", BBVA 
considers that the liabilities  that may arise from such proceedings will  not have, on a case-by-case  basis, a significant adverse  effect on 
the Group's business, financial situation or results of operations. 

IRPH index  

In relation to consumer mortgage loan contracts linked to the interest rate index known as IRPH (average  rate for mortgage loans over 
three  years  for  the acquisition  of free  housing), the Spanish  Supreme  Court issued  on 14  December  2017  its  judgment 669/2017  
confirming that it was not possible to determine the lack of transparency of the interest rate of the loan merely by reference to one or other 
of the official indexes nor, therefore, was it abuse according to Directive 93/13. In a separate legal proceeding, albeit concerning the same 
clause, the matter was referred  to the Court of Justice of the European Union (the EU Court of Justice), raising a preliminary  question in 
which the application  of the above referred  IRPH index and the decision  of the Supreme  Court on the matter was  questioned again. On 
March 3, 2020, the EU Court of Justice resolved the referred question for a preliminary ruling. 

In that resolution, the EU Court of Justice concluded that the fact that the main elements  relating to the calculation of the saving banks 
IRPH index used by the bank to which the question referred (Bankia, S.A.) were provided in the Bank of Spain Regulation (Circular 8/1990),  
published in the Spanish Official  Gazette, which allowed  consumers to understand the calculation of such index. In addition, the EU Court 
of Justice indicated that the national court shall determine whether the bank that is party to this proceeding complied with the applicable 
information  obligations  under  national  legislation.  In  the  event  that  the  entity  had  not  complied  with  the  applicable  transparency 
regulations, the EU Court of Justice decision does not declare the contract null and void but provides that the national court could replace 
the IRPH index applied in the case under trial for a substitute index. The resolution sets forth that, in the absence of an agreement to the 
contrary of the parties to the contract, the referred substitute index could be the IRPH index for credit entities in Spain (as established in  
the fifteenth additional provision of Law 14/2013, of September 27, 2013).  

On November 13, 2020, the Supreme Court has issued new judgments on which it has again analyzed  the legality of the above referred  
clause  after the EU Court of Justice ruling which indicated that it was  up to the national judge to rule on its transparency and possible 
abuse. In the particular cases  analyzed,  the Supreme  Court has  ruled that, even  if the entity had not adequately  complied  with some 
regulatory requirement of transparency, such as reporting the evolution of the index in the past, this would not mean that the clause was 
abusive. In short, it considers that the control rules are  different from transparency  and abuse, so that if the clause  is not abusive, the 
possible breach of any obligation of transparency cannot have legal consequences. Following these rulings, the Supreme Court is rejecting 
the appeals on the grounds of the existence of case law on the matter and lack of interest in the case. Therefore, BBVA considers that the 
ruling of the EU Court of Justice and these recent rulings of the Supreme Court should not have significant effects on the Group's business, 
financial  situation or results of operations. 

Revolving credit cards  

There are also claims  before the Spanish courts challenging the application of certain interest rates and other mandatory regulations to 
certain revolving credit card contracts. On March 4, 2020, the Supreme Court issued a ruling (number 149/2020)  confirming the nullity 
of a revolving credit card agreement entered into by another entity (Wizink Bank) on the grounds that the interest applied to the card was 
usurious. In that ruling, the Supreme Court recognized that the reference  to the "normal interest on money" to be used for this product 
must be the average  interest applicable  to credit transactions by means  of credit and revolving cards  published in the Bank of Spain's 
statistics, which  is slightly higher than 20%  annually.  The  Supreme  Court also  considered usurious a  rate of 26.82% annually,  when  
compared  to  such  average  rate.  The  Supreme  Court concluded  that  for  an  interest  rate  to  be  usurious,  it  must  be  "manifestly 
disproportionate to the circumstances of the case", and therefore the ruling limits its effects to the case under analysis, and the marketing 
by credit entities of this product must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.  

BBVA considers that this ruling of the Supreme Court should not have a significant effect on the Group's business, financial  situation or 
results of operations. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

25. 

Post-employment and other employee benefit commitments 

As stated in Note 2.2.11, 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 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 net defined  benefit liability  recorded  on the balance  sheet as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 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) 

Of which: +Net  liability  on the consolidated balance sheet for provisions for pensions 
and similar obligations (3) 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

4,539 

1,247 

1,562 

49 

7,398 

1,608 

1,484 

5,050 

1,486 

1,580 

61 

8,177 

1,961 

1,532 

4,678 

1,793 

1,114 

62 

7,647 

1,694 

1,146 

3,092 

3,493 

2,840 

4,305 

4,684 

4,807 

(16) 

(8) 

(41) 

4,272 

4,631 

4,787 

49 

61 

62 

24 

24 

Of which: Net liability  on the consolidated balance sheet for other long term employee 
benefits (4) 
( 1) 

In Turkey, the foundation responsible for managing the benefit commitments holds an additional asset of €125 million as of December 31, 2020 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. 

( 2) 

( 3)  

( 4)  

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. 
Recorded under the heading “Provisions – Other long-term employee benefits” of the consolidated balance sheet. 

The impact relating to benefit commitments charged to consolidated income statement for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Consolidated income statement impact (Millions of Euros) 

Interest and other expense 

Interest expense 
Interest income 

Personnel expense 

Defined contribution plan expense 
Defined benefit plan expense 

Provisions or (reversal) of provisions 

Early retirement expense 

Past service  cost expense 
Remeasurements  (*) 

Other provision expense 

Total impact on consolidated income statement: debit (credit) 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

44.1 
44.1 

46  

44 

265 
(220) 

63 

293 
(230) 

77 

282 
(206) 

121 

72 
49 

210 

224 

(8) 

(11) 

4 

375 

143 

95 
49 

213 

190 

18 

7 

(1) 

419 

130 

72 
58 

125 

141 

(33) 

(10) 

28 

332 

(*) 

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). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 

Equity impact (Millions of Euros) 

Defined benefit plans 

Post-employment medical benefits 

Total impact on equity: debit (credit) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

161 

30 

191 

254 

74 

329 

81 

(47) 

34 

In 2020, the aggregate impact of this heading amounted to €191 million  euros driven by, first of all, the variation in interest rates, €91 
million euros losses on commitments in Mexico and €68 million euros in Spain, and secondly due to updating of the mortality tables in 
Spain  (€49 million  euros losses).  These  amounts are  partially  offset by the effect  in other geographies and experience.  In 2019,  this 
heading amounted to €329 million  euros mainly  due to the variation in two geographies. Firstly, as a consequence of the €231 million 
euros increase  in actuarial losses on commitments in Spain, due to the variation in discount rates from 1.75% to 1%. Secondly, driven by 
the €83 million euros increase in actuarial losses on commitments in Mexico, due to the decrease in discount rates from 10.45% to 9.04%. 

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 2020, 2019 and 2018 is presented below: 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Net 
liability 
(asset) 

Defined 
benefit 
obligation 

Plan 
assets 

Net liability 
(asset) 

Defined 
benefit 
obligation 

Plan 
assets 

Net liability 
(asset) 

Defined benefits (Millions of Euros) 

Balance at the beginning 
Current  service cost 
Interest income/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 gains 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: Spain 
Of which: Mexico 
Of which: The United States 
Of which: Turkey 

Defined 
benefit 
obligation 

8,116 
53 
261 

Plan 
assets 

3,493 
- 
219 

4 

- 
219 
364 
- 

57 

276 

30 

4 

124 
- 
176 
176 

- 

- 

- 

4,622 
53 
42 

- 

(124) 
219 
187 
(176) 

57 

276 

30 

7,585 
52 
290 

2,839 
- 
230 

4 

- 
210 
783 
- 

(15) 

688 

110 

4 

65 
- 
454 
454 

- 

- 

- 

(839) 
- 

(185) 
- 

(654) 
- 

(905) 
- 

(187) 
- 

(371) 

(327) 

(44) 

(459) 

(409) 

(50) 

- 

- 

- 

1 
7,348 
4,288 
2,219 
- 
367 

(3) 
3,092 
249 
2,122 
- 
282 

4 
4,256 
4,039 
97 
- 
85 

15 

63 

- 

19 
8,116 
4,592 
2,231 
375 
444 

12 

69 

- 

6 
3,493 
266 
2,124 
323 
359 

4,746 
52 
60 

- 

(65) 
210 
329 
(454) 

(15) 

688 

110 

(718) 
- 

3 

(6) 

- 

13 
4,623 
4,326 
107 
52 
86 

8,384 
61 
279 

3,006 
- 
206 

4 

3 

- 
109 
(263) 
- 

14 

(274) 

(3) 

(979) 
- 

13 

(31) 

- 

10 
7,585 
4,807 
1,615 
326 
422 

103 
- 
(286) 
(286) 

- 

- 

- 

(200) 
- 

11 

(9) 

- 

6 
2,840 
260 
1,587 
287 
339 

5,378 
61 
74 

1 

(103) 
109 
21 
286 

14 

(274) 

(3) 

(779) 
- 

2 

(22) 

- 

4 
4,745 
4,547 
28 
39 
83 

(*)  

(1) 

(2) 

The amount in 2020 in mainly due to the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

Including gains and losses arising from settlements. 

Excluding interest, which is recorded under "Interest income or expense". 

The  balance  under the heading “Provisions  - Pensions and  other post-employment defined  benefit  obligations” of the accompanying  
consolidated balance  sheet as of December  31, 2020 includes €356 million relating to post-employment benefit commitments to former 
members of the Board of Directors and the Bank’s Management (see Note 54). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The most significant commitments are  those in Spain and Mexico  and, to a lesser  extent, in 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. 

The following table sets out the key  actuarial assumptions used in the valuation of these commitments as of December 31, 2020, 2019 
and 2018: 

Actuarial assumptions (%) 

Discount rate 
Rate of salary increase 
Rate of pension increase 

Medical cost trend rate 

Mortality tables 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Spain  Mexico 

Turkey 

Spain   Mexico 

The 
United 
States 

Turkey 

Spain 

Mexico 

The 
United 
States 

Turkey 

0.53% 
- 
- 

8.37% 
4.00% 
1.94% 

13.00% 
11.20% 
9.70% 

0.68% 
- 
- 

9.04% 
4.75% 
2.47% 

3.24% 
- 
- 

12.50% 
9.70% 
8.20% 

1.28% 
- 
- 

10.45% 
4.75% 
2.51% 

4.23% 
- 
- 

16.30% 
14.00% 
12.50% 

- 

7.00% 

13.90% 

- 

7.00% 

- 

12.40% 

- 

7.00% 

- 

16.70% 

PER 

PERM/F 

PERM/F 

2000P  EMSSA09  RP 2014  CSO2001 
In Spain, the discount rate shown as of December, 31, 2020, corresponds to the weighted average rate, the actual discount rates used are 
0% and 0.75% depending on the type of commitment. 

2000P  EMSSA09  RP 2014  CSO2001 

2020  EMSSA09  CSO2001 

In Mexico, the discount rate shown as of December 31, 2020, corresponds to the weighted average rate, with the discount rates between 
6.84% and 8.76% depending on the plan. 

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 and Mexican peso for Mexico, and government bonds denominated in 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) 

Basis points 
change 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Increase  Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

Discount rate 

Rate of salary increase 

Rate of pension increase 

Medical cost trend rate 

Change in obligation from each additional 
year of longevity 

50 

50 

50 

50 

- 

(354) 

4 

29 

390 

(4) 

(27) 

145 

(129) 

211 

- 

(367) 

3 

27 

169 

137 

405 

(3) 

(26) 

(133) 

- 

(298) 

3 

19 

115 

108 

332 

(3) 

(18) 

(91) 

- 

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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the actuarial  liabilities  for 
the outstanding awards amounted to €50, €61 million and €62 million, respectively. These commitments are recorded under the heading 
"Provisions - Other long-term employee benefits" of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet (see Note 24). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 pension payments, 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 2020, 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 781 employees (616 and 489 during 
years  2019  and 2018,  respectively).  These  commitments include  the compensation and indemnities  due as  well  as the contributions 
payable  to external  pension  funds during the early  retirement period.  As of December  31,  2020,  2019  and 2018,  the  value  of  these 
commitments amounted to €1,247, €1,486 million and €1,793 million, respectively. 

The change in the benefit plan obligations and plan assets during the year ended December  31, 2020 was as follows: 

Post-employment commitments 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Spain 

Mexico 

The United 
States 

Turkey 

Rest of the 
world 

Defined benefit obligation 
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 gains 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 

Of which: Vested benefit obligation relating to retired employees 

Plan assets 
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 gains 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 

664 
5 

50 

- 

- 

(1) 

93 

- 

- 

(19) 

112 

(58) 

- 

- 

(87) 

- 

- 

666 

4,592 
5 

30 

- 

- 

224 

136 

- 

60 

79 

(3) 

(703) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3 

4,288 

4198 

90 

266 

592 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

41 

41 

- 

- 

- 

(60) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

44 

- 

86 

- 

31 

31 

- 

- 

- 

(57) 

- 

19 

(77) 

- 

- 

249 

638 

375 
1 

12 

- 

- 

- 

31 

- 

(3) 

34 

- 

(15) 

- 

(371) 

(32) 

- 

(1) 

- 

323 

- 

10 

- 

- 

- 

35 

35 

- 

- 

- 

(13) 

- 

(327) 

(27) 

- 

(1) 

- 

444 
18 

45 

4 

- 

2 

(4) 

- 

- 

54 

(59) 

(15) 

- 

- 

(126) 

- 

- 

367

460 
3 

7 

- 

- 

3 

12 

- 

- 

17 

(5) 

(12) 

- 

- 

(9) 

- 

(1) 

465 

359 

422 

- 

37 

4 

14 

- 

(23) 

(23) 

- 

- 

- 

(8) 

- 

- 

(100) 

- 

- 

282 

- 

6 

- 

1 

- 

26 

26 

- 

- 

- 

(11) 

- 

- 

(5) 

- 

(1) 

439 

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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Net liability (asset) 
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 gains 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 

4,326 

5 

28 

- 

- 

224 

95 

(41) 

60 

79 

(3) 

(643) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3 

4,039 

72 

5 

6 

- 

(86) 

(1) 

62 

(31) 

- 

(19) 

112 

(1) 

- 

(19) 

(10) 

- 

- 

28 

52 

1 

2 

- 

- 

- 

(4) 

(35) 

(3) 

34 

- 

(2) 

- 

(44) 

(5) 

- 

- 

- 

86 

18 

8 

- 

(14) 

2 

18 

23 

- 

54 

(59) 

(6) 

- 

- 

(26) 

- 

- 

85 

38 

3 

1 

- 

(1) 

3 

(14) 

(26) 

- 

17 

(5) 

(1) 

- 

- 

(4) 

- 

- 

27 

(1) 

(2) 

Including gains and losses arising from settlements. 

Excluding interest, which is recorded under "Interest income or expense". 

The change in net liabilities  (assets) during the years ended 2019 and 2018 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 gains 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 

2019: Net liability (asset) 

2018: Net liability (asset) 

Spain 

Mexico 

The 
United 
States 

Turkey 

Rest of 
the 
world 

Spain 

Mexico 

The United
States 

Turkey 

Rest of 
the 
world 

4,547 
4 
42 
- 
- 
190 
231 
(67) 
- 
239 
59 
(702) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
14 
4,326 

71 
4 
9 
- 
(47) 
15 
9 
(90) 
- 
87 
12 
(1) 
- 
7 
5 
- 
- 
72 

39 
- 
- 
- 
(3) 
- 
16 
(28) 
- 
42 
2 
(2) 
- 
3 
- 
- 
(1) 
52 

83 
20 
11 
- 
(14) 
3 
2 
5 
(13) 
(41) 
51 
(11) 
- 
- 
(9) 
- 
- 
86 

36 
3 
3 
- 
(1) 
2 
(1) 
(50) 
(2) 
52 
(1) 
(3) 
- 
- 
1 
- 
0 
38 

5,122 
4 
59 
- 
- 
148 
(28) 
4 
- 
- 
(32) 
(763) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5 
4,547 

(18) 
5 
(2) 
- 
- 
(1) 
88 
70 
- 
(9) 
27 
- 
- 
- 
(1) 
- 
(0) 
71 

51
- 
- 
- 
(2) 
- 
(11) 
17 
(1) 
(28) 
1 
(2) 
- 
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) 
- 
- 
36 

(1) 

(2) 

Includes gains and losses from settlements. 

Excludes interest which is reflected in the line item “Interest income and expense”. 

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, 2020  the value  of these  separate  assets was  €2,572 million, (€2,620  and 
€2,543  million  as  of  December  31,  2019  and  2018,  respectively)  representing  direct  rights  of  the  insured  employees  held  in  the 
consolidated balance  sheet, hence these benefits are effectively  fully funded.

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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

On the other hand, some pension commitments have been funded through insurance contracts with insurance companies not related to 
the Group. 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the value of the aforementioned insurance policies  (€249, €266 
and €260 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. 

Pension 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. 

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  BBVA in Turkey,  as  per the  local  regulatory 
requirements, has registered  an obligation amounting to €250 million  as  of December  31, 2020  pending future transfer to the Social 
Security system. 

Furthermore, Garanti BBVA has set up a defined benefit pension plan for employees, additional to the social security benefits, reflected in  
the consolidated balance sheet. 

25.1.2  Medical  benefit  commitments 

The change in defined benefit obligations and plan assets during the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows: 

Medical benefits commitments 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Defined 
benefit 
obligation 

Plan 
assets 

Net 
liability 
(asset) 

Defined 
benefit 
obligation 

Plan 
assets 

Net 
liability 
(asset) 

Defined 
benefit 
obligation 

Plan 
assets 

Net 
liability 
(asset) 

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 

1,580 
21 
117 
- 
- 
(8) 
95 
- 
- 
110 
(15) 
(37) 
- 
- 
(207) 
- 
1,562 

1,532 
- 
120 
- 
22 
- 
66 
66 
- 
- 
- 
(37) 
- 
(19) 
(201) 
- 
1,484 

48 
21 
(3) 
- 
(22) 
(8) 
30 
(66) 
- 
110 
(15) 
- 
- 
19 
(6) 
- 
77 

1,114 
21 
119 
- 
- 
- 
298 
- 
- 
311 
(13) 
(39) 
- 
- 
68 
(1) 
1,580 

1,146 
- 
123 
- 
- 
- 
224 
224 
- 
- 
- 
(39) 
- 
7 
71 
- 
1,532 

(32) 
21 
(4) 
- 
- 
- 
74 
(224) 
- 
311 
(13) 
(1) 
- 
(7) 
(2) 
(1) 
48 

1,204 
27 
116 
- 
- 
(42) 
(210) 
- 
- 
(182) 
(28) 
(34) 
- 
- 
62 
(9) 
1,114 

1,114 
- 
109 
- 
71 
- 
(164) 
(164) 
- 
- 
- 
(33) 
- 
- 
59 
(9) 
1,146 

91 
27 
8 
- 
(71) 
(42) 
(47) 
164 
- 
(182) 
(28) 
(1) 
- 
- 
3 
- 
(32) 

(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. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

25.1.3  Estimated  benefit  payments 

As of December  31, 2020, the estimated benefit payments over the next ten years for all the entities in Spain, Mexico and Turkey are as 
follows: 

Estimated benefit payments (Millions of Euros) 

Commitments in Spain 

Commitments in Mexico 

Commitments in Turkey 

Total  

25.1.4  Plan assets   

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026-2030 

556 

111 

16 

683 

474 

110 

18 

602 

388 

114 

16 

518 

313 

121 

18 

452 

257 

129 

22 

408 

856 

774 

180 

1,810 

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. 

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. 

The table below shows the allocation of plan assets of the main companies of the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

Plan assets breakdown (Millions of Euros) 

Cash or cash equivalents 

Debt securities (government bonds) 

Mutual funds 

Insurance contracts 

Total 

Of which: Bank account in BBVA 

Of which: Debt securities issued by BBVA 

2020 

2019 

2018 

38 

2,707 

1 

140 

2,887 

4 

- 

56 

2,668 

2 

142 

2,869 

4 

- 

26 

2,080 

2 

132 

2,241 

3 

- 

Of which: Property occupied by BBVA 

- 
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Investments in listed markets 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Cash or cash equivalents 

Debt securities (Government bonds) 

Mutual funds 

Total 

Of which: Bank account in BBVA 

Of which: Debt securities issued by BBVA 

38 

2,707 

1 

2,747 

4 

- 

56 

2,668 

2 

2,727 

4 

- 

26 

2,080 

2 

2,109 

3 

- 

Of which: Property occupied by BBVA 

- 
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, 2020, almost all of the assets related to employee 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). 

26.  Common stock 

As of December  31, 2020,  2019 and  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 under the ticker “BBVA”.  

Additionally, as of December  31, 2020, the shares of Banco BBVA Peru, S.A., BBVA Banco Provincial, S.A., Banco BBVA Colombia, S.A., 
Banco BBVA Argentina, S.A., and Garanti BBVA A.S., were listed on their respective local stock markets. Banco BBVA Argentina, S.A. was 
also quoted in the Latin American market (Latibex) of the Madrid Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Also, the Depositary 
Receipts (“DR”) of Garanti BBVA, A.S. are listed in the London Stock Exchange. BBVA is also currently included, amongst other indexes, 
in the IBEX 35® Index, which is made up by the 35 most liquid securities  traded on the Spanish Market and, technically,  it is a price index 
that is weighted by capitalization and adjusted according to the free float of each company comprised in the index. 

As of December 31, 2020, State Street Bank and Trust Co., The Bank of New York Mellon SA NV and Chase Nominees Ltd in their capacity 
as international custodian/depositary banks, held 10.94%, 1.31%, and 8.36% 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 April 18, 2019, Blackrock, Inc. reported to the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV) that, it had an indirect holding of 
BBVA common stock totaling 5.917%, of which  5.480% are  voting rights attributed to shares  and  0.437% are  voting rights through 
financial  instruments. 

On February 3, 2020, Norges Bank reported to the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV) that it had an indirect holding 
of BBVA S.A. common stock totaling 3.366%, of which 3.235% are voting rights attributed to shares, and 0.131% are voting rights through 
financial  instruments. 

On the other hand, BBVA is not aware of any direct or indirect interests through which control of the Bank may be exercised. Furthermore, 
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. 

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 

 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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. 

Resolutions adopted  by the Annual General  Meeting   

Capital increase 

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, 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. 

However,  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  also  be made  with the exclusion  of pre-
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 and this limit not being applicable  to contingent convertible issues)  
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. 

Convertible and/or exchangeable securities: 

Note 22.4 introduces the details of the convertible and/or exchangeable securities.  

27. 

Share premium 

As of December 31 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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  

28.1  Breakdown of the balance  

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets 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 subsidiary consolidated 
companies. 

Total  
(*) Total reserves of BBVA, S.A. (See Appendix IX). 

28.2  Legal reserve  

2020 

2019 

2018 

653 

120 

- 

8,117 

8,890 

21,454 

653 

124 

- 

8,331 

9,108 

20,161 

653 

133 

3 

8,010 

8,799 

18,018 

30,344 

29,269 

26,028 

Under the amended Spanish 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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. 

28.3  Restricted reserves  

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Bank’s restricted reserves are as follows: 

Restricted reserves. Breakdown by concepts (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  

2020 

2019 

2018 

88 

30 

2 

120 

88 

34 

2 

124 

88 

44 

2 

133 

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. 

28.4  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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves. Breakdown by company or corporate group (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Retained earnings (losses) and revaluation reserves 

Holding Company  

BBVA Bancomer Group 

Garanti BBVA Group 

BBVA Banco Provincial Group 

BBVA Argentine Group 

BBVA Colombia Group 

Corporación General Financiera S.A. 

BBVA Perú Group 

BBVA Chile Group 

BBVA Paraguay 

Pecri Inversión S.L. 

Bilbao Vizcaya  Holding, S.A. 

Compañía de Cartera de Inversiones, S.A. 

Gran Jorge Juan, S.A. 

Banco Industrial de Bilbao, S.A. 

BBVA Seguros, S.A. 

BBVA Suiza, S.A. 

BBVA Portugal Group 

Anida Grupo Inmobiliario 

Sociedades  inmobiliarias Unnim 

BBVA USA Bancshares Group 

Anida Operaciones Singulares, S.A. 

Other 

Subtotal 

Other reserves or accumulated losses of investments in joint ventures 
and associates 

ATOM Bank PLC 

Metrovacesa, S.A. 

Other 

Subtotal 

Total  

15,014 

12,890 

2,509 

1,731 

1,302 

1,287 

920 

984 

619 

160 

114 

77 

59 

42 

(12) 

(35) 

(47) 

(52) 

(594) 

(617) 

(1,078) 

(5,409) 

644 

30,508 

(91) 

(84) 

11 

(164) 

30,344 

16,623 

10,645 

1,985 

1,736 

1,148 

1,130 

932 

848 

597 

130 

(50) 

62 

47 

27 

(13) 

(99) 

(52) 

(59) 

(587) 

(594) 

(317) 

(5,375) 

624 

29,388 

(56) 

(75) 

12 

(119) 

14,698 

10,014 

1,415 

1,745 

1,220 

998 

1,084 

756 

168 

119 

(74) 

49 

108 

(33) 

- 

(127) 

(53) 

(66) 

363 

(587) 

(586) 

(5,317) 

172 

26,066 

(28) 

(61) 

51 

(38) 

29,269 

26,028 

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.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

29. 

Treasury shares 

In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 the Group entities performed the following transactions with shares issued by the 
Bank: 

Treasury shares (Millions of euros) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

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 gains or losses on transactions  
(Shareholders' funds-Reserves) 

Number of 
Shares 

12,617,189 
234,691,887 
(232,956,244) 
- 
- 
14,352,832 

592,832 
13,760,000 
- 
3.44 
3.63 

Millions of 
Euros 

62 
807 

Number of 
Shares 

Number of 
Shares 

47,257,691 
214,925,699 

Millions 
of 
Euros 
296 

Millions 
of 
Euros 
96 
1,683 
(830)  (249,566,201)  (1,298)  (245,985,735)  (1,505) 
23 
(23) 
- 
- 
296 
62 

13,339,582 
1,088  279,903,844 

- 
- 
47,257,691 

- 
- 
12,617,189 

7 
- 
46 

- 
12,617,189 
- 
5.06 
5.20 

9 
37 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
62 
- 
- 
- 

13 

- 
47,257,691 
- 
6.11 
6.25 

- 
296 
- 
- 
- 

(24) 

The percentages of treasury shares held by the Group in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:  

Treasury Stock 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Min 

Max 

Closing 

Min 

Max 

Closing 

Min 

Max 

Closing 

% treasury stock 

0.008% 

0.464% 

0.215% 

0.138% 

0.746% 

0.213% 

0.200% 

0.850% 

0.709% 

The number of BBVA shares accepted by the Group in pledge of loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Shares of BBVA accepted in pledge 

Number of shares in pledge 

Nominal value 

% of share capital 

2020 

2019 

2018 

39,407,590 

43,018,382 

61,632,832 

0.49 

0.59% 

0.49 

0.65% 

0.49 

0.92% 

The number of BBVA shares owned by third parties but under management of a company within the Group as of December 31, 2020, 
2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Shares of BBVA owned by third parties  but managed  by the Group 

Number of shares owned by third parties 

18,266,509 

23,807,398 

25,306,229 

Nominal value 

% of share capital 

0.49 

0.27% 

0.49 

0.36% 

0.49 

0.38% 

2020 

2019 

2018 

30.  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance  sheets is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Millions of Euros) 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 
Actuarial gains (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 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) 

Of which: US Dollar 

Of which: Mexican peso 

Of which: Turkish lira 
Of which: other exchanges 

Foreign currency translation  

Of which: US Dollar 
Of which: Mexican peso 
Of which: Turkish lira 

Of which: Argentine peso 
Of which: Venezuelan Bolívar 

Of which: other exchanges 

Hedging derivatives. Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 
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 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

(2,815) 
(1,474) 

(65) 

- 

(1,875) 
(1,498) 

(1,284) 
(1,245) 

3 

- 

- 

- 

13.4 

(1,256) 

(404) 

(155) 

- 

(21) 

(11,541) 
(62) 

- 

(362) 

317 
(18) 
(14,185) 

(16) 
(5,220) 

(4,960) 

(1,247) 
(1,860) 

(882) 
10 

- 

24 

(8,351) 
(896) 

(432) 

(588) 

163 
(38) 
(9,147) 

1,565 
(3,557) 

(3,750) 

(1,124) 
(1,854) 

(427) 
(44) 

- 

116 

(8,939) 
(218) 

(432) 

(78) 

322 
(29) 
(9,630) 

1,326 
(4,205) 

(3,326) 

(1,118) 
(1,862) 

(445) 
(6) 

13.4 

2,069 

1,760 

943 

- 

644 

(17) 

- 

(18) 

(5) 

- 

1 

(29) 

Total 
(*)  The variation for the year 2020 corresponds, mainly, to the BBVA USA sale agreement (see Notes 21).    

(14,356) 

(10,226) 

(10,223) 

The balances  recognized under these headings are presented net of tax. 

The  main  changes in  2020  are  explained  as  a  result of  the depreciation  of the main  currencies  of  the geographies where  the Group 
operates against the euro. The main depreciations against the euro have been: US dollar (-8.5%), Mexican peso (-13.1%), Turkish lira (-
26.7%), Peruvian sol (-16.3%), Colombian peso (-12.6%) and Argentine peso (-34.8%). 

31. 

Non-controlling interest 

The table below is a 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: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Non-controlling interests: breakdown by subgroups (Millions of Euros) 

Garanti BBVA 

BBVA Peru 

BBVA Argentina 

BBVA Colombia 

BBVA Venezuela 

Other entities 
Total 

2020 

3,692 

1,171 

416 

70 

65 

56 
5,471 

2019 

4,240 

1,334 

422 

76 

71 

57 
6,201 

2018 

4,058 

1,167 

352 

67 

67 

53 
5,764 

These amounts are broken down by groups of consolidated entities under the heading “Attributable to minority interests (non-controlling 
interests)” in the accompanying consolidated income statements: 

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests (Millions of Euros) 

Garanti BBVA 

BBVA Peru 

BBVA Argentina 

BBVA Colombia 

BBVA Venezuela 

Other entities 

Total 

2020 

579 

126 

38 

6 

2 

5 

756 

2019 

524 

236 

60 

11 

(1) 

4 

833 

2018 

585 

227 

(18) 

9 

(5) 

30 

827 

Dividends distributed to non-controlling interest of the Group during the year 2020 are:  

BBVA Banco Continental Group €79 million, BBVA Garanti Group €31 million, BBVA Colombia Group €4 million, and other Group entities 
accounted for €4 million. 

