- €134 billion mobilized in 2025, up 44 percent year over year, with 77 percent directed to climate and natural capital solutions
- Corporate and investment banking led activity, while retail financing for electric vehicles, efficient housing and microenterprise nearly doubled
- Progress supports BBVA’s €700 billion sustainable finance target for 2025 to 2029 and expands green and social bond markets across Europe, the Americas and Türkiye
BBVA mobilized €134 billion ($145 Billion) in sustainable business in 2025, a 44 percent increase from the prior year and the highest annual figure in the bank’s history. The acceleration positions the lender at the start of a new €700 billion sustainable finance target for 2025 to 2029, more than doubling its previous goal.
The funding surge reflects a strategic shift among global banks as climate transition financing, natural capital investments and social infrastructure increasingly shape credit demand and regulatory priorities.
Of the total capital mobilized, 77 percent supported climate and natural capital initiatives, including renewable energy, efficient water use, agriculture and circular economy solutions. The remaining 23 percent funded social priorities such as education and health infrastructure, financial inclusion and support for entrepreneurs.
“This new record in 2025 consolidates sustainability as a real driver of growth at BBVA, as well as a strategic lever to open new markets and gain new clients. Through the design and offering of specialized products and services, we are generating a positive and tangible social impact, fulfilling our purpose of supporting people and societies in their drive to go further,” said Javier Rodríguez Soler, Global Head of Sustainability and CIB at BBVA.
Corporate and investment banking anchors climate financing
BBVA’s Corporate and Investment Banking division channeled €68 billion in sustainable finance, up 34 percent from 2024. Financing and transactional banking accounted for €49 billion, with strong flows into energy and mobility.
Green and sustainable project finance totaled roughly €4 billion, largely directed to solar and wind projects in the United States and Europe. Cleantech investments included biofuels, carbon capture and storage and financing for a battery gigafactory, together representing €500 million. Water treatment and distribution projects also featured prominently.
The bank expanded sustainability linked confirming programs, enabling suppliers to access improved financing terms when they meet sustainability criteria. The tool is increasingly used by multinational clients seeking to decarbonize value chains.
Capital markets activity reached €9 billion, including green and sustainability linked bonds and EU Emissions Trading System allowance auctions. Bond issuance involving European and Mexican clients was particularly active, while BBVA continued to promote green and social bond market development across Latin America, Europe and the United States.
RELATED ARTICLE: Garanti BBVA Scales Sustainable Finance to $30 Billion
Commercial banking growth reflects real economy transition
Commercial banking mobilized €50 billion, rising 49 percent year over year. Financing tied to climate solutions totaled €37 billion, with lending for agriculture and construction sustainability solutions increasing 43 percent.
BBVA is expanding advisory and financing tools to improve corporate competitiveness through energy efficiency, sustainable mobility and water resource management. The bank also deployed advanced analytics tools including carbon footprint calculators to help clients track emissions.
Notable developments included the launch of a biodiversity bond in Türkiye and identification of sustainable business opportunities in the wine sector in Mexico and Spain.
The number of sustainable operations completed doubled to more than 157,000 transactions, with Mexico accounting for over 72 percent of activity.
Retail lending surge highlights consumer transition
Retail banking channeled €15 billion in sustainable financing, up 93 percent year over year. Approximately €9 billion supported entrepreneurs and micro enterprises, primarily in Spain and Türkiye.
Consumer transition trends were evident in more than €2 billion in financing for electric and hybrid vehicles and €1 billion in loans for high efficiency homes. Digital financing solutions directed toward mass consumer energy efficiency markets reached €300 million.
The bank also expanded advisory and financing support for small and mid sized agri food businesses in Spain and South America.
Strategy aligns finance, regulation and climate priorities
BBVA’s sustainability strategy centers on climate action, natural capital and social opportunity. The bank reached its previous €300 billion sustainable finance target one year early in 2024 and has now set a more ambitious five year goal.
For investors and corporate leaders, the record mobilization highlights how climate finance is evolving beyond renewable power toward supply chain decarbonization, biodiversity finance and consumer transition lending. Regulatory frameworks in Europe and expanding carbon markets continue to shape demand, while emerging market green bond issuance points to deepening capital market integration.
As financial institutions compete to finance the transition, BBVA’s 2025 performance illustrates how sustainability linked products, data driven advisory tools and blended climate and social financing are becoming core to banking growth strategies across regions.
Follow ESG News on LinkedIn
The post BBVA Channels $145 Billion in Sustainable Finance in 2025 as Climate, Social Investments Accelerate appeared first on ESG News.
