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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 25, 2017

Registration No. 333-212729

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

FORM F-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Kingdom of Spain     Not Applicable

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

    (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

Calle Azul, 4

28050 Madrid

Spain

+34-91-537-7000

(Address and Telephone Number of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Diego Crasny

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

New York Branch

1345 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor

New York, New York 10105

+1-212-728-1660

(Name, Address, and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)

 

 

 

Please send copies of all communications to:

Michael J. Willisch

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Paseo de la Castellana, 41

28046 Madrid, Spain

+34-91-768-9610

 

Vivian Root

Sidley Austin LLP

Woolgate Exchange

25 Basinghall Street

London EC2V 5HA, England

+44-207-360-2045

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.  ☐

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act .  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered (1)

 

Proposed

Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit (1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price (1)

  Amount of
Registration Fee (1)

Ordinary Shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., par value €0.49 per share (2)

               

Rights to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (including in the form of American Depositary Shares) (3)

               

Senior Debt Securities of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

               

Subordinated Debt Securities of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

               

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

               

 

 

(1) An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price and number or amount of securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are represented by depositary shares. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the registrant is deferring payment of all registration fees.
(2) A separate registration statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 333-142862) has been filed with respect to the American Depositary Shares issuable upon deposit of the ordinary shares registered hereby. Each American Depositary Share represents one ordinary share of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.
(3) No separate consideration will be received for the rights.

 

 

 


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Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the prospectus contained in this Registration Statement and supplements to such prospectus will also be used in connection with the offering of securities previously registered pursuant to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-212729) and not issued.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-212729) is being filed for the principal purposes of (1) registering contingent convertible preferred securities of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., (2) revising the base prospectus that forms part of the Registration Statement to add references to such contingent convertible preferred securities and to add certain other updates related to the passage of time and certain other disclosures and (3) filing additional exhibits to the Registration Statement. The existing base prospectus, dated July 28, 2016, that currently forms part of the Registration Statement is being replaced in its entirety by the base prospectus filed with this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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PROSPECTUS

 

 

LOGO

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Ordinary Shares

American Depositary Shares, each representing one Ordinary Share

Rights to Subscribe for Ordinary Shares

Senior Debt Securities

Subordinated Debt Securities

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

 

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (“we” or “BBVA”) may offer from time to time ordinary shares, American Depositary Shares (each representing one ordinary share, commonly referred to as ADSs), rights to subscribe for ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs), senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities or contingent convertible preferred securities in one or more offerings.

This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer these securities. The specific terms of any securities we offer will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. Such supplements may also add to, update, supplement or change information contained in the prospectus. We will not use this prospectus to issue any securities unless it is attached to a prospectus supplement.

We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a delayed or continuous basis. We will indicate the names of any underwriters in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Our ordinary shares are listed on each of the Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia stock exchanges (the “Spanish Stock Exchanges”) and quoted on the Automated Quotation System of the Spanish Stock Exchanges (the “Automated Quotation System”) as well as quoted on SEAQ International in London. Our ordinary shares are also listed on the London and Mexico stock exchanges. Our ordinary shares in the form of ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. If we decide to list any of the other securities on a national securities exchange upon issuance, the applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus will identify the exchange and the date when we expect trading to begin.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “ Risk Factors ” on page 6.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Our senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities and contingent convertible preferred securities may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power (as defined herein) by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as defined herein) as described herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement for such senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities or contingent convertible preferred securities, as applicable. See “Description of the Notes of BBVA—Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power” and “Description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA—Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power”.

Our ordinary shares (including those represented by ADS) may also be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority. See “Description of BBVA Ordinary Shares—Exercise of Spanish Bail-in Power and other Resolution Tools” and “Description of BBVA American Depositary Shares—Exercise of Spanish Bail-in Power and other Resolution Tools”.

The securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the Kingdom of Spain, the United States or any other jurisdiction.

The date of this prospectus is September 25, 2017.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Neither we nor any underwriter has authorized anyone to provide you with different information. Neither we nor any underwriter is making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

     Page  

About This Prospectus

     1  

Where You Can Find More Information

     2  

Incorporation of Documents by Reference

     3  

Forward-Looking Statements

     4  

Risk Factors

     6  

The BBVA Group

     7  

Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends

     8  

Use of Proceeds

     9  

Consolidated Capitalization and Indebtedness of the BBVA Group

     10  

Description of BBVA Ordinary Shares

     11  

Description of BBVA American Depositary Shares

     19  

Description of Rights to Subscribe for Ordinary Shares

     27  

Description of the Notes of BBVA

     28  

Description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA

     47  

Spanish Tax Considerations

     92  

U.S. Tax Considerations

     103  

Benefit Plan Investor Considerations

     112  

Plan of Distribution

     114  

Validity of the Securities

     116  

Experts

     116  

Enforcement of Civil Liabilities

     116  


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update, supplement or change information contained in this prospectus. If a prospectus supplement is inconsistent with this prospectus, the terms of the prospectus supplement will control. Therefore, the statements made in this prospectus may not be the terms that apply to the securities you purchase. You should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Incorporation of Documents by Reference”.

In this prospectus, the following terms will have the meanings set forth below, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires:

 

  ·   “ADRs” refers to American Depositary Receipts representing ADSs.

 

  ·   “ADSs” refers to American Depositary Shares, each representing one ordinary share of BBVA.

 

  ·   “Amounts Due” means (i) with respect to a series of senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, the principal amount of or outstanding amount (if applicable), together with any accrued but unpaid interest, additional amounts, premium (if any) and sinking fund payments (if any) due on the securities of such series. References to such amounts will include amounts that have become due and payable, but which have not been paid, prior to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power (as defined below) by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as defined below); and (ii) with respect to a series of contingent convertible preferred securities, the liquidation preference (and premium, if any), together with any accrued but unpaid distributions, and additional amounts, if any, due on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series. References to such amounts will include amounts that have become due and payable, but which have not been paid, prior to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

 

  ·   “BBVA Group” refers to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

  ·   “contingent convertible preferred securities” refers to our contingent convertible preferred securities.

 

  ·   “Early Intervention” means, with respect to any person, that any Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority or the European Central Bank shall have announced or determined that such person has or shall become the subject of an “early intervention” ( actuación temprana ) as such term is defined in Law 11/2015 (as defined below).

 

  ·   “Law 11/2015” means Spanish Law 11/2015, of June 18, on the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms ( Ley 11/2015, de 18 de junio, de recuperación y resolución de entidades de crédito y empresas de servicios de inversión ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

 

  ·   “notes” refers to our senior notes (as defined below) and the subordinated notes (as defined below), collectively.

 

  ·   “RD 1012/2015” means Royal Decree 1012/2015 of November 6, by virtue of which Law 11/2015 is developed and Royal Decree 2606/1996 of December 20 on credit entities’ deposit guarantee fund is amended, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

 

  ·   “Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority” means the Spanish Fund for the Orderly Restructuring of Banks ( Fondo de Restructuraci ó n Ordenada Bancaria ), the European Single Resolution Mechanism and, as the case may be, according to Law 11/2015, the Bank of Spain and the Spanish Securities Market Commission ( Comisi ó n Nacional del Mercado de Valores or “CNMV”), and any other entity with the authority to exercise the Spanish Bail-in Power (as defined below) from time to time.

 

  ·   “Resolution” means, with respect to any person, that any Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority shall have announced or determined that such person has or shall become the subject of a “resolution” ( resolución ) as such term is defined in Law 11/2015.

 

  ·   “rights” refers to the rights to subscribe for our ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs).

 

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  ·   “securities” refers to the shares, the ADSs, the rights, the notes and the contingent convertible preferred securities, collectively.

 

  ·   “senior notes” refers to our senior debt securities.

 

  ·   “shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, par value €0.49 per share.

 

  ·   “Spain” refers to the Kingdom of Spain.

 

  ·   “Spanish Bail-in Power” means:

 

  ·   except with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities, any write-down, conversion, transfer, modification, or suspension power existing from time to time under: (i) any law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in Spain, relating to the transposition or development of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of May 15, 2014 establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time, including, but not limited to (a) Law 11/2015, (b) RD 1012/2015 and (c) Regulation (EU) No. 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 15, 2014 establishing uniform rules and a uniform procedure for the resolution of credit institutions and certain investment firms in the framework of the Single Resolution Mechanism and the Single Resolution Fund and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1093/2010, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time; or (ii) any other law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in Spain pursuant to which (a) obligations or liabilities of banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates can be reduced, cancelled, modified, transferred or converted into shares, other securities, or other obligations of such persons or any other person (or suspended for a temporary period or permanently) or (b) any right in a contract governing such obligations may be deemed to have been exercised; and

 

  ·   with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities, any write-down, conversion, transfer, modification, or suspension power existing from time to time under: (i) any law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in Spain, relating to the transposition or development of the BRRD (as defined in “Description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA”), including, but not limited to (a) Law 11/2015, (b) RD 1012/2015; and (c) the Regulation (EU) No. 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 15, establishing uniform rules and a uniform procedure for the resolution of credit institutions and certain investment firms in the framework of the Single Resolution Mechanism and the Single Resolution Fund and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1093/2010, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time; or (ii) any other law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in Spain pursuant to which (a) obligations or liabilities of banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates can be reduced, cancelled, modified, transferred or converted into shares, other securities, or other obligations of such persons or any other person (or suspended for a temporary period or permanently) or (b) any right in a contract governing such obligations may be deemed to have been exercised.

 

  ·   “subordinated notes” refers to our subordinated debt securities.

 

  ·   “we”, “us”, “our”, “Bank” and “BBVA” refer to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. unless the context otherwise requires.

 

  ·   “$”, “U.S. dollars” and “dollars” refer to United States dollars.

 

  ·   “€” and “euro” refer to euro.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Ongoing Reporting

We file annual reports on Form 20-F with, and furnish other reports and information on Form 6-K to, the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with, or furnish to, the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at +1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the SEC’s Public Reference Room. The SEC also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains in electronic form the reports and other information that we have electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, the securities may specify that certain documents are available for inspection at the office of the trustee, a paying agent or the ADS depositary, as the case may be.

 

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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The rules of the SEC allow us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with, or furnish to, the SEC, which means:

 

  ·   incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus;

 

  ·   we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents; and

 

  ·   information that we file with, or furnish to, the SEC in the future and incorporate by reference in this prospectus will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus and information previously incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the following documents:

 

  ·   our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Form 20-F”) filed with the SEC on March 31, 2017;

 

  ·   our report on Form 6-K as furnished to the SEC on September 25, 2017 (the “June 30, 2017 Form 6-K”); and

 

  ·   any filings made by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as any report on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC to the extent the Form 6-K expressly states that it is being incorporated by reference herein, on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the relevant offering under this prospectus.

You may request, at no cost to you, a copy of these documents (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference) by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

New York Branch

1345 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor

New York, New York 10105

Attention: Investor Relations

+1-212-728-1660

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements included in this prospectus are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We also may make forward-looking statements in our other documents filed with, or furnished to, the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “project”, “anticipate”, “should”, “intend”, “probability”, “risk”, “VaR”, “target”, “goal”, “objective”, “future” or by the use of similar expressions or variations on such expressions, or by the discussion of strategy or objectives. Forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

In particular, this prospectus and certain documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus include forward-looking statements relating but not limited to management objectives, the implementation of our strategic initiatives, trends in results of operations, margins, costs, return on equity and risk management, including our potential exposure to various types of risk such as market risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and equity risk. For example, certain of the market risk disclosures are dependent on choices about key model characteristics, assumptions and estimates, and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future.

We have identified some of the risks inherent in forward-looking statements in “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2016 Form 20-F. Other factors could also adversely affect our results or the accuracy of forward-looking statements in this prospectus, and you should not consider the factors discussed here or in the Items in our 2016 Form 20-F listed above to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among others:

 

  ·   political, economic and business conditions in Spain, the European Union, Latin America, Turkey, the United States and other regions, countries or territories in which we operate;

 

  ·   changes in applicable laws and regulations, including increased capital and provision requirements and taxation, and steps taken towards achieving an EU fiscal and banking union;

 

  ·   the monetary, interest rate and other policies of central banks in the EU, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey and elsewhere;

 

  ·   changes or volatility in interest rates, foreign exchange rates (including the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate), asset prices, equity markets, commodity prices, inflation or deflation;

 

  ·   ongoing market adjustments in the real estate sectors in Spain, Mexico and the United States;

 

  ·   the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate, which may be influenced by regulation or deregulation;

 

  ·   changes in consumer spending and savings habits, including changes in government policies which may influence spending, saving and investment decisions;

 

  ·   adverse developments in emerging countries, in particular Latin America and Turkey, including unfavorable political and economic developments, social instability and changes in governmental policies, including expropriation, nationalization, international ownership legislation, interest rate caps and tax policies;

 

  ·   our ability to hedge certain risks economically;

 

  ·   downgrades in our credit ratings or in Spain’s credit ratings;

 

  ·   the success of our acquisitions, divestitures, mergers and strategic alliances;

 

  ·   our ability to make payments on certain substantial unfunded amounts relating to commitments with personnel;

 

  ·   the performance of our international operations and our ability to manage such operations;

 

  ·   weaknesses or failures in our Group’s internal processes, systems (including information technology systems) and security;

 

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  ·   our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing, which depends, among other things, on our ability to anticipate events that are not captured by the statistical models we use; and

 

  ·   force majeure and other events beyond our control.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not intend to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus, including, without limitation, changes in our business or acquisition strategy or planned capital expenditures or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, and we do not assume any responsibility to do so. You should, however, consult any further disclosures of a forward-looking nature we may make in our other documents filed with, or furnished to, the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including, but not limited to, those risk factors in “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors” in our 2016 Form 20-F when deciding whether to invest in the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus. Investing in the securities involves risks. Any of the risks described in the applicable prospectus supplement or in any other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our 2016 Form 20-F, if they actually occur, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, prospects and financial condition and the value of your investments.

Each potential investor of any security offered hereunder must determine the suitability (either alone or with the help of a financial adviser) of that investment in light of its own circumstances. In particular, each potential investor should understand thoroughly the terms of such securities and be familiar with the behavior of any relevant indices and financial markets, including the possibility that any security offered hereunder may become subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

 

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THE BBVA GROUP

The BBVA Group is a highly diversified international financial group, with strengths in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking and wholesale banking. The BBVA Group also has investments in some of Spain’s leading companies. The BBVA Group, which operates in Spain, Mexico, the United States and over 30 other countries, mainly in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, is based in Spain and has substantial banking interests in Latin America, the United States, Europe and Turkey. The BBVA Group had consolidated assets of €702,429 million at June 30, 2017 and profit attributable to parent company of €2,306 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

BBVA’s principal executive offices are located at Calle Azul 4, 28050 Madrid, Spain, and its telephone number at that location is +34-91-537-7000 or +34-91-374-6000.

Additional information about BBVA and its subsidiaries is included in the 2016 Form 20-F and the June 30, 2017 Form 6-K, which are incorporated by reference in this document.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth BBVA’s consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preference dividends for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Six Months
Ended June 30,
2017(1)(2)
     Year Ended December 31,  
        2016(2)      2015(2)      2014(2)      2013(2)      2012(2)  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preference dividends

                 

Including interest on deposits

     1.83        1.66        1.55        1.48        1.05        1.15  

Excluding interest on deposits

     4.66        3.74        2.80        2.51        1.13        1.32  

 

(1) Unaudited.
(2) In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the EU (“EU-IFRS”) required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 (“Circular 4/2004”) and in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS-IASB”).

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds from each issue of securities will be used for the BBVA Group’s general corporate purposes, unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS OF THE BBVA GROUP

The following table sets forth the capitalization and indebtedness of the BBVA Group on an unaudited consolidated basis in accordance with EU-IFRS required to be applied under Circular 4/2004 and in compliance with IFRS-IASB as of June 30, 2017.

 

     As of June 30,
2017
 
     (millions of euros)  
     (unaudited)  

Outstanding indebtedness(1)

  

Short-term indebtedness(2)

     9,195  

Long-term indebtedness

     60,514  

Of which: Preferred securities(3)

     178  
  

 

 

 

Total indebtedness(4)

     69,708  
  

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

  

Ordinary shares

     3,267  

Ordinary shares held by consolidated companies

     (54

Reserves

     51,900  

Dividends

     (291

Other comprehensive income

     (6,991

Total shareholders’ equity

     47,832  

Preferred shares

     —    

Non-controlling interest

     6,895  
  

 

 

 

Total capitalization and indebtedness

     124,436  
  

 

 

 

 

(1) No third party has guaranteed any of the debt of the BBVA Group.
(2) Includes all outstanding promissory notes and bonds, debentures and subordinated debt (including preferred securities) with a remaining maturity of up to one year as of June 30, 2017.
(3) Under EU-IFRS required to be applied under Circular 4/2004 and in compliance with IFRS-IASB, preferred securities are accounted for as subordinated debt. Nonetheless, for Bank of Spain regulatory capital purposes, such preferred securities are treated as Tier 1 capital instruments.
(4) Approximately 20% of the BBVA Group’s indebtedness was secured as of June 30, 2017.

The following is the principal transaction affecting the capitalization of the BBVA Group after June 30, 2017:

 

  ·   On September 11, 2017, BBVA issued €1,500,000,000 0.75% Senior Non-Preferred Notes due 2022 under its Global Medium Term Note Programme.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF BBVA ORDINARY SHARES

The following summary describes the material considerations concerning the capital stock of BBVA and briefly describes the material provisions of BBVA’s bylaws ( estatutos ) and relevant Spanish law. This summary does not include all the provisions of our bylaws and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed provisions thereof. A copy of BBVA’s bylaws has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and will be furnished to investors upon request.

General

As of September 21, 2017, BBVA’s paid in share capital was €3,267,264,424.20, represented by a single class of 6,667,886,580 ordinary shares. As of June 30, 2017, BBVA’s paid in share capital was €3,267,264,424.20, represented by a single class of 6,667,886,580 ordinary shares.

Non-residents of Spain may hold and vote ordinary shares subject to the general restrictions set forth below.

Attendance and Voting at Shareholders’ Meetings

Each ordinary share entitles the shareholder to one vote. Any ordinary share may be voted by proxy. Any shareholder who is entitled to attend a general shareholders’ meeting may be represented at such general shareholders’ meeting by another person, who need not necessarily be a shareholder. Proxies are valid for ordinary (also referred to as “annual”) general shareholders’ meetings and extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings and must be granted specifically with respect to each general shareholders’ meeting. A single shareholder may not be represented at a general shareholders’ meeting by more than one person, except under the circumstances provided in the law for brokering institutions.

Shareholders’ meetings

Pursuant to BBVA’s bylaws and to the Spanish Companies Act ( Ley de Sociedades de Capital ), approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010 of July 2, as amended (the “Spanish Companies Act”), general meetings of shareholders of BBVA may be ordinary or extraordinary.

Pursuant to the Spanish Companies Act, ordinary general shareholders’ meetings shall necessarily be held within the first six months of each fiscal year, at which shareholders are requested to approve the annual accounts of the previous fiscal year, the corporate management for the previous fiscal year and the application of BBVA’s net income or loss. Other matters may also be voted on by shareholders during the ordinary general shareholders’ meetings if such items are included on the agenda or are allowed by law. Any other meetings of shareholders are considered to be extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings. Extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings may be called from time to time by the BBVA Board of Directors at its discretion. The BBVA Board of Directors will call extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings when (i) it believes such meetings to be necessary or advisable for BBVA’s interests, (ii) required by law or BBVA’s bylaws, or (iii) requested by shareholders representing at least 3% of BBVA’s share capital.

Shareholders representing at least 3% of the share capital of BBVA have the right to request the publication of a supplemental notice including one or more additional agenda items to the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting and to add new resolution proposals to the agenda of any general shareholders’ meeting, within the first five days following the publication of the agenda.

A universal shareholders’ meeting, at which 100% of the share capital is present or duly represented, is considered valid even if no notice of such meeting was given, and, with unanimous agreement, shareholders may consider any matter at such a meeting.

Convening notice

According to BBVA’s bylaws and the Spanish Companies Act, notices of all BBVA general shareholders’ meetings must be published (i) in the Official Gazette of the Commercial Registry ( Bolet í n Oficial del Registro Mercantil ) or in a widely circulated newspaper in Spain, (ii) on BBVA’s webpage and (iii) on the webpage of the CNMV, at least one month prior to the date of the meeting or with the minimum prior notice period required by the Spanish Companies Act from time to time. The notice must indicate the date, time and place of the meeting on the first convening and all the matters to be considered at the meeting, along with other information required

 

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by the Spanish Companies Act. The notice may also include the date on which the meeting should be held on the second convening. At least twenty-four hours must elapse between the meeting on the first convening and the meeting on the second convening.

Place of meeting

Except with respect to universal shareholders’ meetings, general shareholders’ meetings must be held in Bilbao, Spain, where BBVA has its registered office, on the date indicated in the convening notice. A universal shareholders’ meeting, at which 100% of the share capital is present or duly represented, may take place anywhere in the world.

Right of attendance

The owners of 500 or more ordinary shares which are duly registered in the book-entry record for ordinary shares at least five days prior to the date of the general shareholders’ meeting and continue to hold such shares until the date of the meeting are entitled to attend. The holders of fewer than 500 ordinary shares may aggregate their shares by proxy to represent at least 500 ordinary shares and appoint a representative for the meeting.

Quorums

Under BBVA’s bylaws and the Spanish Companies Act, except as set forth below, general shareholders’ meetings will be duly constituted on the first convening if BBVA shareholders holding at least 25% of the voting share capital are present or represented by proxy. On the second convening of a general shareholders’ meeting, there is no quorum requirement.

Notwithstanding the above, according to the Spanish Companies Act certain special events require a quorum of shareholders, present or represented by proxy, holding at least 50% of the voting share capital on first convening of the general shareholders’ meeting and no less than 25% of the voting share capital on the second convening of the general shareholders’ meeting. Those special events include the adoption of resolutions concerning the following: (i) increases or decreases in capital; (ii) in general, any modification of the bylaws; (iii) issuances of bonds (not applicable to BBVA); (iv) limitations or suppression of the preemptive rights to subscribe for new shares; (v) transformations, mergers, spin-offs and assignments of assets and liabilities; and (iv) the transfer of the registered office abroad.

Additionally, BBVA’s bylaws also require the presence, in person or represented by proxy, of two-thirds of the voting share capital on first convening or 60% of the voting share capital on the second convening, at general shareholders’ meetings in order to adopt resolutions that concern: (i) the change of the corporate purpose; (ii) the transformation of BBVA’s legal status; (iii) a full spin-off; (iv) the dissolution of BBVA; or (v) the amendment of the second paragraph of article 25 of BBVA’s bylaws, which establishes this stricter quorum requirement.

Adoption of resolutions and majorities

Subject to the higher vote requirements described in the following paragraphs, the adoption of resolutions requires a simple majority vote at the general shareholders’ meeting, it being understood that a resolution is adopted when the favorable votes exceed the votes against the adoption of the resolution.

The adoption of resolutions concerning the following: (i) increases or decreases in capital; (ii) in general, any modification of the bylaws; (iii) issuances of bonds; (iv) limitations or elimination of the preemptive rights to subscribe for new shares; (v) transformations, mergers, spin-offs and assignments of assets and liabilities; and (iv) the transfer of the registered office abroad, shall require the favorable vote of (a) a majority of the share capital present or represented at the meeting if such share capital present or represented exceeds 50% of the total share capital, or (b) if the share capital present or represented by proxy on the second convening constitutes less than 50% but more than 25% of the total share capital, the approval of two-thirds of the share capital present or represented by proxy at such meeting. In addition, the adoption of resolutions that require special quorums according to our bylaws require a favorable vote of a majority of the share capital present or represented.

Validly adopted resolutions are binding on all the shareholders, including those who were absent, dissented or abstained from voting.

Any resolution adopted at the general shareholders’ meeting that is contrary to Spanish law, to the bylaws or to the general shareholders’ meeting regulations, or that are deemed detrimental to BBVA’s interests to the

 

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benefit of one or more shareholders or third parties can be contested. Any director, any third party who proves a legitimate interest, and any shareholder who acquired such status before the resolution was adopted, as long as they represent at least 0.1% of the share capital of BBVA, may contest corporate resolutions. If the resolution is contrary to public order, it can be contested by any director, third party or any shareholder, even if he/she acquired such status after the resolution was adopted.

Appointment of directors

Under the Spanish Companies Act, in the event of a vacancy on the BBVA Board of Directors, a shareholder or group of shareholders that owns an aggregate number of ordinary shares equal to or greater than the result of dividing the total capital stock by the number of directors on the BBVA Board of Directors, has the right to appoint a corresponding proportion of the directors (rounded downwards to the nearest whole number) to the Board of Directors. Shareholders who exercise the right to appoint directors may not vote on the appointment of other directors to the BBVA Board of Directors. Under the Spanish Companies Act, the BBVA Board of Directors may also designate directors by interim appointment to fill vacancies (co-option). If a director has been co-opted, such director shall stay in office until the first general shareholders’ meeting held following such co-option. The general shareholders’ meeting may then ratify such director’s appointment for the term of office remaining of the director whose vacancy has been covered through co-option, or appoint such director for the term of office established under our bylaws (currently, three years).

Any new directors shall comply with the suitability criteria set forth in Law 10/2014, of June 26, on organization, supervision and solvency of credit institutions, as amended (“Law 10/2014”), Royal Decree 84/2015, of February 13 and Bank of Spain Circular 2/2016 of February 2.

Preemptive Rights

Pursuant to the Spanish Companies Act, shareholders have preemptive rights to subscribe for (i) new ordinary shares issued in the context of a capital increase involving cash contributions (except where the capital increase is due to the conversion of convertible securities into BBVA ordinary shares, the absorption of another company, or the absorption of all or part of the assets of another company by means of a spin-off of such company) and (ii) securities which are convertible into BBVA ordinary shares. These preemptive rights may be excluded in certain circumstances in accordance with the Spanish Companies Act.

Form and Transfer

Ordinary shares are in book-entry form and are indivisible. Joint holders must nominate one person to exercise their rights as shareholders, though joint holders are jointly and severally (solidariamente ) liable for all obligations arising from their status as shareholders.

Sociedad de Gestión de los Sistemas de Registro, Compensación y Liquidación de Valores, S.A. Unipersonal (“Iberclear”), which manages the clearance and settlement system of the Spanish Stock Exchanges, maintains the central registry of ordinary shares which reflects (i) one or several proprietary accounts which show the balances of the participating entities’ ( entidades participantes ) proprietary accounts; (ii) one or several general third-party accounts that show the overall balances that the participating entities hold for third parties; (iii) individual accounts opened in the name of the owner, either individual or legal person; and (iv) individual special accounts of financial intermediaries which use the optional procedure of settlement of orders. Each participating entity, in turn, maintains the detail records of the owners of the shares held in their general third-party accounts.

Transfers of ordinary shares quoted on the Spanish Stock Exchanges must be made by book-entry registry or delivery of evidence of title to the buyer, through or with the participation of a member of the Spanish Stock Exchanges that is an authorized broker or dealer. Transfers of ordinary shares may also be subject to certain fees and expenses.

Reporting Requirements

As ordinary shares are listed on the Spanish Stock Exchanges, the acquisition or disposition of ordinary shares by shareholders must be reported within four business days of the acquisition or disposition to BBVA and the CNMV where:

 

  ·   in the case of an acquisition, the acquisition results in that person or group holding 3% (or 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 90%) of BBVA’s total voting rights; or

 

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  ·   in the case of a disposal, the disposition reduces shares held by a person or group below a threshold of 3% (or 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 90%) of BBVA’s total voting rights.

The reporting requirements apply not only to the purchase or transfer of shares, but also to those transactions in which, without a purchase or transfer, the proportion of voting rights of an individual or legal entity reaches, exceeds or falls below the threshold that triggers the obligation to report as a consequence of a change in the total number of voting rights of BBVA on the basis of the information reported to the CNMV and disclosed by it.

Regardless of the actual ownership of the shares, any individual or legal entity with a right to acquire, transfer or exercise voting rights granted by the shares, and any individual or legal entity who owns, acquires or transfers, whether directly or indirectly, other securities or financial instruments which grant a right to acquire shares with voting rights, will also have an obligation to notify the company and the CNMV of the holding of a significant stake in accordance with the applicable Spanish regulations. Also, cash settled instruments creating long positions on underlying listed shares (such as BBVA’s) shall be disclosed if the specified shareholding thresholds are reached or exceeded. Cash holdings and holdings derived from financial instruments shall be aggregated for disclosure purposes. A disclosure exemption for shareholding positions held by financial entities in their trading books as a result of the securities administration and custody services rendered by such financial entities is available pursuant to art. 33.2 of the Spanish Royal Decree 1362/2007. In the event that the individual or legal entity entering into the relevant transaction is a non-Spanish resident, notice must also be made to the Spanish Registry of Foreign Investments ( Registro de Inversiones Exteriores ) and kept by the General Bureau of Commerce and Investments ( Dirección General de Comercio e Inversiones ) within the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness ( Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad ) (see “Exchange Controls” below).

In the case of individuals or legal entities resident in jurisdictions designated as tax havens or in countries or territories levying no taxes or with which Spain has no effective exchange of tax information, the threshold that triggers the obligation to disclose the acquisition or disposition of shares is reduced to 1% (and successive multiples of 1%).

Additionally, since BBVA is a credit entity, any person who intends to acquire a significant participation in BBVA’s share capital must comply with certain obligations before the Bank of Spain. See “—Restrictions on Acquisitions of Ordinary Shares”.

Requirements applicable to purchases by BBVA and its directors and senior managers

Acquisition of own shares

BBVA is required to report to the CNMV any acquisition by BBVA or any of its affiliates, of BBVA’s own shares which, together with all other acquisitions since the last notification, reaches or exceeds 1% of BBVA’s share capital (irrespective of whether any own shares have been sold in the same period). In such circumstances, the notification must be made within four stock exchange business days and include the number of shares acquired since the last notification (detailed by transaction), the number of shares sold (detailed by transaction) and the resulting net holding of treasury shares.

Acquisition of shares by BBVA directors and senior managers

Each member of the BBVA Board of Directors must report to BBVA and the CNMV, the percentage of voting rights held at the time such director joined the Board of Directors and at the time they are ceased as members. Furthermore, each member of the BBVA Board of Directors must similarly report any acquisition or disposition, regardless of size, of BBVA shares, debt instruments issued by BBVA, derivatives and other financial instruments linked thereto within three business days of such acquisition or disposition. Senior managers of BBVA, as well as persons closely associated to them or to BBVA directors, are also subject to the abovementioned reporting rules.

Net Short Positions

In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 236/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of March 14, 2012 on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps (as further supplemented by several delegated regulations regulating technical aspects necessary for its effective enforceability and to ensure

 

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compliance with its provisions), net short positions on shares listed on the Spanish Stock Exchanges equal to, or in excess of, 0.2% of BBVA’s share capital and any increases or reductions thereof by 0.1% are required to be disclosed to the CNMV. If the net short position reaches 0.5%, and also at every 0.1% above that, the CNMV will disclose the net short position to the public.

The notification or disclosure mentioned above shall be made not later than at 15.30 (CET) on the following trading day.

Notification is mandatory even if the same position has been already notified to the CNMV in compliance with transparency obligations previously in force in that jurisdiction.

The information to be disclosed is set out in Table 1 of Annex I of Delegated Regulation 826/2012, according to the format approved as Annex II of this Regulation. The information will be published, where appropriate, on a web page operated or supervised by the CNMV.

Moreover, pursuant to Regulation 236/2012, where the CNMV considers that (i) there are adverse events or developments that constitute a serious threat to financial stability or to market confidence (serious financial, monetary or budgetary problems, which may lead to financial instability, unusual volatility causing significant downward spirals in any financial instrument, etc.); and (ii) the measure is necessary and will not be disproportionately detrimental to the efficiency of financial markets in view of the advantages sought, it may, following consultation with the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”), take any one or more of the following measures:

 

  ·   impose additional notification obligations by either (a) reducing the thresholds for the notification of net short positions in relation to one or several specific financial instruments; and/or (b) requesting the parties involved in the lending of a specific financial instrument to notify any change in the fees requested for such lending; and

 

  ·   restrict short selling activity by either prohibiting or imposing conditions on short selling.

In addition, according to Regulation 236/2012, where the price of a financial instrument has fallen significantly during a single day in relation to the closing price on the previous trading day (10.0% or more in the case of a liquid share), the CNMV may prohibit or restrict short selling of financial instruments for a period not exceeding the end of the trading day following the trading day on which the fall in price occurs.

Finally, Regulation 236/2012 also vests powers to ESMA in order to take measures similar to the ones described above in exceptional circumstances, when the purpose of these measures is to deal with a threat affecting several EU member states and the competent authorities of these member states have not taken adequate measures to address it.

Change of Control Provisions

Certain antitrust regulations may delay, defer or prevent a change of control of BBVA or any of its subsidiaries in the event of a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring. In Spain, the application of both Spanish and European antitrust regulations requires that prior notice of domestic or cross-border merger transactions be given in order to obtain a “non-opposition” ruling from antitrust authorities.

Spanish regulation of takeover bids may also delay, defer or prevent a change of control of BBVA or any of its subsidiaries in the event of a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring. Law 6/2007 and Royal Decree 1066/2007 set forth the Spanish rules governing takeover bids. In particular:

 

  ·   a bidder must make a tender offer in respect of 100% of the issued share capital of a target company if:

 

  ·   it acquires an interest in shares which (taken together with shares in which persons acting in concert with it are interested) carry 30% or more of the voting rights of the target company;

 

  ·   it acquires an interest in shares which (taken together with shares in which persons acting in concert with it are interested) carry less than 30% of the voting rights but enable the bidder to appoint a majority of the members of the target company’s board of directors; or

 

  ·   it held 30% or more but less than 50% of the voting rights of the target company on the date the law came into force, and subsequently:

 

    acquires, within 12 months, an additional interest in shares which carries 5% or more of such voting rights;

 

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    acquires an additional interest in shares so that the bidder’s aggregate interest carries 50% or more of such voting rights; or

 

    acquires an additional interest in shares which enables the bidder to appoint a majority of the members of the target company’s board of directors;

 

  ·   if a bidder’s actions do not fall into the categories described above, such acquisition may qualify as an “a priori” or partial tender offer ( i.e. , in respect of less than 100% of the issued share capital of a target company), in which case such bidder would not be required to make a tender offer in respect of 100% of the issued share capital of a target company;

 

  ·   the board of directors of a target company is exempt from the rule prohibiting certain board interference with a tender offer (the “passivity rule”), provided that (i) it has been authorized by the general shareholders’ meeting to take action or enter into a transaction which could disrupt the offer, or (ii) it has been released from the passivity rule by the general shareholders’ meeting vis-à-vis bidders whose boards of directors are not subject to an equivalent passivity rule;

 

  ·   defensive measures included in a listed company’s bylaws and transfer and voting restrictions included in agreements among a listed company’s shareholders will remain in place whenever the company is the target of a tender offer unless the general shareholders’ meeting resolves otherwise (in which case any shareholders whose rights are diluted or otherwise adversely affected may be entitled to compensation); and

 

  ·   if, as a result of a tender offer in respect of 100% of the issued share capital of a target company, the bidder acquires an interest in shares representing at least 90% of the voting rights of the target company and the offer has been accepted by investors representing at least 90% of the voting rights of the target company (provided such voting rights are distinct from those already held by the bidder), the bidder may force the holders of the remaining share capital of the company to sell their shares. The minority holders shall also have the right to force the bidder to acquire their shares under these same circumstances.

As further described below in “—Restrictions on Acquisitions of Ordinary Shares”, since BBVA is a bank, it is necessary to obtain approval from the Bank of Spain in order to acquire a number of shares considered to be a significant participation by Law 10/2014. Also, any agreement that contemplates BBVA’s merger with another credit entity requires the authorization of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. This could delay, defer or prevent a change of control of BBVA or any of its subsidiaries that are credit entities in the event of a merger.

Exchange Controls

In 1991, Spain adopted the EU standards for free movement of capital and services. As a result, exchange controls and restrictions on foreign investments have generally been abolished and foreign investors may transfer invested capital, capital gains and dividends out of Spain without limitation as to amount, subject to applicable taxes.

Pursuant to Spanish Law 18/1992 on Foreign Investments and Royal Decree 664/1999, foreign investors may freely invest in shares of Spanish companies, except in the case of certain strategic industries.

However, Royal Decree 664/1999 and Law 19/2003, on exchange controls and foreign transactions, as amended, require that all foreign investments in Spain (and the liquidations of such investments) be notified to the Spanish Registry of Foreign Investments ( Registro de Inversiones Exteriores ) for administrative statistical and economical purposes. In particular, shares in Spanish companies acquired or held by foreign investors must be reported to the Spanish Registry of Foreign Investments by the depositary bank or relevant Iberclear participating entity. Moreover, when a foreign investor acquires shares in a company that is subject to the reporting requirements of the CNMV, such foreign investor must also give notice directly to the CNMV and, if applicable, to the relevant Spanish Stock Exchanges if such acquisition results in such foreign investor exceeding certain ownership thresholds (see “—Reporting Requirements”).

In certain circumstances, the Council of Ministers may agree to suspend the application of Royal Decree 664/1999, if the investments, due to their nature, form or condition, affect or may potentially affect activities relating to the exercise of public powers, national security or public health. Law 19/2003 authorizes the Spanish government to impose specific limits or prohibitions, related to specific third countries, when such measures

 

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have been previously approved by the European Union or by an international organization to which Spain is member. Should the general regime be suspended, the affected investor shall obtain prior administrative authorization.

Investment by foreigners domiciled in enumerated tax haven jurisdictions (as defined by applicable Spanish regulations) is subject to special reporting requirements.

Restrictions on Acquisitions of Ordinary Shares

BBVA’s bylaws do not provide any restrictions on the ownership of ordinary shares. Because BBVA is a Spanish bank, however, the acquisition or disposition of a significant participation of BBVA shares is subject to certain restrictions. Such restrictions may impede a potential acquirer’s ability to acquire BBVA shares and gain control of BBVA.

Pursuant to Law 10/2014, any individual or corporation, acting alone or in concert with others, intending to directly or indirectly acquire a significant holding in a Spanish financial institution (as defined in article 16 of Law 10/2014) or to directly or indirectly increase its holding in such way that either the percentage of voting rights or of capital owned were equal to or more than any of the thresholds of 20%, 30% or 50%, or by virtue of the acquisition, might take control over the financial institution, must first notify the Bank of Spain. For the purpose of this Law, a significant participation is considered to be 10% of the outstanding share capital or voting rights of a financial institution or a lower percentage if such holding allows for the exercise of a significant influence. Secondary legislation will specify when “significant influence” exists; in any case, according to Royal Decree 84/2015, of February 13, the capacity to appoint or dismiss a Board member will be considered “significant influence”.

The Bank of Spain will be responsible for evaluating the proposed transaction, in accordance with the terms established by Law 10/2014, of June 26 (as stated in Article 18.1 of Law 10/2014) with a view to guaranteeing the sound and prudent operation of the target financial institution. The Bank of Spain will then submit a proposal to the European Central Bank, which will be in charge of deciding upon the proposed transaction in the term of 60 business days after the date on which the notification was received.

Any acquisition made without such prior notification, or conducted before 60 business days have elapsed since the date of such notification, or made in circumstances where the European Central Bank has objected, will produce the following results:

 

  ·   the acquired shares will have no voting rights;

 

  ·   if considered appropriate, the target bank may be taken over by the relevant regulator or its directors replaced in accordance with Title III of Law 10/2014; and

 

  ·   a sanction may be imposed under Title IV of Law 10/2014.

Any individual or institution that intends to sell its significant participation in a bank or reduce its participation below the above-mentioned percentages, or which, because of such sale, will lose control of the entity, must give prior notice to the Bank of Spain, indicating the amount it intends to sell and the period in which the transaction is to be executed. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in sanctions.

Furthermore, pursuant to Law 10/2014, any natural or legal person, or such persons acting in concert, who has acquired, directly or indirectly, a holding in a Spanish bank so that the proportion of the voting rights or of the capital held reaches or exceeds 5%, must immediately notify in writing the Bank of Spain and the relevant Spanish bank, indicating the size of the acquired holding.

Shareholders’ Agreements

Royal Legislative Decree 4/2015 of October 23, as amended (the “Spanish Securities Market Act”) and the Spanish Companies Act require parties to disclose certain types of shareholders’ agreements that affect the exercise of voting rights at a general shareholders’ meeting or contain restrictions or conditions on the transferability of shares or bonds that are convertible or exchangeable into shares. If any shareholders enter into such agreements with respect to BBVA’s shares, they must disclose the execution, amendment or extension of such agreements to BBVA and the CNMV and file such agreements with the appropriate Commercial Registry. Failure to comply with these disclosure obligations renders any such shareholders’ agreement unenforceable and constitutes a material infringement of the Spanish Securities Market Act.

 

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Such a shareholders’ agreement will have no effect with respect to the regulation of the right to vote in General Shareholders’ Meetings and restrictions or conditions on the free transferability of Shares and bonds convertible into Shares until such time as the aforementioned notifications, deposits and publications are made.

Upon request by the interested parties, the CNMV may waive the requirement to report, deposit and publish the agreement when publishing the shareholders’ agreement could cause harm to the affected company.

Payment of Taxes

Holders of ordinary shares will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on their ordinary shares, including any taxes payable on transfer. The paying agent or the transfer agent, as the case may be, may, and upon instruction from BBVA, will:

 

  ·   refuse to effect any registration of transfer of such ordinary shares or any split-up or combination thereof until such payment is made; or

 

  ·   withhold or deduct from any distributions on such ordinary shares or sell for the account of the holder thereof any part or all of such ordinary shares (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder prior to such sale), and apply, after deduction for its reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith, the net proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge, the holder of such ordinary shares remaining liable for any deficiency.

Exercise of Spanish Bail-in Power and other Resolution Tools

Our ordinary shares (including those represented by ADSs) may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, which may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof: (1) the cancellation of such securities; (2) the transfer of such securities to creditors of BBVA; (3) the conversion of other securities or obligations of BBVA into ordinary shares of BBVA thereby diluting the shareholding of the holders of ordinary shares; and (4) the variation of the terms of such securities or the rights of the holders thereunder, including to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority. The applicable prospectus supplement may describe in further detail the effect that the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority may have on our ordinary shares and the rights of the holders (including the beneficial owners) thereof.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF BBVA AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

The depositary, The Bank of New York Mellon, registers and delivers BBVA ADSs. Each BBVA ADS represents an ownership interest in one ordinary share. The ordinary shares will be deposited with BBVA, The Bank of New York Mellon’s custodian in Spain. Each BBVA ADS will also represent securities, cash or other property deposited with The Bank of New York Mellon but not distributed to BBVA ADS holders. The Bank of New York Mellon’s corporate trust office is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286 and its principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286.

You may hold BBVA ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as a BBVA ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of BBVA ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having BBVA ADSs registered in your name in the Direct Registration System (“DRS”), or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in BBVA ADSs through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold BBVA ADSs directly, you are an ADS registered holder. The information provided in this section “Description of BBVA American Depositary Shares” assumes you are an ADS registered holder. If you hold the BBVA ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of BBVA ADS registered holders described herein. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.

The DRS is a system administered by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership will be evidenced by periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered holders of uncertificated ADSs.

BBVA ADS holders are not BBVA shareholders and do not have shareholder rights. Because The Bank of New York Mellon will actually hold the underlying ordinary shares, you must rely on The Bank of New York Mellon to exercise the rights of a shareholder. The obligations of The Bank of New York Mellon are set out in an amended and restated deposit agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 among BBVA, The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, and BBVA ADS holders, which is referred to as the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement and the BBVA ADSs are governed by New York law.

The following is a summary of the deposit agreement. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the BBVA ADR. Copies of the deposit agreement and the form of BBVA ADR are available for inspection at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon at the address set forth above.

Deposit and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities

The depositary has agreed that upon the execution in favor of the depositary or its nominee and delivery to the custodian or depositary (if to the depositary, then at the expense and risk of the depositor) of either (i) a certificate of title which has been executed by a Spanish stockbroker and, if required, certificates representing such shares to the custodian together with any documents and payments required under the deposit agreement or (ii) any other evidence of ownership of shares as recognized under the laws of Spain from time to time, and acceptable to the custodian, the depositary will have for delivery at the depositary’s corporate trust office to or upon the order of the person specified by the depositor at the address set forth above, upon payment of the fees, charges and taxes provided in the deposit agreement, registered in the name of such person or persons as specified by the depositor, the number of BBVA ADSs issuable in respect of such deposit.

Upon surrender of BBVA ADSs at the depositary’s corporate trust office, together with written instructions from the person or persons in whose name the BBVA ADSs are registered, and upon payment of such charges as are provided in the deposit agreement and subject to its terms, the depositary will request the execution of evidence of ownership in favor of such persons designated in the written instrument and the delivery of such evidence of ownership (by book-entry transfer or physical delivery) of the deposited shares represented by the surrendered BBVA ADSs and any other property that the surrendered BBVA ADSs represent the right to receive. Such delivery is to take place at the office of the custodian or at the depositary’s office as the person designated in the written instructions may request.

If a person presents for deposit shares with different distribution rights than other deposited shares, the depositary must identify them separately until such time as the distribution rights are the same.

 

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Pre-Release of BBVA ADSs

In certain circumstances, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, and with BBVA’s written consent, The Bank of New York Mellon may execute and deliver BBVA ADSs before the deposit of the underlying shares. This is called a pre-release of the BBVA ADS. The Bank of New York Mellon may receive BBVA ADSs instead of shares to close out a pre-release.

Each pre-release will be:

 

  ·   fully collateralized with cash, U.S. government securities or other collateral that The Bank of New York Mellon determines in good faith will provide substantially similar liquidity and security;

 

  ·   preceded or accompanied by written representation and agreement from the person to whom BBVA ADSs are to be delivered that the person, or its customer:

 

  ·   owns the shares to be remitted;

 

  ·   assigns all beneficial rights, title and interest in such shares to the depositary in its capacity as such, and for the benefit of the holders; and

 

  ·   will not take any action with respect to such shares that is inconsistent with the transfer of beneficial ownership (including, without the consent of the depositary, disposing of such shares, other than in satisfaction of such pre-release);

 

  ·   terminable by the depositary on not more than five business days’ notice; and

 

  ·   subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations that The Bank of New York Mellon considers appropriate.

The Bank of New York Mellon must be able to close out the pre-release on not more than five business days’ notice. In addition, The Bank of New York Mellon will limit the number of BBVA ADSs that may be outstanding at any time as a result of pre-release, although The Bank of New York Mellon may disregard the limit from time to time, if it thinks it is appropriate to do so. The Bank of New York Mellon may also, as it deems appropriate, set U.S. dollar limits with respect to any particular pre-release on a case by case basis.

The pre-release will be subject to such indemnities and credit regulations as The Bank of New York Mellon considers appropriate.

Dividends, Other Distributions and Rights

The depositary has agreed to pay to holders of BBVA ADSs the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses and according to applicable law. Holders of BBVA ADSs will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares their BBVA ADSs represent.

Cash . The Bank of New York Mellon will convert all cash dividends and other cash distributions in a foreign currency that it receives in respect of the deposited securities into U.S. dollars if in its judgment it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States.

Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes that must be paid will be deducted. The Bank of New York Mellon will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when The Bank of New York Mellon cannot convert euros, holders of BBVA ADSs may lose some or all of the value of the distribution.

Ordinary Shares . If a distribution by BBVA consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, ordinary shares, The Bank of New York Mellon may, or if BBVA requests, will, subject to the deposit agreement, distribute to the holders of outstanding BBVA ADSs, in proportion to their holdings, additional BBVA ADSs representing the number of ordinary shares received as such dividend or free distribution if BBVA furnishes it with evidence that it is legal to do so. The Bank of New York Mellon will only distribute whole BBVA ADSs. It will sell ordinary shares which would require it to deliver fractional BBVA ADSs and distribute the net proceeds thereof in the same way as it does with cash. If the additional BBVA ADSs are not so distributed, each BBVA ADS will represent the additional ordinary shares distributed in respect of the ordinary shares represented by such BBVA ADS prior to such dividend or free distribution.

 

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Rights . If BBVA offers or causes to be offered to the holders of shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any rights of any other nature, The Bank of New York Mellon will either:

 

  ·   make such rights available to holders of BBVA ADSs by means of warrants or otherwise, if The Bank of New York Mellon determines that it is lawful and feasible to do so; or

 

  ·   if making such rights available is determined by The Bank of New York Mellon not to be lawful and feasible, or if the rights represented by such warrants or other instruments are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, sell such rights or warrants or other instruments:

 

  ·   on a stock exchange on which such rights are listed;

 

  ·   on an over-the-counter market on which such rights are traded; or

 

  ·   with the written approval of BBVA, at a private sale,

at such place or places and upon such terms as The Bank of New York Mellon may deem proper, and allocate the proceeds of such sales for the account of the holders of the BBVA ADSs entitled to those proceeds, upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among such holders of BBVA ADSs due to exchange restrictions, or the date of delivery of any ADSs or otherwise.

The net proceeds allocated to the holders of BBVA ADSs so entitled will be distributed to the extent practicable in the case of a distribution in cash. The Bank of New York Mellon will not offer such rights to holders of BBVA ADSs having an address in the United States unless BBVA furnishes to The Bank of New York Mellon (i) evidence that a registration statement under the Securities Act is in effect or (ii) an opinion from U.S. counsel for BBVA, in a form satisfactory to The Bank of New York Mellon, to the effect that such distribution does not require registration under the provisions of the Securities Act.

Ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of preemptive rights must be registered under the Securities Act in order to be offered to holders of BBVA ADSs. If BBVA decided not to register those ordinary shares, the preemptive rights would not be distributed to holders of BBVA ADSs. Pursuant to the deposit agreement under which the BBVA ADSs are issued, however, the depositary will use its best efforts to sell such rights that it receives and will distribute the proceeds of the sale to holders of BBVA ADSs.

Other Distributions . The Bank of New York Mellon will remit to holders of BBVA ADSs any other item of value BBVA distributes on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, The Bank of New York Mellon may adopt such method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution. The Bank of New York Mellon may sell, publicly or privately, what BBVA distributed and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash.

The Bank of New York Mellon is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any BBVA ADS holders. BBVA has no obligations to register BBVA ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. BBVA also has no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of BBVA ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to BBVA ADS holders. This means that holders of BBVA ADSs may not receive the distribution BBVA makes on its shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for BBVA to make them available to them.

Payment of Taxes

Holders of BBVA ADSs will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on their BBVA ADSs or on the deposited securities underlying their BBVA ADSs, including any taxes payable on transfer. The Bank of New York Mellon may, and upon instruction from BBVA, will:

 

  ·   refuse to effect any registration of transfer of such receipt or any split-up or combination thereof or any withdrawal of such deposited securities until such payment is made; or

 

  ·   withhold or deduct from any distributions on such deposited securities or sell for the account of the holder thereof any part or all of such deposited securities (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder prior to such sale), and apply, after deduction for its expenses incurred in connection therewith, the net proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge, the holder of such receipt remaining liable for any deficiency.

 

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Record Dates

The Bank of New York Mellon will fix a record date to establish which holders of BBVA ADSs are entitled to:

 

  ·   receive a dividend, distributions or rights;

 

  ·   receive the net proceeds of any sale;

 

  ·   give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting; and

 

  ·   receive notice or solicitation to act in respect of any matter.

Voting of the Underlying Deposited Securities

BBVA has agreed in the depositary agreement that (i) the depositary or its nominee, whichever is the registered holder of the ordinary shares represented by the BBVA ADSs, will have the same rights as any other registered holder of ordinary shares and (ii) consistent with BBVA’s bylaws, BBVA will observe the right of the depositary, its nominee or registered holder of the ordinary shares to attend any ordinary or extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting and to vote or cause to be voted by proxy the ordinary shares with respect to the BBVA ADSs and that BBVA will not exercise any right it may have under its bylaws to reject or in any way impair such rights.

Once The Bank of New York Mellon receives notice in English of any matter affecting holders of ordinary shares, it will mail, as soon as practicable, such notice to the holders of BBVA ADSs. The notice will (i) contain the information in the notice of meeting, (ii) explain how holders as of a certain date may instruct The Bank of New York Mellon to vote the shares underlying their BBVA ADSs and (iii) contain a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given.

The record holders of BBVA ADSs can instruct The Bank of New York Mellon to vote the shares underlying their BBVA ADSs. The Bank of New York Mellon will try, insofar as practicable, to cause the ordinary shares so represented to be voted in accordance with any nondiscretionary written instructions of BBVA ADS record holders received.

In the event the BBVA ADS record holders do not provide written instructions by a specified date, The Bank of New York Mellon will deem the BBVA ADR holder to have instructed it to give discretionary proxy to a person designated by the BBVA Board of Directors. However, this proxy must not be given to such a person if the board informs The Bank of New York Mellon, in writing, that the board either does not wish the proxy to be given, that substantial opposition exists or that the matter at hand materially affects the rights of BBVA shareholders.

Facilities and Register

The Bank of New York Mellon will maintain at its transfer office:

 

  ·   facilities for the delivery and surrender of ordinary shares;

 

  ·   facilities for the withdrawal of ordinary shares;

 

  ·   facilities for the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of BBVA ADSs and the withdrawal of deposited securities; and

 

  ·   a register for the registration and transfer of BBVA ADSs which, at all reasonable times, shall be open for inspection by holders of BBVA ADSs.

Reports and Notices

The Bank of New York Mellon will, at BBVA’s expense:

 

  ·   arrange for the custodian to provide The Bank of New York Mellon copies in English of any reports and other communications that are generally made available by BBVA to holders of ordinary shares; and

 

  ·   arrange for the mailing of such copies to all holders of BBVA ADSs.

BBVA has delivered to The Bank of New York Mellon and the custodian a copy of the provisions of or governing ordinary shares. Promptly after any amendment, BBVA will deliver to The Bank of New York Mellon and the custodian a copy in English of such amended provisions. The Bank of New York Mellon may rely upon such copy for all the purposes of the deposit agreement.

 

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The Bank of New York Mellon will, at BBVA’s expense, make available for inspection by BBVA ADS holders at the corporate trust office, the office of the custodian and at any other designated transfer office any reports and communications received from BBVA that are made generally available to holders of ordinary shares.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

The BBVA ADSs and the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between BBVA and The Bank of New York Mellon.

Any amendment that would impose or increase any charges (other than transmission and delivery charges incurred at the request of depositors of ordinary shares or holders of BBVA ADSs, transfer, brokerage, registration fees and charges in connection with conversion of currencies, and taxes and other governmental charges) or that will otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of BBVA ADS holders will not become effective as to outstanding BBVA ADRs until three months have expired after notice of such amendment has been given to the holders of the BBVA ADRs.

In no event will any amendment impair the right of any BBVA ADS holder to surrender such BBVA ADSs and receive in return the ordinary shares and other property which those surrendered BBVA ADSs represent, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

At BBVA’s direction, The Bank of New York Mellon will terminate the deposit agreement by giving notice of such termination to the record holders of BBVA ADSs at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in that notice for the termination. The Bank of New York Mellon may terminate the deposit agreement at any time commencing 90 days after delivery of a written resignation, provided that no successor depositary has been appointed and no successor depositary has accepted its appointment before the end of those 90 days.

After the date that has been fixed for termination, The Bank of New York Mellon and its agents will perform no further acts under the deposit agreement, other than:

 

  ·   advise record holders of BBVA ADSs of such termination;

 

  ·   receive and hold distributions on ordinary shares; and

 

  ·   deliver ordinary shares and distributions in exchange for BBVA ADSs surrendered to The Bank of New York Mellon.

As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months from the date that has been fixed for termination, The Bank of New York Mellon will sell ordinary shares and other deposited securities and may hold the net proceeds of any such sale together with any other cash then held by it under the provisions of the deposit agreement, without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the holders of BBVA ADRs that have not yet surrendered their BBVA ADRs.

Fees and Expenses

The table below sets forth the fees payable, either directly or indirectly, by a holder of ADSs:

 

Category

  

Depositary Actions

  

Associated Fee / By Whom Paid

(a) Depositing or substituting the underlying shares    Issuance of ADSs    Up to $5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) delivered (charged to person depositing the shares or receiving the ADSs)
(b) Receiving or distributing dividends    Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions; distribution of share dividends or other free share distributions; distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs    Not applicable

 

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Category

  

Depositary Actions

  

Associated Fee / By Whom Paid

(c) Selling or exercising rights    Distribution or sale of securities    Not applicable
(d) Withdrawing an underlying security    Acceptance of ADSs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited securities    Up to $5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) surrendered (charged to person surrendering or to person to whom withdrawn securities are being delivered)
(e) Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts    Transfers, combining or grouping of depositary receipts    Not applicable
(f) General depositary services, particularly those charged on an annual basis    Other services performed by the depositary in administering the ADSs    Not applicable
(g) Expenses of the Depositary   

Expenses incurred on behalf of holders in connection with

 

·     stock transfer or other taxes (including Spanish income taxes) and other governmental charges;

 

·     cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges incurred at request of holder of ADS or person depositing shares for the issuance of ADSs;

 

·     transfer, brokerage or registration fees for the registration of shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the custodian;

 

·     reasonable and customary expenses of the depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars

   Expenses payable by holders of ADSs or persons depositing shares for the issuance of ADSs; expenses payable in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars are payable out of such foreign currency

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of BBVA ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse and/or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders, or waive fees and expenses for services provided, generally relating to costs and expenses arising out of establishment and maintenance of the BBVA ADS program. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that are affiliates of the depositary and that may earn or share fees or commissions.

Limitations on Obligations and Liability to BBVA ADS Holders

The deposit agreement expressly limits BBVA’s obligations and the obligations of The Bank of New York Mellon, and it limits BBVA’s liability and the liability of The Bank of New York Mellon. BBVA and The Bank of New York Mellon:

 

  ·   are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith;

 

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  ·   are not liable for any action or inaction if either relies upon the advice of, or information from, legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting shares for deposit, any holder, or any other person believed to be competent to give such advice or information;

 

  ·   are not liable if either is prevented or delayed by law or circumstances beyond their control from performing their obligations under the deposit agreement;

 

  ·   are not liable if either exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

 

  ·   have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the BBVA ADSs or the deposit agreement on behalf of holders of BBVA ADSs or on behalf of any other party; and

 

  ·   may rely upon any documents they believe to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party.

The Bank of New York Mellon will not be liable for its failure to carry out any instructions to vote BBVA’s securities or for the effects of any such vote.

Other General Limitations on Liability to BBVA ADS Holders

Neither The Bank of New York Mellon, its agents, nor BBVA will incur any liability if prevented or delayed in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement by reason of:

 

  ·   any present or future law;

 

  ·   any act of God;

 

  ·   a war;

 

  ·   the threat of any civil or criminal penalty; or

 

  ·   any other circumstances beyond their respective control.

The obligations and liabilities of BBVA and its agents and The Bank of New York Mellon and its agents under the deposit agreement are expressly limited to performing their respective obligations specifically set forth and undertaken by them to perform in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith.

In the deposit agreement, BBVA and The Bank of New York Mellon agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.

General

The Bank of New York Mellon will act as registrar of the BBVA ADSs or, upon BBVA’s request or approval, appoint a registrar or one or more co-registrars for registration of the BBVA ADRs evidencing the BBVA ADSs in accordance with the requirements of NYSE or of any other stock exchange on which the BBVA ADSs may be listed. Such registrars or co-registrars may be removed and a substitute or substitutes appointed by The Bank of New York Mellon upon BBVA’s request or with BBVA’s approval.

Any transfer of the BBVA ADSs is registrable on the books of The Bank of New York Mellon. However, The Bank of New York Mellon may close the transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties or at BBVA’s request.

As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of any BBVA ADS or the delivery of any distribution or the withdrawal of any ordinary shares or any property represented by the BBVA ADS, The Bank of New York Mellon or the custodian may, and upon BBVA’s instructions will, require from the BBVA ADR holder or the presenter of the BBVA ADS or the depositor of the ordinary shares:

 

  ·   payment of a sum sufficient to pay or reimburse the custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon or BBVA for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or brokerage fee or any charges of the depositary upon delivery of the BBVA ADS or upon surrender of the BBVA ADS, as set out in the deposit agreement;

 

  ·   the production of proof satisfactory to The Bank of New York Mellon or custodian of:

 

  ·   identity or genuineness of any signature; and

 

  ·   citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, and legal or beneficial ownership;

 

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  ·   compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including the delivery of any forms required by Spanish law or custom in connection with the execution or delivery of evidence of ownership, with all applicable provisions of or governing the shares or any other deposited securities and with the terms of the deposit agreement; or

 

  ·   other information deemed necessary or proper.

The delivery, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of BBVA ADSs, or the deposit or withdrawal of shares or other property represented by BBVA ADSs, in any particular instance or generally, may be suspended during any period when the BBVA ADSs register is closed, or when such action is deemed necessary or advisable by The Bank of New York Mellon or BBVA at any time or from time to time.

Holders have the right to cancel their BBVA ADSs and withdraw the underlying shares at any time except:

 

  ·   when temporary delays arise because The Bank of New York Mellon or BBVA has closed its transfer books or the deposit of shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or the payment of dividends;

 

  ·   when BBVA ADS holders owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; or

 

  ·   when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to BBVA ADSs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities.

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

The Bank of New York Mellon, upon BBVA’s request or with BBVA’s approval, may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting registrations of transfers, combinations and split-ups of BBVA ADSs at designated transfer offices on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by holders of BBVA ADSs and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as The Bank of New York Mellon.

Direct Registration System

In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the DRS and Profile Modification System (“Profile”) will apply to uncertificated BBVA ADSs upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership will be evidenced by periodic statements sent by the depositary to the registered holders of uncertificated ADSs. Profile is a required feature of DRS which allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS registered holder to register that transfer.

In connection with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS and Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not verify, determine or otherwise ascertain that the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of a BBVA ADS registered holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS registered holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through DRS and Profile and in accordance with the deposit agreement, will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.

BBVA ADSs Outstanding

As of September 21, 2017, there were 285,363,163 BBVA ADSs outstanding.

