BBVA Accelerates Banking Innovation with AWS Cloud Migration

Global banks are currently transforming their approach to technology, shifting from private data centres and antiquated systems to more agile and innovative cloud computing solutions. This change is driven by the increasing need for real-time data analysis and tailored customer services in the financial industry.

Traditionally slow to adopt new technologies due to security and compliance risks, the finance sector is now leveraging cloud platforms extensively to gain a competitive edge.

Utilising cloud platforms, banks can process and analyse large volumes of customer data more effectively while adhering to the stringent regulations imposed by various financial authorities worldwide.

BBVA, a leading global financial services provider, has made significant strides by moving its data platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS), extending this implementation across its operations in Europe. Following this, BBVA plans to bring their ADA (Analytics, Data, AI) platform to regions including Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, Peru and Argentina by 2025.

Vast Improvements in Processing Capabilities

BBVA's switch to cloud infrastructure has resulted in a remarkable 94% reduction in the time required for analytics tasks. The migration, involving tens of thousands of processes and thousands of users, was completed smoothly without interrupting services.

With the new system in place, BBVA now boasts enhanced data storage efficiency and improved capacity for handling increased data processing demands. Furthermore, the system has bolstered security for customer and operational data, and strengthened the bank’s ability to deliver insightful market analysis across its various divisions.

Marta Sanz, the Global Manager of Data Engineering at BBVA, shares her excitement about the recent advancements: "With the migration already consolidated, we are ready to progressively incorporate technological innovations from a leading cloud service provider such as AWS into ADA, such as real-time data processing or unstructured data management. These capabilities will allow us to maximise the full potential of artificial intelligence in our solutions."

Strategic Partnership Driving Transformation

The ADA platform manages vital customer and operational data, deploying AWS’s superior analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning services. This enables BBVA to handle data more efficiently and scale computational resources as needed.

Carlos Casas, Global Director of Engineering at BBVA, reinforces the bank's commitment: "This milestone underlines BBVA’s commitment to technological innovation and its future vision as a leader in the democratisation of the use of data at a global level, positioning BBVA at the forefront of digital transformation in global banking."

The deployment allows for dynamic adjustment of resources in response to real-time demands and supports rapid development and roll-out of new products and bespoke customer services.

Expansion and Future Planning

Since its inception in 2006, AWS has grown to offer 240 services across 108 availability zones and 34 geographic regions. Additional regions and availability zones are on the horizon, with expansion plans including locations like Mexico, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia.

This global growth supports BBVA's strategy to extend its cloud infrastructure worldwide, maintaining its leadership in countries such as Spain and Mexico and expanding its presence across South America and Turkey.

Scott Mullins, AWS's Managing Director of Financial Services, discusses the impact of BBVA's ADA platform: "BBVA’s ADA is a pioneering project in the adoption of cloud technology within the banking sector, demonstrating BBVA’s ability to adapt and evolve in a dynamic environment.

"ADA is a platform designed for the future, and its innovative approach is transforming internal processes, increasing operational efficiency, and also strengthens BBVA’s ability to attract technological talent and lead in advanced technology."

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