32. 

Capital base and capital management  

32.1  Capital base  

As of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, own funds is calculated  in accordance  to the applicable  regulation of each  year on minimum 
capital requirements for Spanish credit institutions –both as individual entities and as consolidated group– that establish 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. 

With respect to the capital requirement the ECB, in its announcement on March 12, 2020, in reaction to COVID-19, has allowed the banks 
to use additional Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital instruments to meet partially the Pillar  II (P2R) requirements for 2021, which is known as "Pillar  2 
tiering." This measure has been reinforced by the relaxation of the Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB) announced by various national 
macroprudential authorities and by other complementary  measures  published by the ECB. All of this has resulted in a  reduction of 66 
basis points in the fully-loaded CET1 requirement for BBVA, with that requirement standing at 8.59% and the requirement in terms of total 
capital at 12.75%, both requirements at consolidated level. The reduction in the requirement at the total ratio level is only around 2 basis  
points, as a result of the lower applicable  countercyclical buffer 

From 2021  onwards, the BBVA Group has set the objective  of maintaining a fully-loaded  CET1 ratio at a  consolidated level  of between  
11.5% -12.0%, increasing the target distance to the minimum requirement (currently at 8.59 %) at 291-341 basis points. At closing of the 
financial  year 2020, the fully-loaded CET1 ratio is within this target management range. 

A reconciliation of the main figures between the accounting and regulatory own funds as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is shown 
below: 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Eligible capital resources (Millions of Euros) 

Capital 
Share premium 
Retained earnings, revaluation reserves and other reserves 
Other equity instruments, net 
Treasury shares 
Profit (loss) attributable to the parent company 
Interim dividend 
Total equity 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
Non-controlling interest 
Shareholders' equity 
Goodwill and other intangible assets 
Indirect and synthetic treasury shares 
Deductions 
Differences  from solvency and accounting perimeter 
Equity not eligible at solvency level 
Other adjustments and deductions (1) 
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET  1) 
Additional Tier 1 before Regulatory Adjustments 
Total Regulatory Adjustments to Additional Tier 1 
Tier 1 
Tier 2 

Total Capital (Total Capital=Tier 1 + Tier 2) 
Total Minimum equity required 

 (*) Provisional data.  

Notes 
26 
27 
28 

29 
6 

30 
31 

2020 (*) 
3,267 
23,992 
30,344 
42 
(46) 
1,305 
- 
58,904 
(14,356) 
5,471 
50,020 
(3,455) 
(320) 
(3,774) 
(186) 
(186) 
(3,129) 
42,931 
6,667 
- 
49,597 
8,549 

2019 (**) 
3,267 
23,992 
29,269 
56 
(62) 
3,512 
(1,084) 
58,950 
(10,226) 
6,201 
54,925 
(6,803) 
(422) 
(7,225) 
(215) 
(215) 
(3,832) 
43,653 
6,048 
- 
49,701 
8,304 

2018 (**) 
3,267 
23,992 
26,028 
50 
(296) 
5,400 
(1,109) 
57,333 
(10,223) 
5,764 
52,874 
(8,199) 
(135) 
(8,334) 
(176) 
(176) 
(4,049) 
40,313 
5,634 
- 
45,947 
8,756 

58,147 
45,042 

58,005 
46,540 

54,703 
41,576 

(**) December 31, 2019 and 2018 figures have been restated for comparative purposes (see note 1.3) 

(1) Other adjustments and deductions includes the amount of minority interest not eligible as capital, amount of dividends not distributed and other deductions and filters set by the 
CRR. In addition it includes other remuneration to shareholders (see Note 4) 

The Group’s own funds in accordance with the aforementioned applicable  regulation as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are shown 
below: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Amount of capital CC1 (Millions of Euros) 

Capital and share premium  

Retained earnings and equity instruments 

Other accumulated income and other reserves 

Minority interests 

Net interim attributable profit 

Common Equity Tier I (CET1) before other regulatory adjustments 

Goodwill and intangible assets 

Direct and indirect holdings in own Common Equity Tier I instruments 

Deferred tax assets  

Other deductions and filters (***) 

2020 (*) 

2019 (**) 

2018 (**) 

27,259 

29,974 

27,259 

29,127 

27,259 

25,896 

(14,023) 

(10,133) 

(10,130) 

3,656 

1,253 

4,404 

1,316 

48,119 

51,974 

(3,455) 

(6,803) 

(366) 

(484) 

(1,478) 

(1,420) 

110 

386 

3,809 

3,188 

50,022 

(8,199) 

(432) 

(1,463) 

386 

Total common equity Tier 1 regulatory adjustments 

(5,189) 

(8,321) 

(9,709) 

Common equity TIER 1 (CET1) 

Capital instruments and share premium accounts classified as liabilities and qualifying as 
Additional Tier I 

Qualifying Tier 1 capital included in consolidated AT1 capital issued by subsidiaries and 
held by third parties 

Additional  Tier 1 (CET 1) before regulatory adjustments 

Transitional CET 1 adjustments 

Total regulatory adjustments to additional Tier 1 

Additional  Tier 1  (AT1)  

Tier 1 (Common equity TIER 1+ additional TIER 1) 

Capital instruments and share premium accounted as Tier 2 

Qualifying Tier 2 capital included in consolidated T2 capital issued by subsidiaries and held 
by third parties 

Credit risk adjustments 

Tier 2 before regulatory adjustments 

Tier 2 regulatory adjustments  

Tier 2 

42,931 

43,653 

6,130 

5,400 

537 

648 

6,667 

6,048 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6,667 

6,048 

49,597 

49,701 

4,540 

3,410 

606 

8,556 

(7) 

8,549 

3,242 

4,512 

631 

8,385 

(82) 

8,304 

Total capital (Total capital=Tier 1 + Tier 2) 

58,147 

58,005 

40,313 

5,005 

629 

5,634 

- 

- 

5,634 

45,947 

3,768 

4,409 

579 

8,756 

- 

8,756 

54,703 

Total RWA's 

CET  1 (phased-in) 

Tier 1 (phased-in) 

Total capital (phased-in) 

( *)    Provisional data. 

353,272 

364,448 

348,264 

12.2% 

14.0% 

16.5% 

12.0% 

13.6% 

15.9% 

11.6% 

13.2% 

15.7% 

( **)   According to EBA Standards published in June 2020 (EBA / ITS / 2020/04), the table has been adapted according to the format established by the EBA in those rows that are 
applicable to the date of the report, between which is the transitory impact by IFRS 9 in CET1, which has been reclassified from the row "Common Equity Tier 1 before regulatory 
adjustments" as a regulatory adjustment of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, within the row "Other deductions and filters ". Likewise, the information corresponding to December 2019 
and December 2018 has been restated for comparative purposes (see Note 1.3) 

( ***)   Additionally, it includes other shareholder remuneration (see Note 4) 

As of December 2020 Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) phased-in ratio stood at 12.15% which represented and in increase of +17 basis points 
with respect to 2019. In terms of CET1 fully loaded, the consolidated ratio stood at 11.73% (which represents a reduction of 1 basis point 
compared to 2019). The difference is mainly explained by the effect of the transitory adjustments for the treatment in the solvency ratios 
of the impacts of IFRS 9 and subsequent modifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This evolution had been affected by the positive BBVA´s organic profit generation which has it made possible to cover the growth of risk 
weighted assets (RWA) and the relative  stabilization of the financial  markets during the second half of the year, largely motivated by the 
measures to stimulate the economy and the announced guaranteed programs by the different national and supranational authorities and 
the approval by the Parliament and the European Council of regulation 2020/873 (known as CRR quick fix). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Regarding the shareholder  remuneration proposal in  relation to the Group's 2020  result, explained  in Note  4, this amount has  been  
anticipated as a prudential buffer in the Group's capital ratios, with an impact of 11 basis points 

Phased-in additional Tier 1 capital (AT1) stood at 1, 89% at the end of December 2020, an improvement of +23 basis points compared to 
the previous year. In this respect, in July 2020, the first green CoCo from a  financial  institution worldwide was issued for an amount of 
€1,000  million,  with a coupon of 6%  and an option for early  amortization in five  and a  half  years. Moreover, a  CoCo of €1,500  million  
(coupon of 6.75%) was amortized in February, on the first date of the early  amortization option; in January 2021, the early  amortization 
options were implemented  for two preferential issuances,  issued by BBVA International Preferred  and Caixa  Sabadell  Preferents for 31 
million  pounds sterling  and  €90m  respectively;  and  finally,  for  a  third  preferential  issuance  issued  by  Caixa  Terrassa  Societat  de 
Participacions  Preferents, the bondholders' meeting has approved its early  amortization on January 29, 2021 (versus the amortization 
option date of August 10, 2021). As of December 31, 2020, these issuances do not form part of the Group's capital adequacy ratios.  

The phased-in Tier 2 ratio stood at 2.42%, an increase of +14 basis points over the previous years. Two Tier 2 issuances were  issued in  
2020: an issuance of €1,000  million in January, with a maturity of 10 years and an amortization option from the fifth year, with a coupon 
of 1%; and another issuance of 300 million pounds sterling in July, with a maturity of 11 years and with an early  amortization option from 
the sixth year, with a coupon of 3.104%. 

Regarding the MREL (Minimum Requirement for own funds and Eligible Liabilities)  requirements, BBVA has continued its issuance plan  
during 2020 by closing two public issuances of non-preferred senior debt, one in January 2020 for €1,250m with a maturity of seven years 
and a coupon of 0.5%, and another in February 2020 for CHF 160m with a maturity of six and a half years and a coupon of 0.125%. In May 
2020, the first issuance  of a COVID-19 social  bond by a private financial  institution in Europe was  completed. This is a five-year  senior 
preferred bond, for €1,000 million and a coupon of 0.75%. Finally, in order to optimize the MREL requirement, in September BBVA issued 
preferred senior debt of USD 2,000 million  in two tranches, with maturities of three and five years, for USD 1,200 million and USD 800 
million and coupons of 0.875% and 1.125% respectively.  

The Group estimates that, following the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No. 2019/877 of the European Parliament  and of the Council 
of May 20 (which, among other matters, establishes the MREL in terms of RWAs and new periods for said requirement's transition and 
implementation), the current structure of shareholders’ funds and admissible liabilities  enables compliance with the MREL. 

32.2  Leverage ratio 

The leverage  ratio (LR) is a regulatory measure complementing capital  designed to guarantee the soundness and financial  strength of 
institutions in terms of indebtedness. This measurement  can  be used to estimate  the percentage of the assets and  off-balance sheet  
arrangements financed with Tier 1 capital, being the carrying amount of the assets used in this ratio adjusted to reflect the bank’s current 
or potential leverage of a given balance-sheet position (Leverage ratio exposure).  

Breakdown of leverage  ratio as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, calculated  according to CCR, is as follows: 

Leverage  ratio 

Tier 1 (millions of euros) (a) 

Exposure (millions of euros) (b) 

Leverage ratio (a)/(b) (percentage) 

( *)    Provisional data. 

32.3  Capital management 

2020 (*) 

2019 

2018 

49,597 

735,697 

6.74% 

49,701 

731,087 

6.80% 

45,947 

705,299 

6.51% 

The aim of capital management within BBVA and the Group is to ensure that both BBVA and the Group have the necessary capital at any 
given time to develop the corporate strategy reflected in the Strategic Plan, in line  with the risk profile set out in the Group Risk Appetite 
Framework (RAF). 

In  this  regard,  BBVA's  capital  management  is  also  part  of  the  most  relevant  forward-looking  strategic  decisions  in  the  Group's 
management and monitoring, which include the Annual Budget and the Liquidity and Funding Plan, with which it is coordinated — all with 
the aim of achieving the Group's overall strategy. 

Capital must be allocated optimally in order to meet the need to preserve the solvency of BBVA and the Group at all times. Together with 
the Group's solvency risk profile included  in the RAF, this optimal allocation serves  as a guide for the Group's capital management and 
means a continuous need for a solid capital position that makes it possible to: 

 Anticipate ordinary and extraordinary consumption that may occur, even under stress; 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Promote the development of the Group's business and align it with capital and profitability objectives by allocating resources 
appropriately and efficiently; 

(Cover all risks—including potential risks—to which it is exposed¬; 

Comply with regulatory and internal management requirements at all times; and 

Remunerate BBVA shareholders in accordance with the Shareholder Remuneration Policy in force at any given time. 

The  areas  involved  in capital  management  in  the Group shall  follow  and respect  the  following principles  in  their respective  areas  of 
responsibility: 

Ensuring that capital management is integrated and consistent with the Group's Strategic Plan, RAF, Annual Budget and other 
strategic-prospective processes, to help achieve the Group's long-term sustainability. 

Taking into account both the applicable regulatory and supervisory requirements and the risks to which the Group is—or may 
be—exposed  when  conducting its  business (economic  vision), when  establishing  a  target capital  level,  all  while  adopting a 
forward-looking vision that takes adverse scenarios into consideration. 

Carrying out efficient capital allocation that promotes good business development, ensuring that expectations for the evolution 
of activity meet the strategic objectives of the Group and anticipating the ordinary and extraordinary consumption that may 
occur. 

Ensuring compliance with the solvency levels, including the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities  (MREL), 
required at any given time. 

Compensating BBVA shareholders in an adequate and sustainable manner. 

Optimizing the cost of all instruments used for the purpose of meeting the target capital level at any given time 

To achieve  the aforementioned principles, capital management will be based on the following essential elements: 

An adequate governance and management scheme, both at the corporate body level and at the executive level. 

Planning, managing and monitoring capital properly, using the measurement systems, tools, structures, resources and quality 
data necessary  to do so.  

A set of metrics, which is duly updated, to facilitate  the tracking of the capital  situation and to identify any relevant deviations 
from the target capital level. 

A transparent, correct, consistent and timely communication and dissemination of capital information outside the Group. 

An internal regulatory body, which  is duly  updated, including the regulations and  procedures that, ensure  adequate  capital 
management 

. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

33.  Commitments and guarantees given 

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows: 

Commitments and guarantees given (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

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  

Other commitments given  
Of which: defaulted (*) 

Central banks 
General governments 
Credit institutions 
Other financial  corporations 
Non-financial corporations 
Households  

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

7.2.2 

132,584 
265 
- 
2,919 
11,426 
5,862 
71,011 
41,366 

10,665 
290 
1 
132 
339 
587 
9,376 
231 

36,190 
477 
124 
199 
5,285 
2,902 
27,496 
182 

130,923 
270 
- 
3,117 
11,742 
4,578 
65,475 
46,011 

10,984 
224 
- 
125 
995 
583 
8,986 
295 

39,209 
506 
1 
521 
5,952 
2,902 
29,682 
151 

Total 
( *)  Non-performing financial guarantees given amounted to €767, €731 and €740 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.  

179,440 

181,116 

7.2.2 

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 

170,511 

As of December 31, 2020, the provisions for loan commitments given, financial guarantees given and other commitments given, recorded 
in the consolidated balance  sheet amounted €280 million, €182 million and 266€ million, respectively  (see Note 24). 

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 to be the actual future requirement for financing or liquidity to be provided by the 
BBVA Group to third parties. 

In the years  2020, 2019 and 2018, 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,  2020,  2019  and  2018  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 purchase and sale commitments of the BBVA Group are disclosed in Notes 10, 14 and 22. 

Future payment obligations mainly  correspond to leases payable  derived  from operating lease  contracts, as detailed in Note 22.5, and 
estimated employee benefit payments, as detailed in Note 25.1.3. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

36. 

Transactions on behalf of third parties 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 the details of the relevant transactions on behalf of third parties are as follows: 

Transactions on behalf of third parties. Breakdown by concepts (Millions of Euros) 

Financial instruments entrusted to BBVA by third parties 

Conditional bills and other securities received for collection 

Securities lending 

Total 

37. 

 Net interest income 

37.1 

Interest and other income 

2020 

2019 

2018 

357,022 

693,497 

689,157 

10,459 

5,285 

13,133 

7,129 

13,484 

4,866 

372,766 

713,759 

707,508 

The breakdown of the interest and other income recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statement is as follows: 

Interest and other income. Breakdown  by origin (Millions of Euros) 

Financial  assets held for trading 

Financial  assets designated at fair  value through profit or loss 

Financial  assets at fair  value through other comprehensive income 

Financial  assets at amortized cost 

Insurance activity 

Adjustments of income as a result of hedging transactions  

Other income (*) 

Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

1,189 

8 

1,392 

18,357 

1,021 

(112) 

534 

2,037 

5 

1,629 

22,741 

1,079 

(72) 

343 

2,055 

4 

1,620 

22,029 

1,141 

(162) 

268 

22,389 

27,762 

26,954 

(*) Includes accrued interest following TLTRO III transactions in 2020 and 2019 (see Note 22). 

The amounts recognized in consolidated equity in connection with hedging derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018 and the amounts derecognized from the consolidated equity and taken to the consolidated income statements during those years 
are included 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 expense. Breakdown  by origin (Millions of Euros) 

Financial  liabilities  held for trading  

Financial  liabilities  designated at fair value  through profit or loss  

Financial  liabilities  at amortized cost  

Adjustments of expense  as a result of hedging transactions 

Insurance activity 

Cost attributable to pension funds 

Other expense 

Total 

2020 

742 

61 

6,346 

(413) 

721 

57 

284 

2019 

1,229 

6 

9,953 

(250) 

753 

85 

196 

2018 

1,210 

41 

9,757 

(351) 

832 

71 

108 

7,797 

11,972 

11,669 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total 

39. 

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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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) 

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

Financial  assets at fair  value through other comprehensive income 

2020 

2019 

2018 

15  

122 

137 

26  

126 

153 

19  

126 

145 

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

Results from “Share  of profit or loss of entities accounted for using the equity method” resulted in a negative impact of €39 million as of 
December  31, 2020, compared with the negative impact of €42 and the negative impact of €7 million recorded as of December  31, 2019 
and 2018, respectively. 

40. 

Fee and commission income and expense 

The breakdown of the balance under these headings in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as follows: 

Fee and commission income. Breakdown by origin (Millions of Euros) 

Bills receivables 

Demand accounts 

Credit and debit cards and ATMs 

Checks 

Transfers and other payment orders 

Insurance product commissions 

Loan commitments given 

Other commitments and financial  guarantees given 

Asset management 

Securities  fees 

Custody securities 

Other fees and commissions 

Total 

2020 

27 

322 

2,089 

136 

555 

159 

185 

349 

1,100 

367 

135 

556 

5,980 

2019 

39 

301 

2,862 

198 

623 

158 

187 

377 

1,026 

294 

123 

599 

6,786 

2018 

39 

249 

2,690 

188 

595 

169 

183 

374 

986 

301 

123 

564 

6,462 

The breakdown of fee and commission expense under these heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as follows:  

Fee and commission expense. Breakdown by origin (Millions of Euros) 

Demand accounts 

Credit and debit cards 

Transfers and other payment orders 
Commissions for selling  insurance 
Custody securities 

Other fees and commissions 
Total 

2020 

5 

1,130 

97 

54 

52 

519 

1,857 

2019 

6 

1,566 

81 

54 

30 

548 

2,284 

2018 

11 

1,403 

36 

48 

29 

531 

2,059 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Gains  (losses)  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  hedge  accounting  and  exchange 

41. 
differences, net 

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,  hedge accounting and exchange differences, net. Breakdown by heading (Millions of 
Euros) 

Gains (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 (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 (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 (losses) 

Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities  designated at fair value through profit or 
loss, net 

Gains (losses) from hedge accounting, net  

Subtotal gains (losses)  on financial assets  and liabilities 
Exchange differences, net 

Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

139 

106 

33 
777 

- 

- 

777 

208 

- 

- 

208 

56 

7 

1,187 
359 

1,546 

186 

44 

141 
419 

- 

- 

419 

143 

- 

- 

143 

(98) 

55 

705 
581 

1,286 

191 

37 

155 
640 

- 

- 

640 

96 

- 

- 

96 

139 

69 

1,136 
13 

1,148 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The breakdown of the balance  (excluding exchange rate differences)  under this heading in the accompanying income statements by the 
nature of financial instruments is as follows: 

Gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities.  Breakdown by nature of the financial  instrument (Millions of Euros) 

Debt instruments 

Equity instruments 

Trading derivatives  and hedge accounting 

Loans and advances  to customers 

Customer deposits 

Other 
Total 

2020 

2019 

848 

(28) 

277 

128 

(79) 

42 

1,187 

945 

1,336 

(1,133) 

78 

(26) 

(497) 

705 

2018 

354 

(253) 

858 

(190) 

239 

127 

1,136 

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) 

2020 

2019 

2018 

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 

- 

- 

- 

- 

269 

(36) 

1 

(89) 

88 

37 

270 

5 
(151) 

156 

2 
7 

277 

- 

(85) 

(1,072) 

5 

74 

(75) 

(35) 

(1,187) 

- 

55 
(36) 

91 

- 
55 

(1,133) 

61 

298 

(2) 

(109) 

565 

(24) 

790 

68 
(135) 

203 

1 
69 

858 

In addition, in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, under the heading “Exchange differences,  net" in the accompanying  
consolidated  income  statements  negative  amounts of €57  million,  €225 million  and €113  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 

Hyperinflation  adjustment (*) 

Other operating income 

Total 

(*) See Note 2.2.19. 

2020 

2019 

2018 

244 

94 

154 

492 

258 

146 

235 

639 

458 

120 

351 

929 

The breakdown of the balance  under the heading “Other operating expense” in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as 
follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Other operating expense (Millions of Euros) 

Change in inventories 

Contributions to guaranteed banks deposits funds  

Hyperinflation  adjustment (*) 

Other operating expense 

Total 

(*) See Note 2.2.19. 

2020 

2019 

2018 

124 

800 

348 

390 

107 

746 

538 

551 

292 

670 

494 

565 

1,662 

1,943 

2,021 

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: 

Income and expense from insurance and reinsurance contracts (Millions of Euros) 

Income from insurance and reinsurance contracts 

2020 

2,497 

2019 

2,890 

2018 

2,949 

Expense from insurance and reinsurance  contracts 

(1,894) 
Total 
1,055 
The table below shows the contribution of each insurance product to the Group´s income for the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 
and 2018: 

(1,520) 
977 

(1,751) 
1,138 

Income by type of insurance product (Millions of Euros) 

Life insurance 
Individual 
Savings 
Risk 

Group insurance 

Savings 
Risk 

Non-Life insurance 
Home insurance 
Other non-life insurance products 

Total 

44.  Administration costs 

44.1 Personnel expense 

2020 
497 
439 
92 
346 
59 
5 
54 
480 
91 
389 
977 

2019 
631 
477 
116 
361 
154 
26 
127 
508 
90 
418 
1,138 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as follows:  

Personnel expense (Millions of Euros) 

Wages and salaries 

Social  security costs 

Defined  contribution plan expense 

Defined  benefit plan expense 

Other personnel expense 

Total 

Notes 

25 

25 

2020 

3,610 

671 

72 

49 

293 

2019 

4,103 

725 

95 

49 

379 

4,695 

5,351 

5,205 

2018 
682 
486 
56 
430 
196 
39 
157 
373 
110 
263 
1,055 

2018 

4,031 

670 

72 

58 

373 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

44.1.1 

Share-based  employee remuneration 

The amounts recognized under the heading “Administration costs - Personnel expense - Other personnel expense”  in the consolidated 
income statements for the year  ended December  31, 2020, 2019  and 2018, corresponding to the remuneration plans based on equity 
instruments in each year, amounted to €16 million, €31 million and €29 million, respectively. These amounts have been recognized with 
a corresponding entry under the heading “Shareholders’  funds - Other equity instruments” in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets, net of tax effect. 

The characteristics  of the Group's remuneration plans based on equity instruments are described below. 

System of Variable Remuneration in Shares  

BBVA has a specific remuneration system applicable  to those employees whose professional activities may have a material impact on the 
risk profile of the Group (hereinafter “Identified Staff”), designed within the framework of applicable  regulations to credit institutions and 
considering best practices and recommendations at the local and international levels  in this matter. 

In 2020, this remuneration scheme is reflected in the following remuneration policies:  

BBVA Group Remuneration Policy, approved by the Board of Directors on November 29, 2017, that applies in general to all 
employees of BBVA and of its subsidiaries that form part of the consolidated group. This policy includes in a specific chapter 
the remuneration system applicable  to the members of BBVA Group Identified Staff, including Senior Management.  

BBVA Directors’ Remuneration Policy, approved by the Board of Directors and by the General Shareholders’ Meeting held 
on March 15, 2019, that it’s applicable to BBVA Directors. The remuneration system for executive directors corresponds, 
generally, with the applicable  system to the Identified Staff, to which they belong, incorporating some particularities of their 
own, derived from their condition of directors. 

The Annual Variable Remuneration for the Identified Staff members is subject to specific rules for settlement and payment established in  
their corresponding remuneration policies, specifically: 

Variable remuneration for Identified Staff members for each financial year will  be subject to ex ante adjustments, so that it 
shall be reduced at the time of the performance assessment in the event of negative performance of the Group’s results or 
other parameters such as the level of achievement of budgeted targets, and it shall not accrue or it will accrue in a reduced 
amount, should certain level of profits and capital ratios not be achieved.  

60% of the Annual Variable Remuneration will be paid, if conditions are met, in the year following that to which it corresponds 
(the “Upfront Portion”). For executive directors, members of the Senior Management and Identified Staff members with 
particularly high variable remuneration, the Upfront Portion will be 40% of the Annual Variable Remuneration. The remaining 
portion will be deferred in time (hereinafter, the “Deferred Component”) for a 5 year-period for executive directors and 
members of the Senior Management, and 3 years for the remaining Identified Staff.  

50% of the Annual Variable Remuneration, both the Upfront Portion and the Deferred Component, shall be established in 
BBVA shares. As regards executive directors and Senior Management, 60% of the Deferred Component shall be established 
in shares. 

Shares received  as Annual Variable Remuneration shall be withheld for a one-year period after delivery, except for the transfer 
of those shares required to honor the payment taxes. 

The Deferred Component of the Annual Variable Remuneration may be reduced in its entirety, but never increased, based on 
the result of multi-year performance indicators aligned with the Group’s core risk management and control metrics related to 
the solvency, capital, liquidity, profitability or to the share performance and the recurring results of the Group. 

Resulting cash portions of the Deferred Component of Annual Variable Remuneration and subject to the multi-year 
performance indicators, finally delivered, shall be updated following the Consumer Price Index (CPI), measured as the year-
on-year change prices, as agreed by the Board of Directors.  

The entire Annual Variable Remuneration shall be subject to malus and clawback arrangements during the whole deferral and 
withholding period, both linked to a downturn in the financial performance of the Bank as a whole, of a specific  unit or area, or 
of exposure generated by an Identified Staff member, when such a downturn in financial performance arises from any of the 
circumstances expressly named in the remuneration policies. 

No personal hedging strategies or insurances shall be used in connection with remuneration or liability that may undermine 
the effects of alignment with sound risk management. 

The variable  component of the remuneration for a financial year shall be limited to a maximum amount of 100% of the fixed 
component of the total remuneration, unless the General Meeting resolves to increase this percentage up to a maximum of 
200%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

In this regard, the General  Meeting held  on March, 13, 2020  resolved  to increase  this limit  to a  maximum  level  of 200%  of the fixed  
component of the total remuneration for a given number of the Identified Staff members, in the terms indicated in the report issued for 
this purpose by the Board of Directors dated February 10, 2020. 

According to the settlement and payment scheme indicated, during 2020, a total amount of 5,754,101 BBVA shares corresponding to the 
Upfront Portion of 2019 Annual Variable Remuneration has been delivered  to the Identified Staff. 

in  2016,  during  2020  a  total  amount  of  4,220,900  BBVA  shares 
Additionally,  according  to  the  Remuneration  Policy  applicable 
corresponding to the Deferred Component of 2016 Variable Remuneration has been delivered  to the Identifies Staff. This amount has 
been subject to a downward adjustment due to multi-year performance indicators evaluation. 

Likewise, the aforesaid policy established that the deferred amounts in shares of the Annual Variable Remuneration finally vested, subject 
to multi-year performance indicators, will  be updated in cash, based on the terms established  by the Board of Directors. In this regard, 
during 2020 a total amount of 3,085,476 euros has been delivered  to the Identified Staff as updates of the corresponding shares of the 
Deferred Component of 2016 Annual Variable Remuneration. 

Detailed information on the delivery of shares to executive directors and Senior Management is included in Note 54. 

Lastly, in line with specific  regulation applicable in Portugal and Brazil, BBVA IFIC and BBVA Brazil Banco de Investimento have identified 
respectively  the staff in these countries whose  Annual Variable  Remuneration should be subject to a specific  settlement and payment  
scheme, more specifically: 

A percentage of the Annual Variable Remuneration is subject to a three years deferral that shall be paid yearly over the 
mentioned period. 

50% of the Annual Variable Remuneration, both the Upfront Portion and Deferred Component, shall be established in BBVA 
Shares. 

In BBVA IFIC, resulting cash portions of the Deferred Component of Annual Variable Remuneration and subject to multi-year 
performance indicators, finally delivered, shall be updated following the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measured as year-on-
year price variation. 

In BBVA Brasil Banco de Investimento, both the cash amounts and share amounts of the Deferred Component may be subject 
to update adjustments in cash. 

According to this remuneration scheme, during financial  year 2020 a total of 18,879 BBVA shares corresponding to the Upfront Portion 
of 2019 Annual Variable Remuneration have been delivered  to this staff in Portugal and Brazil. 

Additionally, during 2020 there have been delivered  to this staff in Portugal and Brazil a total of 5,083 BBVA shares corresponding to the 
first third of the Deferred  Component of 2018 Annual Variable  Remuneration, as well  as 1,323 euros as adjustments for updates. A total 
of 9,558 BBVA shares corresponding to the second third of the Deferred  Component of 2017 Annual Variable  Remuneration and 4,873 
euros as adjustments for updates; and a total of 12,142 BBVA shares corresponding to the last third of the Deferred Component of 2016 
Annual Variable Remuneration and 8,873 euros as adjustments for updates.  

