BBVA closed 2025 with a 32% increase in financing directed to the entire franchise sector. In parallel, the amount channeled to small and medium-sized franchised enterprises (SMEs) advanced by 24% in the same period, according to the financial entity communicated this Wednesday, without revealing the total amount granted.
In addition, the entity chaired by Carlos Torres has reported that the bank has increased the financing balance to entities linked to its franchise business by 4% between December 31, 2025, and the end of the first half of 2026. The group attributes this rise "to the growth of financing to the sector and the strengthening of the relationship with clients in the segment."
BBVA explains that its specific offer for franchises is based on knowledge of the brands, their business models, and the specific needs of the franchisees. In this sense, the bank emphasizes that it has "specialized teams that accompany clients from the start of the project and throughout all its stages."
According to the entity, its advisory includes solutions to finance the initial investment, manage collections and payments, contract point of sale (POS) terminals, and address the recurring cash flow needs of day-to-day operations. The aim is for the franchisee to have a single financial interlocutor who provides support in the different phases of their business development.
"Behind every new franchise, there is an entrepreneur who needs to understand well the investment, the timelines, and the tools that will be at their disposal. Our role is to be close, understand the brand's model, and offer a response tailored to each project," said the head of Specialized Businesses at BBVA in Spain, Lucía Frías.
Among the agreements recently signed with franchise brands, the collaboration with Papa Johns stands out, sealed last July, whose objective is to support the expansion of the pizza chain in Spain. The company plans to open 50 new locations in the next four years, with a total investment that could reach 10 million euros.
As part of this alliance, BBVA will make available to new franchisees the option to request financing, according to the entity's risk criteria, along with collection solutions through POS and specialized support during the opening and consolidation of the business.
The entity also maintains other agreements with large groups in the sector. BBVA and Meliá Hotels International signed a collaboration agreement in September 2021 that allows franchised hotels to access lines of credit and financial products on preferential terms. The bank also retains alliances focused on franchise financing with restaurant chains such as Aloha Poké and with the Spanish distribution and supermarket cooperative Eroski.