BBVA Migrates its Data Platform to the Cloud in Europe with AWS

• BBVA is one of the first major banks in the world to migrate its data platform to the cloud, using AWS's advanced analytics, AI and ML services.
• Following successful 100% migrations in Europe and Uruguay, BBVA to migrate its Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina operations to its Analytics, Data, AI (“ADA”) cloud data platform to drive the transformation of its internal processes, the management of its risk models and global growth, and provide more innovative solutions to its clients, positioning itself as a benchmark in technological transformation in the global banking sector.
• BBVA’s ADA provides real time data insights, reducing access to analysis by 94%

MADRID - In 2023, BBVA chose AWS to accelerate its data-driven transformation – and one year later, the bank’s global cloud data platform is a reality. After a process involving multiple use cases and numerous teams, BBVA completed 100% migration across Europe and Uruguay to its Analytics, Data, AI (“ADA”) cloud platform. The project involved the complex task of migrating tens of thousands of processes and thousands of users without interruptions in service. Following its success, BBVA is preparing to expand ADA across the rest of the countries in America where the Group operates, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina, in 2025, a press release stated by AWS. 

With ADA, BBVA is driving the transformation of its internal processes, the management of its risk models and global growth, and providing more innovative solutions to its clients, positioning itself as a benchmark in technological transformation within the financial sector.

ADA allows data to be stored more efficiently and also offers the flexibility and capacity necessary to respond to BBVA’s exponential growth. Additionally, ADA brings greater security to BBVA’s repository of customer and operational data and provides the different units of the bank with information and knowledge 'on time' about the business and the market, which increases operational efficiency and attracts new clients.

Thanks to the scalability and processing capacity of the cloud, the availability time of the analytical work environments of end users on the platform has been reduced by 94%. Additionally, ADA enables BBVA to dynamically scale resources to adapt to demand at any given time, optimizing costs and performance.

ADA also enables a more global and homogeneous service, with a greater capacity to adapt to the needs of customers in real time, which allows for a faster deployment of new products and hyper-personalization in customer service.

“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 maximize the full potential of artificial intelligence in our solutions,” said Marta Sanz, global manager of Data Engineering at BBVA.

The implementation of ADA involved the complex task of migrating tens of thousands of processes and thousands of users without interruptions in service. This challenge was overcome thanks to a meticulous approach in key areas such as security, regulation, data migration and change management.

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

“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,” said Scott Mullins, Managing Director of Financial Services at AWS.

The development of ADA has been a cross-organization effort that has involved multiple areas within BBVA, from the Architecture and Data Engineering areas to the CIB, Holding, Spain and Uruguay business areas. This has been supported by strategic partners such as AWS and Accenture, whose commitment and support has been key to overcoming technical challenges and ensuring a successful migration.