Santander, BBVA Earn Top Global Bank Awards for 2025

Santander has been named the Best Bank in Spain and Europe by The Banker, while BBVA earned the title of Best Bank in Latin America. 

Santander was recognized for its record financial performance, operational resilience, and continued progress in digital transformation across its core markets. The jury highlighted the bank’s global diversification, improved credit ratings, and growth strategy, strengthened by its acquisition of TSB in the United Kingdom.

The institution received several additional honors, including Best Bank in Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Chile, as well as Best Transactional Bank in Latin America. CEO Héctor Grisi said the awards underscore the value the bank is creating for shareholders and the momentum behind its efforts to become more competitive and efficient.

BBVA, meanwhile, was named Best Bank in Latin America for the second time, praised for its leadership in innovation and sustainability. The bank also received awards for Best Bank in Argentina and Peru.

According to BBVA, The Banker highlighted the group’s strong regional growth, reflected in increased credit across its franchises and rising net attributable profit. The jury also pointed to notable initiatives in climate action and inclusive growth, including sustainable financing programs in Argentina and a social bond issuance in Peru.

Jorge Sáenz-Azcúnaga, BBVA's Global Head of Country Monitoring, said the recognition reaffirms the bank’s long-term commitment to Latin America as a strategic priority. He emphasized that BBVA will continue advancing innovation, sustainability, and financial inclusion to broaden opportunities for people and businesses across the region.