44.2 Other administrative expense 

The breakdown of the balance under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements is as follows: 

Other administrative  expense (Millions of Euros) 

Technology and systems 

Communications  

Advertising 

Property, fixtures and materials 

Taxes  other than income tax 

Surveillance  and cash courier services 

Other expense 

Total 

2020 

1,088 

172 

186 

404 

344 

161 

749 

2019 

1,060 

181 

250 

477 

378 

188 

885 

2018 

1,000 

193 

265 

865 

395 

177 

921 

3,105 

3,418 

3,816 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

45.  Depreciation and amortization  

The breakdown of the balance  under this heading in the accompanying consolidated income statements for the years  ended December  
2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:  

Depreciation and amortization (Millions of Euros) 

Tangible  assets 

For own use 

Right-of-use assets 

Investment properties and other 

Intangible assets 

Total  

46.  Provisions or reversal of provisions 

Notes 

17 

18.2 

2020 

2019 

781 

453 

324 

3 

507 

876 

523 

349 

3 

510 

1,288 

1,386 

2018 

533 

529 

5 

500 

1,034 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the net provisions recognized in this income statement line item were as follows: 

Provisions or reversal of provisions (Millions of Euros) 

Notes 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Pensions and other post employment defined  benefit obligations 

25  

Commitments and guarantees given (*) 

Pending legal issues  and tax litigation 

Other provisions 

Total 

210  

192  

208  

136  

746 

213  

96  

171  

133  

614 

125  

(27) 

135  

162  

395 

(*)   

In 2020, the amount of commitments and guarantees given includes the negative impact of the update of the macroeconomic scenario following the COVID-19 
pandemic (see Notes 1.5 and 7.2). 

Impairment or  reversal of  impairment on  financial assets not  measured at  fair  value 

47. 
through profit or loss or net gains by modification 

The breakdown of impairment or reversal  of impairment on financial assets not measured at fair value  through profit or loss or net gains 
by modification 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 or net gains by modification 
(Millions of Euros) 

Financial assets at fair value through  other  comprehensive  income  - 
Debt securities 

Financial assets at amortized cost (*) 

Of which: recovery of written-off assets 

Total 

Notes 

2020 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

19  

82  

1  

5,160 

(339) 

5,179 

3,470 

(919) 

3,552 

3,680 

(589) 

3,681 

7.2.5 

 (*)   

In 2020, the amount includes the negative impact of the update of the macroeconomic scenario following the COVID-19 pandemic (see Notes 1.5 and 7.2). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

48. 

Impairment or reversal of impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates 

The heading “Impairment or reversal  of the impairment of investments in joint ventures or associates" resulted in a loss of €190 and 46 
million euros for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. There was no impairment recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018  
(see Note 16.3). 

49. 

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 

2020 

2019 

2018 

17 

125 

19 

9 

153 

94 

12 

23 

128 

4 

83 

50 

137 

50.  Gains  (losses) 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: 

Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale  not qualifying as discontinued operations 
(Millions of Euros) 

Gains on sale  of real  estate 
Impairment of non-current assets held for sale 

Gains (losses) 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 

Notes 

21 

2020 

116 

(103) 

431 

- 

444 

2019 

86 

(72) 

10 

- 

23 

2018 

126 

(206) 

894 

- 

815 

(*) 

The variation in year 2020 is mainly due to the transfer of half plus one share in BBVA Allianz Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A. (see Note 3). The variation in year 2018 
is mainly due to the sale of the BBVA stake in BBVA Chile (see Note 3). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

51.  Consolidated statements of cash flows  

The  mapping  of  the  heading  cash  and  equivalents  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  cash  flows  has  been  modified,  and  this 
modification is not relevant to the consolidated condensed interim financial statements as a whole. In order for the information to be 
comparable, the information for the 2019 and 2018 financial  years has been restated. 

The variation between 2020, 2019 and 2018 of the financial  liabilities  from financing activities is the following: 

Liabilities from financing activities. December  2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Non-cash changes 

December 
31, 2019 

Cash 
flows  

Acquisition  Disposal 

Disposals by 
companies 
held for sale  
(**) 

Foreign 
exchange 
movement 

Fair 
value 
changes 

December 
31, 2020 

Liabilities at amortized cost: Debt 
certificates 

63,963   3,003  

Of which: Issuances of subordinated 
liabilities  (*)  

17,675  

(8) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(3,160) 

(2,026) 

- 

(419) 

- 

- 

61,780  

17,248  

(*) 

Additionally, there are €12 million of issuances of subordinated liabilities as of December 2020 (see Note 22 and Appendix VI). The subordinated issuances 
of BBVA Paraguay and of the BBVA USA sale perimeter as of December 31, 2020 are recorded in the heading "Liabilities included in disposal groups 
classified as held for sale" of the consolidated balance which amount to €37 and €735 million, respectively. 

(**)   The amount is mainly due to the sale of the stake in BBVA USA (see Note 3). 

Liabilities from financing activities. December  2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Non-cash changes 

December 
31, 2018 

Cash 
flows  

Acquisition  Disposal 

Liabilities at amortized cost: Debt certificates 

61,112  

2,643  

Of which: Issuances of subordinated liabilities 
(*)  

17,635  

(190) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Foreign 
exchange 
movement 
209  

Fair 
value 
changes 
- 

December 
31, 2019 

63,963  

229  

- 

17,675  

(*) 

Additionally, there are €384 million of issuances of subordinated liabilities as of December 2019 (see Note 22 and Appendix VI). Subordinated liabilities 
corresponding to BBVA Paraguay as of December 2019 were recorded in the heading "Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale" 
amounting to €40 million. 

Liabilities from financing activities. December  2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Non-cash changes 

Liabilities at amortized cost: Debt certificates 

61,649  

2,152  

Of which: Issuances of subordinated liabilities 
(*)  

17,443  

857  

- 

- 

December 
31, 2017 

Cash 
flows  

Acquisition  Disposal 

Foreign 
exchange 
movement 
(862) 

Fair 
value 
changes 
- 

December 
31, 2018 

61,112  

(1,828) 

(694) 

29  

- 

17,635  

 (*)  

Additionally, there are subordinated deposits for 411 million euros as of December 31, 2018 (see Note 22 and Annex VI). The subordinated issues of BBVA 
Chile as of December 31, 2017 are recorded under the line "Liabilities included in disposal groups of items that have been classified as held for sale" on the 
consolidated balance sheet with a balance of 574 million euros. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

52.  Accountant fees and services 

The details of the fees for the services contracted by entities of the BBVA Group for the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 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 

2020 

27.7 

1.3 

0.2 

2019 

28.1 

1.5 

- 

2018 

26.1 

1.5 

0.1  

(*) 

Including fees pertaining to annual legal audits (€23.6, €24.1 and €22.4 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively). 

(**) 

Regardless of the billed year. 

In the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, certain 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 

2020 

0.4 

2019 

2018 

0.3 

0.3 

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 services  and other required by the regulator 

Other  

2020 

2019 

2018 

6.5 

5.4 

0.9 

0.3 

0.9 

- 

6.5 

5.5 

0.9 

0.3 

0.8 

- 

6.7 

5.9 

1.1 

0.3 

0.9 

- 

(*)    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). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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. These transactions are not relevant and are  carried out under normal market conditions. As of December  31, 2020, 2019  and 
2018 the following are the transactions with related parties: 

53.1 Transactions with significant shareholders 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, there were no shareholders considered significant (see Note 26). 

53.2 Transactions with BBVA Group entities 

The balances  of the main captions 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 

Other contingent commitments given 

Loan commitments given 

2020 

2019 

2018 

148 

1,743 

- 

- 
791 

- 

- 

132 

1,400 

11 

26 

1,682 

3 
453 

- 

166 

1,042 

106 

132 

1,866 

2 
521 

- 

152 

1,358 

78 

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 consolidated  income statement arising from transactions with entities of the Group (Millions of Euros) 

Income statement 
Interest and other income 

Interest expense 

Fee and commission income 

Fee and commission expense 

2020 

2019 

2018 

20 

1 

5 

34 

19 

1 

4 

53 

55 

2 

5 

48 

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 commitments (see  Note 
25) and the derivatives 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 amount and nature of the transactions carried out with members of the Board of Directors and Senior Management of BBVA, as well 
as their respective related parties is given below. All of these transactions belong to the Bank's normal course of business, are not material 
and have being carried out under normal market conditions. 

As of December  31, 2020, there were  no loans or credits granted by the Group’s entities to the members of the Board of Directors. As of 
December 2019 and 2018, the amount availed against the loans and credits granted by the Group’s entities to the members of the Board 
of Directors amounted to €607 and €611 thousand, respectively. On those same dates, there were  no loans or credits granted to parties 
related to the members of the Board of Directors. 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the amount availed against the loans granted by the Group’s entities to the members of Senior 
Management (excluding executive directors) amounted to €5,349, €4,414 and €3,783 thousand, respectively. On those same dates, the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
amount availed against the loans granted by the Group’s entities to parties related to members of Senior Management amounted to €580, 
€57 and €69 thousand, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 no guarantees had been granted to any member of the Board of Directors or their related parties. 

The  amount availed  against  guarantees  arranged  with  members  of  Senior  Management as  of December  31, 2020,  2019  and  2018  
amounted to €10, €10, and €38 thousand, respectively. 

As of December  31, 2020 and 2019, the amount availed against guarantees and commercial  loans arranged with parties related  to the 
members of the Bank’s Board of Directors and Senior Management amounted to €25 thousand, on both dates. As of December 31, 2018, 
no guarantees and commercial  loans have been granted to parties related to the members of Senior Management. 

The information on the remuneration of the members of the BBVA Board of Directors and Senior Management is included in Note 54 

53.4 Transactions with other related parties 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Group has not carried out operations with other related  parties that do not belong to the 
line of business or ordinary traffic of its activity, that are not carried out under normal market conditions and that are not of low relevance; 
understanding by such those whose information is not necessary to give the true image of the assets, the financial situation and the results, 
consolidated, of the BBVA Group. 

Remuneration and other benefits for the Board of Directors and members of the Bank's 

54. 
Senior Management 

  Remuneration received  by non-executive directors in 2020 

The  remuneration  paid  to  non-executive  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  during  the  2020  financial  year  is  indicated  below,  
individualized and itemized:  

Remuneration for non-executive directors (thousands of euro) 

  Board of 
Directors 

Executive 
Committee 

Audit 
Committee 

Risk and 
Compliance 
Committee 

Remunerations 
Committee  

Appointments 
and Corporate 
Governance 
Committee 

Technology 
and 
Cybersecurity 
Committee 

Other 
positions 
(1) 

Total 

José Miguel Andrés 
Torrecillas  
Jaime Caruana 
Lacorte  
Raúl Galamba de 
Oliveira (2) 

Belén Garijo López 

Sunir Kumar 
Kapoor  

Lourdes Máiz Carro 

José Maldonado 
Ramos 

Ana Peralta Moreno  

Juan Pi Llorens  

Ana Revenga 
Shanklin (2) 
Susana Rodríguez 
Vidarte  
Carlos Salazar 
Lomelín (2) 

Jan Verplancke  

129 

129 

107 

129 

129 

129 

129 

129 

129 

97 

129 

97 

129 

66 

165 

66 

66 

66 

111 

167 

167 

167 

36 

107 

71 

214 

71 

107 

Total (3) 

1,588 

611 

431 

606 

115 

50 

507 

107 

46 

32 

43 

43 

43 

29 

29 

250 

46 

46 

46 

301 

567 

211 

349 

172 

238 

342 

238 

512 

168 

449 

125 

200 

43 

80 

43 

161 

130 

4,078 

(1) 

Amounts received during the 2020 financial year by José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas, in his capacity as Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors, and by 
Juan Pi Llorens, in his capacity as Lead Director. 

(2)  Directors appointed by the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on 13 March 2020. Remunerations paid based on the date on which the position was 

accepted. 

(3) 

Includes remuneration  paid for  membership  on  the  Board  and  its  various committees during  the  2020  financial year.  The  composition  of  these 
committees was amended by resolution of the Board of Directors dated 29 April 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Also, during 2020 financial year, €95 thousand was paid out in casualty and healthcare insurance premiums for non-executive members  
of the Board of Directors. 

In addition, Tomás Alfaro Drake and Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo, who left their roles as directors on 13 March 2020, received a total of 
€54 thousand and €111 thousand, respectively, for their membership of the Board and of the various Board Committees during the first 
quarter of the financial year. The Bank has also paid out a total of €18 thousand in casualty and healthcare insurance premiums. 

  Remuneration received  by executive directors in 2020 

During the 2020 financial  year, the executive  directors received  the amount of the Annual Fixed Remuneration corresponding to such 
financial  year,  established  for  each  director  in  the  Remuneration  Policy  for  BBVA Directors,  which  was  approved  by  the  General 
Shareholders’ Meeting held on 15 March 2019. 

In addition, the executive directors received their Annual Variable Remuneration (“AVR”) for the 2019 financial year, which, in accordance 
with the settlement and payment system set out in the remuneration policy applicable to such year, was due to be paid to them during the 
2020 financial year.  

In application of this settlement and payment system: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

40% of the 2019 Annual Variable Remuneration corresponding to executive directors was paid in the 2020 financial  year (the 
Upfront Portion); in equal parts in cash and BBVA shares. 
The remaining 60% of the Annual Variable  Remuneration has been deferred  (40% in cash and 60%  in shares) for a period of 
five years (the Deferred Portion), and its accrual and payment will be subject to compliance with a series of multi-year indicators. 
The application of these indicators, calculated  over the first three years of deferral, may lead  to the reduction or even forfeit of 
the Deferred Portion, even in its entirety, but in no event may it be increased. Provided that the relevant conditions are met, the 
resulting amount will then be paid, in cash and in BBVA shares, according to the following payment schedule: 60% in 2023, 20% 
in 2024 and the remaining 20% in 2025. 
All of the shares delivered  to the executive  directors as AVR, including both as  part of the Upfront Portion and the Deferred 
Portion, will be withheld for a one year lock-up period after delivery,  except for the shares transferred to honor the payment of 
taxes accruing on the shares received. 
The  Deferred  Portion of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration  payable  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. 
Over the entire deferral  and withholding period, the Annual Variable Remuneration for the executive directors will  be subject to 
variable  remuneration reduction and recovery arrangements ("malus" and "clawback"). 
The variable  component of the remuneration for executive  directors corresponding to the 2019 financial  year  is limited  to a 
maximum amount of 200% of the fixed component of the total remuneration, as agreed by the General Shareholders’ Meeting 
held during such financial year. 

Additionally, upon receipt of the shares, executive directors will not be allowed to transfer a number equivalent to twice their Annual Fixed 
Remuneration for at least three years after their delivery. 

In 2020, the Group Executive  Chairman and the Chief Executive  Officer  likewise  received  the deferred  portion of their Annual Variable 
Remuneration due that year  for the 2016 financial  year  (50%  of the Annual Variable  Remuneration), after being adjusted downwards 
following the results of the multi-year performance indicators. This remuneration was paid in equal parts in cash and in shares, together 
with the corresponding update in cash, thus concluding the payment of the Annual Variable Remuneration to the executive directors for 
the 2016 financial  year.  

In  accordance  with  the  above,  the  remunerations  paid  to  executive  directors  during the  2020  financial  year  are  indicated  below,  
individualized and itemized: 

Annual Fixed Remuneration for 2020 (thousands of euro)  

Group Executive Chairman 

Chief Executive Officer   

Total  

2,453 

2,179 

4,632 

In addition, in accordance  with the current Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors, during the 2020 financial  year, the Chief Executive 
Officer has received  €654 thousand for the cash in lieu of pension item (equivalent to 30% of his Annual Fixed Remuneration)—given that 
he  does  not have  a  retirement  pension  (see  the Pension  commitments  section  of this  Note)—and  €600  thousand for the  mobility 
allowance  item. 

 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

2019 Annual Variable Remuneration (Upfront payment) 

Group Executive Chairman  

Chief Executive Officer 

Total 

In cash (1)  
(thousands of euro) 

636 

571 

1,207 

In shares (1) 

126,470 

113,492 

239,962 

(1)  Remuneration corresponding to the Upfront Portion (40%) of the AVR for the 2019 financial year (50% in cash and 50% in BBVA shares). 

2016 Deferred Annual Variable Remuneration (Deferred Portion) 

Group Executive Chairman  
Chief Executive Officer 
Total 

In cash (1) 
(thousands of euro) 

656 
204 
861 

In shares (1)  

89,158 
31,086 
120,244 

(1)  Remunerations corresponding to deferred AVR for the 2016 financial year (50% of the AVR for 2016, in equal parts in cash and shares), payment 
of which was due in 2020, together with its corresponding update in cash, and after a downwards adjustment following the results of the multi-year 
performance indicators. In the case of both the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, this remuneration is associated with their previous positions. 

In addition, the executive directors received remuneration in kind during the 2020 financial year, including insurance and other premiums, 
amounting to a total of €360 thousand of which €228 thousand corresponds to the Group Executive Chairman and €132 thousand to the 
Chief Executive Officer.   

As Head  of Global  Economics  & Public  Affairs  (Head  of GE&PA), former executive  director José Manuel  González-Páramo  Martínez-
Murillo, who left his role of director on 13 March 2020, received €168 thousand as fixed remuneration; €174 thousand and 28,353 BBVA 
shares corresponding to the Upfront Portion (40%) of the AVR for the 2019 financial year  and to the Deferred Portion of the AVR for the 
2016  financial  year,  payment  of  which  was  due  in  the  2020  financial  year,  including  the  corresponding  cash  update;  as  well  as 
€33 thousand as remuneration in kind. 

Remuneration received  by Senior Management  in 2020 

During the 2020 financial  year, the members of Senior Management, excluding executive  directors, received  the amount of the Annual 
Fixed Remuneration corresponding to such financial year. 

In addition, they received  the Annual Variable  Remuneration for the 2019 financial  year, which, in accordance  with the settlement and 
payment system set out in the remuneration policy applicable for such financial year, was due to be paid to them during the 2020 financial 
year.  

Under this settlement and payment system, the same rules as set out above for executive directors are applicable. These include, among 
other things: 40% of the Annual Variable Remuneration, in equal parts cash and in BBVA shares, will be paid in the financial year following  
the year  to which it corresponds (the Upfront Portion), and the remaining 60% will be deferred (40% in cash and 60% in shares) for a 
five-year  period, with its accrual  and payment being subject to compliance  with a series of multi-year indicators (the Deferred  Portion), 
applying the same payment schedule established for executive directors. The shares received will be withheld for a one year lock-up period 
(this will  not apply to those shares transferred to honor the payment of taxes arising therefrom). Likewise, senior management may  not 
use personal hedging strategies or insurance in connection with the remuneration; the variable component of the remuneration for senior 
management corresponding to the 2019 financial year will be limited to a maximum amount of 200% of the fixed component of the total 
remuneration; and  over the entire  deferral  and withholding period, the Annual Variable  Remuneration will  be  subject to reduction and 
recovery (malus and clawback)  arrangements. 

Similarly,  in accordance with the remuneration policy for this group applicable in 2016 and in application of the settlement and payment  
system of the Annual Variable Remuneration for said financial  year, the members of Senior Management who were beneficiaries  of such 
remuneration received in 2020 the deferred portion of the Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2016 financial year, after being adjusted 
downwards following the results of the multi-year performance indicators. This remuneration has been paid in equal parts in cash and in  
shares, along with its update in cash, concluding the payment of this remuneration to the members of Senior Management for the 2016 
financial  year. 

In accordance  with the above, the remuneration paid during the 2020 financial year to all members of Senior Management as a whole, 
who held that position as of 31 December, 2020 (15 members, excluding executive  directors), is indicated and itemized below: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Annual Fixed Remuneration for 2020 (thousands of euro)  

Senior Management total 

14,101 

2019 Annual Variable Remuneration (Upfront Portion) 

Senior Management total 

In cash  
(thousands of euro) 

In shares  

1,402 

280,055 

(1)  Remuneration corresponding to the Upfront Portion (40%) of the AVR for the 2019 financial year (paid 50% in cash and 50% in BBVA shares), as 

well as the upfront portion of the retention plans for two members of Senior Management. 

2016 Annual Variable Remuneration (Deferred Portion) 

Senior Management total 

In cash  
(thousands of euro) 

In shares  

1,380 

182,461 

(1)  Remuneration corresponding to deferred AVR for the 2016 financial year (50% of the AVR for 2016, in equal parts in cash and in shares), payment 
of which was due in 2020, together with its corresponding update in cash, and after being adjusted downwards following the results of the multi-
year performance indicators.  

In addition, all  members  of Senior  Management, excluding  executive  directors, have  received  remuneration in  kind during the 2020 
financial  year, including insurance and other premiums, amounting to a total of €1,086 thousand. 

Remuneration of executive directors due in 2021 and subsequent financial years 

●  Annual Variable Remuneration for executive directors for the 2020 financial year 

In view  of the  exceptional  circumstances  arising  from  the COVID-19  crisis,  the  two executive  directors  have  voluntarily  waived  the 
generation of  the whole  of  the Annual Variable  Remuneration corresponding to the  2020  financial  year,  so  they  will  not  accrue  any 
remuneration in this respect. 

●  Deferred Annual Variable Remuneration for executive directors for the 2017 financial year  

Following the end of 2020 financial  year, the amount corresponding to the deferred Annual Variable Remuneration of executive directors 
for the 2017 financial  year has been determined, with delivery  in 2021, if conditions are met in accordance with the conditions set out in 
the remuneration policies applicable  to the 2017 financial year and applicable  to each of them. 

Thus, based on the result of each of the multi-year performance indicators set by the Board of Directors in 2017 to calculate the deferred  
portion of  this  remuneration,  and  in  application  of  the  corresponding scales  of  achievement  and  their  corresponding targets  and 
weightings, the final amount of the deferred Annual Variable Remuneration for the 2017 financial year has been determined.  

As a  result, the remuneration has been determined  in an amount of €411 thousand and 83,692 BBVA shares, in the case  of the Group 
Executive Chairman and €307 thousand and 39,796 BBVA shares, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, which includes in both cases 
the corresponding updates.  

●  Outstanding deferred Annual Variable Remuneration for executive directors  

At year-end 2020, in accordance  with the conditions established in the remuneration policies  applicable  in previous years, in addition to 
40% of the 2017 deferred AVR of the Group Executive  Chairman, 60%  of the Annual Variable  Remuneration corresponding to financial 
years 2018 and 2019 of both executive directors, remains deferred and is pending payment to them, and will be received  in future years if 
the applicable  conditions are met. 

Remunerations of Senior Management  due in 2021 and subsequent financial years 

●  Annual Variable Remuneration for Senior Management for the 2020 financial year 

In view  of the exceptional  circumstances arising from the COVID-19 crisis, the members of Senior Management have, like the executive 
directors, voluntarily waived  the generation of the whole of the Annual Variable Remuneration corresponding to the 2020 financial  year,  
so they will not accrue any remuneration in this respect. 

●  Deferred Annual Variable Remuneration for Senior Management for the 2017 financial year 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Following the end of the 2020 financial  year, the amount corresponding to the deferred Annual Variable Remuneration of members of 
Senior  Management  (15  members  as  at  31 December, 2020,  excluding  executive  directors)  for  the  2017  financial  year  has  been  
determined, with delivery  in 2021, if  conditions are met, in accordance  with the payment schedule set out in the remuneration policies 
applicable  to the 2017 financial year and applicable  to each of them. 

Thus, based on the result of each of the multi-year performance indicators set by the Board of Directors in 2017 to calculate the deferred  
portion of  this  remuneration,  and  in  application  of  the  corresponding scales  of  achievement  and  their  corresponding targets  and 
weightings, the amount of the deferred  portion of the 2017 Annual Variable  Remuneration for members  of Senior  Management, with 
delivery in 2021, has been determined in the aggregate total amount, excluding executive directors, of €610 thousand and 107,740 BBVA 
shares, including the corresponding updates.  

●  Outstanding deferred Annual Variable Remuneration for the members of Senior Management  

At year-end 2020, in accordance  with the conditions established in the remuneration policies  applicable  in previous years, in addition to 
40%  of  the  2017  deferred  AVR  in  the  case  of  some  members  of  Senior  Management, 60%  of  the  Annual  Variable  Remuneration 
corresponding to financial years 2018 and 2019 remains deferred and is pending payment to all members of Senior Management, and will 
be received  in future years if the applicable  conditions are met. 

Fixed  remuneration system  with  deferred delivery of shares for non-executive directors 

BBVA has a fixed 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 a further five year period in each case. 

This system is based on the annual allocation to non-executive directors of a number of "theoretical shares" of BBVA equivalent to 20% 
of the total remuneration in cash received by each director in the previous financial year, 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  approving  the 
corresponding financial statements for each financial  year. 

These shares will be delivered to each beneficiary, where applicable, after they leave directorship for any reason other than serious breach 
of their duties. 

The “theoretical shares”  allocated to non-executive directors who are  beneficiaries  of the remuneration system in shares with deferred  
delivery in the 2020 financial  year, corresponding to 20% of the total remuneration received in cash by each of them in the 2019 financial 
year, were as follows: 

José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas 
Jaime Félix Caruana Lacorte 
Raúl Galamba  de Oliveira 
Belén Garijo López 
Sunir Kumar Kapoor 
Lourdes Máiz Carro 
José Maldonado Ramos 
Ana Peralta Moreno 
Juan Pi Llorens 
Ana Revenga Shanklin 
Susana Rodríguez Vidarte 
Carlos Salazar  Lomelín 
Jan Verplancke 
Total (1) 

Theoretical shares 
allocated in 2020 

20,252 
22,067 
- 
14,598 
7,189 
10,609 
14,245 
10,041 
20,676 
- 
18,724 
- 
7,189 
145,590 

Theoretical shares 
accumulated as at 
31 December 2020 
75,912 
31,387 
- 
62,126 
22,915 
44,929 
108,568 
15,665 
92,817 
- 
141,138 
- 
12,392 
607,849 

(1)  

Furthermore,  8,984  “theoretical  shares” were assigned to Tomás  Alfaro  Drake and  18,655  “theoretical shares” were assigned Carlos  Loring 
Martínez de Irujo,  who left their roles as directors on 13 March 2020. After leaving their roles, both directors received a number of BBVA shares 
equivalent to the  total  number  of “theoretical shares” that each of them  had accumulated until that  date (102,571 and  135,046  BBVA shares, 
respectively) by application of the system. 

Pension commitments  with  executive directors and Senior Management 

The Bank has not made pension commitments with non-executive directors. 

With regard to the Group Executive Chairman, the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors establishes a pension framework whereby he 
is eligible, provided that he does not leave his position as a result of a serious breach of his duties, to receive a retirement pension, paid as 
a lump sum or in instalments, when he reaches the legally  established retirement age. The amount of this pension will be determined by 
the annual contributions made by the Bank, together with their corresponding accumulated yields at that date. 

The  annual  contribution to cover  the  retirement  contingency  for  the  Group Executive  Chairman's  defined-contribution system,  as 
established in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors approved by the General Shareholders’ Meeting in 2019, was determined as a 
result  of  the  conversion  of  his  previous  defined-benefit  rights  into  a  defined-contribution  system,  in  the  annual  amount  of 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
€1,642 thousand. The Board of Directors may  update this amount during the term of the Policy, in the same way and under the same 
terms as it may update the Annual Fixed Remuneration.  

15%  of the aforementioned  agreed annual  contribution will  be  based  on variable  components and considered  “discretionary  pension 
benefits”,  and  therefore subject  to the  conditions  regarding  delivery  in  shares,  retention  and  clawback  established  in  the  applicable 
regulations. 

In the event the Group Executive Chairman’s contract terminates before reaching retirement age for reasons other than serious breach  
of duties, the retirement pension due to the Group Executive Chairman upon reaching the legally established age will be calculated based  
on the funds accumulated through the 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 in any event from the time of termination. 

With respect to the commitments to cover the contingencies for death and disability benefits for the Group Executive Chairman, the Bank 
will undertake the payment of the corresponding annual insurance premiums in order to top up the coverage of these contingencies. 

In line with the above, during the 2020 financial  year, the following amounts have been recorded to meet the pension commitments for 
the  Group  Executive  Chairman:  an  amount  of  €1,642 thousand  with  regard  to  the  retirement  contingency  and  an  amount  of 
€377 thousand for the payment of premiums for the death and disability contingencies, as well as an upwards adjustment of €15 thousand 
for “discretionary pension benefits” for the 2019 financial year, which were declared at such financial  year-end and had to be registered in 
the accumulated fund in 2020.  

As of  31 December, 2020,  the total accumulated  amount of the  fund to meet  the retirement  commitments for  the Group  Executive 
Chairman amounts to €23,057 thousand. 

With  regard  to  the  agreed  annual  contribution  to  the  retirement  contingency  corresponding  to  the  2020  financial  year,  15% 
(€246 thousand) was registered in this financial  year as “discretionary pension benefits”. Following year-end, the amount was adjusted  
applying the same criteria used to determine the Annual Variable Remuneration for the rest of the Bank's staff. Thus, the “discretionary 
pension benefits” for the 2020 financial  year were determined in an amount of €148 thousand, following a downwards adjustment of €98 
thousand. These “discretionary pension benefits” will  be included in the accumulated fund in the 2021 financial  year and will be subject to 
the conditions established for these benefits in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors.  

With regard to the Chief  Executive  Officer,  in  accordance  with the provisions of the current Remuneration Policy  for  BBVA Directors 
approved by the General  Shareholders’ Meeting and his contract, the Bank is  not required to make  any contributions to a retirement  
pension, although he is entitled to an annual cash sum instead of a retirement pension equal to 30% of his Annual Fixed Remuneration. 
However, the Bank does have pension commitments to cover the death and disability contingencies, for which purpose the corresponding 
annual insurance premiums are paid.  

In accordance with the above, in the 2020 financial year, the Bank paid the Chief Executive Officer  the fixed-remuneration amount set out 
for  cash  in  lieu  of  pension  in  the  'Remuneration  received  by  executive  directors  in  2020'  section  of  this  Note  and  furthermore, 
€253 thousand was recorded for the payment of the annual insurance premiums to cover the death and disability contingencies. 

In the case  of the former executive  director, the Head  of GE&PA, €89 thousand were  registered as  contributions to fulfil  the pension 
commitments undertaken in proportion to the time he spent in office during the 2020 financial  year. This corresponds to: the sum of the 
annual contribution made to cover the retirement pension and the adjustment made to the “discretionary pension benefits`” for the 2019 
financial  year  that fell  due in the 2020  financial  year  once the AVR for the year  2019 had been  determined (€52 thousand); and to the 
death and disability premiums (€37 thousand). 

As of the date on which  he left his position, the total accumulated  fund to meet the retirement commitments for the former executive 
director Head of GE&PA amounted to €1,404 thousand, with no additional contributions to be made by the Bank from that point on. 