Exercise of Spanish Bail-in Power and other Resolution Tools

The ordinary shares of BBVA underlying the ADSs may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power. See “Description of BBVA Ordinary Shares—Exercise of Spanish Bail-in Power and other Resolution Tools.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS TO SUBSCRIBE FOR ORDINARY SHARES

We may issue rights to subscribe for our ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs). The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms relating to such subscription rights and the terms of the offering, including, where applicable, some or all of the following:

 

  ·   the title of the subscription rights;

 

  ·   the exercise price for the subscription rights;

 

  ·   the aggregate number of subscription rights issued;

 

  ·   a discussion of the material U.S. federal, Spanish or other income tax considerations, as well as considerations under the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), applicable to the issuance of ordinary shares together with statutory subscription rights or the exercise of the subscription rights;

 

  ·   any other terms of the subscription rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exercise of the subscription rights;

 

  ·   the terms of the ordinary shares corresponding to the subscription rights;

 

  ·   information regarding the trading of subscription rights, including the stock exchanges, if any, on which the subscription rights will be listed;

 

  ·   the record date, if any, to determine who is entitled to the subscription rights and the ex-rights date;

 

  ·   the period during which the subscription rights may be exercised;

 

  ·   the extent to which the offering includes a contractual over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

 

  ·   the material terms of any standby underwriting arrangement we enter into in connection with the offering.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES OF BBVA

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the indenture dated as of July 28, 2016 (the “senior indenture”) between BBVA as issuer and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee, which sets forth certain provisions with respect to the senior notes that may be offered by BBVA, and the indenture dated as of July 28, 2016 (the “subordinated indenture”) between BBVA as issuer and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee, which sets forth certain provisions with respect to the subordinated notes that may be offered by BBVA. In this section “Description of the Notes of BBVA”, we will refer to the senior notes and the subordinated notes as the “notes” and the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture as the “indentures”. A prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of a particular series of notes and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those notes. If there is any conflict between the prospectus supplement and this prospectus, then the terms and provisions in the prospectus supplement apply unless they are inconsistent with the terms of the indentures or the supplemental indenture or Board resolution creating a particular series of notes.

All material information about the notes and indentures is summarized below and in the applicable prospectus supplement. Because this is only a summary, however, it does not contain all the details found in the full text of the indentures and the notes. If you would like additional information, you should read the indentures and the notes as well as the supplemental indenture or Board resolution creating a particular series of notes or the officer’s certificate for such series. Whenever we refer to specific provisions of or terms defined in the indentures in this prospectus we incorporate by reference into this prospectus such specific provisions of or terms defined in the indentures.

BBVA may issue future notes under other indentures or documentation which contain provisions different from those included in the indentures described here. BBVA is not prohibited under the notes or indentures from paying any amounts due under any of its obligations at a time when they are in default or have failed to pay any amounts due under the notes or indentures.

The senior notes will be issued under the senior indenture and the subordinated notes will be issued under the subordinated indenture. Both such indentures have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. Each of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. Under the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, if the same institution acts as trustee under more than one indenture of BBVA (such as the senior indenture, the subordinated indenture or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture), upon a default in any series of securities issued under any such indenture, the trustee may be deemed to have a conflicting interest and may be required to resign under any other indentures and a successor trustee will be appointed thereunder.

General

The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of notes that BBVA may issue under them.

Neither the indentures nor the notes will limit or otherwise restrict the amount of other indebtedness or other securities which BBVA or any of its subsidiaries may incur or issue. BBVA can issue notes from time to time in one or more series, up to any aggregate principal amount that BBVA may authorize. The notes will be direct, unconditional and unsecured debt obligations of BBVA.

The indentures provide that there may be more than one trustee under such indentures, each with respect to one or more series of notes. Any trustee may resign or be removed with respect to any series of notes issued under the indentures and a successor trustee may be appointed.

BBVA or any of its subsidiaries may at any time purchase senior notes or subordinated notes at any price in the open market or otherwise. Such notes purchased may be held, reissued, resold or surrendered to the relevant paying agent and/or the relevant registrar for cancellation, except that notes purchased by BBVA must be surrendered to the relevant paying agent and/or the relevant registrar for cancellation in accordance with prevailing Spanish law and the Bank of Spain’s requirements.

Terms of the Notes Specified in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offered notes, including, where applicable, some or all of the following:

 

  ·   the title of the notes and series in which these notes will be included;

 

  ·   any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the notes;

 

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  ·   whether the notes may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for debt or equity securities of BBVA or one or more third parties, the terms on which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, including whether conversion, exercise or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at BBVA’s option, the period during which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, the initial conversion, exercise or exchange price or rate and the circumstances or manner in which the amount of securities issuable or deliverable upon conversion, exercise or exchange may be adjusted;

 

  ·   the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which the notes will be issued;

 

  ·   if any of the notes are to be issuable in global form, when they are to be issuable in global form and (i) whether beneficial owners of interests in such notes may exchange such interests for notes of the same series and of like tenor and of any authorized form and denomination, and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur; (ii) the name of the depository with respect to any global note; and (iii) the form of any legend or legends that must be borne by any such note in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in the relevant indenture;

 

  ·   the date or dates, or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates will be determined, on which the principal of the offered notes is payable and, if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion payable or the method or methods by which the portion of the principal amount of the notes payable on such date or dates is determined;

 

  ·   the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the offered notes will bear interest, if any, or the method or methods, if any, by which such rate or rates will be determined and the manner upon which interest will be calculated if other than on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

  ·   the date or dates from which interest on the notes, if any, will accrue or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates will be determined;

 

  ·   the date or dates on which such interest, if any, will be payable, the date or dates on which payment of such interest, if any, will commence and the regular record dates for the interest payment dates, if any;

 

  ·   whether and under what circumstances additional amounts on the notes must be payable;

 

  ·   the notice, if any, to holders of the notes regarding the determination of interest on a floating rate note and the manner of giving such notice;

 

  ·   the date or dates on or after which, or the period or periods, if any, during which and the price or prices at which BBVA or the holders of the notes may, pursuant to any optional redemption provisions in addition to those set forth in the prospectus, redeem the notes, and the other terms and provisions of such optional redemption;

 

  ·   if certificates representing the notes will be issued in temporary or permanent global form, the manner in which any principal, premium, if any, or interest payable on those global notes will be paid if other than as provided in the indentures;

 

  ·   each office or agency where, subject to the terms of the indenture, the principal, premium and interest, if any, and additional amounts, if any, on the notes will be payable, where the notes may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices or demands to BBVA in respect of the notes or the indenture may be served;

 

  ·   whether any of the notes are to be redeemable at the option of BBVA or of the holder thereof and, if so, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which such notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of BBVA or the holder and the terms and provisions of such optional redemption;

 

  ·   whether BBVA is obligated to redeem or purchase any of the notes pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of any holder thereof and, if so, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which such notes must be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and any provisions for the remarketing of such notes;

 

  ·   the denomination in which the notes will be issuable;

 

  ·   whether any of the notes will be issued as original issue discount notes;

 

  ·   if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any of such notes that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of maturity thereof or the method by which such portion is to be determined;

 

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  ·   if other than U.S. dollars, the currencies or currency units in which the principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, and additional amounts, if any, for the notes will be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent of such currencies in U.S. dollars;

 

  ·   whether the notes are senior notes issued pursuant to the senior indenture or subordinated notes issued pursuant to the subordinated indenture or whether the relevant prospectus supplement includes both types of notes;

 

  ·   if BBVA or a holder may elect payment of the principal, premium, and interest or additional amounts, if any, on the notes in a currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency different from the one in which the notes are denominated or stated to be payable, the period or periods within which and terms and conditions on which such election may be made, as well as the time and manner of determining the exchange rate;

 

  ·   whether the amount of payments of principal of, premium and interest, if any, on or any additional amounts on the notes may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method or methods which may, but need not be, based on one or more currencies, currency units or composite currencies, commodities, equity or other indices, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which and the manner in which these amounts will be determined;

 

  ·   any deletions, modifications or additions to the events of default or covenants of BBVA with respect to the notes set forth in the relevant indenture;

 

  ·   the applicability of the defeasance provisions of the indenture applicable to such notes and any provisions in modification of, in addition to or in lieu of any of the defeasance provisions of the relevant indenture;

 

  ·   if any notes are to be issuable upon the exercise of warrants, the time, manner and place for such notes to be authenticated and delivered;

 

  ·   if any of the notes are to be issuable in global form and are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary note) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

 

  ·   if there is more than one trustee, the identity of the trustee and, if other than the applicable trustee, the identity of each security registrar, paying agent and authenticating agent;

 

  ·   the “Stated Intervals” and the “Record Date” for purposes of Sections 312(a) (in the case of non-interest bearing notes) and 316(c), respectively, of the Trust Indenture Act;

 

  ·   the deed of issuance ( escritura de emisión ), if required, which shall be in Spanish language, related to the notes;

 

  ·   any material U.S. federal or Spanish income tax considerations applicable to the notes to the extent not described in this prospectus; and

 

  ·   any other terms of the notes, which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures (as amended, if applicable, by the relevant supplemental indenture).

BBVA may issue notes as original issue discount notes. An original issue discount note is a note, including a zero coupon note, offered at a discount from the principal amount of the note due at its maturity. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe any additional material U.S. federal income tax consequences, the amount payable in the event of an acceleration and other special factors applicable to any original issue discount notes.

Payments of Additional Amounts

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, any amounts to be paid with respect to the notes shall be paid without withholding or deduction for or on account of any and all present or future taxes or duties of whatever nature unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. Except as otherwise provided herein, in the event any such withholding or deduction is imposed or levied by or on behalf of Spain or any political subdivision or authority thereof or therein having the power to tax, BBVA will pay to the relevant holder such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by the holder, after such withholding or deduction equals the respective amounts of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, and

 

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sinking fund payments, if any, which would otherwise have been receivable in respect of the notes in the absence of such withholding or deduction; except that no such additional amounts will be payable with respect to any note:

(a) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is liable for such taxes or duties by reason of such holder (or the beneficial owner for whose benefit such holder holds such note) having some connection with Spain other than the mere holding of such note (or such beneficial interest) or the mere crediting of the note to such holder’s account; or

(b) presented for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the Relevant Date (as defined below) except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to additional amounts on presenting the same for payment on such thirtieth day assuming that day to have been a business day in such place of presentment; or

(c) in respect of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the failure by the holder or beneficial owner of that note to comply with certification, information or other reporting requirements concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the holder or beneficial owner of that note, if compliance is required by statute or by regulation of Spain or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a precondition to reduction of or relief or exemption from the tax, assessment or other governmental charge; or

(d) presented for payment (where presentation is required) by or on behalf of a holder who would be able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant note to another paying agent; or

(e) in the event that such note is redeemed pursuant to a Redemption for Failure to List (as such term is defined below under “—Redemption—Early Redemption for Taxation or Listing Reasons”).

Additional amounts will also not be paid with respect to any payment to a holder who is a fiduciary, a partnership, a limited liability company or other than the sole beneficial owner of that payment, to the extent that payment would be required by the laws of Spain (or any political subdivision thereof) to be included in the income, for Spanish tax purposes, of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, a member of that partnership, an interest holder in that limited liability company or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to the additional amounts had it been the holder.

For the avoidance of doubt, no additional amounts will be paid by BBVA or any paying agent on account of any deduction or withholding from a payment on, or in respect of, the notes where such deduction or withholding is imposed pursuant to any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in connection with Sections 1471-1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and the U.S. Treasury regulations thereunder (“FATCA”), any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and Spain or any other jurisdiction with respect to FATCA, or any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing, or relating to, FATCA or any intergovernmental agreement.

As used above, “Relevant Date” means the date on which any payment first becomes due and payable, except that if the full amount of the moneys payable has not been received by the paying agent on or prior to such due date, it means the first date on which, the full amount of such moneys having been so received and being available for payment to the holders and notice to that effect is duly given to the holders in accordance with the provisions set forth under “—Notices” below.

Any reference to principal, interest or premium shall be deemed to include additional amounts to the extent payable in respect thereof.

Redemption

Optional Redemption

The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate, if applicable, the date or dates on or after which, or the period or periods, if any, during which and the price or prices at which BBVA or the holders of the notes may, pursuant to any optional redemption provisions in addition to those set forth below, redeem the notes, and the other terms and provisions of such optional redemption.

Early Redemption for Taxation or Listing Reasons

BBVA may, in compliance with the applicable capital adequacy regulations from time to time in force, redeem the notes of any series it has issued, subject to the restrictions described in this section and, in the case of

 

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subordinated notes, to the Bank of Spain’s prior approval, which under current Spanish bank regulations may not be sought prior to the fifth anniversary of the issuance of the series of subordinated notes. Subject to such restrictions, BBVA may, at its option, redeem a series of notes it has issued in whole, but not in part, at any time with not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days’ notice given in the manner described under “—Notices” below and in the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture.

The redemption price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount (or such other early tax redemption amount as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement) plus interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption.

Unless otherwise provided in the notes of any series, all (but not less than all) of the notes of any series may be redeemed at the option of BBVA, if, as a result of any change in or amendment to the laws or regulations of Spain (including any treaty to which Spain is a party) or any political subdivision or any authority or agency thereof or therein having power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations, which change, amendment, application or interpretation becomes effective on or after the date of the applicable prospectus supplement, either (i) BBVA would become obligated to pay additional amounts in making any payments under the notes, as described in the section entitled “—Payments of Additional Amounts” above, with respect to such payment, or (ii) BBVA would not be entitled to claim a deduction in computing tax liabilities in Spain in respect of any interest to be paid on the next interest payment date on such notes or the value of such deduction to BBVA would be materially reduced, provided that in the case of (i) above BBVA is not permitted to give notice to the trustee of the redemption earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which BBVA would be obligated to deduct or withhold tax or pay additional amounts were a payment on the notes then due.

If BBVA elects to redeem the notes of any series, the applicable redemption price will become due and payable on such notes or portion thereof to be redeemed and, if applicable, they will cease to accrue interest from the redemption date, unless BBVA fails to pay the redemption price on such redemption date.

In the case of any merger, consolidation, sale, conveyance or lease not considered an event of default, or in the case of any assumption of obligations under the notes of any series permitted by the applicable indenture by a successor, if the acquiring, resulting or successor person is not incorporated or tax resident in Spain, the acquiring, resulting or successor person will also be entitled to redeem the notes in the circumstances described above for any change or amendment to, or change in the application or official interpretation of, the laws or regulations of such person’s jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence, which change or amendment must, in the case of a substituted issuer, occur subsequent to the date of the merger, consolidation, sale, conveyance, lease or assumption.

In addition, if any series of notes is not listed on an organized market in an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) country by the date that is 45 days prior to the initial interest payment date on such series of notes, BBVA may, at its election and having given no less than 15 days’ notice to the holders of such series of notes in accordance with the terms described below under “—Notices” and in the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture, redeem all of the outstanding notes of such series at their principal amount, together with accrued interest, if any, thereon to but not including the redemption date (any such redemption, a “Redemption for Failure to List”); provided that from and including the issue date of the notes of such series to and including such interest payment date, BBVA will use its reasonable efforts to obtain or maintain such listing, as applicable. See “—Common Terms” below.

In the event of a Redemption for Failure to List, BBVA will be required to withhold tax and will pay interest in respect of the principal amount of the notes redeemed net of the Spanish withholding tax applicable to such payments (currently 19%). If this were to occur, BBVA would not pay additional amounts and beneficial owners would have to follow the procedures set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement in order to apply directly to the Spanish tax authorities for any refund to which they may be entitled.

Common Terms

If BBVA or the holders have elected to redeem the notes of any series but prior to the deposit with the trustee or with a paying agent, as the case may be, of the redemption price with respect to such redemption the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such notes, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, and no payment of the redemption price (and any accrued interest and additional amounts payable under the relevant indenture) will be due and payable.

 

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Form, Transfer, Payment and Paying Agents

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of notes will be issued in registered form only, without coupons. There will not be any service charge for any transfer or exchange of notes payable to BBVA, but BBVA may require payment to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the trustee) that may be imposed in that regard.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the principal, premium and interest (and any additional amounts) on the notes of a particular series will be payable, and transfer or exchange of the notes will be registrable, at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon under the applicable indenture. However, if specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, BBVA may elect to pay any interest by check mailed to the address of the entitled person as it appears in the security register at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States.

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, payment of interest on and any additional amounts with respect to a note on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name the note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

Global Certificates

BBVA may issue the notes of a series in whole or in part in the form of one or more global certificates representing the notes. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, DTC will act as securities depository for the notes. Therefore, BBVA will issue the notes only as registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s nominee) and will deposit with DTC one or more registered certificates representing in aggregate the total number of such notes.

As long as DTC or its nominee is the registered holder of a global certificate representing notes, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the notes represented by that global certificate for all purposes under the applicable indenture and the notes. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a note represented by a global certificate will not be entitled to have the notes represented by such global certificate registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes and will not be considered the holders of such notes under the applicable indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a note represented by a global certificate must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a participant in DTC, on the procedures of the participant in DTC through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a beneficial owner under the applicable indenture.

Beneficial interests in notes of any series represented by a global certificate will be exchangeable for notes of such series represented by individual security certificates, or certificated notes, and registered in the name or names of owners of such beneficial interests as specified in instructions provided by DTC to the trustee only if: (i) the depository is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depository or has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depository is not appointed by BBVA within 60 days of the date BBVA is so informed in writing; (ii) BBVA executes and delivers to the trustee a company order to the effect it has elected to cause the issuance of definitive registered securities, (iii) an event of default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the securities, or (iv) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by the relevant prospectus supplement.

Outstanding Notes

In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding notes of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the notes of such series or the relevant indenture, any note owned by BBVA or any other obligor upon the notes or any affiliate of BBVA or such other obligor (if any such notes are so owned), will be deemed not to be outstanding. In addition, the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount note (if any) that will be outstanding will be the amount that would be declared due and payable as of the date of determination and, unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the principal amount of an indexed note (if any) that will be outstanding will be the principal face amount determined on the date of its original issuance.

 

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Modifications and Waivers

Modification of the Indenture With Consent of Holders

BBVA and the applicable trustee may amend or modify the applicable indenture and may waive any future compliance with such indenture by BBVA with the consent, as evidenced in an Act or Acts (as defined in the relevant indenture), of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of each series affected thereby voting as a class. However, the modification, amendment or waiver may not, without the consent or the affirmative vote of the holder of each note affected:

 

  ·   change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium or installment of interest on or any additional amounts with respect to, any note, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon (except that holders of not less than 75% in principal amount of outstanding notes of a series may consent by Act, on behalf of the holders of all of the outstanding notes of such series, to the postponement of the stated maturity of any installment of interest for a period not exceeding three years from the original stated maturity of such installment (which original stated maturity shall have been fixed, for the avoidance of doubt, prior to any previous postponements of such installment)) or any additional amounts with respect thereto;

 

  ·   change any premium payable upon the redemption of such notes or otherwise;

 

  ·   change the obligation of BBVA to pay additional amounts;

 

  ·   reduce the amount of the principal of an original issue discount note (if any) that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the note or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy;

 

  ·   change the redemption provisions or adversely affect the right of repayment at the option of the holder;

 

  ·   change the place of payment or currency in which the payment of principal, any premium, interest or any additional amounts is payable;

 

  ·   impair the right to take legal action to enforce the payment when due of principal, any premium, interest or any additional amounts with respect to the notes;

 

  ·   reduce the percentage in principal amount of notes outstanding the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the indenture or the terms and conditions of the notes or to waive a default under or compliance with any note or reduce the requirement for a quorum or voting;

 

  ·   modify the provisions governing modification of such indenture with the consent of holders or give waivers of past defaults, and the consequences of such defaults, except to increase the percentage of outstanding notes of such series the consent of whose holders is required to modify and amend such indenture or to give any such waiver and except to provide that additional provisions of such indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of each holder of notes affected thereby; or

 

  ·   change in any manner adverse to the interests of the holders of outstanding notes of any series the terms and conditions of the obligations of BBVA in respect of the due and punctual payment of principal, premium or interest or sinking fund payments, including any additional amounts;

except in each case with respect to any modification or amendment of the applicable indenture which is entered into as a result of, and to the extent required by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (in which case neither the consent nor the affirmative vote of any holder of any note affected will be required).

The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of any series on behalf of the holders of all the notes of such series may, by Act, waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series, except a default in payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to, any notes of such series or in respect of certain covenants or provisions specified in the relevant indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each affected holder of outstanding notes of such series.

Modification of the Indenture without Consent of Holders

BBVA and the applicable trustee may modify and amend the applicable indenture without the consent of the holders to:

 

  ·   evidence the succession of another entity to BBVA, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of BBVA in such indenture and in the notes;

 

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  ·   add to covenants of BBVA for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon BBVA;

 

  ·   establish the form or terms of notes of any series;

 

  ·   provide for the appointment of a successor trustee and to add to or change any of the provisions of such indenture to provide for or facilitate the administration of trusts under the indenture;

 

  ·   cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any defect or inconsistency in such indenture, or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under such indenture which do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of notes of any series in any material respect;

 

  ·   add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of notes;

 

  ·   supplement any of the provisions of such indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of notes, provided such action does not adversely affect the interests of any holders of notes of such series or any other series in any material respect;

 

  ·   add any additional events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of notes;

 

  ·   secure any notes;

 

  ·   delete, amend or supplement any provision of such indenture or any indenture supplement thereto, provided such actions will not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of notes then outstanding; or

 

  ·   delete, amend or supplement any provision of such indenture or any indenture supplement thereto as a result of, and to the extent required by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

BBVA may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of notes that have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation and that have become due and payable, will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or, if redeemable at the option of BBVA, are to be called for redemption within one year, by depositing or causing to be deposited with the applicable trustee, in trust, funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such notes, including principal, interest, premium and any additional amounts to the date of such deposit (if such notes have become due and payable) or to the maturity date of such notes, as the case may be.

BBVA may also elect to have its obligations under the indenture discharged with respect to the outstanding notes of any series (“legal defeasance”). Legal defeasance means that BBVA will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding notes of such series under the relevant indenture, except for:

 

  ·   the rights of holders of such outstanding notes to receive principal, any premium, interest and any additional amounts when due from the trust described below;

 

  ·   the obligations of BBVA to issue temporary notes, register the transfer of notes, replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes, pay additional amounts, maintain an office or agency for payment and hold money for payments in trust;

 

  ·   the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the applicable trustee; and

 

  ·   the defeasance provisions of the applicable indenture.

In addition, BBVA may elect to have its obligations released with respect to certain covenants in the applicable indenture (“covenant defeasance”). Any omission to comply with any obligations so released will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the notes of any series.

In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to outstanding notes of or within any series:

 

  ·  

BBVA must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the applicable trustee, in trust, money, in U.S. dollars or in the foreign currency in which such notes are payable at stated maturity, or U.S. government obligations or a combination of money and U.S. government obligations applicable to

 

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such notes which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge when due all of the principal, interest and any premium of such notes and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon;

 

  ·   the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the applicable indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which BBVA is a party or by which it is bound;

 

  ·   no event of default or event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default with respect to the outstanding notes of that series may have occurred and be continuing on the date of the establishment of such a trust, and in the case of legal defeasance, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;

 

  ·   BBVA must have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel of recognized standing to the effect that the beneficial owners of such notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. In the case of legal defeasance only, the opinion of counsel must refer to and be based upon a letter ruling of the Internal Revenue Service received by BBVA, a Revenue Ruling published by the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law occurring after the date of this prospectus;

 

  ·   BBVA must have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to such defeasance have been complied with;

 

  ·   the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance must not cause the applicable trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all relevant notes are in default within the meaning of such Act);

 

  ·   the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance must not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder; and

 

  ·   in the case of the subordinated notes, BBVA shall have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel substantially to the effect that (i) the trust funds deposited to effect the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not be subject to any rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness (as defined below under “—Subordinated Notes—Subordination of Subordinated Notes”), including those arising under the applicable subordination provisions of the subordinated indenture, and (ii) after the second anniversary following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, except that if a court were to rule under any such law in any case or proceeding that the trust funds remained property of BBVA, no opinion is given as to the effect of such laws on the trust funds except in certain limited circumstances set forth in the subordinated indenture.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if, after BBVA has deposited funds or U.S. government obligations to effect legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to notes of any series,

 

  ·   the holder of a note of such series is entitled to elect and does elect to receive payment in a currency other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such note; or

 

  ·   a “conversion event” (as defined below for purposes of this section) occurs in respect of the foreign currency in which such deposit has been made; then,

the indebtedness represented by such note shall be deemed to have been and will be fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal, any premium, interest and any additional amounts on such note as it becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount or other property so deposited into the currency in which such note becomes payable as a result of such election or such conversion event based on the applicable market exchange rate for such currency in effect on the second business day prior to such payment date, except, with respect to a conversion event, for such foreign currency in effect at the time of the conversion event.

In this section “Description of the Notes of BBVA”, a “conversion event” means the cessation of use of (i) a foreign currency both by the government of the country which issued such currency and for the settlement of

 

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transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community, or (ii) the euro both within the European monetary system and for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the EU.

In the event BBVA effects covenant defeasance with respect to any notes and such notes are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount in money and U.S. government obligations deposited in trust will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such notes at the time of their stated maturity. They may not, however, be sufficient to pay amounts due on such notes at the time of the acceleration resulting from such event of default. In this case, BBVA will remain liable to make payment of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions permitting legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the notes of a particular series.

Upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to a series of notes which results in the redemption, cancellation, or the conversion into other securities, of all the Amounts Due on the notes of such series or such notes otherwise ceasing to be outstanding, the applicable indenture shall be deemed satisfied and discharged as to such series.

Notices

All notices to holders of registered notes shall be validly given if mailed to them at their respective addresses in the register maintained by the applicable trustee.

The Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon, the trustee currently appointed pursuant to the indentures, has its corporate trust office located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286 and the indentures will be administered by The Bank of New York Mellon acting (except with respect to its role as security registrar) through its London Branch at One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, United Kingdom or such other location in New York or England as notified by the trustee to BBVA from time to time. The trustee and any trustee appointed pursuant to the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture shall have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act.

By its acquisition of any notes offered hereunder, each holder thereof, to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, waives any and all claims, in law and/or in equity, against the trustee for, agrees not to initiate a suit against the trustee in respect of, and agrees that the trustee shall not be liable for, any action that the trustee takes, or abstains from taking, in either case in accordance with the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the notes of such series. Additionally, by its acquisition of any notes of any series offered hereunder, each holder thereof acknowledges and agrees that, upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to such series of notes, (a) the trustee shall not be required to take any further directions from holders of the notes of such series with respect to any portion of the notes of such series that is written down, converted to equity and/or cancelled under the provision of the applicable indenture which authorizes holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the notes of a series to direct certain actions relating to the notes of such series, and (b) the applicable indenture shall not impose any duties upon the trustee whatsoever with respect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority; provided, however, that notwithstanding the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to notes of a series, so long as any notes of such series remain outstanding, there shall at all times be a trustee for the notes of such series in accordance with the relevant indenture, and the resignation and/or removal of the applicable trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee shall continue to be governed by the relevant indenture, including to the extent no additional supplemental indenture or amendment is agreed upon in the event the notes of such series remain outstanding following the completion of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power.

Subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, the applicable trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the applicable indenture at the request of any holder of notes, unless offered reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee by the holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby.

BBVA and some of its subsidiaries maintain deposits with and conduct other banking transactions with The Bank of New York Mellon in the ordinary course of business.

 

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Successor Trustees

Any trustee in respect of the notes of a series may resign or be removed by holders of a majority in principal amount of notes of such series at any time, effective upon the acceptance by a successor trustee of the respective appointment. The indentures provide that any successor trustee will have a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and shall be a corporation, association, company or business trust organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or any of its states or territories or the District of Columbia and in good standing. No person shall accept its appointment as a successor trustee with respect to the notes of a series unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under the relevant indenture.

Repayment of Funds

All monies paid by BBVA to the applicable trustee or a paying agent for payment of principal, premium or interest and any additional amounts on any notes which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after that payment has been made will be repaid to BBVA on BBVA’s request and all liability of the applicable trustee or the paying agent related to it will cease, and, if permitted by law, the holder of the applicable note will look only to BBVA for payment as its general unsecured creditor.

Prescription

All claims against BBVA for payment of principal, premium, interest or additional amounts on or in respect of the notes will become void unless made within the earlier of (i) six years or (ii) any applicable shorter period provided for under New York law, starting from the later of the date on which that payment first became due and the date on which the full amount was received by the applicable trustee or the paying agent.

Consolidation, Merger and Conveyance of Assets; Assumption

Except as provided by the events of default, nothing contained in the indentures or in any of the notes shall prevent any consolidation, amalgamation or merger of BBVA with or into any other person or persons (whether or not affiliated with BBVA), or successive consolidations, amalgamations or mergers in which BBVA or the successor or successors of BBVA shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale, conveyance or lease of the property of BBVA as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any other person (whether or not affiliated with BBVA); provided that the person formed by or into which BBVA is consolidated, amalgamated or merged shall assume the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any), interest and additional amounts, if any, on the notes in accordance with the provisions thereof and the indentures, and the performance of every covenant of the indentures on the part of BBVA to be performed or observed.

Any holding company or wholly-owned subsidiary of BBVA may assume BBVA’s obligations under the notes of any series without the consent of any holder, provided that certain conditions are satisfied, including that the successor entity has ratings for long-term senior debt (in case of senior notes) or long-term subordinated debt (in the case of subordinated notes) assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. which are the same as or higher than the credit rating for long-term senior or subordinated debt, as the case may be, of BBVA (or, if applicable, the previous successor entity) immediately prior to such assumption. Upon any such assumption, all of BBVA’s direct obligations under the notes of the relevant series and, with respect to such notes, all of BBVA’s direct obligations under the relevant indenture shall immediately be discharged, and the successor entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, BBVA under the indenture with respect to any such notes with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named as BBVA in the indenture.

In the case of any merger, consolidation, sale, conveyance or lease, or in the case of any assumption of obligations under the notes of any series permitted by the relevant indenture by a successor, if the acquiring, resulting or successor person is not incorporated or tax resident in Spain, additional amounts under the notes will be payable for taxes imposed by the jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence of such person (subject to exceptions equivalent to those that apply to the obligation to pay additional amounts for taxes imposed by the laws of Spain) rather than taxes imposed by Spain.

An assumption of the obligations of BBVA under any series of notes may be considered for U.S. federal income tax purposes to be a deemed exchange by the beneficial owners of the notes of such series for new notes. In that case, U.S. taxpayers could be required to recognize a taxable gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax

 

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purposes and may be subject to certain other adverse U.S. tax consequences. U.S. beneficial owners of notes should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local income tax consequences of an assumption.

Governing Law

The notes and the indentures will be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in said state, except that the authorization and execution by BBVA of the indentures and the notes and the issuance of the notes will be governed by and construed in accordance with Spanish law. In addition, certain provisions of the notes and the indentures related to the status of the notes and, where applicable, the subordination of the notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Spanish law.

Senior Notes

The senior notes will constitute direct, unconditional, unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness of BBVA and will rank pari passu among themselves and with all other present and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness of BBVA, but in the event of insolvency only to the extent permitted by Spanish Law 22/2003 of July 9 ( Ley Concursal ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time (the “Insolvency Law”), regulating insolvency proceedings in Spain, or other laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in Spain.

Events of Default

Except as provided in the second paragraph immediately below, “event of default”, wherever used below with respect to the senior notes of any series, means any one of the following events, unless, with respect to a particular series of senior notes, such event is specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to supplemental indentures or Board resolutions creating such series of senior notes or in the officer’s certificate for such series:

 

  ·   default by BBVA in the payment of the principal of any senior note of such series when due and payable at its maturity and such default is not remedied within 14 days;

 

  ·   default by BBVA in the payment of any interest on or any additional amounts payable in respect of any senior note of such series when such interest becomes or such additional amounts become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 21 days;

 

  ·   default by BBVA in the payment of any premium or deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a senior note of such series, and such default is not remedied in 30 days;

 

  ·   default in the performance or breach of certain covenants or warranties of BBVA in the senior indenture or the senior notes, and continuance of such breach or default for a period of 30 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to BBVA by the trustee or to BBVA and the trustee by any holder or the holders of any outstanding senior notes of such series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” under the senior indenture;

 

  ·   an order is made by any competent court commencing insolvency proceedings ( procedimientos concursales ) against BBVA or an order of any competent court or administrative agency is made or a resolution is passed by BBVA for the dissolution or winding up of BBVA, except in any such case for the purpose of a reconstruction or a merger or amalgamation which has been approved by an Act of the holders of the senior notes of such series, or where the entity resulting from any such reconstruction or merger or amalgamation is a financial institution ( entidad de crédito according to Article 1 of Law 10/2014 of June 26, on regulation, oversight and solvency of credit institutions, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time) and will have a rating for long-term senior debt assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service or Fitch Ratings Ltd. equivalent to or higher than the rating for long-term senior debt of BBVA immediately prior to such reconstruction or merger or amalgamation;

 

  ·   BBVA is adjudicated or found bankrupt or insolvent by any competent court, or any order of any competent court or administrative agency is made for, or any resolution is passed by BBVA to apply for, judicial composition proceedings with its creditors for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or other similar official in insolvency proceedings ( procedimientos concursales ) in relation to BBVA or of a substantial part of its assets (unless in the case of an order for a temporary appointment, such appointment is discharged within 30 days);

 

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  ·   BBVA (except for the purpose of an amalgamation, merger or reconstruction approved by an Act of the holders of the senior notes of such series, or where the entity resulting from any such amalgamation, merger or reconstruction will have a rating for long-term senior debt assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service or Fitch Ratings Ltd. equivalent to or higher than the rating for long-term senior debt of BBVA immediately prior to such amalgamation, merger or reconstruction) ceases or threatens to cease to directly or indirectly carry on the whole or substantially the whole of its business; or

 

  ·   a holder of a security interest takes possession of the whole or any substantial part of the assets or business of BBVA or an order of any competent court or administrative agency is made for the appointment of an administrative or other receiver, manager, administrator or similar official in relation to BBVA or in relation to the whole or any substantial part of the business or assets of BBVA (in each case, other than in connection with a Resolution or an Early Intervention with respect to BBVA), or a distress or execution is levied or enforced upon or sued out against any substantial part of the business or assets of BBVA and is not discharged within 30 days.

For the purpose of the above definition, a report by the external auditors from time to time of BBVA as to whether any part of the business or assets of BBVA is “substantial” shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive.

Notwithstanding the above, any Resolution or Early Intervention with respect to BBVA will not, in and of itself and without regard to any other fact or circumstance, constitute a default or an event of default under the fifth and sixth bullet points set forth above or any provision of the senior indenture with respect to the senior notes of any series. In addition, neither (i) a reduction or cancellation, in part or in full, of the Amounts Due on the senior notes of any series, or the conversion thereof into another security or obligation of BBVA or another person, in each case as a result of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to BBVA, nor (ii) the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the senior notes of any series, will constitute an event of default or default under the senior indenture or the senior notes of any series. See “—Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power”. In addition, no repayment or payment of Amounts Due on the senior notes of any series will become due and payable or be paid after the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority if, and to the extent that, such amounts have been reduced, converted, cancelled, amended or altered as a result of such exercise.

If an event of default with respect to the senior notes of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee, acting pursuant to an Act of the holders of the senior notes of the relevant series, with respect to all outstanding senior notes of such series, or the holder of any outstanding senior note of the relevant series, with respect to such senior note held by such holder, may declare the principal, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the senior notes of such series, of such senior notes or senior note, as the case may be, to be due and payable immediately in accordance with the terms of the senior indenture.

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the senior notes or a senior note, as the case may be, of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee as provided in the senior indenture, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior notes of such series may, by Act rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

 

  1. BBVA has paid or deposited with the applicable trustee a sum of money sufficient to pay:

 

  (A) all overdue installments of any interest on and additional amounts with respect to all senior notes of such series;

 

  (B) the principal of and any premium on any senior notes of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon and any additional amounts with respect thereto at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such senior notes;

 

  (C) to the extent that payment of such interest or additional amounts is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of any interest and additional amounts at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such senior notes; and

 

  (D) all sums paid or advanced by the applicable trustee and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee, its agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the applicable trustee under the senior indenture; and

 

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  2. all Events of Default with respect to senior notes of such series, other than the non-payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to senior notes of such series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, shall have been cured or waived as provided in the senior indenture.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Subject to payment of the applicable trustee’s fees and expenses, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior notes of any series on behalf of the holders of all the senior notes of such series may, by Act waive any past event of default under the senior indenture with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium, or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, any senior note of such series or in respect of a covenant or provision of the senior indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of outstanding senior notes of such series.

No holder of any of the senior notes of any series has the right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the senior indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such holder has previously given written notice to the applicable trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to the senior notes of such series; (ii) the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding senior notes of such series have made written request to the applicable trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such event of default as trustee under the senior indenture with respect to such series of senior notes and such holder or holders have offered to the applicable trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (iii) the applicable trustee has failed to institute any such proceeding within 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity; and (iv) the applicable trustee has not received any direction inconsistent with such written request during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior notes of such series.

Except as set forth in the immediately following paragraph, notwithstanding any other provision in the senior indenture and the senior notes, the right of each holder is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of, any premium and, subject to certain provisions in the senior indenture with respect to payment of defaulted interest, interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, his or her senior note or notes on or after the respective maturity or maturities therefor specified in such senior notes (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date or, in the case of repayment at the option of such holder if provided in or pursuant to the senior indenture, on or after the date such repayment is due) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, which cannot be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder, except that holders of not less than 75% in principal amount of outstanding senior notes of a series may consent by Act on behalf of the holders of all outstanding senior notes of such series, to the postponement of the maturity of any installment of interest for a period not exceeding three years from the original maturity of such installment (which original maturity shall have been fixed, for the avoidance of doubt, prior to any previous postponements of such installment).

The senior notes of any series may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power, and no holder of any senior note shall have any claim against BBVA in connection with or arising out of any such exercise.

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default under the senior indenture known to the applicable trustee with respect to the senior notes of any series, such trustee shall transmit by mail to all holders of senior notes of such series entitled to receive reports, notice of such default, unless such default shall have been cured or waived. Except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any), or interest, if any, on, or additional amounts with respect to, any senior note of such series, such trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or responsible officers of such trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of the holders of senior notes of such series. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an event of default with respect to senior notes of such series.

Subordinated Notes

Subordination of Subordinated Notes

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law, in the event of insolvency ( concurso ) of BBVA under the Insolvency Law, the obligations of BBVA on account of principal of the subordinated notes will fall within the category of subordinated credits ( créditos subordinados ) (as defined in the Insolvency Law) and will rank in right of payment after Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) and will at all times rank pari passu among themselves and pari passu with all other present and future subordinated credits ( créditos subordinados ) (as defined in the Insolvency Law) of BBVA, except for certain subordinated obligations expressed, by law or by their terms, to rank senior or junior to the subordinated notes. Accordingly, no amount shall be payable to the holders of subordinated notes until the claims with respect to all Senior Indebtedness (other than as aforesaid) admitted in the insolvency ( concurso ) of BBVA under the Insolvency Law have been satisfied pursuant to the laws of Spain. Additional detail on the status of the securities may be included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Prior to any voluntary or necessary declaration of insolvency ( concurso ) of BBVA under the Insolvency Law or any voluntary or mandatory liquidation of BBVA or similar procedure, BBVA may be subject to an Early Intervention or Resolution and the subordinated notes of any series may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power, in which case no holder of any subordinated note shall have any claim against BBVA in connection with or arising out of any such exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power.

Except as provided above, nothing contained in the subordinated indenture or in any of the subordinated notes will affect the obligation of BBVA to make, or prevent BBVA from making, at any time, payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the subordinated notes or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of subordinated notes or prevent the application by the applicable trustee of any moneys deposited with it under the subordinated indenture to the payment of or on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the subordinated notes, unless such trustee shall have received written notice of any event prohibiting the making of such payment.

Any renewal or extension of the time of payment of any Senior Indebtedness or the exercise by the holders of Senior Indebtedness of any of their rights under any instrument creating or evidencing Senior Indebtedness, including, without limitation, the waiver of default thereunder, may be made or done all without notice to or assent from the holders of the subordinated notes or the applicable trustee.

No compromise, alteration, amendment, modification, extension, renewal or other change of, or waiver, consent or other action in respect of, any liability or obligation under or in respect of, or of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of any indenture or other instrument under which any Senior Indebtedness is outstanding or of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not such release is in accordance with the provisions of any applicable document, will in any way alter or affect any of the subordination provisions of the subordinated indenture or of the subordinated notes relating to the subordination thereof.

Each holder of subordinated notes by his or her acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the applicable trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination of the subordinated notes as provided in the subordinated indenture and as summarized herein and appoints the applicable trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes, including, if required, to grant any private or public documents on such holder’s behalf.

The applicable trustee’s claims under the subordinated indenture are not subordinated.

“Senior Indebtedness” means, with respect to BBVA, all rights and claims, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and all amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of indebtedness or obligations represented by such rights and claims, (i) of privileged creditors ( acreedores privilegiados ), unsecured and unsubordinated creditors ( acreedores comunes ), those subordinated creditors referred to in art. 92.1 of the Insolvency Law and insolvency estate creditors ( acreedores contra la masa ) of BBVA, in each case as determined in accordance with the Insolvency Law; or (ii) if such Insolvency Law is no longer in effect, all of such rights and claims of all creditors of BBVA, unless in any such case the instrument by which the indebtedness or obligations represented by such rights and claims are created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by BBVA, or are evidenced, provides that they are subordinate, or are not superior, in right of payment to the subordinated notes.

Events of Default

“Event of default”, wherever used below with respect to subordinated notes of any series, means any one of the following events, unless, with respect to a particular series of subordinated notes, such event is specifically

 

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deleted or modified in or pursuant to supplemental indentures or Board resolutions creating such series of subordinated notes or in the officer’s certificate for such series:

 

  ·   an order is made by any competent court commencing insolvency proceedings ( procedimientos concursales ) against BBVA or an order of any competent court or administrative agency is made or a resolution is passed by BBVA for the dissolution or winding up of BBVA, except in any such case for the purpose of a reconstruction or a merger or amalgamation which has been approved by an Act of the holders relating to such series, or where the entity resulting from any such reconstruction or merger or amalgamation is a financial institution ( entidad de crédito according to Article 1 of Law 10/2014 of June 26, on regulation, oversight and solvency of credit institutions, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time) and will have a rating for long-term senior debt assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service or Fitch Ratings Ltd. equivalent to or higher than the rating for long-term senior debt of BBVA immediately prior to such reconstruction or merger or amalgamation; or

 

  ·   any other event of default that may be specified pursuant to the subordinated indenture.

Notwithstanding the above, any Resolution or Early Intervention with respect to BBVA will not, in and of itself and without regard to any other fact or circumstance, constitute a default or an event of default under the first bullet point set forth above or any provision of the subordinated indenture with respect to the subordinated notes of any series. In addition, neither (i) a reduction or cancellation, in part or in full, of the Amounts Due on the subordinated notes of any series, or the conversion thereof into another security or obligation of BBVA or another person, in each case as a result of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to BBVA, nor (ii) the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the subordinated notes of any series, will constitute an event of default or default under the subordinated indenture or the subordinated notes of any series. See “—Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power”. In addition, no repayment or payment of Amounts Due on the subordinated notes of any series will become due and payable or be paid after the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority if, and to the extent that, such amounts have been reduced, converted, cancelled, amended or altered as a result of such exercise.

If an event of default with respect to the subordinated notes of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee, acting pursuant to an Act of the holders of the subordinated notes of the relevant series, with respect to all outstanding subordinated notes of such series, or the holder of any outstanding subordinated note of the relevant series, with respect to such subordinated note held by such holder, may declare the principal, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the subordinated notes of such series (if applicable), of such subordinated notes or subordinated note, as the case may be, to be due and payable immediately in accordance with the terms of the subordinated indenture.

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the subordinated notes or a subordinated note, as the case may be, of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee as provided in the subordinated indenture, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes of such series may, by Act, rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

 

  1. BBVA has paid or deposited with the applicable trustee a sum of money sufficient to pay:

 

  (A) all overdue installments of any interest on and additional amounts with respect to all subordinated notes of such series;

 

  (B) the principal of and any premium on any subordinated notes of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon and any additional amounts with respect thereto at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such subordinated notes;

 

  (C) to the extent that payment of such interest or additional amounts is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of any interest and additional amounts at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such subordinated notes; and

 

  (D) all sums paid or advanced by the applicable trustee and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee, its agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the applicable trustee under the subordinated indenture; and

 

  2.

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subordinated notes of such series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, shall have been cured or waived as provided in the subordinated indenture.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Subject to payment of the applicable trustee’s fees and expenses, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes of any series on behalf of the holders of all the subordinated notes of such series may, by Act, waive any past event of default under the subordinated indenture with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium, or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to, any subordinated note of such series or in respect of a covenant or provision of the subordinated indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of outstanding subordinated notes of such series.

No holder of any of the subordinated notes of any series has the right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the subordinated indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such holder has previously given written notice to the applicable trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to the subordinated notes of such series; (ii) the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes of such series have made written request to the applicable trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such event of default as trustee under the subordinated indenture with respect to such series of subordinated notes and such holder or holders have offered to the applicable trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; (iii) the applicable trustee has failed to institute any such proceeding within 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity; and (iv) the applicable trustee has not received any direction inconsistent with such written request during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated notes of such series.

Except as set forth in the immediately following paragraph, notwithstanding any other provision in the subordinated indenture and the subordinated notes, the right of each holder is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of, any premium and, subject to certain provisions in the subordinated indenture with respect to payment of defaulted interest, interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, his or her subordinated note or notes on or after the respective maturity or maturities therefor specified in such subordinated notes (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date or, in the case of repayment at the option of such holder if provided in or pursuant to the subordinated indenture, on or after the date such repayment is due) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, which cannot be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder, except that holders of not less than 75% in principal amount of outstanding subordinated notes of a series may consent by Act, on behalf of the holders of all outstanding subordinated notes of such series, to the postponement of the maturity of any installment of interest for a period not exceeding three years from the original maturity of such installment (which original maturity shall have been fixed, for the avoidance of doubt, prior to any previous postponements of such installment).

The subordinated notes of any series may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power, and no holder of any subordinated note shall have any claim against BBVA in connection with or arising out of any such exercise.

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default under the subordinated indenture known to the applicable trustee with respect to the subordinated notes of any series, such trustee shall transmit by mail to all holders of subordinated notes of such series entitled to receive reports, notice of such default, unless such default shall have been cured or waived. Except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any), or interest, if any, on, or additional amounts with respect to, any subordinated note of such series, such trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or responsible officers of such trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of the holders of subordinated notes of such series. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an event of default with respect to subordinated notes of such series.

Perpetual Subordinated Debt

BBVA may not issue subordinated notes under the subordinated indenture that do not have a stated maturity or which are otherwise treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power

Notwithstanding any other term of the notes of any series, the indentures or any other agreements, arrangements, or understandings between BBVA and any holder, by its acquisition of any notes offered hereunder, each holder (which, for the purposes of this section, includes each holder of a beneficial interest in the notes) acknowledges, accepts, consents to and agrees to be bound by: (i) the exercise and effects of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, which may be imposed with or without any prior notice with respect to the notes of any series, and may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof: (1) the reduction or cancellation of all, or a portion, of the Amounts Due on the notes of any series; (2) the conversion of all, or a portion, of the Amounts Due on the notes of any series into shares, other securities or other obligations of BBVA or another person (and the issue to or conferral on the holder of any such shares, securities or obligations), including by means of an amendment, modification or variation of the terms of the notes; (3) the cancellation of the notes of any series; (4) the amendment or alteration of the maturity of the notes of any series or amendment of the amount of interest payable on the notes of any series, or the date on which the interest becomes payable, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and (ii) the variation of the terms of the notes of any series or the rights of the holders thereunder or under the relevant indenture, if necessary, to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

By its acquisition of any notes offered hereunder, each holder thereof acknowledges and agrees that neither a reduction or cancellation, in part or in full, of the Amounts Due on the notes of any series or the conversion thereof into another security or obligation of BBVA or another person, in each case as a result of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to BBVA, nor the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the notes of a series shall: (i) give rise to a default or event of default for purposes of Section 315(b) (Notice of Defaults) and Section 315(c) (Duties of the Trustee in Case of Default) of the Trust Indenture Act or (ii) be a default or an event of default with respect to the notes or under the relevant indenture. By its acquisition of any notes offered hereunder, each holder further acknowledges and agrees that no repayment or payment of Amounts Due on the notes of any series will become due and payable or be paid after the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority if, and to the extent that, such amounts have been reduced, converted, cancelled, amended or altered as a result of such exercise.

By its acquisition of any notes offered hereunder, each holder thereof, to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, waives any and all claims, in law and/or in equity, against the trustee for, agrees not to initiate a suit against the trustee in respect of, and agrees that the trustee shall not be liable for, any action that the trustee takes, or abstains from taking, in either case in accordance with the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the notes of such series. Additionally, by its acquisition of any notes of any series offered hereunder, each holder thereof acknowledges and agrees that, upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to such series of notes, (a) the trustee shall not be required to take any further directions from holders of the notes of such series with respect to any portion of the notes of such series that is written down, converted to equity and/or cancelled under the provision of the applicable indenture which authorizes holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the notes of a series to direct certain actions relating to the notes of such series, and (b) the applicable indenture shall not impose any duties upon the trustee whatsoever with respect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority; provided, however, that notwithstanding the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to a series of notes, so long as any notes of such series remain outstanding, there shall at all times be a trustee for the notes of such series, and the resignation and/or removal of the applicable trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee shall continue to be governed by the relevant indenture, including to the extent no additional supplemental indenture or amendment is agreed upon in the event the notes of such series remain outstanding following the completion of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power.

By its acquisition of any notes offered hereunder, each holder further agrees to be deemed to have authorized, directed and requested the relevant depository (including, if applicable, DTC) and any direct participant therein or other intermediary through which it holds such notes to take any and all necessary action, if required, to implement the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to the notes as it may be imposed, without any further action or direction on the part of such holder.

Upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the notes of a series, BBVA or the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as the case may be) will provide a

 

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written notice to the depository as soon as practicable regarding such exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power for purposes of notifying the holders of the notes of such series. BBVA will also deliver a copy of such notice to the trustee for information purposes.

If BBVA or the holders have elected to redeem the notes of any series but prior to the deposit with the trustee or with a paying agent, as the case may be, of the redemption price with respect to such redemption the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such notes, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, and no payment of the redemption price (and any accrued interest and additional amounts payable under the relevant indenture) will be due and payable.

Subsequent Holders’ Agreement

Holders of any notes offered hereunder that acquire such notes in the secondary market or otherwise shall be deemed to acknowledge, agree to be bound by and consent to the same provisions specified herein to the same extent as the holders of any notes offered hereunder that acquire such notes upon their initial issuance, including, without limitation, with respect to the acknowledgement and agreement to be bound by and consent to the terms of the notes related to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power set forth under “—Agreement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power”.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF BBVA

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the indenture dated as of September 25, 2017 (the “contingent convertible preferred securities indenture”) between BBVA, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, which sets forth certain provisions with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities that may be offered by BBVA. A prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of a particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those contingent convertible preferred securities. If there is any conflict between the prospectus supplement and this prospectus, then the terms and provisions in the prospectus supplement apply unless they are inconsistent with the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or the supplemental indenture or Board resolution creating a particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities.

All material information about the contingent convertible preferred securities and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture is summarized below and in the applicable prospectus supplement. Because this is only a summary, however, it does not contain all the details found in the full text of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and the contingent convertible preferred securities. If you would like additional information, you should read the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and the contingent convertible preferred securities as well as the supplemental indenture or Board resolution creating a particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities or the officer’s certificate for such series. Whenever we refer to specific provisions of or terms defined in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture in this prospectus we incorporate by reference into this prospectus such specific provisions of or terms defined in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture.

BBVA may issue future contingent convertible preferred securities under other indentures or documentation which contain provisions different from those included in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture described here. BBVA is not prohibited under the contingent convertible preferred securities or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture from paying any amounts due under any of its obligations at a time when an Enforcement Event (as defined below) has occurred or when they have failed to pay any amounts due under the contingent convertible preferred securities or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture.

The contingent convertible preferred securities indenture has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. The contingent convertible preferred securities indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. Under the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, if the same institution acts as trustee under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and under another indenture of BBVA (such as the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture), upon a default in any series of securities issued under any such other indenture, the trustee may be deemed to have a conflicting interest and may be required to resign under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and a successor trustee will be appointed.

General

The contingent convertible preferred securities indenture does not limit the aggregate liquidation preference of contingent convertible preferred securities that BBVA may issue under it.

Neither the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture nor the contingent convertible preferred securities will limit or otherwise restrict the amount of other indebtedness or other securities which BBVA or any of its subsidiaries may incur or issue, including the issuance of further contingent convertible preferred securities. BBVA can issue contingent convertible preferred securities from time to time in one or more series, up to any aggregate liquidation preference that BBVA may authorize. Unless previously converted into Common Shares, the contingent convertible preferred securities will constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of BBVA.

The contingent convertible preferred securities indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee under such indenture, each with respect to one or more series of notes. Any trustee may resign or be removed with respect to any series of contingent convertible preferred securities issued under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and a successor trustee may be appointed.

BBVA or any of its subsidiaries may purchase contingent convertible preferred securities at any price in the open market or otherwise, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission

 

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Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations in force at the relevant time. Such contingent convertible preferred securities purchased may be held, reissued, resold or surrendered to the relevant Paying Agent and/or the relevant registrar for cancellation, except that contingent convertible preferred securities purchased by BBVA must be surrendered to the relevant Paying Agent and/or the relevant registrar for cancellation in accordance with Applicable Banking Regulations.

The holders of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities are not entitled to receive notice of or to attend any extraordinary or ordinary meetings of Shareholders of BBVA and will have no voting rights with respect thereto.

The contingent convertible preferred securities are BBVA’s subordinated non-step-up non-cumulative convertible preferred securities convertible into BBVA’s ordinary shares only upon the occurrence of certain events. The contingent convertible preferred securities are not deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency of the United States or Spain.

BBVA may issue contingent convertible preferred securities in one or more series. The relevant prospectus supplement for any particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities will describe the terms of the offered contingent convertible preferred securities, including, but not limited to, some or all of the following terms, to the extent such terms differ from or are in addition to those set forth in this prospectus:

 

  ·   the specific designation and Liquidation Preference (as defined below) of the contingent convertible preferred securities;

 

  ·   how to calculate Distributions (as defined below), if any, and the terms or circumstances under which any such Distributions may be cancelled in whole or in part, if any;

 

  ·   the date or dates from which Distributions, if any, will accrue or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates will be determined;

 

  ·   the price or prices at which they will be issued;

 

  ·   the terms on which the contingent convertible preferred securities may or are required to convert into ordinary shares of BBVA and any specific terms relating to the conversion or exchange feature, including upon the occurrence of certain events relating to our financial condition;

 

  ·   whether payments are subject to certain conditions that relate to our financial condition, including our capital ratios;

 

  ·   the times and places at which any Distributions are payable;

 

  ·   the terms and conditions of any mandatory redemption;

 

  ·   the terms and conditions, if any, under which BBVA may elect to substitute or vary the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities;

 

  ·   the currency or currencies in which Liquidation Preference and Distributions are denominated and in which BBVA will make any payments;

 

  ·   any index used to determine the amount of any payments on the contingent convertible preferred securities;

 

  ·   any restrictions that apply to the offer, sale and delivery of the contingent convertible preferred securities;

 

  ·   whether and under what circumstances, if other than those described in this prospectus, BBVA will pay additional amounts on the contingent convertible preferred securities following certain developments with respect to withholding tax or information reporting laws and whether, and on what terms, if other than those described in this prospectus, BBVA may redeem the contingent convertible preferred securities following those developments;

 

  ·   the clearing system or systems on which the contingent convertible preferred securities will be cleared and settled; and

 

  ·   any listing on a securities exchange.

Holders of contingent convertible preferred securities shall have no voting rights except those described under the heading “—Modification and Waiver” below, unless and until such contingent convertible preferred securities are converted into BBVA’s ordinary shares, in which case holders will have the voting rights described under “Description of BBVA Ordinary Shares”.

 

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Certain Defined Terms

In this “Description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA”, the following terms have the following meanings:

“Accounting Currency” means euro or such other primary currency used in the presentation of the BBVA Group’s accounts from time to time;

“Additional Amounts” has the meaning set forth under “—Additional Amounts”;

“Additional Tier 1 Capital” means Additional Tier 1 capital (capital de nivel 1 adicional) as provided under Applicable Banking Regulations;

“Additional Tier 1 Instrument” means any contractually subordinated obligation of BBVA constituting an Additional Tier 1 instrument ( instrumento de capital de nivel 1 adicional ) in accordance with Applicable Banking Regulations;

“ADS Depositary” means The Bank of New York Mellon, as the depositary under BBVA’s deposit agreement (see “Description of BBVA American Depositary Shares”) or any successor ADS depositary;

“Agents” means the agents appointed in accordance with the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or any applicable supplemental indenture and shall include any Paying Agent, contingent convertible preferred security registrar, Paying and Conversion Agent, Calculation Agent and Authenticating Agent;

“Applicable Banking Regulations” means at any time the laws, regulations, requirements, guidelines and policies relating to capital adequacy, resolution and/or solvency then applicable to BBVA and/or the BBVA Group including, without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, CRD IV, the BRRD and those laws, regulations, requirements, guidelines and policies relating to capital adequacy, resolution and/or solvency then in effect in Spain (whether or not such regulations, requirements, guidelines or policies have the force of law and whether or not they are applied generally or specifically to BBVA and/or the BBVA Group);

“Authenticating Agent” means, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, any person authorized by the trustee pursuant to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture to act on behalf of the trustee to authenticate contingent convertible preferred securities of such series. Initially, and unless otherwise specified, The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its principal corporate trust office in New York will act as Authenticating Agent;

“BRRD” means Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of May 15, 2014 establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, as implemented into Spanish law, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any such other directive as may come into effect in place thereof, and including any other relevant implementing regulatory provisions;

“Business Day” means, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, any day, other than Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the City of New York, London, Madrid or any other place or places where the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, or any Distributions on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of that series are payable;

“Calculation Agent” means, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, any person authorized by BBVA as the party responsible for calculating the Distribution Rate and/or such other amount(s) from time to time in relation to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities;

“Capital Event” means, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, a change (or any pending change which the Regulator considers to be sufficiently certain) in Spanish law or Applicable Banking Regulations that results (or would result) in any of the outstanding aggregate Liquidation Preference of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series ceasing to be included in, or counting towards, the BBVA Group’s or BBVA’s Tier 1 Capital;

“Capital Reduction” means the adoption, in accordance with Article 418.3 of the Spanish Companies Act, by a general shareholders’ meeting of BBVA of a resolution of capital reduction by reimbursement of cash

 

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contributions ( restitución de aportaciones ) to shareholders by way of a reduction in the nominal value of the shares of such shareholders in the capital of BBVA. A resolution of capital reduction for the redemption of any Common Shares previously repurchased by BBVA will not be considered a Capital Reduction for the purposes of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture;

“Capital Reduction Conversion” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” below;

“Capital Reduction Notice” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Procedures” below, which notice shall specify the Election Period and the procedures for holders to deliver an Election Notice;

“Capital Reduction Notice Date” means the date on which a Capital Reduction Notice is deemed to be given;

“Cash Dividend” means (i) any Dividend which is to be paid or made in cash (in whatever currency), but other than falling within paragraph (b) of the definition of “Spin-Off” and (ii) any Dividend determined to be a Cash Dividend pursuant to paragraph (a) of the definition of “Dividend”, but a Dividend falling within paragraph (c) or (d) of the definition of “Dividend” shall be treated as being a Non-Cash Dividend;

“CET1 Capital” means, at any time, the common equity tier 1 capital of BBVA or the BBVA Group, respectively, as calculated by BBVA in accordance with Chapter 2 (Common Equity Tier 1 Capital) of Title I (Elements of Own Funds) of Part Two (Own Funds) of the CRR and/or Applicable Banking Regulations at such time, including any applicable transitional, phasing in or similar provisions;

“CET1 ratio” means, at any time, with respect to BBVA or the BBVA Group, as the case may be, the reported ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the aggregate amount (in the Accounting Currency) of the CET1 Capital of BBVA or the BBVA Group, respectively, at such time divided by the Risk Weighted Assets Amount of BBVA or the BBVA Group, respectively, at such time, all as calculated by BBVA;

“Clearing System” means DTC or any of the European Clearing Systems, as applicable;

“Closing Price” means, in respect of a Common Share and in relation to any dealing day, the price per Common Share quoted by the Relevant Stock Exchange as the closing price or closing auction price of a Common Share on such dealing day;

“Common Shares” means ordinary shares in the capital of BBVA, each of which confers on the holder one vote at general meetings of BBVA and is credited as fully paid up;

“Conversion” means a Trigger Conversion or a Capital Reduction Conversion, as the case may be;

“Conversion Event” means a Trigger Event or a Capital Reduction, as the case may be;

“Conversion Notice” means a Trigger Event Notice or a Capital Reduction Notice, as the case may be;

“Conversion Notice Date” means the Trigger Event Notice Date or the Capital Reduction Notice Date, as the case may be;

“Conversion Price” has the meaning specified under “—Conversion—Conversion Price”;

“Conversion Settlement Date” means the date on which the relevant Common Shares are to be delivered following Conversion, which shall be as soon as practicable and in any event not later than one month following (or such other period as Applicable Banking Regulations may require) the relevant Conversion Notice Date;

“Conversion Shares Depository” means, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, a reputable independent financial institution, trust company or similar entity to be appointed by BBVA on or prior to any date when a function ascribed to the Conversion Shares Depository is required to be performed to perform such functions and who will hold Common Shares in Iberclear or any of its participating entities in a designated trust or custody account for the benefit of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series and otherwise on terms consistent with the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture;

 

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“CRD IV” means any or any combination of the CRD IV Directive, the CRR, and any CRD IV Implementing Measures;

“CRD IV Directive” means Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or such other directive as may come into effect in place thereof;

“CRD IV Implementing Measures” means any regulatory capital rules implementing the CRD IV Directive or the CRR which may from time to time be introduced, including, but not limited to, delegated or implementing acts (regulatory technical standards) adopted by the European Commission, national laws and regulations, and regulations and guidelines issued by the Regulator, the European Banking Authority or any other relevant authority, which are applicable to BBVA (on a standalone basis) or the BBVA Group (on a consolidated basis), including, without limitation, Law 10/2014 of June 26, on the organization, supervision and solvency of credit institutions, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time, and any other regulation, circular or guidelines implementing or developing Law 10/2014;

“CRR” means Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, on the prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No. 648/2012, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or such other regulation as may come into effect in place thereof;

“Current Market Price” means, in respect of a Common Share at a particular date, the average of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share on each of the five consecutive dealing days ending on the dealing day immediately preceding such date (the “Relevant Period”) (rounded if necessary to the nearest cent with 0.5 cents being rounded upwards); provided that if at any time during the Relevant Period the Volume Weighted Average Price shall have been based on a price ex-Dividend (or ex-any other entitlement) and during some other part of that period the Volume Weighted Average Price shall have been based on a price cum-Dividend (or cum-any other entitlement), then:

 

  ·   if the Common Shares to be issued and delivered are not entitled to receive the Dividend (or entitlement) in question, the Volume Weighted Average Price on the dates on which the Common Shares shall have been based on a price cum-Dividend (or cum-any other entitlement) shall for the purposes of this definition be deemed to be the amount thereof reduced by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of any such Dividend or entitlement per Common Share as at the date of the first public announcement relating to such Dividend or entitlement, in any such case, determined on a gross basis and disregarding any withholding or deduction required to be made for or on account of tax, and disregarding any associated tax credit; or

 

  ·   if the Common Shares to be issued and delivered are entitled to receive the Dividend (or entitlement) in question, the Volume Weighted Average Price on the dates on which the Common Shares shall have been based on a price ex-Dividend (or ex-any other entitlement) shall for the purposes of this definition be deemed to be the amount thereof increased by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of any such Dividend or entitlement per Common Share as at the date of the first public announcement relating to such Dividend or entitlement, in any such case, determined on a gross basis and disregarding any withholding or deduction required to be made for or on account of tax, and disregarding any associated tax credit,

and provided further that:

 

  (i) if on each of the dealing days in the Relevant Period the Volume Weighted Average Price shall have been based on a price cum-Dividend (or cum-any other entitlement) in respect of a Dividend (or other entitlement) which has been declared or announced but the Common Shares to be issued and delivered are not entitled to receive that Dividend (or other entitlement) the Volume Weighted Average Price on each of such dates shall for the purposes of this definition be deemed to be the amount thereof reduced by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of any such Dividend or entitlement per Common Share as at the date of first public announcement relating to such Dividend or entitlement; and

 

  (ii)

if the Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share is not available on one or more of the dealing days in the Relevant Period (disregarding for this purpose the proviso to the definition of Volume Weighted Average Price), then the average of such Volume Weighted Average Prices which

 

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are available in the Relevant Period shall be used (subject to a minimum of two such prices) and if only one, or no, such Volume Weighted Average Price is available in the Relevant Period the Current Market Price shall be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser.

