Bankinter Joins Qivalis: A New Stable Digital Currency Set to Launch in Europe. Bankinter has joined the Qivalis consortium, which is preparing to issue a regulated euro stablecoin. The project brings together 37 banks from 15 countries and promises to transform payments within the Eurozone.
Bankinter has officially joined the European banking consortium Qivalis, which is preparing to launch the first fully regulated euro-backed stablecoin. This decision paves the way for instant settlements and payments on blockchain platforms, where the digital euro will be used under the supervision of European regulators.
Amsterdam-based Qivalis has announced its expansion: 25 more banks have joined the project, bringing the consortium to 37 members from 15 countries. This large-scale cooperation creates a unified infrastructure for euro-based settlements and payments on blockchain, where each stablecoin unit will be backed by a real euro at a 1:1 ratio. It is expected to increase transparency and reduce risks in cross-border transactions.
Qivalis emphasizes that its goal is to create an ecosystem where the euro stablecoin becomes the standard for digital financial transactions. The project is being developed in compliance with MiCA requirements and under the supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank. The consortium notes that most European banks have already incorporated on-chain euro settlements into their digital asset strategies.
For businesses, this means 24/7 liquidity management and instant settlement. Companies will be able to make payments and close deals without delay, and tokenized assets—from bonds to real estate—will be transferred and recorded on the blockchain in one step. European exporters will gain an alternative to the dollar and other currencies, reducing costs and speeding up settlements. The introduction of smart contracts will allow for automated payments and minimize manual reconciliation.
Qivalis believes the new infrastructure is crucial for maintaining Europe’s strategic autonomy in the digital economy. Unlike existing international payment systems, the project is built exclusively by European banks and adheres to European regulations. This should ensure data protection, financial stability, and transaction transparency.
Bankinter, Spain’s fifth largest bank, calls its participation in Qivalis a logical step in its innovation strategy. The bank has long been known for implementing digital solutions, including the first bank robo-advisor and a fully digital investment advisor in Spain. In 2025, Bankinter posted a record profit of €1.09 billion, up 14.4% from the previous year, and continues to expand its presence in Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Luxembourg.
Qivalis was founded in September 2025 and is currently awaiting an electronic money license from De Nederlandsche Bank. According to the consortium, only 0.2% of the global volume of stablecoins are denominated in euros, which creates dependence of European companies on foreign currency systems. The launch of the Qivalis stablecoin is scheduled for the second half of 2026, with preparations underway in close dialogue with regulators and technical experts.
The issues of digital payments and new financial instruments are becoming increasingly relevant for Spain and other EU countries. For example, earlier solutions for renting and financing major events were discussed, such as during the organization of the Pope's visit to the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona — the city waived the rental fee in the public interest. Such cases highlight how approaches to money management and payments are changing in Europe.
For reference: MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is a pan-European regulation that establishes unified rules for the issuance and circulation of crypto assets, including stablecoins. Introducing a regulated digital currency in euros may become an important step toward strengthening the financial independence of the Eurozone and increasing the global competitiveness of European banks.