In accordance with the same criteria used in the case of the Group Executive Chairman, the “discretionary pension benefits” for the 2020 
financial  year  of the former executive director Head of GE&PA (calculated  in proportion to the time he remained  in office  in 2020) wer e 
determined in an amount of €5 thousand, following a downwards adjustment of €3 thousand, and will be included in the accumulated 
fund in the 2021 financial  year, subject to the conditions established in the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors. 

Furthermore, in the 2020 financial  year, to meet the pension commitments for members of Senior Management (15 members holding 
that position as at 31 December, 2020, excluding executive  directors) it was  recorded an amount of €2,739 thousand corresponding to 
the contribution to the retirement contingency  and of  €978 thousand corresponding to premiums to cover  the  death  and  disability 
contingencies, as well  as an upwards adjustment of €12 thousand for “discretionary pension benefits” for the 2019 financial  year, which  
were declared  at 2019 year-end and had to be registered in the accumulated fund in 2020.  

As  at 31 December, 2020,  the total  accumulated  amount of the  fund to  meet  the  retirement  commitments  for  members  of  Senior 
Management amounts to €22,156 thousand. 

As  for  the  executive  directors,  15%  of  the  agreed  annual  contributions for  members  of  Senior  Management  to  cover  retirement  
contingencies will  be based on variable  components and considered “discretionary  pension benefits”,  and are  therefore subject to the 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
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. 

For this purpose, with regard to the annual contribution for the retirement contingency registered in the 2020 financial  year, an amount 
of €405 thousand was registered in the 2020 financial year as “discretionary pension benefits” and, following the end of the 2020 financial 
year, as for the Group Executive Chairman, this amount was adjusted applying the same criteria  used to determine the Annual Variable 
Remuneration for the rest of the Bank's staff, taking into account as well the area and individual results of each senior manager established 
to this  effects  by  the  executive  area.  Accordingly, the “discretionary  pension  benefits”  for  such  financial  year,  corresponding to all 
members of Senior Management, were  determined to amount to a total of €255 thousand, following a downwards adjustment of €150 
thousand. These “discretionary pension benefits”  will be included in the accumulated fund in the 2021 financial  year, and will  be subject  
to the conditions established for these benefits in the remuneration policy applicable  to members of Senior Management, in accordance 
with the regulations applicable to BBVA on this matter. 

Payments  for the extinction of the contractual  relationship 

In accordance with the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors, the Bank has no commitments to pay severance benefits to executive directors.  

The contractual framework defined for the executive directors, in accordance with the Remuneration Policy for BBVA Directors, establishes a 
post-contractual non-compete clause for executive directors, effective for a period of two (2) years after they leave their role as BBVA executive 
directors, provided that they do not leave due to retirement, disability or serious breach of duties. In compensation for this agreement, the Bank 
shall  award  them remuneration of an amount equivalent  to their Annual Fixed Remuneration for each year  of the non-compete agreement, 
which will be awarded  monthly over the course of the two years. 

Accordingly, the former executive director Head of GE&PA, who left his role on 13 March 2020, received for this concept, €625 thousand during 
the 2020 financial  year. 

With regard to Senior Management, excluding executive directors, during the 2020 financial year, the Bank paid out a total of €2,185 thousand 
resulting from the extinction of the contractual relationship with one member of Senior Management and in fulfilment of the provisions of the 
member’s contract (for the payment of legal severance benefits and notice). This contract includes the right to receive the corresponding legal 
severance  pay, provided that the member  of Senior Management does not leave  of his own will,  for retirement, disability  or due to a serious 
breach of duties, which will  be calculated in accordance with the provisions of applicable  labor regulations, and a notice clause. In addition, the 
contract establishes a non-compete clause, effective for a period of one (1) year after the member leaves  the role as a senior manager of BBVA, 
provided that the member  does not leave  due to retirement, disability  or serious  breach of duties. In compensation for this agreement,  the 
member of Senior Management received  a total of €898 thousand during 2020. 

These payments comply with the conditions set out in the regulations applicable to the group of employees with a material impact on the Group's 
risk profile, to which members of Senior Management belong. 

. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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, 2020, there is no item included that requires disclosure in an environmental information report pursuant to Ministry JUS/318/2018, 
of March 21, by which the new model for the presentation in the Commercial Register of the consolidated annual accounts of the subjects 
obliged to its publication is approved. 

55.2  Reporting requirements of the Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) 

Dividends paid  

The table below presents the dividends per share paid in cash during 2020, 2019 and 2018 (cash basis dividend, regardless of the year in  
which they were accrued). See  Note 4 for a complete analysis of all remuneration awarded  to the shareholders in 2020, 2019 and 2018. 

Dividends paid 

Ordinary shares 

Rest of shares 

2020 

2019 

2018 

% 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) 

32.65% 

0.16 

1,067 

53.06% 

0.26 

1,734 

51.02% 

Total dividends paid in cash  

32.65% 

Dividends with charge to income 

32.65% 

- 

- 

0.16 

0.16 

- 

- 

1,067  53.06% 

1,067 

53.06% 

- 

0.26 

0.26 

- 

1,734 

1,734 

- 

51.02% 

51.02% 

Dividends with charge to reserve 
or share premium 

Dividends in kind 

Flexible payment 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Ordinary income and attributable profit by operating segment 

0.25 

- 

0.25 

0.25 

- 

- 

- 

1,667 

- 

1,667 

1,667 

- 

- 

- 

The detail of the consolidated ordinary income and profit for each operating segment is as follows as of December 2020 and 2019: 

Ordinary income and attributable profit by operating segment (Millions of Euros) 

Income from ordinary activities (1) 

Profit/ (loss)  (2) 

Spain 

The United States (3) 

Mexico 

Turkey 

South America 

Rest of Eurasia 

Subtotal operating segments 

Corporate Center 

2020 

8,564 

3,941 

11,026 

6,594 

5,621 

642 

36,387 

(241) 

2019 

9,736 

4,516 

13,131 

8,868 

6,786 

685 

43,721 

(696) 

2020 

606 

429 

1,759 

563 

446 

137 

3,940 

(2,635) 

2019 

1,386 

590 

2,699 

506 

721 

127 

6,029 

(2,517) 

3,512 
Total 
(1)  The line comprises interest income; dividend income; fee and commission income; 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; other operating income; 
and income from insurance and reinsurance contracts. 

43,026 

36,146 

1,305 

(2)  See Note 6. 

(3) 

In accordance with IFRS 5, information on the operating segment of The United States (classified as non-current asset held for sale) is presented following IFRS 8 “Operating 
Segments” (see Note 6). 

Interest income by geographical area 

The  breakdown  of  the  balance  of  “Interest  income  and  similar  income”  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  income  statements by 
geographical area  is as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Interest income. Breakdown by geographical area (Millions of Euros) 

Domestic  

Foreign 
European Union 

Eurozone 

Not Eurozone 

Other countries 

Total 

Notes 

37.1 

2020 

4,677  

17,712  

400  

243  

157  

17,312  

22,389 

2019 (*) 

2018 (*) 

4,884  

22,878  

4,872  

22,082  

470  

304  

166  

509  

391  

117  

22,408  

21,573  

27,762 

26,954 

(*)  Amounts in December 2019 and 2018 have been restated (see Note 1.3). 

Number of employees 

The detail of the average number of employees is as follows as of December 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

Average number of employees 

Men 

Women 

Total 

2020 

57,814 

67,076 

2019 

58,365 

67,778 

2018 

59,547 

69,790 

124,891 

126,143 

129,336 

The breakdown of the average number of employees in the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Average number of employees 

Spanish banks 
Management Team 

Other line personnel 

Clerical  staff 

Branches abroad 
Subtotal 

Companies abroad 
Mexico 

The United States 

Turkey 

Venezuela 

Argentina 

Colombia 

Peru 

Other 
Subtotal 

Pension fund managers 

Other non-banking companies 
Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

1,013  

20,955  

2,192  

979  
25,138 

33,753  

9,758  

21,946  

2,227  

6,048  

5,326  

6,149  

1,612  
86,819 

435  

12,499   
124,891 

1,049  

21,438  

2,626  

1,000  
26,114 

33,377  

9,712  

22,026  

2,806  

6,193  

5,301  

5,976  

1,605  
86,995 

396  

12,638  
126,143 

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 

The breakdown of the number of employees  in the BBVA Group as of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 by category and gender is as 
follows: 

Number  of employees at the year end. Professional category and gender 

Management  team 

Other line personnel 

Clerical staff 

Total 

2020 

2019 

2018 

Male 

Female 

Male 

Female 

Male 

Female 

2,195 

34,518 

20,268 

56,981 

1,015 

34,240 

30,938 

66,193 

2,200 

37,337 

19,194 

58,731 

989 

39,108 

28,145 

68,242 

1,197 

37,461 

19,315 

57,973 

339 

38,918 

28,397 

67,654 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 X. 

56. 

Subsequent events 

On January  22, 2021 and  after obtaining all  required authorizations, BBVA has  completed the sale  to Banco  GNB Paraguay,  S.A., an  
affiliate  of Grupo Gilinski,  of its 100%  direct and indirect stake share capital  in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya  Argentaria Paraguay, S.A. (“BBVA 
Paraguay”).  

The  amount received  by  BBVA amounts to approximately  USD250  million  (€210  million).  The  transaction results  in a  capital  loss  of 
approximately €9 million net of taxes. A positive impact on BBVA Group’s Common Equity Tier 1 (fully loaded) of approximately  6 basis  
points is estimated to be recognized during the first half of 2021 (see Note 3). 

On January 29, 2021, it was announced that a cash distribution in the amount of €0.059 gross per share as shareholder remuneration in 
relation  to the Group’s result in the 2020  financial  year  was  expected  to be submitted to the relevant  governing bodies of  BBVA for 
consideration (see Note 4). 

From January 1, 2021 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.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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Appendices 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 

APPENDIX I. Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net carrying 
amount 

Equity excluding 
profit (loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit  (loss)  
31.12.20 

% share  of participation  (**)     

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate  entity  data 

ACTIVOS  MACORP  SL 

ADQUIRA  MEXICO  SA DE  CV 

ALCALA  120  PROMOC.  Y GEST.IMMOB.  S.L. 

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 

ANTHEMIS  BBVA  VENTURE  PARTNERSHIP  LLP 

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. 

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  BBVA  ARGENTINA  S.A. 

SPAIN 

MEXICO                                          

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

MEXICO                                          

SPAIN 

MEXICO                                          

PORTUGAL                                        

UNITED  KINGDOM 

MEXICO                                          

MEXICO                                          

MEXICO                                          

UNITED  STATES 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

UNITED  STATES 

SPAIN 

ARGENTINA 

BANCO  BILBAO  VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA  URUGUAY  SA 

URUGUAY                                         

BANCO  INDUSTRIAL  DE BILBAO  SA 

BANCO  OCCIDENTAL  SA 

BANCO  PROVINCIAL  OVERSEAS  NV 

BANCO  PROVINCIAL  SA  - BANCO  UNIVERSAL 

BBV  AMERICA  SL 

BBVA  (SUIZA)  SA 

BBVA  AGENCIA  DE  SEGUROS  COLOMBIA  LTDA 

BBVA  ASSET MANAGEMENT  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 (1) 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

CURAÇAO 

VENEZUELA 

SPAIN 

SWITZERLAND 

COLOMBIA 

PERU                                            

SPAIN 

COLOMBIA 

PORTUGAL                                        

PERU                                            

REAL  ESTATE 

COMMERCIAL 

REAL  ESTATE 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

SERVICES 

INACTIVE 

BANKING 

BANKING 

BANKING 

BANKING 

BANKING 

BANKING 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

BANKING 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

50.63   

- 

- 

49.37   

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

99.95  

39.97   

100.00  

- 

49.43  

- 

1.46  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

26.59   

- 

99.93  

50.57   

100.00  

53.75   

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES 

100.00  

- 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

BANKING 

- 

100.00  

- 

100.00  

- 

46.12  

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  

66.55   

100.00  

99.93  

100.00  

100.00  

55.21   

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

46.12  

21 

3 

15 

1,464 

71 

1,341 

27 

27 

4 

- 

1 

203 

799 

12 

53 

58 

64 

5 

22 

28 

- 

- 

157 

110 

48 

17 

49 

33 

79 

98 

- 

9 

43 

28 

6 

972 

22 

3 

19 

1,552 

41 

1,443 

23 

7 

4 

- 

- 

199 

798 

21 

114 

67 

79 

6 

23 

32 

23 

1 

488 

164 

47 

18 

47 

143 

627 

122 

- 

5 

(66) 

19 

6 

1,944 

- 

- 

(3) 

(101) 

5 

(102) 

4 

10 

- 

- 

- 

10 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

(2) 

(23) 

- 

333 

28 

- 

- 

2 

(9) 

12 

9 

- 

4 

113 

9 

- 

164 

BBVA  BANCOMER  GESTION, S.A. DE  C.V. 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

100.00  

100.00  

19 

11 

8 

- 

(**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

(1) 

Full consolidation method is used according to accounting rules (see Glossary)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     
                                     
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net carrying  amount 

% share  of participation  (**)     

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate  entity  data 

Equity excluding 
profit (loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit  (loss)  
31.12.20 

BRAZIL 

BANKING 

100.00  

- 

BBVA  BANCOMER  OPERADORA  SA DE  CV 

MEXICO                                          

SERVICES 

BBVA  BANCOMER  SA INSTITUCION  DE BANCA  MULTIPLE  GRUPO  FINANCIERO  BBVA  BANCOMER 

MEXICO                                          

BANKING 

BBVA  BANCOMER  SEGUROS  SALUD  SA  DE CV 

BBVA  BANCOMER  SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS,  S.A. DE C.V. 

BBVA  BOLSA  SOCIEDAD  AGENTE  DE  BOLSA  S.A. 

BBVA  BRASIL  BANCO  DE  INVESTIMENTO  SA 

BBVA  BROKER  ARGENTINA  SA 

BBVA  BROKER  CORREDURIA  DE  SEGUROS  Y REASEGUROS  SA 

BBVA  COLOMBIA  SA 

BBVA  CONSOLIDAR  SEGUROS  SA 
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  FINANCIAL  CORPORATION 

BBVA  FINANZIA  SPA 

BBVA  FOREIGN  EXCHANGE  INC. 

MEXICO                                          

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

SERVICES 

PERU                                            

SECURITIES DEALER 

ARGENTINA 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

COLOMBIA 

                                      BANKING 

ARGENTINA 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

PERU                                            

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

SERVICES 

URUGUAY                                          FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

ITALY 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

BBVA  FRANCES  ASSET MANAGMENT  S.A. SOCIEDAD  GERENTE DE  FONDOS  COMUNES  DE  INVERSIÓN. 

ARGENTINA 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

BBVA  FUNDOS  S.GESTORA  FUNDOS  PENSOES  SA 

BBVA  GLOBAL  FINANCE  LTD 

BBVA  GLOBAL  MARKETS BV 

BBVA  GLOBAL  SECURITIES, B.V. 

BBVA  HOLDING  CHILE  SA 

BBVA  INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY  ESPAÑA  SL 

BBVA  INSTITUIÇAO  FINANCEIRA  DE  CREDITO  SA 

BBVA  INSURANCE  AGENCY,  INC. 

BBVA  INTERNATIONAL  PREFERRED  SOCIEDAD  ANONIMA 

BBVA  IRELAND  PLC  (  IN LIQUIDATION) 

BBVA  LEASING  MEXICO  SA DE  CV 

BBVA  MEDIACION  OPERADOR  DE BANCA-SEGUROS  VINCULADO,  S.A. 

BBVA  MORTGAGE  CORPORATION 

PORTUGAL                                         PENSION  FUND  MANAGEMENT 

CAYMAN  ISLANDS 

PENSION  FUNDS  MANAGEMENT 

NETHERLANDS 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

NETHERLANDS 

OTHER  ISSUERS COMPANIES 

CHILE 

SPAIN 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

SERVICES 

PORTUGAL                                         FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

IRELAND 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

BBVA  NEXT  TECHNOLOGIES  OPERADORA,  S.A. DE  C.V. 

MEXICO                                          

SERVICES 

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

99.94  

77.41  

87.78  

99.96  

0.06  

18.06  

12.22   

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

61.22  

76.00  

49.90  

- 

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

38.78   

- 

50.10  

100.00  

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

99.96  

100.00  

95.47  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

76.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

20 

9,920 

8 

49 

4 

16 

- 

- 

355 

9 

24 

6 

4 

210 

3 

26 

14 

8 

- 

- 

- 

139 

1 

39 

48 

- 

2 

51 

10 

2,799 

- 

37 

1 

- 

2 

23 

17 

8,443 

8 

40 

3 

19 

3 

1 

1,155 

18 

20 

4 

2 

212 

3 

20 

9 

8 

4 

- 

- 

315 

2 

54 

43 

- 

3 

126 

(8) 

2,730 

1 

27 

2 

3 

10 

144 

3 

1,474 

1 

9 

1 

- 

4 

5 

112 

17 

3 

- 

2 

(2) 

- 

7 

5 

2 

- 

- 

- 

26 

1 

4 

5 

- 

- 

8 

17 

68 

- 

5 

1 

- 

(8) 

23 

BBVA  NEXT  TECHNOLOGIES  SLU 

BBVA  NEXT  TECHNOLOGIES,  S.A. DE C.V. 

BBVA  OP3N  S.L. 

BBVA  OPEN  PLATFORM  INC 

BBVA  PARAGUAY  SA 

SPAIN 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

100.00  

- 

MEXICO                                          

SERVICES 

SPAIN 

SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

SERVICES 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

PARAGUAY                                        BANKING 

100.00  

- 

100.00  

BBVA  PENSIONES  SA  ENTIDAD  GESTORA  DE  FONDOS  DE PENSIONES 
PENSION FUNDS  MANAGEMENT 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

100.00  

100.00  

SPAIN 

13 

17 

8 

- 

(**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net carrying  amount 

% share  of participation  (**)     

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate  entity  data 

Equity excluding 
profit (loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit  (loss)  
31.12.20 

BBVA  PERU  HOLDING  SAC 

BBVA  PLANIFICACION  PATRIMONIAL  SL 

PERU                                            

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

SPAIN 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

BBVA  PREVISION  AFP  SA ADM.DE  FONDOS  DE  PENSIONES 

BOLIVIA                                         

PENSION  FUNDS  MANAGEMENT 

BBVA  PROCESSING  SERVICES INC. 

BBVA  PROCUREMENT  SERVICES AMERICA  DEL  SUR  SpA, IN  LIQUIDATION 

BBVA  RE INHOUSE  COMPAÑIA  DE  REASEGUROS,  S.E. 

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  SOCIEDAD  TITULIZADORA  S.A. 

BBVA  TRADE, S.A. 

BBVA  TRANSFER  HOLDING 

INC 

BBVA  TRANSFER  SERVICES INC 

BBVA  USA 

BBVA  USA  BANCSHARES,  INC. 

BBVA  VALORES  COLOMBIA  SA  COMISIONISTA  DE BOLSA 

BBVA  WEALTH  SOLUTIONS,  INC. 

BILBAO  VIZCAYA HOLDING  SA 

CAIXA  MANRESA  IMMOBILIARIA  ON  CASA  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. (IN  LIQUIDATION) 

CATALONIA  PROMODIS  4, S.A. 

CATALUNYACAIXA  IMMOBILIARIA  SA 

CATALUNYACAIXA  SERVEIS SA 

CDD  GESTIONI  S.R.L. 

CETACTIUS  SL 

CIDESSA  DOS,  S.L. 

CIERVANA  SL 

UNITED  STATES 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

100.00  

- 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

CHILE 

SPAIN 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

IN  LIQUIDATION 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

COLOMBIA 

COLOMBIA 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

COMMERCIAL 

PERU                                            

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

UNITED  STATES 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

BANKING 

COLOMBIA 

SECURITIES DEALER 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

REAL  ESTATE 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

MEXICO                                          

SECURITIES DEALER 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

ITALY 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

100.00  

80.00  

75.00   

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

94.00  

94.00  

99.96  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

20.00   

5.00   

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  

- 

- 

89.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

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  

80.00  

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  

50.00   

100.00  

124 

- 

1 

1 

4 

39 

- 

223 

10 

14 

713 

- 

1 

13 

104 

77 

8,687 

9,018 

10 

15 

67 

2 

- 

- 

92 

39 

- 

1 

315 

2 

- 

1 

15 

53 

- 

5 

902 

1 

4 

1 

6 

47 

- 

186 

13 

104 

462 

- 

1 

13 

87 

66 

10,394 

11,136 

9 

10 

132 

2 

1 

1 

127 

20 

- 

1 

314 

2 

- 

1 

15 

54 

- 

4 

76 

- 

9 

- 

(1) 

12 

- 

37 

10 

26 

594 

- 

- 

- 

18 

11 

(1,707) 

(1,632) 

- 

4 

(77) 

- 

(1) 

- 

(3) 

19 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2) 

- 

2 

COMERCIALIZADORA  CORPORATIVA  SAC 

PERU                                            

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

COMERCIALIZADORA  DE  SERVICIOS FINANCIEROS,  S.A. 

COLOMBIA 

SERVICES 

- 

- 

50.00   

100.00  

COMPAÑIA  CHILENA  DE  INVERSIONES  SL 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

100.00  

99.97  

SPAIN 

0.03   

249 

221 

10 

(**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

- 

100.00  

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

100.00  

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net  carrying amount 

Equity 
excluding profit 
(loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit (loss)  
31.12.20 

% share of participation (**)    

Millions of Euros (*) 
Affiliate entity  data 

COMPASS  CAPITAL  MARKETS, INC. 

COMPASS  GP, INC. 

COMPASS  INSURANCE  TRUST 

COMPASS  LIMITED PARTNER,  INC. 

COMPASS  LOAN  HOLDINGS  TRS, INC. 

COMPASS  MORTGAGE  FINANCING,  INC. 

COMPASS  SOUTHWEST, LP 

COMPASS  TEXAS MORTGAGE  FINANCING,  INC 

CONSOLIDAR  A.F.J.P SA 

CONTENTS  AREA, S.L. 

CONTINENTAL  DPR  FINANCE  COMPANY 

CONTRATACION  DE  PERSONAL,  S.A. DE C.V. 

CORPORACION  GENERAL  FINANCIERA  SA 

COVAULT,  INC 

DALLAS  CREATION  CENTER,  INC 

DATA  ARCHITECTURE  AND  TECHNOLOGY  MEXICO  SA DE  CV 

DATA  ARCHITECTURE  AND  TECHNOLOGY  S.L. 

DATA  ARQUITECTURE  AND  TECHNOLOGY  OPERADORA  SA  DE CV 

DENIZEN  FINANCIAL,  INC 

DISTRITO CASTELLANA  NORTE,  S.A. 

ECASA, S.A. 

EMPRENDIMIENTOS  DE VALOR  S.A. 

ENTRE2  SERVICIOS  FINANCIEROS  E.F.C SA 

EUROPEA  DE  TITULIZACION  SA  SGFT. 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

ARGENTINA 

SPAIN 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

SERVICES 

CAYMAN  ISLANDS 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

SERVICES 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

46.11  

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

53.89   

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

100.00  

- 

SPAIN 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

MEXICO                                          

SPAIN 

MEXICO                                          

UNITED  STATES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SPAIN 

CHILE 

REAL  ESTATE 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

URUGUAY                                         

PAYMENT  ENTITIES 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

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  

51.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

51.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

75.54   

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

42.40  

65.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

75.54   

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

88.24  

42.40  

65.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

59.99  

59.99  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

88.24  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6,866 

6,799 

41 

- 

41 

- 

6,027 

5,960 

68 

- 

68 

- 

4,973 

4,925 

- 

1 

4 

- 

8 

- 

1 

4 

- 

7 

510 

1,453 

- 

2 

1 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

107 

30 

2 

9 

2 

- 

- 

3 

48 

- 

4 

- 

- 

2 

5 

3 

2 

1 

3 

- 

1 

- 

- 

153 

24 

2 

9 

17 

1 

1 

2 

45 

- 

1 

1 

2 

2 

4 

67 

- 

- 

66 

- 

- 

48 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

9 

(2) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(4) 

6 

- 

- 

3 

- 

- 

- 

4 

- 

3 

- 

- 

- 

- 

DEUTSCHE  BANK  MEXICO  SA FIDEICOMISO  F/1859 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

DEUTSCHE  BANK  MEXICO  SA FIDEICOMISO  F/1860 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

F/11395  FIDEICOMISO  IRREVOCABLE  DE ADMINISTRACION  CON  DERECHO  DE REVERSION(1) 

MEXICO                                          

F/253863  EL  DESEO  RESIDENCIAL 

MEXICO                                          

FIDEICOMISO  28991-8 TRADING  EN  LOS  MCADOS  FINANCIEROS 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FIDEICOMISO  F/29764-8  SOCIO  LIQUIDADOR  DE OPERACIONES  FINANCIERAS  DERIVADAS 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FIDEICOMISO  F/403112-6  DE  ADMINISTRACION  DOS  LAGOS 

MEXICO                                          

REAL  ESTATE 

FIDEICOMISO  HARES  BBVA  BANCOMER  F/  47997-2 

MEXICO                                          

FIDEICOMISO  INMUEBLES  CONJUNTO  RESIDENCIAL  HORIZONTES  DE  VILLA  CAMPESTRE 

FIDEICOMISO  LOTE  6.1 ZARAGOZA 

COLOMBIA 

COLOMBIA 

FIDEICOMISO  SCOTIABANK  INVERLAT  S A  F100322908 

MEXICO                                          

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

FINANCIERA  AYUDAMOS  S.A. DE C.V., SOFOMER 

MEXICO                                          

IN  LIQUIDATION 

FOMENTO  Y DESARROLLO  DE CONJUNTOS  RESIDENCIALES  S.L. IN LIQUIDATION 
(*)  Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

60.00  

60.00  

SPAIN 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

(1) 

Full consolidation method is used according to accounting rules (see Glossary)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     
                                     
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 

Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net  carrying amount 

% share of participation (**)    

Millions of Euros (*) 
Affiliate entity  data 
Equity excluding profit 
(loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit (loss)  
31.12.20 

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  BBVA  AS(1) 

GARANTI  BBVA  EMEKLILIK  AS 

GARANTI  BBVA  FACTORING  AS 

GARANTI  BBVA  FILO  AS 

GARANTI  BBVA  LEASING  AS 

GARANTI  BBVA  PORTFOY  AS 

GARANTI  BBVA  YATIRIM AS 

GARANTI  BILISIM  TEKNOLOJISI  VE TIC TAS 

PERU                                            

SERVICES 

PERU                                            

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

CHILE 

CHILE 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

IN  LIQUIDATION 

NETHERLANDS 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

ROMANIA 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

BANKING 

BANKING 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SERVICES 

GARANTI  DIVERSIFIED  PAYMENT RIGHTS  FINANCE  COMPANY 

CAYMAN  ISLANDS 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

GARANTI  FILO  SIGORTA  ARACILIK  HIZMETLERI  A.S. 

GARANTI  HOLDING  BV 

GARANTI  KONUT  FINANSMANI  DANISMANLIK  HIZMETLERI  AS (GARANTI  MORTGAGE) 

GARANTI  KULTUR  AS 

GARANTI  ODEME  SISTEMLERI AS (GOSAS) 

GARANTI  YATIRIM ORTAKLIGI  AS(1)(2) 

GARANTIBANK  BBVA  INTERNATIONAL  N.V. 

GARRAF  MEDITERRANIA, S.A. 

GESCAT  GESTIO DE  SOL  SL 

GESCAT  LLEVANT,  S.L. 

GESCAT  LLOGUERS  SL 

GESCAT  VIVENDES EN  COMERCIALITZACIO  SL 

GESTION  DE  PREVISION Y  PENSIONES  SA 

GESTION  Y ADMINISTRACION  DE RECIBOS,  S.A. - GARSA 

GRAN  JORGE  JUAN  SA 

GRUPO  FINANCIERO  BBVA  BANCOMER  SA DE  CV 

GUARANTY  BUSINESS  CREDIT CORPORATION 

GUARANTY  PLUS  HOLDING  COMPANY 

HOLVI  PAYMENT SERVICE OY 

HUMAN  RESOURCES  PROVIDER,  INC 

TURKEY 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

NETHERLANDS 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

TURKEY 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

NETHERLANDS 

BANKING 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

PENSION FUND  MANAGEMENT 

SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

FINLAND 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

SERVICES 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

49.85  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

84.91  

81.84  

100.00  

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  

60.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

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  

49.85  

84.91  

81.84  

100.00  

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  

60.00  

100.00  

100.00  

99.98  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

6 

43 

244 

1 

340 

258 

- 

5 

39 

208 

1 

282 

316 

4,679 

6,228 

105 

19 

1 

126 

22 

89 

11 

- 

- 

280 

- 

- 

- 

- 

595 

2 

11 

5 

3 

89 

9 

1 

424 

6,678 

30 

- 

- 

302 

63 

17 

3 

108 

14 

28 

12 

(16) 

- 

340 

- 

- 

2 

4 

585 

2 

11 

3 

4 

89 

15 

1 

423 

9,374 

30 

- 

27 

299 

- 

- 

1 

25 

- 

(3) 

17 

775 

59 

6 

39 

18 

8 

61 

1 

(17) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

7 

- 

- 

3 

- 

- 

7 

- 

14 

1,747 

- 

- 

(17) 

3 

HUMAN  RESOURCES  SUPPORT,  INC 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

UNITED  STATES 

SERVICES 

100.00  

100.00  

296 

294 

2 

- 

(**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

(1) 
(2) 

Full consolidation method is used according to accounting rules (see Glossary)  
The percentage of voting rights owned by the Group entities in this company is 99.97% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net  carrying amount 

% share of participation (**)    

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate entity  data 

Equity excluding 
profit (loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit (loss)  
31.12.20 

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(1) 

INVERSIONES  BAPROBA  CA 

INVERSIONES  P.H.R.4, C.A. 

IRIDION  SOLUCIONS  IMMOBILIARIES  SL 

JALE  PROCAM,  S.L.  (IN  LIQUIDATION) 

LIQUIDITY  ADVISORS  LP 

MADIVA  SOLUCIONES,  S.L. 

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. 

NOVA  TERRASSA 3,  S.L. 

OPCION  VOLCAN,  S.A. 

OPENPAY  COLOMBIA  SAS 

OPENPAY  S.A. DE C.V. 

OPENPAY  SERVICIOS  S.A. DE C.V. 

OPERADORA  DOS  LAGOS  S.A. DE C.V. 

OPPLUS  OPERACIONES  Y SERVICIOS SA 

OPPLUS  SAC  (IN  LIQUIDATION) 

P.I. HOLDINGS  NO.  3, INC. 