In making any calculation or determination of Current Market Price or Volume Weighted Average Price, such adjustments (if any) shall be made as an Independent Financial Adviser determines in good faith appropriate to reflect any consolidation or sub-division of the Common Shares or any issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, or any like or similar event;

“dealing day” means a day on which the Relevant Stock Exchange or relevant stock exchange or securities market is open for business and on which Common Shares, Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights (as the case may be) may be dealt in (other than a day on which the Relevant Stock Exchange or relevant stock exchange or securities market is scheduled to or does close prior to its regular weekday closing time);

“Delivery Notice” means a notice in the form for the time being currently available from the specified office of any Paying and Conversion Agent which contains the relevant account and related details for the delivery of any Common Shares (or ADSs) and such other information as is required in accordance with the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, and which is required to be delivered in connection with a conversion of the contingent convertible preferred securities and the delivery of the Common Shares (or ADSs);

“Distributable Items” shall have the meaning given to such term in CRD IV, as interpreted and applied in accordance with Applicable Banking Regulations;

“Distribution” means the non-cumulative cash distribution, if any, in respect of a series of contingent convertible preferred securities in a Distribution Period;

“Distribution Payment Date” shall have the meaning as determined in the relevant prospectus supplement;

“Distribution Period” means the period from and including one Distribution Payment Date (or, in the case of the first Distribution Period, the date of issuance) to but excluding the next Distribution Payment Date;

“Distribution Rate” means the rate at which the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series accrue Distributions in accordance with “—Payments—Distributions” below;

“Dividend” means any dividend or distribution to Shareholders in respect of the Common Shares (including a Spin-Off) whether of cash, assets or other property (and for these purposes a distribution of assets includes without limitation an issue of Common Shares or other Securities credited as fully or partly paid up by way of capitalization of profits or reserves), and however described and whether payable out of share premium account, profits, retained earnings or any other capital or revenue reserve or account, and including a distribution or payment to Shareholders upon or in connection with a reduction of capital, provided that:

 

  (a) where:

 

  (i) a Dividend in cash is announced which is to be, or may at the election of a Shareholder or Shareholders be, satisfied by the issue or delivery of Common Shares or other property or assets, or where a capitalization of profits or reserves is announced which is to be, or may at the election of a Shareholder or Shareholders be, satisfied by the payment of cash, then the Dividend in question shall be treated as a Cash Dividend of an amount equal to the greater of (A) the Fair Market Value of such cash amount and (B) the Current Market Price of such Common Shares as at the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, as the case may be, the record date or other due date for establishment of entitlement in respect of the relevant capitalization or, as the case may be, the Fair Market Value of such other property or assets as at the date of the first public announcement of such Dividend or capitalization or, in any such case, if later, the date on which the number of Common Shares (or amount of such other property or assets, as the case may be) which may be issued and delivered is determined; or

 

  (ii)

there shall be any issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve) where such issue is, or is expressed to be, in lieu of a Dividend (whether or not a Cash Dividend equivalent or amount is announced or would otherwise be payable to Shareholders, whether at their election or otherwise),

 

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the Dividend in question shall be treated as a Cash Dividend of an amount equal to the Current Market Price of such Common Shares as at the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, as the case may be, the record date or other due date for establishment of entitlement in respect of the relevant capitalization or, in any such case, if later, the date on which the number of Common Shares to be issued and delivered is determined;

 

  (b) any issue of Common Shares falling within subparagraphs (a) and (b) of “—Conversion—Conversion Price—Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” below shall be disregarded;

 

  (c) a purchase or redemption or buy back of share capital of BBVA by or on behalf of BBVA in accordance with any general authority for such purchases or buy backs approved by a general meeting of Shareholders and otherwise in accordance with the limitations prescribed under the Spanish Companies Act for dealings generally by a company in its own shares shall not constitute a Dividend and any other purchase or redemption or buy back of share capital of BBVA by or on behalf of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group shall not constitute a Dividend unless, in the case of a purchase or redemption or buy back of Common Shares by or on behalf of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group, the weighted average price per Common Share (before expenses) on any one day (a “Specified Share Day”) in respect of such purchases or redemptions or buy backs (translated, if not in the Share Currency, into the Share Currency at the Prevailing Rate on such day) exceeds by more than 5% the average of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share on the five dealing days immediately preceding the Specified Share Day or, where an announcement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt for these purposes, any general authority for such purchases, redemptions or buy backs approved by a general meeting of Shareholders or any notice convening such a meeting of Shareholders) has been made of the intention to purchase, redeem or buy back Common Shares at some future date at a specified price or where a tender offer is made, on the five dealing days immediately preceding the date of such announcement or the date of first public announcement of such tender offer (and regardless of whether or not a price per Common Share, a minimum price per Common Share or a price range or a formula for the determination thereof is or is not announced at such time), as the case may be, in which case such purchase, redemption or buy back shall be deemed to constitute a Dividend in the Share Currency in an amount equal to the amount by which the aggregate price paid (before expenses) in respect of such Common Shares purchased, redeemed or bought back by BBVA or, as the case may be, any member of the BBVA Group (translated where appropriate into the Share Currency as provided above) exceeds the product of (i) 105% of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share determined as aforesaid and (ii) the number of Common Shares so purchased, redeemed or bought back;

 

  (d) if BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group shall purchase, redeem or buy back any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing Common Shares, the provisions of paragraph (c) above shall be applied in respect thereof in such manner and with such modifications (if any) as shall be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser; and

 

  (e) where a dividend or distribution is paid or made to Shareholders pursuant to any plan implemented by BBVA for the purpose of enabling Shareholders to elect, or which may require Shareholders, to receive dividends or distributions in respect of the Common Shares held by them from a person other than (or in addition to) BBVA, such dividend or distribution shall for the purposes of these contingent convertible preferred securities of any series be treated as a dividend or distribution made or paid to Shareholders by BBVA, and the provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, including references to BBVA paying or making a dividend, shall be construed accordingly;

“Election Notice” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” below;

“Election Period” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” below;

“equity share capital” means, in relation to any entity, its issued share capital excluding any part of that capital which, in respect of dividends and capital, does not carry any right to participate beyond a specific amount in a distribution;

“Enforcement Event” has the meaning specified under “—Enforcement Events and Remedies—Enforcement Events” below;

 

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“European Clearing System” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (“Euroclear Bank”), as operator of the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“Clearstream Luxembourg”);

“Existing Shareholders” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Newco Scheme”;

“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any property on any date, the fair market value of that property as determined by an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith provided that (a) the Fair Market Value of a Cash Dividend shall be the amount of such Cash Dividend; (b) the Fair Market Value of any other cash amount shall be the amount of such cash; (c) where Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are publicly traded on a stock exchange or securities market of adequate liquidity (as determined by an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith), the Fair Market Value (i) of such Securities or Spin-Off Securities shall equal the arithmetic mean of the daily Volume Weighted Average Prices of such Securities or Spin-Off Securities and (ii) of such options, warrants or other rights shall equal the arithmetic mean of the daily closing prices of such options, warrants or other rights, in the case of both (i) and (ii) above during the period of five dealing days on the relevant stock exchange or securities market commencing on such date (or, if later, the first such dealing day such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are publicly traded) or such shorter period as such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are publicly traded; and (d) where Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are not publicly traded on a stock exchange or securities market of adequate liquidity (as aforesaid), the Fair Market Value of such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights shall be determined by an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith, on the basis of a commonly accepted market valuation method and taking account of such factors as it considers appropriate, including the market price per Common Share, the dividend yield of a Common Share, the volatility of such market price, prevailing interest rates and the terms of such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights, including as to the expiry date and exercise price (if any) thereof. Such amounts shall, in the case of (a) above, be translated into the Share Currency (if such Cash Dividend is declared or paid or payable in a currency other than the Share Currency) at the rate of exchange used to determine the amount payable to Shareholders who were paid or are to be paid or are entitled to be paid the Cash Dividend in the Share Currency; and in any other case, shall be translated into the Share Currency (if expressed in a currency other than the Share Currency) at the Prevailing Rate on that date. In addition, in the case of (a) and (b) above, the Fair Market Value shall be determined on a gross basis and disregarding any withholding or deduction required to be made for or on account of tax, and disregarding any associated tax credit;

“Floor Price” means the price determined in the relevant prospectus supplement, subject to adjustment in accordance with “—Conversion—Conversion Price—Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” below;

“further contingent convertible preferred securities” means any instruments or securities which are similar to the contingent convertible preferred securities and are contingently convertible into Common Shares other than at the option of the holders thereof;

“Iberclear” means the Spanish clearing and settlement system ( Sociedad de Gesti ó n de los Sistemas de Registro , Compensaci ó n y Liquidaci ó n de Valores , S.A.U. );

“Independent Financial Adviser” means an independent financial institution or financial adviser of international repute appointed by BBVA at its own expense;

“Liquidation Distribution” means the Liquidation Preference per contingent convertible preferred security plus, if applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”, an amount equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period to (but excluding) the date of payment of the Liquidation Distribution;

“Liquidation Event” has the meaning set forth under “—Payments—Liquidation Distribution”;

“Liquidation Preference” shall have the meaning set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement;

“Maximum Distributable Amount” means, at any time, any maximum distributable amount required to be calculated at such time in accordance with (a) Article 48 of Law 10/2014 and any provision developing Article 48 of Law 10/2014, and any other provision of Spanish law transposing or implementing Article 141 of the CRD IV Directive and/or (b) Applicable Banking Regulations;

 

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“Newco Scheme” means a scheme of arrangement or analogous proceeding (“Scheme of Arrangement”) which effects the interposition of a limited liability company (“Newco”) between the Shareholders of BBVA immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement (the “Existing Shareholders”) and BBVA, provided that:

 

  (a) only ordinary shares of Newco or depositary or other receipts or certificates representing ordinary shares of Newco are issued to Existing Shareholders;

 

  (b) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement the only shareholders of Newco or, as the case may be, the only holders of depositary or other receipts or certificates representing ordinary shares of Newco, are Existing Shareholders and the Voting Rights in respect of Newco are held by Existing Shareholders in the same proportions as their respective holdings of such Voting Rights immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement;

 

  (c) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, Newco is (or one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of Newco are) the only ordinary shareholder (or shareholders) of BBVA;

 

  (d) all Subsidiaries of BBVA immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement (other than Newco, if Newco is then a Subsidiary) are Subsidiaries of BBVA (or of Newco) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement; and

 

  (e) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, BBVA (or Newco) holds, directly or indirectly, the same percentage of the ordinary share capital and equity share capital of those Subsidiaries as was held by BBVA immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement;

“Non-Cash Dividend” means any Dividend which is not a Cash Dividend, and shall include a Spin-Off;

“Notice Cut-off Date” shall have the meaning set forth under “—Conversion—Conversion Procedures”;

“Parity Securities” means any instrument issued or guaranteed by BBVA (including the guarantee thereof), which instrument or guarantee ranks pari passu with the contingent convertible preferred securities;

“Paying Agent”, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, means any person (which may include BBVA) authorized by BBVA to pay the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, or Distributions on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series on behalf of BBVA, which expression shall include the Principal Paying Agent. Except as otherwise specified in the relevant prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch (or a successor thereof) will act as Paying Agent in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series;

“Paying and Conversion Agent” means, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, the Principal Paying Agent and any other paying and conversion agent appointed in accordance with the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or any supplemental indenture with respect to such series and includes any successors thereto appointed from time to time in accordance with the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or any such supplemental indenture;

“Payment Business Day” means (i) a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in New York City and London and (ii) in the case of contingent convertible preferred securities in definitive form only, a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in the relevant place of payment;

“Performance Obligation” has the meaning specified in “—Enforcement Events—Enforcement Events and Remedies”;

“Prevailing Rate” means, in respect of any currencies on any day, the spot rate of exchange between the relevant currencies prevailing as at 12 noon (London time) on that date as appearing on or derived from Reuters page ECB37 or, if not available, from any other Reference Page or, if such a rate cannot be determined at such time, the rate prevailing as at 12 noon (London time) on the immediately preceding day on which such rate can be so determined or, if such rate cannot be so determined by reference to the Reference Page, the rate determined in such other manner as an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith shall prescribe;

 

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“Principal Paying Agent”, when used with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, means The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London branch (or a successor thereof) except as otherwise specified in the relevant prospectus supplement;

“Recognized Stock Exchange” means an organized regularly operating, recognized stock exchange or securities market in a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development;

“Redemption Price” means, per contingent convertible preferred security, the Liquidation Preference plus, if applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in “—Payments—Distributions”, an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period to (but excluding) the date fixed for the redemption of the contingent convertible preferred securities of the relevant series;

“Reference Date” means, in relation to a Retroactive Adjustment, the date as of which the relevant Retroactive Adjustment takes effect or, if that date is not a dealing day, the succeeding dealing day;

“Reference Market Price” means, in respect of a Common Share at a particular date, the arithmetic mean of the Closing Price per Common Share on each of the five consecutive dealing days on which such Closing Price is available ending on the dealing day immediately preceding such date, rounding the resulting figure to the nearest cent (with 0.5 cents being rounded upwards);

“Reference Page” means the relevant page or any successor page on Bloomberg or Reuters or any successor service or such other information service provider that displays the relevant information;

“Regulator” means the European Central Bank or the Bank of Spain ( Banco de España ), as applicable, or such other or successor authority having primary bank supervisory authority, in each case with respect to prudential matters in relation to BBVA and/or the BBVA Group from time to time;

“Relevant Stock Exchange” means the Spanish Stock Exchanges or if at the relevant time the Common Shares are not at that time listed and admitted to trading on the Spanish Stock Exchanges, the principal stock exchange or securities market on which the Common Shares are then listed, admitted to trading or quoted or accepted for dealing;

“Retroactive Adjustment” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Price—Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” below;

“Risk Weighted Assets Amount” means at any time, with respect to BBVA or the BBVA Group, as the case may be, the aggregate amount (in the Accounting Currency) of the risk weighted assets of BBVA or the BBVA Group, respectively, calculated in accordance with CRR and/or Applicable Banking Regulations at such time;

“Scheme of Arrangement” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Newco Scheme”;

“Securities” means any securities including, without limitation, shares in the capital of BBVA, or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or acquire shares in the capital of BBVA;

“Selling Agent” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice” below;

“Share Currency” means euro or such other currency in which the Common Shares are quoted or dealt in on the Relevant Stock Exchange at the relevant time or for the purposes of the relevant calculation or determination;

“Shareholders” means the holders of Common Shares;

“Spanish Companies Act” means the Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of July 2, approving the consolidated text of the Spanish Companies Act ( Ley de Sociedades de Capital ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time;

“Spanish Insolvency Law” means Law 22/2003 (Ley Concursal) of July 9, regulating insolvency proceedings in Spain, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or an equivalent legal provision which replaces it in the future.

 

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“Spin-Off” means:

 

  (a) a distribution of Spin-Off Securities by BBVA to Shareholders as a class; or

 

  (b) any issue, transfer or delivery of any property or assets (including cash or shares or other securities of or in or issued or allotted by any entity) by any entity (other than BBVA) to Shareholders as a class or, in the case of or in connection with a Newco Scheme, Existing Shareholders as a class (but excluding the issue and allotment of ordinary shares (or depositary or other receipts or certificates representing such ordinary shares) by Newco to Existing Shareholders as a class), pursuant in each case to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group;

“Spin-Off Securities” means equity share capital of an entity other than BBVA or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase equity share capital of an entity other than BBVA;

“SSM Regulation” means Council Regulation (EU) No. 1024/2013 of October 15, conferring specific tasks on the European Central Bank concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions;

“Subsidiary” means any entity over which BBVA may have, directly or indirectly, control in accordance with Article 42 of the Spanish Commercial Code ( Código de Comercio ) and/or Applicable Banking Regulations;

“Tax Event” in respect of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, means that as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations applicable in Spain (except as provided in “—Substitution of Issuer”), or any change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration of any such laws or regulations which change or amendment, or change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration, becomes effective on or after the date of issue of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series (a) BBVA would not be entitled to claim a deduction in computing its taxation liabilities in Spain (except as provided in “—Substitution of Issuer”) in respect of any Distribution to be made on the next Distribution Payment Date or the value of such deduction to BBVA would be materially reduced, or (b) BBVA would be required to pay Additional Amounts, or (c) the applicable tax treatment of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series would be materially affected;

“Tier 1 Capital” means at any time, with respect to BBVA or the BBVA Group, as the case may be, the Tier 1 capital of BBVA or the BBVA Group, respectively, as calculated by BBVA in accordance with Chapters 1, 2 and 3 (Tier 1 capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Additional Tier 1 capital) of Title I (Elements of own funds) of Part Two (Own Funds) of the CRR and/or Applicable Banking Regulations at such time, including any applicable transitional, phasing in or similar provisions;

“Tier 2 Capital” means Tier 2 capital ( capital de nivel 2 ) as provided under Applicable Banking Regulations;

“Tier 2 Instrument” means any contractually subordinated obligation of BBVA constituting a Tier 2 instrument ( instrumento de capital de nivel 2 ) in accordance with Applicable Banking Regulations;

“Trigger Conversion” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Procedures” below;

“Trigger Event” in respect of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, means if, at any time, as determined by BBVA, the CET1 ratio of BBVA or the BBVA Group is less than 5.125%;

“Trigger Event Notice” has the meaning specified in “—Conversion—Conversion Procedures” below;

“Trigger Event Notice Date” means the date on which a Trigger Event Notice is deemed to be given;

“Volume Weighted Average Price” means, in respect of a Common Share, Security or, as the case may be, a Spin-Off Security on any dealing day, the order book volume-weighted average price of a Common Share, Security or, as the case may be, a Spin-Off Security published by or derived (in the case of a Common Share) from the Reference Page or (in the case of a Security (other than Common Shares) or Spin-Off Security) from the principal stock exchange or securities market on which such Securities or Spin-Off Securities are then listed or quoted or dealt in, if any or, in any such case, such other source as shall be determined in good faith to be appropriate by an Independent Financial Adviser on such dealing day, provided that if on any such dealing day such price is not available or cannot otherwise be determined as provided above, the Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share, Security or a Spin-Off Security, as the case may be, in respect of such dealing day

 

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shall be the Volume Weighted Average Price, determined as provided above, on the immediately preceding dealing day on which the same can be so determined or as an Independent Financial Adviser might otherwise determine in good faith to be appropriate.

In making any calculation or determination of Current Market Price or Volume Weighted Average Price, such adjustments (if any) shall be made as an Independent Financial Adviser determines in good faith appropriate to reflect any consolidation or sub-division of the Common Shares or any issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, or any like or similar event; and

“Voting Rights” means the right generally to vote at a general meeting of Shareholders of BBVA (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).

References to any act or statute or any provision of any act or statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made in accordance therewith or under such modification or re-enactment.

References to any issue or offer or grant to Shareholders or Existing Shareholders “as a class” or “by way of rights” shall be taken to be references to an issue or offer or grant to all or substantially all Shareholders or Existing Shareholders, as the case may be, other than Shareholders or Existing Shareholders, as the case may be, to whom, by reason of the laws of any territory or requirements of any recognized regulatory body or any other stock exchange or securities market in any territory or in connection with fractional entitlements, it is determined not to make such issue or offer or grant.

Payments

All payments in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will be subject in all cases to any fiscal or other laws and regulations applicable thereto (including FATCA, any regulations or agreements thereunder, any official interpretation thereof, any intergovernmental agreements with respect thereto, or any law implementing an intergovernmental agreement or any regulations or official interpretations relating thereto), but without prejudice to the provisions of “—Additional Amounts” below.

Distributions

Prior to conversion, the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will accrue Distributions as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant prospectus supplement.

Distributions Discretionary

BBVA may elect, in its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel the payment of any Distribution on any particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities in whole or in part at any time and for any reason.

Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities will be non-cumulative. Accordingly, if any Distribution (or any part thereof) is not paid in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series as a result of any election of BBVA to cancel such Distribution in accordance with this section “—Distributions Discretionary” or the limitations on payment set out in “—Restrictions on Payments” below then the right of the holders to receive the relevant Distribution (or such part thereof) in respect of the relevant Distribution Period will be extinguished and BBVA will have no obligation to pay such Distribution (or such part thereof) accrued for such Distribution Period or to pay any interest thereon, whether or not Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series are paid in respect of any future Distribution Period.

No such election to cancel the payment of any Distribution (or any part thereof) pursuant to this section “—Distributions Discretionary” or non-payment of any Distribution (or any part thereof) as a result of the limitations on payment set out in “—Restrictions on Payments” below will constitute an event of default, an Enforcement Event or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of BBVA or entitle holders to take any action to cause such Distribution (or part thereof) to be paid or the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of BBVA or in any way limit or restrict BBVA from making any distribution or equivalent payment in connection with any instrument ranking junior to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series (including, without limitation, any CET1 Capital of BBVA or the BBVA Group) or in respect of any Parity Security or other security, except to the extent Applicable Banking Regulations otherwise provide.

 

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Restrictions on Payments

Payments of Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series shall be made only out of Distributable Items of BBVA.

To the extent that (i) BBVA has insufficient Distributable Items to make Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series scheduled for payment in the then current financial year and any interest payments or distributions that have been paid or made or are scheduled or required to be paid or made out of Distributable Items of BBVA in the then current financial year, in each case excluding any portion of such payments already accounted for in determining the Distributable Items of BBVA, and/or (ii) the Regulator, in accordance with Article 68 of Law 10/2014 and/or Article 16 of the SSM Regulation and/or with Applicable Banking Regulations then in force, requires BBVA to cancel the relevant Distribution in whole or in part, then BBVA will, without prejudice to the right set forth under “—Distributions Discretionary” above to cancel at its discretion the payment of any such Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series at any time, make partial or, as the case may be, no payment of the relevant Distribution on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series.

No payments will be made on the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series (whether by way of a repayment of the Liquidation Preference, the payment of any Distribution or otherwise) if and to the extent that such payment would cause a breach of any regulatory restriction or prohibition on payments on Additional Tier 1 Instruments pursuant to Applicable Banking Regulations (including, without limitation, any such restriction or prohibition relating to any Maximum Distributable Amount applicable to BBVA and/or the BBVA Group).

Agreement to Distribution Cancellation

By acquiring contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, holders (which, for the purposes of this section includes holders of a beneficial interest in the contingent convertible preferred securities) acknowledge and agree that:

 

  (a) Distributions are payable solely at BBVA’s discretion, and no amount of Distribution shall become or remain due and payable in respect of the relevant Distribution Period to the extent that it has been cancelled or deemed cancelled by BBVA as set forth under “—Distributions Discretionary” above and/or as a result of the limitations on payment set forth under “—Restrictions on Payments” above; and

 

  (b) a cancellation or deemed cancellation of any Distribution (in whole or in part) in accordance with the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and the contingent convertible preferred securities shall not constitute an Enforcement Event or other default under the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of BBVA or entitle holders to take any action to cause such Distribution to be paid or the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of BBVA or in any way limit or restrict BBVA from making any distribution or equivalent payment in connection with any instrument ranking junior to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series (including, without limitation, any CET1 Capital of BBVA or the BBVA Group) or in respect of any Parity Security or other Security, except to the extent Applicable Banking Regulations otherwise provide.

Distributions will only be due and payable on a Distribution Payment Date to the extent they are not cancelled or deemed cancelled previously or thereafter in accordance with the provisions described under “—Distributions”, “—Liquidation Distribution” and “—Conversion”. Any Distributions cancelled or deemed cancelled (in each case, in whole or in part) in the circumstances described herein shall not be due and shall not accumulate or be payable at any time thereafter, and holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities shall have no rights thereto or to receive any additional Distributions or compensation as a result of such cancellation or deemed cancellation.

Notice of Distribution Cancellation

If practicable, BBVA will provide notice of any cancellation or deemed cancellation of Distributions on any particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities (in each case, in whole or in part) to the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series through the relevant depositary (or, if the contingent convertible preferred securities are held in definitive form, to the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities directly at their addresses shown on the register for the contingent convertible preferred securities) and

 

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to the trustee directly on or prior to the relevant Distribution Payment Date. Failure to provide such notice will have no impact on the effectiveness of, or otherwise invalidate, any such cancellation or deemed cancellation of Distributions (and accordingly, such Distributions will not be due and payable), will not constitute an Enforcement Event with respect to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities, or give the holders or beneficial owners of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series any rights as a result of such failure.

Liquidation Distribution

Except as set forth in the following paragraph, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or winding-up of BBVA (a “Liquidation Event”), holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series (unless previously converted into Common Shares in accordance with “—Conversion” below) shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of BBVA available for distribution to holders of such series, the Liquidation Distribution. Such entitlement will arise before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares or any other instrument of BBVA ranking junior to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series.

If, before the occurrence of a Liquidation Event, a Conversion Event occurs but the relevant conversion of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series into Common Shares is still to take place, holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series will be entitled to receive out of the relevant assets of BBVA a monetary amount equal to that which holders of such contingent convertible preferred securities of such series would have received on any distribution of the assets of BBVA if such conversion had taken place immediately prior to such Liquidation Event.

After payment of the relevant entitlement in respect of a contingent convertible preferred security as described in this section, such contingent convertible preferred security will confer no further right or claim to any of the remaining assets of BBVA.

Subordination

Unless previously converted into Common Shares (as set forth in “—Conversion”), the obligations of BBVA under the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will constitute direct, unconditional, unsecured and subordinated obligations of BBVA and, in case of insolvency ( concurso de acreedores ) of BBVA, in accordance with Additional Provision 14.3 of Law 11/2015 and the Spanish Insolvency Law but only to the extent permitted by the Spanish Insolvency Law or any other applicable laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in Spain and subject to any other ranking that may apply as a result of any mandatory provision of law (or otherwise), for so long as the obligations of BBVA in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series constitute an Additional Tier 1 Instrument of BBVA, such contingent convertible preferred securities will rank with respect to claims for any Liquidation Preference of such contingent convertible preferred securities:

 

  (a) junior to:

 

  (i) any unsubordinated obligations of BBVA (including where those obligations subsequently become subordinated pursuant to Article 92.1º of the Spanish Insolvency Law); and

 

  (ii) any claim for principal in respect of any other contractually subordinated obligations of BBVA, present and future, not constituting Additional Tier 1 Capital of BBVA for the purposes of Section 3.(a) of Additional Provision 14 of Law 11/2015 (other than, to the extent permitted by law, any Parity Securities, whether so ranking by law or their terms);

 

  (b) pari passu with:

 

  (i) each other claim for any Liquidation Preference of contingent convertible preferred securities;

 

  (ii) all other claims in respect of any liquidation preference or otherwise for principal in respect of contractually subordinated obligations of BBVA under any outstanding Additional Tier 1 Instruments, present and future; and

 

  (iii) any other Parity Securities (whether so ranking by law or their terms), to the extent permitted by law; and

 

  (c) senior to the Common Shares or any other subordinated obligations of BBVA which by law rank junior to the contingent convertible preferred securities (including, to the extent permitted by law, any contractually subordinated obligations of BBVA expressed by their terms to rank junior to the contingent convertible preferred securities).

 

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Unless previously converted into Common Shares, to the extent the obligations of BBVA in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series cease to constitute an Additional Tier 1 Instrument of BBVA but constitute a Tier 2 Instrument of BBVA, the payment obligations of BBVA under the contingent convertible preferred securities will rank, in accordance with Section 3.(b) of Additional Provision 14 of Law 11/2015 but not otherwise and subject to any other ranking that may apply as a result of any mandatory provision of law (or otherwise), as if the contingent convertible preferred securities were a Tier 2 Instrument.

To the extent the obligations of BBVA in respect of any outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities cease to constitute either an Additional Tier 1 Instrument or a Tier 2 Instrument of BBVA, the payment obligations of BBVA under such contingent convertible preferred securities will rank, in accordance with Section 3.(a) of Additional Provision 14 of Law 11/2015 but not otherwise and subject to any other ranking that may apply as a result of any mandatory provision of law (or otherwise), as if the contingent convertible preferred securities were contractually subordinated obligations of BBVA not constituting Additional Tier 1 Capital or Tier 2 Capital of BBVA.

The obligations of BBVA under the contingent convertible preferred securities are subject to, and may be limited by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

BBVA agrees with respect to any series of contingent convertible preferred securities and each holder and beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, by his or her acquisition of a contingent convertible preferred security, will be deemed to have agreed to the above described subordination. To the extent permitted by Spanish law, each such holder and beneficial owner will be deemed to have irrevocably waived his or her rights of priority which would otherwise be accorded to him or her under the laws of Spain, to the extent necessary to effectuate the subordination provisions of the contingent convertible preferred security. In addition, each holder and beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series by his or her acquisition of the securities, to the extent permitted by Spanish law, authorizes and directs the applicable trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities as provided in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and as summarized herein and appoints the applicable trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

Redemption and Repurchase

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series are perpetual securities in respect of which there is no fixed redemption date or maturity date. Holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series may not require any redemption of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series at any time.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the contingent convertible preferred securities are only redeemable in accordance with the following provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture described in this section “—Redemption and Repurchase”.

Pre-Conditions to Redemptions and Repurchases

As of the date of this prospectus, Article 78(1) of the CRR provides that the Regulator will give its consent to redemption of the contingent convertible preferred securities provided that either of the following conditions is met:

(a) on or before such redemption of the contingent convertible preferred securities, BBVA replaces the contingent convertible preferred securities with instruments qualifying as Tier 1 Capital of an equal or higher quality on terms that are sustainable for the income capacity of BBVA; or

(b) BBVA has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regulator that its Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital would, following such redemption, exceed the requirements set forth in article 92(1) of the CRR and the combined buffer requirement as defined in point (6) of article 128 of the CRD IV Directive by a margin that the Regulator may consider necessary on the basis of article 104(3) of the CRD IV Directive.

No vote of the outstanding holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will be required for BBVA to redeem and cancel the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series.

 

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Optional Redemption

Except as provided below under “—Redemption Due to a Capital Event” or “—Redemption Due to a Tax Event” and in the relevant prospectus supplement, any series of contingent convertible preferred securities shall not be redeemable prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities (or such other period as Applicable Banking Regulations may require). All, and not only some, of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series may be redeemed at the option of BBVA at any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such contingent convertible preferred securities at the Redemption Price, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations then in force.

Redemption Due to a Capital Event

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if, on or after the issue date of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, there is a Capital Event, the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, at the option of BBVA at any time at the Redemption Price, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations then in force.

As of the date of this prospectus, Article 78(4) provides that the Regulator may only permit BBVA to redeem any series contingent convertible preferred securities before the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series in the case of a Capital Event if, in addition to meeting one of the conditions referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) of article 78(1) (as described above), there is a change in the regulatory classification of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series that would be likely to result in their exclusion from own funds or reclassification as a lower quality form of own funds, the Regulator considers such change to be sufficiently certain and BBVA demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Regulator that the regulatory classification was not reasonably foreseeable at the date of issuance of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series.

Redemption Due to a Tax Event

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if, on or after the date of issuance of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, there is a Tax Event, the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, at the option of BBVA at any time at the Redemption Price, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations then in force.

Prior to any notice of redemption of such contingent convertible preferred securities pursuant to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, BBVA shall provide the trustee with (i) an officer’s certificate of BBVA stating that BBVA is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth in reasonable detail a statement of circumstances showing that a Tax Event has occurred; and (ii) an opinion of counsel to the effect that a Tax Event has occurred.

Article 78(4) provides that the Regulator may only permit BBVA to redeem the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series before the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series in the case of a Tax Event if, in addition to meeting one of the conditions referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) of article 78(1) (as described above), there is a change in the applicable tax treatment of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series and BBVA demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Regulator that such change is material and was not reasonably foreseeable at the date of issuance of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series.

Redemption Procedures

The decision to redeem the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series must be irrevocably notified by BBVA to holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 calendar days’ notice prior to the relevant redemption date (unless a shorter period is specified in the contingent convertible preferred securities to be redeemed) (i) through the filing of a relevant information ( información relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and (ii) in the manner and to the extent required by the provisions described under “—Notices” below (in which case, such notice may be

 

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given at BBVA’s request by the trustee in the name and at the expense of BBVA, provided BBVA has requested the trustee to so give notice in writing accompanied by a copy of the form of notice, and the trustee shall give such notice by the fifth Business Day following its receipt of such request).

Failure to give notice in the manner above provided to the holder of any contingent convertible preferred securities designated for redemption, or any defect in the notice to any such holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other contingent convertible preferred securities.

Any notice of redemption will state: the redemption date; the Redemption Price; that on the redemption date the Redemption Price will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture become due and payable upon each contingent convertible preferred security being redeemed and that Distributions will cease to accrue on or after that date; the place or places where the contingent convertible preferred securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and the CUSIP, Common Code and/or ISIN number or numbers, if any, with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities being redeemed.

If BBVA gives notice of redemption of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, then on or prior to the relevant redemption date, BBVA will (except as otherwise provided in this section “—Redemption and Repurchase”):

(a) irrevocably deposit with the Principal Paying Agent funds (in the currency in which the contingent convertible preferred securities to be redeemed are payable) sufficient to pay the Redemption Price; and

(b) give the Principal Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the holders thereof.

If the notice of redemption has been given on any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, and the funds deposited and instructions and authority to pay given as required above, then on the date of such deposit:

(a) Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series shall cease to accrue (unless such deposit is made prior to the redemption date, in which case Distributions on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series shall cease to accrue on the redemption date);

(b) such contingent convertible preferred securities of such series will no longer be considered outstanding (except as otherwise provided in this section “—Redemption and Repurchase”, if there is a Trigger Event prior to the redemption date or if the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such contingent convertible preferred securities prior to the payment of the Redemption Price to the Holders); and

(c) the holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series will no longer have any rights as holders except the right to receive the Redemption Price (except as otherwise provided in this section “—Redemption and Repurchase” if there is a Trigger Event prior to the redemption date).

Subject to the following paragraph, if in connection with any series of contingent convertible preferred securities BBVA improperly withholds or refuses to pay the Redemption Price of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, Distributions will continue to accrue, subject as provided in “—Distributions Discretionary” or “—Restrictions on Payments”, at the rate specified from (and including) the Redemption Date to (but excluding) the date on which the Redemption Price is deposited with the Principal Paying Agent.

BBVA may not give a notice of redemption with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series if a Trigger Event Notice has been given with respect to such series. If any notice of redemption of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities has been given and a Trigger Event with respect to such series occurs prior to the redemption date, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, there shall be no redemption of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities on such redemption date and, instead, the Trigger Conversion of the contingent convertible preferred securities shall take place as provided under “—Conversion Upon Trigger Event”.

If a Capital Reduction Notice has been given with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series, BBVA may not give a notice of redemption with respect to such series until the end of the Election

 

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Period. If a redemption notice is given by BBVA after the end of the Election Period, unless otherwise provided in the relevant prospectus supplement, BBVA may redeem all (but not part) of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series which remains outstanding following the Capital Reduction Conversion. If any notice of redemption of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities has been given and a Capital Reduction with respect to such series occurs prior to the redemption date, the Capital Reduction will be disregarded for all purposes of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture with respect to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities and there shall be no conversion of such series of contingent convertible preferred securities as provided in “Conversion—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” and, instead, the redemption of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities shall take place as provided in this section.

If BBVA has elected to redeem the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series but, prior to the payment of the Redemption Price to holders, the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, there shall be no redemption and consequently no payment of the Redemption Price (and any other amounts payable in accordance with the terms of such contingent convertible preferred securities) will be due and payable.

Non-payment of Redemption Price

If in connection with any series of contingent convertible preferred securities BBVA improperly withholds or refuses to pay the Redemption Price of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, Distributions will continue to accrue, subject as provided in “—Distributions” above, at the rate specified from (and including) the redemption date to (but excluding) the date on which the Redemption Price is deposited with the Principal Paying Agent.

Purchases of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

Unless otherwise provided in the relevant prospectus supplement, BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group, may purchase or otherwise acquire any of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of any series at any price in the open market or otherwise in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations in force at the relevant time.

Under the current Applicable Banking Regulations, an institution requires the prior permission of the Regulator to effect the repurchase of Additional Tier 1 Instruments (article 77(b) of CRR) and, subject to certain limited exceptions (article 78(4) of CRR), these may not be repurchased before five years after the date of issuance (article 52.1(i) of CRR).

Notwithstanding any other provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and subject to compliance with the provisions of any applicable law (including the Spanish Companies Act and the Applicable Banking Regulations), BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group may exercise such rights as it may from time to time enjoy to purchase or redeem or buy back any shares of BBVA (including Common Shares) or any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing the same without the consent of the holders.

Conversion

Conversion Upon Trigger Event

If the Trigger Event occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, then BBVA will:

(a) not pay any Distribution on the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, including any accrued and unpaid Distributions, which shall be deemed to be cancelled by BBVA in accordance with “—Distributions” above; and

(b) irrevocably and mandatorily (and without any requirement for the consent or approval of the holders or beneficial owners of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series) convert all the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series into Common Shares (the “Trigger Conversion”) to be delivered on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date. If the Trigger Event occurs, the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will be converted in whole and not in part.

 

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For the purposes of determining whether the Trigger Event has occurred, BBVA will (A) calculate the CET1 ratio based on information (whether or not published) available to management of BBVA, including information internally reported within BBVA pursuant to its procedures for ensuring effective ongoing monitoring of the capital ratios of BBVA and the BBVA Group and (B) calculate and publish the CET1 ratio on at least a quarterly basis. BBVA’s calculation shall be binding on the trustee and the holders and beneficial owners of the relevant series of contingent convertible preferred securities.

A Trigger Event will not constitute an event of default, an Enforcement Event or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of BBVA or entitle holders to take any action to cause the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of BBVA.

Conversion Upon Capital Reduction

Except as provided in the penultimate paragraph under “—Redemption and Repurchase—Redemption Procedures”, if a Capital Reduction occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, then BBVA will, subject as provided below, irrevocably and mandatorily (and without any requirement for the consent or approval of the holders or beneficial owners of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series) convert all the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series into Common Shares (a “Capital Reduction Conversion”) to be delivered on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date and on such Conversion Settlement Date pay to the holders, as applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”, an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) such Conversion Settlement Date.

Notwithstanding the above, if a Capital Reduction occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, each holder of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series will have the right to elect that all (but not part) of its contingent convertible preferred securities shall not be converted, in which case all contingent convertible preferred securities of such holder shall remain outstanding and no payment of any accrued and unpaid Distributions on such contingent convertible preferred securities shall be made in respect of such contingent convertible preferred securities to that holder on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date (without prejudice to any payment of such Distributions or any other Distributions that may accrue in respect of those contingent convertible preferred securities). To exercise such right, a holder must complete, sign and deposit at the specified office of any Paying and Conversion Agent a duly completed and signed notice of election (an “Election Notice”), in the form then obtainable from the specified office of such Paying and Conversion Agent on or before the tenth Business Day immediately following the Capital Reduction Notice Date (the period from (and including) the Capital Reduction Notice Date to (and including) such tenth Business Day, the “Election Period”). In the case of any contingent convertible preferred securities represented by a Global Security held by or on behalf of a Clearing System, an Election Notice may be delivered within the Election Period by the holder giving notice to the Principal Paying Agent of such election in accordance with the standard procedures of the relevant Clearing System (which may include notice being given on such holder’s instruction by the relevant Clearing System to the Principal Paying Agent by electronic means) in a form acceptable to such Clearing System from time to time.

An Election Notice shall be irrevocable. Each Paying and Conversion Agent shall inform the Principal Paying Agent within two Business Days of the end of such Election Period of the Election Notices received during the Election Period and the Principal Paying Agent shall notify BBVA of the details of the relevant holders that have duly submitted an Election Notice within the Election Period (including the aggregate Liquidation Preference of contingent convertible preferred securities held by such holders) by no later than the immediately following Business Day.

Any relevant contingent convertible preferred securities in respect of which a duly completed and signed Election Notice is not received during the Election Period shall be converted into Common Shares. Any contingent convertible preferred securities not converted upon a Capital Reduction as a result of holders delivering a duly completed and signed Election Notice during the Election Period shall remain outstanding and, notwithstanding any of the above, may be the subject of Conversion on the occurrence of a Trigger Event.

A Capital Reduction will not constitute an event of default, an Enforcement Event or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of BBVA or entitle holders to take any action to cause the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of BBVA.

 

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Upon Conversion

Except as provided below with respect to fractions, the number of Common Shares to be issued on Conversion in respect of each contingent convertible preferred security of any series to be converted shall be determined by dividing the Liquidation Preference of such contingent convertible preferred security by the relevant Conversion Price in effect on the relevant Conversion Notice Date rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares. Fractions of Common Shares will not be issued on Conversion or pursuant to the provisions described in the fifth paragraph from the bottom under “—Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” and no cash payment or other adjustment will be made in lieu thereof. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, if one or more Delivery Notices and the related contingent convertible preferred securities are received by or on behalf of a Paying and Conversion Agent such that the Common Shares to be delivered by or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository are to be registered in the same name or delivered to the same Clearing System participant account, the number of such Common Shares to be delivered in respect thereof shall be calculated on the basis of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such contingent convertible preferred securities being so converted and rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares.

Upon any Trigger Conversion of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, holders (and beneficial owners) of any contingent convertible preferred security shall have no claim against BBVA in respect of (i) any Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of such series of contingent convertible preferred securities converted into Common Shares or (ii) any accrued and unpaid Distributions cancelled or otherwise unpaid in respect of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, and the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series shall cease to represent any right other than the right to receive Common Shares from or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository.

Upon any Capital Reduction Conversion of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, holders (and beneficial owners) of any contingent convertible preferred securities, other than holders of contingent convertible preferred securities in respect of which such holders have elected not to convert such contingent convertible preferred securities in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”, shall have no claim against BBVA in respect of any Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of such series of contingent convertible preferred securities, and the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series converted into Common Shares, other than contingent convertible preferred securities in respect of which holders have elected not to convert such contingent convertible preferred securities in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”, shall cease to represent any right other than the right to receive Common Shares from or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository. Nothing in this paragraph shall affect BBVA’s obligation upon any Capital Reduction Conversion to pay to the holders, as applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”, and except as set out under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”, an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date.

On or prior to the Conversion Settlement Date, BBVA shall deliver to the Conversion Shares Depository such number of Common Shares (subject as provided above with respect to fractions) as is required to satisfy in full BBVA’s obligation to deliver Common Shares (i) in respect of a Trigger Conversion, of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series outstanding on the Trigger Event Notice Date, and (ii) in respect of a Capital Reduction Conversion, of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series outstanding on the Capital Reduction Notice Date, other than contingent convertible preferred securities in respect of which such holders have elected not to convert such contingent convertible preferred securities in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”.

The obligation of BBVA to issue and deliver Common Shares to a holder of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date shall be satisfied by the delivery of such Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository. Receipt of the relevant Common Shares by the Conversion Shares Depository shall discharge BBVA’s obligations in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities converted, other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, as provided under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” with respect to the payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”, and except as set out under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”.

 

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Except as set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph with respect to a Capital Reduction, if a Conversion Event occurs, holders shall have recourse to BBVA only for the issue and delivery of the relevant Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository. After such delivery by BBVA of the relevant Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository, holders of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities so converted shall have recourse to the Conversion Shares Depository only for the delivery to them of such Common Shares, in the circumstances described under “—Settlement Procedures” below.

Conversion Price

“Conversion Price” means, in respect of a Conversion Notice Date, if the Common Shares are:

 

  (a) then admitted to trading on a Relevant Stock Exchange, the higher of:

 

  (i) the Reference Market Price of a Common Share (translated into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate, if applicable);

 

  (ii) the Floor Price (translated into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate, if applicable); and

 

  (iii) the nominal value of a Common Share (translated into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate, if applicable); or

 

  (b) not then admitted to trading on a Relevant Stock Exchange, the higher of (ii) and (iii) above.

Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price

For the purposes of this section “—Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” only (a) references to the “issue” of Common Shares or Common Shares being issued shall, if not otherwise expressly specified in this “Description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA”, include the transfer and/or delivery of Common Shares, whether newly issued and allotted or previously existing or held by or on behalf of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group, and (b) Common Shares held by or on behalf of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group (and which, in the case of sub-paragraphs (d) and (f) below, are not entitled to receive the relevant right or other entitlement) shall not be considered as or treated as in issue or issued or entitled to receive any Dividend, right or other entitlement.

References to any issue or offer or grant to Shareholders or Existing Shareholders “as a class” or “by way of rights” shall be taken to be references to an issue or offer or grant to all or substantially all Shareholders or Existing Shareholders, as the case may be, other than Shareholders or Existing Shareholders, as the case may be, to whom, by reason of the laws of any territory or requirements of any recognized regulatory body or any other stock exchange or securities market in any territory or in connection with fractional entitlements, it is determined not to make such issue or offer or grant.

Upon the happening of any of the events described below and unless otherwise provided in the relevant prospectus supplement, the Floor Price of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities shall be adjusted from time to time as follows:

(a) If and whenever there shall be a consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision affecting the number of Common Shares, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to such consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision by the following fraction:

 

 

A

 
 

B

 

where:

A is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision, as the case may be; and

B is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately after, and as a result of, such consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision, as the case may be.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the date the consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision, as the case may be, takes effect.

(b) If and whenever BBVA shall issue any Common Shares credited as fully paid to Shareholders by way of capitalization of profits or reserves (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve) other

 

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than (i) where any such Common Shares are or are to be issued instead of the whole or part of a Dividend in cash which Shareholders would or could otherwise have elected to receive, (ii) where Shareholders may elect to receive a Dividend in cash in lieu of such Common Shares or (iii) where any such Common Shares are or are expressed to be issued in lieu of a Dividend (whether or not a cash Dividend equivalent or amount is announced or would otherwise be payable to Shareholders, whether at their election or otherwise), the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to such issue by the following fraction:

 

 

A

 
 

B

 

where:

A is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such issue; and

B is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately after such issue.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the date of issue of such Common Shares.

(c) (i) If and whenever BBVA shall pay any Extraordinary Dividend to its Shareholders, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

 

A – B

 
 

A

 

where:

A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

B is the portion of the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Extraordinary Dividend attributable to one Common Share, with such portion being determined by dividing the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Extraordinary Dividend by the number of Common Shares entitled to receive the relevant Dividend.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date or, if later, the first date upon which the Fair Market Value of the relevant Extraordinary Dividend can be determined.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (c)(i), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Cash Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

“Extraordinary Dividend” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (c)(i), any Cash Dividend which is expressly declared by BBVA to be a capital distribution, extraordinary dividend, extraordinary distribution, special dividend, special distribution or return of value to its Shareholders or any analogous or similar term (including any distribution made as a result of any Capital Reduction), in which case the Extraordinary Dividend shall be such Cash Dividend.

(ii) If and whenever BBVA shall pay or make any Non-Cash Dividend to Shareholders, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

 

A – B

 
 

A

 

where:

A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

B is the portion of the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Non-Cash Dividend attributable to one Common Share, with such portion being determined by dividing the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Non-Cash Dividend by the number of Common Shares entitled to receive the relevant Non-Cash Dividend (or, in the case of a purchase, redemption or buy back of Common Shares or any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing Common Shares by or on behalf of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group, by the number of Common Shares in issue immediately following such purchase, redemption or buy back, and treating as not being in issue any Common Shares, or any Common Shares represented by depositary or other receipts or certificates, purchased, redeemed or bought back).

 

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Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date or, if later, the first date upon which the Fair Market Value of the relevant Non-Cash Dividend is capable of being determined as provided herein.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (c)(ii), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, in the case of a purchase, redemption or buy back of Common Shares or any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing Common Shares by or on behalf of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group, the date on which such purchase, redemption or buy back is made (or, in any such case if later, the first date upon which the Fair Market Value of the relevant Dividend is capable of being determined as provided herein) or in the case of a Spin-Off, the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Spin-Off on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(iii) For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (c), Fair Market Value shall (subject as provided in paragraph (a) of the definition of “Dividend” and in the definition of “Fair Market Value”) be determined as at the Effective Date.

(iv) In making any calculations for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (c), such adjustments (if any) shall be made as an Independent Financial Adviser may determine in good faith to be appropriate to reflect (A) any consolidation or sub-division of any Common Shares or (B) the issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves (or any like or similar event) or (C) any increase in the number of Common Shares in issue in BBVA’s financial year in question.

(d) If and whenever BBVA shall issue Common Shares to its Shareholders as a class by way of rights, or BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group or (at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) any other company, person or entity shall issue or grant to the Shareholders as a class by way of rights, any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Common Shares, or any Securities which by their terms of issue carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, or the right to acquire, any Common Shares (or shall grant any such rights in respect of existing Securities so issued), in each case at a price per Common Share which is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the Effective Date, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

 

A + B

 
 

A + C

 

where:

A is the number of Common Shares in issue on the Effective Date;

B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the Common Shares issued by way of rights, or for the Securities issued by way of rights, or for the options or warrants or other rights issued or granted by way of rights and for the total number of Common Shares deliverable on the exercise thereof, would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share; and

C is the number of Common Shares to be issued or, as the case may be, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued upon exercise of such options, warrants or rights calculated as at the date of issue of such options, warrants or rights or upon conversion or exchange or exercise of rights of subscription or purchase or other rights of acquisition in respect thereof at the initial conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate,

provided that if at the Effective Date such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time, then for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (d), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (d), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-rights, ex-options or ex-warrants on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(e) If and whenever BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group or (at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) any other company, person or entity shall issue any Securities (other than Common Shares or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase

 

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or otherwise acquire any Common Shares or Securities which by their terms carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, or rights to otherwise acquire, Common Shares) to the Shareholders as a class by way of rights or grant to the Shareholders as a class by way of rights any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Securities (other than Common Shares or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire Common Shares or Securities which by their term carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, rights to otherwise acquire, Common Shares), the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

  A  – B  
  A  

where:

A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

B is the Fair Market Value on the Effective Date of the portion of the rights attributable to one Common Share.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (e), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Securities or ex-rights, ex-option or ex-warrants on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(f) If and whenever BBVA shall issue (otherwise than as mentioned in sub-paragraph (d) above) wholly for cash or for no consideration any Common Shares (other than Common Shares issued on conversion of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities or on the exercise of any rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for or purchase of, or right to otherwise acquire Common Shares) or if and whenever BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group or (at the direction or request or pursuance to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) any other company, person or entity shall issue or grant (otherwise than as mentioned in sub-paragraph (d) above) wholly for cash or for no consideration any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Common Shares (other than the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, which term shall for this purpose include any further contingent convertible preferred securities), in each case at a price per Common Share which is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the date of the first public announcement of the terms of such issue or grant, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

  A + B  
  A + C  

where:

A is the number of Common Shares in issue immediately before the issue of such Common Shares or the grant of such options, warrants or rights;

B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the issue of such Common Shares or, as the case may be, for the Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon the exercise of any such options, warrants or rights, would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share on the Effective Date; and

C is the number of Common Shares to be issued pursuant to such issue of such Common Shares or, as the case may be, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued upon exercise of such options, warrants or rights calculated as at the date of issue of such options, warrants or rights,

provided that if at the Effective Date, such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time, then for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (f), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (f), the date of issue of such Common Shares or, as the case may be, the grant of such options, warrants or rights.

 

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(g) If and whenever BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group or (at the direction or request of or pursuant to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) any other company, person or entity (otherwise than as mentioned in sub-paragraphs (d), (e) or (f) above) shall issue wholly for cash or for no consideration any Securities (other than contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, which term shall for this purpose include any further contingent convertible preferred securities) which by their terms of issue carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, purchase of, or rights to otherwise acquire, Common Shares (or shall grant any such rights in respect of existing Securities so issued) or Securities which by their terms might be reclassified/redesignated as Common Shares, and the consideration per Common Share receivable upon conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase, acquisition or redesignation is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the date of the first public announcement of the terms of issue of such Securities (or the terms of such grant), the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

 

A + B

 
 

A + C

 

where:

A is the number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such issue or grant (but where the relevant Securities carry rights of conversion into or rights of exchange or subscription for, purchase of, or rights to otherwise acquire Common Shares which have been issued, purchased or acquired by BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group (or at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) for the purposes of or in connection with such issue, less the number of such Common Shares so issued, purchased or acquired);

B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange or upon exercise of the right of subscription, purchase or acquisition attached to such Securities or, as the case may be, for the Common Shares to be issued or to arise from any such reclassification/ redesignation would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share; and

C is the maximum number of Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange of such Securities or upon the exercise of such right of subscription attached thereto at the initial conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate or, as the case may be, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued or arise from any such reclassification/ redesignation;

provided that if at the Effective Date such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time (which may be when such Securities are converted or exchanged or rights of subscription, purchase or acquisition are exercised or, as the case may be, such Securities are reclassified/redesignated or at such other time as may be provided), then for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (g), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition or, as the case may be, reclassification, redesignation had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (g), the date of issue of such Securities or, as the case may be, the grant of such rights.

(h) If and whenever there shall be any modification of the rights of conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition attaching to any Securities (other than the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, which term for this purpose shall include any further contingent convertible preferred securities) pursuant to sub-paragraph (g) above (other than in accordance with the terms (including terms as to adjustment) applicable to such Securities upon issue) so that following such modification the consideration per Common Share receivable has been reduced and is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the date of the first public announcement of the proposals for such modification, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

 

A + B

 
 

A + C

 

 

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where:

A is the number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such modification (but where the relevant Securities carry rights of conversion into or rights of exchange or subscription for, or purchase or acquisition of, Common Shares which have been issued, purchased or acquired by BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group (or at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) for the purposes of or in connection with such Securities, less the number of such Common Shares so issued, purchased or acquired);

B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange or upon exercise of the right of subscription, purchase or acquisition attached to the Securities so modified would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share or, if lower, the existing conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate of such Securities; and

C is the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange of such Securities or upon the exercise of such rights of subscription, purchase or acquisition attached thereto at the modified conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate but giving credit in such manner as an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith shall consider appropriate for any previous adjustment under this sub-paragraph (h) or sub-paragraph (g) above;

provided that if at the Effective Date such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time (which may be when such Securities are converted or exchanged or rights of subscription, purchase or acquisition are exercised or at such other time as may be provided) then for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (h), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (h), the date of modification of the rights of conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition attaching to such Securities.

(i) If and whenever BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group or (at the direction or request of or pursuant to any arrangements with BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group) any other company, person or entity shall offer any Securities in connection with which the Shareholders as a class are entitled to participate in arrangements whereby such Securities may be acquired by them (except where the Floor Price falls to be adjusted under sub-paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) above or sub-paragraph (j) below (or would fall to be so adjusted if the relevant issue or grant was at less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the relevant dealing day under sub-paragraph (e) above)) the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately before the Effective Date by the following fraction:

 

 

A  – B

 
 

A

 

where:

A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

B is the Fair Market Value on the Effective Date of the portion of the relevant offer attributable to one Common Share.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

“Effective Date” means, in respect of this sub-paragraph (i), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-rights on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(j) If BBVA determines that a reduction to the Floor Price should be made for whatever reason, the Floor Price will be reduced (either generally or for a specified period as notified to holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such relevant series) in such manner and with effect from such date as BBVA shall determine and notify to the holders of the relevant series of contingent convertible preferred securities.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this section “Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price”:

 

  ·   where the events or circumstances giving rise to any adjustment of the Floor Price have already resulted or will result in an adjustment to the Floor Price or where the events or circumstances giving rise to any adjustment arise by virtue of any other events or circumstances which have already given or will give rise to an adjustment to the Floor Price or where more than one event which gives rise to an adjustment to the Floor Price occurs within such a short period of time that, in the opinion of BBVA, a modification to the operation of the adjustment provisions is required to give the intended result, such modification shall be made to the operation of the adjustment provisions as may be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser to be in its opinion appropriate to give the intended result; and

 

  ·   such modification shall be made to the operation of the anti-dilution adjustment terms described in this section “Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” as may be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser to be in its opinion appropriate (A) to ensure that an adjustment to the Floor Price or the economic effect thereof shall not be taken into account more than once and (B) to ensure that the economic effect of a Dividend is not taken into account more than once;

and in each case, any such modification shall be conclusive and binding on all parties (including the holders and beneficial owners of any contingent convertible preferred security) save in the case of manifest error.

For the purpose of any calculation of the consideration receivable or price pursuant to sub-paragraphs (d), (f), (g) and (h) above, the following provisions shall apply:

 

  ·   the aggregate consideration receivable or price for Common Shares issued for cash shall be the amount of such cash;

 

  ·   (A) the aggregate consideration receivable or price for Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon the conversion or exchange of any Securities shall be deemed to be the consideration or price received or receivable for any such Securities and (B) the aggregate consideration receivable or price for Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon the exercise of rights of subscription attached to any Securities or upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights shall be deemed to be that part (which may be the whole) of the consideration or price received or receivable for such Securities or, as the case may be, for such options, warrants or rights which are attributed by BBVA to such rights of subscription or, as the case may be, such options, warrants or rights or, if no part of such consideration or price is so attributed, the Fair Market Value of such rights of subscription or, as the case may be, such options, warrants or rights as at the relevant Effective Date as referred to in sub-paragraphs (d), (f), (g) or (h) above, as the case may be, plus in the case of each of (A) and (B) above, the additional minimum consideration receivable or price (if any) upon the conversion or exchange of such Securities, or upon the exercise of such rights of subscription attached thereto or, as the case may be, upon exercise of such options, warrants or rights and (C) the consideration receivable or price per Common Share upon the conversion or exchange of, or upon the exercise of such rights of subscription attached to, such Securities or, as the case may be, upon the exercise of such options, warrants or rights shall be the aggregate consideration or price referred to in (A) or (B) above (as the case may be) divided by the number of Common Shares to be issued upon such conversion or exchange or exercise at the initial conversion, exchange or subscription price or rate;

 

  ·   if the consideration or price determined pursuant to the two provisions immediately above (or any component thereof) shall be expressed in a currency other than the Share Currency, it shall be converted into the Share Currency at the Prevailing Rate on the relevant Effective Date (in the case of the second provision immediately above) or the relevant date of first public announcement (in the case of the first provision immediately above);

 

  ·   in determining the consideration or price pursuant to the above, no deduction shall be made for any commissions or fees (howsoever described) or any expenses paid or incurred for any underwriting, placing or management of the issue of the relevant Common Shares or Securities or options, warrants or rights, or otherwise in connection therewith; and

 

  ·   the consideration or price shall be determined as provided above on the basis of the consideration or price received, receivable, paid or payable regardless of whether all or part thereof is received, receivable, paid or payable by or to BBVA or another entity.

If the Conversion Settlement Date in relation to the Conversion of any contingent convertible preferred security of any series shall be after the record date in respect of any consolidation, reclassification, redesignation

 

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or sub-division as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) above, or after the record date or other due date for the establishment of entitlement for any such issue, distribution, grant or offer (as the case may be) as is mentioned in sub-paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e) or (i) above, or after the date of the first public announcement of the terms of any such issue or grant as is mentioned in sub-paragraphs (f) or (g) above or of the terms of any such modification as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (h) above, but before the relevant adjustment to the Floor Price (if applicable) becomes effective pursuant to the provisions described in this section “—Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price” (such adjustment, a “Retroactive Adjustment”), then BBVA shall (conditional upon the relevant adjustment becoming effective) procure that there shall be delivered to the Conversion Shares Depository, for onward delivery to the holders of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Delivery Notices received by the Conversion Shares Depository, such additional number of Common Shares (if any) (the “Additional Common Shares”) as, together with the Common Shares issued on Conversion of the contingent convertible preferred securities (together with any fraction of a Common Share not so delivered to any relevant holder), is equal to the number of Common Shares which would have been required to be issued and delivered on such Conversion if the relevant adjustment to the Floor Price had been made and become effective immediately prior to the relevant Conversion Notice Date (subject as provided above with respect to fractions), provided that, where applicable, if the Conversion Shares Depository and/or the holders, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive the relevant Dividend in respect of the Common Shares to be issued or delivered to them, then no such Retroactive Adjustment shall be made in relation to such Dividend and Additional Common Shares shall not be issued and delivered to the Conversion Shares Depository and holders in relation thereto. If Additional Common Shares are required under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, all references to the issue and/or delivery of Common Shares in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture shall be construed accordingly.

