BBVA Rolls Out Google Workspace with Gemini for 100,000 Employees

BBVA announces the global implementation of Google Workspace with Gemini for its over 100,000 employees, solidifying its collaboration with Google Cloud. This strategic initiative is part of the financial institution's global adoption of AI, seeking to optimize productivity and decision-making.

The expansion of this collaboration builds upon the digital transformation journey initiated in 2011 between BBVA and Google Cloud. The integration of Gemini into Google Workspace aims to provide a collaborative assistant directly within the daily productivity tools of the staff. "Collaboration with Google Cloud enables us to continue transforming how our teams work, make decisions, and collaborate, using the most competitive Generative AI models in the market," says Elena Alfaro, Global Head of AI Adoption, BBVA.

AI is taking a growing role in the financial sector. The automation of repetitive tasks through AI has already demonstrated significant impact, freeing up an average of almost three hours per employee weekly, which can be reallocated to strategic and client-centric functions. This optimization of human resources directly translates into an improved client value proposition and an increased capacity for innovation within the organization. The adoption of Generative AI tools not only seeks efficiency, but also enables new working methods that foster creativity and internal collaboration.

Strategic Projections

The implementation of Google Workspace with Gemini will enable BBVA employees to utilize Generative AI capabilities for a variety of operational functions, says the company. These include the ability to summarize, draft, and locate information in communications and files, as well as to create professional documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. These tools will also enable improved note-taking and collaboration during virtual meetings, reports a Google Cloud press release. In addition to Google Workspace, BBVA personnel will access the standalone Gemini application and NotebookLM, an AI-powered research and writing assistant. These additional tools are designed to support complex tasks such as research, generation of audio summaries from complex findings, and creation of detailed reports, among others.

This integration is expected to substantially improve productivity and the employee experience. Juan Ortigosa, Global Head of Workplace, BBVA, says that the widespread adoption of Generative AI in these tools "will enhance the productivity and work experience for all employees, regardless of their function, fostering a more dynamic and efficient environment."

In parallel with the technological implementation, BBVA has instituted a mandatory training program called "AI Express." This program focuses on the general use of AI and establishes clear principles for a secure and responsible adoption of AI in various use cases. The "AI Express" program aligns with the AI Act of the European Union and BBVA's internal policies on data protection and confidentiality. Access to Google Workspace with Gemini, the Gemini application, and NotebookLM will be contingent upon completion of this internal training, ensuring that staff are prepared to use these Generative AI tools effectively, ethically, and in accordance with the bank's AI governance standards.