PARCSUD  PLANNER,  S.L. 

PECRI INVERSION  SL 

MEXICO                                          

PERU                                            

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

VENEZUELA 

CURAÇAO 

VENEZUELA 

VENEZUELA 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

PENSION FUNDS  MANAGEMENT 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

INACTIVE 

REAL  ESTATE 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

ROMANIA 

ROMANIA 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

MEXICO                                          

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

SPAIN 

MEXICO                                          

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

COLOMBIA 

PAYMENT  ENTITIES 

MEXICO                                          

PAYMENT  ENTITIES 

MEXICO                                          

MEXICO                                          

SPAIN 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

PERU                                            

IN  LIQUIDATION 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

48.00  

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  

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

48.01  

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  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

17 

39 

25 

100 

4 

- 

16 

- 

- 

2 

- 

1,071 

9 

- 

7 

35 

- 

- 

- 

32 

6 

2 

1 

18 

- 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

264 

281 

258 

77 

26 

8 

16 

37 

25 

107 

9 

- 

43 

- 

- 

2 

(57) 

1,055 

2 

- 

7 

27 

2 

- 

- 

24 

6 

2 

1 

2 

- 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

260 

213 

256 

77 

26 

8 

1 

2 

- 

(7) 

1 

- 

2 

- 

- 

- 

(4) 

16 

- 

- 

1 

3 

- 

- 

- 

8 

- 

- 

- 

2 

- 

- 

17 

- 

- 

- 

5 

68 

2 

- 

- 

- 

PENSIONES  BBVA  BANCOMER,  S.A. DE  C.V., GRUPO  FINANCIERO  BBVA  BANCOMER 

MEXICO                                          

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

PHOENIX  LOAN  HOLDINGS,  INC. 

PI HOLDINGS  NO.  1, INC. 

PORTICO PROCAM,  S.L. 

PROMOCIONES  Y CONSTRUCCIONES  CERBAT, S.L.U. 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES 

100.00  

- 

PROMOTORA  DEL  VALLES,  S.L. 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

REAL  ESTATE 

100.00  

100.00  

SPAIN 

36 

16 

51 

- 

(**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

(1) 

Full consolidation method is used according to accounting rules (see Glossary)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net  carrying amount 

% share of participation (**)    

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate entity  data 

Equity excluding 
profit (loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit (loss)  
31.12.20 

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  BRAZIL  S.L. 

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. 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

PAYMENT  ENTITIES 

PAYMENT  ENTITIES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

UNITED  STATES 

VENTURE  CAPITAL 

VENEZUELA 

VENEZUELA 

VENEZUELA 

SPAIN 

INACTIVE 

SECURITIES DEALER 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

PROVIVIENDA  ENTIDAD  RECAUDADORA  Y  ADMIN.DE  APORTES, S.A. 

BOLIVIA                                         

PENSION FUND  MANAGEMENT 

PSA FINANCE  ARGENTINA  COMPAÑIA  FINANCIERA  SA 

PUERTO  CIUDAD  LAS  PALMAS,  S.A. 

QIPRO  SOLUCIONES  S.L. 

RALFI  IFN  SA 

RPV  COMPANY 

RWHC,  INC 

SAGE  OG  I, INC 

SAGE  OG2,  LLC 

SATICEM GESTIO  SL 

SATICEM HOLDING  SL 

SATICEM IMMOBILIARIA  SL 

SATICEM IMMOBLES  EN  ARRENDAMENT  SL 

ARGENTINA 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

ROMANIA 

CAYMAN  ISLANDS 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

UNITED  STATES 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

BANKING 

REAL  ESTATE 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

REAL  ESTATE 

SEGUROS  BBVA  BANCOMER  SA  DE CV  GRUPO  FINANCIERO  BBVA  BANCOMER 

MEXICO                                          

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

SEGUROS  PROVINCIAL  CA 

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. 

SIMPLE  FINANCE  TECHNOLOGY  CORP. 

SOCIEDAD  DE ESTUDIOS  Y ANALISIS  FINANCIERO  SA 

SOCIEDAD  GESTORA  DEL  FONDO  PUBLICO  DE REGULACION  DEL  MERCADO  HIPOTECARIO  SA 

SPORT  CLUB  18 SA 

VENEZUELA 

MEXICO                                          

MEXICO                                          

MEXICO                                          

UNITED  STATES 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

INSURANCES  SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SERVICES 

PENSION FUNDS  MANAGEMENT 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

77.20   

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  

99.80  

99.50  

100.00  

100.00  

99.80  

99.50  

1 

4 

2 

5 

2 

17 

- 

10 

59 

100.00  

100.00  

144 

58.86  

90.00  

58.86  

90.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

50.00   

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  

50.00   

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  

77.20   

100.00  

- 

1 

1 

6 

2 

8 

- 

3 

37 

- 

719 

- 

- 

4 

5 

16 

2 

373 

9 

5 

3 

15 

40 

63 

- 

9 

1 

4 

2 

5 

2 

18 

- 

11 

87 

122 

- 

1 

1 

6 

2 

11 

(26) 

3 

17 

(1) 

706 

- 

- 

4 

5 

16 

2 

177 

11 

5 

2 

14 

67 

71 

- 

10 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

(1) 

- 

22 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4 

(1) 

2 

2 

- 

13 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

196 

(1) 

- 

1 

2 

(26) 

(8) 

- 

(1) 

TEXAS LOAN  SERVICES LP 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2019. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

UNITED  STATES 

100.00  

100.00  

1,089 

1,070 

19 

- 

 (**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Additional information on subsidiaries and structured entities composing the BBVA Group as of December 2020 (Continued) 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net  carrying 
amount 

Equity excluding profit 
(loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit (loss)  
31.12.20 

TMF  HOLDING  INC. 

TRIFOI  REAL  ESTATE SRL 

TUCSON  LOAN  HOLDINGS,  INC. 

UNIVERSALIDAD  TIPS PESOS  E-9 

UNNIM  SOCIEDAD  PARA LA  GESTION  DE ACTIVOS  INMOBILIARIOS  SA 

UNITED  STATES 

ROMANIA 

UNITED  STATES 

COLOMBIA 

SPAIN 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

REAL  ESTATE 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

- 

- 

- 

- 

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

REAL  ESTATE 

100.00  

- 

UPTURN  FINANCIAL  INC 

UNITED  STATES 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

- 

100.00  

URBANIZADORA  SANT  LLORENC  SA 

VERIDAS DIGITAL  AUTHENTICATION  SOLUTIONS  S.L. 

SPAIN 

SPAIN 

INACTIVE 

SERVICES 

60.60  

- 

- 

51.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

100.00  

60.60  

51.00  

15 

1 

16 

- 

623 

2 

- 

1 

15 

1 

15 

26 

523 

6 

- 

3 

1 

- 

1 

- 

(3) 

(4) 

- 

1 

% Legal share  of participation (**) 

Millions of Euros (*) 

Affiliate entity  data 

VOLKSWAGEN  FINANCIAL  SERVICES COMPAÑIA  FINANCIERA  SA 
(*) Amount without considering the interim dividends of the year, according to the provisional financial statements of each company, generally as of December 31, 2020. In the carrying amount (net of provision), the Group´s ownership percentage has been applied, 
without considering the impairment of goodwill. Information on foreign companies at exchange rate as of December 31, 2020. 

ARGENTINA 

BANKING 

51.00  

51.00  

19 

13 

7 

- 

 (**)  In accordance with Article 3 of Royal Decree 1159/2010, of September 17, in order to determine the state, the voting power relating to subsidiaries was added to the voting power directly held by the parent. Therefore, the number of votes corresponding to the parent 
company (including indirect control subsidiaries), corresponds to each subsidiary holding a direct ownership interest.  

This Appendix is an integral part of Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December  31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     
 
 
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 to 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 as of December 31, 2020 

Acquisitions or increases of interest ownership in consolidated subsidiaries 

Most significant companies are included, which together represent 99% of the total investment in this group. 

Company 

Location 

Activity 

Direct 

Indirect 

Total 

Net carrying 
amount 

Assets  31.12.20 

Liabilities 
31.12.20 

Equity excluding 
profit (loss) 
31.12.20 

Profit  (loss)  
31.12.20 

% Legal  share  of participation  

Millions of Euros (*) 
Affiliate  entity  data 

SPAIN 
UNITED  KINGDOM 
CUBA 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 

ASSOCIATES 
ADQUIRA  ESPAÑA, S.A. 
ATOM  BANK  PLC 
AUREA,  S.A. (CUBA) 
BBVA  ALLIANZ  SEGUROS  Y REASEGUROS,  S.A. 
COMPAÑIA  ESPAÑOLA  DE  FINANCIACION  DEL  DESARROLLO  SA 
DIVARIAN  PROPIEDAD,  S.A.U. 
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 
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  (2) 
TELEFONICA  FACTORING  ESPAÑA SA 
TF  PERU SAC 
JOINT VENTURES  
ALTURA  MARKETS SOCIEDAD  DE VALORES  SA 
COMPAÑIA  MEXICANA  DE PROCESAMIENTO  SA  DE CV 
CORPORACION  IBV  PARTICIPACIONES  EMPRESARIALES, (1) 
DESARROLLOS  METROPOLITANOS  DEL  SUR, S.L. 
FIDEICOMISO  1729  INVEX ENAJENACION  DE CARTERA  (1) 
FIDEICOMISO  F/402770-2  ALAMAR 
PROMOCIONS  TERRES CAVADES,  S.A. 
RCI  COLOMBIA  SA  COMPAÑIA  DE FINANCIAMIENTO 
VITAMEDICA  ADMINISTRADORA,  S.A. DE C.V  (1) 
 (*)  In foreign companies the exchange rate of December 31, 2020 is applied.  

MEXICO 

SPAIN 
SPAIN 
ARGENTINA 
MEXICO 
ESPAÑA 
GERMANY 
SPAIN 
PERU 

SPAIN 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
SPAIN 
MEXICO 
MEXICO 
SPAIN 
COLOMBIA 
MEXICO 

COMMERCIAL 
BANKING 
REAL  ESTATE 
INSURANCES  SERVICES 
PUBLIC  ENTITIES AND INSTITUTIONS 
REAL  ESTATE 

 -        
 39.02      
 -        
 -        
 16.67     
 20.00      

 44.44    
 -        
 49.00     
 50.00      
 -        
 -        

 44.44    
 39.02      
 49.00     
 50.00      
 16.67     
 20.00      

FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

 -        

 28.50      

 28.50      

REAL  ESTATE 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES 
BANKING 
SERVICES 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES 
BANKING 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES 

SECURITY DEALER 
SERVICES 
INVESTMENT  COMPANY 
REAL  ESTATE 
REAL  ESTATE 
REAL  ESTATE 
REAL  ESTATE 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES 
SERVICES 

 9.44    
 20.00      
 -        
 -        
 28.72      
 -        
 30.00      
 -        

 50.00      
 -        
 -        
 -        
 -        
 -        
 -        
 -        
 -        

 11.41    
 -        
 40.00     
 46.14    
 -        
 17.59      
 -        
 24.30      

 -        
 50.00      
 50.00      
 50.00      
 44.09    
 42.40     
 39.11     
 49.00     
 51.00     

 20.85      
 20.00      
 40.00     
 46.14    
 28.72      
 17.59      
 30.00      
 24.30      

 50.00      
 50.00      
 50.00      
 50.00      
 44.09    
 42.40     
 39.11     
 49.00     
 51.00     

4 
64 
4 
250 
25 
567 

1 

285 
14 
7 
11 
8 
39 
4 
1 

77 
8 
29 
17 
15 
7 
4 
36 
5 

19 
3,253 
9 
753 
155 
2,976 

5 

2,910 
103 
91 
23 
45 
1,434 
81 
5 

3,122 
16 
63 
81 
158 
16 
15 
571 
18 

11 
3,089 
1 
204 
6 
143 

- 

652 
32 
72 
- 
19 
1,368 
67 
1 

2,969 
- 
5 
47 
- 
- 
- 
499 
9 

8 
239 
8 
548 
140 
2,922 

7 

2,341 
69 
16 
20 
27 
90 
7 
3 

143 
15 
58 
30 
158 
16 
15 
65 
8 

1 
(75) 
- 
- 
10 
(89) 

(2) 

(82) 
2 
2 
3 
(1) 
(24) 
8 
1 

10 
1 
- 
4 
- 
- 
- 
7 
1 

 (1) Classified as Non-current asset in seld. 

(2) The percentage of voting rights owned by the Group entities in this company is 22.22% 

This Appendix is an integral part of Notes 3 and 16.1 of the consolidated financial  statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
APPENDIX III. Changes and notifications of participations in the BBVA Group in 2020 

Acquisitions or increases of interest ownership in consolidated subsidiaries 

Company (*) 

ADQUIRA  MEXICO SA DE  CV 

PROPEL  VENTURE  PARTNERS  BRAZIL  S.L. 

BBVA  GLOBAL  SECURITIES,  B.V. 
(*) Variations of less than 0.1% have not been considered due to immateriality 

Type of transaction 

ACQUISITION 

CONSTITUTION 

CONSTITUTION 

Total voting rights 
controlled after the 
disposal 

Effective  Date  for the Transaction (or 
Notification Date) 

100.00 

99.80 

100.00 

30-Sep-20 

28-May-20 

07-Dec-20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
              
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Changes and notifications of participations in the BBVA Group in 2020 (continued) 

Disposals or reduction of interest ownership in consolidated subsidiaries 

Company (*) 

Type of transaction 

Total voting rights 
controlled after  the 
disposal 

Effective  date for  the transaction (or 
notification date) 

CIDESSA  UNO  SL 

EL  ENCINAR METROPOLITANO,  S.A. 

DENIZEN  GLOBAL  FINANCIAL  SAU 

FIDEICOMISO  N.989 EN THE  BANK OF  NEW  YORK MELLON  SA INSTITUCION  DE  BANCA MULTIPLE  FIDUCIARIO  (FIDEIC.00989 6 EMISION) 

MERGER 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

MERGER 

FIDEICOMISO  Nº 847 EN BANCO  INVEX SA INSTITUCION  DE BANCA MULTIPLE  INVEX  GRUPO FINANCIERO  FIDUCIARIO  (FIDEIC.  INVEX  4ª EMISION) 

MERGER 

BBVA  CONSULTING  ( BEIJING)  LIMITED 

EL  MILANILLO,  S.A. 

F/403035-9 BBVA HORIZONTES  RESIDENCIAL 

HOLAMUNO  AGENTE  DE  SEGUROS  VINCULADO,  S.L.U. IN  LIQUIDATION 

HOLVI  DEUTSCHLAND  SERVICE  GMBH  (IN LIQUIDATION) 

ARRAHONA RENT, S.L.U. 

L'EIX  IMMOBLES,  S.L. 

ESPAIS  SABADELL  PROMOCIONS  INMOBILIARIES,  S.A. 

HABITATGES  FINVER, S.L. 

HABITATGES  JUVIPRO,  S.L. 

CATALUNYACAIXA  CAPITAL  SA 

CLUB  GOLF  HACIENDA  EL  ALAMO, S.L.(IN  LIQUIDATION) 

GESCAT  SINEVA,  S.L. 

GESCAT  POLSKA  SP ZOO 

EXPANSION  INTERCOMARCAL  SL 

NOIDIRI  SL 

CAIXA MANRESA IMMOBILIARIA  SOCIAL  SL 
(*) Variations of less than 0.1% have not been considered due to immateriality 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

DISPOSAL 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

MERGER 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

LIQUIDATION 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

24-Nov-20 

1-Aug-20 

25-Nov-20 

30-Sep-20 

30-Jun-20 

2-Dec-20 

27-Oct-20 

31-Oct-20 

14-Feb-20 

14-Feb-20 

27-Jul-20 

27-Jul-20 

28-Jul-20 

28-Jul-20 

28-Jul-20 

21-Sep-20 

12-Aug-20 

29-Jul-20 

12-Feb-20 

28-Jul-20 

28-Jul-20 

27-Jul-20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 

Changes and notifications of participations in the BBVA Group in 2020 (continued) 

Business combinations and other acquisitions or increases of interest ownership in associates and joint-ventures accounted for under the equity method 

Company (*) 

Type of transaction 

Total voting rights 
controlled after the 
disposal 

Effective  date for  the transaction (or notification 
date) 

ADQUIRA  ESPAÑA, S.A. 

FIDEICOMISO  1729 INVEX ENAJENACION  DE CARTERA 

BBVA  ALLIANZ  SEGUROS  Y  REASEGUROS,  S.A. 

PLAY  DIGITAL  SA 

(*) Variations of less than 0.1% have not been considered due to immateriality 

CAPITAL  REDUCTION 

ACQUISITION 

CONSTITUTION 

CONSTITUTION 

44.44 

44.09 

50.00 

33.33 

31-Mar-20 

18-Aug-20 

05-May-20 

27-May-20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Changes and notifications of participations in the BBVA Group in 2020 (continued) 

Disposal or reduction of interest ownership in associates and joint-ventures companies accounted for under the equity method 

Company (*) 

Type of transaction 

Total voting rights 
controlled after the 
disposal 

Effective  date for  the transaction (or 
notification date) 

CAJA DE EMI.  CON  GAR. DE ANUALIDADES  DEBIDA  POR EL  ESTADO  SA 

BATEC  MOBILITY,  S.L. 

CAPIPOTA  PRODUCTIONS  S.L. 

FIDEICOMISO  DE  ADMINISTRACION  REDETRANS 

SOCIEDADE  ALTITUDE  SOFTWARE-SISTEMA  E SERVIÇOS  SA 

SOLARISBANK  AG(1) 

PLAY  DIGITAL  SA 

NOVA LLAR SANT  JOAN,  S.A. IN LIQUIDATION 
(*) Variations of less than 0.1% have not been considered due to immateriality 

(1)      The percentage of voting rights owned by the Group entities in this company is 22.22% 

LIQUIDATION 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

DISPOSAL 

CAPITAL  INCREASE 

DILUTION      

LIQUIDATION 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

17.59  

13.00  

- 

13-Oct-20 

28-Jan-20 

10-Dec-20 

18-Sep-20 

30-Dec-20 

30-Sep-20 

15-Dec-20 

03-Apr-20 

This Appendix is an integral part of Notes 3 and 16.1 of the consolidated financial  statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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, 2020 

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. 

BBVA  PREVISION  AFP SA ADM.DE  FONDOS  DE  PENSIONES 

COMERCIALIZADORA  CORPORATIVA  SAC 

DISTRITO  CASTELLANA  NORTE,  S.A. 

GESTION  DE  PREVISION  Y PENSIONES  SA 

F/253863 EL DESEO  RESIDENCIAL 

DATA ARCHITECTURE  AND TECHNOLOGY  S.L. 

VOLKSWAGEN  FINANCIAL  SERVICES  COMPAÑIA  FINANCIERA  SA 

FIDEICOMISO  LOTE  6.1 ZARAGOZA 

F/11395 FIDEICOMISO  IRREVOCABLE  DE ADMINISTRACION  CON  DERECHO  DE  REVERSION 

VERIDAS DIGITAL  AUTHENTICATION  SOLUTIONS  S.L. 

GARANTI  BBVA EMEKLILIK  AS 

FOMENTO  Y  DESARROLLO  DE  CONJUNTOS  RESIDENCIALES  S.L. IN  LIQUIDATION 

BBVA  INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY  ESPAÑA  SL 

JALE  PROCAM, S.L. (IN  LIQUIDATION) 

PSA FINANCE  ARGENTINA  COMPAÑIA  FINANCIERA  SA 

BANKING 

BANKING 

INVESTMENT  COMPANY 

NO  ACTIVITY 

NO  ACTIVITY 

PENSION  FUND  MANAGEMENT 

FINANCIAL  SERVICES   

REAL ESTATE 

PENSION  FUND  MANAGEMENT 

REAL ESTATE 

SERVICES 

BANKING 

REAL ESTATE 

REAL ESTATE 

SERVICES 

SERVICES 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

SERVICES 

IN  LIQUIDATION 

BANKING 

This Appendix is an integral part of Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December  31, 2020. 

.

% of voting rights controlled by the Bank 

Direct 

- 

1.46 

48.00 

- 

- 

75.00 

- 

- 

60.00 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

76.00 

- 

- 

Indirect 

46.12 

53.75 

- 

58.86 

60.46 

5.00 

50.00 

75.54 

- 

65.00 

51.00 

51.00 

59.99 

42.40 

51.00 

84.91 

60.00 

- 

50.00 

50.00 

Total 

46.12 

55.21 

48.01 

58.86 

60.46 

80.00 

50.00 

75.54 

60.00 

65.00 

51.00 

51.00 

59.99 

42.40 

51.00 

84.91 

60.00 

76.00 

50.00 

50.00 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX V. BBVA Group’s structured entities in 2020. 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, 2020 (*) 

TDA 27 MIXTO, FTA 

BBVA RMBS 16 FT 

HIPOCAT 9 FTA 

TDA TARRAGONA 1 FTA 

BBVA RMBS15 FT 

BBVA RMBS 5 FTA 

TDA 22 MIXTO, FTA (UNNIM) 

HIPOCAT 10 FTA 

BBVA VELA SME 2020-1 

TDA 19 MIXTO, FTA 

BBVA CONSUMER AUTO 2020-1 

BBVA RMBS 10 FTA 

HIPOCAT 8 FTA 

AYT HIP MIXTO V 

BBVA RMBS 2 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 18 FT 

TDA 20 MIXTO, FTA 

TDA 23 MIXTO, FTA 

BBVA CONSUMO 9 FT 

BBVA RMBS 14 FTA 

AYT HIPOTECARIO MIXTO IV, FTA 

BBVA RMBS 9 FTA 

BBVA LEASING 2 FT 

BBVA EMPRESAS 4 FTA 

TDA 28 MIXTO, FTA 

HIPOCAT 6 FTA 

TDA 18 MIXTO, FTA 

BBVA RMBS 3 FTA 

BBVA CONSUMO 10 FT 

BBVA LEASING 1 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 11 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 13 FTA 

BBVA CONSUMO 8 FT 

BBVA RMBS 12 FTA 

BBVA CONSUMER AUTO 2018-1 

BBVA RMBS 1 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 19 FT 

BBVA-6 FTPYME FTA 

GAT VPO (UNNIM) 

HIPOCAT 11 FTA 

BBVA RMBS 17 FT 

HIPOCAT 7 FTA 

      (*) Solvency scope. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

BBVA, S.A. 

Dec-06 

May-16 

Nov-05 

Nov-07 

May-15 

May-08 

Dec-04 

Jul-06 

Jun-20 

Feb-04 

Jun-20 

Jun-11 

May-05 

Jul-06 

Mar-07 

Nov-17 

Jun-04 

Mar-05 

Mar-17 

Nov-14 

Jun-05 

Apr-10 

Jul-20 

Jul-10 

Jul-07 

Sep-03 

Nov-03 

Jul-07 

Jul-19 

Jun-07 

Jun-12 

Jul-14 

Jul-16 

Dec-13 

Jun-18 

Feb-07 

Nov-19 

Jun-07 

Jun-09 

Mar-07 

Nov-16 

Jun-04 

275 

1,600 

1,016 

397 

4,000 

5,000 

592 

1,526 

1,245 

600 

1,100 

1,600 

1,500 

120 

5,000 

1,800 

100 

860 

1,375 

700 

100 

1,295 

2,100 

1,700 

250 

850 

91 

3,000 

2,000 

2,500 

1,400 

4,100 

700 

4,350 

800 

2,500 

2,000 

1,500 

780 

1,628 

1,800 

1,400 

71 

1,151 

150 

85 

2,725 

2,043 

19 

220 

957 

18 

1,100 

993 

196 

26 

1,485 

1,475 

10 

34 

582 

406 

13 

725 

1,941 

20 

71 

81 

9 

1,222 

1,945 

14 

875 

2,707 

222 

2,735 

557 

799 

1,852 

5 

48 

237 

1,340 

165 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018  

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 of subordinated issues 

Issuer entity and issued date  

Currency 

December 
2020 

December 
2019 

December 
2018 

Prevailing  Interest 
Rate  
as of December 31, 
2020 

Maturity 
Date 

Millions of Euros 

Issues in Euros 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA S.A. 

March- 08 

July- 08 

February- 14 

April- 14 

February- 15 

April- 16 

February- 17 

February- 17 

May- 17 

May- 17 

September- 18 

February- 19 

March- 19 

January- 20 

July- 20 

Different issues 

Subtotal 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

EUR 

125 

100 

- 

- 

- 

1,000 

1,000 

165 

150 

500 

125 

100 

- 

- 

1,500 

1,000 

1,000 

165 

150 

500 

1,000 

1,000 

750 

750 

1,000 

1,000 

- 

- 

994 

1,000 

330 

8,113 

Total issued in Euros 
8,906 
(*)   The issuances of BBVA Subordinated Capital, S.A.U. are jointly, severally and unconditionally guaranteed by the Bank. 

7,668 

8,113 

EUR 

379 

7,668 

384 

8,906 

125 

100 

1,500 

1,494 

1,500 

1,000 

1,000 

165 

150 

500 

990 

- 

- 

- 

- 

6.03% 

6.20% 

7.00% 

3.50% 

6.75% 

8.88% 

3.50% 

03- Mar- 33 

04-Jul- 23 

Perpetual 

11- Apr- 24 

Perpetual 

Perpetual 

10- Feb- 27 

4.00% 

24- Feb- 32 

2.54% 

5.88% 

5.88% 

2.58% 

6.00% 

1.00% 

6.00% 

24- May- 27 

Perpetual 

Perpetual 

22- Feb- 29 

Perpetual 

16- Jan- 30 

Perpetual 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 of subordinated issues (continued) 

Issuer entity and issued date 

Currency 

December 
2020 

December 
2019 

December 
2018 

Millions of Euros 

Prevailing 
Interest Rate  
as of 
December 31, 
2020 

Maturity  
Date 

Issues in foreign  currency 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA S.A. 

March- 17 

November- 17 

May- 18 

September- 19 

Subtotal 

May- 17 

Subtotal 

July- 20 

Subtotal 

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE LTD 

December- 95 

Subtotal 
BBVA BANCOMER S.A. INSTITUCION DE BANCA 
MULTIPLE GRUPO FINANCIERO BBVA BANCOMER 

April- 10 

March- 11 

July- 12 

November- 14 

January- 18 

September- 19 

Subtotal 

BBVA URUGUAY 

Different issues 

Subtotal 

BBVA PARAGUAY S.A. (**) 

November- 14 

November- 15 

Subtotal 

BBVA USA (**) 

March- 05 

March- 06 

April- 15 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 
USD 

CHF 
CHF 

GBP 
GBP 

USD 
USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 
USD 

USD 
USD 

-  

USD 

USD 
USD 

USD 

USD 

98 

815 

243 

815 
1,970 

19 
19 

334 
334 

162 
162 

-  

612 

107 

890 

265 

890 
2,152 

18 
18 

-  
- 

177 
177 

667 

667 

1,223 

1,333 

163 

815 

612 
3,425 

-  
- 

-  

16 

20 
37 

-  

58 

178 

889 

667 
4,401 

2 
2 

-  

18 

22 
40 

203 

63 

USD 
USD 

570 
628 

623 
889 

105 

873 

260 

-  
1,238 

18 
18 

-  
- 

169 
169 

874 

1,092 

1,311 

175 

874 

-  
4,325 

-  
- 

-  

19 

23 
42 

199 

62 

611 
872 

5.70% 

31- Mar- 32 

6.13% 

Perpetual 

5.25% 

29- May- 33 

6.50% 

Perpetual 

1.60% 

24- May- 27 

3.10% 

15-Jul- 31 

7.00% 

01- Dec- 25 

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 

5.88% 

13- Sep- 34 

0.00% 

6.75% 

05- Nov- 21 

6.70% 

18- Nov- 22 

5.50% 

01- Apr- 20 

5.90% 

01- Apr- 26 

3.88% 

10- Apr- 25 

Subtotal 
 (*)   The issuances of BBVA Global Finance, Ltd, are guaranteed (secondary liability) by the Bank. 
(**) The amount of 2020 is recorded under the heading “Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale”. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 of subordinated issues 

Issuer entity and issued date (continued) 

Currency 

December 
2020 

December 
2019 

December 
2018 

Prevailing  Interest 
Rate  
as of December 31, 
2020 

Maturity  
Date 

Millions of Euros 

BBVA COLOMBIA S.A. 

September- 11 

September- 11 

February- 13 

February- 13 

November- 14 

November- 14 

Subtotal 

April- 15 

Subtotal 

BBVA BANCO CONTINENTAL S.A. 

June- 07 

November- 07 

July- 08 

September- 08 

December- 08 

Subtotal 

May- 07 

February- 08 

October- 13 

September- 14 

Subtotal 

GARANTI BBVA AS 

May- 17 

Subtotal 

October- 19 

February- 20 

Subtotal 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

COP 

USD 

USD 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

PEN 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

USD 

TRY 

TRY 

TRY 

25 

37 

47 

39 

21 

30 

200 

324 

324 

18 

16 

15 

16 

9 

74 

16 

17 

37 

257 

327 

607 

607 

28 

82 

110 

29 

42 

54 

45 

24 

34 

229 

333 

333 

22 

19 

17 

18 

11 

87 

18 

18 

41 

269 

346 

664 

664 

38 

-  

38 

28 

42 

53 

44 

24 

43 

234  

332 

332  

20 

18 

16 

17 

10 

82  

17 

18 

40 

252 

328  

652 

652  

-  

-  

-  

4.45% 

4.70% 

3.60% 

3.89% 

4.38% 

4.50% 

19- Sep- 21 

19- Sep- 26 

19- Feb- 23 

19- Feb- 28 

26- Nov- 29 

26- Nov- 34 

4.88% 

21- Apr- 25 

3.47% 

3.56% 

3.06% 

3.09% 

4.19% 

6.00% 

6.47% 

6.53% 

5.25% 

18- Jun- 32 

19- Nov- 32 

08- Jul- 23 

09- Sep- 23 

15- Dec- 33 

14- May- 27 

28- Feb- 28 

02- Oct- 28 

22- Sep- 29 

6.13% 

24- May- 27 

16.00% 

17.95% 

07- Oct- 29 

14- Feb- 30 

Total issues in other currencies  (million 
euros) 

8,217 

9,376 

8,292  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 of subordinated issues (Millions of euros) 

Issuer entity and issued date 

BBVA COLOMBIA S.A. 

December- 93 

BBVA International Preferred, S.A.U. 

July- 07 

PHOENIX LOAN HOLDINGS INC. 