If any doubt shall arise as to whether an adjustment is required to be made to the Floor Price or as to the appropriate adjustment to the Floor Price, BBVA may at its discretion appoint an Independent Financial Adviser and, following consultation between BBVA and such Independent Financial Adviser, a written determination of such Independent Financial Adviser in respect thereof shall be conclusive and binding on all parties (including the holders and beneficial owners of any contingent convertible preferred security), save in the case of manifest error.

No adjustment will be made to the Floor Price where Common Shares or other Securities (including rights, warrants and options) are issued, offered, exercised, allotted, purchased, appropriated, modified or granted to, or for the benefit of, employees or former employees (including directors holding or formerly holding executive or non-executive office or the personal service company of any such person) or their spouses or relatives, in each case, of BBVA or any member of the BBVA Group or any associated company or to a trustee or trustees or intermediary to be held for the benefit of any such person, in any such case pursuant to any share or option or similar scheme.

On any adjustment, if the resultant Floor Price has more decimal places than the initial Floor Price, it shall be rounded down to the same number of decimal places as the initial Floor Price. No adjustment shall be made to the Floor Price where such adjustment (rounded down if applicable) would be less than 1% of the Floor Price then in effect. Any adjustment not required to be made pursuant to the above, and/or any amount by which the Floor Price has been rounded down, shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment, and such subsequent adjustment shall be made on the basis that the adjustment not required to be made had been made at the relevant time and/or, as the case may be, that the relevant rounding down had not been made.

Notice of any adjustments to the Floor Price shall be given by BBVA to holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series through the filing of a relevant information ( información relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and in accordance with “—Notices” below promptly after the determination thereof.

Conversion Procedures

If a Trigger Event occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, then BBVA will notify the Regulator and the Holders of such series of contingent convertible preferred securities immediately upon BBVA’s determination that a Trigger Event has occurred (i) through the filing of a relevant information ( información relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant

 

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authority and (ii) in accordance with “—Notices” below (together, the “Trigger Event Notice”). Any failure by BBVA to give a Trigger Event Notice or otherwise notify the Holders of a Trigger Event will have no impact on the effectiveness of, or otherwise invalidate, any Trigger Conversion, will not constitute an Enforcement Event with respect to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities, or give the Holders or beneficial owners of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series any rights as a result of such failure.

If a Capital Reduction occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, then BBVA will notify the Regulator and the holders of such series of contingent convertible preferred securities immediately (i) through the filing of a relevant information ( información relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and (ii) in accordance with “—Notices” below (together, the “Capital Reduction Notice”). Any failure by BBVA to give a Capital Reduction Notice or otherwise notify the holders of a Capital Reduction, will have no impact on the effectiveness of, or otherwise invalidate, any Capital Reduction, will not constitute an Enforcement Event with respect to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities, or give the holders or beneficial owners of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series any rights as a result of such failure.

A Conversion Notice shall be a written notice specifying the following:

 

  ·   that a Trigger Event or a Capital Reduction has occurred, as the case may be;

 

  ·   in the case of a Capital Reduction Notice, the Conversion Price;

 

  ·   in the case of a Capital Reduction Notice, the Election Period and the procedures holders must follow with respect to timely submission of Election Notices;

 

  ·   in the case of a Capital Reduction Notice, the expected Conversion Settlement Date, which shall be as soon as practicable and in any event not later than one month following (or such other period as Applicable Banking Regulations may require) the Conversion Notice Date;

 

  ·   the contact details of the Conversion Shares Depository and Paying and Conversion Agent and the procedures holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities must follow to obtain delivery of the Common Shares;

 

  ·   that the contingent convertible preferred securities (other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, contingent convertible preferred securities which holders elect not to convert in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”) shall remain in existence for the sole purposes of evidencing the holder’s right to receive Common Shares from or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository and, in the case of a Capital Reduction, of evidencing the holder’s right to receive payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date as provided under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”; and

 

  ·   a request that holders and beneficial owners (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of such contingent convertible preferred securities complete a Delivery Notice to be delivered, together with the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities held by them (other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, contingent convertible preferred securities which holders elect not to convert in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”), to the specified office of the Paying and Conversion Agent, with a copy of such Delivery Notice to the trustee, no later than five Business Days (in the relevant place of delivery) prior to the relevant Conversion Settlement Date (the “Notice Cut-off Date”).

In the case of a Trigger Event, BBVA shall further notify the holders of the relevant series of contingent convertible preferred securities of the expected Conversion Settlement Date and of the Conversion Price within ten (10) Business Days of the Conversion Notice Date in accordance with “—Notices” below.

The Conversion Notice Date shall be deemed to be the date on which the Trigger Event Notice or the Capital Reduction Notice, as the case may be, is communicated through the filing of a relevant information ( información relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and is published in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority.

Upon BBVA’s determination that a Trigger Event has occurred or upon BBVA’s adoption of a Capital Reduction measure, it shall, prior to giving a Conversion Notice, deliver to the trustee a certificate stating that a

 

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Conversion Event has occurred, which the trustee shall accept without any further enquiry as sufficient evidence of such matters, and such certificate will be conclusive and binding on the trustee, the holders and beneficial owners of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series. BBVA shall provide a copy of the Conversion Notice to the trustee as soon as it is available.

Within two (2) Business Days after its receipt of the Conversion Notice, the trustee shall transmit the Conversion Notice to the depositary and BBVA expects that, promptly following its receipt of the Conversion Notice, pursuant to the relevant procedures then in effect, the depositary shall post the Conversion Notice to, if DTC is acting as depositary, its Reorganization Inquiry for Participants System (or in the case of any other depositary, its equivalent).

If a Trigger Event occurs, the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will be converted in whole and not in part, and if a Capital Reduction occurs, the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will be converted in whole and not in part except for contingent convertible preferred securities in respect of which such holders have elected not to convert such contingent convertible preferred securities in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”.

Notwithstanding anything set forth in this prospectus to the contrary, except in the case of a Capital Reduction with respect to any contingent convertible preferred securities in respect of which the holders have elected not to convert such contingent convertible preferred securities in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” (as the case may be), upon a Conversion, (i) subject to the right of holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities relating to a breach of the Performance Obligation (as defined below) in the event of a failure by BBVA to issue and deliver any Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository on the Conversion Settlement Date and, in the case of a Capital Reduction, the right of Holders to receive payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date as provided under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions” and except as provided under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”), the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture shall impose no duties upon the trustee whatsoever with regard to a Conversion (except the limited duties set forth in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture in respect of a global security which is surrendered for conversion in part upon a Capital Reduction), and the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities converted or to be converted shall have no rights whatsoever under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or such contingent convertible preferred securities to instruct the trustee to take any action whatsoever and (ii) as of the Conversion Notice Date, except for any indemnity and/or security provided by any holders of such contingent convertible preferred securities in such direction or related to such direction, any direction previously given to the trustee by any holders of such contingent convertible preferred securities shall cease automatically and shall be null and void and of no further effect.

BBVA’s obligations to indemnify the trustee in accordance with the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture shall survive any Conversion.

Agreement and Waiver with Respect to Conversion

The contingent convertible preferred securities of any series are not convertible into Common Shares at the option of holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series at any time and are not redeemable in cash as a result of a Conversion Event. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, by its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder and beneficial owner shall be deemed to have (i) agreed to all the terms and conditions of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, including, without limitation, those related to (x) Conversion following a Trigger Event or Capital Reduction, as the case may be, and (y) the appointment of the Conversion Shares Depository, the issuance of the Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository (or to the relevant recipient in accordance with the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or the Conversion Notice), and acknowledged that such events in (x) and (y) may occur without any further action on the part of the holders or beneficial owners of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or the trustee, (ii) agreed that effective upon, and following, the Conversion, no amount shall be due and payable to the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities so converted (other than any accrued and unpaid Distributions to be paid upon a Capital Reduction Conversion in accordance with the provisions set forth under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”, and except as provided under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”)), and

 

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BBVA’s liability to pay any such amounts (including the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, or any Distribution in respect of (other than any accrued and unpaid Distributions to be paid upon a Capital Reduction Conversion in accordance with the provisions set forth under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction” (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in, “—Payments—Distributions”, and except as provided under “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”)), except as noted below under “—Settlement Procedures” with respect to certain stamp and similar taxes, shall be automatically released, and the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities so converted shall not have the right to give a direction to the trustee with respect to the Conversion Event and any related Conversion, (iii) waived, to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, any claim against the trustee arising out of its acceptance of its trusteeship under, and the performance of its duties, powers and rights in respect of, the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and in connection with the contingent convertible preferred securities so converted or to be converted, including, without limitation, claims related to or arising out of or in connection with a Conversion Event and/or any Conversion and (iv) authorized, directed and requested DTC, the European Clearing Systems and any direct participant in DTC, the European Clearing Systems or other intermediary or depositary through which it holds such contingent convertible preferred securities to be converted to take any and all necessary action, if required, to implement the Conversion without any further action or direction on the part of such holder or beneficial owner of such contingent convertible preferred securities or the trustee.

Settlement Procedures

Delivery of the Common Shares to the holders of converted contingent convertible preferred securities upon a Conversion Event shall be made in accordance with the following procedures. BBVA may make changes to these procedures to the extent such changes are reasonably necessary, in the opinion of BBVA, including to reflect changes in clearing system practices.

Holders of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities cleared and settled through DTC may elect to have their Common Shares delivered in the form of Common Shares or ADSs in accordance with the procedures described below. The obligation to deliver ADSs if a holder elects to have its Common Shares delivered in such form will apply only if on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date BBVA continues to maintain an ADS depositary facility. For further information on the ADSs and BBVA’s current ADS deposit agreement, see “Description of BBVA American Depositary Shares”.

In order to obtain delivery of the relevant Common Shares, or, if indicated in the relevant Delivery Notice, ADSs, upon any Conversion from the Conversion Shares Depository, the relevant holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) must deliver its contingent convertible preferred securities (other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, contingent convertible preferred securities which holders elect not to convert in accordance with “—Conversion Upon Capital Reduction”) and a duly completed Delivery Notice to the specified office of the Paying and Conversion Agent, with a copy of such Delivery Notice to the trustee, on or before the Notice Cut-off Date. The Delivery Notice shall contain: (i) the name of the holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of the contingent convertible preferred securities to be converted; (ii) the aggregate Liquidation Preference held by such holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of such converted contingent convertible preferred securities on the date of such notice; (iii) the name in which the Common Shares or ADSs, as applicable, are to be registered, if applicable; (iv) whether Common Shares or ADSs are to be delivered to the holder or beneficial owner of such contingent convertible preferred securities; (v) the details of the DTC, Iberclear or other clearing system account (subject to the limitations set out below) to which the Common Shares or ADSs are to be credited (or, if the Common Shares are not a participating security in Iberclear or another clearing system, the address to which the Common Shares should be delivered; and, as the case may be, details of the registered account in BBVA’s ADS facility if direct registration ADSs are to be issued); (vi) any relevant certifications and/or representations as may be required by applicable law and regulations; and (vii) such other details as may be required by the Paying and Conversion Agent or any relevant Clearing System.

If the contingent convertible preferred securities are held through DTC, the Delivery Notice must be given and the contingent convertible preferred securities delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC (which may include the notice being given to the Paying and Conversion Agent by electronic means) and in a form acceptable to DTC and the Paying and Conversion Agent. With respect to any contingent convertible preferred securities held in definitive form, the Delivery Notice must be delivered to the specified office of the Paying and Conversion Agent together with the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities, except as otherwise indicated in the relevant Conversion Notice.

 

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Subject as provided in this section “Settlement Procedures” and provided that the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities and a duly completed Delivery Notice have been delivered not later than the Notice Cut-off Date, the Paying and Conversion Agent shall give instructions to the Conversion Shares Depository that the Conversion Shares Depository shall deliver the relevant Common Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares) to, or shall deposit part or all of such Common Shares with the ADS Depositary on behalf of, the holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities completing such Delivery Notice or its nominee in accordance with the instructions given in such Delivery Notice on the applicable Conversion Settlement Date.

Any Delivery Notice shall be irrevocable. Failure properly to complete and deliver a Delivery Notice and deliver the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities may result in such Delivery Notice being treated as null and void and BBVA shall be entitled to procure the sale of any applicable Common Shares to which the relevant holder may be entitled in accordance with the provisions described in “—Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice” below. Any determination as to whether any Delivery Notice has been properly completed and delivered as provided in this section “—Settlement Procedures” shall be made by BBVA in its sole discretion, acting in good faith, and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the relevant holders and beneficial owners (and any custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof).

Delivery of ADSs

In respect of any Common Shares that holders elect to receive in the form of ADSs as specified in the Delivery Notice, the Conversion Shares Depository shall deposit with the custodian for the ADS Depositary the relevant number of Common Shares to be issued upon Conversion of the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities, and the ADS Depositary shall issue the corresponding number of ADSs to the DTC Participant account or registered ADS facility account specified by such holders (per the ADS-to-Common Share ratio in effect on the Conversion Settlement Date). However, the issuance of the ADSs by the ADS Depositary may be delayed until the depositary bank or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the Common Shares have been duly transferred to the custodian and that all applicable depositary fees and payments have been paid to the ADS Depositary. For further information on the ADSs or the ADS deposit agreement, see “Description of BBVA American Depositary Shares”.

Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice

If a duly completed Delivery Notice and the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities are not delivered to the Paying and Conversion Agent as provided in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and in the relevant Conversion Notice on or before the Notice Cut-off Date, then at any time following the Notice Cut-off Date and prior to the 10th Business Day after the Conversion Settlement Date, BBVA may in its sole and absolute discretion (and the relevant holders and beneficial owners of such contingent convertible preferred securities shall be deemed to agree thereto), elect to appoint a person (the “Selling Agent”) to procure that all Common Shares held by the Conversion Shares Depository in respect of which the applicable contingent convertible preferred securities and duly completed Delivery Notice have not been delivered on or before the Notice Cut-off Date as aforesaid be sold by or on behalf of the Selling Agent as soon as reasonably practicable.

Subject to the deduction by or on behalf of the Selling Agent of any amount payable in respect of its liability to taxation and the payment of any capital, stamp, issue, registration and/or transfer taxes and duties (if any) and any fees or costs incurred by or on behalf of the Selling Agent in connection with the issue, allotment and sale of any Common Shares pursuant to the preceding paragraph, and the conversion of any proceeds of such sale into U.S. dollars, the net proceeds of such sale, converted into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate on the Notice Cut-off Date, if necessary, shall as soon as reasonably practicable be distributed ratably to the relevant holders in such manner and at such time as BBVA shall determine and notify to the relevant holders. Such payment shall for all purposes discharge the obligations of BBVA, the Conversion Shares Depository, the Paying and Conversion Agent and the Selling Agent to such holders in respect of the relevant Conversion.

BBVA, the Conversion Shares Depository, the Paying and Conversion Agent and the Selling Agent shall have no liability in respect of the exercise or non-exercise of any discretion or power pursuant to this section “—Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice” or in respect of any sale of any Common Shares, whether for the timing of any such sale or the price at or manner in which any such Common Shares are sold or the inability to sell any such Common Shares. Furthermore, BBVA, the Conversion Shares Depository, the Paying and Conversion

 

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Agent and the Selling Agent shall have no liability to any holder or beneficial owner of the contingent convertible preferred securities for any loss resulting from such holder’s or beneficial owner’s failure to receive any Common Shares or ADSs, or from any delay in the receipt thereof, in each case as a result of such holder or beneficial owner (or custodian, nominee, broker or other representative thereof) failing to duly submit a Delivery Notice and the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities on a timely basis or at all.

If the applicable contingent convertible preferred securities and Delivery Notice are not delivered to the Paying and Conversion Agent on or before the Notice Cut-off Date and BBVA does not appoint the Selling Agent by the 10th Business Day after the Conversion Settlement Date, or if any Common Shares are not sold by the Selling Agent in accordance with this section “—Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice”, the Conversion Shares Depository shall continue to hold any Common Shares not sold by the Selling Agent until a duly completed Delivery Notice and the relevant contingent convertible preferred securities are so delivered. However, any holder or beneficial owner (or custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of such contingent convertible preferred securities delivering a Delivery Notice after the Notice Cut-off Date will have to provide evidence of its entitlement to the relevant Common Shares, or if the holder so elects, ADSs, satisfactory to the Conversion Shares Depository in its sole and absolute discretion in order to receive delivery of such Common Shares or ADSs (if so elected to be deposited with the ADS Depositary on its behalf).

Certain Taxes and Other Costs

A holder of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series or Selling Agent must pay (in the case of the Selling Agent by means of deduction from the net proceeds of sale referred to in “—Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice”) any taxes and capital, stamp, issue, registration and transfer taxes or duties arising on Conversion (other than any capital, stamp, issue, registration and transfer taxes or duties payable in Spain by BBVA in respect of the issue and delivery of the Common Shares in accordance with a Delivery Notice delivered pursuant to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture which shall be paid by BBVA) and such holder or the Selling Agent (as the case may be) must pay (in the case of the Selling Agent, by way of deduction from the net proceeds of sale as aforesaid) all, if any, taxes or duties arising by reference to any disposal or deemed disposal of a contingent convertible preferred security or interest therein.

Any costs incurred by the Conversion Shares Depository or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Conversion Shares Depository in connection with the holding by the Conversion Shares Depository of any Common Shares and any amount received in respect thereof shall be deducted by the Conversion Shares Depository from such amount (or, if such deduction is not possible, paid to the Conversion Shares Depository, by the relevant holder) prior to the delivery of such Common Shares and/or payment of such amount to the relevant holder.

If BBVA shall fail to pay any capital, stamp, issue, registration and transfer taxes or duties for which it is responsible as provided above, the holder or Selling Agent, as the case may be, shall be entitled (but shall not be obliged) to tender and pay the same and BBVA as a separate and independent obligation, undertakes to reimburse and indemnify each holder or Selling Agent, as the case may be, in respect of any payment thereof and any penalties payable in respect thereof.

Status of the Common Shares

The Common Shares issued on Conversion will be fully paid and will in all respects rank pari passu with the fully paid Common Shares in issue on the relevant Conversion Notice Date, except in any such case for any right excluded by mandatory provisions of applicable law and except that such Common Shares will not rank for (or, as the case may be, the relevant holder shall not be entitled to receive) any rights, distributions or payments the record date or other due date for the establishment of entitlement for which falls prior to the Conversion Settlement Date.

Additional Amounts

Unless otherwise specified in the relevant prospectus supplement, all payments of Distributions payable in respect of contingent convertible preferred securities by BBVA will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges (collectively “Taxes”) of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of Spain or any political subdivision thereof or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax, unless the withholding or deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges is required by law. In that event, BBVA

 

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shall (to the extent such payment can be made out of Distributable Items of BBVA on the same basis as for payment of any Distribution) pay, in respect of any withholding or deduction imposed on payments of Distributions only (and not Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) or other amount), such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as will result in holders of any series of outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities receiving such amounts as they would have received in respect of such Distributions had no such withholding or deduction been required.

BBVA shall not be required to pay any Additional Amounts in relation to any payment in respect of any contingent convertible preferred security:

(a) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if the holder or the beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series is liable for such Taxes in respect of such contingent convertible preferred security by reason of his having some connection with Spain other than the mere holding of such contingent convertible preferred security; or

(b) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if the holder or the beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities fails to provide BBVA or the trustee or Paying Agent (as BBVA may determine in connection with each series of contingent convertible preferred securities) acting on behalf of BBVA the information concerning such holder or beneficial owner as may be required in order to comply with any procedures that may be implemented to comply with any interpretation of Royal Decree 1065/2007, as amended, made by the Spanish Tax Authorities; or

(c) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if the holder or the beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series failed to make any necessary claim or to comply with any certification, identification or other requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the taxing jurisdiction of such holder or beneficial owner, if such claim or compliance is required by statute, regulation or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction of BBVA as a condition to relief or exemption from such taxes; or

(d) presented for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the Relevant Date, except to the extent that the relevant holder would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts on presenting the same for payment on the expiry of such period of 30 days; or

(e) to, or to a third party on behalf of, individuals resident for tax purposes in the Kingdom of Spain; or

(f) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a Spanish-resident legal entity subject to Spanish corporation tax if the Spanish tax authorities determine that the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series do not comply with exemption requirements specified in the Reply to a Consultation of the Directorate General for Taxation ( Dirección General de Tributos ) dated July 27, 2004, and require a withholding to be made; or

(g) where the withholding or deduction is required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the Code or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (“FATCA”), any regulations or agreements thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, any intergovernmental agreements with respect thereto (including the intergovernmental agreement between the United States and Spain on the implementation of FATCA), or any law implementing an intergovernmental agreement or any regulations or official interpretations relating thereto.

In addition, Additional Amounts will not be payable with respect to any Taxes that are imposed in respect of any combination of the items listed in (a) through (g) set forth above.

Additional Amounts will also not be paid with respect to any payment to a holder who is a fiduciary, a partnership, a limited liability company or person other than the sole beneficial owner of that payment, to the extent that payment would be required by the laws of Spain (or any political subdivision thereof) to be included in the income, for tax purposes, of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, a member of that partnership, an interest holder in that limited liability company or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts had it been the holder.

For the purposes of this section:

“Relevant Date” means, in respect of any payment, the date on which such payment first becomes due and payable, except that, if the full amount of the moneys payable has not been duly received by the Principal Paying

 

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Agent on or prior to such due date, it means the date on which, the full amount of such moneys having been so received and being available for payment to holders, notice to that effect is duly given to the holders in accordance with“—Notices” below.

Except where the context requires otherwise, any reference in this prospectus and, if applicable, the relevant prospectus supplement to Distributions in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities shall be deemed to include any Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto.

Undertakings

So long as any contingent convertible preferred security of a series remains outstanding, BBVA shall, unless approved by a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of such series:

(a) not make any issue, grant or distribution or take or omit to take any other action if the effect thereof would be that, on Conversion, Common Shares could not, under any applicable law then in effect, be legally issued as fully paid;

(b) if any offer is made to all (or as nearly as may be practicable all) Shareholders (or all (or as nearly as may be practicable all) such Shareholders other than the offeror and/or any associates of the offeror) to acquire all or a majority of the issued Common Shares, or if a scheme is proposed with regard to such acquisition (other than a Newco Scheme), give notice of such offer or scheme to the holders at the same time as any notice thereof is sent to the Shareholders (or as soon as practicable thereafter) that details concerning such offer or scheme may be obtained from the specified offices of the Paying and Conversion Agent and, where such an offer or scheme has been recommended by the board of directors of BBVA, or where such an offer has become or been declared unconditional in all respects or such scheme has become effective, use all commercially reasonable endeavors to procure that a like offer or scheme is extended to the holders of any Common Shares issued during the period of the offer or scheme arising out of any Conversion and/or to the holders;

(c) in the event of a Newco Scheme, take (or shall procure that there is taken) all necessary action to ensure that such amendments are made to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement as are necessary to ensure that the contingent convertible preferred securities may be converted into or exchanged for ordinary shares in Newco (or depositary or other receipts or certificates representing ordinary shares of Newco) mutatis mutandis in accordance with and subject to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and the ordinary shares of Newco are:

 

  (i) admitted to the Relevant Stock Exchange; or

 

  (ii) listed and/or admitted to trading on another Recognized Stock Exchange,

and the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of the relevant series (which, for this purpose, includes holders of a beneficial interest in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series) irrevocably authorize BBVA to make such amendments to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture without the need for any further authorization from the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series;

(d) issue, allot and deliver Common Shares upon Conversion subject to and as provided in “—Conversion” above;

(e) use all reasonable endeavors to ensure that its issued and outstanding Common Shares and any Common Shares issued upon Conversion will be admitted to listing and trading on the Relevant Stock Exchange or will be listed and/or admitted to trading on another Recognized Stock Exchange;

(f) at all times keep in force the relevant resolutions needed for issue, free from pre-emptive rights, sufficient authorized but unissued Common Shares to enable Conversion of the contingent convertible preferred securities, and all rights of subscription and exchange for Common Shares, to be satisfied in full; and

(g) where the provisions of “—Conversion” above require or provide for a determination by an Independent Financial Adviser or a role to be performed by a Conversion Shares Depository or a Paying and Conversion Agent, BBVA shall use all reasonable endeavors promptly to appoint such persons for such purposes.

 

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Modification and Waiver

BBVA and the trustee may make certain modifications and amendments to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and any applicable supplemental indenture with respect to any series of contingent convertible preferred securities without the consent of the holders of such contingent convertible preferred securities for any of the following purposes:

 

  ·   to evidence the succession of another person to BBVA and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of BBVA in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and in the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series;

 

  ·   to add to the covenants of BBVA for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of contingent convertible preferred securities (and, if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of contingent convertible preferred securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power conferred upon BBVA by the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture;

 

  ·   to add any additional Enforcement Events;

 

  ·   to make changes to procedures relating to Conversion, delivery of the Common Shares, or ADSs, as applicable, provided, however, that, unless such changes are made as a result of any change in, or amendment to, any relevant laws or regulations, no such change shall adversely affect the interests of the holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series in any material respect;

 

  ·   to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, or any supplemental indenture, provided, however, that any such addition, change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no outstanding contingent convertible preferred security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture effecting such addition, change or elimination which would be adversely affected by such addition, change or elimination and in respect of which such supplemental indenture would apply;

 

  ·   to establish the form or terms of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series as permitted by the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture;

 

  ·   to change any place of payment, so long as any required place of payment is maintained;

 

  ·   to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or in any supplemental indenture;

 

  ·   to vary, substitute or change specified terms of any series of contingent convertible preferred securities subject to the conditions set forth in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series in any material respect;

 

  ·   to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture by a successor trustee with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture;

 

  ·   to change or eliminate any provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture so as to conform with the current provisions or any future provisions of the Trust Indenture Act;

 

  ·   to name a different trustee for a particular series of contingent convertible preferred securities;

 

  ·   to delete, amend or supplement any provision contained in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or in any supplemental indenture as a result of, and to the extent required by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority;

 

  ·   to delete, amend or supplement any provision contained in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or in any supplemental indenture as a result of, and to the extent required by, Applicable Banking Regulations;

 

  ·  

with respect to any contingent convertible preferred security (including a global security), to amend any such contingent convertible preferred security to conform to the description of the terms of such contingent convertible preferred security in the prospectus, prospectus supplement, product

 

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supplement, pricing supplement or any other similar offering document related to the offering of such contingent convertible preferred security; and

 

  ·   to change or modify any provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture as necessary to ensure that the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series shall be convertible into ordinary shares of Newco in the event of a Newco Scheme.

Other modifications and amendments may be made to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and any applicable supplemental indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of each series affected by the modification or amendment, voting as one class. However, no modifications or amendments may be made without the consent of the holder of each contingent convertible preferred security affected that would:

 

  ·   change the terms of any contingent convertible preferred security to reduce the Liquidation Preference (or premium, if any) payable upon the redemption of, or the Distributions payable on any contingent convertible preferred security (without prejudice to the provisions described herein, including under “—Payments—Distributions” and “—Agreement to Distribution Cancelation”), or change the obligation of BBVA (or its successor) to pay Additional Amounts (except as contemplated below under “—Substitution of Issuer”) on the contingent convertible preferred securities, or the currency in which payments under the contingent convertible preferred securities are to be made, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment when due and payable on or with respect to any contingent convertible preferred security, or modify the calculation of and any adjustment to, the Conversion Price;

 

  ·   reduce the percentage in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or of certain defaults thereunder and their consequences) provided for in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or reduce the requirements for a quorum or voting;

 

  ·   change in any manner adverse to the interests of the holders of any contingent convertible preferred securities the subordination provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities or the terms and conditions of the obligations of BBVA in respect of the due and punctual payment of any amounts due and payable on the contingent convertible preferred securities; or

 

  ·   modify the requirements applicable to the modifications and amendments referred to above or to the waiver of past Enforcement Events, except to increase any required percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding contingent convertible preferred security affected thereby;

except in each case with respect to any modification or amendment of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture which is entered into as a result of, and to the extent required by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority or Applicable Banking Regulations, as the case may be (in which case neither the consent nor the affirmative vote of any holder of an outstanding contingent convertible preferred security affected shall be required).

Additional Issuances

BBVA may, from time to time, without the consent of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, issue additional contingent convertible preferred securities of one or more of the series of contingent convertible preferred securities issued under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture having the same ranking and same Distribution Rate, redemption terms and other terms as the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series except for the price to the public, original Distribution accrual date, issue date and first Distribution Payment Date. Any such additional contingent convertible preferred securities, together with the contingent convertible preferred securities of the relevant series, will constitute a single series of contingent convertible preferred securities under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and shall be included in the definition of “contingent convertible preferred securities” in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture where the context so requires. There is no limitation on the amount of contingent convertible preferred securities that BBVA may issue under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture.

 

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BBVA may, from time to time, without the consent or sanction of the holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of any series: (i) take any action required to issue additional Parity Securities or authorize, create and issue one or more series of Parity Securities ranking equally with the contingent convertible preferred securities of any such series, as to the participation in the profits and/or assets of BBVA, without limit as to the amount; or (ii) take any action required to authorize, create and issue one or more classes or series of shares of BBVA or securities mandatorily convertible into Common Shares of BBVA ranking junior or senior to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any such series, as to the participation in the profits and/or assets of BBVA.

By acquiring a contingent convertible preferred security of any series, each holder and beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities agrees to renounce any rights of seniority or preference that may be conferred upon it (if any) under applicable Spanish law (to the extent permitted under applicable Spanish law) over any holder of such Parity Securities issued by BBVA from time to time.

The contingent convertible preferred securities of any series do not grant the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series pre-emption rights in respect of any possible future issues of Parity Securities or any other securities by BBVA or any Subsidiary.

Substitution of Issuer

BBVA may, without the consent of holders of any contingent convertible preferred securities of any series outstanding, consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into any other person or persons (whether or not affiliated with BBVA) or sell, convey or transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any person (whether or not affiliated with BBVA), provided that (a) any person formed by any consolidation, amalgamation or merger, or any transferee or lessee of BBVA’s assets shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture in form satisfactory to the trustee, all obligations of BBVA under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture; (b) immediately after giving effect to such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, no Enforcement Event and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Enforcement Event, shall have occurred and be continuing; (c) BBVA shall have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel in such forms as are required in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture; and (d) immediately prior to such assumption, the successor entity shall have ratings for long-term senior debt assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or their respective successors) which are the same as, or higher than, the credit rating for long-term senior debt of BBVA (or, if applicable, the previous successor entity) assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or their respective successors).

In addition, any holding company of BBVA or any wholly-owned subsidiary of BBVA may without the consent of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, assume the obligations of BBVA (or of any person which shall have previously assumed the obligations of BBVA) under the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, provided that (a) the successor entity shall expressly assume such obligations by an amendment to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture in form satisfactory to the trustee; (b) immediately after giving effect to such assumption of obligations, no Enforcement Event and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Enforcement Event, shall have occurred and be continuing; and (c) BBVA shall have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel in such forms as are required in the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture.

Following any of the events described in the preceding two paragraphs, BBVA will be released from all its obligations under the applicable contingent convertible preferred securities and contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and any supplemental indentures. In addition, Additional Amounts under the contingent convertible preferred securities of the relevant series will be payable in respect of taxes imposed by the jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence of the successor entity (subject to exceptions equivalent to those that apply to the obligation to pay Additional Amounts for taxes imposed in Spain) rather than taxes imposed by Spain. In addition, the successor entity will also be entitled to redeem the contingent convertible preferred securities in the circumstances described above under the section “—Redemption Due to a Tax Event”, except that if such successor entity is not incorporated or tax resident in Spain (a) references to Spain in the definition of “Tax Event” shall be deemed to refer to the successor entity’s jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence, and (b) the change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of such jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence or of any political subdivision thereof or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax, or the change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration of any such laws or regulations giving rise to a Tax Event shall become effective subsequent to the date of the relevant merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conveyance, transfer, lease or assumption, as the case may be.

 

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An assumption of the obligations of BBVA under any series of contingent convertible preferred securities might be considered for U.S. federal income tax purposes to be an exchange by the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series for new contingent convertible preferred securities, resulting in recognition of taxable gain or loss for these purposes and possible other adverse tax consequences for such holders. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local income tax consequences of an assumption.

Governing Law

The contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and any supplemental indentures (except as set forth herein and therein) will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in said state, except that the authorization and execution by BBVA of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, the authorization, issuance and execution by BBVA of the contingent convertible preferred securities and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture related to the subordination of the contingent convertible preferred securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Spain.

Waiver of Right of Set-off

Subject to applicable law, neither any holder or beneficial owner of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series nor the trustee acting on behalf of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series may exercise, claim or plead any right of set-off, compensation or retention in respect of any amount owed to it by BBVA in respect of, or arising under, or in connection with, the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and each holder and beneficial owner of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, by virtue of its holding of any contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or any interest therein, and the trustee acting on behalf of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, shall be deemed to have waived all such rights of set-off, compensation or retention. If, notwithstanding the above, any amounts due and payable to any holder or beneficial owner of a contingent convertible preferred security of any series or any interest therein by BBVA in respect of, or arising under, the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series are discharged by set-off, such holder or beneficial owner shall, subject to applicable law, immediately pay an amount equal to the amount of such discharge to BBVA (or, if a Liquidation Event shall have occurred, the liquidator or administrator of BBVA, as the case may be) and, until such time as payment is made, shall hold an amount equal to such amount in trust (where possible) or otherwise for BBVA (or the liquidator or administrator of BBVA, as the case may be) and, accordingly, any such discharge shall be deemed not to have taken place.

Trustee and Agents

Unless stated otherwise in the relevant prospectus supplement, the trustee for the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series will be The Bank of New York Mellon acting (except for its role as contingent convertible preferred security registrar) through its London Branch. The trustee makes no representations, and shall not be liable with respect to, the information set forth in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Unless stated otherwise in the relevant prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York Mellon acting through its London Branch will initially act as Principal Paying Agent for the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series. BBVA may appoint additional or successor agents (together, the “ Agents ”).

BBVA will procure that there will be, at all times at which contingent convertible preferred securities of any series are outstanding, a Principal Paying Agent and a Calculation Agent. BBVA may change the Principal Paying Agent and Calculation Agent without prior notice to the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series. Furthermore, BBVA is entitled to terminate the appointment of any Agent. In the event of such termination or such Agent being unable or unwilling to continue to act as Agent in the relevant capacity, BBVA will appoint another agent in accordance with the provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture.

Agreement and Acknowledgment with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power

Notwithstanding any other term of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or any other agreements, arrangements, or understandings

 

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between BBVA and any holder of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, by its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder (which, for the purposes of this section, includes each holder of a beneficial interest in the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series) acknowledges, accepts, consents to and agrees to be bound by: (i) the exercise and effect of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, which may be imposed with or without any prior notice with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, and may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof: (A) the reduction or cancellation of all, or a portion, of the Amounts Due on the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series; (B) the conversion of all, or a portion, of the Amounts Due on the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series into shares, other securities or other obligations of BBVA or another person (and the issue to or conferral on the holder of any such shares, securities or obligations), including by means of an amendment, modification or variation of the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities; (C) the cancellation of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series; (D) the amendment or alteration of the maturity, if any, of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series or amendment of the Liquidation Preference or Distributions payable on the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, or the date on which Distributions become payable, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and (ii) the variation of the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series or the rights of the holders thereunder or under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, if necessary, to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

By its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder acknowledges and agrees that neither a reduction or cancellation, in part or in full, of the Amounts Due on the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series or the conversion thereof into another security or obligation of BBVA or another person, in each case as a result of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to BBVA, nor the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series shall: (i) give rise to a default or event of default for purposes of Section 315(b) (Notice of Defaults) and Section 315(c) (Duties of the Trustee in Case of Default) of the Trust Indenture Act; or (ii) be a default or an Enforcement Event with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities or under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture. By its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder further acknowledges and agrees that no repayment or payment of Amounts Due on the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series shall become due and payable or be paid after the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority if, and to the extent that, such amounts have been reduced, converted, cancelled, amended or altered as a result of such exercise.

By its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder, to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, waives any and all claims, in law and/or in equity, against the trustee for, agrees not to initiate a suit against the trustee in respect of, and agrees that the trustee shall not be liable for, any action that the trustee takes, or abstains from taking, in either case in accordance with the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series. Additionally, by its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder acknowledges and agrees that, upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series: (i) the trustee shall not be required to take any further directions from the holders with respect to any portion of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series that is written down, converted to equity and/or cancelled under the provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture which authorizes holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding Liquidation Preference of the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series to direct certain actions relating to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series; and (ii) the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture shall not impose any duties upon the trustee whatsoever with respect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority; provided, however, that notwithstanding the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series, so long as any contingent convertible preferred securities of such series remain outstanding, there shall at all times be a trustee for the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series in accordance with the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, and the resignation and/or removal of the trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee shall continue to be governed by the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, including to the extent no additional supplemental indenture or amendment is agreed upon in the event the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series remain outstanding following the completion of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power.

 

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By its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder shall be deemed to have authorized, directed and requested the relevant depositary, Clearing Systems and any direct participant in any relevant Clearing System or other intermediary through which it holds such contingent convertible preferred securities to take any and all necessary action, if required, to implement the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities as it may be imposed, without any further action or direction on the part of such holder.

Upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, BBVA or the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as the case may be) shall provide a written notice to the relevant depositary as soon as practicable regarding such exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power for purposes of notifying the holders of such contingent convertible preferred securities. BBVA shall also deliver a copy of such notice to the trustee for information purposes.

If BBVA has elected to redeem the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series but, prior to the payment of the Redemption Price to holders, the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such series of contingent convertible preferred securities, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, there shall be no redemption and consequently no payment of the Redemption Price (and any other amounts payable under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture) will be due and payable.

By its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder acknowledges, accepts, consents to and agrees to be bound by (i) the exercise and effect of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, which may be imposed with or without any prior notice, with respect to any Common Shares that may be delivered to it upon the Conversion (if any) of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, and (ii) the variation of the terms of such Common Shares to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

Enforcement Events and Remedies

There are no events of default under any series of contingent convertible preferred securities. In addition, under the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture none of the following will be an Enforcement Event or give rise to a default for the purposes of Section 315(b) (Notice of Defaults) and Section 315(c) (Duties of the Trustee in Case of Default) of the Trust Indenture Act: (i) the cancellation or the deemed cancellation of any Distribution (in each case, in whole or in part) or the failure by BBVA to provide notice of any such cancellation or deemed cancellation, (ii) a Trigger Event or the failure by BBVA to provide notice of any such Trigger Event, (iii) a Capital Reduction or the failure by BBVA to provide notice of any such Capital Reduction, and (iv) the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power, the exercise of any other resolution tool by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority or any action in compliance therewith.

Enforcement Events

Each of the following events described in clauses (i) and (ii) is an “Enforcement Event” with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series:

(i) the breach of any term, obligation or condition binding on BBVA under the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series (other than any of BBVA’s payment obligations under or arising from the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, including payment of any Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts (including upon a Capital Reduction), payment of the Redemption Price or payment of any damages awarded for breach of any obligations) (a “Performance Obligation”); or

(ii) the occurrence of a Liquidation Event.

Neither the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power nor the exercise of any other resolution tool by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority or any action in compliance therewith shall constitute an Enforcement Event or other default under the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture.

 

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Remedies

The sole remedies of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of a series and the trustee under the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event shall be (1) with respect to the first Enforcement Event listed above, to seek enforcement of the relevant Performance Obligation, and (2) with respect to the second Enforcement Event listed above, to enforce the entitlement set forth under “—Liquidation Distribution”.

For the avoidance of doubt, the breach by BBVA of any Performance Obligation shall not give the trustee and/or the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series a claim for damages, and, in such circumstances, the sole and exclusive remedy that the trustee and/or the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series may seek under the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture is specific performance under New York law. By its acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, each holder and beneficial owner of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series will acknowledge and agree that such holder and beneficial owner will not seek, and will not direct the trustee to seek, a claim for damages against BBVA in respect of a breach by BBVA of a Performance Obligation and that the sole and exclusive remedy that such holder, beneficial owner and the trustee may seek under the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture for a breach by BBVA of a Performance Obligation is specific performance.

No Other Remedies

Other than the limited remedies specified above, no remedy against BBVA shall be available to the trustee (acting on behalf of the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series) or to the holders of the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series, whether for the recovery of amounts owing in respect of such contingent convertible preferred securities or under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, or in respect of any breach by BBVA of any of BBVA’s obligations under or in respect of the terms of such contingent convertible preferred securities or under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture in relation thereto.

Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in this section, (1) the trustee shall have such powers as are required to be authorized to it under the Trust Indenture Act in respect of the rights of the holders under the provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture and (2) nothing shall impair the rights of a holder of the contingent convertible preferred securities under the Trust Indenture Act, absent such holder’s consent, to sue for any payment due but unpaid with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities, provided that, in the case of (1) and (2), any payments in respect of, or arising from, the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series including any payments or amounts resulting or arising from the enforcement of any rights under the Trust Indenture Act in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities shall be subject to the subordination provisions of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture. For the avoidance of doubt, such limitations shall not apply to BBVA’s obligations to pay the fees and expenses of, and to indemnify, the trustee.

Trustee’s Duties

If an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing, the trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all contingent convertible preferred securities of such series waive any past Enforcement Event that results from a breach by BBVA of a Performance Obligation. Holders of a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of any series may not waive any past Enforcement Event that results from a Liquidation Event or any Enforcement Event in respect of a covenant or provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding contingent convertible preferred security of such series affected.

The holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any

 

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proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series. However, this direction (a) must not be in conflict with any rule of law, the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or the contingent convertible preferred securities of any series and (b) the trustee shall not determine that the action so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the holders of any contingent convertible preferred securities of any series not taking part in the direction. The trustee may also take any other action, not inconsistent with such direction, that it deems proper.

Limitation on Suits

No holder or beneficial owner of contingent convertible preferred securities shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such contingent convertible preferred securities, the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy, except as described below.

Before a holder of the contingent convertible preferred securities may bypass the trustee and bring its own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce its rights or protect its interests relating to the contingent convertible securities, the following must occur:

 

  ·   the holder must have given the trustee written notice that a continuing Enforcement Event has occurred and remains uncured;

 

  ·   the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of the relevant series must have made a written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of the Enforcement Event in its own name, as trustee;

 

  ·   such holder has offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

  ·   the trustee must have failed to institute any proceeding for 60 days after receipt of the above notice, request and offer of indemnity, and

 

  ·   the trustee must not have received an inconsistent direction from the majority in Liquidation Preference of all outstanding contingent convertible preferred securities of the relevant series during such 60-day period,

it being understood and intended that no one or more holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of a particular series shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or any contingent convertible preferred security to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such holder or holders of any contingent convertible preferred security, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other such holder or holders or to enforce any right under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all holders of contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or holders of any other contingent convertible preferred security.

Notices

All notices to holders of registered contingent convertible preferred securities shall be validly given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to them at their respective addresses in the register maintained by the trustee, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice given to the holder of a global security shall be sufficiently given if such notice is given in accordance with the applicable procedures of the relevant depositary.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or record of an act of holders or other document provided or permitted by the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the trustee by any holder, or any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver by BBVA, shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the trustee at its corporate trust office.

No Obligations to Beneficial Owners

None of BBVA, the trustee, any Paying Agent or the contingent convertible preferred security registrar shall have any responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner in a global security, any agent member (including,

 

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for purposes of this section, any participant in the depositary) or other person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the depositary or its nominee or of any agent member, with respect to any ownership interest in the contingent convertible preferred securities or with respect to the delivery to any agent member, beneficial owner or other person (other than the depository) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such contingent convertible preferred securities. All notices and communications to be given to the holders and all payments to be made to holders under the contingent convertible preferred securities and the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the holders (which shall be the depositary or its nominee in the case of the global security). The rights of beneficial owners in the global security shall be exercised only through the depositary subject to the applicable procedures. BBVA, the trustee, each Paying Agent and the contingent convertible preferred security registrar shall be entitled to rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the depositary with respect to its members and any beneficial owners. BBVA, the trustee, each Paying Agent and the contingent convertible preferred security registrar shall be entitled to deal with the depositary, and any nominee thereof, that is the registered holder of any global security for all purposes of the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture relating to such global security (including the payment of Liquidation Preference and Distributions and Additional Amounts, if any, and the giving of instructions or directions by or to the owner or holder of a beneficial ownership interest in such global security) as the sole holder of such global security and shall have no obligations to the beneficial owners thereof. None of BBVA, the trustee, each Paying Agent or the contingent convertible preferred security registrar shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of the depositary with respect to such global security, for the records of any such depositary, including records in respect of beneficial ownership interests in respect of any such global security, for any transactions between the depositary and any agent member or between or among the depositary, any such agent member and/or any holder or owner of a beneficial interest in such global security, or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any such global security.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any global security, nothing herein shall prevent BBVA, the trustee, or any agent of BBVA or the trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any depositary (or its nominee), as a holder, with respect to such global security or shall impair, as between such depositary and owners of beneficial interests in such global security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depositary (or its nominee) as holder of such global security.

Subsequent Holders’ Agreement

Holders and beneficial owners of any contingent convertible preferred securities of any series that acquire the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series or beneficial interests therein in the secondary market shall be deemed to acknowledge and agree to be bound by and consent to the same provisions specified herein and in the contingent convertible preferred securities to the same extent as the holders and beneficial owners of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series that acquire the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series upon their initial issuance, including, without limitation, with respect to the acknowledgment and agreement to be bound by and consent to the terms of the contingent convertible preferred securities of such series, including, without limitation, in relation to Distribution cancellation, the Conversion, the Spanish Bail-in Power (see “—Agreement and Acknowledgement with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power”) and the limitations on remedies specified in “ Enforcement Events and Remedies” above.

The Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon acting (except with respect to its role as contingent convertible preferred security registrar) through its London Branch, One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, is the trustee under the indenture with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities. The trustee shall have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture at the request of any holder of contingent convertible preferred securities, unless offered indemnity satisfactory to the trustee in its sole discretion by the holder against the costs, expense and liabilities which might be incurred thereby. BBVA and certain of its subsidiaries may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with The Bank of New York Mellon in the ordinary course of its business. The Bank of New York Mellon is also the book-entry depositary and Principal Paying Agent with respect to BBVA’s contingent convertible preferred securities. The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary with respect to the American Depositary Shares representing certain of BBVA’s preference shares and BBVA’s ordinary shares.

 

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Consent to Service of Process

Under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture, BBVA irrevocably designates BBVA, S.A., New York Branch, as its authorized agent for service of process in any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture or any supplemental indentures or any contingent convertible preferred securities brought in any federal or state court in The City of New York, New York and we irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of those courts.

 

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SPANISH TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of the material Spanish tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, ADSs, senior notes, subordinated notes and contingent convertible preferred securities. This summary is not a complete analysis or listing of all the possible tax consequences of such transactions and does not address all tax considerations that may be relevant to all categories of potential purchasers, some of whom may be subject to special rules. In particular, this tax section does not address the Spanish tax consequences applicable to “look-through” entities (such as trusts or estates) that may be subject to the tax regime applicable to such non-Spanish entities under the Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax Law or the tax treatment of the notes following any exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such securities.

Accordingly, prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of their purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs, senior notes, subordinated notes and contingent convertible preferred securities including the effect of tax laws of any other jurisdiction, based on their particular circumstances.

This information has been prepared in accordance with the following Spanish tax legislation in force at the date of this prospectus and is subject to amendment in subsequent prospectus supplements:

 

  (a) of general application, First Additional Provision of Law 10/2014. Consideration has also been given to Royal Decree 1065/2007, of July 27 (“RD 1065/2007”);

 

  (b) for individuals resident for tax purposes in Spain which are subject to the Individual Income Tax (“IIT”), Law 35/2006 of November 28, on the IIT and on the Partial Amendment of the Corporate Income Tax Law, the Non-Residents Income Tax Law and the Net Wealth Tax Law, and Royal Decree 439/2007, of March 30 promulgating the IIT Regulations, along with Law 29/1987, of December 18 on Inheritance and Gift Tax;

 

  (c) for legal entities resident for tax purposes in Spain which are subject to the Corporate Income Tax (“CIT”), Law 27/2014 of November 27 promulgating the CIT Law, and Royal Decree 634/2015, of July 10 promulgating the CIT Regulations; and

 

  (d) for individuals and entities who are not resident for tax purposes in Spain which are subject to Non-Residents Income Tax (“NRIT”), Royal Legislative Decree 5/2004 of March 5 promulgating the Consolidated Text of the NRIT Law and Royal Decree 1776/2004, of July 30 promulgating the NRIT Regulations, along with Law 29/1987, of December 18 on Inheritance and Gift Tax.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

  (i) The “Treaty” means the Convention between the United States and Spain for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, together with the related Protocol, both signed February 22, 1990.

 

  (ii) A “U.S. Resident” means a U.S. Holder (as defined below under “U.S. Tax Considerations”) that is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Treaty and entitled to the benefits of the Treaty and whose holding is not effectively connected with a permanent establishment (as defined by the Treaty) in Spain through which such holder carries on or has carried on business or with a fixed base in Spain from which such holder performs or has performed independent personal services.

For purposes of Spanish law and the Treaty, an owner of BBVA ADSs will generally be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. Holders of ordinary shares, or ADSs who are not U.S. Residents should consult their own tax advisors, particularly as to the applicability of any Double Tax Treaty referred to as a “DTT”.

The statements regarding Spanish tax laws set out below are based on interpretations of those laws as in force on the date of this document and are subject to any change in such law that may take effect after such date. Such statements also assume that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in full accordance with their terms.

Ordinary Shares or ADSs

1(a). Individuals and Legal Entities with no Tax Residency in Spain

Non-Resident Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre la Renta de no Residentes )

 

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( a) Investors with no Tax Residency in Spain not acting through a permanent establishment in Spain

i) Taxation of Dividends

Under Spanish law, dividends paid by a Spanish resident company to a non-Spanish resident holder of ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to the Spanish NRIT and therefore a 19% withholding tax is currently applied on the gross amount of dividends.

However, under the Treaty, a U.S. Resident is entitled to the Treaty-reduced rate of 15%, as a general rule, or 10% if the U.S. Resident is a corporation which owns more than 25% of the voting rights of the ordinary shares of BBVA.

In practice, on any dividend payment date, U.S. Residents will be subject to a withholding of 19% of the gross amount of dividends. However, U.S. Residents will be entitled to a refund of the amount withheld in excess of the Treaty-reduced rate, according to the procedure set forth by the Spanish legislation. To benefit from the Treaty reduced rate, a U.S. Resident must provide to BBVA or to the Spanish resident depositary, if any, through which its ordinary shares are held, a certificate from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) on Form 6166 stating that, to its best knowledge, such holder is a U.S. Resident within the meaning of the Treaty. The IRS certificate of residence is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. The issuance of Form 6166 by the IRS may be subject to substantial delay.

Quick Refund Process

Under the standard procedure agreed to between The Bank of New York Mellon and its Spanish resident depositary, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of BBVA ADSs claiming tax relief through the “Quick Refund” process must submit their valid IRS certificate of residence by the last day of the month in which the record date for receipt of the relevant dividend occurs.

The IRS certificate of residence will then be provided to the Spanish depositary before the fifth day following the end of the month in which the dividend record date occurs. Otherwise, the U.S. Resident may afterwards obtain a refund of the amount withheld in excess of the Treaty-reduced rate, directly from the Spanish tax authorities, following the standard refund procedure established by Spanish regulations. See “—Spanish Refund Procedure” below.

Spanish Refund Procedure

According to Spanish regulations on the NRIT, approved by Royal Decree 1776/2004, dated July 30, 2004 (“NRIT Regulations”), a refund for the amount withheld in excess of the Treaty-reduced rate can be obtained from the relevant Spanish tax authorities. To pursue the refund claim, the U.S. Resident is required to file:

 

  ·   The relevant Spanish tax form (currently, Form 210);

 

  ·   The IRS certificate of residence (IRS Form 6166) referred to above under “—Taxation of Dividends;” and

 

  ·   A certificate evidencing Spanish NRIT withheld regarding the dividends, which may generally be obtained from the U.S. resident’s broker.

ii). Taxation of Capital Gains

Capital gains realized by U.S. Residents from the disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will not be taxed in Spain, if (i) the seller has not maintained a direct or indirect holding of at least 25% of the ordinary shares outstanding during the twelve months preceding the disposition of the shares, and (ii) the gain is not obtained through a country or territory defined as a tax haven under applicable Spanish regulations.

Additionally, capital gains derived from the transfer of ordinary shares in an official Spanish secondary stock market by any holder who is resident in a country that has entered into a DTT with Spain containing an exchange of information clause (including the Treaty), will be exempt from taxation in Spain. This exemption is not applicable to capital gains obtained by a U.S. Resident through a country or territory defined as a tax haven under applicable Spanish regulations.

Non Spanish Holders must submit a Spanish Tax Form (currently Form 210) within the time periods set out in the applicable Spanish regulations and to pay the corresponding tax or establish an exemption. In particular,

 

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where any of the exemptions mentioned above applies, the seller will be obliged to file with the Spanish tax authorities the relevant Spanish tax form (currently, Form 210) together with the certificate of tax residence issued by the tax authorities of the country of residence (IRS Form 6166) evidencing its entitlement to the exemption.

(b) Investors with no Tax Residency in Spain acting through a permanent establishment in Spain

i) Taxation of dividends

If the ordinary shares form part of the assets of a permanent establishment in Spain of a person or legal entity who is not resident in Spain for tax purposes, the tax rules applicable to income deriving from such ordinary shares are the same as those for legal entities with tax residency in Spain described in section 1.c) i) below.

Ownership of the ordinary shares by investors who are not resident for tax purposes in Spain will not in itself create the existence of a permanent establishment in Spain.

ii) Taxation of capital gains

If the ordinary shares form part of the assets of a permanent establishment in Spain of a person or legal entity who is not resident in Spain for tax purposes, the tax rules applicable to capital gains derived from such ordinary shares are the same as those for legal entities with tax residency in Spain described section 1.c) ii) below.

Spanish Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Individuals resident in a country with which Spain has entered into a DTT in relation to Wealth Tax (and the United States and Spain have not entered into such a DTT) would generally not be subject to such tax. Otherwise, non-Spanish resident individuals with properties and rights located in Spain, or that can be exercised within the Spanish territory, in excess of €700,000 would be subject to Wealth Tax at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply, on the value of the ordinary shares or ADSs which they hold as at the end of the relevant fiscal year.

Legal entities are not subject to Wealth Tax.

Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones)

Unless otherwise provided under an applicable DTT (and the United States and Spain have not entered into such a DTT), transfers of ordinary shares upon death or by gift to individuals not resident in Spain are subject to Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax (Law 29/1987), if the ordinary shares or ADSs are located in Spain or the rights attached to such ordinary shares or ADSs are exercisable in Spain, regardless of the residence of the heir or the beneficiary. In this regard, the Spanish tax authorities may argue that all ordinary shares and all ADSs are located in Spain for Spanish tax purposes. If such a view were to prevail, non-resident holders in Spain who inherit or receive a gift of ordinary shares or ADSs would be subject to tax at an effective tax rate that depends on all relevant factors and that ranges between 0% and 81.6% for individuals. Gifts granted to non-Spanish resident corporations will be generally subject to Spanish NRIT as capital gains, subject to the exemptions referred to above under section “— Taxation of Capital Gains ”.

1(b). Individuals with Tax Residency in Spain

Individual Income Tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas)

i) Taxation of dividends

According to the IIT Law the following, amongst others, must be treated as gross capital income: income received by a Spanish shareholder in the form of dividends, consideration paid for attendance at shareholders’ meetings, income from the creation or assignment of rights of use or enjoyment of the shares and any other income received in his position as shareholder.

Gross capital income is reduced by any administration and custody expenses (but not by those incurred in individualized portfolio management); the net amount is included in the relevant Spanish shareholder’s savings taxable base at the applicable rate (currently varying from 19% to 23%).

 

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The payment to Spanish shareholders of dividends or any other distribution will be generally subject to a withholding tax at the then-applicable rate (currently set at 19%). Such withholding tax is creditable from the IIT payable; if the amount of tax withheld is greater than the amount of the net IIT payable, the taxpayer is entitled to a refund of the excess withheld in accordance with the IIT Law.

ii) Taxation of capital gains

Gains or losses recorded by a shareholder subject to IIT as a result of the transfer of ordinary shares qualify for the purposes of the IIT Law as capital gains or losses and are subject to taxation according to the general rules applicable to capital gains. The amount of capital gains or losses is equal to the difference between the shares’ acquisition value (plus any fees or taxes incurred) and the transfer value, which is the listed value of the shares as of the transfer date or, if higher, the agreed transfer price, less any fees or taxes incurred.

Capital gains or losses arising from the transfer of shares held by a Spanish shareholder are included in such Spanish savings taxable base at the applicable rate (currently varying from 19% to 23%).

Capital gains arising from the transfer of shares are not subject to withholding tax on account of IIT. Losses arising from the transfer of ordinary shares admitted to trading on certain official stock exchanges will not be treated as capital losses if ordinary shares of the same kind have been acquired during the period between two months before and two months after the date of the transfer which originated the loss. In these cases, the capital losses are included in the taxable base upon the transfer of the remaining ordinary shares by the taxpayer.

Net Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Individuals with tax residency in Spain are currently subject to Wealth Tax to the extent that their net worth exceeds €700,000, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply and the laws and regulations in force in each Autonomous Region, at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, on the value of the relevant securities which they hold as at the end of 2017.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Individuals resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over any relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and State rules. The effective tax rates currently range between 0% and 81.6%, depending on relevant factors.

1(c). Legal Entities with Tax Residency in Spain

Corporate Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sociedades )

i) Taxation of dividends

Dividends from BBVA received by corporate Spanish shareholders, less any expenses inherent to holding the ordinary shares, must be included in the CIT taxable base. The general CIT tax rate is 25%.

Dividends in respect of the shares obtained by the shareholders that (i) hold, directly or indirectly, at least 5% in the issuer’s stock or have a tax acquisition cost in the ordinary shares higher than €20 million; and (ii) hold such participation for at least one year prior to the relevant distribution date or commits to hold the participation for the time needed to complete such one-year holding period, may be exempt from CIT on that dividend as a general rule.

In case the conditions to apply this exemption applies to the relevant shareholder, and provided that the minimum one year holding period requirement is complied with on the distribution date in respect of the ordinary shares, dividends will not be subject to withholding tax. Otherwise, dividends will be taxed at the applicable CIT tax rate of the taxpayer and a withholding will apply (currently set at 19%). This CIT withholding will be credited against the taxpayer’s annual CIT due, and if the amount of tax withheld is greater than the amount of the annual CIT due, the taxpayer will be entitled to a refund of the excess withheld.

ii) Taxation of capital gains

Gains or losses arising from the sale of the ordinary shares by a shareholder that is a Spanish CIT taxpayer must be included in its taxable base. The general CIT tax rate is 25%. Gains arising from the sale of the ordinary shares will not be subject to withholding tax on account of CIT.

 

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For CIT payers that (i) hold, directly or indirectly, at least 5% in the issuer’s stock or have a tax acquisition cost higher than €20 million; and (ii) hold such participation for at least one year prior to the relevant transfer, capital gains will be exempt from CIT as a general rule. Otherwise, capital gains will be taxed at the CIT rate applicable to the relevant taxpayer.

In the case where more than 70 per cent. of the company’s revenues derive from dividends and capital gains arising from the transfer of shares, the application of the participation exemption is subject to particularly complex restrictions, substantially requiring that the shareholder holds an indirect participation of at least 5 per cent. in the share capital of the company’s subsidiaries. CIT payers are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding compliance of the requirements for application of the aforesaid participation exemption.

Capital gains deriving from the disposal of the Shares will not be subject to withholding tax on account of CIT.

Net Wealth Tax ( Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio )

Legal entities are not subject to Wealth Tax.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Legal entities resident in Spain for tax purposes (and NRIT taxpayers acting through a permanent establishment in Spain, as described below) which acquire ownership or other rights over the ordinary shares by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax.

Spanish Transfer Tax

Transfers of ordinary shares or ADSs will be exempt from Spanish Transfer Tax or Value Added Tax. Additionally, no Spanish Stamp Duty will be levied on the subscription for, acquisition of or transfer of ordinary shares or ADSs.

BBVA Rights to Subscribe for Ordinary Shares

The material Spanish tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of rights to subscribe for BBVA shares will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Senior Notes and Subordinated Notes

References in this section to holders of senior notes or subordinated notes, as the case may be (hereinafter, the relevant securities) are to the owners of a beneficial interest in the relevant securities, or beneficial owners, of the relevant securities. The statements regarding Spanish law and practice set forth below assume that the relevant securities will be issued, and transfers thereof will be made, in accordance with the Spanish law.

Whatever the nature and residence of the holders of relevant securities, the acquisition and transfer of the relevant securities will be exempt from indirect taxes in Spain, i.e. , exempt from Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty, in accordance with the Consolidated Text of such tax promulgated by Royal Legislative Decree 1/1993, of September 24 and exempt from Value Added Tax, in accordance with Law 37/1992, of December 28 regulating such tax.

1. Tax Rules for Senior Notes and Subordinated Notes Listed on a Regulated Market, a Multilateral Trading Facility or an Organized Market

The following summary assumes that the relevant securities will be listed on a Regulated Market, a Multilateral Trading Facility or an Organized Market.

1(a). Individuals with Tax Residency in Spain

Individual Income Tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas)

Income obtained by holders who are IIT taxpayers, both as interest and income obtained in connection with the transfer, redemption or repayment of the relevant securities, shall be considered income on investments obtained from the assignment of an individual’s capital to third parties, as defined in Section 25.2 of IIT Law, and therefore will be taxed as savings income at the applicable rate (currently varying from 19% to 23%).

