...MADRID (S&P Global Ratings) Jan. 25, 2019--S&P Global Ratings said today that it is monitoring ongoing news flow linking Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA; A-/Negative/A-2) to the alleged wiretapping of certain private communications in 2004 and 2005. The Spanish press has reported that Grupo Cenyt allegedly conducted illegal wiretapping on behalf of BBVA in 2004 and 2005, targeting a number of people, including senior company executives and politicians. BBVA has confirmed that it hired Grupo Cenyt for various types of services, but also stated that so far it has not found evidence of the alleged conduct. S&P Global Ratings will follow the investigations into these allegations, conducted by Spanish authorities and by independent, external parties instructed by BBVA. However, these investigations appear to be at an early stage. We will monitor whether any evidence emerges that could affect our view of BBVA's corporate governance, reputation, and financial profile. This report does...