November- 00 

CAIXA TERRASSA SOCIETAT DE PARTICIPACIONS PREFERENTS SAU 

August- 05 

CAIXASABADELL PREFERENTS S.A. 

July- 06 

December 2020 

December 2019 

December 2018 

Currency 

Amount 
Issued 

Currency 

Amount 
Issued 

Currency 

Amount 
Issued 

COP 

-  

COP 

20 

COP 

GBP 

USD 

EUR 

EUR 

35 

17 

74 

85 

GBP 

USD 

EUR 

EUR 

37 

19 

28 

56 

GBP 

USD 

EUR 

EUR 

19 

35 

18 

52 

56 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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, 2020, 
2019 and 2018 

December 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

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 at fair value through 
comprehensive income 
Financial assets at amortized cost 
Joint ventures and associates 

Tangible assets 
Other assets 

Total 

Liabilities  

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Other liabilities 

Total 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

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 at fair value through 
comprehensive income 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Joint-ventures and associates 

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 

16,615 

5,114 

883 

7,073 

39,841 

5 
15 
83,406 

152,953 

4,562 

67,165 

78,724 

150,452 

4,847 

22,154 

3,369 

7,723 

53,184 

14 
1,819 
2,053 

95,163 

18,489 

54,429 

6,662 

79,580 

772 

359 

7 

2,489 

26,810 

-  
858 
1,191 

32,486 

471 

18,930 

687 

20,088 

4,130 

6,112 

291 

8,087 

38,036 

246 
852 
2,009 

26,365 

33,740 

4,549 

25,373 

157,871 

265 
3,544 
88,658 

59,764 

340,366 

772 

43,468 

7,393 

51,633 

24,295 

183,993 

93,466 

301,753 

USD 

Mexican 
pesos 

Turkish lira 

Other foreign 
currencies 

Total foreign 
currencies 

16,930 

5,549 

900 

14,269 

107,865 

5 

921 

1,946 
148,384 

4,063 

136,661 

5,555 
146,280 

4,414 

18,543 

3,509 

6,178 

56,963 

20 

2,214 

2,147 
93,989 

16,064 

54,733 

6,757 
77,555 

499 

242 

4 

2,748 

29,125 

- 

1,050 

1,174 
34,842 

170 

20,681 

881 
21,732 

5,330 

5,257 

116 

5,541 

35,906 

252 

1,026 

5,508 
58,934 

2,465 

36,758 

8,172 
47,394 

27,173 

29,591 

4,529 

28,735 

229,859 

277 

5,211 

10,775 
336,149 

22,762 

248,834 

21,365 
292,961 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Assets 

USD 

Mexican 
Pesos 

Turkish  Lira 

Other 
Foreign 
Currencies 

Total Foreign 
Currencies 

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 at fair value through comprehensive income 

15,184 

3,133 

650 

16,566 

6,869 

15,500 

2,303 

4,704 

476 

366 

3 

5,547 

3,614 

28,076 

22,614 

58 

3,014 

3,031 

2,931 

27,232 

Financial assets at amortized cost 

Joint-ventures and associates 

Tangible assets 

Other assets 

Total 

Liabilities  

Financial liabilities held for trading 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost 

Other liabilities 
Total 

101,366 

47,550 

28,094 

34,075 

211,085 

5 

670 

3,444 

54 

1,964 

2,911 

- 

1,007 

1,361 

267 

850 

326 

4,490 

2,879 

10,595 

141,019 

81,856 

34,336 

50,221 

307,433 

- 

2,372 

136,307 

3,874 
142,552 

- 

13,626 

48,169 

6,081 
67,876 

- 

360 

- 

- 

1,507 

17,864 

20,878 

37,342 

242,696 

750 
21,987 

7,200 
46,049 

17,904 
278,464 

This Appendix is an integral part of Notes 2.2.15 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December  31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX VIII.  Consolidated income statements for the first and second  half of  2020  and 
2019 

Consolidated income statements for the first and second half of 2020 and 2019 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND HALF OF 2020 AND 2019 (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 expense 
     Other administrative expense 
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 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 
Gains (losses) from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held 
for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations     

PROFIT (LOSS) BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Tax expense or income related to profit or loss from continuing operations 
PROFIT (LOSS) AFTER TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Profit (loss) after tax from discontinued operations 
PROFIT (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST (NON-CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS) 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT 

Six months ended 
June 30, 2020 

11,828 
(4,267) 
7,561 
74 
(17) 
2,987 
(929) 

202 

270 

129 

203 

35 
176 
221 
(814) 
1,307 
(765) 
10,639 
(3,999) 
(2,385) 
(1,614) 
(661) 
(518) 

(3,572) 

(3,502) 
(70) 
1,889 

(60) 

(65) 
(62) 
(3) 
- 
3 
- 

(10) 

1,757 

(477) 
1,281 
(2,104) 
(823) 

333 

(1,157) 

Six months 
ended 
December 31, 
2020 
10,561 
(3,530) 
7,031 
63 
(22) 
2,993 
(928) 

(63) 

508 

79 

(147) 

(28) 
183 
271 
(848) 
1,190 
(755) 
9,527 
(3,800) 
(2,310) 
(1,491) 
(627) 
(228) 

(1,607) 

(1,658) 
51 
3,264 

(130) 

(88) 
(63) 
(16) 
(9) 
(10) 
- 

454 

3,491 

(982) 
2,508 
375 
2,883 

423 

2,462 

Six months ended 
June 30, 2019 

Six months ended 
December 31, 2019 

14,009 
(6,256) 
7,752 
97 
(19) 
3,296 
(1,089) 

48 

161 

98 

(5) 

69 
132 
324 
(961) 
1,547 
(983) 
10,470 
(4,332) 
(2,642) 
(1,689) 
(683) 
(249) 

(1,444) 

(1,440) 
(5) 
3,761 

- 

(44) 
(30) 
(1) 
(12) 
5 
- 

11 

3,734 

(1,080) 
2,654 
262 
2,916 

475 

2,442 

13,753 
(5,716) 
8,037 
56 
(23) 
3,490 
(1,196) 

137 

259 

45 

(93) 

(14) 
449 
315 
(981) 
1,342 
(769) 
11,052 
(4,437) 
(2,709) 
(1,728) 
(703) 
(364) 

(2,108) 

(2,030) 
(78) 
3,440 

(46) 

(85) 
(64) 
(10) 
(11) 
(10) 
- 

12 

3,312 

(863) 
2,449 
(1,020) 
1,429 

359 

1,070 

EARNINGS PER SHARE  (Euros) 
     Basic earnings (losses) per share from continued operations 
     Diluted earnings (losses) per share from continued operations  
     Basic earnings (losses) per share from discontinued operations  
     Diluted earnings (losses) per share from discontinued operations 

Six months 
ended June 30, 
2020 

(0.20) 
0.11 
0.11 
(0.32) 
(0.32) 

Six months 
ended 
December 
31, 2020 
0.34 
0.29 
0.29 
0.06 
0.06 

Six months 
ended June 30, 
2019 

0.34 
0.30 
0.30 
0.04 
0.04 

Six months 
ended 
December 31, 
2019 
0.13 
0.28 
0.28 
(0.15) 
(0.15) 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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) 

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 customers 

FINANCIAL ASSETS DESIGNATED  AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS 

2020 

44,107 

87,677 
36,545 
10,682 
9,983 
53 
19,472 
10,941 

409 

183 
142 
84 

- 

2019 (*) 

18,419 

83,841 
31,987 
8,205 
10,213 
484 
20,688 
12,263 

855 

125 
128 
602 

- 

FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

37,528 

24,905 

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 

DERIVATIVES - HEDGE ACCOUNTING 

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 
Properties, plant and equipment 

For own use 
Other assets leased  out under an operating lease 

Investment properties 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS  
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 

TAX ASSETS 
Current tax assets 
Deferred tax assets  
OTHER ASSETS  
Insurance contracts linked to pensions 
Inventories 
Other 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS AND DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE  

TOTAL ASSETS 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

881 

36,648 

225,914 
23,241 
7 
8,762 
193,903 

1,011 

51 

18,380 
17,547 
54 
780 
3,915 
3,836 
3,836 
- 
80 
840 
- 
840 

12,764 
633 
12,131 
2,837 
2,074 
- 
763 
9,978 

1,749 

23,156 

225,369 
21,496 
5 
8,049 
195,819 

953 

28 

30,563 
29,445 
54 
1,065 
4,467 
4,384 
4,384 
- 
83 
905 
- 
905 

13,760 
1,443 
12,317 
2,600 
2,096 
- 
504 
967 

445,411 

407,632 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES HELD FOR TRADING  

Derivatives 

Short positions 

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial  liabilities 

2020 

69,514 

35,396 

9,625 

1,256 

16,083 

7,154 

- 

- 

2019 (*) 

73,362 

31,501 

9,956 

1,867 

24,425 

5,612 

- 

- 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES DESIGNATED  AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS  

3,267 

2,968 

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial  liabilities 

Memorandum item: Subordinated liabilities 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AT AMORTIZED COST  

Deposits from central banks 

Deposits from credit institutions 

Customer deposits 

Debt certificates 

Other financial  liabilities 

Memorandum item: Subordinated liabilities 

DERIVATIVES - HEDGE ACCOUNTING 

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

PROVISIONS 

Pensions and other post employment defined benefit obligations 

Other long term employee benefits 

Provisions for taxes and other legal contingencies 

Commitments and guarantees given 

Other provisions 

TAX LIABILITIES  

Current tax liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

OTHER LIABILITIES  

LIABILITIES INCLUDED IN DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE 

- 

- 

- 

- 

3,267 

2,968 

- 

- 
- 

331,189 

37,903 

22,106 

217,360 

43,692 

10,127 
11,096 

1,510 

- 

4,449 

3,544 

18 

439 

270 

177 
1,071 

173 

898 
1,543 

- 

- 

- 
- 

285,260 

24,390 

18,201 

191,461 

40,845 

10,362 
10,362 

1,471 

- 

4,616 

3,810 

25 

359 

235 

188 
1,120 

149 

972 
1,645 

- 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

412,543 

370,444 

(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 attributable to owners of the parent 

Less: interim dividends 

ACCUMULATED  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 

Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit pension plans 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

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) 

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 
Other commitments given 
(*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

2020 

33,992 

3,267 
3,267 
- 

23,992 

- 
- 
- 

34 

8,859 

- 

31 

(9) 

(2,182) 

- 

(1,124) 
(1,376) 

(61) 

- 

(1,294) 

- 

- 

- 

(21) 

252 
- 
- 

(100) 

352 

- 

- 

2019 (*) 

37,570 

3,267 
3,267 
- 

23,992 

- 
- 
- 

48 

9,107 

- 

1 

- 

2,241 

(1,086) 

(381) 
(520) 

(75) 

- 

(469) 

- 

- 

- 

24 

138 
- 
- 

(196) 

335 

- 

- 

32,867 

445,411 

37,189 

407,632 

2020 

80,959 
8,745 
25,711 

2019 (*) 

73,582 
9,086 
28,151 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

INCOME  STATEMENTS  (Millions  of Euros) 

Interest  income 

Financial  assets at fair  value through  other  comprehensive  income 
Financial  assets at amortized  cost 
Other  interest  income 

Interest   expense 

NET INTEREST INCOME 

Dividend  income   
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 

Financial  assets at amortized  cost 
Other  financial  assets and  liabilities 

Gains  (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  profit  or  loss 

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  profit  or  loss 

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 

GROSS  INCOME 

Administrative  expense 
Personnel  expense 
Other  administrative  expense 

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 
Gains  (losses) from non-current  assets and  disposal  groups  classified  as held  for  sale not  qualifying  as 
discontinued  operations      

PROFIT  (LOSS) BEFORE TAX  FROM CONTINUING  OPERATIONS 

Tax  expense or  income  related  to  profit  or  loss from  continuing  operations 

PROFIT  (LOSS) AFTER TAX  FROM CONTINUING  OPERATIONS 

Profit  (loss) after  tax from  discontinued  operations 
PROFIT(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR 

 (*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

2020 
4,629 
253 
3,839 
536 
(1,115) 

3,514 

1,360 
2,125 
(358) 

87 

100 
(13) 
353 
- 
- 
353 

28 

- 
- 
28 
(69) 

13 
(29) 
142 
(529) 

6,637 

(3,553) 
(2,144) 
(1,409) 
(663) 
(475) 

(1,232) 

(1,228) 
(4) 
715 
(319) 
(105) 
(105) 
- 
- 
1 
- 

(43) 

249 

(36) 

213 

(2,396) 
(2,182) 

2019  (*) 
4,933 
285 
4,295 
353 
(1,548) 

3,385 

2,853 
2,144 
(447) 

107 

35 
72 
375 
- 
- 
375 

35 

- 
- 
35 
(101) 

21 
(133) 
125 
(487) 

7,877 

(3,881) 
(2,394) 
(1,487) 
(673) 
(391) 

(175) 

(176) 
1 
2,757 
(610) 
(78) 
(80) 
- 
2 
(1) 
- 

(31) 

2,037 

49 

2,086 

155 
2,241 

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

STATEMENTS OF RECOGNIZED INCOME AND EXPENSE  (Millions of Euros) 

PROFIT RECOGNIZED IN INCOME STATEMENT 

OTHER RECOGNIZED  INCOME (EXPENSE) 

ITEMS NOT SUBJECT TO RECLASSIFICATION TO INCOME STATEMENT 

Actuarial gains (losses) from defined benefit pension plans 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale 

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

Gains (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 (losses) taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Other reclassifications 

Cash flow hedges (effective portion) 

Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items 

Other reclassifications 

Hedging instruments (non-designated elements) 

Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Other reclassifications 

Debt securities at fair value through other comprehensive income 

Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity 

Transferred to profit or loss 

Other reclassifications 

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale 

Income tax relating to items subject to reclassification to income statements 

TOTAL RECOGNIZED INCOME/EXPENSE 

 (*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

2020 

(2,182) 

(643) 

(757) 

13 

- 

(786) 

- 

4 

- 

12 

114 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

92 

92 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

25 

86 

(61) 

- 

- 

(3) 

2019 (*) 

2,241 

(373) 

(367) 

3 

- 

(271) 

- 

(133) 

- 

34 

(6) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(115) 

(115) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

107 

173 

(66) 

- 

- 

2 

(2,825) 

1,868 

 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2020 of BBVA, S.A. 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

 2020 

Balances as of January 1, 2020 

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, 2020 

Capital 

Share 
Premium 

3,267  23,992 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
3,267  23,992 

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 

1 

- 

- 

- 

2,241 

(1,086) 

(381)  37,189 

(2,182) 

- 

(643)  (2,825) 

30 

(9) 

(2,241) 

1,086 

(101)  (1,497) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

48 

9,107 

- 

- 

(14) 

(248) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  (1,067) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2) 

1,206 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(12) 

(387) 
34  8,859 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(688) 

(5) 

679 

- 

- 

51 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-  (1,067) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(688) 

674 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,241) 

1,086 

(100) 

(16) 
31 

- 
(9) 

- 
(2,182) 

- 

(415) 
(1,124)  32,867 

 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 
Statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2019 of BBVA, S.A. 

Interim 
dividends 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
income 

Total 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Millions of Euros) 

2019 (*) 

Capital 

Share 
Premium 

Equity 
instruments 
issued other 
than capital 

Other Equity 

Retained 
earnings 

Revaluation 
reserves 

Other 
reserves 

Balances as of January 1, 2019 
Effect of changes in accounting policies 
Adjusted initial balance 

3,267  23,992 
- 
3,267  23,992 

- 

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, 2019 

 (*) 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
3,267  23,992 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

46 
- 
46 

- 
1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
(1) 

- 
- 
2 
48 

8,829 
- 
8,829 

- 
278 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,067) 
- 
- 

- 

- 
1,345 

- 
- 
- 
9,107 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(30) 
1 
(29) 

- 
29 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
36 

- 

- 
(8) 

- 
- 
1 
1 

(-) 
Treasury 
shares  

Profit or 
loss 
attributable 
to owners 
of the 
parent 

(23) 
- 
(23) 

- 
23 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(933) 
956 

2,450 
- 
2,450 

2,241 
(2,450) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(1,114) 
- 
(1,114) 

- 
28 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,086) 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
(2,450) 

- 
1,114 

- 
- 
- 
2,241 

- 
- 
- 
(1,086) 

(8)  37,409 
1 
(8)  37,410 

- 

(373) 

1,868 
-  (2,089) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-  (2,153) 
(933) 
- 
993 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
3 
(381)  37,189 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

CASH  FLOWS STATEMENTS  (Millions  of Euros) 

A) CASH  FLOWS  FROM  OPERATING ACTIVITIES  (1+2+3+4+5) 
1.Profit  (loss) 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 
Financial  assets at amortized  cost 
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/P ayments  for  income  tax 

B) CASH  FLOWS  FROM  INVESTING ACTIVITIES  (1+2) 
1.Investment   
Tangible  assets 
Intangible  assets 
Investments  in subsidiaries,  joint  ventures  and  associates  
Other  business  units 
Non-current  assets classified as held  for  sale and  associated  liabilities 
Other  collections  related  to  investing  activities 
2.Divestments 
Tangible  assets 
Intangible  assets 
Investments  in subsidiaries,  joint  ventures  and  associates  
Other  business  units 
Non-current  assets and  disposal  groups  classified as held  for  sale and  associated liabilities 
Other  collections  related  to  investing  activities 

C) CASH  FLOWS  FROM  FINANCING  ACTIVITIES  (1 + 2) 
1. Payments 
Dividends 
Subordinated  liabilities 
Treasury  stock amortization 
Treasury  stock acquisition 
Other  items  relating  to  financing  activities 
2.  Collections 
Subordinated  liabilities 
Common  stock increase 
Treasury  stock 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) 

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 

TOTAL CASH  AND CASH  EQUIVALENTS  AT END OF THE YEAR 

2020 

2019  (*) 

25,890 
(2,182) 
3,320 
663 
2,657 
(16,183) 
(3,836) 
447 
- 
(12,623) 
(683) 
512 
40,338 
(3,848) 
298 
45,202 
(1,314) 
598 

(125) 
(430) 
(96) 
(251) 
(84) 
- 
- 
- 
306 
29 
- 
70 
- 
206 
- 
(662) 
(3,686) 
(1,067) 
(1,937) 
- 
(682) 
- 
3,024 
2,334 
- 
674 
17 
584 

25,688 

18,419 

44,107 

2020 

972 
40,485 
2,650 
- 

44,107 

(10,032) 
2,241 
1,755 
673 
1,082 
(19,739) 
(9,751) 
871 
- 
(5,632) 
(6,514) 
1,287 
5,802 
6,242 
1,222 
(968) 
(693) 
(92) 

(102) 
(633) 
(119) 
(317) 
(196) 
- 
- 
- 
531 
10 
- 
103 
- 
418 
- 
(2,314) 
(6,114) 
(2,153) 
(3,005) 
- 
(956) 
- 
3,799 
2,640 
- 
993 
167 
(54) 

(12,503) 

30,922 

18,419 

2019  (*) 

1,046 
15,417 
1,956 
- 

18,419 

Presented for comparison purposes only. 

 (*) 
This Appendix is an integral part of Notes 2.1 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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 to 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 bonds 

The Bank has implemented 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. 

a) 

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 on 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 advances” 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 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.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 to 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, 2020 and 
2019 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. 

2020 
88,753 

2019 
92,757 

(27,549) 

(30,173) 

Nominal value of outstanding loans and mortgage loans, excluding securitized loans 

61,204 

62,584 

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.  

44,854 

44,759 

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.  

(1,169) 

(1,191) 

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 

43,685 

43,568 

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 

Of which: Ineligible 

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. 

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 
Loans supporting the issuance of mortgage-covered bonds  
Non eligible loans 
Comply requirements to be eligible  except the limit provided for under the article 5.1 of the Spanish Royal 
Decree 716/2009 
Other 
Eligible loans 
 That can not 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 

34,948 
32,069 
12,559 
2,879 

- 

191% 
136% 

5,549 

4,885 

664 

34,854 
32,422 
14,832 
2,432 

- 

193% 
134% 

5,841 

4,935 

906 

9,006 

9,989 

- 

- 

(1) 
(2) 

(3) 

(4) 
1-2-3-
4 

2020  2019 
92,75
88,75
7 
3 
4,114  4,494 
2,928  3,213 
25,67
23,43
9 
5 
22,89
21,09
9 
8 
- 
- 
62,58
61,20
4 
4 
17,825 
16,35
0 

9,006  9,989 

7,344  7,836 
44,75
44,85
9 
4 
1,191 
1,169 
43,56
43,68
8 
5 
- 
- 
43,56
43,68
8 
5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Mortgage loans. Classification of the nominal values according to different characteristics (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

Total mortgage 
loans 

Eligible 
Loans(*) 

Eligibles that 
can be used as 
collateral for 
issuances (**) 

Total mortgage 
loans 

Eligible 
Loans(*) 

Eligibles that can 
be used as 
collateral for 
issuances (**) 

62,584 

44,759 

43,568 

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 

Of which: public housing 

Of which: For households 
By type of guarantee 
Secured by completed 
assets/buildings 
Residential use 

Of which: public housing 

Commercial 
Other 
Secured by assets/buildings under 
construction 
Residential use 

Of which: public housing 

Commercial 
Other 
Secured by land 
Urban 
Non-urban 

61,204 
- 
56,593 
763 
3,848 
- 
61,033 
171 
- 
54,197 
7,007 
- 
13,031 
25,898 
18,713 
3,562 
- 
13,412 
47,792 
- 
- 
10,699 
2,215 
50,505 
- 

59,190 

52,145 
3,791 
7,015 
30 

1,303 

1,004 
1 
299 
- 
711 
275 
436 

44,854 
- 
40,975 
589 
3,290 
- 
44,742 
112 
- 
42,245 
2,609 
- 
10,037 
22,116 
11,718 
983 
- 
9,318 
35,536 
- 
- 
6,598 
1,555 
38,256 
- 

43,696 

39,454 
3,078 
4,233 
9 

942 

734 
- 
208 
- 
216 
88 
128 

43,685 
- 
39,846 
584 
3,255 
- 
43,573 
112 
- 
41,388 
2,297 
- 
9,759 
21,359 
11,613 
954 
- 
9,260 
34,425 
- 
- 
5,681 
757 
38,004 
- 

57,541 
838 
4,205 

62,263 
321 

53,983 
8,601 

13,788 
26,923 
17,528 
4,345 

11,408 
51,176 
- 

11,709 
2,333 
50,875 

42,868 

60,638 

38,781 
2,942 
4,078 
9 

660 

453 
- 
207 
- 
157 
34 
123 

52,831 
4,039 
7,779 
28 

1,103 

862 
5 
241 
- 
843 
321 
522 

 (*)   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. 

40,462 
650 
3,647 

44,564 
195 

41,331 
3,428 

10,376 
22,521 
10,562 
1,300 

6,768 
37,991 
- 

6,825 
1,529 
37,934 

43,823 

39,329 
3,238 
4,484 
10 

671 

560 
1 
111 
- 
265 
98 
167 

39,316 
644 
3,608 

43,373 
195 

40,608 
2,960 

10,071 
21,836 
10,398 
1,263 

6,720 
36,848 
- 

5,918 
743 
37,650 

42,920 

38,594 
3,094 
4,316 
10 

446 

335 
1 
111 
- 
202 
43 
159 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

December 2020. 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% 

13,665 

2,351 

16,016 

Over 40% but less 
than or equal to 60% 

Over 60% but less 
than or equal to 80% 

Over 80%  Total 

14,339 

2,288 

16,627 

12,211 

12,211 

- 

- 

40,215 

4,639 

44,854 

December 2019. Nominal value of the total mortgage loans (Millions of Euros) 

Loan to Value (Last available appraisal risk) 

Home mortgages 

Other mortgages 

Total 

Less than or 
equal to 
40% 

13,713 

2,484 

16,197 

Over 40% but less 
than or equal to 60% 

Over 60% but less 
than or equal to 80% 

Over 80%  Total 

14,821 

2,179 

17,000 

11,562 

11,562 

- 

- 

40,096 

4,663 

44,759 

Eligible and non eligible mortgage loans. Changes of the nominal values in the period (Millions of Euros) 

2020 
Eligible (*)  Non eligible 

2019 

Eligible (*) 

Non eligible 

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 

44,759 

6,429 
3,918 
1,913 
48 
550 
6,524 
3,740 
3 
2,781 
44,854 

17,825 

4,535 
736 
930 
19 
2,850 
3,060 
2,396 
1 
664 
16,350 

45,664 

7,447 
4,363 
2,231 
22 
831 
6,542 
3,219 
4 
3,319 
44,759 

 (*) 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 

2020 
4,885 
664 
5,549 

22,074 

8,498 
1,062 
2,054 
10 
5,372 
4,249 
3,235 
2 
1,012 
17,825 

2019 
4,935 
906 
5,841 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

b.2)   Liabilities  operations 

Issued Mortgage Bonds (Millions of Euros) 

2020 

2019 

Nominal value 

Average 
residual 
maturity 

Nominal value 

Average 
residual 
maturity 

Mortgage bonds 
Mortgage-covered bonds 

Of which: non 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 

- 
32,069 
19,510  

12,559  
10,450  

2,750  

1,250  
2,250  

3,000  

1,000  
200  

19,605  

1,500  
2,000  

9,000  

4,000  

3,105  
-  

2,014  

425  
368  

100  

371  
100  

650  
2,928 
2,928 
- 

21,098 
21,098 

- 

- 
32,422 
17,590  

14,832  
12,501  

2,051  

2,750  
1,250  

3,250  

3,000  
200  

17,662  

50  
1,500  

2,000  

9,000  

5,112  
-  

2,260  

246  
425  

368  

100  
471  

650  
3,213 
3,213 
- 

22,899 
22,899 

- 

257 
257 
- 

257 
257 

- 

267 
267 
- 

267 
267 

- 

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 4/2017 as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019: 

c.1)    Assets operations 

Principal outstanding payment of loans (Millions of Euros) 

Eligible loans according to article 34.6 and 7 of the Law 14/2013 
Minos: Loans that support the issuance of internationalization bonds 

Minos: 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 

Nominal value 2020 
3,284 
- 

Nominal value 2019 
3,621 
- 

8 

3,276 

1 

3,620 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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) 

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 
(3) Deposits (b) 
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 
TOTAL: (1) + (2) + (3) 

Nominal value 2020  Nominal value 2019 
1,500 
1,500 
- 
- 
1,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

1,500 
1,500 
- 
1,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
1,500 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
1,500 

Coverage ratio of internationalization covered bonds on loans (c ) 

Percentage 

Percentage 

46% 

41% 

(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. 

d) Territorial bonds 

d.1)   Assets operations 

December 2020. Loans that serves as collateral  for the territorial bonds 

Central governments 

Regional governments 
Local governments 
Total loans 

(a) 

Principal pending payment of loans. 

Nominal Value(a) 

Total 

Spanish Residents 

Residents in other 
countries of the 
European Economic  Area 

1,505 

7,633 
3,665 

12,803 

1,396 

7,605 
3,665 
12,666 

109 

28 
- 
137 

December 2019. Loans that serves as collateral  for the territorial bonds 

Central Governments 

Regional Governments 

Local Governments 
Total loans 

(a) 

Principal pending payment of loans. 

Nominal Value(a) 

Total  Spanish Residents 

1,473 

7,691 

4,151 

13,315 

1,345 

7,662 

4,151 
13,158 

Residents in other 
countries of the 
European Economic 
Area 

128 

29 

- 
157 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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 value 2020 

Nominal value 
2019 

6,540 
6,540 
6,040 
2,000 
840 
200 
3,500 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

8,040 
8,040 
7,540 
4,500 
2,000 
840 
700 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Coverage ratio of the territorial bonds on loans (b) 

Percentage 
51% 

Percentage 
60% 

(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. 

This Appendix is an integral part of Notes 14.3 and 22.4 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December  31, 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

APPENDIX XI. 
Spain Circular 6/2012 

Quantitative information on  refinancing  and  restructuring operations and other  requirement under Bank of 

a) Quantitative information on refinancing and restructuring operations 
The breakdown of refinancing and restructuring operations as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Unsecured loans 

DECEMBER 2020 BALANCE OF FORBEARANCE 
    (Millions of Euros) 
TOTAL 

Secured loans 

Number of operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of operations  Gross carrying amount 

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) 

Other households (*) 
Total 

- 
67 

519 

111.648 

624 

261,097 
373,331 

- 
77 

10 

5,592 

500 

1,782 
7,460 

- 
69 

22 

11.343 

1,081 

86,643 
98,077 

- 
62 

2 

3,182 

622 

5,992 
9,239 

Maximum amount of secured loans that 
can be considered 

Real estate 
mortgage secured 
- 
45 

2 

1,911 

370 

4,379 
6,337 

Rest of secured 
loans 

- 
- 

- 

33 

8 

27 
60 

Accumulated impairment or 
accumulated losses in fair 
value due to credit risk 

- 
15 

4 

3,128 

420 

1,712 
4,859 

Unsecured loans 

Of  which:  IMPAIRED 

Secured loans 

Number of operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of operations  Gross carrying amount 

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) 

Other households (*) 

Total 

- 
39 

283 

67.588 

469 

113,013 

180,923 

(*)  Number of operations does not include Garanti BBVA. 