 

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The above mentioned income will be subject to the corresponding IIT withholding at the applicable tax rate (currently 19%). Under Royal Decree 1065/2007, as amended by Royal Decree 1145/2011, income obtained in respect of the notes will not be subject to withholding tax in Spain, provided certain requirements are met, including that the relevant paying agent provides BBVA, in a timely manner, with certain information. See “—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer”.

Nevertheless, withholding tax at the applicable rate (currently 19%) may have to be deducted by other entities (such as depositaries or financial entities), provided that such entities are resident for tax purposes in Spain or have a permanent establishment in Spanish territory.

Net Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Individuals with tax residency in Spain are currently subject to Wealth Tax to the extent that their net worth exceeds €700,000, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply and the laws and regulations in force in each Autonomous Region, at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, on the value of the relevant securities which they hold as at the end of the relevant fiscal year.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Individuals resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over any relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and State rules. The effective tax rates currently range between 0% and 81.6%, depending on relevant factors.

1(b). Legal Entities with Tax Residency in Spain

Corporate Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sociedades )

Both distributions periodically received and income derived from the transfer, redemption or repayment of the relevant securities are subject to CIT (at the current general tax rate of 25%) in accordance with the rules for this tax.

Pursuant to Section 44.5 of Royal Decree 1065/2007, there is no obligation to withhold on income payable to CIT taxpayers (which for the sake of clarity, include Spanish tax resident investment funds and Spanish tax resident pension funds). Consequently, the Issuer will not withhold tax on interest payments to Spanish CIT taxpayers or on income derived from the redemption or repayment of the relevant securities provided that the reporting obligations described in section“—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer” are complied with.

However, in the case of securities held by a Spanish resident entity and deposited with a Spanish resident entity acting as depositary or custodian, payments of interest under the securities or income obtained upon the transfer, redemption or repayment of the Bonds may be subject to withholding tax at the current rate of 19 per cent. Such withholding will be made by the depository or custodian, if the securities do not comply with the exemption requirements specified in the ruling issued by the Directorate General for Taxation (Dirección General de Tributos) on 27 July 2004, which requires that the relevant securities be placed outside Spain in another OECD country and traded on organized markets in OECD countries.

For withholding on income derived from payment of interest of the relevant securities see “—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer”.

Net Wealth Tax ( Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio )

Legal entities are not subject to Wealth Tax.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Legal entities resident in Spain for tax purposes (and NRIT taxpayers acting through a permanent establishment in Spain, as described below) which acquire ownership or other rights over the relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax.

1(c). Individuals and Legal Entities with no Tax Residency in Spain

Non-Resident Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre la Renta de no Residentes )

 

  (a) Investors with no Tax Residency in Spain acting through a permanent establishment in Spain

 

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If the relevant securities form part of the assets of a permanent establishment in Spain of a person or legal entity who is not resident in Spain for tax purposes, the tax rules applicable to income deriving from such securities are, generally, the same as those previously set out for Spanish CIT taxpayers. See “— Legal Entities with Tax Residency in Spain—Corporate Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sociedades )”. Ownership of the senior notes or subordinated notes by investors who are not resident for tax purposes in Spain will not in itself create the existence of a permanent establishment in Spain.

 

  (b) Investors with no Tax Residency in Spain not acting through a permanent establishment in Spain

Income obtained by holders who are not tax resident in Spain acting for these purposes without a permanent establishment within Spain is exempt from NRIT, provided certain requirements are met, including that the relevant paying agent provides BBVA, in a timely manner, with certain information. See “—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer”.

Net Wealth Tax ( Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio )

Individuals resident in a country with which Spain has entered into a DTT in relation to Wealth Tax (and the United States and Spain have not entered into such a DTT) would generally not be subject to such tax. Otherwise, non-Spanish resident individuals with properties and rights located in Spain, or that can be exercised within the Spanish territory, in excess of €700,000 would be subject to Wealth Tax at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply, on the value of the relevant securities which they hold as at the end of the relevant fiscal year.

As a consequence of the European Court of Justice judgment (Case C-127/12), the Net Wealth Tax Law has been amended by Law 26/2014, of November 27. As a result, non-Spanish tax resident individuals who are residents in the EU or in the European Economic Area can apply the legislation of the region in which the highest value of the assets and rights of the individuals are located.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Individuals resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over any relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and State rules. The effective tax rates currently range between 0% and 81.6%, depending on relevant factors. Individuals not resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over senior notes or subordinated notes by inheritance, gift or legacy, will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and state rules, unless they reside in a country for tax purposes with which Spain has entered into a DTT in relation to Inheritance Tax. In such case, the provisions of the relevant DTT will apply. The United States and Spain have not entered into a DTT in relation to Inheritance Tax.

However, a judgment from the European Court of Justice dated September 3, 2014 declared that the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax is against the principle of free movement of capital within the EU as Spanish residents are granted tax benefits that, in practice, allow them to pay much lower taxes than non-residents. According to Law 26/2014, of November 27, it will be possible to apply tax benefits approved in some Spanish regions to EU residents by following certain specific rules.

Legal entities resident in Spain for tax purposes (and NRIT taxpayers acting through a permanent establishment in Spain) which acquire ownership or other rights over the relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax.

Non-Spanish resident legal entities which acquire ownership or other rights over the relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax. Such acquisitions will be subject to NRIT (as described above), subject to the provisions of any applicable DTT entered into by Spain. In general, DTTs provide for the taxation of this type of income in the country of residence of the beneficiary.

Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer

In accordance with Section 44 of Royal Decree 1065/2007 (“Section 44”), as amended by Royal Decree 1145/2011 of July 29, income obtained from debt securities which are originally listed on an organized market in an OECD country, will be paid free of Spanish withholding tax provided that the relevant paying agent provides BBVA with a statement containing the following information:

 

  (i) identification of the securities;

 

  (ii) payment date;

 

  (iii) total amount of income paid on the relevant date; and

 

  (iv) total amount of the income corresponding to each clearing house located outside Spain.

In accordance with Section 44, the relevant paying agent should provide BBVA with the statement referred to above on the business day immediately prior to the relevant payment of income. If the paying agent fails to

 

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deliver such statement on a timely basis, the related payment will be subject to Spanish withholding tax (currently at the general rate of 19%). In such an event, BBVA will pay the relevant holder such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amount received by such holder after such withholding equals the sum of the respective amounts of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, which would otherwise have been receivable in respect of the relevant securities in the absence of such withholding, except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or the relevant prospectus supplement.

2. Tax Rules for Senior Notes and Subordinated Notes not Listed on a Regulated Market, a Multilateral Trading Facility or an Organized Market

2(a). Withholding on Account of IIT, CIT and NRIT

If the senior notes or subordinated notes are not listed on a regulated market, a multilateral trading facility or an organized market and originally registered with the entities that manage clearing systems located outside Spain recognized by Spanish law or by the law of another OECD country, interest payments to beneficial owners in respect of such securities will be subject to withholding tax, currently at a rate of 19%, except if an exemption from Spanish tax or a reduced withholding tax rate is provided by an applicable convention for the avoidance of double taxation entered into between Spain and the country of residence of the relevant beneficial owner. The treaty generally provides for a withholding rate of 10% for U.S. Residents.

2(b). Net Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Individuals with tax residency in Spain are currently subject to Wealth Tax to the extent that their net worth exceeds €700,000, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply and the laws and regulations in force in each Autonomous Region, at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, on the value of the relevant securities which they hold as at the end of the relevant fiscal year.

Individuals resident in a country with which Spain has entered into a DTT in relation to Wealth Tax (and the United States and Spain have not entered into such a DTT) would generally not be subject to such tax. Otherwise, non-Spanish resident individuals with properties and rights located in Spain, or that can be exercised within the Spanish territory, in excess of €700,000 would be subject to Wealth Tax at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply, on the value of the relevant securities which they hold as at the end of the relevant fiscal year.

As a consequence of the European Court of Justice judgment (Case C-127/12), the Net Wealth Tax Law has been amended by Law 26/2014, of November 27. As a result, non-Spanish tax resident individuals who are residents in the EU or in the European Economic Area can apply the legislation of the region in which the highest value of the assets and rights of the individuals are located.

2(c). Inheritance and Gift Tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones)

Individuals resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over any relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and State rules. The effective tax rates currently range between 0% and 81.6%, depending on relevant factors.

Individuals not resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over senior notes or subordinated notes by inheritance, gift or legacy, will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and state rules, unless they reside in a country for tax purposes with which Spain has entered into a DTT in relation to Inheritance Tax. In such case, the provisions of the relevant DTT will apply. The United States and Spain have not entered into a DTT in relation to Inheritance Tax.

However, a judgment from the European Court of Justice dated September 3, 2014 declared that the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax is against the principle of free movement of capital within the EU as Spanish residents are granted tax benefits that, in practice, allow them to pay much lower taxes than non-residents. According to Law 26/2014, of November 27, it will be possible to apply tax benefits approved in some Spanish regions to EU residents by following certain specific rules.

Legal entities resident in Spain for tax purposes (and NRIT taxpayers acting through a permanent establishment in Spain) which acquire ownership or other rights over the relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax.

 

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Non-Spanish resident legal entities which acquire ownership or other rights over the relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax. Such acquisitions will be subject to NRIT (as described above), subject to the provisions of any applicable DTT entered into by Spain. In general, DTTs provide for the taxation of this type of income in the country of residence of the beneficiary.

Contingent convertible preferred securities and ordinary shares

1. Acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities and ordinary shares

The issue of, subscription for, transfer and acquisition of the contingent convertible preferred securities and ordinary shares is exempt from Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty and Value Added Tax.

2. Contingent convertible preferred securities

2(a). Individuals with Tax Residency in Spain

Individual Income Tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas)

Income obtained by holders who are IIT taxpayers, both as interest and income obtained in connection with the transfer, redemption or repayment of the contingent convertible preferred securities, shall be considered income on investments obtained from the assignment of an individual’s capital to third parties, as defined in Section 25.2 of IIT Law, and therefore will be taxed as savings income at the applicable rate (currently varying from 19% to 23%).

The above mentioned income will be subject to the corresponding IIT withholding at the applicable tax rate (currently 19%). Under Royal Decree 1065/2007, as amended by Royal Decree 1145/2011, income obtained in respect of the contingent convertible preferred securities will not be subject to withholding tax in Spain, provided certain requirements are met, including that the relevant paying agent provides BBVA, in a timely manner, with certain information (see “Spanish Tax Considerations – 2. Contingent convertible preferred securities—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer ”).

Nevertheless, withholding tax at the applicable rate (currently 19%) may have to be deducted by other entities (such as depositaries or financial entities), provided that such entities are resident for tax purposes in Spain or have a permanent establishment in Spanish territory.

Net Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Individuals with tax residency in Spain are currently subject to Wealth Tax to the extent that their net worth exceeds €700,000, without prejudice to any exemption which may apply and the laws and regulations in force in each Autonomous Region, at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2% and 2.5%, on the value of the relevant securities which they hold as at the end of 2017.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Individuals resident in Spain for tax purposes who acquire ownership or other rights over any relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy will be subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish regional and State rules. The effective tax rates currently range between 0% and 81.6%, depending on relevant factors.

2(b). Legal Entities with Tax Residency in Spain

Corporate Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sociedades )

Both Distributions periodically received and income derived from the transfer, redemption or repayment of the contingent convertible preferred securities are subject to CIT (at the current general tax rate of 25%) in accordance with the rules for this tax.

Pursuant to Section 44.5 of Royal Decree 1065/2007, there is no obligation to withhold on income payable to CIT taxpayers (which for the sake of clarity, include Spanish tax resident investment funds and Spanish tax resident pension funds). Consequently, the Issuer will not withhold tax on interest payments to Spanish CIT taxpayers or on income derived from the redemption or repayment of the relevant securities provided that the relevant formalities described in “Spanish Tax Considerations – 2. Contingent convertible preferred securities—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer ”) are complied with.

 

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However, in the case of securities held by a Spanish resident entity and deposited with a Spanish resident entity acting as depositary or custodian, payments of interest under the contingent convertible preferred securities or income derived from the transfer, redemption or repayment of the contingent convertible preferred securities may be subject to withholding tax at the current rate of 19 per cent. Such withholding will be made by the depository or custodian, if the contingent convertible preferred securities do not comply with the exemption requirements specified in the ruling issued by the Directorate General for Taxation (Dirección General de Tributos) on 27 July 2004, which requires that the relevant securities be placed outside Spain in another OECD country and traded on organized markets in OECD countries.

Net Wealth Tax ( Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio )

Legal entities are not subject to Wealth Tax.

Inheritance and Gift Tax ( Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones )

Legal entities resident in Spain for tax purposes (and NRIT taxpayers acting through a permanent establishment in Spain, as described below) which acquire ownership or other rights over the relevant securities by inheritance, gift or legacy are not subject to the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax.

2(c). Individuals and Legal Entities with no Tax Residency in Spain

Non-Resident Income Tax ( Impuesto sobre la Renta de no Residentes )

 

  (a) Investors with no Tax Residency in Spain acting through a permanent establishment in Spain

If the contingent convertible preferred securities form part of the assets of a permanent establishment in Spain of a person or legal entity who is not resident in Spain for tax purposes, the tax rules applicable to income deriving from such securities are, generally, the same as those previously set out for Spanish CIT taxpayers. See “ 2. Contingent convertible preferred securities — 2(b) Legal Entities with Tax Residency in Spain — Corporate Income Tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades )”. Ownership of the contingent convertible preferred securities by investors who are not resident for tax purposes in Spain will not in itself create the existence of a permanent establishment in Spain.

 

  (b) Investors with no Tax Residency in Spain not acting through a permanent establishment in Spain

Income obtained by holders who are not tax resident in Spain acting for these purposes without a permanent establishment within Spain is exempt from NRIT, provided certain requirements are met, including that the relevant paying agent provides BBVA, in a timely manner, with certain information (see “ Spanish Tax Considerations – 2. Contingent convertible preferred securities—Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer ”).

Wealth Tax

Individuals resident in a country with which Spain has entered into a DTT in relation to Wealth Tax would generally not be subject to such tax. Otherwise, non-Spanish resident individuals whose properties and rights are located in Spain, or that can be exercised within the Spanish territory, exceed €700,000 would be subject to Wealth Tax at the applicable rates, ranging between 0.2 per cent. and 2.5 per cent., without prejudice to any exemption or reductions which may apply. Therefore, such individuals should take into account the value of the contingent convertible preferred securities which they hold as at the end of 2017.

Legal entities are not subject to Wealth Tax.

As a consequence of the European Court of Justice judgment (Case C-127/12), the Net Wealth Tax Law has been amended by Law 26/2014, of 27th November. As a result, Non-Spanish tax resident individuals who are residents in the EU or in the European Economic Area can apply the legislation of the region in which the highest value of the assets and rights of the individuals are (i) located, (ii) can be exercised or (iii) must be fulfilled.

Inheritance and Gift Tax

The transfer of the contingent convertible preferred securities to individuals by inheritance, legacy or donation shall be subject to the general rules of Inheritance and Gift Tax in accordance with the applicable Spanish and State rules even if title passes outside Spain and neither the heir nor the beneficiary, as the case may be, is resident in Spain for tax purposes, without prejudice to the provisions of any DTT signed by Spain. The United States and Spain have not entered into a DTT in relation to Inheritance Tax.

 

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The effective tax rate, after applying all relevant factors, ranges between 0 per cent. and 81.6 per cent.

However, a judgment from the European Court of Justice dated 3rd September, 2014 declared that the Spanish Inheritance Tax Act is against the principle of free movement of capital within the EU as Spanish residents are granted tax benefits that, in practice, allow them to pay much lower taxes than non-residents. According to Law 26/2014, of 27th November, it will be possible to apply tax benefits approved in some Spanish regions to residents in the EU or in the European Economic Area by following certain specific rules.

In the event that the beneficiary is an entity other than a natural person, the income obtained shall be subject to NRIT and without prejudice, in the latter event, to the provisions of any DTT that may apply.

Tax Reporting and Withholding Obligations of the Issuer

In accordance with Section 44, as amended by Royal Decree 1145/2011 of July 29, income obtained from debt securities which are originally listed on an organized market in an OECD country, will be paid free of Spanish withholding tax provided that the relevant paying agent provides BBVA with a statement containing the following information:

 

  (i) identification of the securities;

 

  (ii) payment date;

 

  (iii) total amount of income paid on the relevant date; and

 

  (iv) total amount of the income corresponding to each clearing house located outside Spain.

In accordance with Section 44, the relevant paying agent should provide BBVA with the statement referred to above on the business day immediately prior to the relevant payment of income. If the paying agent fails to deliver such statement on a timely basis, the related payment will be subject to Spanish withholding tax (currently at the general rate of 19%). In such an event, BBVA will pay the relevant holder such additional amounts as may be necessary had no such withholding or deduction been required except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or the relevant prospectus supplement.

3. Ordinary shares

The material Spanish tax consequences regarding ordinary shares into which the contingent convertible preferred securities are convertible upon the occurrence of certain events have been described under “Spanish Tax Considerations – Ordinary Shares or ADSs” .

 

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U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of BBVA ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes and subordinated notes. The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of rights to acquire ordinary shares issued by BBVA will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. This discussion applies only to U.S. Holders described below that hold ordinary shares, ADSs, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Further, this discussion applies only to U.S. Holders that purchase the ordinary shares, ADSs, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes in their initial offering and in the case of senior notes or subordinated notes at the “issue price”, which will equal the first price to the public (not including bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold for money. This summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular investor, including the potential application of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) known as the Medicare Contribution tax and alternative minimum tax considerations, and tax consequences that may apply to persons subject to special rules, such as:

 

  ·   certain financial institutions;

 

  ·   insurance companies;

 

  ·   dealers and certain traders in securities or foreign currencies;

 

  ·   persons holding ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction;

 

  ·   persons whose “functional currency” for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

  ·   tax-exempt organizations, “individual retirement accounts” and “Roth IRAs”;

 

  ·   partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

  ·   persons who own or are deemed to own 10% or more of our voting shares; and

 

  ·   persons holding ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes in connection with a trade or business conducted outside the United States.

This summary does not address the tax treatment of the ADS, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes following any exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such securities.

A “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares, ADSs, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes, as applicable, who is eligible for benefits of the Treaty (as defined in “Spanish Tax Considerations” above) and is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

  ·   a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

 

  ·   a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or

 

  ·   an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

If a partnership holds ordinary shares, ADSs, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. Partnerships holding ordinary shares, ADSs, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors with regard to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of their investment in such securities.

The summary is based upon the tax laws of the United States including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, the summary is based on the Treaty and, in the case of ADSs, is based in part on representations of the depositary and assumes that each obligation provided for in or otherwise contemplated by BBVA’s deposit

 

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agreement or any other related document will be performed in accordance with its terms. Prospective purchasers of the ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities, senior notes or subordinated notes are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the U.S., Spanish or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of such securities in their particular circumstances, including the effect of any U.S. state or local tax laws.

This discussion is subject to any additional discussion regarding U.S. federal income taxation contained in the applicable prospectus supplement. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should also consult the applicable prospectus supplement for any additional discussion regarding U.S. federal income taxation with respect to the specific securities offered thereunder.

This discussion assumes that BBVA is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes except as specifically described below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

BBVA ADSs or Ordinary Shares

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of ADSs will generally be treated as the owners of the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if a U.S. Holder exchanges ADSs for the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs and vice-versa.

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom depositary shares are pre-released or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between U.S. holders and the issuer of the security underlying depositary share may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of depositary shares. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. Holders, described below. Accordingly, the creditability of Spanish taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. Holders, described below, could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the parties to whom depositary shares are pre-released or such intermediaries.

Taxation of Distributions

Distributions, before reduction for any Spanish income tax withheld by BBVA or its paying agent, made with respect to ADSs or ordinary shares (other than certain pro rata distributions of BBVA’s capital stock or rights to subscribe for shares of its capital stock) will be includible in the income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend income, to the extent paid out of BBVA’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Because BBVA does not maintain calculations of its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. The amount of such dividends will be treated as foreign-source dividend income and will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction” generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid to noncorporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at favorable rates applicable to long-term capital gains. Noncorporate U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors to determine the availability of the rules regarding these favorable rates in their particular circumstances.

The amount of a dividend distribution will equal the U.S. dollar value of the euro received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date such distribution is received (which, for U.S. Holders of ADSs, will be the date such distribution is received by the depositary), whether or not the distribution is in fact converted into U.S. dollars at that time. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the dividend is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss on the conversion date. In general, any foreign currency gain or loss will be ordinary gain or loss.

Subject to applicable limitations that vary depending upon a U.S. Holder’s circumstances and subject to the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, a U.S. Holder will be entitled to a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability for Spanish NRIT taxes withheld by BBVA or its paying agent not in excess of the applicable rate under the Treaty. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and, therefore, U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in their

 

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particular circumstances. In lieu of claiming a foreign tax credit, U.S. Holders may elect to deduct all foreign taxes paid or accrued in a taxable year (including any Spanish NRIT withholding tax) in computing their taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law.

Sale and Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares

Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or exchange of ADSs or ordinary shares will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares and the amount realized on the disposition, in each case as determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the ordinary shares or ADSs for more than one year. Gain or loss, if any, will generally be U.S.-source for foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

BBVA Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

Characterization of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

BBVA believes that the contingent convertible preferred securities will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the remainder of this discussion so assumes.

Taxation of Distributions

Distributions made with respect to contingent convertible preferred securities (including amounts withheld in respect of Spanish taxes, if any, and any additional amounts paid in respect thereto) will be includible in the income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend income, to the extent paid out of BBVA’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Because BBVA does not maintain calculations of its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. The amount of such dividends will be treated as foreign-source dividend income and will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction” generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations, dividends paid to noncorporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at favorable rates applicable to long-term capital gains. Noncorporate U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors to determine the implications of the rules regarding these favorable rates in their particular circumstances.

The amount of a distribution paid in a foreign currency will equal the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date such distribution is received, whether or not the U.S. Holder in fact converts any such foreign currency received into U.S. dollars at that time. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if such dividend is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of its receipt. In general, any foreign currency gain or loss will be ordinary gain or loss.

Subject to applicable limitations that vary depending upon a U.S. Holder’s circumstances, a U.S. Holder will be entitled to a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability for non-refundable Spanish NRIT taxes withheld by BBVA or its paying agent (if any) not in excess of the applicable rate under the Treaty. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and, therefore, U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in their particular circumstances. In lieu of claiming a foreign tax credit, U.S. Holders may elect to deduct all foreign taxes paid or accrued in a taxable year (including any Spanish NRIT withholding tax) in computing their taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law.

Sale, Redemption and Other Disposition of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, redemption or other disposition of contingent convertible preferred securities (other than the receipt of ordinary shares or ADSs upon conversion, which will be treated as described below under “Conversion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as capital gain or loss (assuming in the case of a redemption that the U.S. Holders does not own and is not deemed to own any of our ADSs or ordinary shares) in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the contingent

 

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convertible preferred securities and the amount realized on the disposition, in each case as determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the contingent convertible preferred securities for more than one year. Any gain or loss will generally be U.S.-source for foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Conversion

Conversion of contingent convertible preferred securities into ordinary shares or ADSs will generally be treated as a tax-free recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ordinary shares or ADSs received will generally be equal to the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the contingent convertible preferred securities and the holding period in the ordinary shares or ADSs received will generally include the holding period of the contingent convertible preferred securities. Ordinary shares or ADSs received upon conversion will otherwise generally be treated as described under “BBVA ADSs or Ordinary Shares” above.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

Based upon certain proposed Treasury regulations (“Proposed Regulations”) we believe that we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our 2016 taxable year. However, because there can be no assurance that the Proposed Regulations will be finalized in their current form and because PFIC status depends upon the composition of a company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets (including, among others, less than 25% owned equity investments) from time to time, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year.

In general, if we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owned ADSs, ordinary shares or contingent convertible preferred securities, gain recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition of an ADS, an ordinary share or a contingent convertible preferred security would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADS, the ordinary share or the contingent convertible preferred security. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for ordinary income of taxpayers of the U.S. Holder’s type for such taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the resulting tax liability for such taxable year. Similar tax rules would apply to any distribution in respect of ADSs, ordinary shares or contingent convertible preferred securities to the extent in excess of 125% of the average of the annual distributions on ADSs, ordinary shares or contingent convertible preferred securities received by the U.S. Holder during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter. Certain elections may be available (including a mark-to-market election) to U.S. Holders that may result in alternative treatment.

Additionally, if a U.S. Holder owns ADSs, ordinary shares or contingent convertible preferred securities during any year in which we are a PFIC, such holder would be required to file annual returns (including reporting with respect to distributions received from BBVA and any gain realized on the sale or other taxable disposition of ADSs, ordinary shares or contingent convertible preferred securities). Furthermore, if we are a PFIC in any taxable year in which we pay a dividend (or in the case of a contingent convertible preferred security, make a distribution) or the prior taxable year, the favorable tax rates discussed above with respect to dividends paid to certain noncorporate U.S. Holders would not apply.

BBVA Senior or Subordinated Notes

Characterization of the Subordinated Notes

There is no direct legal authority as to the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of a subordinated instrument such as the subordinated notes that is denominated as a debt instrument and has significant debt features, but is subject to statutory bail-in powers such as the Spanish Bail-in Power. Therefore, prospective investors should consult their tax advisers as to the proper characterization of the subordinated notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We believe the subordinated notes should be treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the remainder of this discussion so assumes.

 

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Payments of Interest

Interest paid on a note will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes, provided that the interest is qualified stated interest (as defined below).

The amount of interest taxable as ordinary income will include amounts withheld in respect of Spanish taxes, and additional amounts paid in respect thereof, if any. Interest income earned by a U.S. Holder with respect to a note will constitute foreign source income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which may be relevant to a U.S. Holder in calculating the holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. Spanish taxes withheld at a rate not exceeding the Treaty rate from interest income on a note which are not otherwise refundable under Spanish tax law may be eligible for credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, or, at the election of the U.S. Holder, for deduction in computing the U.S. Holder’s taxable income, in each case subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and, therefore, U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in their particular circumstances.

Special rules governing the treatment of interest paid with respect to original issue discount notes and foreign currency notes are described below.

Original Issue Discount

A note that is issued at an issue price less than its “stated redemption price at maturity” will be considered to have been issued at an original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and will be referred to as an “original issue discount note”) unless the note satisfies a de minimis threshold (as described below) or is a Short-Term Note (as defined below). The “stated redemption price at maturity” of a note will equal the sum of all payments required under the note other than payments of “qualified stated interest”. “Qualified stated interest” is stated interest unconditionally payable (other than in debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually during the entire term of the note and equal to the outstanding principal balance of the note multiplied by a single fixed rate or, subject to certain conditions, certain floating rates.

If the difference between a note’s stated redemption price at maturity and its issue price is less than a prescribed de minimis amount, i.e. , generally 1/4 of 1 percent of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity, then the note will not be considered to have original issue discount.

A U.S. Holder of original issue discount notes will be required to include any qualified stated interest payments in income in accordance with the U.S. Holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, U.S. Holders of original issue discount notes that mature more than one year from their date of issuance will be required to include original issue discount in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as it accrues, in accordance with a constant yield method based on a compounding of interest, before the receipt of cash payments attributable to this income. Under this method, U.S. Holders of original issue discount notes generally will be required to include in income increasingly greater amounts of original issue discount in successive accrual periods.

A U.S. Holder may make an election to include in gross income all interest that accrues on any note (including stated interest, original issue discount and de minimis original issue discount as adjusted by any amortizable bond premium) in accordance with a constant yield method based on the compounding of interest (a “constant yield election”).

In general, floating rate notes providing for one or more qualified floating rates of interest, a single fixed rate and one or more qualified floating rates, a single objective rate, or a single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a qualified inverse floating rate, as such terms are defined in applicable Treasury regulations, will have qualified stated interest if interest is unconditionally payable at least annually during the term of the note at a rate that is considered to be a single qualified floating rate or a single objective rate under the following rules, provided that the issue price of the note does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments due under the note by more than an amount equal to the lesser of (x) 0.015 multiplied by the product of the total noncontingent principal payments and the number of complete years to maturity from the issue date or (y) 15% of the total noncontingent principal payments. A “qualified floating rate” is any variable rate where variations in the value of such rate can reasonably be expected to measure contemporaneous variations in the cost of newly borrowed funds in the currency in which the floating rate notes is denominated. An “objective rate” is generally a rate that

 

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is determined using a single fixed formula and that is based on objective financial or economic information. A “qualified inverse floating rate” is an objective rate that is equal to a fixed rate minus a qualified floating rate if variations in the rate can reasonably be expected to inversely reflect contemporaneous variations in the qualified floating rate (disregarding for those purposes any cap, floor, governor or similar restriction).

If a floating rate note provides for two or more qualified floating rates that can reasonably be expected to have approximately the same values throughout the term of the note, the qualified floating rates together constitute a single qualified floating rate. If interest on a debt instrument is stated at a fixed rate for an initial period of one year or less followed by a variable rate that is either a qualified floating rate or an objective rate for a subsequent period, and the value of the variable rate on the issue date is intended to approximate the fixed rate, the fixed rate and the variable rate together constitute a single qualified floating rate or objective rate. Two or more rates will be conclusively presumed to meet the requirements of the preceding sentences if the values of the applicable rates on the issue date are within 1/4 of one percent of each other. If a floating rate note provides for stated interest at either a single qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout the term thereof that is unconditionally payable in cash or property (other than debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually, then all stated interest on such note will constitute qualified stated interest and will therefore not be treated as having been issued with original issue discount unless the note is issued at a “true” discount ( i.e. , at a price below the note’s stated principal amount) in excess of the specified de minimis amount. If floating rate notes are issued with original issue discount, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of such notes will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

A note that matures one year or less from its date of issuance (taking into account the last possible date the note could be outstanding in accordance with its terms) (a “Short-Term Note”) will be treated as being issued at a discount and none of the interest paid on the note will be treated as qualified stated interest. In general, a cash method U.S. Holder of a Short-Term Note is not required to accrue the discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it elects to do so (but should include in income any stated interest upon receipt). Accrual method U.S. Holders and cash method U.S. Holders who so elect are required to include the discount in income as it accrues on a straight-line basis, unless an election is made to accrue the discount according to a constant yield method based on daily compounding. In the case of a U.S. Holder who is not required and does not elect to include the discount in income currently, any gain realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of the Short-Term Note will be ordinary income to the extent of the discount accrued on a straight-line basis (or, if elected, according to a constant yield method based on daily compounding) through the date of sale, exchange or retirement. In addition, those holders will be required to defer deductions for any interest paid on indebtedness incurred to purchase or carry Short-Term Notes in an amount not exceeding the accrued discount until the accrued discount is included in income.

Amortizable Bond Premium

If a U.S. Holder purchases a note for an amount that is greater than the sum of all amounts payable on the note other than qualified stated interest, the U.S. Holder will be considered to have purchased the note with amortizable bond premium. In general, amortizable bond premium with respect to any note will be equal in amount to the excess of the purchase price over the sum of all amounts payable on the note other than qualified stated interest and the U.S. Holder may elect to amortize this premium, using a constant-yield method, over the remaining term of the note. Special rules may apply in the case of notes that are subject to optional redemption. A U.S. Holder may generally use the amortizable bond premium allocable to an accrual period to offset qualified stated interest required to be included in the U.S. Holder’s income with respect to the note in that accrual period. A U.S. Holder who elects to amortize bond premium must reduce the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the note by the amount of the premium amortized in any year. An election to amortize bond premium applies to all taxable debt obligations then owned and thereafter acquired by the U.S. Holder and may be revoked only with the permission of the Internal Revenue Service.

If a U.S. Holder makes a constant-yield election (as described under “—Original Issue Discount” above) for a note with amortizable bond premium, such election will result in a deemed election to amortize bond premium for all of the U.S. Holder’s debt instruments with amortizable bond premium and may be revoked only with the permission of the Internal Revenue Service with respect to debt instruments acquired after revocation.

Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the Notes

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basis in the note. Gain or loss, if any, will generally be U.S.-source for purposes of computing a U.S. Holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. For these purposes, the amount realized does not include any amount attributable to accrued interest. Amounts attributable to accrued interest are treated as interest as described under “—Interest” above. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will equal such U.S. Holder’s initial investment in the note increased by any original issue discount included in income and decreased by any bond premium previously amortized and principal payments previously received.

Except as described below under “—Foreign Currency Notes”, gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of a note will generally be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of sale, exchange or retirement the note has been held for more than one year. Exceptions to this general rule apply in the case of a Short-Term Note, to the extent of any accrued discount not previously included in the U.S. Holder’s taxable income. See “—Original Issue Discount” above. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Foreign Currency Notes

The rules applicable to foreign currency notes could require some or all of the gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of a foreign currency note to be recharacterized as ordinary income or loss. The rules applicable to foreign currency notes are complex and their application may depend on the U.S. Holder’s particular U.S. federal income tax situation. For example, various elections are available under these rules, and whether a U.S. Holder should make any of these elections may depend on the U.S. Holder’s particular U.S. federal income tax situation. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of foreign currency notes.

A U.S. Holder who uses the cash method of accounting and who receives a payment of qualified stated interest (or who receives proceeds from a sale, exchange or other disposition attributable to accrued interest) in a foreign currency with respect to a foreign currency note will be required to include in income the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency payment (determined based on a spot rate on the date the payment is received) regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars at that time, and this U.S. dollar value will be the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the foreign currency.

An accrual-method U.S. Holder will be required to include in income the U.S. dollar value of the amount of interest income (including original issue discount, but reduced by amortizable bond premium to the extent applicable) that has accrued and is otherwise required to be taken into account with respect to a foreign currency note during an accrual period. Original issue discount and amortizable bond premium on a foreign currency note will be determined in the relevant foreign currency. The U.S. dollar value of the accrued income will be determined by translating the income at the average rate of exchange for the accrual period or, with respect to an accrual period that spans two taxable years, at the average rate for the partial period within the taxable year. A U.S. Holder may elect to translate interest income (including original issue discount) into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the last day of the interest accrual period (or, in the case of a partial accrual period, the spot rate on the last day of the taxable year) or, if the date of receipt is within five business days of the last day of the interest accrual period, the spot rate on the date of receipt. A U.S. Holder that makes this election must apply it consistently to all debt instruments from year to year and cannot revoke the election without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. A U.S. Holder may recognize ordinary income or loss (which will not be treated as interest income or expense) with respect to accrued interest income on the date the interest payment or proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition attributable to accrued interest is actually received. The amount of ordinary income or loss recognized will equal the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency payment received (determined based on a spot rate on the date the payment is received) in respect of the accrual period and the U.S. dollar value of interest income that has accrued during the accrual period (as determined above). Rules similar to these rules apply in the case of cash-method U.S. Holders who are required to currently accrue original issue discount.

If an election to amortize bond premium is made, amortizable bond premium taken into account on a current basis will reduce interest income in units of the relevant foreign currency. Exchange gain or loss is realized on amortized bond premium with respect to any period by treating the bond premium amortized in the period in the same manner as it would have been treated on the sale, exchange or retirement of the foreign currency note. Any exchange gain or loss will be ordinary income or loss as described below. If the election is not made, any bond premium will be taken into account in determining the overall gain or loss on the notes and any loss realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of a foreign currency note with amortizable bond premium by a U.S. Holder who has not elected to amortize the premium will be a capital loss to the extent of the bond premium.

 

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A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in a foreign currency note, and the amount of any subsequent adjustment to the U.S. Holder’s tax basis (including adjustments for original issue discount included as income and any bond premium previously amortized or principal payments received), will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency amount paid for such foreign currency note, or of the foreign currency amount of the adjustment, determined on the date of the purchase or adjustment. A U.S. Holder who purchases a foreign currency note with previously owned foreign currency will recognize ordinary income or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar fair market value of the foreign currency note on the date of purchase.

Gain or loss realized upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a foreign currency note that is attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will be ordinary income or loss that will not be treated as interest income or expense. Gain or loss attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates will equal the difference between (i) the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency principal amount of the note, determined on the date the payment is received or the note is disposed of, (or if the note is traded on an established securities market, on the settlement date if the U.S. Holder is a cash basis U.S. Holder or an electing accrual basis U.S. Holder); and (ii) the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency principal amount of the note, determined on the date the U.S. Holder acquired the note. Payments received attributable to accrued interest will be treated in accordance with the rules applicable to payments of interest on foreign currency notes described above. The foreign currency gain or loss will be recognized only to the extent of the total gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or retirement of the foreign currency note. The foreign currency gain or loss for U.S. Holders will be U.S.-source. Any gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder in excess of the foreign currency gain or loss will be capital gain or loss (except in the case of a Short-Term Note, to the extent of any discount not previously included in the U.S. Holder’s income).

A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in any foreign currency received on the sale, exchange or retirement of a foreign currency note equal to the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency, determined at the time of sale, exchange or retirement. Provided the foreign currency notes are traded on an established securities market, a cash-method U.S. Holder who buys or sells a foreign currency note is required to translate units of foreign currency paid or received into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the settlement date of the purchase or sale. Accordingly, no exchange gain or loss will result for such holders from currency fluctuations between the trade date and the settlement of the purchase or sale. An accrual-method U.S. Holder may elect the same treatment for all purchases and sales of foreign currency notes, provided the foreign currency notes are traded on an established securities market. This election cannot be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. Any gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition of foreign currency (including its exchange for U.S. dollars or its use to purchase foreign currency notes) will be ordinary income or loss.

A U.S. Holder may be required to file a reportable transaction disclosure statement with the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax return, if such U.S. Holder realizes a loss on the sale or other disposition of a foreign currency note and such loss is greater than applicable threshold amounts, which differ depending on the status of the U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder that claims a deduction with respect to a foreign currency note should consult its own tax adviser regarding the need to file a reportable transaction disclosure statement.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of dividends on, distributions on, interest and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities or notes that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient or, in the case of backup withholding, the holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals and certain U.S. entities closely-held by individuals may be required to report information relating to securities issued by a non-U.S. person, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for securities held in accounts maintained by financial institutions, which accounts may be reportable if maintained by non-U.S. financial institutions). U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding their reporting obligations with respect to the ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities or notes.

 

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Potential FATCA withholding after December 31, 2018

Certain provisions of the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations commonly known as FATCA, as well as certain intergovernmental agreements between the United States and certain other countries (including Spain), together with local country implementing legislation, may impose 30% withholding on certain payments made in respect of the notes, ADSs and ordinary shares (“FATCA withholding”), to the extent such payments are considered “foreign passthru payments” (which term is not yet defined). FATCA withholding would apply only if the payments are made to a recipient (including an intermediary) that is a “foreign financial institution” that has not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service pursuant to FATCA or otherwise established an exemption from FATCA withholding and are made on (i) notes treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes that are issued or materially modified on or after the date that is six months after the date on which final U.S. Treasury regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payments” are filed or (ii) ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities or notes treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in each case, only if the payment is made on or after the later of January 1, 2019 and the date on which final U.S. Treasury regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payments” are published. It is not yet clear whether or to what extent payments on the ADSs, ordinary shares, contingent convertible preferred securities or notes will be treated as foreign passthru payments.

The United States has entered into intergovernmental agreements with Spain and many other jurisdictions to implement FATCA. It is not yet certain how the United States and these jurisdictions will address “foreign passthru payments” or if FATCA withholding will be required at all under such agreements.

If FATCA withholding is required, none of BBVA, the trustee or any paying agent will pay any additional amounts with respect to any amounts so withheld. Prospective investors and beneficial owners of notes, contingent convertible capital securities, ADSs and ordinary shares should consult their tax advisers as to how these rules may apply to payments they receive under the notes, contingent convertible capital securities, ADSs and ordinary shares and their ability to obtain a refund of any FATCA withholding.

 

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BENEFIT PLAN INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (the “Code”), impose certain requirements on (a) employee benefit plans subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), Keogh plans or other arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code, (c) entities whose underlying assets include “plan assets” by reason of any such plan’s or arrangement’s investment therein (we refer to the foregoing collectively as “Plans”) and (d) persons who are fiduciaries with respect to Plans. In addition, certain governmental, church and non-U.S. plans (“Non-ERISA Arrangements”) are not subject to Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, but may be subject to other laws that are substantially similar to those provisions (each, a “Similar Law”).

In addition to ERISA’s general fiduciary standards, Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of a Plan and persons who have specified relationships to the Plan, i.e. , “parties in interest” as defined in ERISA or “disqualified persons” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code (we refer to the foregoing collectively as “parties in interest”) unless exemptive relief is available under an exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Parties in interest that engage in a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code. We and the underwriters, agents and dealers through which the securities described in this prospectus may be sold, and our and their current and future affiliates (collectively, the “Transaction Parties”), may be parties in interest with respect to many Plans. Thus, a Plan fiduciary considering an investment in the securities described in this prospectus should also consider whether such an investment might constitute or give rise to a prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. For example, the securities may be deemed to represent a direct or indirect sale of property, extension of credit or furnishing of services between us and an investing Plan which would be prohibited if we are a party in interest with respect to the Plan unless exemptive relief were available under an applicable exemption.

In this regard, each prospective purchaser that is, or is acting on behalf of, a Plan, and proposes to purchase the securities described in this prospectus, should consider the exemptive relief available under the following prohibited transaction class exemptions, or PTCEs: (A) the in-house asset manager exemption (PTCE 96-23), (B) the insurance company general account exemption (PTCE 95-60), (C) the bank collective investment fund exemption (PTCE 91-38), (D) the insurance company pooled separate account exemption (PTCE 90-1) and (E) the qualified professional asset manager exemption (PTCE 84-14). In addition, ERISA Section 408(b)(17) and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code may provide a limited exemption for the purchase and sale of securities and related lending transactions, provided that neither the issuer of the securities nor any of its affiliates have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of the Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the Plan pays no more, and receives no less, than adequate consideration in connection with the transaction (the so-called “service provider exemption”). There can be no assurance that any of these statutory or class exemptions will be available with respect to transactions involving the securities described in this prospectus.

Each purchaser or holder of a security covered by this prospectus, and each fiduciary who causes any entity to purchase or hold a security covered by this prospectus, shall be deemed to have represented and warranted, on each day such purchaser or holder holds such securities, that (A) either (i) it is neither a Plan nor a Non-ERISA Arrangement and it is not purchasing or holding securities on behalf of or with the assets of any Plan or Non-ERISA arrangement or (ii) its purchase, holding and subsequent disposition of such securities shall not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or violate any provision of Similar Law, and (B) if it is a Plan, the decision to acquire and hold such securities has been made by a duly authorized fiduciary who is independent of the Transaction Parties and who (i) is a U.S. bank, U.S. insurance carrier, U.S. registered investment adviser, U.S. registered broker-dealer or independent fiduciary with at least $50 million of assets under management or control, (ii) in the case of a Plan that is an IRA, is not the IRA owner, beneficiary of the IRA or relative of the IRA owner or beneficiary, (iii) is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to the prospective investment in such securities, (iv) is a fiduciary under ERISA or the Code, or both, with respect to the decision to acquire and hold such securities, (v) has exercised independent judgment in evaluating whether to invest the assets of the Plan in such securities, (vi) understands and has been fairly informed of the existence and the nature of the financial interests of the Transaction Parties in connection with the Plan’s acquisition of such securities, (vii) understands that the Transaction Parties are not undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity to the Plan, in connection with the Plan’s acquisition of such securities and (viii) confirms that no fee or other compensation will be paid directly to any of the Transaction Parties by the Plan, or any fiduciary, participant or beneficiary of the Plan, for the provision of investment advice (as opposed to other services) in connection with the Plan’s acquisition of such securities.

 

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Fiduciaries of any Plans and Non-ERISA Arrangements should consult their own legal counsel before purchasing the securities described in this prospectus. We also refer you to the portions of the offering circular addressing restrictions applicable under ERISA, the Code and Similar Law.

Each purchaser of a security covered by this prospectus will have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that its purchase, holding and subsequent disposition of the security does not violate the fiduciary or prohibited transaction rules of ERISA, the Code or any Similar Law. Nothing herein shall be construed as a representation that an investment in the securities described in this prospectus would meet any or all of the relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by, or is appropriate for, Plans or Non-ERISA Arrangements generally or any particular Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities being offered by this prospectus: (1) through selling agents; (2) through underwriters; (3) through dealers; and/or (4) directly to purchasers. Except with respect to the contingent convertible preferred securities, any of these selling agents, underwriters or dealers in the United States or outside the United States may include affiliates of ours. In addition, we may issue our ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs) in a subscription rights offering to our existing shareholders.

We may designate selling agents from time to time to solicit offers to purchase these securities. We will name any such agent, who may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act, and state any commissions we are to pay to that agent in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet. That agent will be acting on a reasonable efforts basis for the period of its appointment unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.

If we use any underwriters to offer and sell these securities, we will enter into an underwriting agreement with those underwriters when we and they determine the offering price of the securities, and we will include the names of the underwriters and the terms of the transaction, including the compensation the underwriters will receive, in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.

If we offer our ordinary shares in a subscription rights offering to our existing shareholders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.

If we use a dealer to offer and sell these securities, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal, and will name the dealer and include the terms of the transaction in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by that dealer at the time of resale.

Our net proceeds will be the purchase price in the case of sales to a dealer, the public offering price less the relevant discount in the case of sales to an underwriter or the purchase price less the relevant commission in the case of sales through a selling agent, in each case, less other expenses attributable to issuance and distribution.

Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us, and the sale of those securities may be made by us directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale of those securities. The terms of any sales of this type will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.

We may engage in at the market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act.

One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms”, may also offer or sell the securities, if the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us or any of our subsidiaries. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the securities in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the securities. The applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us or any of our subsidiaries and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with the securities they remarket.

Until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the SEC may limit the ability of underwriters and other participants in the offering to bid for and purchase the securities covered by the prospectus. As an exception to these rules, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of such securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more securities than they are obligated to purchase in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number or amount of securities available for purchase by the underwriters under any over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or purchasing such securities in the open market. In determining the source of securities to close out a

 

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covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of such securities compared to the price available under any over-allotment option. The underwriters may also sell the securities covered by this prospectus in excess of any over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing securities in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the offered securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. As an additional means of facilitating the offering, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, such securities or any other securities in the open market to stabilize the price of such securities or of any other securities. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid on certain underwriters. This means that if the underwriters purchase the securities in the open market to reduce the underwriters’ short position or to stabilize the price of the securities, they may reclaim the amount of the selling concession from the underwriters who sold those securities as part of the offering. In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it was to discourage resales of the security. Any of these activities may raise or maintain the market price of such securities above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of such securities. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

Selling agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements with us to indemnification by us against some civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, we will authorize selling agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by some purchasers to purchase securities from us at the public offering price stated in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. If we use delayed delivery contracts, we will disclose that we are using them in the prospectus supplement or term sheet and will tell you when we will demand payment and delivery of the securities under the delayed delivery contracts. These contracts will be subject only to those conditions described in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet, and the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet will state the commission payable for solicitation of these offers.

Any underwriter, selling agent or dealer utilized in the initial offering of securities will not confirm sales to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of its customer.

To the extent an initial offering of the securities will be distributed by an affiliate of ours, each such offering of securities will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 5121 regarding a FINRA member firm’s distribution of securities of an affiliate.

Underwriting discounts and commissions on securities sold in the initial distribution will not exceed 8% of the offering proceeds.

In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, the underwriters named in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet and their affiliates may have engaged and may in the future engage in various banking and financial services for and commercial transactions with us and/or our affiliates for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In addition, affiliates of the underwriters may enter into interest rate swaps or other hedging transactions with us in connection with a particular offering of securities and may receive compensation in connection with that transaction.

 

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VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

The validity of our securities, where applicable, and certain other matters of Spanish law will be passed upon for us by J&A Garrigues S.L.P., our Spanish counsel. Certain matters of U.S. federal and New York State law will be passed upon for us by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, our U.S. counsel, and for any underwriters or agents by Sidley Austin LLP, the underwriters’ U.S. counsel.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, incorporated by reference in this prospectus from BBVA’s 2016 Form 20-F, and the effectiveness of the BBVA Group’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte, S.L., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

BBVA is a limited liability company ( sociedad anónima ) organized under the laws of Spain. Substantially all of our directors and executive officers, and certain of the experts named in this document, are not residents of the United States. All or a substantial portion of our assets and those persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons with respect to matters arising under the Securities Act or to enforce against them judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liability under the Securities Act. We are advised by Spanish legal counsel that there is doubt as to the enforceability in Spain in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the securities laws of the United States. We have submitted to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of New York state and U.S. federal courts sitting in New York City for the purpose of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the senior notes, subordinated notes and contingent convertible preferred securities and have appointed Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. New York Branch, as agent in New York City to accept service of process in any such action.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Indemnification under BBVA’s bylaws (estatutos) and Spanish law

Under Spanish law, BBVA’s current and former directors will be liable to BBVA and the shareholders and the creditors of BBVA for any damage they cause through acts contrary to the law or the bylaws, or acts carried out in breach of the duties inherent in the discharge of their office. No provision of BBVA’s bylaws provides for the indemnification of the directors with respect to such liabilities.

BBVA directors & officers insurance

BBVA maintains an insurance policy that protects its officers and directors from liabilities incurred as a result of actions taken in their official capacity associated with any civil, criminal or administrative process.

 

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Item 9. Exhibits

 

Number

  

Description

   Incorporated by Reference to Filings Indicated
1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Ordinary Shares    **
1.2    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Senior Notes of BBVA    ***
1.3    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Subordinated Notes of BBVA    ***
1.4    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA    *
3.1    Amended and Restated bylaws ( Estatutos ) of BBVA (English translation)    *
4.1    Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement    ***
4.2    Senior Indenture among BBVA, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee    ***
4.3    Form of Senior Notes of BBVA (included in Exhibit 4.2)    ***
4.4    Subordinated Indenture among BBVA, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee    ***
4.5    Form of Subordinated Notes of BBVA (included in Exhibit 4.4)    ***
4.6    Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture among BBVA, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, Paying and Conversion Agent and Principal Paying Agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar    *
5.1    Opinion of J&A Garrigues S.L.P. as to the ordinary shares, rights to subscribe for ordinary shares, senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities    ***
5.2    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as to the senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities    ***
5.3    Opinion of J&A Garrigues S.L.P. as to the contingent convertible preferred securities    *
5.4    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as to the contingent convertible preferred securities    *

 

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Number

  

Description

   Incorporated by Reference to Filings Indicated
12    Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios    *
23.1    Consent of Deloitte, S.L.    *
23.2    Consent of J&A Garrigues S.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.3)    *
23.3    Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (included in Exhibit 5.4)    *
24.1    Power of Attorney of BBVA (included in the signature page of the initial filing of this Registration Statement)    ***
25.1    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the senior indenture of BBVA    ***
25.2    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the subordinated indenture of BBVA    ***
25.3    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture of BBVA    *

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference to a subsequently filed Form 6-K.
*** Previously filed.

 

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Item 10. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

  (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

 

  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however , that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

  (4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-X if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement.

 

  (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

  (i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

  (ii)

Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the

 

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earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

  (6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

  (7) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (8) In the event that the securities being registered are to be offered to existing security holders pursuant to warrants or rights and any securities not taken by security holders are to be reoffered to the public, to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. The registrant further undertakes that if any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, the registrant shall file a post-effective amendment to set forth the terms of such offering.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

II-5


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by
Reference to Filings
Indicated

1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Ordinary Shares    **
1.2    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Senior Notes of BBVA    ***
1.3    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Subordinated Notes of BBVA    ***
1.4    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA    *
3.1    Amended and Restated bylaws ( Estatutos ) of BBVA (English translation)    *
4.1    Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement    ***
4.2    Senior Indenture among BBVA, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee    ***
4.3    Form of Senior Notes of BBVA (included in Exhibit 4.2)    ***
4.4    Subordinated Indenture among BBVA, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee    ***
4.5    Form of Subordinated Notes of BBVA (included in Exhibit 4.4)    ***
4.6    Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture among BBVA, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, Paying and Conversion Agent and Principal Paying Agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar    *
5.1    Opinion of J&A Garrigues S.L.P. as to the ordinary shares, rights to subscribe for ordinary shares, senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities    ***
5.2    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as to the senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities    ***
5.3    Opinion of J&A Garrigues S.L.P. as to the contingent convertible preferred securities    *
5.4    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as to the contingent convertible preferred securities    *


Table of Contents

Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by
Reference to Filings
Indicated

12    Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios    *
23.1    Consent of Deloitte, S.L.    *
23.2    Consent of J&A Garrigues S.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.3)    *
23.3    Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (included in Exhibit 5.4)    *
24.1    Power of Attorney of BBVA (included in the signature page of the initial filing of this Registration Statement)    ***
25.1    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the senior indenture of BBVA    ***
25.2    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the subordinated indenture of BBVA    ***
25.3    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the contingent convertible preferred securities indenture of BBVA    *

 

* Filed herewith.
** To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference to a subsequently filed Form 6-K.
*** Previously filed.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in Spain, on September 25, 2017.

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.
By:  

/s/ Antonio Joaquin Borraz Peralta

  Name:  

Antonio Joaquin Borraz Peralta

  Title:   Authorized Representative

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

   Date

*

   Group Executive Chairman    September 25, 2017
Francisco González Rodríguez      

*

   Chief Executive Officer    September 25, 2017
Carlos Torres Vila      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Tomás Alfaro Drake      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
José Miguel Andrés Torrecillas      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
José Antonio Fernández Rivero      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Belén Garijo López      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
José Manuel González-Páramo Martínez-Murillo      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Sunir Kumar Kapoor      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo      


Table of Contents

Signature

  

Title

  

Date

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Lourdes Máiz Carro      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
José Maldonado Ramos      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Juan Pi Llorens      

*

   Director    September 25, 2017
Susana Rodríguez Vidarte      

*

   Head of Global Accounting and Information Management    September 25, 2017
Ricardo Gómez Barredo      

/s/ Diego Crasny Zyman

   Authorized Representative of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. in the United States    September 25, 2017
Diego Crasny Zyman      
* By:  

/s/ Antonio Joaquin Borraz Peralta

 

Name: Antonio Joaquin Borraz Peralta

 

Title: Attorney-in-Fact

Exhibit 1.4

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

Underwriting Agreement

[Date]

To the Representatives named from time to time in the

applicable Pricing Agreement hereinafter described.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

From time to time Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (the “Company”), a sociedad anónima incorporated under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain, proposes to enter into one or more Pricing Agreements (each a “Pricing Agreement”) in the form of Annex I hereto, with such additions and deletions as the parties thereto may determine and, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and therein, the Company proposes to issue and sell to the several firms named in Schedule I to the applicable Pricing Agreement (such firms constituting the “Underwriters” with respect to such Pricing Agreement and the securities specified therein) the non-step-up non-cumulative contingent convertible preferred securities specified in Schedule II to such Pricing Agreement (the “Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities”), which may in certain circumstances be converted in accordance with their terms into newly issued fully paid ordinary shares of the Company (the “Conversion Securities” and, together with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the “Securities”). [The following to be added, if applicable] [The Indenture (as defined below) will provide for the provision by [•], as the initial paying agent in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (in such capacity, the “Paying Agent”), of a duly executed and completed payment statement in connection with each payment of income (as such term is defined in the Pricing Prospectus (as defined herein)) under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and set forth certain procedures agreed by the Company and the Paying Agent in order to facilitate such process, along with a form of the payment statement to be used by the Paying Agent.]

The terms and rights of any particular issuance of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be as specified in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto and in or pursuant to the indenture dated September 25, 2017 (the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented, with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, by a supplemental indenture to be dated on or about [•] (the “[•] Supplemental Indenture”) (the Base Indenture, as supplemented, with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, by the [•] Supplemental Indenture and as supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”) between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (in such capacity, the “Trustee”). In addition, the Pricing Agreement may contain, if appropriate, the terms and the conditions upon which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are to be offered or sold outside the United States and any provisions relating thereto. The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may not be offered, distributed or sold in Spain or to Spanish residents, and no publicity of any kind relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be made in Spain.

 

1


In this Agreement and in the Pricing Agreement, the following terms shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings specified as follows:

“Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

“Applicable Time” means the applicable time specified in the applicable Pricing Agreement;

“Base Prospectus” means the prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to, among other things, the Securities, in the form in which it has most recently been filed with the Commission on or prior to the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement;

“BRRD Liability” means any liability, commitment, duty, responsibility, amount payable or contingency or other obligation arising from, or related to, the Agreement or the Pricing Agreement which may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power (as defined below) by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as defined below);

“Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission;

“Effective Time” with respect to the Registration Statement means such date and time as of which any part of the Registration Statement filed prior to the execution and delivery of the applicable Pricing Agreement was declared effective by the Commission or has become effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) or Rule 462(c) under the Act;

“Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

“Final Term Sheet” means the final term sheet containing a description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, prepared and filed pursuant to Section 5(a) hereof, and set forth as an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement;

“Law 11/2015” means Law 11/2015 of June 18, on the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms ( Ley 11/2015, de 18 de junio, de recuperación y resolución de entidades de crédito y empresas de servicios de inversión ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time;

“Pricing Prospectus” means the Base Prospectus, as amended and supplemented immediately prior to the Applicable Time, including any document incorporated by reference therein and any prospectus supplement deemed to be a part thereof, provided that, for purposes of this definition, information contained in a form of prospectus that is deemed retroactively to be part of the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430B under the Act shall be considered to be included in the Pricing Prospectus as of the actual time that form of prospectus is filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act;

“Prospectus” means the Base Prospectus as proposed to be supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement;

“Prospectus Supplement” means the prospectus supplement relating to the Securities to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act;

 

2


“RD 1012/2015” means Royal Decree 1012/2015 of November 6, by virtue of which Law 11/2015 is developed and Royal Decree 2606/1996 of December 20 on credit entities’ deposit guarantee fund is amended, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time;

“Registration Statement” means the registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-212729), including the Prospectus, relating to the Securities filed with the Commission, as amended to the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement;

“Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority” means the Spanish Fund for the Orderly Restructuring of Banks ( Fondo de Restructuración Ordenada Bancaria ), the European Single Resolution Mechanism and, as the case may be, according to Law 11/2015, the Bank of Spain and the Spanish Securities Market Commission (CNMV), and any other entity with the authority to exercise the Spanish Bail-in Power (as defined below) from time to time;

“Spanish Bail-in Power” means any write-down, conversion, transfer, modification, or suspension power existing from time to time under, and exercised in compliance with: (i) any law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in the Kingdom of Spain, relating to the transposition or development of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of May 15, 2014 establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time, including, but not limited to (a) Law 11/2015, (b) RD 1012/2015 and (c) Regulation (EU) No. 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 15, 2014 establishing uniform rules and a uniform procedure for the resolution of credit institutions and certain investment firms in the framework of the Single Resolution Mechanism and the Single Resolution Fund and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1093/2010, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time; or (ii) any other law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in the Kingdom of Spain pursuant to which (a) obligations or liabilities of banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates subject to the Spanish Bail-in Power can be reduced, cancelled, modified, transferred or converted into shares, other securities, or other obligations of such persons or any other person (or suspended for a temporary period or permanently) or (b) any right in a contract governing such obligations may be deemed to have been exercised;

“Significant Subsidiaries” shall mean BBVA Compass Bancshares, Inc. and Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.; and

“Underwriter Information” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Pricing Agreement.

Any reference herein to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents which were filed under the Act or the Exchange Act on or before the date and time of the applicable Pricing Agreement, and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, excluding any documents or portions of such documents which are deemed under the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Act not to be incorporated by reference, and, in the case of the Registration Statement, including any prospectus supplement filed with the Commission and deemed by virtue of Rule 430B under the Act to be part of the Registration Statement. Any reference herein to the terms “amend”, “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document under the Exchange Act deemed to be incorporated therein by reference after the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement.

 

3


1. Particular sales of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be made from time to time by the Company to the Underwriters of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, for whom the firms designated as representatives of the Underwriters of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto will act as representatives (the “Representatives”). The term “Representatives” also refers to a single firm acting as sole representative of the Underwriters and to an Underwriter or Underwriters who act without any firm being designated as its or their representatives. This Underwriting Agreement shall not be construed as an obligation of the Company to sell any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or as an obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities except as set forth in a Pricing Agreement, it being understood that the obligation of the Company to issue and sell any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be evidenced by the applicable Pricing Agreement with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities specified therein. Each Pricing Agreement shall specify the aggregate liquidation preference of and distributions payable on, if any, such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the initial public offering price of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the purchase price to the Underwriters of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the names of the Underwriters of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the names of the Representatives of such Underwriters, the liquidation preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter and the underwriting discount and/or commission, if any, payable to the Underwriters with respect thereto and shall set forth the date, time and manner of delivery of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and payment therefor. The applicable Pricing Agreement shall also specify (to the extent not set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus with respect thereto) the terms of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. A Pricing Agreement shall be in the form of an executed writing (which may be in counterparts), and may be evidenced by an exchange of telegraphic communications or any other rapid transmission device designed to produce a written record of communications transmitted. The obligations of the Underwriters under this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be several and not joint.

2. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:

(a) The Company meets the requirements for the use of Form F-3, and the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, has been filed with the Commission in accordance with applicable regulations of the Commission under the Act, and has been declared or has become effective under the Act;

(b) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as amended or supplemented) has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened, and no order preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus or any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433 under the Act relating to the Securities (an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) has been issued by the Commission;

(c) At the Effective Time, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus conformed, and any amendments thereof and supplements thereto relating to the Securities will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and

 

4


neither the Registration Statement at the Effective Time nor the Prospectus as of the date thereof and, as amended or supplemented, at the Time of Delivery (as defined below) of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, included or will include any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Registration Statement, not misleading, or in the case of the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to (i) any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Representatives expressly for use in such documents, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the Underwriter Information and (ii) any statements or omissions made in that part of the Registration Statement that constitutes the Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee;

(d) The Pricing Prospectus, as supplemented by the Final Term Sheet together with any other Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement and any other “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, that the parties hereto shall hereafter expressly agree in writing to treat as part of the pricing disclosure package (collectively, the “Pricing Disclosure Package”), as of the Applicable Time, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus, and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any road show presentation, including any Bloomberg road show presentation made by or on behalf of the Company, taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Representatives expressly for use in such documents or the Pricing Disclosure Package, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the Underwriter Information;

(e) Each document incorporated by reference in the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, when it became effective or was filed with the Commission, as the case may be, complied in all material respects with the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and none of such documents contained any untrue statement of any material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or any further amendment or

 

5


supplement thereto, when such documents become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not contain any untrue statement of any material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that (i) no such documents were filed with the Commission following the Commission’s close of business on the business day immediately prior to the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement and prior to the execution of the applicable Pricing Agreement, except as set forth on a schedule to the applicable Pricing Agreement; and (ii) this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Representatives expressly for use in such documents;

(f) [The following to be added, if applicable] [The Indenture will provide for the provision by the Paying Agent of a duly executed and completed payment statement in connection with each payment of income (as such term is defined in the Pricing Prospectus) under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and set forth certain procedures agreed by the Company and the Paying Agent in order to facilitate such process, along with a form of the payment statement to be used by the Paying Agent];

(g) The Company and each of the Significant Subsidiaries has been duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own, lease, license and operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Prospectus;

(h) Neither the Company nor any of the Significant Subsidiaries is in violation of its respective charter or by-laws or in default (or with the giving of notice or lapse of time would be in default) under any existing obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument to which any of them is a party or by which any of them is bound or to which any of the properties of any of them is subject, except such defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, properties or prospects of the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, taken as a whole (“Material Adverse Effect”);

(i) The issue and sale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, any issue and delivery of Conversion Securities upon conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, as applicable, all of the provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the Pricing Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement), and compliance with the terms and provisions thereof, will not (i) result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of the charter or by-laws (or similar constitutive documents) of the Company, or (ii) result in a breach of any of the

 

6


terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to (a) the charter or by-laws (or similar constitutive documents) of the Company, (b) any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties, (c) any rules of any stock exchange on which the ordinary shares of the Company are listed, or (d) any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which any of the properties of the Company is subject, except (in the case of (ii) above only) as would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and the Company has full power and authority (corporate and other) to authorize, issue and sell the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and perform its obligations thereunder, in each case as contemplated by the Pricing Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement), and the Company has taken all necessary corporate actions to authorize, issue and sell the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and to perform its obligations thereunder;

(j) Except as disclosed in the Pricing Prospectus, since the end of the period covered by the latest financial statements included in the Pricing Disclosure Package (i) there has been no change, nor any development or event involving a prospective change, in the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, properties or prospects of the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that has resulted, or is likely to result, in a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) there has been no change in the capital stock, short-term indebtedness, long-term indebtedness, net current assets or net assets of the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that has resulted, or is likely to result, in a Material Adverse Effect;

(k) The issued and outstanding share capital of the Company has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable (i.e., will not subject any holder thereof to further calls or to personal liability to the Company or any of its creditors by reason only of being such holder); none of the outstanding shares of the Company was issued in violation of preemptive or other similar rights;

(l) The Company has implemented and uses procedures that it reasonably believes are required by applicable regulations, including procedures required by the Bank of Spain and the European Central Bank, to monitor, review, calculate, assess and maintain the sufficiency of its consolidated subsidiaries’ reserves in light of all the circumstances; the Company calculates, reviews, assesses and estimates its regulated consolidated subsidiaries’ regulatory capital requirements, and the Company reasonably believes that its methodology in relation to its risk-based capital position and requirements is, in light of all the circumstances, fair and in accordance with applicable regulations in all material respects;

(m) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;

(n) The applicable Pricing Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement) has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;

 

7


(o) All material consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, registrations, clearances and qualifications of or with any court or governmental agency or body or any stock exchange authorities having jurisdiction over the Company required for the issue and sale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder and for the execution and delivery by the Company of the applicable Pricing Agreement to be duly and validly authorized, have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect;

(p) The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities have been duly authorized, and, when issued, delivered and paid for pursuant to a Pricing Agreement, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with Spanish law, will be fully paid and non-assessable and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights, to general equity principles and to any exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power; and no holder thereof will be subject to personal liability by reason only of being such a holder; the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will not be subject to the pre-emptive rights of any shareholder of the Company and will be consistent with the description thereof contained in the Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and such descriptions will conform to the rights set forth in the instruments defining the same;

(q) The payment obligations of the Company under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will be subordinated to the extent set forth in the Pricing Prospectus.

(r) Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act), nor any person acting on its or their behalf (other than any Underwriter, as to which no representation is made) has taken or will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or to result in, or that has constituted or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, the stabilization in violation of applicable laws or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(s) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus, will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

(t) Except as described in the Pricing Prospectus, no stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties or similar fees or charges are payable by or on behalf of the Underwriters to the Kingdom of Spain or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein in connection with (i) the issuance, sale and delivery by the Company of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to or for the respective accounts of the Underwriters or (ii) the sale and delivery by the Underwriters of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and in the manner contemplated by the Pricing Prospectus and the Registration Statement;

 

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(u) The statements set forth in the Pricing Prospectus and the Registration Statement under the caption “Description of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of BBVA” [the following will be added, if applicable] [(to the extent not superseded by the statements set forth under the caption “[Certain Terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities]” in the Prospectus Supplement)], taken together, insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and under the captions “Spanish Tax Considerations” and “U.S. Tax Considerations”, insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws referred to therein, in each case when read together with any Final Term Sheet and any other Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement, are accurate and complete in all material respects;

(v) (i) The Company has available for issue and authority to allot, free from pre-emption rights, sufficient authorized but unissued ordinary shares to enable the conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to the Indenture; (ii) the Conversion Securities to be issued upon any conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will be duly and validly authorized, and, when issued upon the conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, will have been duly issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with Spanish laws, will be fully paid and non-assessable and, in accordance with current Spanish laws and the current bylaws of the Company, no holder thereof will be subject to personal liability by reason only of being such a holder and will not be subject to calls for further funds; and (iii) any Conversion Securities to be issued upon conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will not be issued in violation of the pre-emptive rights of any holder of ordinary shares [and, in accordance with Spanish laws and the current bylaws of the Company, will rank pari passu and carry the same rights and privileges in all respects as the other ordinary shares of the Company then outstanding];

(w) None of the Company, any of its Significant Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that could reasonably lead to an action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries in connection with a violation by any such person of any anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws or regulations of any applicable jurisdiction including the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “Anti-Corruption Laws”) which would result in a fine or other sanction which could be material for the Company or the Company and its Significant Subsidiaries, and the Company, each of the Significant Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, their respective affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance in all material respects with the Anti-Corruption Laws and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure continued compliance therewith in all material respects;

 

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(x) The Company and each of its Significant Subsidiaries maintain a system of controls and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the operations of the Company and each of its Significant Subsidiaries are conducted, where applicable, in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the European Union, the Kingdom of Spain, the United States and each State thereof and the United Mexican States, and applicable money laundering statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”), and no material action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened;

(y) None of the Company, or any of its Significant Subsidiaries is currently the subject of sanctions in a material amount administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) or any similar sanctions administered by the European Union, the Kingdom of Spain or the United Mexican States; and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the transaction proceeds so as to contravene any OFAC or any similar European, Spanish or Mexican regulations that may be applicable to them;

(z) The Company and its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ internal controls over financial reporting are effective and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is aware of any material weakness in its or their internal controls over financial reporting;

(aa) The Company and its subsidiaries maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act);

(bb) Except as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (in each case, exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), no litigation, prosecution, investigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding involving the Company, any of the Company’s subsidiaries or any of its properties is pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, except to the extent that any such litigation, prosecution, investigation, arbitration or proceeding, if resolved unfavorably to the Company, any of the Company’s subsidiaries or any of its respective properties, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;

(cc) Except as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package, there have been no material changes to the Company’s consolidated capitalization and indebtedness since [•];

 

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(dd) [the auditor] , who have certified certain financial statements of the Company, are independent public accountants in respect of the Company as required by the Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission; and

(ee) So long as certain conditions set forth in Law 10/2014 of June 26, on organization, supervision and solvency of credit institutions are met, and the procedures established in Royal Decree 1065/2007 of July 27 are complied with, and provided there are no changes to current laws or regulations, any payments in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities made by the Company shall not be subject to taxation in Spain and no withholding tax shall be required on such payments.

(ff) No event has occurred, nor has any action been taken, which would or could reasonably result in the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or insolvency of the Company pursuant to the terms of Law 22/2003, of July 9, on Insolvency. The Company is not subject to an early intervention or resolution process pursuant to the terms of Law 11/2015.

(gg) The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the First Additional Provision of Law 10/2014, of June 26 and its development regulations (“Law 10/2014”), and will comply with and be subject to Law 10/2014, Royal Decree-law 14/2013, of November 29 (“RD-L 14/2013”) and Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms, and amending Regulation (EU) No. 648/2012 (the “CRR”) and with other applicable banking regulations, and the Company will request that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities be qualified as Tier 1 capital of the Company, as calculated by the Company in accordance with Chapters 1, 2 and 3 (Tier 1 capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Additional Tier 1 capital) of Title I (Elements of own funds) of Part Two (Own Funds) of the CRR and/or other applicable banking regulations at such time, including any applicable transitional, phasing in or similar provisions.

3. Upon the execution of the applicable Pricing Agreement and authorization by the Representatives of the release of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the several Underwriters propose to offer such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented.

4. Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter pursuant to the applicable Pricing Agreement, in the form specified in such Pricing Agreement, and in such authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request upon at least forty-eight hours’ prior notice to the Company, shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representatives for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by such Underwriter or on its behalf of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of Federal (same day) funds to the account specified by the Company in the currency specified in such Pricing Agreement, all in the manner and at the place and time and date specified in such Pricing Agreement or at such other place and time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing, such time and date being herein called the “Time of Delivery” for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

 

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5. The Company covenants and agrees with each of the Underwriters:

(a) To prepare the Final Term Sheet in a form approved by the Representatives and to file such Final Term Sheet pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act within the time required by such Rule, and to prepare the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to the applicable Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in a form approved by the Representatives, which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld, and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act no later than the Commission’s close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of the applicable Pricing Agreement or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by such Rule, and to take such steps as they deem necessary to ascertain promptly whether the Prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, to promptly file such Prospectus; to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus as amended or supplemented after the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement and prior to the Time of Delivery for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which shall be reasonably disapproved by the Representatives for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities promptly after reasonable notice thereof; to advise the Representatives promptly of any such amendment or supplement after such Time of Delivery and furnish the Representatives with copies thereof; to file promptly all reports required to be filed by Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act for so long as the delivery of a prospectus (or, in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required in connection with the offering or sale of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and during such same period to advise the Representatives, promptly after it receives notice thereof, (i) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission in respect of the Registration Statement or any prospectus relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, (ii) of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed with the Commission, (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Act concerning the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, (iv) of the suspension of the qualification of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, (v) of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein or for additional information with respect thereto and of receipt (whether written or oral) by it (or by any of its officers or attorneys) of any comments or other communication from the Commission relating to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package (and, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any such request or communication is in writing, the Company shall promptly furnish the Underwriters with a copy thereof) or any document incorporated by reference therein, and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order or of any such order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Securities or suspending any such qualification, to promptly use its best efforts to obtain the

 

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withdrawal of such order, (vi) of the occurrence of any event that could reasonably be expected to cause the Company to withdraw, rescind or terminate the offering of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or would permit the Company to exercise any right not to issue the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities other than as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package, (vii) of the occurrence of any event, or the discovery of any fact, the occurrence or existence of which would require the making of any change in any of the Pricing Disclosure Package then being used or would cause any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect or (viii) of any proposal or requirement to make, amend or supplement any of the Pricing Disclosure Package or of any other material information relating to the offering of the Securities or this Agreement that any Underwriter may from time to time reasonably request;

(b) Promptly from time to time to take such action as the Representatives may reasonably request, after consultation with the Company, to qualify such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may reasonably request and as are specified in the applicable Pricing Agreement and to maintain such qualification in effect for not less than one year from the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement; provided, however, that additional such jurisdictions may be reasonably requested by the Representatives, with the prior consent of the Company, subsequent to the date thereof; and provided further that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction;

(c) To furnish the Underwriters with copies of the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request, and, if the delivery of a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required under the Act at any time in connection with the offering or sale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and if at such time any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of any material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus or the Registration Statement or to file under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act or the Exchange Act, to notify the Representatives and upon their request to file such document and to prepare and furnish, without charge, to each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many copies as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance;

(d) During the period beginning from the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement and continuing to and including the later of (i) the completion of the sale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Underwriters (as determined by the Representatives), but not more than 30 calendar days following

 

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the Time of Delivery, and (ii) the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, in the jurisdiction[s] specified in the applicable Pricing Agreement, any U.S. dollar-denominated contingent convertible securities issued by the Company which are substantially similar to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, without the prior written consent of the Representatives;

(e) To timely file or submit such reports pursuant to the Exchange Act as are necessary in order to make generally available to its securityholders an earnings statement complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, covering a period of twelve months beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act) as soon as is reasonably practicable after the termination of such twelve-month period; provided however, that the Company will be deemed to have satisfied this obligation by filing with, or submitting to, the Commission a consolidated earnings statement complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder for the year ended December 31, [•] as soon as is reasonably practicable after the termination of such twelve-month period;

(f) To file the public deed in respect of issuance of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for registration with the Vizcaya Mercantile Registry prior to the Time of Delivery;

(g) To file the public deed of disbursement ( Acta de Cierre ) before a notary public, supplementing the public deed of issuance referred to in Section 5(f) above, after the Time of Delivery and to register it with the Vizcaya Mercantile Registry promptly upon the granting thereof;

(h) To use its best efforts to effect, promptly following the Time of Delivery, the authorization of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or any other stock exchange on which the Prospectus specifies that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be listed, subject only to official notice of issuance, and to permit the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be eligible, at the Time of Delivery, for clearance and settlement through the facilities of the Depository Trust Corporation (“DTC”), or any other clearance and settlement entity through which the Prospectus specifies that clearance and settlement of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be made. For so long as any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are outstanding, the Company will use its reasonable efforts to maintain the listing of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(i) Without the prior written consent of the Representatives, none of the Company, its affiliates or any person acting on its or their behalf has given or will give to any prospective purchaser of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities any written information concerning the offering of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities other than materials contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus or any other offering materials distributed with the prior written consent of the Representatives;

 

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(j) The Company will comply with Section 11.04 of the Base Indenture [the following will be added, if applicable] [(as amended and supplemented by the [•] Supplemental Indenture)] with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(k) Upon conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Company will deliver full legal title to the Conversion Securities free of third-party rights and will use all reasonable endeavors to obtain the approval of the admission to listing of the Conversion Securities on the Spanish Stock Exchange (which term shall include the Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao Stock Exchanges), or any other stock exchange on which the Prospectus specifies that the Conversion Securities may be listed; and

(l) The Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply at all times with the requirements set out under Law 10/2014, RD-L 14/2013, the CRR and any other applicable banking regulations so that the outstanding aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Preferred Securities qualifies as Tier 1 capital of the Company.

6. (a) The Company represents and agrees that (i) without the prior written consent of the Underwriters, other than the Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities that (A) would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or (B) would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, required to be filed with the Commission or retained by the Company pursuant to Rule 433 under the Act, (ii) it has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rules 164 and 433 under the Act applicable to any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission or retention where required and legending and (iii) it will treat any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Underwriters as an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus.

(b) Each Underwriter represents and agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Company and the other Underwriters, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities that (i) would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or (ii) would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, required to be filed with the Commission or retained by the Company pursuant to Rule 433 under the Act; provided, however, that the Company consents to the use by each Underwriter of a “free writing prospectus” not required to be filed with the Commission or retained by the Company pursuant to Rule 433 under the Act that contains only (A) information describing the preliminary terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or their offering which will not be inconsistent with the Final Term Sheet or the other Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement, (B) information that describes the final terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or their offering and that is included in the Final Term Sheet or any other Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement and (C) information that is in any electronic road show related to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and approved in writing as such by the Company.

 

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(c) Any such “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, the use of which has been consented to by the Company and the Underwriters (including the Final Term Sheet) will be listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement.

7. The Company covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters that the Company will pay or cause to be paid all those costs, expenses and disbursements relating or incident to the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as are set forth in the applicable Pricing Agreement.

8. The obligations of the Underwriters of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities under the applicable Pricing Agreement shall be subject, in the discretion of the Representatives, to the condition, to be met by the Time of Delivery, that all representations and warranties of the Company in or incorporated by reference in the applicable Pricing Agreement are, at and as of the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, true and correct, the condition that the Company shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed, and the following additional conditions:

(a) The Final Term Sheet, together with any other Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed in an appendix to the applicable Pricing Agreement and any other “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, that the parties hereto shall hereafter expressly agree in writing to treat as part of the Pricing Disclosure Package shall have been filed with the Commission within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 433(d) under the Act and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof or suspending the use of the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with;

(b) U.S. counsel and, if specified in the applicable Pricing Agreement, Spanish counsel for the Underwriters shall each have furnished to the Representatives such written opinion or opinions, dated the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, with respect to the Pricing Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement), the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement (as amended or supplemented at the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) and other related matters not exceeding the scope of those covered in the opinions given pursuant to Sections 8(c) and 8(d), respectively, below as the Underwriters may reasonably require, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they request for the purpose of enabling them to pass on such matters;

 

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(c) U.S. counsel for the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives its written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters and substantially similar in form and substance to Schedule 8(c) attached hereto;

(d) Spanish counsel for the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives their written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters and substantially similar in form and substance to Schedule 8(d) attached hereto;

(e) At the Applicable Time and at the Time of Delivery for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, each firm of independent accountants that has certified financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall have furnished to the Underwriters and the directors of the Company a letter or letters, dated each such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and substantially similar in form and substance to Schedule 8(e) attached hereto;

(f) Except as contemplated in the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, since the Applicable Time there shall not have occurred (i) any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in Section 8(e) or (ii) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the financial condition, earnings, business, operations, prospects or properties of the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, that, in any case referred to in paragraphs (i) or (ii) above, the Representatives conclude, after consultation with the Company, impairs the investment quality of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as contemplated by the Prospectus, and from the Applicable Time to the Time of Delivery (as specified in the Pricing Agreement), no rating of the Company’s senior long-term debt securities shall have been lowered by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, and other than public announcements made prior to the Applicable Time, none of Moody’s, S&P or Fitch shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review with possible negative implications any rating of the Company’s senior long-term debt securities;

(g) At or after the Applicable Time there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in any securities of the Company by the Spanish Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores , the Commission, any Spanish Stock Exchange (which term shall include the Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao Stock Exchanges), the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or the London Stock Exchange; (ii) a suspension or material limitation of trading in securities generally on any Spanish Stock Exchange, the

 

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New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the London Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market, or any setting of minimum or maximum prices for trading on such exchange; (iii) a banking moratorium declared by any U.S. federal, New York, United Kingdom or Spanish authorities or a material disruption in clearance or settlement systems in the United States, the United Kingdom or the Kingdom of Spain; (iv) a change or development involving a prospective change in taxation in Spain affecting the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the imposition of exchange controls by the United States or Spain; (v) a material outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or Spain or the declaration by the United States or Spain of a national emergency or war or (vi) the occurrence of any material adverse change in the existing financial, political or economic conditions in the United States or Spain, where the effect of any such event specified in (i) through (vi) above is in the judgment of the Representatives, after consultation with the Company, so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to the Securities;

(h) The Company shall have complied with the provisions of Section 5(c) hereof with respect to the furnishing of prospectuses on the Business Day next succeeding the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement;

(i) At the Time of Delivery, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall have been approved for clearance and settlement through the facilities of DTC, or any other clearance and settlement entity through which the Prospectus specifies that clearance and settlement of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be made;

(j) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representatives at the Time of Delivery for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities a certificate or certificates of an officer of the Company substantially similar in form and substance to Schedule 8(j) attached hereto, as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein at and as of such Time of Delivery, as to the performance of the Company of all of its obligations hereunder to be performed at or prior to such Time of Delivery and as to the matters set forth in subsections (a) and (f) of this Section; and

(k) If any condition specified in this Section 8 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the Company at any time at or prior to the Time of Delivery, and such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that Sections 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 22 hereof and any related provisions of the applicable Pricing Agreement shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and effect.

9. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its directors, officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities or expenses, joint or several, as incurred to which such Underwriter, director, officer, employee or controlling person may

 

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become subject, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, the Pricing Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act or any road show materials, in each case, relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each Underwriter and each such director, officer, employee or controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by such Underwriter) as such expenses are incurred by such Underwriter in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided , however , that the foregoing indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, claim, damage or liability to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any preliminary prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, the Pricing Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any road show materials, in each case, relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or any such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the Underwriter Information.

(b) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its directors, officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act, against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which each such person may become subject under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, the Pricing Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, in each case, relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any preliminary prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, the Pricing Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, in each case, relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or any such amendment or supplement, in

 

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reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the Underwriter Information; and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses incurred by the Company in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall, so far as permitted by any insurance policy of the indemnified party and subject to the indemnifying party agreeing to indemnify the indemnified party against all judgments and other liabilities resulting from such action, be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it may elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided that, if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel, to assert such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such indemnified party’s election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 9 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in connection with the assertion of legal defenses in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), approved by the representatives representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action), (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action or (iii) the indemnifying party has authorized the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party; and except that, if clause (i) or (iii) is applicable, such liability shall be only in respect of the

 

20


counsel referred to in such clause (i) or (iii). An indemnifying party will not, without the prior written consent of each indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested that an indemnifying party reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this Section, the indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the indemnifying party of such request and (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.

(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on the other from the offering of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to which such loss, claim, damage or liability (or action in respect thereof) relates. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and such Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from such offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or such Underwriters on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant

 

21


to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the applicable Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The obligations of the Underwriters of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations with respect to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and not joint.

(e) The obligations of the Company under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer, director or employee of each Underwriter and to each person, if any, who controls, is controlled by or is under common control with any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act; and the several obligations of the Underwriters under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer, director or employee of the Company and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act.

10. (a) If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which it has agreed to purchase under the applicable Pricing Agreement, the Representatives may in their discretion, after giving notice to and consulting with the Company, arrange for themselves or another party or other parties to purchase such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on the terms contained herein. If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter the Representatives do not arrange for the purchase of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty-six hours within which to procure another party or other parties to purchase such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed period, the Representatives notify the Company that they have so arranged for the purchase of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or the Company notifies the Representatives that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Time of Delivery for such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, or in any other

 

22


documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in the opinion of the Representatives may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section 10 with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to the applicable Pricing Agreement.

(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives or the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate liquidation preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which remains unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate liquidation preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the liquidation preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under the applicable Pricing Agreement and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the liquidation preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under such Pricing Agreement) of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives or the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate liquidation preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which remains unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate liquidation preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, as referred to in subsection (b) above, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then the applicable Pricing Agreement shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand, as provided in Section 7 hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 9 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

11. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the several Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling person of any Underwriter, the Company or any officer or director or controlling person of the Underwriters or the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement.

 

23


12. If any Pricing Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the Company shall not then be under any liability to any Underwriter with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities covered by such Pricing Agreement except that Sections 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 22 hereof and any related provisions of the applicable Pricing Agreement shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and effect.

13. In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives of the Underwriters of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall act on behalf of each such Underwriter, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by such Representatives jointly or by such of the Representatives, if any, as may be designated for such purpose in the applicable Pricing Agreement.

All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to the address of the Representatives as set forth in the applicable Pricing Agreement; and, if to the Company, shall be delivered or sent by mail or electronic transmission to BBVA, Calle Azul 4, 28050 Madrid, Spain, Attention: Financial Department; finance.department@bbva.com; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 9(c) hereof shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in [its Underwriters’ questionnaire, or telex constituting such questionnaire], which address will be supplied to the Company by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

14. This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters, the Company and, to the extent provided in Sections 9 and 11 hereof, the officers and directors of the Company and each person who controls the Company or any Underwriter, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement or any such Pricing Agreement. No purchaser of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.

15. The Company waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of agency, fiduciary or similar duty to the Company in connection with the offering of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the process leading thereto and acknowledges and agrees that each Underwriter is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to the offering of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering contemplated by this Agreement) and not as an agent or fiduciary to the Company or any other person. Additionally, each Underwriter is not advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of such matters, and no Underwriter shall have any responsibility or liability to the Company or any other person with respect to such matters. Any review by an Underwriter of the Company, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other due diligence review by such Underwriter in connection with such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of such Underwriter and shall not be on behalf of the Company or any other person. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

24


16. The Company irrevocably agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by Underwriters or by any person who controls the Underwriters, arising out of or based upon this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in any state or federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, and, to the extent permitted by law, irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Company irrevocably appoints Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., New York Branch, as its Authorized Agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon whom process may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based on this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby which may be instituted in any state or federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, by an Underwriter or by any person who controls an Underwriter, and the Company expressly consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding, and waives any other requirements of or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect thereto. The Company represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Company agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service to the Company shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any suit, action or proceeding based on this Agreement may be instituted by the Underwriters in any competent court in the Kingdom of Spain.

17. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

18. In respect of any judgment or order given or made for any amount due hereunder that is expressed and paid in a currency (the “judgment currency”) other than United States dollars, the Company will indemnify each Underwriter against any loss incurred by such Underwriter as a result of any variation as between (i) the rate of exchange at which the United States dollar amount is converted into the judgment currency for the purpose of such judgment or order and (ii) the rate of exchange at which an Underwriter is able to purchase United States dollars with the amount of judgment currency actually received by such Underwriter. The foregoing indemnity shall constitute a separate and independent obligation of the Company and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any such judgment or order as aforesaid. The term “rate of exchange” shall include any premiums and costs of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of or conversion into United States dollars.

19. Time shall be of the essence of each Pricing Agreement. As used herein, “business day” shall mean any day when the Commission’s office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.

20. The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph or provision hereof.

 

25


21. Except as may be otherwise provided in a Pricing Agreement, this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

22. Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of this Agreement, any Pricing Agreement or any other agreements, arrangements, or understandings between the Company and any or all of the Underwriters, each of the Company and each Underwriter acknowledges and accepts that a BRRD Liability arising under this Agreement may be subject to the exercise of Bail-in Powers by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority and acknowledges, accepts, and agrees to be bound by:

(a) the effect of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority in relation to any BRRD Liability of the Company to such Underwriter, which (without limitation) may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof:

(i) the reduction of all, or a portion, of such BRRD Liability or outstanding amounts due thereon;

(ii) the conversion of all, or a portion, of such BRRD Liability into shares, other securities or other obligations of the Company or another person, and the issue to or conferral on such Underwriter of such shares, securities or obligations;

(iii) the cancellation of such BRRD Liability; and/or

(iv) the amendment or alteration of any interest or distribution payable, if applicable, on such BRRD Liability, and the maturity or the dates on which any payments on such BRRD Liability are due, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and

(b) the variation of the terms of this Agreement and/or the relevant Pricing Agreement, as deemed necessary by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

 

26


ANNEX I

Pricing Agreement

[Date]

[Name(s) of Representative(s)]

[Address]

As Representative[s] of the several

Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., a sociedad anónima incorporated under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and in the Underwriting Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto (the “Underwriting Agreement”), to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”) the contingent convertible preferred securities specified in Schedule II to such Pricing Agreement (the “Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities”), which are convertible in accordance with their terms into ordinary shares of the Company (the “Conversion Securities” and, together with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the “Securities”).

Each of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have been made at and as of the Applicable Time (as set forth in Schedule II attached hereto), except that each representation and warranty which refers to the Prospectus in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation or warranty as of the date of the Prospectus (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement), and also a representation and warranty as of the Applicable Time in relation to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to the Securities which are the subject of this Pricing Agreement. Each reference to the Representatives or to the Underwriters in the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement so incorporated by reference shall be deemed to refer to you. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Underwriting Agreement are used herein as therein defined. The Representatives designated to act on behalf of each of the Underwriters pursuant to Section 13 of the Underwriting Agreement and their addresses are set forth in Schedule II hereto.

A supplement to the Prospectus relating to the Securities, in the form heretofore delivered to you (the “Prospectus Supplement”), is now proposed to be filed with the Commission.

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Company agrees that it will issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the time and place and at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II hereto, the liquidation preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities set forth opposite the name of each such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

 

A1-1


Each Underwriter severally, and not jointly, agrees to comply with the restrictions and agreements set forth in Schedule III hereto.

Each Underwriter severally, and not jointly, covenants with the Company that if the Company or any of its directors and officers incurs any loss, claim, damages, liability or expense arising out of or based upon the failure of that Underwriter to comply with the selling restrictions set forth on Schedule III hereto, such Underwriter will pay to the Company, on demand, an amount equal to such loss, claim, damages, liability or expense provided that no Underwriter shall be liable for any loss, claim, damages, liability or expense arising from the sale of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to any person believed in good faith by such Underwriter, on reasonable grounds after making all reasonable investigations, to be a person to whom the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities could legally be sold in compliance with the provisions set forth on Schedule III hereto. Nothing in this paragraph shall cause any Underwriter to be liable for the actions or omissions of any other Underwriter.

The provisions of Section 9(b) of the Underwriting Agreement as to the conduct and expense of conducting any defense against any action, proceeding, claim or demand in respect of which the indemnity in the above paragraph may be sought shall apply mutatis mutandis to in the above paragraph.

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us [insert relevant number of counterparts] counterparts hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you this letter and such acceptance hereof, including the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement between the several Underwriters on the one hand and the Company on the other.

It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is or will be pursuant to the authority set forth in an Agreement among Underwriters.

 

Very truly yours,
BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Accepted as of the date hereof:

[Insert name(s) of Representative(s)]

 

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
  [On behalf of each of the Underwriters]

 

A1-2


SCHEDULE I

 

Underwriter

   Liquidation
Preference of
Contingent
Convertible
Preferred
Securities

to be
Purchased
 

[Insert name(s) of Representative(s)]

[Insert names of other Underwriters, if any]

  
  

 

 

 

Total

  
  

 

 

 

 

A1-3


SCHEDULE II

Issuer:

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Title[s] of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities:

[             ]

Specific Terms of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities:

See Appendix A for a copy of the Final Term Sheet relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Price to Public:

[             ]% [plus accrued distributions, if any, from _____________].

Purchase Price by Underwriters:

[             ]

Liquidation Preference:

[             ]

Minimum Initial Purchase Amount:

[             ]

Denominations:

[             ]

Specified Funds for Payment of Purchase Price:

[Federal (same-day) funds].

Applicable Time:

[             ]

Time of Delivery:

[             ]

Closing Location for Delivery of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities:

[New York, New York].

 

A1-4


Additional Closing Conditions:

[             ]

Additional Opinions:

[             ]

Names and Addresses of Underwriters, Including the Representatives:

[             ]

Listing:

[             ]

Payment of Expenses by Company and by the Underwriters:

[             ]

Selling Restrictions:

[Specify applicable additional selling restrictions, if any.]

Other Terms:

“Underwriter Information” shall mean the statements set forth in [(i) the last paragraph of the cover page regarding delivery of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, (ii) the names of the Underwriters, (iii) the sentences under the heading “Underwriting” related to concessions and reallowances, (iv) the paragraph under the heading “Underwriting” related to stabilization, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids and (v) the paragraph under the heading “Underwriting” related to settlement], in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus.

Jurisdictions Specified Pursuant to Section 5(b) of the Underwriting Agreement: [None] [Specify] .

Jurisdictions Specified Pursuant to Section 5(d) of the Underwriting Agreement: [United States] [Other Jurisdictions] .

[The information that is in an electronic road show related to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities[, a copy of which is attached hereto,] is hereby approved pursuant to Section 6(b)(C) of the Underwriting Agreement.]

[Spanish counsel for the Underwriters shall furnish to the Representatives such written opinion or opinions as are specified in Section 8(b) of the Underwriting Agreement.]

 

A1-5


Schedule III

[Insert agreed selling restrictions.]

 

A1-6


Appendix A

[Insert final term sheet relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.]


Appendix B

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus(es):

Final Term Sheet dated [             ]


Schedule 8(c)

Form of Opinion of U.S. Counsel

in connection with Section 8(c) of the Underwriting Agreement

[Insert form of opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP ]


Schedule 8(d)

Form of Opinion of Spanish Counsel

in connection with Section 8(d) of the Underwriting Agreement

[Insert form of opinion of J&A Garrigues, SLP]


Schedule 8(e)

Form of Auditors’ Comfort Letter

in connection with Section 8(e) of the Underwriting Agreement

[Insert form of comfort letter]


Schedule 8(j)

Form of Certificate

in connection with Section 8(j) of the Underwriting Agreement

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(j)

OF THE UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

[Date]

The undersigned, [ ], does hereby certify, pursuant to Section 8(j) of the underwriting agreement dated [ ], 20[ ] (the “Underwriting Agreement”) incorporated by reference in the Pricing Agreement dated [ ], 20[ ] (the “Pricing Agreement”), between Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., a sociedad anónima incorporated under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain (the “Company”), on the one hand, and the Underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), on the other hand, on behalf of the Company and to the best of [his] [her] knowledge, after reasonable investigation, that:

 

(i) attached hereto as Exhibit A is a true, complete and correct copy of the By-laws ( Estatutos ) of the Company as in full force and effect at all times since [•], to and including the date hereof; the Company is as of this date in good standing under Spanish law; no amendment or other document modifying or affecting the Estatutos has been filed with the office of the Mercantile Registry of Vizcaya since the filing on [•];

 

(ii) attached hereto as Exhibit B [is/are] a true, complete and correct specimen[s] of the global certificate[s] representing the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

 

(iii) the representations and warranties of the Company in the Underwriting Agreement are accurate at and as of the [Time of Delivery];

 

(iv) the Company has performed all of its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement to be performed at or prior to the [Time of Delivery];

 

(v) the Final Term Sheet[, together with [ list any other Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed in an appendix to the Pricing Agreement ] and [ list any other “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, that the parties to the Underwriting Agreement have expressly agreed in writing to treat as part of the Pricing Disclosure Package ],] has been filed with the Commission within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 433(d) under the Act and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to such Securities has been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) of the Underwriting Agreement; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof or suspending the use of the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission have been complied with; and


(vi) except as contemplated in the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, since the Applicable Time there has not occurred (i) any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in Section 8(e) of the Underwriting Agreement or (ii) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the financial condition, earnings, business, operations, prospects or properties of the Company, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business [the following to be added, if applicable] [, and at or after the Applicable Time, no rating of the Company’s senior long-term debt securities has been lowered by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, and other than public announcements made prior to the Applicable Time, none of Moody’s, S&P or Fitch has publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review with possible negative implications any rating of the Company’s senior long-term debt securities].

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this certificate on behalf of the Company as of the date first written above.

 

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit 3.1

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Company Bylaws


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

TITLE I

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Name, registered office, corporate purpose and duration of the Company

Article 1. Name.

The Company is called BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. (the “Bank” or the “Company”) and will be governed by the law, these Company Bylaws and other provisions that are applicable.

Article 2. Registered office.

The Bank has its registered office in the city of Bilbao (Vizcaya), Plaza de San Nicolas no. 4, and may set up branch, agency, regional and representative offices anywhere in Spain or abroad, pursuant to prevailing legal provisions.

The registered office address may be changed within the same municipal district by a Board of Directors’ resolution.

Article 3. Corporate purpose

The Bank’s corporate purpose is to engage in all kinds of activities, operations, acts, contracts and services within the banking business or directly or indirectly related to it, that are permitted or not prohibited by prevailing provisions and ancillary activities.

Its corporate purpose also includes the acquisition, holding, utilisation and divestment of securities, public offerings to buy and sell securities, and any kind of holdings in any company or enterprise.

Article 4. Duration and commencement of operations

The duration of the Company will be for an indefinite period of time. It may commence its operations on the date on which the public deed of foundation is formalised.


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

TITLE II

SHARE CAPITAL. SHARES. SHAREHOLDERS.

Chapter One

On Share Capital

Article 5. Share capital.

The Bank’s share capital stands at THREE BILLION, TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN MILLION, TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOUR THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR EURO, TWENTY CENTS (€3,267,264,424.20), represented by SIX BILLION, SIX HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN MILLION, EIGHT HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (6,667,886,580) shares each with a nominal value of FORTY NINE EURO CENTS (€0.49), all of the same class and series, fully subscribed and paid up.

Article 6. Capital increase or reduction.

The Bank’s capital may be increased or decreased by resolution of the General Meeting. Notwithstanding the provisions of article 30 in section c) and d) of these Company Bylaws.

The share capital may be increased by issuing new shares or by increasing the nominal value of pre-existing shares. In both cases, the exchange value of the increase in capital may consist both of new cash or non-cash contributions to the Company’s net assets, including the set-off of credits against the Company, or a charge against earnings or reserves that already appeared on the latest balance sheet approved.

When share capital is increased by issuance of new ordinary or preference shares payable in cash, shareholders will be entitled to subscribe a number of shares proportional to the nominal value of the shares they own, within the period granted to them for this purpose by the Company’s Board of Directors. This period will be not less than fifteen days from the publication of the announcement of the offering for subscription of the new shares in the Official Gazette of the Companies Registry (BORME).

The pre-emptive subscription rights will be transferable under the same conditions as the shares from which they derive. When share capital is increased by a charge against reserves, the same rule will apply to the rights of free allocation of the new shares

Pre-emptive subscription rights will not apply when the increase of capital is due to the take-over of another company or of all or part of the split-off assets of another company or the conversion of debentures into shares.

 

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When the interests of the Company so require, the General Meeting deciding on a capital increase to totally or partially eliminate pre-emptive subscription rights, pursuant to legally established requirements.

Chapter Two

On Shares

Article 7. Representation of shares

Shares will be represented by book entries governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act and any other applicable provisions.

Article 8. Registration of shares

Shares, and their transfer and the constitution of collateral rights or any other kind of encumbrances on them, will be registered in the appropriate accounting record pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act and concordant provisions.

However, as the Bank’s shares are nominative, the company will keep its own record of shareholders with the effects and efficacy attributed to it in each case by prevailing regulations. For this purpose, if the shareholders’ formal status is that of persons or entities that, pursuant to their own legislation, hold the shares under a fiduciary relationship, trust or any other equivalent title, the Company may require said persons or entities to notify it of the final owners of the shares and any acts of transfer of and encumbrance on them.

Article 9. Capital at call

Where any shares are not paid up in full, shareholders must pay the undisbursed part at the time that the Board of Directors may determine, within a maximum period of five years from the date of the resolution to increase the capital. The form and other circumstances of the disbursement will be subject to the provisions in the resolution to increase the capital.

The capital calls will be notified to the shareholders affected or will be announced in the Official Gazette of the Companies Registry (BORME). There must be at least one month between the date of sending the notification or the publication of the announcement and the payment date.

Shareholders in default of capital calls may not vote. The amount of their shares will be subtracted from the share capital for calculating quorum. Shareholders in default will not be entitled to collect dividends or to pre-emptive subscription of new shares or convertible debentures.

 

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Should the payment term indicated elapse without payment having been made, depending on each case and taking into account the nature of the disbursement not made, the Bank may either demand compliance with the obligation to disburse the capital and the legal interest payment plus the damages caused by the delay or else proceed to the transfer of the shares on behalf of the defaulting shareholder. In that case, the transfer of the shares will be verified by a member of the official secondary market on which the shares were listed, or otherwise by a notary public. Where appropriate, the original share certificate may then be replaced with a duplicate.

Were the sale to take place, the proceeds (minus expenses) will become the Bank’s and be applied to covering the amount of the capital call against the cancelled shares. If there is a surplus, it will be delivered to the holder.

If the sale cannot take place, the shares will be redeemed, and the share capital reduced accordingly. The amounts already paid up will remain on the Company’s books.

Should partially paid-up shares be transferred, the acquiring shareholder, together with all the preceding transferors, at the choice of the Board of Directors, will be jointly and severally liable for paying the capital call. The transferor’s’ liability will persist for three years after the transfer date.

The prescriptions of this article will not prevent the Bank from using any remedies against the defaulting shareholders that are available under applicable law.

Article 10. Multiple ownership

All the shares are indivisible. When, as a result of inheritance, legacy or other title, the ownership of a share was vested in two or more persons, the co-owners, albeit subject to article 24 of these Company Bylaws will have to appoint just one person to exercise the shareholder’s rights. The co-owners will be jointly and severally liable to the Company for any obligations stemming from their status as shareholders. If no agreement is reached on such appointment, or in the event of silence, the representation will be deemed to be attributed to the holder of the largest number of shares. Should the holders own the same number of shares, the Bank will make the appointment by drawing lots.

The same rule will apply to other cases of joint ownership of rights over shares.

Article 11. Transfer of shares

Company shares will be freely transferable. Transfer will be performed by changes to book entries. Registering the transfer in the accounting record to the name of the purchaser will produce the same effects as exchange of traditional share certificates.

The legitimacy of the transfer necessary to enforce the rights stemming from the shares can be accredited by exhibiting the certificate issued by the Bank or authority in charge of the accounting record on which the shares are registered.

 

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Article 12. Robbery, theft, misplacement or destruction of certificates issued from the accounting record

If certificates of shareholder status are mislaid, stolen or destroyed, issuance of new certificates to replace the original copies will be subject to the regulations applicable to the system of representing shares by book entries.

Article 13. Non-voting shares

The Company may issue shares with no voting rights within the legally established limits. Their holders will be entitled to receive a minimum fixed or variable annual dividend as resolved by the General Meeting and/or the Board of Directors at the time of deciding to issue the shares. Once the minimum dividend has been agreed upon, holders of non-voting shares will be entitled to the same dividend as holders of ordinary shares. If there are distributable earnings, the Company is obliged to agree to distribute the minimum divided mentioned above. If there are no distributable earnings or they are insufficient, the unpaid part of the minimum dividend will accumulate or not, pursuant to the terms agreed by the General Meeting at the time of deciding to issue the shares.

Holders of non-voting shares may exercise their pre-emptive subscription right should the General Meeting and/or the Board of Directors so resolve at the time of issuing shares or share-convertible debentures. Recovery of voting rights must be resolved at the same time.

Article 13.bis Redeemable shares

The Company may issue shares that are redeemable at the request of the issuing company or of the holders of such shares or of both, for a nominal amount not greater than one quarter of the share capital. The issue resolution will set the conditions for enforcing the redemption right. If the redemption right was attributed exclusively to the issuer, it may not be enforced until three years have elapsed since the issue.

Redeemable shares must be fully paid up at the time of subscription.

Redemption of redeemable shares must be charged to earnings or to free reserves or be made with the proceeds of a new share issue made under a resolution from the General Meeting or, as the case may be, from the Board of Directors, for the purpose of financing the redemption transaction. If the redemption of these shares is charged to earnings or to free reserves, the Company must set up a reserve for the amount of the nominal value of the shares redeemed. If the redemption is not charged to earnings or free reserves or made with the issuance of new shares, it may only be carried out under the requirements established for the reduction of share capital by refunding contributions.

 

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Article 13.ter Privileged shares

The Company may issue shares that confer some privilege over ordinary shares under the legally established terms and conditions, complying with the formalities prescribed for amending the Company Bylaws.

Chapter Three

On Shareholders

Article 14. General principles

Shareholders’ rights and obligations, their content and scope, limits and conditions, will be governed by the provisions of these Company Bylaws and, where applicable, by current regulations.

Holding one or more shares will imply that the shareholder accepts these Company Bylaws and the resolutions of the General Meeting and of the Board of Directors. This does not undermine their right to challenge established by law.

Shareholders, and the Company, waiving their own jurisdiction, are expressly subject to the court jurisdiction pertaining to the Company’s registered office for any matters that arise between them.

Article 15. Rights of shareholders

The following are rights of the Bank’s shareholders. They may be exercised within the terms and conditions and with the limitations set out in these Company Bylaws:

a) The right to participate in the distribution of corporate earnings and any net assets resulting from liquidation proportionally to the capital paid up.

b) The right of pre-emptive subscription over issues of new shares or debentures convertible into shares.

c) The right to attend General Meetings, in accordance with article 23 of these Company Bylaws, and to vote at them, except for holders of non-voting shares, and also to challenge corporate resolutions.

d) The right to call for annual or extraordinary General Meetings, under the terms and conditions laid down by law and these Company Bylaws.

e) The right to examine the annual financial statements, the management report, the proposed allocation of profit or losses and the auditors’ report, and also, where applicable, the consolidated financial statement and management report, in the manner and within the time limit set out in article 29 of these Company Bylaws.

 

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f) The right to information, pursuant to applicable legislation and these Company Bylaws.

g) The right to obtain certification of the resolutions and the minutes of the General Meetings for shareholders and shareholder proxies who have attended the General Meeting.

h) In general, all rights that may be recognised by legal provisions or by these Company Bylaws.

Article 16. Obligations of shareholders

The obligations of the shareholders are:

a) To submit to the Company Bylaws and to the resolutions of General Meetings, of the Board of Directors and other bodies of governance and administration.

b) To put up the percentage of capital pending disbursement, when so required.

c) To accept the Bank’s registered office as determining jurisdiction for the resolution of any differences between the shareholder, as such, and the Company, waiving any right to seek remedy in courts elsewhere.

d) Other obligations laid down by legal provision or by these Company Bylaws.

 

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TITLE III

ON CORPORATE BODIES

Article 17. Number

The supreme bodies responsible for decision-making, representation, administration, supervision and management of the Company are the General Meeting and the Board of Directors, and within the Board’s scope of powers, the Executive Committee and other Board Committees.

Chapter One

On the Shareholders’ General Meeting

Article 18. The General Meeting as sovereign body

The General Meeting, legally constituted, is the Company’s sovereign body. Its resolutions, when validly adopted, are binding on all shareholders, including shareholders not attending the General Meeting and those shareholders who voted against resolutions, did not have a vote or abstained from voting.

Article 19. Categories of General Meetings

General Meetings of Shareholders may be annual or extraordinary. The annual General Meeting, convened as such, will necessarily meet within the first six months of each year. It will approve, where approval is forthcoming, to the corporate management and the financial statements for the previous year and resolve as to the allocation of profits or losses. It will also be able to resolve on any other matters on the agenda or allowed by law, within the scope of its powers, provided that the General Meeting is attended by the number of shareholders and the percentage of capital required by law or the Company Bylaws in each case.

Any General Meeting other than the one provided for in the previous paragraph will be considered an extraordinary General Meeting.

Article 20. Notice of meeting

General Meetings will be called at the initiative of the Company’s Board of Directors whenever it deems necessary or advisable for the Company’s interests, and in any case on the dates or within the periods determined by law and these Bylaws.

If requested by one or several shareholders representing at least three per cent of the share capital, the Board of Directors must also convene a General Meeting. The requisition must expressly state the matters to be dealt with. In such event, the Board of Directors must call the General Meeting so that it is held within the legally established period as of the date on which the Board of Directors is served duly attested notice to call it. The agenda must without fail include the matters to which the request for a Meeting referred.

 

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Likewise, in the period and form established by law, shareholders representing at least three per cent of the share capital may request publication of a supplement to the notice of meeting for an Annual General Meeting, including one or more items on the agenda in the notice, providing the new items are accompanied by substantiation or, as appropriate, a substantiated proposed resolution, and submit substantiated proposals for resolutions on matters already included or that should be included in the agenda of the notice of meeting for the General Meeting being convened.

Article 21. Form and content of the notice of meeting

Annual and extraordinary General Meetings must be convened by means of an announcement published in the Official Gazette of the Companies Registry (BORME) or one of the highest-readership daily newspapers in Spain, within the notice period required by law, as well as being disseminated on the CNMV (securities exchange authority) website and the Company website, except when legal provisions establish other media for disseminating the announcement.

The announcement will indicate the date, time and place of the General Meeting at first summons and its agenda, which will contain all the matters that the Meeting will cover, and any other references that may be required by law. The date on which the General Meeting will be held at second summons may also be stated in the announcement.

At least twenty-four hours must be allowed to elapse between the Meetings held at first and second summons.

The Board of Directors may consider the technical media and legal bases that enable and guarantee remote attendance at the General Meeting. When convening each General Meeting, it may evaluate the possibility of organising attendance over remote media.

Article 22. Place

Notwithstanding what is laid down by law for Universal General Meetings, General Meetings will be held in the municipal district where the Company has its registered office on the date indicated in the notice of meeting, and their sessions may be extended for one or more consecutive days at the proposal of the Board of Directors or at the request of a number of shareholders representing at least one quarter of the capital present at the Meeting. General Meetings may also be transferred to a place other than that indicated in the notice of meeting, within the same municipal district, with the knowledge of those present, in the event of force majeure.

 

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Article 23. Right of attendance

Holders of 500 or more shares whose ownership is registered in the respective accounting record at least five days before the day on which the Meeting is scheduled, pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act and other applicable provisions, and who conserve at least that number of shares until the Meeting is held, may attend annual and extraordinary General Meetings.

Holders of fewer shares may group together until they make up at least that number, appointing their representative.

Each shareholder entitled to attend who so requests will be given a card with their name on it, indicating how many shares they hold.

Executives, managers and staff of the Company and its associated undertakings may attend, as may anyone authorised by the Chairman of the General Meeting. The General Meeting reserves the right to revoke that authorisation.

Article 24. Proxies for the General Meeting

Any shareholder who is entitled to attend may be represented at the General Meeting by another person, who need not necessarily be a shareholder.

Proxy must be conferred specifically for each General Meeting, using the proxy form established by the Company, which will be recorded on the attendance card. A single shareholder may not be represented at the Meeting by more than one proxy, except under the circumstances provided in the Act for brokering institutions.

Likewise, authorisation may be conferred by means of remote communications that comply with the requirements laid down by law.

Proxies conferred by a fiduciary or merely apparent shareholder will be rejected.

Article 25. Quorum

Annual and extraordinary General Meetings will be validly constituted if the minimum quorum required by prevailing law is present for each of the various matters or business included on the agenda.

The above notwithstanding, in order to adopt resolutions on replacing the corporate purpose, the transformation, total spin off, winding up the Company and amending this second paragraph of this article, two-thirds of the subscribed voting capital must attend the General Meeting at first summons, or 60% of that capital at second summons.

 

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Article 26. Chairman and Secretary of the General Meeting

The Chairman of the General Meeting will be Chairman of the Board of Directors. When this is not possible, it will be the Deputy Chairman. Should there be several Deputy Chairmen, the order established by the Board of Directors itself when appointing them will be followed. Otherwise, age seniority will prevail. When none of the above are available, the General Meeting will be chaired by the director appointed by the Board of Directors for that purpose. The Secretary of the Board will act as Secretary of the General Meeting, and when this is not possible, the Deputy Secretary. If this is not possible, the Secretary of the General Meeting will be the person the Board of Directors appoints in his/her stead.

Article 27. Attendance list

Once the Panel, which will comprise the Chairman and the Secretary of the General Meeting, is constituted, the attendance list will be drawn up. This will report the number of shareholders in attendance with voting rights, the number attending personally or by proxy, and the percentage of share capital that they all represent. For this task, the Panel may use two scrutineers appointed by the Board of Directors prior to the General Meeting from amongst the shareholders. The attendance list will appear at the beginning of the minutes or will be attached to them as an appendix. It will be signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the Chairman. It may also be drawn up as a software application or hard file, and in either case the appropriate identification tag signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the Chairman will be placed across the sealed cover.

The Chairman of the General Meeting will declare whether or not the requirements for the valid constitution of the Meeting are met, deal with any queries, requests for clarification or complaints that arise regarding the attendance list, authorities conferred and proxies granted: examine, accept or reject new proposals regarding the matters on the agenda, pursuant to prevailing legal provisions, and direct deliberations, systematising, organising, curtailing and cutting off the interventions. In general, the Chairman is empowered to do everything necessary to optimise the way that the General Meeting is run and organised.

Article 28. Content of General Meetings

Only matters that are specifically indicated in the notice of meeting may be dealt with at annual and extraordinary General Meetings, except where otherwise laid down by law.

Article 29. Shareholders’ right to information

Shareholders may request the Board of Directors for information or clarification that they deem necessary regarding the matters on the agenda or send in written questions they deem pertinent, until the fifth day before the General Meeting is scheduled. Shareholders may also request clarification that they deem pertinent about the publicly available information that the Company has filed with the CNMV (securities exchange authority) since the last General Meeting was held and regarding the auditor’s report.

 

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The directors are obliged to furnish the information requested pursuant to the above paragraph, in writing, up until the day on which the General Meeting is held.

During the General Meeting, Company shareholders may verbally request any information or clarification they deem advisable regarding the matters on the agenda. The may also request any clarification they deem necessary regarding the publicly accessible information submitted by the Company to the CNMV (securities exchange authority) since the last General Meeting and regarding the auditor’s report. Should it not be possible to satisfy the shareholder’s right to information there and then, the directors will be obliged to furnish the information requested, in writing and within seven days after the end of the General Meeting.

Directors will be obliged to provide the information requested under the provisions of this article, unless the information is unnecessary to safeguard shareholders’ rights, or if there are objective reasons for considering that it could be used for purposes unrelated to the Company or if its release would harm the Company or associated companies.

Information may not be refused when the request is supported by shareholders representing at least one quarter of the capital.

Article 30. Powers of the General Meeting

The General Meeting has the following powers:

 

a. To amend the Company Bylaws, and to confirm and/or rectify the Board of Directors’ interpretation of them.

 

b. To determine the number of seats on the Board of Directors, appoint, re-elect and dismiss Board members, and ratify or revoke any appointments by co-option made by the Board of Directors.

 

c. To increase or reduce the share capital, conferring authority, where appropriate, on the Board of Directors to indicate, within the maximum period, pursuant to law, the date or dates of such increase or reduction. The Board of Directors may enforce all or part of this authority or even refrain from enforcing it in consideration of market conditions, the situation of the Company itself or of any fact or event of social or economic importance that may make this advisable. It will report on its decision at the first General Meeting held when the period set for its enforcement has elapsed.

 

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d. To confer authority on the Board of Directors to increase the share capital as laid down by law. When the General Meeting confers such authority, it may also grant powers to exclude the right pre-emptive subscription over the share issues referred to in the authority, pursuant to the terms and the requirements laid down by law.

 

e. To confer authority on the Board of Directors to amend the nominal value of shares representing the share capital, re-wording article 5 of the Company Bylaws.

 

f. To issue debentures or other securities recognising or creating debt and are convertible into shares, being also able to delegate to the Board of Directors the power to make such issues as well as exclude or limit the pre-emptive subscription rights, all in the terms and under the requirements laid down by Law.

 

g. To examine and approve the annual financial statements, the proposed allocation of profits or losses and the corporate management of each corresponding year, and the consolidated financial statements, where applicable.

 

h. To appoint, re-elect and dismiss the auditors.

 

i. To approve the acquisition, disposal or allocation of essential assets to another company. An asset is presumed essential whenever the amount of the transaction exceeds 25% of the value of the assets that appear in the last approved balance sheet.

 

j. To approve the transformation, merger, spin off, global assignment of assets and liabilities, dissolution and offshoring of the registered office.

 

k. To approve the transfer to subsidiaries of essential activities previously undertaken by the Company itself, even if the Company retains full control of the subsidiaries. Activities are presumed essential whenever the volume of the transaction exceeds 25% of the total assets on the balance sheet.

 

l. To approve transactions that are equivalent to the Company’s liquidation.

 

m. To approve the final liquidation balance sheet.

 

n. To approve the Directors’ remuneration policy in the terms established by Law.

 

o. To pronounce on any other matter reserved for the General Meeting by legal provision or by the Company Bylaws.

 

p. To approve its Regulations and any later amendments, pursuant to the Board of Director’s proposals.

Article 31. Adoption of resolutions

At annual and/or extraordinary General Meetings, resolutions will be adopted with the majorities required by law and by these Company Bylaws.

 

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Each voting share will confer the right to one vote on the holder present or represented at the General Meeting.

Shareholders who are not up to date in the payment of capital calls will not be entitled to vote, but only with regard to the shares whose capital calls have not been paid. Nor will holders of shares without voting rights.

Shareholders may grant voting proxy or vote by postal correspondence, e-mail or any other remote communication media, provided that the voter’s identity is duly guaranteed, in accordance with the General Meeting Regulations.

The Board of Directors may draw up suitable rules, means and procedures to instrument the voting process and the granting of proxy over remote media, complying with the requirements established by law.

Article 32. Minutes of General Meetings

The Secretary of the General Meeting will take the minutes, which will be entered in the Minute Book. They may be approved by the General Meeting itself at the end of the session, and failing that, within fifteen days, by the Chairman of the General Meeting and two scrutineers among the shareholders, one representing the majority and the other the minority.

The resolutions may be implemented as of the date on which the minutes are approved in which they are recorded.

The minutes will be signed by the Secretary and countersigned by the Chairman.

Any certificates issued in connection with the minutes, once approved, will be signed by the Secretary and, failing that, by the Deputy Secretary of the Board of Directors, and countersigned by the Chairman or, as the case may be, by the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors may request the presence of a Notary Public to take minutes of the proceedings.

Chapter Two

On the Board of Directors

Article 33. Nature

The Board of Directors will be the natural body for the Company’s representation, administration, management and oversight.

Article 33 bis. Remuneration.

Directorships will be remunerated.

 

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The remuneration of directors for their directorship will comprise a fixed annual allocation, which will be distributed by the Board of Directors in the manner that the Board so determines, in view of the conditions, duties and responsibilities of each director attributed by the Board and their membership of the various Committees. This may give rise to different amounts of remuneration for each director. The Board will also determine the timing and form in which this allocation is paid, which may include insurance and pensions schemes established at any time.

The amount of the annual allocation for the Board of Directors will be the amount that the General Meeting determines. This amount will remain in force until the General Meeting resolves its amendment, although the Board of Directors may reduce it in years when it deems fit.

Additional to this allocation, the directors’ remuneration may also comprise the delivery of shares or share options or amounts benchmarked to the share performance. The application of this remuneration modality will require a General Meeting resolution, expressing, as forthcoming, the number of shares to be delivered, the strike price on the share options, the value of the shares to be benchmarked and how long this remuneration system will last.

Directors performing executive duties in the Company will be excluded from the remuneration system established in the foregoing paragraphs. Their remuneration will be regulated by article 50 bis of these Company Bylaws with the amount and conditions determined by the Board of Directors.

Article 34. Number and election

The Board of Directors will comprise a minimum of five members, and a maximum of fifteen, elected by the General Meeting, except as provided under article 37 of these Company Bylaws.

The General Meeting of Shareholders will determine the exact number of directors, within the stipulated limits.

Article 35. Requirements for directorship

Membership of the Board of Directors requires directors not to be in any of the circumstances of conflict of interest or prohibition laid down by law.

Article 36. Term of office and renewal

The term of office for members of the Board of Directors will be three years. Directors may be re-elected one or more times for periods of the same maximum length.

 

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Article 37. Vacancies

If, during the term for which the directors were appointed, seats should fall vacant, the Board of Directors may nominate the persons who are to cover them. Their appointment will be put to the first General Meeting held after the nomination.

Article 38. Chairman and Secretary of the Board

The Board of Directors will appoint, from amongst its members, a chairman to chair the Board of Directors, and one or several deputy chairmen of the Board of Directors. It will also appoint, from amongst its members, the chairman and deputy chairman for the committees referred to in chapter four below.

Should it be impossible for the Chairman to perform his/her duties, or in his/her absence, they will be performed by the Deputy Chairman. Should there be several Deputy Chairmen, the order established by the Board of Directors on appointment will be followed. Otherwise, age seniority will prevail.

In the absence of a Deputy Chairman, the meeting will be chaired on that occasion by the director appointed for such purpose by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors will appoint a secretary from amongst its members, unless it resolves to commend such tasks to a non-board-member. It may also appoint a deputy secretary, who will stand in for the Secretary in the event of absence or impossibility. Otherwise, the Board of Directors will determine the substitute in each case.

Article 39. Powers of the Chairman

The Chairman will, in all events, be the Company’s highest-ranking representative. In the performance of his/her office, he/she will have the following powers, in addition to those attributed by the law or these Company Bylaws:

 

a) To call General Meetings, following a Board of Directors resolution, and to chair them.

 

b) To direct the discussions and deliberations of the General Meeting, arranging the order of shareholders’ interventions, and establishing the duration of each, in order to enable shareholders to take the floor and expedite proceedings.

 

c) To call and chair the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and other Board Committees and Commissions of which he/she is a member.

 

d) To draft the meeting agendas for the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and Board Committees and Commissions, and draw-up proposed resolutions to be submitted to them.

 

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e) To direct the discussions and deliberations of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and Committees and Commissions.

 

f) To enforce the resolutions of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the other Committees and Commissions. To such purpose, he/she will have the broadest powers of attorney, whatever authority is conferred on other directors by the corresponding corporate body to such effect.

Article 39 bis. Lead Director

If the Chairman of the Board of Directors holds the position of Executive Director, the Board of Directors, with the abstention of the executive directors, must appoint a Lead Director from among the independent directors. The Lead Director shall have the powers attributed by Law, by these Bylaws and by the Board of Directors Regulations.

Article 40. Board meetings and notice of meetings

The Board of Directors will meet whenever the Chairman or the Executive Committee deems fit, upon request from the Lead Director or from at least one quarter of the directors.

The Board of Directors will be called by the Chairman and, where this is not possible, by the Deputy Chairman in his/her stead. Should these persons be absent or unable to perform their duties for any reason, the Board of Directors will be called by the eldest director.

Directors constituting at least one third of the Board members may call a meeting, indicating the agenda, to be held in the municipal district where the Company offices are registered if, within one month of being so requested, the Chairman has failed to call a meeting without due cause.

Article 41. Quorum and adoption of resolutions

The Board of Directors will be validly constituted when the majority of its members are present or represented.

Resolutions will be adopted by an absolute majority of votes cast in person or by proxy, except as provided under articles 45 and 49 of these Company Bylaws.

Article 42. Proxy for Board meetings

A director who does not attend may delegate their proxy to another director. Non-executive directors may only delegate to other non-executive directors.

 

17


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

Article 43. Powers of the Board

The Board of Directors will have the broadest powers of attorney, administration, management and supervision. It is empowered to perform all manner of acts and enter into contracts relating to ownership and administration. In particular, its powers will include but are in no way limited to the following:

 

1. To carry out all transactions comprising the corporate purpose or help make its achievement possible, pursuant to article 3 of these Company Bylaws.

 

2. To resolve to call the General Meeting, notwithstanding the provisions of article 20 and 39.a) of these Company Bylaws.

 

3. To draft and propose the following for General Meeting approval: the annual financial statements, the management report and the proposed allocation of profits or losses and also, where applicable, the consolidated financial statements and management report for each financial year.

 

4. To implement the resolutions of the General Meeting and, where applicable and pursuant to legal provisions, appoint the persons who should grant the relevant public and private documents.

