Spanish banking group BBVA has expanded its partnership with OpenAI, increasing its number of ChatGPT Enterprise licenses from 3,300 to 11,000. The move reflects the bank’s broader push to integrate generative AI across its global operations.
Productivity gains drive expansion
BBVA first partnered with OpenAI in May 2024 to explore how generative AI could support internal operations. According to the bank’s Global AI Adoption department, employees using ChatGPT report saving nearly three hours a week by automating routine tasks. These include summarizing documents, translating text, writing reports, and more complex applications such as coding assistance and financial analysis.
Internal data shows that over 80% of licensed users engage with the tool daily, and more than 3,000 custom assistants have been created to handle specific tasks across departments.
Focus on responsible integration
The bank emphasizes that AI is intended to complement—not replace—human work. “We’re amplifying human talent with the capabilities of language models,” said Antonio Bravo, BBVA’s Global Head of Data. The goal, he noted, is to improve productivity while ensuring responsible and secure integration into daily workflows.
To that end, BBVA has implemented internal training and set up a dedicated community to support AI adoption. This includes regular forums, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and access to an internal library called the “GPT Store,” where employees can find vetted assistants relevant to their needs.
Innovation from within
Beyond licensing and training, BBVA is encouraging innovation from its workforce. In early 2025, the bank held an internal hackathon in Mexico that attracted over 170 proposals. Winning projects included tools to detect fraud, accelerate SME lending, and personalize customer service—several of which are being developed for use across the organization.