Why BBVA has Selected AWS for Global Data Platform Migration
Global banks face increasing pressure to modernise their technology infrastructure as financial services shift toward real-time data processing and personalised customer experiences. The financial sector, traditionally cautious about moving core systems to cloud platforms due to security and regulatory concerns, has begun to embrace cloud computing for data analytics and artificial intelligence applications.
This shift marks a departure from the sector’s reliance on private data centres and legacy systems. Cloud platforms offer banks the ability to process vast amounts of customer data more efficiently, while maintaining compliance with strict financial regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Now, BBVA, the global financial services provider, has completed the migration of its data platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) across its European operations, marking a significant shift in how traditional banks manage their data infrastructure.
The Spanish bank has moved its Analytics, Data, AI (ADA) platform to AWS, covering the bank’s European and Uruguayan operations, with plans to extend the programme to Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina later in 2025.
BBVA’s AWS migration delivers processing improvements
The transfer to cloud infrastructure has reduced the time required for analytical work by 94%, according to BBVA. The migration involved moving tens of thousands of processes and transitioning thousands of users without service interruptions.
The bank reports that the new platform enables more efficient data storage and provides the capacity to handle growth in data processing requirements. The system also strengthens security measures for customer and operational data while delivering market insights to different bank divisions.
- Time reduction: BBVA's analytical work processes are 94% faster after moving to the cloud platform
- Global reach: AWS operates 240 services across 108 availability zones in 34 geographic regions
- Market coverage: BBVA operates in more than 25 countries, with planned cloud expansion to four additional Latin American markets in 2025
Marta Sanz, Global Manager of Data Engineering at BBVA, says: “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.”
AWS and BBVA partnership drives banking transformation
The ADA platform, which manages the bank’s customer and operational data, implements AWS’s analytics, AI and machine learning services, enabling BBVA to process data more efficiently and scale computing resources based on demand.
The platform's dynamic scaling capabilities enable BBVA to adjust resources according to real-time requirements, which the bank says optimises both costs and performance. This flexibility supports faster deployment of new products and personalised customer services.
Carlos Casas, Global Director of Engineering at BBVA, says: “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.”
Global expansion of cloud infrastructure
AWS, which launched its cloud services in 2006, now operates 240 services across 108 availability zones within 34 geographic regions. The company has announced plans for 18 additional availability zones and six new regions, including locations in Mexico, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand and a European Sovereign Cloud.
The migration to AWS positions BBVA to expand its cloud-based operations across its global network. The bank maintains a market-leading position in Spain and Mexico, with additional operations across South America and Turkey.
Scott Mullins, Managing Director of Financial Services at AWS, says: “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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