 

5. To interpret the Company Bylaws and fill any omissions, especially with regard to the article on corporate purpose, reporting the resolutions adopted to the General Meeting, where applicable.

 

6. To resolve on the creation, cancellation, relocation, transfer and other acts and transactions related to the Company’s branch, regional and representation offices in and outside Spain.

 

7. To adopt the Company’s internal regulations with powers to amend them.

 

8. To establish the administrative expenses and establish or agree on any ancillary services it deems necessary or advisable.

 

9. To resolve on the distribution of interim dividends to the shareholders, before the respective financial year has ended and before the annual financial statements are adopted, pursuant to prevailing legislation.

 

10. To appoint and dismiss Bank employees, establishing their salaries and perquisites.

 

11. To determine the general conditions for discount, lending and guarantee deposit, and to approve any risk transactions it deems advisable and deal with any issues that arise in the Bank’s business.

 

12. To represent the Bank before the state, regional, provincial, municipal authorities and bodies, publicly-owned entities, syndicates, public-law corporations, companies and individuals, and before ordinary and special courts and tribunals. It may file and defend suits, enforce rights, lodge claims and appeals of any kind to which the Bank is entitled, and abandon them when it deems fit.

 

18


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

13. To acquire, possess, divest, mortgage and encumber all categories of real estate assets, property rights of any type and with respect to such assets and rights, perform any acts and enter into any civil, mercantile or administrative contracts without exception. These may even include constituting, amending and cancelling mortgages and other property rights, as well as assigning, trading and transferring the Company’s assets and liabilities.

 

14. To acquire, divest, swap, transfer, encumber, subscribe, offer any categories of moveable goods, securities, shares, debentures, make public bids to sell or acquire securities, and holdings in all kinds of companies and enterprises.

 

15. To constitute companies, associations, foundations, subscribing shares and/or holdings, putting up all categories of goods, and entering into contracts for mergers and cooperation of enterprises and/or businesses.

 

16. To give and receive loans and/or credit. These may be senior or secured with any kind of collateral, including mortgage.

 

17. To guarantee and/or secure Company or third-party obligations of all kinds.

 

18. To reach a settlement regarding all kinds of goods and rights.

 

19. To delegate all or any powers that are delegable pursuant to prevailing law, and to grant and revoke all kinds of general and special powers of attorney, with or without powers of substitution.

Article 44. Minutes of Board meetings

Once the minutes of the Board proceedings are adopted, they will be signed by the Secretary and countersigned by whoever chaired the meeting.

Any certified copies of the minutes, once approved, will be signed by the Secretary and, failing that, by the Deputy Secretary of the Board of Directors, and countersigned by the Chairman or, as the case may be, by the Deputy Chairman.

Chapter Three

On the Executive Committee

Article 45. Creation and composition

The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee, with the favourable vote of two-thirds of its members and the corresponding entry in the Companies Registry. This will be composed of the directors that the Board nominates, whose positions will be renewed in the time, manner and number that the Board of Directors may decide.

 

19


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

The Executive Committee will be chaired by the Chairman, who will be a member of it by virtue of his/her office. Failing that, it will be chaired by the Deputy Chairman or Deputy Chairmen of the Board of Directors who sit on the committee, following the order established under Article 38 of these Company Bylaws, and otherwise by the Executive Committee member that the Executive Committee determines. The Board of Directors will appoint a secretary, who may be a non-board member. In his/her absence, he/she will be replaced by the person appointed by those attending the respective meeting.

Article 46. Meeting and powers

The Executive Committee will meet as often as its Chairman or the person acting in his/her stead considers appropriate or at the request of a majority of its members. It will consider matters falling within the responsibility of the Board which the Board, pursuant to prevailing legislation or these Company Bylaws, resolves to entrust to it.

Article 47. Quorum and adoption of resolutions

The rules of article 41 of these Company Bylaws concerning the constitution of the Board of Directors and the adoption of its resolutions will be applicable to the Executive Committee.

Minutes and certified copies of the resolutions adopted will be subject to article 44 of these Bylaws.

Chapter Four

On Board Committees

Article 48. Board Committees

The Board of Directors, in order to better perform its duties, may create those Committees it deems necessary to assist it in matters corresponding to areas of its responsibility, determining their composition, assigning their members and establishing the functions of each.

The above notwithstanding, the Board of Directors must always have at least one permanent Audit Committee, Appointments Committee, Remuneration Committee and Risks Committee, with the composition and functions established by Law, by the Board of Directors Regulations and, when applicable, by their own regulations.

The Committees shall be governed by the provisions of the Law, by the Board of Directors Regulations and by their specific regulations, when applicable, which must be approved by the Board of Directors and, supplementary thereto, in as far as they are not incompatible with their nature, by the provisions relating to the running of the Board of Directors.

 

20


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

Chapter Five

On the Chief Executive Officer and General Management

Article 49. The Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors may, with the favourable vote of two-thirds of its members, appoint from amongst its members, one or more chief executive officers, with such powers as it considers appropriate and as may be delegated in accordance with the legal provisions and these Company Bylaws.

Article 50. General Management

The Board of Directors can set up one or several general management departments and nominate General Managers to operate them with the powers and functions that the Board of Directors may determine.

Article 50. bis

Directors who have executive functions in the Company attributed to them, whatever the nature of their legal relationship with it, will be entitled to receive remuneration for providing these services. This will consist of: a fixed amount, in keeping with the services and responsibilities of the post; a variable supplement and any reward schemes established in general for the senior management of the Bank. These may comprise delivery of shares or share options or remuneration indexed to the share price, subject to any requirements established by prevailing legislation. Their remuneration also includes benefits, such as the relevant retirement and insurance schemes and social security. In the event of severance not due to breach of duties, these directors will be entitled to compensation.

TITLE IV

ON THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE ALLOCATION

OF PROFIT OR LOSSES

Article 51. Duration of the financial year

The accounting periods of the Company will be one year, coinciding with the calendar year, ending on 31st December.

Article 52. Annual financial statements

The annual financial statements and other accounting documents that must be submitted to the General Meeting for approval will be prepared in accordance with the chart of accounts established by prevailing provisions applicable to banking institutions.

 

21


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

The annual financial statements, the management report, the proposal for allocation of profit or losses, the auditors’ report and, where applicable, the consolidated financial statements and management report, will be given the publicity that is determined at any time by prevailing provisions and these Company Bylaws.

Article 53. Allocation of profit or losses

The General Meeting will resolve on the allocation of profit or losses from the year, in accordance with the balance sheet approved.

Once the perquisites established by law or in these Company Bylaws have been covered, dividends may be paid out to shareholders and charged to the year’s profit or to unrestricted reserves, in proportion to the capital they may have paid up, provided the value of the total net assets is not, or as a result of such distribution would not be, less than the share capital.

Article 53.bis

The General Meeting may resolve to pay out dividends (either charged against the year’s earnings or against unrestricted reserves) and/or a share premium, in kind, provided that the goods or securities being distributed are standardised and sufficiently liquid or liquidatable. This condition will be presumed to have been met when securities are listed or are going to be listed for trading on a regulated market.

The previous paragraph will also be applicable to the return of contributions in the event of a reduction in share capital.

TITLE V

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY

Article 54. Grounds of dissolution

The Bank will be dissolved under the circumstances laid down by prevailing legislation.

Article 55. Appointment of liquidators

Once a resolution has been adopted to dissolve the Company, the General Meeting will appoint the liquidators to wind it up. In addition to the powers expressly vested in them by prevailing law, they shall have any other powers the General Meeting resolves to confer upon them. The General Meeting will determine the rules the liquidators must follow in apportioning the Company’s assets and will approve the financial statements of the liquidation until final settlement is reached.

 

22


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. Company Bylaws

 

 

 

Article 56. Liquidation

Once a resolution has been adopted to dissolve the Company, the liquidation period will commence. Although the Company will retain its legal status, the directors and other proxies will cease to have powers of attorney to enter into new contracts and contract new obligations, and the liquidators will take over the functions attributed to them by law.

The liquidation of the Company will be done in compliance with prevailing legal provisions.

Article 57. Distribution of Company assets

Until all the obligations are discharged, the Company assets may not be delivered to the shareholders unless a sum equivalent to the amount of the outstanding obligations has been reserved and placed in escrow for the creditors.

 

23

Exhibit 4.6

 

 

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.,

as Issuer

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

as Trustee, Paying and Conversion Agent and Principal Paying Agent

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

as Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar

 

 

INDENTURE

 

 

Dated as of September 25, 2017

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

 

 

 

 


Reconciliation and tie between

Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended

and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture

 

Trust Indenture

Act Section

  

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

Indenture Section

§310 (a)(1)

  

7.10

(a)(2)

  

7.10

(a)(3)

  

Not Applicable

(a)(4)

  

Not Applicable

(b)

  

7.09, 7.11

§311(a)

  

7.14

(b)

  

7.14

§312(a)

  

8.01, 8.02(a)

(b)

  

8.02(b)

(c)

  

8.02(c)

§313(a)

  

8.03(a)

(b)

  

8.03(a)

(c)

  

1.06, 8.03(a)

(d)

  

8.03(b)

§314(a)

  

8.04, 11.06

(b)

  

Not Applicable

(c)(1)

  

1.02

(c)(2)

  

1.02

(c)(3)

  

Not Applicable

(d)

  

Not Applicable

(e)

  

1.02

(f)

  

Not Applicable

§315(a)

  

7.01

(b)

  

7.03, 8.03(a)

(c)

  

7.01

(d)

  

7.01

(d)(1)

  

7.01

(d)(2)

  

7.01

(d)(3)

  

7.01

(e)

  

6.15

§316(a)(1)(A)

  

6.14

(a)(l)(B)

  

6.16

(a)(2)

  

Not Applicable

(a)(last sentence)

  

1.01

(b)

  

6.10

(c)

  

Not Applicable

§317(a)(1)

  

6.04

(a)(2)

  

6.06

(b)

  

11.03

§318(a)

  

1.08

 

Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

     P AGE  
ARTICLE 1   
D EFINITIONS AND O THER P ROVISIONS OF G ENERAL A PPLICATION   

Section 1.01. Definitions

     1  

Section 1.02. Compliance Certificates and Opinions

     17  

Section 1.03. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee

     17  

Section 1.04. Acts of Holders

     17  

Section 1.05. Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company

     19  

Section 1.06. Notice to Holders; Waiver

     19  

Section 1.07. Language of Notices, Etc .

     20  

Section 1.08. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act

     20  

Section 1.09. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents

     20  

Section 1.10. Successors and Assigns

     20  

Section 1.11. Separability Clause

     20  

Section 1.12. Benefits of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture

     20  

Section 1.13. Governing Law

     21  

Section 1.14. Business Days

     21  

Section 1.15. Appointment of Agent for Service

     21  

Section 1.16. Calculation Agent

     21  

Section 1.17. Waiver of Jury Trial

     21  

Section 1.18. Judgment Currency

     22  
ARTICLE 2   
C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITY F ORMS   

Section 2.01. Forms Generally

     22  

Section 2.02. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication

     22  
ARTICLE 3   
T HE C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES   

Section 3.01. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series

     23  

Section 3.02. Denominations

     25  

Section 3.03. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating

     25  

Section 3.04. Temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     26  

Section 3.05. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange

     26  

Section 3.06. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     29  

Section 3.07. Distributions. Rights Preserved

     30  

Section 3.08. Distributions Discretionary

     30  

Section 3.09. Restrictions on Payments

     31  

Section 3.10. Agreement to Distribution Cancellation

     31  

Section 3.11. Notice of Distribution Cancellation

     32  

Section 3.12. Persons Deemed Owners

     32  

Section 3.13. Cancellation

     33  

Section 3.14. Computation of Distributions

     33  

Section 3.15. Cusip Numbers

     33  

Section 3.16. Additional Parity Securities and Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     34  

Section 3.17. Correction of Minor Defects in or Amendment of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     34  

Section 3.18. Payments Subject to Fiscal Laws

     34  

Section 3.19. Undertakings

     35  

 

ii


ARTICLE 4   
C ONVERSION OF THE C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES   

Section 4.01. Conversion upon Trigger Event

     35  

Section 4.02. Conversion upon Capital Reduction

     36  

Section 4.03. Upon conversion

     37  

Section 4.04. Conversion Price

     38  

Section 4.05. Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price

     38  

Section 4.06. Conversion Procedures. Common Shares

     47  

Section 4.07. Agreement and Waiver with Respect to Conversion

     49  

Section 4.08. Settlement Procedures

     50  

Section 4.09. Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice

     52  

Section 4.10. Delivery of ADSs

     52  
ARTICLE 5   
S ATISFACTION AND D ISCHARGE   

Section 5.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture

     53  
ARTICLE 6   
R EMEDIES   

Section 6.01. Enforcement Events

     53  

Section 6.02. Liquidation Distribution

     54  

Section 6.03. Limitation of Remedies Upon an Enforcement Event

     54  

Section 6.04. No Other Remedies and Other Terms

     54  

Section 6.05. Agreement with Respect to Limitation of Remedies for Breach of a Performance Obligation

     55  

Section 6.06. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

     55  

Section 6.07. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     56  

Section 6.08. Application of Money Collected

     56  

Section 6.09. Limitation on Suits

     56  

Section 6.10. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Liquidation Preference (and Premium, if any), Distributions and Additional Amounts

     57  

Section 6.11. Restoration of Rights and Remedies

     57  

Section 6.12. Rights and Remedies Cumulative

     57  

Section 6.13. Delay or Omission Not Waiver

     57  

Section 6.14. Control by Holders

     58  

Section 6.15. Undertaking for Costs

     58  

Section 6.16. Waiver of Past Enforcement Events

     58  
ARTICLE 7   
T HE T RUSTEE   

Section 7.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities

     58  

Section 7.02. Spanish Tax Procedures and Obligations of the Trustee

     59  

Section 7.03. Notice of Enforcement Events

     60  

Section 7.04. Certain Rights of Trustee

     60  

Section 7.05. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     61  

Section 7.06. May Hold Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     62  

Section 7.07. Money Held in Trust

     62  

Section 7.08. Compensation and Reimbursement

     62  

Section 7.09. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests

     63  

Section 7.10. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility

     63  

 

iii


Section 7.11. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor

     63  

Section 7.12. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor

     64  

Section 7.13. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business

     65  

Section 7.14. Preferential Collection of Claims

     65  

Section 7.15. Appointment of Authenticating Agent

     65  

Section 7.16. Appointment of Additional Trustees

     66  

Section 7.17. Tax Withholding

     67  
ARTICLE 8   
H OLDERS L ISTS AND R EPORTS BY T RUSTEE AND C OMPANY   

Section 8.01. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders

     67  

Section 8.02. Preservation of Information; Communication to Holders

     67  

Section 8.03. Reports by Trustee

     68  

Section 8.04. Reports by Company

     68  
ARTICLE 9   
C ONSOLIDATION , M ERGER , C ONVEYANCE OR T RANSFER   

Section 9.01. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms

     69  

Section 9.02. Successor Corporation Substituted

     69  

Section 9.03. Assumption of Obligations

     70  
ARTICLE 10   
S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURES   

Section 10.01. Supplemental Indenture without Consent of Holders

     70  

Section 10.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders

     72  

Section 10.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures

     73  

Section 10.04. Effect of Supplemental Indentures

     73  

Section 10.05. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act

     73  

Section 10.06. Reference in Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to Supplemental Indentures

     73  
ARTICLE 11   
C OVENANTS   

Section 11.01. Payment of Liquidation Preference and Distributions

     73  

Section 11.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency

     73  

Section 11.03. Money for Payments to be Held in Trust

     74  

Section 11.04. Additional Amounts

     75  

Section 11.05. Corporate Existence

     77  

Section 11.06. Statement as to Compliance

     77  
ARTICLE 12   
R EDEMPTION AND P URCHASE OF C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES   

Section 12.01. Applicability of Article

     77  

Section 12.02. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee

     77  

Section 12.03. [Reserved]

     77  

Section 12.04. Redemption Procedures; Notice of Redemption

     77  

Section 12.05. [Reserved.]

     79  

Section 12.06. Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Payable on Redemption Date

     79  

Section 12.07. [Reserved]

     79  

Section 12.08. Optional Redemption

     79  

Section 12.09. Optional Redemption Due To A Tax Event

     79  

 

iv


Section 12.10. Optional Redemption Due To A Capital Event

     80  

Section 12.11. Purchases of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

     80  

Section 12.12. [Reserved]

     80  

Section 12.13. Cancelled Distributions Not Payable Upon Redemption

     80  
ARTICLE 13   
S UBORDINATION OF C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES   

Section 13.01. Subordination

     80  

Section 13.02. Waiver of Right of Set-Off

     81  

Section 13.03. [Reserved]

     82  

Section 13.04. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination

     82  

Section 13.05. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Senior Creditors

     82  

Section 13.06. Rights of Trustee as Senior Creditor; Preservation of Trustee’s Rights

     82  

Section 13.07. Article Applicable to Paying Agents

     82  
ARTICLE 14   
S PANISH B AIL -I N AND R ESOLUTION A CTIONS   

Section 14.01. Agreement and Acknowledgment with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power

     82  

Section 14.02. BRRD Liabilities

     84  

 

v


CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES INDENTURE, dated as of September 25, 2017 between BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A., a sociedad anónima organized under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain (the “ Company ”), having its principal executive office located at Calle Azul 4, Madrid, Spain, and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, having its principal corporate trust office located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, United States, and acting (except with respect to its role as Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar) through its London Branch through its Corporate Trust Office located at One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, United Kingdom (in its capacity as trustee, the “ Trustee ”, which term includes any successor Trustee).

RECITALS

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its non-step-up non-cumulative contingent convertible preferred securities (the “ Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities ”), to be issued in one or more series, represented by one or more Global Securities in registered form, or represented by definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in registered form, the amount and terms of each such series to be determined as hereinafter provided.

All things necessary to make this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture a valid and binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

This Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder that are required to be part of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and, to the extent applicable, shall be governed by such provisions.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Holders (as defined herein) thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, as follows:

ARTICLE 1

D EFINITIONS AND O THER P ROVISIONS OF G ENERAL A PPLICATION

Section 1.01. Definitions . For all purposes of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

(b) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(c) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the European Union;

(d) the words “ herein ,” “ hereof ,” “ hereto ” and “ hereunder ” and other words of similar import refer to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;

(e) the term “ including ” means “including without limitation;”


(f) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “ Article ” or a “ Section ” refers to an Article or Section of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture; and

(g) the word “ or ” is always used inclusively (for example, the phrase “A or B” means “A or B or both”, not “either A or B but not both”).

Certain terms, used principally in certain Articles hereof, are defined in those Articles.

References to any act or statute or any provision of any act or statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made in accordance therewith or under such modification or re-enactment.

Accounting Currency ” means euro or such other primary currency used in the presentation of the Group’s accounts from time to time.

Act ”, when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 1.04.

Additional Amounts ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04.

Additional Common Shares ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.05(d).

Additional Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.16.

Additional Tier 1 Capital ” means Additional Tier 1 capital ( capital de nivel 1 adicional ) as provided under Applicable Banking Regulations.

Additional Tier 1 Instrument ” means any contractually subordinated obligation of the Company constituting an Additional Tier 1 instrument ( instrumento de capital de nivel 1 adicional ) in accordance with Applicable Banking Regulations.

ADR Deposit Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007, as may be further amended from time to time, between the Company, The Bank of New York Mellon and the holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder.

ADS ” means an American Depository Share which is the subject of the ADR Deposit Agreement.

ADS Depositary ” means The Bank of New York Mellon, as the depositary under the ADR Deposit Agreement or any successor ADS depositary.

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Agents ” means the agents appointed in accordance with this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any applicable supplemental indenture and shall include any Paying Agent, Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar, Paying and Conversion Agent, Calculation Agent and Authenticating Agent.

Agent Member ” means a member of, or participant in, any Depositary.

Amounts Due ” with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series means the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), together with any accrued but unpaid Distributions, and Additional Amounts, if any, due on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series. References to such amounts will include amounts that have become due and payable, but which have not been paid, prior to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

 

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Applicable Banking Regulations ” means at any time the laws, regulations, requirements, guidelines and policies relating to capital adequacy, resolution and/or solvency then applicable to the Company and/or the Group including, without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, CRD IV, the BRRD and those laws, regulations, requirements, guidelines and policies relating to capital adequacy, resolution and/or solvency then in effect in Spain (whether or not such regulations, requirements, guidelines or policies have the force of law and whether or not they are applied generally or specifically to the Company and/or the Group).

Authenticating Agent ” means, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series. Initially, and unless otherwise specified, The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its principal corporate trust office in New York shall act as Authenticating Agent.

Authorized Newspaper ” means a newspaper, in an official language of the place of publication or in the English language, customarily published on each day that is a Business Day in the place of publication, whether or not published on days that are Legal Holidays in the place of publication, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Where successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any day that is a Business Day in the place of publication.

Board of Directors ” means either the board of directors of the Company or any committee or Person duly authorized to act generally or in any particular respect for the Company hereunder.

Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or any Person duly authorized by the Company to have been duly adopted by the relevant Board of Directors or an authorized committee thereof and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification and delivered to the Trustee.

BRRD ” means Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of May 15, 2014 establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, as implemented into Spanish law, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any such other directive as may come into effect in place thereof, and including any other relevant implementing regulatory provisions.

BRRD Liability ” means any liability, commitment, duty, responsibility, amount payable or contingency or other obligation arising from, or related to, this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture which may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

Business Day ” means, unless otherwise provided in the form of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for any particular series pursuant to the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, any day, other than Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a Legal Holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the City of New York, London, Madrid or any other place or places where the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, or any Distributions on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series are payable.

Calculation Agent ” means, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, any Person authorized by the Company as the party responsible for making the calculations referred to in Section 1.16 herein.

 

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Capital Event ” means, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, a change (or any pending change which the Regulator considers to be sufficiently certain) in Spanish law or Applicable Banking Regulations that results (or would result) in any of the outstanding aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series ceasing to be included in, or counting towards, the Group’s or the Company’s Tier 1 Capital.

Capital Reduction ” means the adoption, in accordance with Article 418.3 of the Spanish Companies Act, by a general shareholders’ meeting of the Company of a resolution of capital reduction by reimbursement of cash contributions ( restituci ó n de aportaciones ) to Shareholders by way of a reduction in the nominal value of the shares of such Shareholders in the capital of the Company. A resolution of capital reduction for the redemption of any Common Shares previously repurchased by the Company will not be considered a Capital Reduction for the purposes of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

Capital Reduction Conversion ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.02(a).

Capital Reduction Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.06(b), which notice shall specify the Election Period and the procedures for Holders to deliver an Election Notice.

Capital Reduction Notice Date ” means the date on which a Capital Reduction Notice is deemed to be given in accordance with Section 4.06(d).

Cash Dividend ” means (i) any Dividend which is to be paid or made in cash (in whatever currency), but other than falling within paragraph (b) of the definition of “Spin-Off” and (ii) any Dividend determined to be a Cash Dividend pursuant to paragraph (a) of the definition of “Dividend”, but a Dividend falling within paragraph (c) or (d) of the definition of “Dividend” shall be treated as being a Non-Cash Dividend.

CET1 Capital ” means, at any time, the common equity tier 1 capital of the Company or the Group, respectively, as calculated by the Company in accordance with Chapter 2 (Common Equity Tier 1Capital) of Title I (Elements of Own Funds) of Part Two (Own Funds) of the CRR and/or Applicable Banking Regulations at such time, including any applicable transitional, phasing in or similar provisions.

CET1 ratio ” means, at any time, with respect to the Company or the Group, as the case may be, the reported ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the aggregate amount (in the Accounting Currency) of the CET1 Capital of the Company or the Group, respectively, at such time divided by the Risk Weighted Assets Amount of the Company or the Group, respectively, at such time, all as calculated by the Company.

Clearing System ” means DTC or any of the European Clearing Systems, as applicable.

Closing Price ” means, in respect of a Common Share and in relation to any dealing day, the price per Common Share quoted by the Relevant Stock Exchange as the closing price or closing auction price of a Common Share on such dealing day.

CNMV ” means the Spanish Securities Market Commission ( Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores ).

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

Common Shares ” means ordinary shares in the capital of the Company, each of which confers on the holder one vote at general meetings of the Company and is credited as fully paid up.

Company ” means the Person named as the “ Company ” in the first paragraph of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and thereafter “ Company ” shall mean such successor Person, and any other obligor upon the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

 

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Company Request ” and “ Company Order ” mean, respectively, a written request or order, as the case may be, signed in the name of the Company by any member of the Board of Directors, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors, the President, a Vice President, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or other representative of the Company empowered to do so by Board Resolution, and delivered to the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Calculation Agent, as the case may be.

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities ” has the meaning specified in the recitals contained herein and more particularly means any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities issued, authenticated and delivered under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture; provided, however , that, if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, “Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities”, with respect to any such Person, shall mean Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities authenticated and delivered under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, exclusive, however, of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series as to which such Person is not acting as Trustee.

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and, with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, by the terms and provisions thereof established pursuant to Section 3.01.

Contingent Convertible Preferred Security ” means one of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register ” and “ Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar ” have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.05.

Conversion ” means a Trigger Conversion or a Capital Reduction Conversion, as the case may be.

Conversion Event ” means a Trigger Event or a Capital Reduction, as the case may be.

Conversion Notice ” means a Trigger Event Notice or a Capital Reduction Notice, as the case may be.

Conversion Notice Date ” means the Trigger Event Notice Date or the Capital Reduction Notice Date, as the case may be.

Conversion Price ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.04.

Conversion Settlement Date ” means the date on which the relevant Common Shares are to be delivered following Conversion, which shall be as soon as practicable and in any event not later than one month following (or such other period as Applicable Banking Regulations may require) the relevant Conversion Notice Date.

Conversion Shares Depository ” means, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, a reputable independent financial institution, trust company or similar entity to be appointed by the Company on or prior to any date when a function ascribed to the Conversion Shares Depository is required to be performed to perform such functions and who will hold Common Shares in Iberclear or any of its participating entities in a designated trust or custody account for the benefit of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and otherwise on terms consistent with the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

Corporate Trust Office ” means the corporate trust office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business is principally administered, which, with respect to The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch, is currently located at One Canada Square, London E14 5AL United Kingdom, and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be administered (except with respect to the role of Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar) at such corporate trust office, or such other location as notified by the Trustee to the Company from time to time, or, if a different Trustee is appointed for a particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the address set forth in the supplemental indenture naming the Trustee for that particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

 

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The term “ corporation ” includes corporations, associations, companies, partnerships and business trusts.

CRD IV ” means any or any combination of the CRD IV Directive, the CRR, and any CRD IV Implementing Measures.

CRD IV Directive ” means Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or such other directive as may come into effect in place thereof.

CRD IV Implementing Measures ” means any regulatory capital rules implementing the CRD IV Directive or the CRR which may from time to time be introduced, including, but not limited to, delegated or implementing acts (regulatory technical standards) adopted by the European Commission, national laws and regulations, and regulations and guidelines issued by the Regulator, the European Banking Authority or any other relevant authority, which are applicable to the Company (on a standalone basis) or the Group (on a consolidated basis), including, without limitation, Law 10/2014 and any other regulation, circular or guidelines implementing or developing Law 10/2014.

CRR ” means Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, on the prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No. 648/2012, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or such other regulation as may come into effect in place thereof.

Current Market Price ” means, in respect of a Common Share at a particular date, the average of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share on each of the five consecutive dealing days ending on the dealing day immediately preceding such date (the “ Relevant Period ”) (rounded if necessary to the nearest cent with 0.5 cents being rounded upwards); provided that if at any time during the Relevant Period the Volume Weighted Average Price shall have been based on a price ex-Dividend (or ex-any other entitlement) and during some other part of that period the Volume Weighted Average Price shall have been based on a price cum-Dividend (or cum-any other entitlement), then:

 

  (a) if the Common Shares to be issued and delivered are not entitled to receive the Dividend (or entitlement) in question, the Volume Weighted Average Price on the dates on which the Common Shares shall have been based on a price cum-Dividend (or cum-any other entitlement) shall for the purposes of this definition be deemed to be the amount thereof reduced by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of any such Dividend or entitlement per Common Share as at the date of the first public announcement relating to such Dividend or entitlement, in any such case, determined on a gross basis and disregarding any withholding or deduction required to be made for or on account of tax, and disregarding any associated tax credit; or

 

  (b) if the Common Shares to be issued and delivered are entitled to receive the Dividend (or entitlement) in question, the Volume Weighted Average Price on the dates on which the Common Shares shall have been based on a price ex-Dividend (or ex-any other entitlement) shall for the purposes of this definition be deemed to be the amount thereof increased by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of any such Dividend or entitlement per Common Share as at the date of the first public announcement relating to such Dividend or entitlement, in any such case, determined on a gross basis and disregarding any withholding or deduction required to be made for or on account of tax, and disregarding any associated tax credit,

and provided further that:

 

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  (i) if on each of the dealing days in the Relevant Period the Volume Weighted Average Price shall have been based on a price cum-Dividend (or cum-any other entitlement) in respect of a Dividend (or other entitlement) which has been declared or announced but the Common Shares to be issued and delivered are not entitled to receive that Dividend (or other entitlement) the Volume Weighted Average Price on each of such dates shall for the purposes of this definition be deemed to be the amount thereof reduced by an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of any such Dividend or entitlement per Common Share as at the date of first public announcement relating to such Dividend or entitlement; and

 

  (ii) if the Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share is not available on one or more of the dealing days in the Relevant Period (disregarding for this purpose the proviso to the definition of Volume Weighted Average Price), then the average of such Volume Weighted Average Prices which are available in the Relevant Period shall be used (subject to a minimum of two such prices) and if only one, or no, such Volume Weighted Average Price is available in the Relevant Period the Current Market Price shall be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser.

In making any calculation or determination of Current Market Price or Volume Weighted Average Price, such adjustments (if any) shall be made as an Independent Financial Adviser determines in good faith appropriate to reflect any consolidation or sub-division of the Common Shares or any issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, or any like or similar event.

dealing day ” means a day on which the Relevant Stock Exchange or relevant stock exchange or securities market is open for business and on which Common Shares, Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights (as the case may be) may be dealt in (other than a day on which the Relevant Stock Exchange or relevant stock exchange or securities market is scheduled to or does close prior to its regular weekday closing time).

Delivery Notice ” means a notice in the form for the time being currently available from the specified office of any Paying and Conversion Agent which contains the relevant account and related details for the delivery of any Common Shares (or ADSs) and such other information as is set forth in Section 4.08(c), and which is required to be delivered in connection with a Conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the delivery of the Common Shares (or ADSs).

Depositary ” means, with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, a clearing agency that is designated to act as Depositary for the Global Securities evidencing all or part of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as contemplated by Section 3.01.

Distributable Items ” shall have the meaning given to such term in CRD IV, as interpreted and applied in accordance with Applicable Banking Regulations.

Distribution ” means the non-cumulative cash distribution, if any, in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in a Distribution Period, determined in accordance with Section 3.07.

Distribution Payment Date ” shall have the meaning as determined pursuant to Section 3.01.

Distribution Period ” means the period from and including one Distribution Payment Date (or, in the case of the first Distribution Period, the date of issuance) to but excluding the next Distribution Payment Date.

Distribution Rate ” means the rate at which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities accrue Distributions in accordance with Section 3.07.

Dividend ” means any dividend or distribution to Shareholders in respect of the Common Shares (including a Spin-Off) whether of cash, assets or other property (and for these purposes a distribution of assets includes without limitation an issue of Common Shares or other Securities credited as fully or partly paid up by way of capitalization of profits or reserves), and however described and whether payable out of share premium account, profits, retained earnings or any other capital or revenue reserve or account, and including a distribution or payment to Shareholders upon or in connection with a reduction of capital, provided that :

 

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  (a) where:

 

  (i) a Dividend in cash is announced which is to be, or may at the election of a Shareholder or Shareholders be, satisfied by the issue or delivery of Common Shares or other property or assets, or where a capitalization of profits or reserves is announced which is to be, or may at the election of a Shareholder or Shareholders be, satisfied by the payment of cash, then the Dividend in question shall be treated as a Cash Dividend of an amount equal to the greater of (A) the Fair Market Value of such cash amount and (B) the Current Market Price of such Common Shares as at the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, as the case may be, the record date or other due date for establishment of entitlement in respect of the relevant capitalization or, as the case may be, the Fair Market Value of such other property or assets as at the date of the first public announcement of such Dividend or capitalization or, in any such case, if later, the date on which the number of Common Shares (or amount of such other property or assets, as the case may be) which may be issued and delivered is determined; or

 

  (ii) there shall be any issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve) where such issue is, or is expressed to be, in lieu of a Dividend (whether or not a Cash Dividend equivalent or amount is announced or would otherwise be payable to Shareholders, whether at their election or otherwise), the Dividend in question shall be treated as a Cash Dividend of an amount equal to the Current Market Price of such Common Shares as at the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, as the case may be, the record date or other due date for establishment of entitlement in respect of the relevant capitalization or, in any such case, if later, the date on which the number of Common Shares to be issued and delivered is determined;

 

  (b) any issue of Common Shares falling within Section 4.05(a)(i) and Section 4.05(a)(ii) shall be disregarded;

 

  (c)

a purchase or redemption or buy back of share capital of the Company by or on behalf of the Company in accordance with any general authority for such purchases or buy backs approved by a general meeting of Shareholders and otherwise in accordance with the limitations prescribed under the Spanish Companies Act for dealings generally by a company in its own shares shall not constitute a Dividend and any other purchase or redemption or buy back of share capital of the Company by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Group shall not constitute a Dividend unless, in the case of a purchase or redemption or buy back of Common Shares by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Group, the weighted average price per Common Share (before expenses) on any one day (a “ Specified Share Day ”) in respect of such purchases or redemptions or buy backs (translated, if not in the Share Currency, into the Share Currency at the Prevailing Rate on such day) exceeds by more than 5% the average of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share on the five dealing days immediately preceding the Specified Share Day or, where an announcement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt for these purposes, any general authority for such purchases, redemptions or buy backs approved by a general meeting of Shareholders or any notice convening such a meeting of Shareholders) has been made of the intention to purchase, redeem or buy back Common Shares at some future date at a specified price or where a tender offer is made, on the five dealing days immediately preceding the date of such announcement or the date of first public announcement of such tender offer (and regardless of whether or not a price per Common Share, a minimum price per Common Share or a price range or a formula for the determination thereof is or is not announced at such time), as the case may be, in which case such purchase, redemption or buy back shall be deemed to constitute a Dividend in the Share Currency in an amount equal to the amount by which the aggregate price paid (before

 

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  expenses) in respect of such Common Shares purchased, redeemed or bought back by the Company or, as the case may be, any member of the Group (translated where appropriate into the Share Currency as provided above) exceeds the product of (i) 105% of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share determined as aforesaid and (ii) the number of Common Shares so purchased, redeemed or bought back;

 

  (d) if the Company or any member of the Group shall purchase, redeem or buy back any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing Common Shares, the provisions of paragraph (c) above shall be applied in respect thereof in such manner and with such modifications (if any) as shall be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser; and

 

  (e) where a dividend or distribution is paid or made to Shareholders pursuant to any plan implemented by the Company for the purpose of enabling Shareholders to elect, or which may require Shareholders, to receive dividends or distributions in respect of the Common Shares held by them from a person other than (or in addition to) the Company, such dividend or distribution shall for the purposes of these Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series be treated as a dividend or distribution made or paid to Shareholders by the Company, and the provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, including references to the Company paying or making a dividend, shall be construed accordingly.

DTC ” means The Depository Trust Company or its nominee or its or their respective successor.

Election Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.02(b).

Election Period ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.02(b).

equity share capital ” means, in relation to any entity, its issued share capital excluding any part of that capital which, in respect of dividends and capital, does not carry any right to participate beyond a specific amount in a distribution.

Enforcement Event ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

EUR ”, “ ” and “ euro ” means currency of the member states of the European Union (“ EU ”) that, from time to time, have adopted the single currency in accordance with the treaty establishing the European Community, as amended from time to time.

European Clearing System ” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (“ Euroclear Bank ”), as operator of the Euroclear System (“ Euroclear ”), and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“ Clearstream Luxembourg ”).

Exchange Act ” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder.

Existing Shareholders ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Newco Scheme”.

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any property on any date, the fair market value of that property as determined by an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith provided that (a) the Fair Market Value of a Cash Dividend shall be the amount of such Cash Dividend; (b) the Fair Market Value of any other cash amount shall be the amount of such cash; (c) where Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are publicly traded on a stock exchange or securities market of adequate liquidity (as determined by an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith), the Fair Market Value (i) of such Securities or Spin-Off Securities shall equal the arithmetic mean of the daily Volume Weighted Average Prices of such Securities or Spin-Off Securities and (ii) of such options, warrants or other rights shall equal the arithmetic mean of the daily closing prices of such options, warrants or other rights, in the case of both (i) and (ii) above during the period of five dealing days on the relevant stock exchange or securities market commencing on such date (or, if later, the first such dealing day such Securities,

 

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Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are publicly traded) or such shorter period as such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are publicly traded; and (d) where Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights are not publicly traded on a stock exchange or securities market of adequate liquidity (as aforesaid), the Fair Market Value of such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights shall be determined by an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith, on the basis of a commonly accepted market valuation method and taking account of such factors as it considers appropriate, including the market price per Common Share, the dividend yield of a Common Share, the volatility of such market price, prevailing interest rates and the terms of such Securities, Spin-Off Securities, options, warrants or other rights, including as to the expiry date and exercise price (if any) thereof. Such amounts shall, in the case of (a) above, be translated into the Share Currency (if such Cash Dividend is declared or paid or payable in a currency other than the Share Currency) at the rate of exchange used to determine the amount payable to Shareholders who were paid or are to be paid or are entitled to be paid the Cash Dividend in the Share Currency; and in any other case, shall be translated into the Share Currency (if expressed in a currency other than the Share Currency) at the Prevailing Rate on that date. In addition, in the case of (a) and (b) above, the Fair Market Value shall be determined on a gross basis and disregarding any withholding or deduction required to be made for or on account of tax, and disregarding any associated tax credit.

Floor Price ” means the price determined pursuant to Section 3.01, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 4.04.

Foreign Currency ” means the euro or any currency issued by the government of any country (or a group of countries or participating member states) other than the United States of America which as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

Further Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities ” means any instruments or securities which are similar to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and are contingently convertible into Common Shares other than at the option of the holders thereof.

Global Security ” means one or more global certificates evidencing all or part of a series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, authenticated and delivered to or on behalf of the Holder and registered in the name of the Holder or its nominee.

Group ” means the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Holder ” means a Person in whose name a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security is registered in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register.

Iberclear ” means the Spanish clearing and settlement system ( Sociedad de Gestión de los Sistemas de Registro, Compensación y Liquidación de Valores, S.A.U. ).

Independent Financial Adviser ” means an independent financial institution or financial adviser of international repute appointed by the Company at its own expense.

Law 10/2014 ” means Law 10/2014 of June 26, on the organization, supervision and solvency of credit institutions ( Ley 10/2014, de 26 de junio, de ordenación, supervisión y solvencia de entidades de crédito ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

Law 11/2015 ” means Law 11/2015, of June 18, on the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms ( Ley 11/2015, de 18 de junio, de recuperación y resolución de entidades de crédito y empresas de servicios de inversión ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

Legal Holiday ”, with respect to any Place of Payment or other location, means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in such Place of Payment or other location are not authorized or obligated to be open.

 

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Liquidation Distribution ” means the Liquidation Preference per Contingent Convertible Preferred Security plus, if applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09, an amount equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period to (but excluding) the date of payment of the Liquidation Distribution.

Liquidation Event ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

Liquidation Preference ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01.

Maximum Distributable Amount ” means, at any time, any maximum distributable amount required to be calculated at such time in accordance with (a) Article 48 of Law 10/2014 and any provision developing Article 48 of Law 10/2014, and any other provision of Spanish law transposing or implementing Article 141 of the CRD IV Directive and/or (b) Applicable Banking Regulations.

Newco Scheme ” means a scheme of arrangement or analogous proceeding (“ Scheme of Arrangement ”) which effects the interposition of a limited liability company (“ Newco ”) between the Shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement (the “ Existing Shareholders ”) and the Company, provided that :

 

  (a) only ordinary shares of Newco or depositary or other receipts or certificates representing ordinary shares of Newco are issued to Existing Shareholders;

 

  (b) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement the only shareholders of Newco or, as the case may be, the only holders of depositary or other receipts or certificates representing ordinary shares of Newco, are Existing Shareholders and the Voting Rights in respect of Newco are held by Existing Shareholders in the same proportions as their respective holdings of such Voting Rights immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement;

 

  (c) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, Newco is (or one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of Newco are) the only ordinary shareholder (or shareholders) of the Company;

 

  (d) all Subsidiaries of the Company immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement (other than Newco, if Newco is then a Subsidiary) are Subsidiaries of the Company (or of Newco) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement; and

 

  (e) immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, the Company (or Newco) holds, directly or indirectly, the same percentage of the ordinary share capital and equity share capital of those Subsidiaries as was held by the Company immediately prior to the Scheme of Arrangement.

Non-Cash Dividend ” means any Dividend which is not a Cash Dividend, and shall include a Spin-Off.

Notice Cut-off Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.06(c).

Officer s Certificate ” means a certificate signed by the Chairman or the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors, the President, a Vice President, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or any other Person duly authorized by the Company and that, if required by the Trust Indenture Act, complies with the requirements of Section 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of legal advisors, who may be an employee of or legal advisors for the Company, or other legal advisors who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee and that, if required by the Trust Indenture Act, complies with the requirements of Section 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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Outstanding ”, when used with respect to Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities means (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01), as of the date of determination, all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, as the case may be, theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, except:

 

  (i) Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

  (ii) Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which the Trustee acknowledges satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture pursuant to Article 5; and

 

  (iii) Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for which the Redemption Price has been deposited pursuant to Section 12.04 (except as set forth in Section 12.04(d)(ii)) or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, other than any such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are held by a protected purchaser in whose hands such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, (i) the Liquidation Preference of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined based on the Prevailing Rate on the date of original issuance of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, of the Liquidation Preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security; and (ii) Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities beneficially owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor, shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making any such determination or relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so beneficially owned shall be so disregarded; provided, further, however, that Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so beneficially owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

Parity Securities ” means any instrument issued or guaranteed by the Company (including the guarantee thereof), which instrument or guarantee ranks pari passu with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Paying Agent ”, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, means any Person (which may include the Company) authorized by the Company to pay the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, or Distributions on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series on behalf of the Company, which expression shall include the Principal Paying Agent. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 hereof, The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch (or a successor thereof) will act as Paying Agent in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series.

Paying and Conversion Agent ” means, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the Principal Paying Agent and any other paying and conversion agent appointed in accordance with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any supplemental indenture with respect to such series and includes any successors thereto appointed from time to time in accordance with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any such supplemental indenture.

 

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Payment Business Day ” means (i) a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in New York City and London and (ii) in the case of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in definitive form only, a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in the relevant Place of Payment.

Payment Statement ” means the statement to be delivered to the Company by the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit I to Appendix 1, pursuant to Section 7.02.

Performance Obligation ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Place of Payment ”, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, means the place or places where the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of and Distributions on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series are payable as specified pursuant to Section 3.01 or, if not so specified, as specified in Section 11.02.

Predecessor Security ” of any particular Contingent Convertible Preferred Security means every previous Contingent Convertible Preferred Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Contingent Convertible Preferred Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.06 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Security.

Prevailing Rate ” means, in respect of any currencies on any day, the spot rate of exchange between the relevant currencies prevailing as at 12 noon (London time) on that date as appearing on or derived from Reuters page ECB37 or, if not available, from any other Reference Page or, if such a rate cannot be determined at such time, the rate prevailing as at 12 noon (London time) on the immediately preceding day on which such rate can be so determined or, if such rate cannot be so determined by reference to the Reference Page, the rate determined in such other manner as an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith shall prescribe.

Principal Paying Agent ”, when used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, means The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its London Branch (or a successor thereof) except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 hereof.

RD 1012/2015 ” means Royal Decree 1012/2015 of November 6, by virtue of which Law 11/2015 is developed and Royal Decree 2606/1996 of December 20 on credit entities’ deposit guarantee fund is amended, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

Recognized Stock Exchange ” means an organized, regularly operating, recognized stock exchange or securities market in a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Redemption Date ”, when used with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

Redemption Price ” means, per Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, the Liquidation Preference plus, if applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09, an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period to (but excluding) the Redemption Date of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series.

Reference Date ” means, in relation to a Retroactive Adjustment, the date as of which the relevant Retroactive Adjustment takes effect or, if that date is not a dealing day, the succeeding dealing day.

 

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Reference Market Price ” means, in respect of a Common Share at a particular date, the arithmetic mean of the Closing Price per Common Share on each of the five consecutive dealing days on which such Closing Price is available ending on the dealing day immediately preceding such date, rounding the resulting figure to the nearest cent (with 0.5 cents being rounded upwards).

Reference Page ” means the relevant page or any successor page on Bloomberg or Reuters or any successor service or such other information service provider that displays the relevant information.

Regular Record Date ” for the Distribution payable on any Distribution Payment Date on Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series means the date specified for such purpose pursuant to Section 3.01.

Regulator ” means the European Central Bank or the Bank of Spain ( Banco de España ), as applicable, or such other or successor authority having primary bank supervisory authority, in each case, with respect to prudential matters in relation to the Company and/or the Group from time to time.

Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority ” means the Spanish Fund for the Orderly Restructuring of Banks ( Fondo de Restructuración Ordenada Bancaria ), the European Single Resolution Mechanism and, as the case may be, according to Law 11/2015, the Bank of Spain and the CNMV, and any other entity with the authority to exercise the Spanish Bail-in Power from time to time.

Relevant Stock Exchange ” means the Spanish Stock Exchanges or if at the relevant time the Common Shares are not at that time listed and admitted to trading on the Spanish Stock Exchanges, the principal stock exchange or securities market on which the Common Shares are then listed, admitted to trading or quoted or accepted for dealing.

Responsible Officer ”, when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer of the Trustee who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and, for the purposes of Section 7.01(c)(ii), shall also include any other officer of the Trustee to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Retroactive Adjustment ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.05(d).

Risk Weighted Assets Amount ” means at any time, with respect to the Company or the Group, as the case may be, the aggregate amount (in the Accounting Currency) of the risk weighted assets of the Company or the Group, respectively, calculated in accordance with CRR and/or Applicable Banking Regulations at such time.

Scheme of Arrangement ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Newco Scheme”.

Securities ” means any securities including, without limitation, shares in the capital of the Company, or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or acquire shares in the capital of the Company.

Securities Act ” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Selling Agent ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.09.

Share Currency ” means euro or such other currency in which the Common Shares are quoted or dealt in on the Relevant Stock Exchange at the relevant time or for the purposes of the relevant calculation or determination.

Shareholders ” means the holders of Common Shares.

Spanish Bail-in Power ” means any write-down, conversion, transfer, modification, or suspension power existing from time to time under: (a) any law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in the Kingdom of Spain, relating to the transposition or development of the BRRD, including, but not limited to (i) Law 11/2015, (ii) RD 1012/2015; and (iii) the SRM Regulation; or (b) any other law, regulation, rule or requirement applicable from time to time in the Kingdom of Spain pursuant to which (i) obligations or liabilities of banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates can be reduced, cancelled, modified, transferred or converted into shares, other securities, or other obligations of such Persons or any other Person (or suspended for a temporary period or permanently) or (ii) any right in a contract governing such obligations may be deemed to have been exercised.

 

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Spanish Companies Act ” means the Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of July 2, approving the consolidated text of the Spanish Companies Act ( Ley de Sociedades de Capital ), as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

Spanish Insolvency Law ” means Law 22/2003 ( Ley Concursal ) of July 9, regulating insolvency proceedings in Spain, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or an equivalent legal provision which replaces it in the future.

Spanish Stock Exchanges ” means the Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia stock exchanges and the Automated Quotation System -Continuous Market ( Sistema de Interconexión Bursátil Español (SIBE) - Mercado Continuo ).

Spin-Off ” means:

 

  (a) a distribution of Spin-Off Securities by the Company to Shareholders as a class; or

 

  (b) any issue, transfer or delivery of any property or assets (including cash or shares or other securities of or in or issued or allotted by any entity) by any entity (other than the Company) to Shareholders as a class or, in the case of or in connection with a Newco Scheme, Existing Shareholders as a class (but excluding the issue and allotment of ordinary shares (or depositary or other receipts or certificates representing such ordinary shares) by Newco to Existing Shareholders as a class), pursuant in each case to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group.

Spin-Off Securities ” means equity share capital of an entity other than the Company or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase equity share capital of an entity other than the Company.

SRM Regulation ” means Regulation (EU) No. 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 15, establishing uniform rules and a uniform procedure for the resolution of credit institutions and certain investment firms in the framework of the Single Resolution Mechanism and the Single Resolution Fund and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1093/2010, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time.

SSM Regulation ” means Council Regulation (EU) No. 1024/2013 of October 15, conferring specific tasks on the European Central Bank concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions.

Subsidiary ” means any entity over which the Company may have, directly or indirectly, control in accordance with Article 42 of the Spanish Commercial Code ( C ó digo de Comercio ) and/or Applicable Banking Regulations.

successor corporation ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.02.

successor entity ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.03.

successor Person ” means a successor corporation or a successor entity, as the case may be.

Tax Event ” in respect of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, means that as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations applicable in the Kingdom of Spain (except as provided in Section 9.02 and Section 9.03), or any change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration of any such laws or regulations which change or amendment, or change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration, becomes effective on or after the date of issue of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series (a) the Company would not be entitled to claim a deduction in computing its

 

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taxation liabilities in Spain (or, following any of the transactions referred to in Section 9.01 or an assumption of obligations pursuant to Section 9.03, the successor Person’s jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence) in respect of any Distribution to be made on the next Distribution Payment Date or the value of such deduction to the Company would be materially reduced, or (b) the Company would be required to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 11.04, or (c) the applicable tax treatment of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series would be materially affected.

Tier 1 Capital ” means at any time, with respect to the Company or the Group, as the case may be, the Tier 1 capital of the Company or the Group, respectively, as calculated by the Company in accordance with Chapters 1, 2 and 3 (Tier 1 capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Additional Tier 1 capital) of Title I (Elements of own funds) of Part Two (Own Funds) of the CRR and/or Applicable Banking Regulations at such time, including any applicable transitional, phasing in or similar provisions.

Trigger Conversion ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01.

Trigger Event ” in respect of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, means if, at any time, as determined by the Company, the CET1 ratio of the Company or the Group is less than 5.125%.

Trigger Event Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.06(a).

Trigger Event Notice Date ” means the date on which a Trigger Event Notice is deemed to be given in accordance with Section 4.06(d).

Trustee ” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture until a successor trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean the Person who is then the Trustee hereunder, or, if a different Trustee is appointed for a particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Trustee named in the relevant indenture supplemental hereto as the Trustee for that particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” shall mean and include each such Person; and “Trustee” as used with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series; provided that the Trustee shall not be the Company or any other obligor of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and any reference herein to the Trust Indenture Act or a particular provision thereof shall mean such Act or provision, as the case may be, as amended, replaced or supplemented from time to time by rules or regulations adopted by the Commission under or in furtherance of the purposes of such Act or provision, as the case may be.

United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America (including the states thereof and the District of Columbia) and, except in the case of Sections 7.10 and 7.15, its territories and possessions (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands).

U.S.$ ” and “ U.S. dollars ” means the lawful currency of the United States of America which as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

Volume Weighted Average Price ” means, in respect of a Common Share, Security or, as the case may be, a Spin-Off Security on any dealing day, the order book volume-weighted average price of a Common Share, Security or, as the case may be, a Spin-Off Security published by or derived (in the case of a Common Share) from the Reference Page or (in the case of a Security (other than Common Shares) or Spin-Off Security) from the principal stock exchange or securities market on which such Securities or Spin-Off Securities are then listed or quoted or dealt in, if any or, in any such case, such other source as shall be determined in good faith to be appropriate by an Independent Financial Adviser on such dealing day, provided that if on any such dealing day such price is not available or cannot otherwise be determined as provided above, the Volume Weighted Average Price of a Common Share, Security or a Spin-Off Security, as the case may be, in respect of such dealing day shall be the Volume Weighted Average Price, determined as provided above, on the immediately preceding dealing day on which the same can be so determined or as an Independent Financial Adviser might otherwise determine in good faith to be appropriate.

 

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In making any calculation or determination of Current Market Price or Volume Weighted Average Price, such adjustments (if any) shall be made as an Independent Financial Adviser determines in good faith appropriate to reflect any consolidation or sub-division of the Common Shares or any issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves, or any like or similar event.

Voting Rights ” means the right generally to vote at a general meeting of Shareholders of the Company (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).

Section 1.02. Compliance Certificates and Opinions . Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of the legal advisor rendering such opinion, all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents or any of them is specifically required by any provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

Section 1.03. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee . In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, legal advisors, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of, or representations by, legal advisors may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such legal advisors know, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

Section 1.04. Acts of Holders .

(a) Except as otherwise provided under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the Trust Indenture Act, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by or pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more written instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, when it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein

 

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sometimes referred to as the “ Act ” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and (subject to Section 7.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee, the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership, principal amount and serial numbers of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities held by any Person, and the date of the commencement and the date of the termination of holding the same, shall be proved by the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Contingent Convertible Preferred Security and the Holder of every Contingent Convertible Preferred Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent, any Calculation Agent, any Paying and Conversion Agent or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action is made upon such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security.

(e) The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action (including an Act) provided or permitted by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series; provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this Section 1.04(e) shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in Section 1.04(f). If any record date is set pursuant to this Section 1.04(e), the Holders of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date (as defined below) by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this Section 1.04(e) shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this Section 1.04(e) (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this Section 1.04(e) shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this Section 1.04(e), the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06.

(f) The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of: (i) any Liquidation Distribution referred to in Section 6.02; (ii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 6.09(b); or (iii) any direction referred to in Section 6.14, in each case with respect to Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this Section 1.04(f), the Holders of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the

 

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applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this Section 1.04(f) shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this Section 1.04(f) (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this Section 1.04(f) shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this Section 1.04(f), the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06.

(g) With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series, the party or parties hereto which set such record date may designate any day as the “ Expiration Date ” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party or parties hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be designated later than the 180th day after the applicable record date and, if an Expiration Date is not designated, with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party or parties hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto.

Section 1.05. Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company .

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or record of an Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Trustee by any Holder, or any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver by the Company, shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.

(b) Any record of an Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Company by the Trustee or any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to the attention of Financial Department at Calle Azul 4, 28050 Madrid, Spain (finance.department@bbva.com), or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

Notwithstanding the above, the Trustee agrees to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, portable document format (PDF), facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods, provided, however , that the Trustee shall have received from the Company an incumbency certificate listing persons designated to give such instructions or directions and containing the titles and specimen signatures of such designated persons, which such incumbency certificate shall be amended and replaced whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing.

Notwithstanding the above, any notice, communication or other document delivered pursuant to the procedures set forth in Appendix 1, including a Payment Statement, shall be given in accordance with the procedures set forth in such Appendix 1.

Section 1.06. Notice to Holders; Waiver .

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, where this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given to Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice given to the Holder of a Global Security shall be sufficiently given if such notice is given in accordance with the applicable procedures of the relevant Depositary.

 

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(b) Any notice which is given in the manner provided in this Section 1.06 shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given or provided, whether or not such Holder receives the notice. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in any case where notice to Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities is given by mail as provided by this Section 1.06, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. In the case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

(c) Where this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

Section 1.07. Language of Notices, Etc . Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election or waiver required or permitted under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be in the English language, except that, if the Company so elects, any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.

Section 1.08. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act . If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under the Trust Indenture Act to be a part of and govern this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall control. If at any future time any provision required to be included herein by the Trust Indenture Act as in force at the date as of which this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture was executed or any limitation imposed by the Trust Indenture Act at such date on any provision otherwise included herein would not be so required or imposed (in whole or in part) if this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture were executed at such future time, the Company and the Trustee may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto pursuant to Section 10.01 to change or eliminate (in whole or in part) such provision or limitation of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture in conformity with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in force, except that (subject to Article 10) no provision or limitation required to be included herein by Sections 310(a)(1) and (a)(2), 315(a), (c), (d)(l), (d)(2), (d)(3) and (e), 316(a)(1)(A), (a)(l)(B), (a)(2), (a) (last sentence) and (b) of the Trust Indenture Act as in force at the date as of which this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture was executed may be so changed or eliminated.

Section 1.09. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents . The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

Section 1.10. Successors and Assigns . All covenants and agreements in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture made by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

Section 1.11. Separability Clause . In case any provision in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or in any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 1.12. Benefits of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture . Nothing in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or in any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar, Paying Agent, Paying and Conversion Agent or Calculation Agent with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security and their successors hereunder, and the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

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Section 1.13. Governing Law . This Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (except as set forth herein and therein) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in said state, except that the authorization and execution by the Company of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the authorization, issuance and execution by the Company of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and Section 13.01(a) hereof shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Spain.

Section 1.14. Business Days . In any case where any Distribution Payment Date or Redemption Date of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities other than a provision in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities that specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section) payments of Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions and/or Additional Amounts, as the case may be, need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment (or such other Business Day as shall be provided in such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security) with the same force and effect as if made on such Distribution Payment Date or Redemption Date, provided that no interest shall accrue on such payment for the period from and after such Distribution Payment Date or Redemption Date, as the case may be.

Section 1.15. Appointment of Agent for Service . The Company has designated and appointed Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., New York Branch, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor, New York, New York 10105, as its authorized agent (the “ Authorized Agent ”), upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding in any U.S. Federal or State court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York arising out of or relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, but for that purpose only, and agrees that service of process upon said Authorized Agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon it in any such suit or proceeding in any U.S. Federal or State court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York. Such appointment shall be irrevocable so long as any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities remain Outstanding until the appointment of a successor by the Company and such successor’s acceptance of such appointment. Upon such acceptance, the Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of such successor. The Company further agrees to take any and all action, including the execution and filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of said Authorized Agent in full force and effect so long as any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be Outstanding. The Trustee shall not be obligated and shall have no responsibility with respect to any failure by the Company to take any such action. The Company hereby submits (for the purposes of any such suit or proceeding) to the jurisdiction of any such court in which any such suit or proceeding is so instituted, and waives, to the extent it may effectively do so, any objection it may have now or hereafter to the laying of the venue of any such suit or proceeding.

Section 1.16. Calculation Agent . Any determination of the Distribution Rate on, or other amounts in relation to, a series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be calculated in accordance with the terms of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Calculation Agent shall (in the absence of manifest error, bad faith or willful misconduct) be binding on the Company, the Paying Agent, the Trustee and all Holders and (in the absence of manifest error, bad faith or willful misconduct) no liability to the Holders shall attach to the Calculation Agent in connection with the exercise or non-exercise by it of its powers, duties and discretions.

Section 1.17. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO, AND EACH HOLDER OF A CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE THEREOF, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES INDENTURE, THE CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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Section 1.18. Judgment Currency . Any payment on account of an amount that is payable in U.S. dollars (the “ Required Currency ”) which is made to or for the account of any Holder or the Trustee in lawful currency of any other jurisdiction (the “ Judgment Currency ”), whether as a result of any judgment or order or the enforcement thereof or the liquidation of the Company shall constitute a discharge of the Company obligation under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities only to the extent of the amount of the Required Currency such Holder or the Trustee, as the case may be, could purchase in the London foreign exchange markets with the amount of the Judgment Currency in accordance with normal banking procedures at the rate of exchange prevailing on the first Business Day following receipt of the payment in the Judgment Currency. If the amount of the Required Currency that could be so purchased is less than the amount of the Required Currency originally due to such Holder or the Trustee, as the case may be, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Holder or the Trustee, as the case may be, from and against all loss or damage arising out of, or as a result of, such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by any Holder or the Trustee from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due hereunder or under any judgment or order.

ARTICLE 2

C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITY F ORMS

Section 2.01. Forms Generally . The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of each series shall be issuable in registered form and in such forms as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, an Officer’s Certificate, or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, pursuant to Section 3.01, in each case with such insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with any applicable law or rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor, or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, all as evidenced by any such execution.

Section 2.02. Form of Trustee s Certificate of Authentication . The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series designated herein referred to in the within-mentioned Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee

 

By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

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ARTICLE 3

T HE C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES

Section 3.01. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series . The aggregate Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture is unlimited. The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be issued in one or more series. The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment as provided in Article 13.

There shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, an Officer’s Certificate or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the initial issuance of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series,

(a) the title of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series from all other Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities);

(b) any limit upon the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture (except for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series pursuant to Section 3.04, Section 3.05, Section 3.06 or Section 10.06 and except for any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which, pursuant to Section 3.03 are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

(c) the date or dates, if any, on which the Liquidation Preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series is payable;

(d) the rate or rates, if any, at which Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series shall accrue or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any, the terms or circumstances under which any such Distributions may be cancelled, if any, the date or dates from which such Distributions shall accrue, the Distribution Payment Dates on which such Distributions, if any, shall be payable or the manner of determination of such Distribution Payment Dates and the Regular Record Date for the Distributions, if any, payable on any Distribution Payment Date;

(e) whether any premium, upon redemption or otherwise, shall be payable by the Company on Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series;

(f) the place or places where the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of and any Distributions on Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series shall be payable, and the paying agent, if other than the Principal Paying Agent, who shall be authorized to pay Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of and any Distributions on Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, at least one such paying agent having an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York;

(g) other than with respect to any redemption of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to Sections 12.08, 12.09 or 12.10, whether or not such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are to be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option and, if so redeemable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series may be redeemed; and any modification to the terms set forth in Sections 12.08, 12.09 or 12.10;

(h) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

 

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(i) the denominations in which Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series in each applicable form shall be issuable and any provisions relating to redenomination of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(j) if Additional Amounts, pursuant to Section 11.04, shall not be payable, or any modification to the conditions under which Additional Amounts are payable;

(k) if other than U.S. dollars, provisions, if any, for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series to be denominated, and payments thereon to be made, in Foreign Currencies and specifying the Place of Payment and the manner of payment thereon and any other terms with respect thereto;

(l) if other than the coin or currency in which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series are denominated, the coin or currency in which payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of and Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall be payable;

(m) if the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of and Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a coin or currency other than that in which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are denominated, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made;

(n) whether the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and the initial Holder with respect to such Global Security or Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(o) if the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of such series or otherwise) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

(p) if the amounts of payments of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of or Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or are otherwise not fixed on the original issue date thereof, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined and the Calculation Agent, if any, who shall be appointed and authorized to calculate such amounts;

(q) the forms of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series;

(r) the relevant Floor Price with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the anti-dilution adjustments applicable to such Floor Price;

(s) the Trustee for such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities who shall also be named in an indenture supplemental hereto for a particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities if the Trustee for such series is not the Trustee named in the first paragraph of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture;

(t) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Enforcement Events, Conversion terms, terms applicable to the assumption of the Company’s obligations by a successor Person or covenants of the Company with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities; and

(u) any other terms of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which the Company may establish in accordance with Article 10.