- 
36 

5 

3,470 

216 

765 

4,274 

- 
29 

11 

6.880 

674 

37,063 

43,983 

- 
20 

1 

1,939 

408 

2,805 

4,765 

Maximum amount of secured loans that 
can be considered 

Real estate 
mortgage secured 
- 
14 

1 

916 

197 

1,820 

2,750 

Rest of secured 
loans 

- 
- 

- 

21 

8 

8 

30 

Accumulated impairment or 
accumulated losses in fair 
value due to credit risk 

- 
12 

3 

2,727 

311 

1,358 

4,100 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Unsecured loans 

DECEMBER 2019 BALANCE OF FORBEARANCE 
    (Millions of Euros) 

TOTAL 

Secured loans 

Number of operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of operations  Gross carrying amount 

Real estate 
mortgage secured 

Rest of secured 
loans 

Maximum amount of secured loans that 
can be considered 

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) 

Other households (*) 

Total 

- 

73 

387 

- 

93 

8 

- 

64 

62 

- 

64 

4 

- 

49 

3 

68,121 

5,085 

18,283 

3,646 

1,810 

1.131 

173,403 

241,984 

400 

1,510 

6,696 

1,314 

67,513 

85,922 

688 

5,827 

9,541 

393 

4,414 

6,276 

- 

- 

- 

178 

32 

33 

211 

- 

11 

6 

3,252 

428 

1,519 

4,788 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Of  which:  IMPAIRED 

Number of operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of operations  Gross carrying amount 

Real estate 
mortgage secured 

Rest of secured 
loans 

Maximum amount of secured loans that 
can be considered 

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) 

Other households (*) 

Total 

- 

45 

241 

- 

41 

6 

- 

30 

30 

- 

21 

2 

- 

16 

1 

39.380 

3,148 

11.706 

2,466 

1,020 

819 

96,429 

136,095 

321 

758 

3,954 

790 

34,463 

46,229 

445 

2,908 

5,396 

210 

2,096 

3,044 

- 

- 

- 

50 

4 

17 

67 

- 

7 

6 

2,923 

392 

1,229 

4,164 

(*)  Number of operations does not include Garanti BBVA. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Unsecured loans 

DECEMBER 2018 BALANCE OF FORBEARANCE 
    (Millions of Euros) 

TOTAL 

Secured loans 

Number of operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of operations  Gross carrying amount 

Real estate 
mortgage secured 

Rest of secured 
loans 

Maximum amount of secured loans that 
can be considered 

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) 

Other households (*) 

Total 

- 

75 

252 

- 

111 

13 

- 

46 

29.360 

- 

64 

5 

- 

52 

3 

44.271 

4,483 

15,493 

4,177 

2,200 

734 

193.061 

237.659 

258 

1,326 

5,933 

1,627 

355.466 

400,365 

962 

6,990 

11,236 

501 

5,083 

7,338 

- 

- 

- 

221 

12 

150 

371 

- 

15 

6 

3,148 

517 

1,716 

4,885 

Unsecured loans 

Secured loans 

Of  which:  IMPAIRED 

Number of operations 

Gross carrying 
amount 

Number of operations  Gross carrying amount 

Real estate 
mortgage secured 

Rest of secured 
loans 

Maximum amount of secured loans that 
can be considered 

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) 

Other households (*) 

Total 

- 

46 

133 

- 

65 

4 

- 

12 

29.320 

25.420 

2,723 

9,922 

631 

116.916 

142.515 

200 

741 

3,533 

1,145 

42.403 

81,657 

(*)  Number of operations does not include Garanti BBVA. 

- 

16 

4 

2,777 

656 

3,673 

6,470 

- 

8 

2 

1,192 

254 

2,435 

3,636 

- 

- 

- 

100 

1 

26 

126 

- 

10 

5 

2,773 

477 

1,414 

4,202 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 breakdown by segments of the forbearance operations (net of provisions) as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

Forbearance operations. Breakdown by segments (Millions of Euros) 

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 

December 2020 

December 2019 

December 2018 

- 

124 

8 

5,645 

701 

6,062 
11,840 

858 

- 

147 

6 

5,479 

660 

5,818 
11,450 

42 

- 

160 

13 

5,512 

702 

6,600 
12,284 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the non-performing ratio for each of the portfolios of renegotiated loans is as follows: 

December  2020. NPL ratio renegotiated loan portfolio 

General governments 

Commercial 

Of which: Construction and developer 

Other consumer 
December  2019. NPL ratio renegotiated loan portfolio 

General governments 

Commercial 

Of which: Construction and developer 

Other consumer 

Ratio of impaired loans - past due 

40% 

62% 

56% 

46% 

Ratio of impaired loans - past due 

39% 

64% 

70% 

50% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 2020 (Millions of Euros) 

General  governments 

Other financial  institutions and individual  entrepreneurs 

Non-financial  institutions and individual  entrepreneurs 
Construction and property development  

Construction of civil works 

Other purposes 
Large companies  

SMEs (**) and individual entrepreneurs  

Rest of households and NPISHs  (***) 
Housing  

Consumption  

Other purposes  

TOTAL 

MEMORANDUM ITEM: 

Total (*) 

Mortgage 
loans 

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% 

Loans to customers.  Loan to value  

19,718 

17,662 

372 

200 

143,693 

23,686 

4,379 

6,810 

132,504 

79,595 

52,909 

137,870 

94,098 

39,442 

4,331 

318,943 

3,244 

641 

19,801 

6,648 

13,154 

92,555 

90,756 

418 

1,381 

1,451 

9,596 

4,082 

82 

279 

3,721 

1,920 

1,801 

1,836 

131 

1,521 

184 

390 

166 

8,294 

1,048 

274 

6,972 

2,561 

4,411 

19,606 

18,743 

246 

617 

546 

1,585 

7,162 

1,015 

194 

5,953 

1,811 

4,142 

24,126 

23,719 

190 

216 

135 

2,610 

4,467 

678 

97 

3,691 

1,242 

2,449 

27,130 

26,817 

139 

174 

714 

5,146 

3,200 

263 

48 

2,888 

1,012 

1,877 

15,463 

13,960 

1,245 

257 

Over 
100% 

39 

289 

4,646 

321 

306 

4,019 

1,943 

2,076 

8,066 

7,648 

118 

301 

116,813 

16,966 

28,456 

33,419 

34,343 

24,522 

13,039 

Forbearance operations (****) 

11,840 

7,271 

74 

1,350 

1,408 

1,587 

1,165 

1,834 

(*) 

The amounts included in this table are net of loss allowances. 

(**) 

Small and medium enterprises. 

(***)   Nonprofit institutions serving households. 

(****)  Net of provisions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2019 (Millions of Euros) 

Loans to customers.  Loan to value  

Total (*) 

Mortgage 
loans 

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% 

29,257 

23,114 

176,474 

15,171 

7,146 

154,157 

104,661 

49,496 

167,117 

110,178 

46,356 

10,583 

1,067 

281 

26,608 

4,497 

756 

21,355 

8,665 

12,690 

108,031 

104,796 

507 

2,728 

10,886 

13,699 

30,313 

2,114 

468 

27,731 

19,058 

8,673 

5,582 

2,332 

2,075 

1,175 

4,914 

1,856 

22,901 

2,313 

499 

20,089 

12,647 

7,442 

23,057 

20,831 

450 

1,776 

1,510 

219 

10,082 

1,765 

248 

8,069 

3,620 

4,449 

27,714 

26,639 

316 

759 

1,077 

103 

8,478 

1,476 

152 

6,850 

3,828 

3,022 

32,625 

31,707 

174 

744 

Over 80% 
but less 
than or 
equal to 
100% 

3,651 

11,688 

5,270 

457 

106 

4,707 

2,727 

1,980 

20,529 

18,701 

1,502 

326 

Over 
100% 

801 

115 

10,190 

600 

219 

9,371 

4,901 

4,470 

9,688 

9,250 

140 

298 

395,962 

135,987 

60,480 

52,728 

39,525 

42,283 

41,138 

20,794 

11,450 

7,396 

256 

1,547 

1,427 

1,572 

1,247 

1,859 

General  governments 

 Other financial  institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

 Non-financial  institutions and individual  entrepreneurs 

 Construction and property development  

 Construction of civil works 

 Other purposes 

 Large companies  

 SMEs (**) and individual entrepreneurs  

Rest of households and NPISHs  (***) 

 Housing  

 Consumption  

 Other purposes  

 TOTAL 

MEMORANDUM ITEM: 

Forbearance operations (****) 

(*) 

The amounts included in this table are net of loss allowances. 

(**) 

Small and medium enterprises 

(***)  Nonprofit institutions serving households. 

(****)  Net of provisions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.236 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union (see Notes 1 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2018 (Millions of Euros) 

Loans to customers. Loan to value  

Total (*) 

Mortgage 
loans 

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% 

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 

25,211 

1,979 

703 

22,529 

13,918 

8,611 

21,974 

19,981 

489 

1,505 

1,856 

221 

11,121 

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 

Over 80% 
but less 
than or 
equal to 
100% 

3,514 

11,209 

5,087 

486 

200 

4,401 

2,245 

2,156 

21,490 

19,345 

1,597 

547 

Over 
100% 

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 

12,284 

8,325 

523 

1,508 

1,421 

1,769 

1,527 

2,623 

 General  governments 

 Other financial  institutions and individual entrepreneurs 

Non-financial  institutions and individual  entrepreneurs 

Construction and property development  

 Construction of civil works 

Other purposes 

 Large companies  

SMEs (**) and individual entrepreneurs  

Rest of households and NPISHs  (***) 

Housing  

Consumption  

Other purposes  

 TOTAL 

MEMORANDUM ITEM: 

Forbearance operations (****) 

(*) 

The amounts included in this table are net of loss allowances. 

(**) 

Small and medium enterprises 

(***)  Nonprofit institutions serving households. 

(****)  Net of provisions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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  2020 (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 

142,475 

125,311 

103,104 

22,207 

48,434 

202,708 

8,182 

10,385 

184,141 

125,847 

58,294 

138,544 

94,098 

39,442 

5,004 

44,287 

61,944 

46,614 

15,330 

14,727 

74,560 

3,384 

5,275 

65,901 

39,272 

26,629 

88,633 

73,383 

12,117 

3,133 

31,005 

12,660 

12,324 

336 

11,773 

23,783 

202 

1,349 

22,232 

21,610 

622 

2,882 

1,747 

719 

416 

39,897 

37,756 

31,477 

6,279 

15,640 

60,245 

1,899 

1,183 

57,163 

37,904 

19,259 

36,690 

16,262 

19,264 

1,164 

27,286 

12,951 

12,689 

262 

6,294 

44,120 

2,697 

2,578 

38,845 

27,061 

11,784 

10,339 

2,706 

7,342 

291 

657,472 

284,151 

82,103 

190,228 

100,990 

(*)   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 loss allowances. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

December 2019 (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 

108,728 

134,915 

96,639 

38,276 

52,281 

231,964 

18,915 

10,607 

202,442 

147,573 

54,869 

167,379 

110,178 

46,358 

10,843 

23,045 

56,464 

39,573 

16,891 

13,822 

70,753 

3,538 

5,403 

61,812 

37,393 

24,419 

90,829 

75,754 

11,954 

3,121 

40,204 

9,861 

9,505 

356 

19,763 

25,932 

361 

1,303 

24,268 

23,279 

989 

3,180 

725 

675 

1,780 

31,717 

57,174 

36,287 

20,887 

15,736 

92,178 

11,688 

1,431 

79,059 

61,838 

17,221 

62,098 

30,557 

25,897 

5,644 

695,267 

254,913 

98,940 

258,903 

13,762 

11,416 

11,274 

142 

2,960 

43,101 

3,328 

2,470 

37,303 

25,063 

12,240 

11,272 

3,142 

7,832 

298 

82,511 

(*)   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 loss allowances. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

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 

113,306 

123,340 

87,610 

35,730 

48,931 

226,422 

17,697 

11,429 

197,296 

137,086 

60,210 

163,442 

111,007 

40,123 

12,312 

675,441 

35,719 

53,664 

35,691 

17,973 

13,776 

70,523 

3,497 

5,789 

61,237 

36,951 

24,286 

91,976 

78,414 

10,303 

3,259 

33,355 

11,061 

10,756 

305 

17,887 

24,534 

244 

1,535 

22,755 

22,083 

672 

3,383 

765 

629 

1,989 

31,085 

50,092 

32,735 

17,357 

15,335 

87,417 

10,113 

1,762 

75,542 

53,422 

22,120 

56,777 

28,034 

22,036 

6,707 

265,658 

90,220 

240,706 

13,147 

8,523 

8,428 

95 

1,933 

43,948 

3,843 

2,343 

37,762 

24,630 

13,132 

11,306 

3,794 

7,155 

357 

78,857 

(*)   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 loss allowances. 

This Appendix is an integral part of Note 7.2.7 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December  31, 2020.

 
 
 
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 to 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, 
2020, 2019  and 2018  by type  of counterparty and the country of  residence  of such counterparty. The below  figures  do not take into 
account accumulated other comprehensive income, loss allowances or loan-loss provisions: 

Risk exposure by countries (Millions of Euros) 

Spain 

Italy 

Turkey 

Portugal 

Germany 

France 

Netherlands 

Romania 

Rest of Europe 
Subtotal Europe 

Mexico 

The United States 

Colombia 

Argentina 

Peru 

Venezuela 

Rest of countries 

Subtotal rest of countries 

Total exposure to financial instruments 

Sovereign risk  

December 2020  December 2019  December 2018 

60,916  

10,270  

7,578  

1,067  

342  

108  

- 

459  

244  
80,984 

31,237  

14,217  

1,466  

1,539  

706  

21  

5,559  

54,746 

135,729 

55,575  

7,810  

7,999  

924  

224  

93  

1  

480  

185  
73,291 

32,630  

19,802  

1,828  

1,557  

582  

7  

3,726  

60,131 

133,421 

52,970  

9,249  

7,998  

529  

362  

122  

9  

493  

248  
71,981 

26,562  

18,645  

2,577  

628  

750  

1  

955  

50,118 

122,099 

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. 

The table below provides a breakdown of the exposure of the Group’s credit institutions to sovereign risk as of December 31, 2020 by type 
of financial  instrument and the country of residence of the counterparty, under EBA (European Banking Authority) requirements: 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails. 

Exposure  to Sovereign  Risk by European  Union  Countries.  December  2020 (Millions of Euros) 

Debt securities 

Loans and advances 

Direct  exposure 

Indirect exposure 

Total 

% 

Notional value 

Fair  value + 

Fair  value - 

Notional value 

Fair  value + 

Fair  value - 

Derivatives 

Spain 

Italy 

Portugal 

Germany 

France   

Netherlands 

Romania 

Rest  of  European  Union 

Mexico 

The  United  States 

Turkey 

Rest  of  other  countries 

Total other countries 

Total  

33,689  

12,712  

419  

19  

7,612  

(230) 

159   

(747) 

- 

459   

(573) 

112  

130  

- 

26  

- 

- 

35   

19,215  

14,133  

7,366  

6,974  

47,688 

- 

181  

2,161  

7,012 

88,057 

20,026 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

285   

704 

25   

- 

- 

2,823 

3,527 

4,671  

2,798  

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1  

20 

3  

2  

- 

11  

16 

36 

(10) 

- 

(53) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(5) 

(68) 

(148) 

- 

- 

- 

(148) 

(216) 

(1,030) 

(1,550) 

211  

295   

773   

- 

- 

197  

(1,105) 

(3) 

- 

- 

416  

413 

37   

15   

3  

3  

6  

- 

- 

4  

67 

- 

42  

- 

40  

82 

(21) 

(32) 

(2) 

(1) 

(3) 

- 

- 

(1) 

(59) 

45,814  

41% 

6,155  

59   

456   

55   

- 

459   

(57) 

6% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

0% 

52,942 

48% 

- 

26,535  

24% 

(42) 

14,161  

13% 

- 

(4) 

(46) 

7,547   

9,597   

7% 

9% 

57,840 

52% 

(693) 

149 

(104) 

110,782 

100% 

Total Exposure to Sovereign Counterparties (European Union) 

40,369 

13,014 

This table shows sovereign risk balances  with EBA criteria. Therefore, sovereign risk of European countries of the Group’s insurance companies (€10,917 million as of December 31, 2020) is not included. 
Includes credit derivatives  CDS (Credit Default Swaps) shown at fair value. 

This Annex forms an integral part of Note 7.2.8 of the consolidated Annual Accounts for the year 2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
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 to 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 

Lending for real estate development of the loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is shown below: 

December  2020. 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) (book value) 

Total consolidated assets (total business) (book value) 

Impairment and provisions for normal exposures 

2,565 

473 

2,288  

162,600  

736,176  

(4,909)  

650 

213 

(281) 

(230) 

December 2019. 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) (book value) 
Total consolidated assets (total business) (book value) 
Impairment and provisions for normal exposures 

2,649 

567 

2,265  

185,893  

697,737  
(4,934)  

688 

271 

(286) 

(252) 

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) (book Value) 
Total consolidated assets (total business) (book value) 
Impairment and provisions for normal exposures 

3,183 

875 

2,619  

183,196  

675,675  
(4,938)  

941 

440 

(537) 

(463) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 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 

2020 

372 

2,193 

1,307 

991 

316 

614 

430 

184 

272 

143 

129 
2,565 

2019 

298 

2,351 

1,461 

1,088 

373 

545 

348 

197 

345 

240 

105 
2,649 

2018 

324 

2,859 

1,861 

1,382 

479 

432 

408 

24 

566 

364 

202 
3,183 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 51.0% 55.2% and 58.5%, of loans to developers were guaranteed with buildings (75.8%, 74.5% 
and 74.3% are homes), and only 10.6%, 13.0%, and 17.8% by land, of which 52.6%  69.6%, and 64.3% are in urban locations, respectively. 

The table below provides the breakdown of the financial  guarantees given as of December  31, December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 

Financial guarantees given (Millions of Euros) 

Houses purchase loans 
Without mortgage 

2020 

58 
5 

2019 

44 
5 

2018 

48 
24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
P.244 
Translation of the Consolidated Financial Statements originally issued in Spanish and prepared in accordance with EU-IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 
(see Notes 1 to 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, December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as 
follows: 

December 2020. 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 

74,689 

1,693 
72,996 

2,841 

20 
2,821 

December 2019. 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 

76,961 

1,672 
75,289 

2,943 

22 
2,921 

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 

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 

15,197 

170 
15,105 

182 

14,491 

204 

18,891 

294 
19,453 

313 

18,822 

323 

20,716 

426 
20,424 

506 

21,657 

507 

10,624 

470 
11,827 

544 

13,070 

610 

7,568 

1,461 
8,480 

1,376 

10,508 

2,178 

72,996 

2,821 
75,289 

2,921 

78,548 

3,822 

Gross amount 2020 

Of which: Impaired loans 

Gross amount 2019 

Of which: Impaired loans 

Gross amount 2018 

Of which: Impaired loans 

Outstanding home mortgage loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 had an average  LTV of 46% 47% and 49% 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.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 to 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. 
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 
Information about assets received in payment of debts (Business in Spain) (Millions of Euros) 

December 2020 

Gross 
Value 

Provisions 

Of which: Valuation 
adjustments on 
impaired assets, 
from the time of 
foreclosure 

Carrying 
amount 

913 
363 
212 
151 
30 
29 
1 
520 
485 
35 

1,128 
481 

1,310 
3,832 

(486) 
(144) 
(75) 
(69) 
(21) 
(20) 
(1) 
(321) 
(303) 
(18) 

(593) 
(259) 

(450) 
(1,788) 

(234) 
(60) 
(33) 
(27) 
(10) 
(10) 
- 
(164) 
(150) 
(14) 

(163) 
(48) 

(412) 
(857) 

427 
219 
137 
82 
9 
9 
- 
199 
182 
17 

535 
222 

860 
2,044 

December 2019 

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. 
Terminated buildings 

Homes 
Other 

Buildings under construction 

Homes 
Other 

Land 

Urbanized land 
Rest of land 

1,048 
378 
221 
157 
79 
78 
1 
591 
547 
44 

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 
Information about assets received in payment of debts (Business in Spain) (Millions of Euros) 

1,380 
4,071 

1,192 
451 

(555) 
(150) 
(81) 
(69) 
(44) 
(43) 
(1) 
(361) 
(338) 
(23) 

(612) 
(233) 

(293) 
(1,693) 

(266) 
(58) 
(33) 
(25) 
(24) 
(24) 
- 
(184) 
(167) 
(17) 

(153) 
(37) 

(255) 
(711) 

493 
228 
140 
88 
35 
35 
- 
230 
209 
21 

580 
218 

1,087 
2,378 

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 

Gross 
value 

December 2018 

Provisions 

Of which: Valuation 
adjustments on 
impaired assets, from 
the time of foreclosure 

Carrying amount 

2,165 
991 
588 
403 
209 
194 
15 
965 
892 
73 

1,797 
348 
1,345 
5,655 

(1,252) 
(445) 
(245) 
(200) 
(131) 
(117) 
(14) 
(676) 
(633) 
(43) 

(932) 
(192) 
(234) 
(2,610) 

(828) 
(274) 
(144) 
(130) 
(96) 
(85) 
(11) 
(458) 
(421) 
(37) 

(331) 
(40) 
(234) 
(1,433) 

913 
546 
343 
203 
78 
77 
1 
289 
259 
30 

865 
156 
1,111 
3,045 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 
Additionally, in December 2018, 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. 

As of December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the gross book value of the Group’s real-estate assets from corporate financing of real-estate 
construction and development was €913, €1,048 and €2,165 million, respectively, with an average  coverage ratio of 53.2%, 53.0%, and 
57.8% respectively. 

The gross book value of real-estate assets from mortgage lending to households for home purchase as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, amounted to €1,128, €1,192 and €1,797 million, respectively, with an average coverage ratio of 52.6%, 51.3%, and 51.9%. 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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  €2,522, €2,691 and €4,310 million, respectively.  The coverage ratio was 53.1%, 
52.0% and 55.1%, respectively.  

This Appendix is an integral part of Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

 
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 to 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. As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 it does not take into account loss allowances or loan-loss provisions: 

Risks by geographical  areas. December  2020 (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 

Total risks in financial instruments 

Spain 

Europe, excluding 
Spain 

Mexico 

The United 
States 

Turkey 

South America 

Other 

Total 

8,419 

2,196 

56,552 

- 

48,765 

1,680 

5,466 

641 

168,849 

1,301 

12,712 

644 

3,742 

55,314 

95,136 
236,016 

35,096 

850 

15,474 
51,419 

- 
287,436 

17,811 

9,627 

18,932 

- 

12,320 

2,383 

1,804 

2,426 

53,038 

37 

328 

25,273 

11,024 

13,078 

3,298 
99,408 

32,327 

3,302 

8,224 
43,853 

- 
143,261 

2,292 

3,197 

29,392 

- 

26,567 

1,542 

404 

879 

57,787 

235 

4,671 

2,888 

2,489 

22,878 

24,626 
92,667 

15,748 

24 

1,618 
17,391 

- 
110,058 

8,350 

925 

5,097 

- 

2,412 

214 

897 

1,574 

8,335 

204 

- 

1,477 

946 

5,670 

38 
22,706 

33,644 

714 

1,922 
36,280 

- 
58,986 

349 

65 

7,466 

- 

7,449 

14 

2 

0 

40,373 

3,408 

181 

217 

1,165 

23,963 

11,439 
48,253 

7,691 

4,415 

3,403 
15,508 

- 
63,761 

2,162 

260 

5,907 

2,535 

2,547 

205 

439 

180 

39,081 

1,060 

1,401 

830 

756 

18,215 

16,819 
47,410 

6,530 

1,013 

2,883 
10,425 

- 
57,836 

800 

420 

6,287 

100 

4,641 

681 

163 

702 

9,996 

37 

732 

3,794 

723 

4,573 

137 
17,503 

1,548 

348 

2,666 
4,563 

- 
22,065 

40,183 

16,690 

129,632 

2,635 

104,701 

6,718 

9,175 

6,402 

377,459 

6,282 

20,026 

35,122 

20,845 

143,691 

151,493 
563,964 

132,584 

10,665 

36,190 
179,440 

- 
743,404 

(*) 

Equity instruments are shown net of valuation adjustment. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

Risks by geographical areas. December 2019 (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 

5,241 

3,745 

48,806 
- 

41,510 

1,237 

5,643 

416 

171,668 

14 

14,477 

6,621 

3,103 

50,718 

96,735 
229,460 

33,146 

3,182 

16,204 
52,532 

Europe, 
excluding Spain 

16,603 

6,184 

13,283 
- 

9,403 

1,672 

1,001 

1,207 

52,027 

- 

394 

20,544 

13,351 

14,215 

3,523 
88,097 

26,687 

1,605 

9,125 
37,417 

Mexico 

1,328 

3,829 

28,053 
- 

25,852 

658 

317 

1,226 

63,505 

- 

6,820 

2,050 

1,611 

24,823 

28,201 
96,715 

17,361 

656 

1,534 
19,551 

The United 
States 

Turkey  South America 

Other 

Total 

6,354 

1,311 

17,733 
- 

14,465 

150 

2,085 

1,034 

65,044 

- 

5,342 

648 

2,313 

34,960 

21,781 
90,442 

35,185 

754 

2,075 
38,014 

189 

55 

7,934 
- 

7,921 

9 

3 

1 

45,874 

3,647 

111 

1,996 

1,248 

26,099 

12,773 
54,052 

8,665 

3,170 

5,065 
16,900 

1,788 

268 

5,383 
1,785 

2,732 

263 

433 

170 

40,787 

684 

1,536 

1,012 

704 

17,963 

18,888 
48,226 

8,060 

911 

2,808 
11,779 

729 

247 

4,210 
70 

2,846 

611 

136 

548 

9,264 

475 

637 

2,112 

752 

5,130 

158 
14,450 

1,819 

705 

2,397 
4,922 

32,232 

15,639 

125,403 
1,855 

104,728 

4,600 

9,619 

4,602 

448,166 

4,820 

29,316 

34,982 

23,082 

173,907 

182,059 
621,440 

130,923 

10,984 

39,209 
181,116 

Total risks in financial instruments 

281,992 

125,514 

116,266 

128,456 

70,952 

60,005 

19,372 

802,556 

(*) 

Equity instruments are shown net of valuation adjustment. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-
language version prevails. 

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 

The United 
States 

Turkey  South America 

Other 

Total 

3,927 

3,228 

43,777 

- 

36,553 

1,130 

5,769 

325 

177,077 

294 

16,671 

5,422 

4,616 

51,942 

98,131 
228,009 

32,582 

3,242 

15,995 
51,819 

15,277 

3,669 

14,908 

- 

10,675 

1,821 

1,048 

1,364 

43,034 

112 

329 

13,600 

10,893 

14,317 

3,783 
76,888 

21,983 

1,708 

9,229 
32,920 

1,473 

2,459 

23,134 

- 

20,891 

573 

227 

1,443 

55,248 

- 

5,727 

1,476 

1,303 

22,426 

24,316 
82,314 

14,503 

1,528 

532 
16,563 

6,993 

1,139 

16,991 

- 

13,276 

74 

2,595 

1,046 

62,193 

- 

5,369 

696 

2,255 

32,480 

21,393 
87,316 

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 

1,142 

212 

5,274 

1,982 

2,431 

297 

432 

132 

40,007 

342 

1,923 

984 

637 

18,518 

17,602 
46,635 

8,590 

989 

2,782 
12,360 

549 

207 

1,312 

71 

164 

463 

114 

500 

7,089 

1,674 

453 

639 

304 

3,852 

168 
9,157 

1,252 

1,291 

2,213 
4,756 

29,522 

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 
583,844 

118,959 

16,454 

35,098 
170,511 

Total risks in financial instruments 

279,828 

109,808 

98,877 

122,366 

70,566 

58,995 

13,913 

754,355 

(*) 

Equity instruments are shown net of valuation adjustment. 

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.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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

The  breakdown  of  loans  and  advances  in  the  heading of  “Loans  and  advances”,  impaired  by  geographical  area  as 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 

Impaired financial  assets by geographic area  (Millions of Euros)  

Spain 

Rest of Europe 

Mexico 

South America 

The United States (*) 

Turkey 

Rest of the world 
IMPAIRED  RISKS 

2020 

8,199 

118 

1,767 

1,703 

- 

2,889 

2 
14,678 

2019 

8,616 

175 

1,478 

1,769 

632 

3,289 

2 
15,959 

2018 

10,025 

225 

1,138 

1,715 

733 

2,520 

2 
16,359 

(*)  the balance corresponds to the stake in BBVA USA (see Notes 3 and 21) 

This Appendix is an integral part of Note 7.2.8 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 
2020. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

APPENDIX XIII. 
European Parliament and its application to Spanish Law through Law 10/2014 

Information in accordance with article 89 of Directive 2013/36/EU of the 

CIT payments 
cash basis 

CIT expense 
consol 

PBT consol 

Gross 
income 

6,798 

5,732 

Nº 
Employees 
(*) 
36,853 

Activity 

Main Entity 

Finance, banking and insurance services  BBVA Bancomer S.A. 

29,330 

Finance, banking and insurance services  BBVA S.A. 

2,491 

(2,108) 

Country 

Mexico 

Spain (1)(2) 

Turkey 

United States 

Peru 

Colombia 

Argentina 

Uruguay 

Chile 

Romania 

Portugal 

Italy 

United Kingdom 

Paraguay 

France 

Malta 

The Netherlands 

Hong Kong 

Venezuela 

Switzerland 

Germany 

Bolivia 

Singapore 

Cyprus 

Belgium 

Curaçao 

Taiwan 

Brazil 

China 

Finland 

Japan 

Ireland 

Total 

1,250 

(699) 

348 

118 

156 

104 

137 

12 

19 

8 

5 

8 

5 

3 

13 

8 

7 

8 

- 

9 

26 

3 

1 

7 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

721 

(7) 

362 

85 

91 

77 

81 

8 

8 

4 

14 

20 

3 

3 

3 

4 

7 

5 

7 

3 

8 

3 

2 

4 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,394 

3,298 

20,357 

Finance, banking and insurance services  Garanti BBVA AS 

551 

325 

249 

205 

37 

32 

27 

42 

65 

40 

26 

14 

66 

23 

31 

8 

11 

24 

12 

11 

16 

4 

2 

1 

2 

1 

(26) 

- 

- 

3,165 

1,149 

911 

732 

146 

132 

103 

100 

77 

76 

68 

64 

83 

59 

55 

44 

42 

40 

28 

14 

28 

7 

5 

5 

4 

4 

3 

1 

- 

10,883 

Finance and banking services 

6,204 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA USA 

BBVA Perú 

6,592 

Finance, banking and insurance services  BBVA Colombia S.A. 

6,052 

Finance, banking and insurance services  Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. 

590 

696 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA Uruguay S.A. 

Financial services 

Forum Servicios Financieros, S.A. 

1,199 

Finance and banking services 

GBR Garanti Bank SA 

447 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA - Portugal Branch Office 

51 

118 

Banking services 

Banking services 

BBVA -Milan Branch Office 

BBVA -London Branch Office 

430 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA Paraguay S.A. 

68 

13 

Banking services 

Banking services 

BBVA -Paris Branch Office 

Garanti –Valletta Brach Office 

236 

Finance and banking services 

Garantibank BBVA International N.V. 

80 

Banking services 

BBVA -Hong-Kong Branch Office 

1,996 

Finance, banking and insurance services  BBVA Banco Provincial S.A. 

113 

43 

476 

10 

103 

22 

16 

11 

6 

26 

125 

3 

- 

Finance and banking services 

BBVA (Switzerland) S.A. 

