BBVA CIB Strengthens Global Advisory Services with Focus on Insurance Sector

BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) has expanded its client advisory services with the formation of a dedicated insurance financial advisory team. This addition strengthens BBVA CIB’s ability to deliver targeted, cross-product solutions tailored to the specific needs of the insurance sector, aligning with its broader strategy of growth in institutional business.

Ali Karakuyu, a seasoned expert with nearly 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, joins BBVA CIB’s Insurance Debt Advisory team. Karakuyu will be based in London and will report directly to Gonzalo Pérez-Ricarte, Head of Insurance Debt Advisory, who in turn reports to Julián López, Head of Debt Advisory. This team is part of the broader Advisory division under BBVA’s CIB Investment Banking & Finance business.

Previously, Karakuyu held a key role at S&P Global Ratings in the UK as Director and Lead Analyst in the insurance practice, where he was the global analytical lead for the firm’s insurance capital model criteria and contributed significantly to the development of  insurance rating methodologies.

Commenting on this strategic hire, Gonzalo Pérez-Ricarte stated: “BBVA’s advisory services have seen considerable growth in recent years, and we aim to continue expanding into new sectors. Ali’s addition brings invaluable expertise to our sector-based approach, enhancing our ability to provide sophisticated, high-value advisory services to our clients in the insurance industry.”

This move aligns with BBVA CIB’s strategy to deepen its focus on the Institutional Business, a key area earmarked for growth. By adopting a sector-based advisory model, BBVA CIB aims to elevate client dialogue, anticipate needs more effectively, and position itself as a long-term strategic partner.