BBVA consolidates its position as a strategic partner of the international public sector at its annual forum

BBVA held the 12th edition of its annual seminar for public sector investors and issuers in Istanbul, an event that has become a flagship global forum for dialogue among central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral and development banks, government economic departments, and other key institutions. The platform aims to promote strategic collaboration in tackling challenges such as sustainability, economic transformation, and long-term financial planning.

Held in Istanbul, more than 230 delegates from 100 institutions attended this year’s edition, which brought together over 50 top-drawer speakers. Throughout the event, the attendees took part in technical sessions, high-level panels, and bilateral meetings on key topics such as the trend in covered bonds and the growing role played by sovereign issuers in sustainable financing. There was also space for a global macroeconomic analysis and long-term financial policy planning.

Javier Rodríguez Soler, Global Head of Sustainability and Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) at BBVA, was granted the honor of opening this year’s event. During his address, he remarked on how far the forum has progressed and on BBVA’s unique value proposition for the institutional client segment: “This seminar reflects who we are: a bank that listens, understands, and works alongside public institutions, not only when lending, but throughout the entire economic cycle. Our strength lies in our sectoral expertise, global presence, and ability to design innovative solutions that respond to the policy goals of public bodies.”

The event also featured a keynote speech by Carlos Torres Vila, Chair of BBVA, who underscored the importance of public leadership in a context of global transformation: “In the world today we are facing numerous challenges, yet the opportunities now emerging in the fields of innovation and sustainability are the key to a more promising and prosperous future. To address these challenges, it is essential to have large banks with the right capabilities and strengths.”

BBVA also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, as it aims to channel €700 billion in sustainable business between 2025 and 2029, along with its ambition to spearhead the mobilization of private capital toward public goals. In Rodríguez Soler’s words: “Public finance should be driving innovation, not lagging behind. Our mission is to help design structures that combine ambition and financial viability.”

In addition to the technical aspect, the forum also addressed the key role played by public leadership in transforming markets. The event included panels discussing trends in the Latin American market and the strategic planning of reserves by central banks from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

In parallel with the sessions, around 200 bilateral meetings were organized among issuers and investors with the aim of jointly exploring new avenues for partnering up in public investment, sustainable finance, and economic transformation.

This forum further demonstrates BBVA’s dedication to building bridges between the financial sector and public institutions, as it actively contributes to a global agenda of sustainable development and financial innovation.