Banking services 

Pensions 

Banking services 

Banking services 

Banking services 

BBVA -Frankfurt Branch Office 

BBVA Previsión AFP SA 

BBVA -Singapore Branch Office 

Garanti - Nicosia Branch Office 

BBVA -Brussels Branch Office 

Finance and banking services 

Banco Provincial Overseas N.V. 

Banking services 

Financial services 

Banking services 

Financial services 

Banking services 

Financial services 

BBVA -Taipei Branch Office 

BBVA Brasil Banco de Investimento, S.A. 

BBVA -Shanghai Branch Office 

Holvi Payment Service OY 

BBVA -Tokyo Branch Office 

BBVA Ireland PCL 

1,556 

1,516 

3,576 

22,973 

123,149 

(1) 

The balance of "Profit before tax", "Corporate tax expense" and "Gross Margin" includes €413, €57 and €2,807 million respectively from the banking 
business in the United States classified under the heading "Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations” 

(2)        The balance of "Profit (loss) before taxes" includes in Spain the impairment of Goodwill in the United States for €2,084 million, which in the income 

statement is classified under the heading of "Profit (loss) after taxes from discontinued operations". 

(*)           Full time employees. The 15 employees of representative offices are not included in the total number. 

(**)  

In “CIT payments cash basis”, the methodology for calculating advance payments of the annual tax return provided for in Corporate Income Tax 
legislation, may lead to differences between the advance payments made in the current year and the refund of those advance payments made in 
previous years resulting once the annual corporate income tax return has been submitted. As a result of these differences, there has been a net cash 
refund. The amount of “Profit before taxes includes Corporate Center (see Note 6). 

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, 2020, the return of the Group’s assets calculated by dividing the “Profit” between “Total Assets” is 0.28%.  

In 2020 (*), 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/EU  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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Glossary 

Additional Tier 1 Capital 

Includes: Preferred stock and convertible perpetual securities and deductions. 

Adjusted acquisition cost 

The acquisition cost of the securities less accumulated amortizations, plus interest accrued, but not net of any 
other valuation adjustments. 

Amortized cost 

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.   

Associates 

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. 

Baseline  macroeconomic 
scenarios 

IFRS 9 requires  that an  entity must evaluate  a range  of possible outcomes when  estimating provisions and 
measuring expected credit losses, through macroeconomic scenarios. The baseline  macroeconomic scenario 
presents the situation of the particular economic cycle. 

Basic earnings per share  

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). 

Basis risk 

Risk arising  from hedging exposure to one interest rate with  exposure to a rate  that reprices  under slightly 
different conditions. 

Business combination 

A business combination is a transaction, or any other event, through which a single entity obtains the control of 
one or more businesses. 

Business Model 

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. 

Cash flow hedges 

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 income and expense items in 
this connection are: 

Commissions  

     ·    Fees and commissions relating linked to financial assets and liabilities 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. 

 
 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Consolidated statements of 
cash 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 flows: Inflows and outflows of cash and equivalents. 
·    Operating activities:  The typical activities  of credit institutions and other activities that cannot be classified 
as investment or financing 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. 

Consolidated statements of 
changes in equity 

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. 
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”, are included in the Group’s 
total consolidated equity net of tax effect, which  has been recognized as  deferred  tax assets or liabilities,  as 
appropriate. 

Consolidated statements of 
recognized income and 
expenses 

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”. 

Consolidation method 

in 

of 

full 

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 
receivable.  
elimination 
Group entity  income  statement income  and expense  headings  are  similarly  combined  line  by  line  into the 
eliminations:  
consolidated 
a)    income 
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.  

following 
transactions 

the 
intragroup 

intragroup  balances, 

amounts  payable 

having  made 

consolidation 

respect  of 

statement, 

eliminated 

expenses 

including 

income 

and 

and 

are 

in 

in 

Contingencies 

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. 

Contingent   
commitments 

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. 

 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Control 

if 

if 

and 

only 

investee 

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 
following: 
the 
an 
     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. 

investor 

has 

the 

all 

Correlation risk 

Countercyclical Capital 
Buffer (CCyB) 

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. 

The  countercyclical  capital  buffer (CCyB) is  part of a  set of  macroprudential instruments, designed  to help 
counter pro-cyclicality  in the financial  system. Capital  should be accumulated  when cyclical  systemic  risk is 
judged to be increasing,  creating buffers that increase  the resilience  of the banking sector during periods of 
stress when losses materialize.  This will  help maintain the supply of credit and dampen the downswing of the 
financial  cycle.  The CCyB can  also help  dampen excessive  credit  growth during the upswing of the financial 
cycle 

CRR (Capital Requirements 
Regulation) 

Solvency  regulation on prudential  requirements  of  credit  institutions and investment firms  (EU  Regulation 
575/2013). 

Credit Valuation 
Adjustment (CVA) 

An adjustment to the valuation of OTC derivative contracts to reflect the creditworthiness of OTC derivative 
counterparties. 

Current service cost 

Current service cost is the increase in the present value of a defined benefit obligation resulting from employee 
service in the current period. 

Current tax assets 

Taxes recoverable  over the next twelve months. 

Current tax liabilities 

Corporate income tax payable on taxable profit for the year and other taxes payable in the next twelve months. 

Debit Valuation Adjustment 
(DVA) 

An adjustment made  by an entity to the valuation of OTC  derivative  liabilities  to reflect  within  fair  value  the 
entity’s own credit risk. 

Debt certificates 

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. 

Defined contribution plans 

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. 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Deposits from central banks  

Deposits of all classes, including loans and money market operations, received from the Bank of Spain and other 
central banks. 

Deposits from credit 
institutions 

Deposits from customers 

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. 

Derivatives 

The fair  value  in  favor (assets)  or again  (liabilities)  of the entity of derivatives  not designated  as accounting 
hedges. 

Derivatives - Hedging 
derivatives 

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. 

Diluted earnings per share  

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.). 

Dividends and retributions 

Dividend income collected  announced during the year, corresponding to profits generated by investees after 
the acquisition of the stake. 

Domestic activity 

Domestic  balances  are  those of BBVA´s Group entities  domiciled  in Spain,  which  reflect  BBVA´s domestic 
activities,  being the allocation  of assets  and liabilities  based  on the domicile  of the Group entity at which  the 
relevant asset or liability is accounted for. 

Early retirements 

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. 

Economic capital 

Methods or practices that allow  banks to consistently assess risk and attribute capital to cover the economic 
effects of risk-taking activities. 

Effective interest rate (EIR) 

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. 

Employee expenses 

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. 

Equity 

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. 

Equity instruments 

An equity instrument that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity, that is after deducting all of its 
liabilities. 

Equity instruments issued 
other than capital 

Includes  equity  instruments that are  financial  instruments other than “Capital”  and  “Equity  component of 
compound financial instruments”.  

Equity Method 

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. 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Exchange/translation 
differences 

Exchange differences  (P&L): Includes 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  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. 

Financial guarantees 

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. 

Financial guarantees given 

Transactions through which the entity guarantees commitments assumed by third parties in respect of financial 
guarantees granted or other types of contracts. 

Financial instrument 

Financial liabilities  at 
amortized cost 

Foreign activity 

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. 

International balances are those of BBVA´s Group entities domiciled outside of Spain, which reflect our foreign 
activities,  being the allocation  of assets  and liabilities  based  on the domicile  of the Group entity at which  the 
relevant asset or liability is accounted for. 

Goodwill 

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. 

Hedges of net investments 
in foreign operations 

Foreign currency hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. 

 
 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Held for trading (assets and 
liabilities) 

Impaired financial assets 

Income from equity 
instruments 

Insurance contracts linked 
to pensions 

Inventories 

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”). 

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 properties 

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. 

Joint arrangement 

An arrangement of which two or more parties have joint control. 

Joint control 

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: 

Joint operation 

a) 
b) 
c) 
d) 
e) 

its assets, including any share of the assets of joint ownership; 
its liabilities,  including any share of the liabilities  incurred jointly; 
income from the sale of its share of production from the joint venture; 
its share of the proceeds from the sale of production from the joint venturer; and 
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. 

Joint venture 

Leases 

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 
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. 

payments 

principal 

interest 

under 

loan 

and 

of 

a 

 
 
 
 
  
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Lease liability 

Lease that represents the lessee’s obligation to make lease  payments during the lease term. 

Liabilities included in 
disposal groups classified 
as held for sale 

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. 

Liabilities under insurance 
contracts 

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 advances to 
customers 

Loans and receivables,  irrespective of their type, granted to third parties that are not credit entities. 

Loan-to-Value ratio (LtV 
ratio)  

The ratio of the amount borrowed to the appraised value  or market value  of the underlying collateral, usually 
taken into consideration in relation to loans for real estate financing. 

Loss given default (LGD) 

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. 

Mortgage-covered bonds 

Financial  asset or security created  from mortgage loans and  backed  by the guarantee  of the mortgage loan 
portfolio of the entity. 

MREL (Minimum Required 
Elegible Liabilities) 

Minimum requirement of own funds and eligible  liabilities.  New  requirement faced by European banks, which 
aims to create a buffer of solvency that absorbs the losses of a financial entity in the event of resolution without 
jeopardizing taxpayers' money. The level of this buffer is determined individually for each banking group based 
on their level of risk and other particular characteristics. 

Non performing financial 
guarantees given 

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. 

Non Performing Loans 
(NPL) 

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. 

Non-controlling interests 

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. 

Non-current assets and 
disposal groups held for 
sale  

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. 

Non-monetary assets 

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. 

Option risk 

Risks arising from options, including embedded options. 

 
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Other financial 
assets/liabilities  at fair 
value through profit or loss 

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 
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. 

obtained, 

is 

is  provided 

internally  on  that  basis 

     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 
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. 

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 

Includes the amount of compensation plans to employee’s long term. 

Own/treasury shares 

The amount of own equity instruments held by the entity. 

Past service  cost 

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. 

Post-employment benefits 

Retirement benefit plans are  arrangements whereby  an enterprise provides benefits  for its employees  on or 
after termination of service. 

Probability of default (PD) 

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.  

Property, plant and 
equipment/tangible assets 

Buildings, land, fixtures, vehicles,  computer equipment and other facilities  owned  by the  entity or acquired 
under finance leases. 

Provisions 

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 for contingent 
liabilities  and commitments 

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. 

Provisions for pensions and 
similar obligation 

Constitutes all provisions recognized to cover retirement benefits, including commitments assumed vis-à-vis 
beneficiaries  of early  retirement and analogous schemes. 

 
 
 
  
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Provisions or (-) reversal of 
provisions 

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. 

Refinanced Operation 

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. 

Refinancing Operation 

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. 

Renegotiated Operation 

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. In any case, these definitions are adapted to the local  terminology, so that they are 
integrated into the management. 

Repricing risk 

Risks related to the timing mismatch in the maturity and repricing of assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet 
short and long-term positions.  

Restructured Operation 

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. In any case, these definitions are adapted to the local terminology, so that they are integrated into the 
management. 

Retained earnings 

Accumulated net profits or losses recognized in the income statement in prior years and retained in equity upon 
distribution. 

Right of use asset 

Asset that represents the lessee’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term. 

Risk-Weighted Assets 
(RWA’s) 

Risk  exposure  of the  entity  weighted  by  a  percentage  derived  from  the  applicable  standard (standardized 
approach) or internal models 

Securitization fund 

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. 

Share premium 

The amount paid in by owners for issued equity at a premium to the shares' nominal value. 

Shareholders' funds 

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. 

 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

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: 

Significant increase in credit 
risk 

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. 

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:  

representation on the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the investee; 

a) 
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) 
e) 

interchange of managerial  personnel; or 
 Provision of essential technical information. 

The Single Resolution Board (SRB) is the new European Banking Union's resolution authority. It is a key element 
of the Banking Union and its Single  Resolution Mechanism. Its mission is  to ensure the orderly resolution of 
failing banks, with as little impact as possible on the real economy and public finances of the participating EU 
countries and others. 
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. 

Significant influence 

Single Resolution Board 
(SRB) 

Solely Payments of 
Principle and Interest 
(SPPI) 

Stages 

Structured credit products  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. 

Structured Entities 

c)  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 and  passing  on risks  and  rewards  associated  with  the  assets  of  the 
structured entity to investors. 
insufficient  equity  to  permit  the  structured entity  to  finance  its  activities  without subordinated 
financial  support. 
financing 
concentrations of credit or other risks (tranches). 

in  the  form  of  multiple  contractually 

instruments  to  investors  that  create 

linked 

d) 

e) 

 
 
 
  
 
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 to 56). In the event of a discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails. 

Subordinated liabilities 

Financing received, regardless of its instrumentation, which ranks after the common creditors in the event of a 
liquidation. 

Subsidiaries 

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. 

Tangible book value 

Tangible  Book Value  represents  the  tangible equity's  value  for the  shareholders  as  it does  not include  the 
intangible assets and the minority interests (non-controlling interests).  
It is  calculated  by  discounting intangible  assets,  that is,  goodwill  and  the rest  of  consolidated  intangibles 
recorded under the public balance  sheet  (goodwill and intangible assets of companies  accounted for by the 
equity method or companies classified  as non-current assets for sale  are not subtracted). It is also shown as 
ex-dividends 

Tax liabilities 

All tax related liabilities  except for provisions for taxes. 

Territorial bonds 

Tier 1 Capital 

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 
controlling interests, deductions and others and attributed net income. 

in  consolidated  companies,  non-

Tier 2 Capital 

Mainly includes: Subordinated, preferred shares and non- controlling interest. 

Unit-link 

Write- off 

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. 

When the recovery  of any recognized amount is  considered to be  remote, this amount is  removed from the 
consolidated  balance  sheet,  without prejudice  to any  actions  taken by  the consolidated  entities in  order to 
collect the amount until their rights extinguish in full through expiry, forgiveness or for other reasons. 

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 
two  methodologies: 
are 
given 

confidence 

estimated 

following 

figures 

level 

VaR 

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. 

Yield curve risk 

Risks arising from changes in the slope and the shape of the yield curve. 

 
 
 
 
Audit Report on Banco 
Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, 
S.A. and subsidiaries 

(Together with the consolidated financial 
statements and consolidated management 
report of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, 
S.A. and subsidiaries for the year ended 31 
December 2020) 

(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the 
event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language 
version prevails.) 

 
 
 
KPMG Auditores, S.L. 
Paseo de la Castellana, 259 C 
28046 Madrid 

Independent Auditor's Report  
on the Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

To the Shareholders of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. 

REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Opinion __________________________________________________________________  

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. 
(hereinafter the “Bank”) and its subsidiaries which, together with the Bank, form the Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya Argentaria Group (hereinafter the “Group”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet 
at 31 December 2020, the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of recognized 
income and expense, consolidated statement of total changes in equity and consolidated statement 
of cash flows for the year then ended, and consolidated notes. 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view, in all 
material respects, of the consolidated equity and consolidated financial position of the Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya Argentaria Group at 31 December 2020, and of its consolidated financial performance and its 
consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS-EU) and other provisions of the financial 
reporting framework applicable in Spain. 

Basis for Opinion _________________________________________________________  

We conducted our audit in accordance with prevailing legislation regulating the audit of accounts in 
Spain. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's 
Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements, including those 
regarding independence, that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements 
pursuant to the legislation regulating the audit of accounts in Spain. We have not provided any non-
audit services, nor have any situations or circumstances arisen which, under the aforementioned 
regulations, have affected the required independence such that this has been compromised. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 

KPMG Auditores S.L., a limited liability Spanish company and a member firm of the KPMG 
global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, 
a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.  
Paseo de la Castellana, 259 C - 28046 Madrid 

On the Spanish Official Register of Auditors (“ROAC”) with No. S0702, and the 
Spanish Institute of Registered Auditors’ list of companies with No. 10.  
Reg. Mer Madrid, T. 11.961, F. 90, Sec. 8, H. M -188.007, Inscrip. 9  
N.I.F. B-78510153 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

Key Audit Matters ________________________________________________________  

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in 
our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in 
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

Impairment of loans and advances to customers 
See notes 7.2 and 14.1 to the consolidated financial statements 

Key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit  

The Group’s portfolio of loans and advances to customers 
presents a net balance of Euros 311,147 million at 31 
December 2020, and the impairment provisions recognized 
at that date amount to Euros 12,105 million. 

For the purposes of estimating impairment, financial assets 
measured at amortized cost are classified into three 
categories (stage 1, 2 or 3) according to whether a 
significant increase in credit risk since their initial 
recognition has been identified (stage 2), whether the 
financial assets are credit-impaired (stage 3), or whether 
neither of these circumstances has arisen (stage 1). For the 
Group, establishing this classification is a relevant process 
as the calculation of allowances and provisions for credit 
risk varies depending on the category in which the financial 
asset has been included. 

Impairment is calculated based on an expected loss model, 
which the Group estimates on both an individual and a 
collective basis. This calculation entails a considerable level 
of judgment as this is a subjective and complex estimate. 

Individual allowances and provisions consider estimates of 
future business performance and the market value of 
collateral provided for credit transactions. 

In the case of collective allowances and provisions, 
expected credit losses are estimated by means of internal 
models that use large databases, different macroeconomic 
scenarios, provision estimation parameters, segmentation 
criteria and automated processes. Such models are 
complex in their design and implementation and require 
past, present and future information to be considered. The 
Group periodically recalibrates and performs contrast tests 
on its internal models with a view to improving their 
predictive power on the basis of actual past experience. 

Our audit approach in relation to the Group’s estimate of 
impairment of loans and advances to customers due to 
credit risk mainly consisted of assessing the methodology 
applied to calculate expected losses, particularly as regards 
the methods and assumptions used to estimate exposure 
at default (EAD), probability of default (PD) and loss given 
default (LGD); determining the future macroeconomic 
variables; and the quantitative and qualitative criteria used 
to adjust collective allowances and provisions. We also 
assessed the mathematical accuracy of the expected loss 
calculations. 

The main procedures performed included evaluating the 
design and operating effectiveness of the relevant controls 
linked to the process of estimating impairment and 
performing different tests of detail on that estimate, to 
which end we brought in our credit risk specialists. 

Our procedures related to the control environment focused 
on assessing the main controls in the following key areas: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Development and approval of the credit risk 
management framework, the Group’s accounting 
policies and the methodology used to estimate 
expected loss. 

Assessment of whether the portfolio of loans and 
advances to customers has been appropriately 
classified on the basis of credit risk, in accordance 
with the criteria defined by the Group, particularly as 
regards the correct identification and classification of 
refinancing and restructuring transactions. 

Identification of the methods and assumptions used to 
estimate EAD, PD and LGD and to determine the 
future macroeconomic variables, considering the 
expected impacts of COVID-19. 

Evaluation of the functioning of the internal models for 
estimating both individual and collective allowances 
and provisions for expected losses, and of the 
management and valuation of collateral. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

Impairment of loans and advances to customers 
See notes 7.2 and 14.1 to the consolidated financial statements 

Key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit  

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a negative effect on the 
economy and business activities of the countries where the 
Group operates, leading to an economic recession in many 
of these countries. To mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, 
governments of different countries have launched 
initiatives to support the most affected sectors and 
customers through various measures such as the provision 
of State-backed credit facilities, penalty-free payment 
deferrals (moratoriums) and flexible financing and liquidity 
facilities. All of these aspects have impacted on the 
parameters considered by the Group at 31 December 2020 
when quantifying expected losses on financial assets 
(macroeconomic variables, customer net revenues, value of 
pledged collateral, probability of default, etc.), thus 
increasing the uncertainty associated with their estimation. 
The Group has therefore recognized the adverse effects of 
COVID-19 on the impairment of financial assets in its 
consolidated income statement at 31 December 2020 by 
supplementing the expected losses with certain additional 
temporary adjustments deemed necessary to reflect the 
particular characteristics of borrowers, sectors and 
portfolios, which might not be identified in the general 
process. 

The consideration of this matter as a key audit matter is 
based both on the significance for the Group of the loans 
and advances to customers portfolio, and thus of the 
related allowance and provision, as well as on the relevance 
of the process for classifying these financial assets for the 
purpose of estimating impairment thereon and the 
subjectivity and complexity of calculating expected losses, 
while also taking into consideration the situation brought 
about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• 

• 

• 

Evaluation of the need to make additional adjustments 
to the expected losses identified in the general 
process and, where applicable, whether these have 
been appropriately estimated at 31 December 2020. 

Assessment of whether the aspects observed by the 
Internal Validation Unit in relation to the recalibration 
and contrast testing of the models for estimating 
collective allowances and provisions have been taken 
into consideration. 

Assessment of the integrity, accuracy and updating of 
the data used. 

Our tests of detail on the estimated expected losses 
included the following: 

•  With regard to the impairment of individually 

significant transactions, we assessed the suitability of 
the cash flow discounting models used by the Group. 
We also selected a sample from the credit-impaired 
significant risk population, for which we evaluated the 
appropriateness of the allowance and provision 
recognized by analyzing the reasonableness of the 
projected cash flows, the discount rates applied and 
the value of any related collateral. This sample 
included borrowers from the economic sectors most 
affected by COVID-19 and/or which have received 
government aid in relation to the pandemic. 

•  With respect to the impairment provisions estimated 
collectively, we evaluated the methodology used by 
the Group, assessed the integrity and accuracy of the 
input data for the process, and determined whether 
the calculation engine is functioning correctly by 
running the calculation process again for a sample of 
contracts, considering the segmentation and 
assumptions used by the Group. 

•  When performing our audit procedures, we took into 
consideration the impacts of COVID-19 and the 
government aid on the parameters for calculating the 
expected loss. To this end, we brought in our 
corporate business valuation specialists to assess the 
macroeconomic variables used by the Group in its 
internal models to estimate the expected loss. In 
addition, we assessed the estimate of the additional 
adjustments to the expected losses identified in the 
general process, recognized at 31 December 2020. 

We also analyzed whether the disclosures in the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements are appropriate, in 
accordance with the criteria set out in the financial reporting 
framework applicable to the Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

Fair value measurement of financial instruments 
See notes 8.1 and 10.1 to the consolidated financial statements 

Key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit  

At 31 December 2020, the Group has financial assets and 
financial liabilities held for trading amounting to Euros 
108,257 million and Euros 86,487 million, respectively, of 
which Euros 75,703 million and Euros 58,901 million, 
respectively, have been measured using valuation 
techniques as no quoted price in an active market is 
available (therefore classified as level 2 or 3 for 
measurement purposes). 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, volatility in the 
financial markets and in interest rates has increased, there 
have been sharp declines in value, greater illiquidity of 
financial assets and higher credit risk for securities issuers, 
all of which has diminished the observability of the market 
data needed to measure these financial instruments, 
making their measurement more complex. 

In the absence of a quoted price in an active market, 
determining the fair value of financial instruments requires 
a complex estimate using valuation techniques that may 
take into consideration market data that are neither directly 
nor indirectly observable, or complex pricing models that 
require a high degree of subjectivity, which has in turn 
increased due to the situation arising from the COVID-19 
pandemic. We have therefore considered the estimate of 
fair value using these measurement methods as a key audit 
matter. 

Our audit procedures with regard to the fair value 
measurement of financial instruments focused on 
assessing the models and valuation methods used by the 
Group to estimate the fair value of complex financial 
instruments (those classified in level 2 or 3). 

To this end, we performed tests of controls and tests of 
detail on the Group’s decisions and estimates, with the 
involvement of our own financial instrument valuation 
specialists. 

Our procedures relating to the assessment of the design 
and operating effectiveness of the relevant controls 
associated with the process of measuring financial 
instruments focused on the following key areas: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Identification and approval of the risk management 
framework and controls relating to operations in the 
financial markets in which the Group operates. 

Evaluation of the application of the Group’s accounting 
policies. 

Examination of the key controls associated with the 
process of measuring financial instruments. 

Analysis of the integrity, accuracy and updating of the 
data used and of the control and management process 
in place with regard to existing databases. 

Our procedures as regards the tests of detail performed 
were as follows: 

•  We assessed the reasonableness of the most 

significant valuation models used by the Group, and of 
the significant assumptions applied, particularly inputs 
not directly observable in the market, such as interest 
rates, issuer credit risk, volatility and correlations 
between these factors. 

•  We selected a sample of complex financial 

instruments measured at fair value, for which we 
assessed the correctness of their classification, the 
appropriateness of the valuation criteria applied and 
the reasonableness of their valuation by contrasting 
this with a valuation performed independently by our 
specialists. 

•  We evaluated the adjustments made by the Group to 

the parameters and data that have been affected by 
the impacts of COVID-19.  

Lastly, we analyzed whether the information disclosed in 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements has been 
prepared in accordance with the criteria stipulated in the 
financial reporting framework applicable to the Group. 

 
 
 
 
5 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

Risks associated with information technology 

Key audit matter 

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

The Group has a complex technological operating 
environment, with large data processing centers in Spain 
and Mexico which provide support to different countries, as 
well as local data processing centers, such as those in 
Turkey, Argentina and the United States. This technological 
environment must reliably and efficiently satisfy business 
requirements and ensure that the Group’s financial 
information is processed correctly. 

In this environment, it is essential to ensure appropriate 
coordination and standardization in the management of 
technological risks that could impact on information 
systems in key areas such as data and program security, 
systems operations, and development and maintenance of 
the applications and IT systems used to prepare the 
financial information. We have therefore considered this a 
key audit matter. 

With the help of our information systems specialists, we 
performed tests relating to internal control over the 
processes and systems involved in generating the financial 
information, in the following areas: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Understanding of the information flows and 
identification of the key controls that ensure the 
processing of information in each Group entity 
considered relevant for audit purposes. 

Testing of the key automated processes used in 
generating the financial information. 

Analysis of the relevant data and systems migrations 
occurring in the period. 

Testing of application and system controls related with 
access to and processing of the information and with 
the security settings of those applications and 
systems. 

Testing of controls over the operation, maintenance 
and development of applications and systems. 

Aggregation and analysis of deficiencies identified and 
monitoring of the improvement measures undertaken 
by the entities at both local and Group level. 

Other Information: Consolidated Management Report ______________________  

Other information solely comprises the 2020 consolidated management report, the preparation of 
which is the responsibility of the Bank's Directors and which does not form an integral part of the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Our audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not encompass the consolidated 
management report. Our responsibility regarding the information contained in the consolidated 
management report is defined in the legislation regulating the audit of accounts, as follows: 

a)  Determine, solely, whether the consolidated non-financial information statement and certain 
information included in the Annual Corporate Governance Report, as specified in the Spanish 
Audit Law, have been provided in the manner stipulated in the applicable legislation, and if not, 
to report on this matter. 

b)  Assess and report on the consistency of the rest of the information included in the consolidated 
management report with the consolidated financial statements, based on knowledge of the 
Group obtained during the audit of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements. Also, 
assess and report on whether the content and presentation of this part of the consolidated 
management report are in accordance with applicable legislation. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there are material misstatements, we are required to report them. 

 
 
 
 
 
6 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

Based on the work carried out, as described above, we have observed that the information 
mentioned in section a) above has been provided in the manner stipulated in the applicable 
legislation, that the rest of the information contained in the consolidated management report is 
consistent with that disclosed in the consolidated financial statements for 2020, and that the content 
and presentation of the report are in accordance with applicable legislation. 

The Bank’s Directors’ and Audit Committee’s Responsibility for the 
Consolidated Financial Statements  ________________________________________  

The Bank’s Directors are responsible for the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements in such a way that they give a true and fair view of the consolidated equity, consolidated 
financial position and consolidated financial performance of the Group in accordance with IFRS-EU 
and other provisions of the financial reporting framework applicable to the Group in Spain, and for 
such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Bank’s Directors are responsible for 
assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Bank’s 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative 
but to do so. 

The Bank’s Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the preparation and presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements  ______________________________________________________________  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial 
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to 
issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with prevailing legislation regulating the audit of accounts in Spain will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 
influence economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with prevailing legislation regulating the audit of accounts in Spain, 
we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We 
also: 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 
and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one 
resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

 
 
 
 
7 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group's internal control. 

• 

• 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by the Bank’s Directors. 

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Bank’s Directors’ use of the going concern basis of 
accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists 
related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw 
attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are 
based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future 
events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. 

• 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial 
statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements 
represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves a true and fair view. 

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 

business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group 
audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the Bank’s Audit Committee regarding, among other matters, the planned 
scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in 
internal control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide the Bank’s Audit Committee with a statement that we have complied with the 
applicable ethical requirements, including those regarding independence, and to communicate with 
them concerning all matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and 
where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated to the Bank’s Audit Committee, we determine those that were of 
most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 
December 2020 and which are therefore the key audit matters. 

We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
disclosure about the matter. 

 
 
 
 
 
8 
(Translation from the original in Spanish. In the event of discrepancy, the Spanish-language version prevails.) 

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 

European Single Electronic Format  ________________________________________  

We have examined the digital files of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and its subsidiaries for 
2020 in European Single Electronic Format (ESEF), which comprise the XHTML file that includes the 
consolidated financial statements for the aforementioned year and the XBRL files tagged by the 
Bank, which will form part of the annual financial report. 

The Directors of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. are responsible for the presentation of the 
2020 annual report in accordance with the format and mark-up requirements stipulated in 
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 of 17 December 2018 (hereinafter the “ESEF 
Regulation”). 

Our responsibility consists of examining the digital files prepared by the Directors of the Bank, in 
accordance with prevailing legislation regulating the audit of accounts in Spain. This legislation 
requires that we plan and perform our audit procedures to determine whether the content of the 
consolidated financial statements included in the aforementioned digital files fully corresponds to the 
consolidated financial statements we have audited, and whether the consolidated financial 
statements and the aforementioned files have been formatted and marked up, in all material 
respects, in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF Regulation. 

In our opinion, the digital files examined fully correspond to the audited consolidated financial 
statements, and these are presented and marked up, in all material respects, in accordance with the 
requirements of the ESEF Regulation. 

Additional Report to the Bank’s Audit Committee  __________________________  

The opinion expressed in this report is consistent with our additional report to the Bank’s Audit 
Committee dated 5 February 2021. 

Contract Period  __________________________________________________________  

We were appointed as auditor by the shareholders at the ordinary general meeting held on 13 March 
2020 for a period of one year, from the year commenced 1 January 2020. 

Previously, we had been appointed for a period of three years, by consensus of the shareholders at 
their ordinary general meeting, and have been auditing the financial statements since the year ended 
31 December 2017. 

KPMG Auditores, S.L. 
On the Spanish Official Register of Auditors (“ROAC”) with No. S0702 

(Signed on original in Spanish) 

Luis Martín Riaño 
On the Spanish Official Register of Auditors (“ROAC”) with No. 18,537 

10 February 2021