 

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All Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such Board Resolution or in any such Officer’s Certificate or indenture supplemental hereto pertaining to such series. The terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series may provide, without limitation, that such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee on original issue from time to time upon written order of persons designated in the Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture and that such persons are authorized to determine, consistent with such Officer’s Certificate or any applicable supplemental indenture, such terms and conditions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series as are specified in such Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture. All Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise so provided by the Company, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series or to establish additional terms of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

If the forms of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, or any of the terms thereof, are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, a copy of the Board Resolution in respect thereof shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order pursuant to Section 3.03 for the authentication and delivery of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 3.02. Denominations . The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of each series shall be issuable in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01.

Section 3.03. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating . The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by any of the representatives of the Company authorized to do so by Board Resolution or by any member of the Board of Directors. The signature of any of these authorized representatives on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be manual or facsimile.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the Company may deliver Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and, if applicable, the Board Resolution specified in the final paragraph of Section 3.01, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. In authenticating such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture in relation to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate stating that the form and terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

If all the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate at the time of issuance of each Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, but such opinion and certificate, with appropriate modifications, shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of such series. After any such first delivery, any separate request by the Company that the Trustee authenticate Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series for original issue will be deemed to be a certification by the Company that all conditions precedent provided for in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture relating to authentication and delivery of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities continue to have been complied with.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities if the issue of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or otherwise be in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Each Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

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No Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by or on behalf of the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security is entitled to the benefits of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 3.13, for all purposes of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefit of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

Section 3.04. Temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . Pending the preparation of definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities substantially of the tenor of the definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in lieu of which they are issued, which Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be printed, lithographed, typewritten, photocopied or otherwise produced. Temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be issued as registered Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in any authorized denomination, and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may determine, all as evidenced by such execution.

If temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause, if so required by the terms of such temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, the temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series containing identical terms and provisions upon surrender of the temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor, a like aggregate Liquidation Preference of definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the same series of authorized denominations containing identical terms and provisions. Until so exchanged, unless otherwise provided therein or in a supplemental indenture relating thereto, the temporary Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits (but shall be subject to all the limitations of rights) under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

Section 3.05. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange .

(a) Global Securities. This Section 3.05(a) shall apply to Global Securities unless otherwise specified, as contemplated by Section 3.01.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 hereof, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be initially issued and represented by one or more Global Securities in registered form, which shall be authenticated as contemplated by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

Each Global Security authenticated under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Contingent Convertible Preferred Security for all purposes of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 hereof, each Global Security authenticated under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be initially registered in the name of the relevant Depositary or its nominee only.

 

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Unless the Global Security is presented by an authorized representative of the Holder to the Company or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of a nominee of the Holder or the Holder and any payment is made to such nominee or Holder, any transfer, pledge or other use of the Global Security for value or otherwise shall be wrongful since the registered owner of such Global Security has an interest in such Global Security.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 hereof, any Global Security shall be exchangeable for definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities only as provided in this paragraph. A Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant to this Section only (i) if the relevant Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within 120 days of such notification, (ii) if, in the event of a winding-up of the Company, the Company fails to make a payment on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities when due and payable or (iii) at any time if the Company at its option and in its sole discretion determines that the Global Securities of a particular series should be exchanged for definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for, unless otherwise specified or contemplated by Section 3.01, definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities bearing Distributions (if any) at the same rate or pursuant to the same formula, having the same date of issuance, the same date or dates from which such Distributions shall accrue, the same Distribution Payment Dates or manner of determination of such Distribution Payment Dates, redemption provisions, if any, specified currency and other terms and of differing denominations aggregating a like amount as the Global Security so exchangeable. Definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be registered in the names of the owners of the beneficial interests in such Global Securities as such names are from time to time provided by the Holder to the Trustee.

Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding paragraph, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01, shall be exchangeable for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities issuable in authorized denominations of a like aggregate Liquidation Preference and tenor.

No Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the Holder to a nominee of the Holder or by the Holder or any such nominee to a successor of the Holder or a nominee of such successor. Except as provided above, owners solely of beneficial interests in a Global Security shall not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the Holders thereof for any purpose under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

In the event that a Global Security is surrendered for redemption in part pursuant to its terms, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed or unexchanged portion of the Liquidation Preference of the Global Security so surrendered.

In the event that a Global Security is surrendered for conversion in part pursuant to its terms, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unconverted portion of the Liquidation Preference of the Global Security so surrendered.

The Agent Members and any beneficial owners shall have no rights under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by a Holder, and such Holder may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall (i) prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by a Holder or (ii) impair, as between any such Holder or other clearance service and its Agent Members and beneficial holders, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of any security, including without limitation the granting of proxies or other authorization of participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

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In connection with any exchange of interests in a Global Security for definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of another authorized form, as provided in this Section 3.05(a), then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the Liquidation Preference of such Global Security or the portion to be exchanged, executed by the Company. On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such Global Security shall be surrendered by the Holder to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent for such purpose, to be exchanged, in whole or from time to time in part, for definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities without charge (in which case the Company or Trustee may require payment of any taxes or governmental charges arising) and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for each portion of such Global Security, an equal aggregate Liquidation Preference of definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of authorized denominations as the portion of such Global Security to be exchanged. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to this Section 3.05 shall be exchangeable for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities issuable in the denominations specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 and registered in such names as the Holder of such Global Security shall direct. If a definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a Global Security after the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on any record date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Distribution Payment Date, Distributions will not be payable on such Distribution Payment Date in respect of such definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, but will be payable (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) on such Distribution Payment Date only to the Person to whom Distributions in respect of such portion of such Global Security are payable.

A Depositary may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

(b) Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01, Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series may only be exchanged for a like aggregate Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series of other authorized denominations containing identical terms and provisions. Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be exchanged shall be surrendered at an office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 11.02 for such purpose, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange therefor the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security or Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the same series which the Holder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive.

Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01, the Company shall cause to be kept a register in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar’s principal corporate trust office in New York (the register being herein sometimes referred to as the “ Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register ”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and of transfers of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01, The Bank of New York Mellon, acting through its principal corporate trust office in New York, is hereby appointed “ Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar ” for the purpose of registering Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and transfers of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as herein provided.

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be transferable only on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series, together with the form of transfer endorsed on it, duly completed and executed at an office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 11.02 for such purpose, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the address specified in the form of transfer, within three Business Days, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the same series of any authorized denominations containing identical terms and provisions, of a like aggregate Liquidation Preference. If only part of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security is transferred, a new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of an aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the amount not being transferred shall be executed by the Company, and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the transferor, in the name of the transferor, within three Business Days of receiving the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security. The new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security will be delivered to the transferor by uninsured post at the risk of the

 

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transferor to the address of the transferor appearing in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register. A new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of an aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the amount being transferred shall be delivered by the Trustee to the transferee, in the name of the transferee, within three Business Days of receiving the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security. The new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security will be delivered to the transferee by uninsured post at the risk of the transferee to the address of the transferee specified in the form of transfer.

All Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, as the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Contingent Convertible Preferred Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge and any other expense (including fees and expenses of the Trustee) that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 3.04 or 10.06 not involving any transfer.

The Company shall not be required (i) if the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of a series are to be redeemed in part, to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of such series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the giving of a notice of redemption of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the giving of such notice, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, or any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security surrendered for redemption, except, where applicable, the unredeemed portion of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities being redeemed in part.

Section 3.06. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . If any mutilated Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (including any Global Security) is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company may execute and the Trustee shall, in the case of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, authenticate and deliver, in exchange therefor a new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of the same series containing identical terms and provisions and of like amount, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (including any Global Security), and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of any of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon the Company’s request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of, as the case may be, any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, a new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of the same series containing identical terms and provisions and of like amount, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, pay such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security.

 

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Upon the issuance of any new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 3.07. Distributions. Rights Preserved .

Except as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture:

(a) The Company will make any payments of Distributions on any particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on the dates that are determined pursuant to Section 3.01.

(b) The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series will accrue non-cumulative cash Distributions as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with Section 3.01.

(c) The Company has no obligation to make Distributions with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

(d) Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, Distributions, if any, on any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which are payable, and are paid or duly provided for, on any Distribution Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such Distributions.

(e) In the case of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities where payment is to be made in U.S. dollars, payment at the Principal Paying Agent’s office outside The City of New York will be made in U.S. dollars by check drawn on or, at the request of the Holder, by transfer to a U.S. dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in The City of New York.

(f) In the case of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities where payment is to be made in a Foreign Currency, payment will be made as established pursuant to Section 3.01.

(g) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.07, each Contingent Convertible Preferred Security delivered under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall carry the rights to accrued and unpaid Distributions (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09), if any, and to accrue Distributions, which were carried by such other Contingent Convertible Preferred Security.

Section 3.08. Distributions Discretionary .

(a) The Company may elect, in its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel the payment of any Distribution on any particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in whole or in part at any time and for any reason.

 

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(b) Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will be non-cumulative. Accordingly, if any Distribution (or any part thereof) is not paid in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series as a result of any election of the Company to cancel such Distribution pursuant to this Section 3.08 or the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.09 then the right of the Holders to receive the relevant Distribution (or such part thereof) in respect of the relevant Distribution Period will be extinguished and the Company will have no obligation to pay such Distribution (or such part thereof) accrued for such Distribution Period or to pay any interest thereon, whether or not Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series are paid in respect of any future Distribution Period.

(c) No such election to cancel the payment of any Distribution (or any part thereof) pursuant to this Section 3.08 or non-payment of any Distribution (or any part thereof) as a result of the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.09 will constitute an event of default, an Enforcement Event or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of the Company or entitle Holders to take any action to cause such Distribution (or part thereof) to be paid or the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or in any way limit or restrict the Company from making any distribution or equivalent payment in connection with any instrument ranking junior to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series (including, without limitation, any CET1 Capital of the Company or the Group) or in respect of any Parity Security or other Security, except to the extent Applicable Banking Regulations otherwise provide.

Section 3.09. Restrictions on Payments .

(a) Payments of Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series shall be made only out of Distributable Items of the Company.

(b) To the extent that (i) the Company has insufficient Distributable Items to make Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series scheduled for payment in the then current financial year and any interest payments or distributions that have been paid or made or are scheduled or required to be paid or made out of Distributable Items of the Company in the then current financial year, in each case excluding any portion of such payments already accounted for in determining the Distributable Items of the Company, and/or (ii) the Regulator, in accordance with Article 68 of Law 10/2014 and/or Article 16 of the SSM Regulation and/or with Applicable Banking Regulations then in force, requires the Company to cancel the relevant Distribution in whole or in part, then the Company will, without prejudice to the right set forth in Section 3.08 to cancel at its discretion the payment of any such Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series at any time, make partial or, as the case may be, no payment of the relevant Distribution on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

(c) No payments will be made on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series (whether by way of a repayment of the Liquidation Preference, the payment of any Distribution or otherwise) if and to the extent that such payment would cause a breach of any regulatory restriction or prohibition on payments on Additional Tier 1 Instruments pursuant to Applicable Banking Regulations (including, without limitation, any such restriction or prohibition relating to any Maximum Distributable Amount applicable to the Company and/or the Group).

Section 3.10. Agreement to Distribution Cancellation .

(a) By acquiring Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, Holders (which, for the purposes of this Section 3.10, includes holders of a beneficial interest in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) acknowledge and agree that:

(i) Distributions are payable solely at the Company’s discretion, and no amount of Distribution shall become or remain due and payable in respect of the relevant Distribution Period to the extent that it has been cancelled or deemed cancelled by the Company pursuant to Section 3.08 hereof and/or as a result of the limitations on payment set forth in Section 3.09; and

 

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(ii) a cancellation or deemed cancellation of any Distribution (in whole or in part) in accordance with the terms of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall not constitute an Enforcement Event or other default under the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of the Company or entitle Holders to take any action to cause such Distribution to be paid or the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or in any way limit or restrict the Company from making any distribution or equivalent payment in connection with any instrument ranking junior to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series (including, without limitation, any CET1 Capital of the Company or the Group) or in respect of any Parity Security or other Security, except to the extent Applicable Banking Regulations otherwise provide.

(b) Distributions will only be due and payable on a Distribution Payment Date to the extent they are not cancelled or deemed cancelled previously or thereafter in accordance with Section 3.08, Section 3.09, Section 3.10, Section 6.02 and Article 4. Any Distributions cancelled or deemed cancelled (in each case, in whole or in part) in the circumstances described herein shall not be due and shall not accumulate or be payable at any time thereafter, and Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall have no rights thereto or to receive any additional Distributions or compensation as a result of such cancellation or deemed cancellation.

Section 3.11. Notice of Distribution Cancellation . If practicable, the Company will provide notice of any cancellation or deemed cancellation of Distributions on any particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (in each case, in whole or in part) to the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series through the relevant Depositary (or, if the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are held in definitive form, to the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities directly at their addresses shown on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register) and to the Trustee directly on or prior to the relevant Distribution Payment Date. Failure to provide such notice will have no impact on the effectiveness of, or otherwise invalidate, any such cancellation or deemed cancellation of Distributions (and accordingly, such Distributions will not be due and payable), will not constitute an Enforcement Event with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or give the Holders or beneficial owners of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series any rights as a result of such failure.

Section 3.12. Persons Deemed Owners . Prior to due presentment of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security is registered as the owner of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security for the purpose of receiving payment of Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, (subject to Section 3.05 and Section 3.07) any Distribution on and Additional Amounts, if any, on such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary. The aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall be reflected on the books and records of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar.

None of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar shall have any responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner in a Global Security, any Agent Member or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any Agent Member, with respect to any ownership interest in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or with respect to the delivery to any Agent Member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the Holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of the Global Security). The rights of beneficial owners in the Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the applicable procedures. The Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar shall be entitled to rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its Agent Members and any beneficial owners. The Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar shall be entitled to deal with the Depositary, and any nominee thereof, that is the Holder of any Global

 

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Security for all purposes of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture relating to such Global Security (including the payment of Liquidation Preference and Distributions and Additional Amounts, if any, and the giving of instructions or directions by or to the owner or holder of a beneficial ownership interest in such Global Security) as the sole Holder and shall have no obligations to the beneficial owners thereof. None of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of the Depositary with respect to such Global Security, for the records of any such Depositary, including records in respect of beneficial ownership interests in respect of any such Global Security, for any transactions between the Depositary and any Agent Member or between or among the Depositary, any such Agent Member and/or any holder or owner of a beneficial interest in such Global Security, or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any such Global Security.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Global Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any Depositary (or its nominee), as a Holder, with respect to such Global Security or shall impair, as between such Depositary and owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such Depositary (or its nominee) as Holder of such Global Security.

Each Holder and beneficial owner that acquires its Contingent Convertible Preferred Security in the secondary market shall be deemed to acknowledge and agree to be bound by and consent to the same provisions specified in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to the same extent as the Holders and beneficial owners of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities that acquire the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities upon their initial issuance, including, without limitation, with respect to the acknowledgment and agreement to be bound by and consent to the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, including, without limitation, in relation to Distribution cancellation, the Conversion, the Spanish Bail-in Power and the limitations on remedies specified in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security and Section 6.03.

Section 3.13. Cancellation . All Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer, exchange or Conversion shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, as well as Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose, shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder, and all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by the provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series or pursuant to the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture. The Trustee shall deliver to the Company all cancelled Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities held by the Trustee.

Section 3.14. Computation of Distributions . Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Section 3.15. Cusip Numbers . The Company in issuing any series of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may use “CUSIP”, “ISIN” and/or “Common Code” and/or other similar numbers (if then generally in use) or any successor to such numbers with respect to such series, and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP”, “ISIN” and/or “Common Code” and/or other similar numbers or successor numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the “CUSIP”, “ISIN” and/or “Common Code” and/or other similar numbers or successor numbers.

 

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Section 3.16. Additional Parity Securities and Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . (a) The Company may, from time to time, without the consent or sanction of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series: (i) take any action required to issue additional Parity Securities or authorize, create and issue one or more series of Parity Securities ranking equally with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any such series, as to the participation in the profits and/or assets of the Company, without limit as to the amount; or (ii) take any action required to authorize, create and issue one or more classes or series of shares of the Company or securities mandatorily convertible into Common Shares of the Company ranking junior or senior to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any such series, as to the participation in the profits and/or assets of the Company.

(b) By acquiring a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series, Holders and beneficial owners of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities agree to renounce any rights of seniority or preference that may be conferred upon it (if any) under applicable Spanish law (to the extent permitted under applicable Spanish law) over any holder of such Parity Securities issued by the Company from time to time.

(c) The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series do not grant the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series pre-emption rights in respect of any possible future issues of Parity Securities or any other securities by the Company or any Subsidiary.

(d) The Company may, from time to time, without the consent of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, issue additional Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (“ Additional Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities ”) of one or more of the series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities issued under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture having the same ranking and same Distribution Rate, redemption terms and other terms as the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series except for the price to the public, original Distribution accrual date, issue date and first Distribution Payment Date. Any such Additional Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, together with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series, will constitute a single series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and shall be included in the definition of “Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities” in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture where the context so requires.

Section 3.17. Correction of Minor Defects in or Amendment of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . If, after issuance of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (including any Global Security), (i) the Company or the Trustee shall become aware of any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in any term of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security or Global Security, as the case may be, or, (ii) with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (including any Global Security) issued on or after the date hereof, the Company and the Trustee agree to amend such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security as contemplated by Section 10.01 and subject to Section 10.03, the parties hereto shall provide for the execution, authentication, delivery and dating of one or more replacement Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or Global Securities, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 3.03 hereto, provided, however , that changes made in such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or Global Securities are not materially adverse to Holders of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 3.18. Payments Subject to Fiscal Laws . All payments in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will be subject in all cases to any fiscal or other laws and regulations applicable thereto (including FATCA, any regulations or agreements thereunder, any official interpretation thereof, any intergovernmental agreements with respect thereto, or any law implementing an intergovernmental agreement or any regulations or official interpretations relating thereto), but without prejudice to the Company’s obligation to pay Additional Amounts to the extent required under Section 11.04.

 

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Section 3.19. Undertakings . So long as any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of a series remains Outstanding, the Company shall, unless approved by a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of such series:

(a) not make any issue, grant or distribution or take or omit to take any other action if the effect thereof would be that, on Conversion, Common Shares could not, under any applicable law then in effect, be legally issued as fully paid;

(b) if any offer is made to all (or as nearly as may be practicable all) Shareholders (or all (or as nearly as may be practicable all) such Shareholders other than the offeror and/or any associates of the offeror) to acquire all or a majority of the issued Common Shares, or if a scheme is proposed with regard to such acquisition (other than a Newco Scheme), give notice of such offer or scheme to the Holders at the same time as any notice thereof is sent to the Shareholders (or as soon as practicable thereafter) that details concerning such offer or scheme may be obtained from the specified offices of the Paying and Conversion Agent and, where such an offer or scheme has been recommended by the Board of Directors, or where such an offer has become or been declared unconditional in all respects or such scheme has become effective, use all commercially reasonable endeavors to procure that a like offer or scheme is extended to the holders of any Common Shares issued during the period of the offer or scheme arising out of any Conversion and/or to Holders;

(c) in the event of a Newco Scheme, take (or shall procure that there is taken) all necessary action to ensure that such amendments are made to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture immediately after completion of the Scheme of Arrangement as are necessary to ensure that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be converted into or exchanged for ordinary shares in Newco (or depositary or other receipts or certificates representing ordinary shares of Newco) mutatis mutandis in accordance with and subject to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the ordinary shares of Newco are:

(i) admitted to the Relevant Stock Exchange; or

(ii) listed and/or admitted to trading on another Recognized Stock Exchange,

and the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the relevant series (which, for this purpose, includes holders of a beneficial interest in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series) irrevocably authorize the Company to make such amendments to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture without the need for any further authorization from the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series;

(d) issue, allot and deliver Common Shares upon Conversion subject to and as provided in Article 4 below;

(e) use all reasonable endeavors to ensure that its issued and outstanding Common Shares and any Common Shares issued upon Conversion will be admitted to listing and trading on the Relevant Stock Exchange or will be listed and/or admitted to trading on another Recognized Stock Exchange;

(f) at all times keep in force the relevant resolutions needed for issue, free from pre-emptive rights, sufficient authorized but unissued Common Shares to enable Conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and all rights of subscription and exchange for Common Shares, to be satisfied in full; and

(g) where the provisions of Article 4 require or provide for a determination by an Independent Financial Adviser or a role to be performed by a Conversion Shares Depository or a Paying and Conversion Agent, the Company shall use all reasonable endeavors promptly to appoint such persons for such purposes.

ARTICLE 4

C ONVERSION OF THE C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES

Section 4.01. Conversion upon Trigger Event .

(a) If the Trigger Event occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, then the Company will:

 

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(i) not pay any Distribution on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, including any accrued and unpaid Distributions, which shall be deemed to be cancelled by the Company in accordance with Section 3.08 and/or Section 3.09; and

(ii) irrevocably and mandatorily (and without any requirement for the consent or approval of the Holders or beneficial owners of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series) convert all the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series into Common Shares (the “ Trigger Conversion ”) to be delivered on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date. If the Trigger Event occurs, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series will be converted in whole and not in part.

(b) For the purposes of determining whether the Trigger Event has occurred, the Company will (i) calculate the CET1 ratio based on information (whether or not published) available to management of the Company, including information internally reported within the Company pursuant to its procedures for ensuring effective ongoing monitoring of the capital ratios of the Company and the Group and (ii) calculate and publish the CET1 ratio on at least a quarterly basis. The Company’s calculation shall be binding on the Trustee and the Holders and beneficial owners of the relevant series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

(c) A Trigger Event will not constitute an event of default, an Enforcement Event or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of the Company or entitle Holders to take any action to cause the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.

Section 4.02. Conversion upon Capital Reduction .

(a) Subject as provided in Section 12.04(g), if a Capital Reduction occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, then the Company will, subject as provided in Section 4.02(b), irrevocably and mandatorily (and without any requirement for the consent or approval of the Holders or beneficial owners of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series) convert all the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series into Common Shares (a “ Capital Reduction Conversion ”) to be delivered on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date and on such Conversion Settlement Date pay to the Holders, as applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09, an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) such Conversion Settlement Date.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 4.02(a), if a Capital Reduction occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, each Holder of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series will have the right to elect that all (but not part) of its Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall not be converted in accordance with Section 4.02(a), in which case all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such Holder shall remain outstanding and no payment of any accrued and unpaid Distributions on such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be made in respect of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to that Holder on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date pursuant to Section 4.02(a) (without prejudice to any payment of such Distributions or any other Distributions that may accrue in respect of those Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to Section 3.01). To exercise such right, a Holder must complete, sign and deposit at the specified office of any Paying and Conversion Agent a duly completed and signed notice of election (an “ Election Notice ”), in the form then obtainable from the specified office of such Paying and Conversion Agent on or before the tenth Business Day immediately following the Capital Reduction Notice Date (the period from (and including) the Capital Reduction Notice Date to (and including) such tenth Business Day, the “ Election Period ”). In the case of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities represented by a Global Security held by or on behalf of a Clearing System, an Election Notice may be delivered within the Election Period by the Holder giving notice to the Principal Paying Agent of such election in accordance with the standard procedures of the relevant Clearing System (which may include notice being given on such Holder’s instruction by the relevant Clearing System to the Principal Paying Agent by electronic means) in a form acceptable to such Clearing System from time to time.

An Election Notice shall be irrevocable. Each Paying and Conversion Agent shall inform the Principal Paying Agent within two Business Days of the end of such Election Period of the Election Notices received during the Election Period and the Principal Paying Agent shall notify the Company of the details of the relevant Holders that have duly submitted an Election Notice within the Election Period (including the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities held by such Holders) by no later than the immediately following Business Day.

 

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Any relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which a duly completed and signed Election Notice is not received during the Election Period in accordance with this Section 4.02 shall be converted into Common Shares.

Any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities not converted upon a Capital Reduction as a result of Holders delivering a duly completed and signed Election Notice during the Election Period in accordance with Section 4.02 shall remain Outstanding and, notwithstanding any of the above, may be the subject of Conversion on the occurrence of a Trigger Event pursuant to Section 4.01.

(c) A Capital Reduction will not constitute an event of default, an Enforcement Event or the occurrence of any event related to the insolvency of the Company or entitle Holders to take any action to cause the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.

Section 4.03. Upon conversion.

(a) Subject as provided in this Section 4.03(a) with respect to fractions, the number of Common Shares to be issued on Conversion in respect of each Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series to be converted shall be determined by dividing the Liquidation Preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security by the relevant Conversion Price in effect on the relevant Conversion Notice Date rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares. Fractions of Common Shares will not be issued on Conversion or pursuant to Section 4.05(d) and no cash payment or other adjustment will be made in lieu thereof. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, if one or more Delivery Notices and the related Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are received by or on behalf of a Paying and Conversion Agent such that the Common Shares to be delivered by or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository are to be registered in the same name or delivered to the same Clearing System participant account, the number of such Common Shares to be delivered in respect thereof shall be calculated on the basis of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities being so converted and rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares.

(b) Upon any Trigger Conversion of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, Holders (and beneficial owners) of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall have no claim against the Company in respect of (i) any Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities converted into Common Shares or (ii) any accrued and unpaid Distributions cancelled or otherwise unpaid in respect of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall cease to represent any right other than the right to receive Common Shares from or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository.

(c) Upon any Capital Reduction Conversion of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, Holders (and beneficial owners) of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, other than Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which such Holders have elected not to convert such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with Section 4.02(b), shall have no claim against the Company in respect of any Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series converted into Common Shares, other than Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which Holders have elected not to convert such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with Section 4.02(b), shall cease to represent any right other than the right to receive Common Shares from or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository. Nothing in this Section 4.03(c) shall affect the Company’s obligation upon any Capital Reduction Conversion to pay to the Holders, as applicable, where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09, and except as provided in Section 4.02(b), an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date.

 

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(d) On or prior to the Conversion Settlement Date, the Company shall deliver to the Conversion Shares Depository such number of Common Shares (subject as provided in Section 4.03(a) with respect to fractions) as is required to satisfy in full the Company’s obligation to deliver Common Shares (i) in respect of a Trigger Conversion, of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series outstanding on the Trigger Event Notice Date, and (ii) in respect of a Capital Reduction Conversion, of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series Outstanding on the Capital Reduction Notice Date, other than Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which such Holders have elected not to convert such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with Section 4.02(b).

(e) The obligation of the Company to issue and deliver Common Shares to a Holder of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date shall be satisfied by the delivery of such Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository. Receipt of the relevant Common Shares by the Conversion Shares Depository shall discharge the Company’s obligations in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities converted, other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, as provided under Section 4.02(a) with respect to the payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) except as provided in Section 4.02(b).

(f) Except as set forth in the immediately succeeding paragraph with respect to a Capital Reduction, if a Conversion Event occurs, Holders shall have recourse to the Company only for the issue and delivery of the relevant Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository. After such delivery by the Company of the relevant Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository, Holders of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so converted shall have recourse to the Conversion Shares Depository only for the delivery to them of such Common Shares, in the circumstances described in Section 4.08.

In the case of a Capital Reduction, Holders shall also have recourse to the Company as provided under Section 4.02(a) with respect to the payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) except as provided in Section 4.02(b).

Section 4.04. Conversion Price .

Conversion Price ” means, in respect of a Conversion Notice Date, if the Common Shares are:

(a) then admitted to trading on a Relevant Stock Exchange, the higher of:

(i) the Reference Market Price of a Common Share (translated into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate, if applicable);

(ii) the Floor Price (translated into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate, if applicable); and

(iii) the nominal value of a Common Share (translated into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate, if applicable); or

(b) not then admitted to trading on a Relevant Stock Exchange, the higher of (ii) and (iii) above.

Section 4.05. Anti-Dilution Adjustment of the Floor Price . For the purposes of this Section 4.05 only (a) references to the “ issue ” of Common Shares or Common Shares being issued shall, if not otherwise expressly specified in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, include the transfer and/or delivery of Common Shares, whether newly issued and allotted or previously existing or held by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Group, and (b) Common Shares held by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Group (and which, in the case of Section 4.05(a)(iv) and Section 4.05(a)(vi), are not entitled to receive the relevant right or other entitlement) shall not be considered as or treated as in issue or issued or entitled to receive any Dividend, right or other entitlement.

 

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References to any issue or offer or grant to Shareholders or Existing Shareholders “ as a class ” or “ by way of rights ” shall be taken to be references to an issue or offer or grant to all or substantially all Shareholders or Existing Shareholders, as the case may be, other than Shareholders or Existing Shareholders, as the case may be, to whom, by reason of the laws of any territory or requirements of any recognized regulatory body or any other stock exchange or securities market in any territory or in connection with fractional entitlements, it is determined not to make such issue or offer or grant.

(a) Upon the happening of any of the events described below and unless otherwise provided in connection with a series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Floor Price of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be adjusted from time to time as follows:

(i) If and whenever there shall be a consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision affecting the number of Common Shares, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to such consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision by the following fraction:

A

B

where:

 

  A is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision, as the case may be; and

 

  B is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately after, and as a result of, such consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision, as the case may be.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the date the consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or subdivision, as the case may be, takes effect.

(ii) If and whenever the Company shall issue any Common Shares credited as fully paid to Shareholders by way of capitalization of profits or reserves (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve) other than (i) where any such Common Shares are or are to be issued instead of the whole or part of a Dividend in cash which Shareholders would or could otherwise have elected to receive, (ii) where Shareholders may elect to receive a Dividend in cash in lieu of such Common Shares or (iii) where any such Common Shares are or are expressed to be issued in lieu of a Dividend (whether or not a cash Dividend equivalent or amount is announced or would otherwise be payable to Shareholders, whether at their election or otherwise), the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to such issue by the following fraction:

A

B

where:

 

  A is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such issue; and

 

  B is the aggregate number of Common Shares in issue immediately after such issue.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the date of issue of such Common Shares.

 

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(iii) (A) If and whenever the Company shall pay any Extraordinary Dividend to its Shareholders, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A – B

    A

where:

 

  A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

 

  B is the portion of the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Extraordinary Dividend attributable to one Common Share, with such portion being determined by dividing the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Extraordinary Dividend by the number of Common Shares entitled to receive the relevant Dividend.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date or, if later, the first date upon which the Fair Market Value of the relevant Extraordinary Dividend can be determined.

Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(iii)(A), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Cash Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

Extraordinary Dividend ” means any Cash Dividend which is expressly declared by the Company to be a capital distribution, extraordinary dividend, extraordinary distribution, special dividend, special distribution or return of value to its Shareholders or any analogous or similar term (including any distribution made as a result of any Capital Reduction), in which case the Extraordinary Dividend shall be such Cash Dividend.

(B) If and whenever the Company shall pay or make any Non-Cash Dividend to Shareholders, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A – B

    A

where:

 

  A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

 

  B is the portion of the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Non-Cash Dividend attributable to one Common Share, with such portion being determined by dividing the Fair Market Value of the aggregate Non-Cash Dividend by the number of Common Shares entitled to receive the relevant Non-Cash Dividend (or, in the case of a purchase, redemption or buy back of Common Shares or any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing Common Shares by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Group, by the number of Common Shares in issue immediately following such purchase, redemption or buy back, and treating as not being in issue any Common Shares, or any Common Shares represented by depositary or other receipts or certificates, purchased, redeemed or bought back).

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date or, if later, the first date upon which the Fair Market Value of the relevant Non-Cash Dividend is capable of being determined as provided herein.

 

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Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(iii)(B), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Dividend on the Relevant Stock Exchange or, in the case of a purchase, redemption or buy back of Common Shares or any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing Common Shares by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Group, the date on which such purchase, redemption or buy back is made (or, in any such case if later, the first date upon which the Fair Market Value of the relevant Dividend is capable of being determined as provided herein) or in the case of a Spin-Off, the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Spin-Off on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(C) For the purposes of this Section 4.05(a)(iii), Fair Market Value shall (subject as provided in paragraph (a) of the definition of “Dividend” and in the definition of “Fair Market Value”) be determined as at the Effective Date.

(D) In making any calculations for the purposes of this Section 4.05(a)(iii), such adjustments (if any) shall be made as an Independent Financial Adviser may determine in good faith to be appropriate to reflect (A) any consolidation or sub-division of any Common Shares or (B) the issue of Common Shares by way of capitalization of profits or reserves (or any like or similar event) or (C) any increase in the number of Common Shares in issue in the Company’s financial year in question.

(iv) If and whenever the Company shall issue Common Shares to its Shareholders as a class by way of rights, or the Company or any member of the Group or (at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) any other company, person or entity shall issue or grant to the Shareholders as a class by way of rights, any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Common Shares, or any Securities which by their terms of issue carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, or the right to acquire, any Common Shares (or shall grant any such rights in respect of existing Securities so issued), in each case at a price per Common Share which is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the Effective Date, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A + B

A + C

where:

 

  A is the number of Common Shares in issue on the Effective Date;

 

  B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the Common Shares issued by way of rights, or for the Securities issued by way of rights, or for the options or warrants or other rights issued or granted by way of rights and for the total number of Common Shares deliverable on the exercise thereof, would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share; and

 

  C is the number of Common Shares to be issued or, as the case may be, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued upon exercise of such options, warrants or rights calculated as at the date of issue of such options, warrants or rights or upon conversion or exchange or exercise of rights of subscription or purchase or other rights of acquisition in respect thereof at the initial conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate,

provided that if at the Effective Date such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time, then for the purposes of this Section 4.05(a)(iv), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

 

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“Effective Date” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(iv), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-rights, ex-options or ex-warrants on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(v) If and whenever the Company or any member of the Group or (at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) any other company, person or entity shall issue any Securities (other than Common Shares or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Common Shares or Securities which by their terms carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, or rights to otherwise acquire, Common Shares) to the Shareholders as a class by way of rights or grant to the Shareholders as a class by way of rights any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Securities (other than Common Shares or options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire Common Shares or Securities which by their term carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, rights to otherwise acquire, Common Shares), the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A – B

    A

where:

 

  A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

 

  B is the Fair Market Value on the Effective Date of the portion of the rights attributable to one Common Share.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(v), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-the relevant Securities or ex-rights, ex-option or ex-warrants on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(vi) If and whenever the Company shall issue (otherwise than as mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(iv) above) wholly for cash or for no consideration any Common Shares (other than Common Shares issued on conversion of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or on the exercise of any rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for or purchase of, or right to otherwise acquire Common Shares) or if and whenever the Company or any member of the Group or (at the direction or request or pursuance to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) any other company, person or entity shall issue or grant (otherwise than as mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(iv) above) wholly for cash or for no consideration any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase or otherwise acquire any Common Shares (other than the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, which term shall for this purpose include any Further Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities), in each case at a price per Common Share which is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the date of the first public announcement of the terms of such issue or grant, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A + B

A + C

where:

 

  A is the number of Common Shares in issue immediately before the issue of such Common Shares or the grant of such options, warrants or rights;

 

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  B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the issue of such Common Shares or, as the case may be, for the Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon the exercise of any such options, warrants or rights, would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share on the Effective Date; and

 

  C is the number of Common Shares to be issued pursuant to such issue of such Common Shares or, as the case may be, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued upon exercise of such options, warrants or rights calculated as at the date of issue of such options, warrants or rights, provided that if at the Effective Date, such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time, then for the purposes of this Section 4.05(a)(vi), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(vi), the date of issue of such Common Shares or, as the case may be, the grant of such options, warrants or rights.

(vii) If and whenever the Company or any member of the Group or (at the direction or request of or pursuant to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) any other company, person or entity (otherwise than as mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(iv), Section 4.05(a)(v) or Section 4.05(a)(vi)) shall issue wholly for cash or for no consideration any Securities (other than Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, which term for this purpose shall include any Further Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) which by their terms of issue carry (directly or indirectly) rights of conversion into, or exchange or subscription for, purchase of, or rights to otherwise acquire, Common Shares (or shall grant any such rights in respect of existing Securities so issued) or Securities which by their terms might be reclassified/redesignated as Common Shares, and the consideration per Common Share receivable upon conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase, acquisition or redesignation is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the date of the first public announcement of the terms of issue of such Securities (or the terms of such grant), the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A + B

A + C

where:

 

  A is the number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such issue or grant (but where the relevant Securities carry rights of conversion into or rights of exchange or subscription for, purchase of, or rights to otherwise acquire Common Shares which have been issued, purchased or acquired by the Company or any member of the Group (or at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) for the purposes of or in connection with such issue, less the number of such Common Shares so issued, purchased or acquired);

 

  B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange or upon exercise of the right of subscription, purchase or acquisition attached to such Securities or, as the case may be, for the Common Shares to be issued or to arise from any such reclassification/redesignation would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share; and

 

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  C is the maximum number of Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange of such Securities or upon the exercise of such right of subscription attached thereto at the initial conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate or, as the case may be, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued or arise from any such reclassification/redesignation;

provided that if at the Effective Date such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time (which may be when such Securities are converted or exchanged or rights of subscription, purchase or acquisition are exercised or, as the case may be, such Securities are reclassified/redesignated or at such other time as may be provided), then for the purposes of this Section 4.05(a)(vii), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition or, as the case may be, reclassification/redesignation had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(vii), the date of issue of such Securities or, as the case may be, the grant of such rights.

(viii) If and whenever there shall be any modification of the rights of conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition attaching to any Securities (other than the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, which term shall for this purpose include any Further Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) pursuant to Section 4.05(a)(vii) above (other than in accordance with the terms (including terms as to adjustment) applicable to such Securities upon issue) so that following such modification the consideration per Common Share receivable has been reduced and is less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the date of the first public announcement of the proposals for such modification, the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately prior to the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A + B

A + C

where:

 

  A is the number of Common Shares in issue immediately before such modification (but where the relevant Securities carry rights of conversion into or rights of exchange or subscription for, or purchase or acquisition of, Common Shares which have been issued, purchased or acquired by the Company or any member of the Group (or at the direction or request or pursuant to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) for the purposes of or in connection with such Securities, less the number of such Common Shares so issued, purchased or acquired);

 

  B is the number of Common Shares which the aggregate consideration (if any) receivable for the Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange or upon exercise of the right of subscription, purchase or acquisition attached to the Securities so modified would purchase at such Current Market Price per Common Share or, if lower, the existing conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate of such Securities; and

 

  C is the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued or otherwise made available upon conversion or exchange of such Securities or upon the exercise of such rights of subscription, purchase or acquisition attached thereto at the modified conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition price or rate but giving credit in such manner as an Independent Financial Adviser in good faith shall consider appropriate for any previous adjustment under this Section 4.05(a)(viii) or Section 4.05(a)(vii);

 

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provided that if at the Effective Date such number of Common Shares is to be determined by reference to the application of a formula or other variable feature or the occurrence of any event at some subsequent time (which may be when such Securities are converted or exchanged or rights of subscription, purchase or acquisition are exercised or at such other time as may be provided) then for the purposes of this Section 4.05(a)(viii), “C” shall be determined by the application of such formula or variable feature or as if the relevant event occurs or had occurred as at the Effective Date and as if such conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition had taken place on the Effective Date.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(viii), the date of modification of the rights of conversion, exchange, subscription, purchase or acquisition attaching to such Securities.

(ix) If and whenever the Company or any member of the Group or (at the direction or request of or pursuant to any arrangements with the Company or any member of the Group) any other company, person or entity shall offer any Securities in connection with which the Shareholders as a class are entitled to participate in arrangements whereby such Securities may be acquired by them (except where the Floor Price falls to be adjusted under Section 4.05(a)(ii), Section 4.05(a)(iii), Section 4.05(a)(iv), Section 4.05(a)(v), Section 4.05(a)(vi) or Section 4.05(a)(x) (or would fall to be so adjusted if the relevant issue or grant was at less than 95% of the Current Market Price per Common Share on the relevant dealing day under Section 4.05(a)(v) above)) the Floor Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Floor Price in force immediately before the Effective Date by the following fraction:

A – B

    A

where:

 

  A is the Current Market Price of one Common Share on the Effective Date; and

 

  B is the Fair Market Value on the Effective Date of the portion of the relevant offer attributable to one Common Share.

Such adjustment shall become effective on the Effective Date.

Effective Date ” means, in respect of this Section 4.05(a)(ix), the first date on which the Common Shares are traded ex-rights on the Relevant Stock Exchange.

(x) If the Company determines that a reduction to the Floor Price should be made for whatever reason, the Floor Price will be reduced (either generally or for a specified period as notified to Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such relevant series) in such manner and with effect from such date as the Company shall determine and notify to the Holders of the relevant series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 4.05(a):

(i) where the events or circumstances giving rise to any adjustment of the Floor Price have already resulted or will result in an adjustment to the Floor Price or where the events or circumstances giving rise to any adjustment arise by virtue of any other events or circumstances which have already given or will give rise to an adjustment to the Floor Price or where more than one event which gives rise to an adjustment to the Floor Price occurs within such a short period of time that, in the opinion of the Company, a modification to the operation of the adjustment provisions is required to give the intended result, such modification shall be made to the operation of the adjustment provisions as may be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser to be in its opinion appropriate to give the intended result; and

 

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(ii) such modification shall be made to the operation of this Section 4.05 as may be determined in good faith by an Independent Financial Adviser to be in its opinion appropriate (A) to ensure that an adjustment to the Floor Price or the economic effect thereof shall not be taken into account more than once and (B) to ensure that the economic effect of a Dividend is not taken into account more than once;

and in each case, any such modification shall be conclusive and binding on all parties (including the Holders and beneficial owners of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security) save in the case of manifest error.

(c) For the purpose of any calculation of the consideration receivable or price pursuant to Section 4.05(a)(iv), Section 4.05(a)(vi), Section 4.05(a)(vii) and Section 4.05(a)(viii) above, the following provisions shall apply:

(i) the aggregate consideration receivable or price for Common Shares issued for cash shall be the amount of such cash;

(ii) (A) the aggregate consideration receivable or price for Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon the conversion or exchange of any Securities shall be deemed to be the consideration or price received or receivable for any such Securities and (B) the aggregate consideration receivable or price for Common Shares to be issued or otherwise made available upon the exercise of rights of subscription attached to any Securities or upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights shall be deemed to be that part (which may be the whole) of the consideration or price received or receivable for such Securities or, as the case may be, for such options, warrants or rights which are attributed by the Company to such rights of subscription or, as the case may be, such options, warrants or rights or, if no part of such consideration or price is so attributed, the Fair Market Value of such rights of subscription or, as the case may be, such options, warrants or rights as at the relevant Effective Date as referred to in Section 4.05(a)(iv), Section 4.05(a)(vi), Section 4.05(a)(vii) or Section 4.05(a)(viii) above, as the case may be, plus in the case of each of (A) and (B) above, the additional minimum consideration receivable or price (if any) upon the conversion or exchange of such Securities, or upon the exercise of such rights of subscription attached thereto or, as the case may be, upon exercise of such options, warrants or rights and (C) the consideration receivable or price per Common Share upon the conversion or exchange of, or upon the exercise of such rights of subscription attached to, such Securities or, as the case may be, upon the exercise of such options, warrants or rights shall be the aggregate consideration or price referred to in (A) or (B) above (as the case may be) divided by the number of Common Shares to be issued upon such conversion or exchange or exercise at the initial conversion, exchange or subscription price or rate;

(iii) if the consideration or price determined pursuant to (i) or (ii) above (or any component thereof) shall be expressed in a currency other than the Share Currency, it shall be converted into the Share Currency at the Prevailing Rate on the relevant Effective Date (in the case of (i) above) or the relevant date of first public announcement (in the case of (ii) above);

(iv) in determining the consideration or price pursuant to the above, no deduction shall be made for any commissions or fees (howsoever described) or any expenses paid or incurred for any underwriting, placing or management of the issue of the relevant Common Shares or Securities or options, warrants or rights, or otherwise in connection therewith; and

(v) the consideration or price shall be determined as provided above on the basis of the consideration or price received, receivable, paid or payable regardless of whether all or part thereof is received, receivable, paid or payable by or to the Company or another entity.

(d) If the Conversion Settlement Date in relation to the Conversion of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series shall be after the record date in respect of any consolidation, reclassification, redesignation or sub-division as is mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(i), or after the record date or other due date for the establishment of entitlement for any such issue, distribution, grant or offer (as the case may be) as is mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(ii), Section 4.05(a)(iii), Section 4.05(a)(iv), Section 4.05(a)(v) or Section 4.05(a)(ix), or after the date of the first public announcement of the terms of any such issue or grant as is mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(vi)

 

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and Section 4.05(a)(vii) or of the terms of any such modification as is mentioned in Section 4.05(a)(viii) above, but before the relevant adjustment to the Floor Price (if applicable) becomes effective under Section 4.05 above (such adjustment, a “ Retroactive Adjustment ”), then the Company shall (conditional upon the relevant adjustment becoming effective) procure that there shall be delivered to the Conversion Shares Depository, for onward delivery to the Holders of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Delivery Notices received by the Conversion Shares Depository, such additional number of Common Shares (if any) (the “ Additional Common Shares ”) as, together with the Common Shares issued on Conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (together with any fraction of a Common Share not so delivered to any relevant Holder pursuant to Section 4.03(a)), is equal to the number of Common Shares which would have been required to be issued and delivered on such Conversion if the relevant adjustment to the Floor Price had been made and become effective immediately prior to the relevant Conversion Notice Date (subject as provided in Section 4.03(a) with respect to fractions), provided that , where applicable, if the Conversion Shares Depository and/or the Holders, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive the relevant Dividend in respect of the Common Shares to be issued or delivered to them, then no such Retroactive Adjustment shall be made in relation to such Dividend and Additional Common Shares shall not be issued and delivered to the Conversion Shares Depository and Holders in relation thereto. If Additional Common Shares are required under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, all references to the issue and/or delivery of Common Shares in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be construed accordingly.

(e) If any doubt shall arise as to whether an adjustment is required to be made to the Floor Price or as to the appropriate adjustment to the Floor Price, the Company may at its discretion appoint an Independent Financial Adviser and, following consultation between the Company and such Independent Financial Adviser, a written determination of such Independent Financial Adviser in respect thereof shall be conclusive and binding on all parties (including the Holders and beneficial owners of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security), save in the case of manifest error.

(f) No adjustment will be made to the Floor Price where Common Shares or other Securities (including rights, warrants and options) are issued, offered, exercised, allotted, purchased, appropriated, modified or granted to, or for the benefit of, employees or former employees (including directors holding or formerly holding executive or non-executive office or the personal service company of any such person) or their spouses or relatives, in each case, of the Company or any member of the Group or any associated company or to a trustee or trustees or intermediary to be held for the benefit of any such person, in any such case pursuant to any share or option or similar scheme.

(g) On any adjustment, if the resultant Floor Price has more decimal places than the initial Floor Price, it shall be rounded down to the same number of decimal places as the initial Floor Price. No adjustment shall be made to the Floor Price where such adjustment (rounded down if applicable) would be less than 1% of the Floor Price then in effect. Any adjustment not required to be made pursuant to the above, and/or any amount by which the Floor Price has been rounded down, shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment, and such subsequent adjustment shall be made on the basis that the adjustment not required to be made had been made at the relevant time and/or, as the case may be, that the relevant rounding down had not been made.

(h) Notice of any adjustments to the Floor Price shall be given by the Company to Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series through the filing of a relevant information ( informaci ó n relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and in accordance with Section 1.06 promptly after the determination thereof.

Section 4.06. Conversion Procedures. Common Shares .

(a) If a Trigger Event occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, then the Company will notify the Regulator and the Holders of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities immediately upon the Company’s determination that a Trigger Event has occurred (i) through the filing of a relevant information ( informaci ó n relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and (ii) in accordance with Section 1.06 (together, the “ Trigger Event Notice ”). Any failure by the Company to give a Trigger Event Notice or otherwise notify the Holders of a Trigger Event will have no impact on

 

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the effectiveness of, or otherwise invalidate, any Trigger Conversion, will not constitute an Enforcement Event with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or give the Holders or beneficial owners of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series any rights as a result of such failure.

(b) If a Capital Reduction occurs at any time on or after the issue date of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, then the Company will notify the Regulator and the Holders of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities immediately (i) through the filing of a relevant information ( informaci ó n relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and (ii) in accordance with Section 1.06 (together, the “ Capital Reduction Notice ”). Any failure by the Company to give a Capital Reduction Notice or otherwise notify the Holders of a Capital Reduction will have no impact on the effectiveness of, or otherwise invalidate, any Capital Reduction, will not constitute an Enforcement Event with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or give the Holders or beneficial owners of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series any rights as a result of such failure.

(c) A Conversion Notice shall be a written notice specifying the following:

(i) that a Trigger Event or a Capital Reduction has occurred, as the case may be;

(ii) in the case of a Capital Reduction Notice, the Conversion Price;

(iii) in the case of a Capital Reduction Notice, the Election Period and the procedures Holders must follow with respect to timely submission of Election Notices;

(iv) in the case of a Capital Reduction Notice, the expected Conversion Settlement Date, which shall be as soon as practicable and in any event not later than one month following (or such other period as Applicable Banking Regulations may require) the Conversion Notice Date;

(v) the contact details of the Conversion Shares Depository and Paying and Conversion Agent and the procedures Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities must follow to obtain delivery of the Common Shares;

(vi) that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which Holders elect not to convert in accordance with Section 4.02(b)) shall remain in existence for the sole purposes of evidencing the Holder’s right to receive Common Shares from or on behalf of the Conversion Shares Depository and, in the case of a Capital Reduction, of evidencing the Holder’s right to receive payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date as provided under Section 4.02(a), where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09; and

(vii) a request that Holders and beneficial owners (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities complete a Delivery Notice to be delivered, together with the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities held by them (other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which Holders elect not to convert in accordance with Section 4.02(b)), to the specified office of the Paying and Conversion Agent, with a copy of such Delivery Notice to the Trustee, no later than five Business Days (in the relevant place of delivery) prior to the relevant Conversion Settlement Date (the “ Notice Cut-off Date ”).

In the case of a Trigger Event, the Company shall further notify the Holders of the relevant series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the expected Conversion Settlement Date and of the Conversion Price within ten (10) Business Days of the Conversion Notice Date, in accordance with Section 1.06.

 

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(d) The Conversion Notice Date shall be deemed to be the date on which the Trigger Event Notice or the Capital Reduction Notice, as the case may be, containing the information set forth in Section 4.06(c) (except, in the case of a Trigger Event, for its last paragraph) is communicated through the filing of a relevant information ( información relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and is published in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority in accordance with Section 4.06(a) or 4.06(b), as the case may be.

(e) Notwithstanding Sections 4.06(a) and 4.06(b), upon the Company’s determination that a Trigger Event has occurred or upon the Company’s adoption of a Capital Reduction measure, it shall, prior to giving a Conversion Notice, deliver to the Trustee a certificate stating that a Conversion Event has occurred, which the Trustee shall accept without any further enquiry as sufficient evidence of such matters, and such certificate will be conclusive and binding on the Trustee, the Holders and beneficial owners of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series. The Company shall provide a copy of the Conversion Notice to the Trustee as soon as it is available.

(f) Within two (2) Business Days after its receipt of the Conversion Notice, the Trustee shall transmit the Conversion Notice to the Depositary.

(g) If a Trigger Event occurs, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series will be converted in whole and not in part pursuant to this Article 4, and if a Capital Reduction occurs, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series will be converted in whole and not in part pursuant to this Article 4 except for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which such Holders have elected not to convert such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with Section 4.02(b).

(h) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to the contrary, except in the case of a Capital Reduction with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which the Holders have elected not to convert such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with Section 4.02(b) (as the case may be), upon a Conversion, (i) subject to the right of Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities relating to a breach of the Performance Obligation in the event of a failure by the Company to issue and deliver any Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository on the Conversion Settlement Date and, in the case of a Capital Reduction, the right of Holders to receive payment of accrued and unpaid Distributions for the then current Distribution Period up to (but excluding) the Conversion Settlement Date provided under Section 4.02(a) (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09 and except as provided in Section 4.02(b)), the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall impose no duties upon the Trustee whatsoever with regard to a Conversion (other than as provided in Section 3.05(a) if a Global Security is surrendered for conversion in part upon a Capital Reduction), and the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities converted or to be converted shall have no rights whatsoever under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to instruct the Trustee to take any action whatsoever and (ii) as of the Conversion Notice Date, except for any indemnity and/or security provided by any Holders of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in such direction or related to such direction, any direction previously given to the Trustee by any Holders of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall cease automatically and shall be null and void and of no further effect.

(i) The Company’s obligations to indemnify the Trustee in accordance with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall survive any Conversion.

Section 4.07. Agreement and Waiver with Respect to Conversion . The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series are not convertible into Common Shares at the option of Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series at any time and are not redeemable in cash as a result of a Conversion Event. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, by its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder and beneficial owner shall be deemed to have (i) agreed to all the terms and conditions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, including, without limitation, those related to (x) Conversion following a Trigger Event or Capital Reduction, as the case may be, and (y) the appointment of the Conversion Shares Depository, the issuance of the Common Shares to the Conversion Shares Depository (or to the relevant recipient in accordance with the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series or the Conversion Notice), and acknowledged that such events in (x) and (y) may occur without any further action on the part of the Holders or beneficial owners of the Contingent Convertible Preferred

 

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Securities of such series or the Trustee, (ii) agreed that effective upon, and following, the Conversion, no amount shall be due and payable to the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so converted (other than any accrued and unpaid Distributions to be paid upon a Capital Reduction Conversion in accordance with Section 4.02(a) (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09 and except as provided in Section 4.02(b))), and the Company’s liability to pay any such amounts (including the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, or any Distribution in respect of (other than any accrued and unpaid Distributions to be paid upon a Capital Reduction Conversion in accordance with Section 4.02(a) (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09 and except as provided in Section 4.02(b))), except as noted under Section 4.08(g) with respect to certain stamp and similar taxes, shall be automatically released, and the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so converted shall not have the right to give a direction to the Trustee with respect to the Conversion Event and any related Conversion, (iii) waived, to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, any claim against the Trustee arising out of its acceptance of its trusteeship under, and the performance of its duties, powers and rights in respect of, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and in connection with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so converted or to be converted, including, without limitation, claims related to or arising out of or in connection with a Conversion Event and/or any Conversion and (iv) authorized, directed and requested DTC, the European Clearing Systems and any direct participant in DTC, the European Clearing Systems or other intermediary or depositary through which it holds such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be converted to take any and all necessary action, if required, to implement the Conversion without any further action or direction on the part of such Holder or beneficial owner of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the Trustee.

Section 4.08. Settlement Procedures .

(a) Delivery of the Common Shares to the Holders of converted Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities upon a Conversion Event shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 4.08. The Company may make changes to these procedures to the extent such changes are reasonably necessary, in the opinion of the Company, including to reflect changes in clearing system practices.

(b) Holders of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities cleared and settled through DTC may elect to have their Common Shares delivered in the form of Common Shares or ADSs in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 4.08. The obligation to deliver ADSs if a Holder elects to have its Common Shares delivered in such form will apply only if on the relevant Conversion Settlement Date the Company continues to maintain an ADS depositary facility.

(c) In order to obtain delivery of the relevant Common Shares, or, if indicated in the relevant Delivery Notice, ADSs, upon any Conversion from the Conversion Shares Depository, the relevant Holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) must deliver its Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (other than, in the case of a Capital Reduction, Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which Holders elect not to convert in accordance with Section 4.02(b)) and a duly completed Delivery Notice to the specified office of the Paying and Conversion Agent, with a copy of such Delivery Notice to the Trustee, on or before the Notice Cut-off Date. The Delivery Notice shall contain: (i) the name of the Holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be converted; (ii) the aggregate Liquidation Preference held by such Holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of such converted Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on the date of such notice; (iii) the name in which the Common Shares or ADSs, as applicable, are to be registered, if applicable; (iv) whether Common Shares or ADSs are to be delivered to the Holder or beneficial owner of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities; (v) the details of the DTC, Iberclear or other clearing system account (subject to the limitations set out below) to which the Common Shares or ADSs are to be credited (or, if the Common Shares are not a participating security in Iberclear or another clearing system, the address to which the Common Shares should be delivered; and, as the case may be, details of the registered account in the Company’s ADS facility if direct registration ADSs are to be issued); (vi) any relevant certifications and/or representations as may be required by applicable law and regulations; and (vii) such other details as may be required by the Paying and Conversion Agent or any relevant Clearing System.

 

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(d) If the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are held through DTC, the Delivery Notice must be given and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC (which may include the notice being given to the Paying and Conversion Agent by electronic means) and in a form acceptable to DTC and the Paying and Conversion Agent. With respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities held in definitive form, the Delivery Notice must be delivered to the specified office of the Paying and Conversion Agent together with the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, except as otherwise indicated in the relevant Conversion Notice.

(e) Subject to satisfaction of the requirements and limitations set forth in this Section 4.08 and provided that the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and a duly completed Delivery Notice have been delivered not later than the Notice Cut-off Date, the Paying and Conversion Agent shall give instructions to the Conversion Shares Depository that the Conversion Shares Depository shall deliver the relevant Common Shares (as rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares in accordance with Section 4.03(a) and, where applicable, Section 4.05(d)) to, or shall deposit part or all of such Common Shares with the ADS Depositary on behalf of, the Holder or beneficial owner (or the custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities completing such Delivery Notice or its nominee in accordance with the instructions given in such Delivery Notice on the applicable Conversion Settlement Date.

(f) Any Delivery Notice shall be irrevocable. Failure properly to complete and deliver a Delivery Notice and deliver the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may result in such Delivery Notice being treated as null and void and the Company shall be entitled to procure the sale of any applicable Common Shares to which the relevant Holder may be entitled in accordance with Section 4.09. Any determination as to whether any Delivery Notice has been properly completed and delivered as provided in this Section 4.08 shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion, acting in good faith, and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the relevant Holders and beneficial owners (and any custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof).

(g) A Holder of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series or Selling Agent (as defined in Section 4.09) must pay (in the case of the Selling Agent by means of deduction from the net proceeds of sale set forth in Section 4.09) any taxes and capital, stamp, issue, registration and transfer taxes or duties arising on Conversion (other than any capital, stamp, issue, registration and transfer taxes or duties payable in Spain by the Company in respect of the issue and delivery of the Common Shares in accordance with a Delivery Notice delivered pursuant to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture which shall be paid by the Company) and such Holder or the Selling Agent (as the case may be) must pay (in the case of the Selling Agent, by way of deduction from the net proceeds of sale as aforesaid) all, if any, taxes or duties arising by reference to any disposal or deemed disposal of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security or interest therein.

(h) Any costs incurred by the Conversion Shares Depository or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Conversion Shares Depository in connection with the holding by the Conversion Shares Depository of any Common Shares and any amount received in respect thereof shall be deducted by the Conversion Shares Depository from such amount (or, if such deduction is not possible, paid to the Conversion Shares Depository, by the relevant Holder) prior to the delivery of such Common Shares and/or payment of such amount to the relevant Holder.

(i) If the Company shall fail to pay any capital, stamp, issue, registration and transfer taxes or duties for which it is responsible as provided in Section 4.08(g), the Holder or Selling Agent, as the case may be, shall be entitled (but shall not be obliged) to tender and pay the same and the Company as a separate and independent obligation, undertakes to reimburse and indemnify each Holder or Selling Agent, as the case may be, in respect of any payment thereof and any penalties payable in respect thereof.

(j) The Common Shares issued on Conversion will be fully paid and will in all respects rank pari passu with the fully paid Common Shares in issue on the relevant Conversion Notice Date, except in any such case for any right excluded by mandatory provisions of applicable law and except that such Common Shares will not rank for (or, as the case may be, the relevant Holder shall not be entitled to receive) any rights, distributions or payments the record date or other due date for the establishment of entitlement for which falls prior to the Conversion Settlement Date.

 

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Section 4.09. Failure to Deliver a Delivery Notice .

(a) If a duly completed Delivery Notice and the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are not delivered to the Paying and Conversion Agent as provided in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Conversion Notice on or before the Notice Cut-off Date, then at any time following the Notice Cut-off Date and prior to the tenth Business Day after the Conversion Settlement Date, the Company may in its sole and absolute discretion (and the relevant Holders and beneficial owners of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be deemed to agree thereto), elect to appoint a person (the “ Selling Agent ”) to procure that all Common Shares held by the Conversion Shares Depository in respect of which the applicable Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and duly completed Delivery Notice have not been delivered on or before the Notice Cut-off Date as aforesaid be sold by or on behalf of the Selling Agent as soon as reasonably practicable.

(b) Subject to the deduction by or on behalf of the Selling Agent of any amount payable in respect of its liability to taxation and the payment of any capital, stamp, issue, registration and/or transfer taxes and duties (if any) and any fees or costs incurred by or on behalf of the Selling Agent in connection with the issue, allotment and sale of any Common Shares pursuant to Section 4.09(a), and the conversion of any proceeds of such sale into U.S. dollars, the net proceeds of such sale, converted into U.S. dollars at the Prevailing Rate on the Notice Cut-off Date, if necessary, shall as soon as reasonably practicable be distributed ratably to the relevant Holders in such manner and at such time as the Company shall determine and notify to the relevant Holders. Such payment shall for all purposes discharge the obligations of the Company, the Conversion Shares Depository, the Paying and Conversion Agent and the Selling Agent to such Holders in respect of the relevant Conversion. The Company, the Conversion Shares Depository, the Paying and Conversion Agent and the Selling Agent shall have no liability in respect of the exercise or non-exercise of any discretion or power pursuant to this Section 4.09 or in respect of any sale of any Common Shares, whether for the timing of any such sale or the price at or manner in which any such Common Shares are sold or the inability to sell any such Common Shares. Furthermore, the Company, the Conversion Shares Depository, the Paying and Conversion Agent and the Selling Agent shall have no liability to any Holder or beneficial owner of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for any loss resulting from such Holder’s or beneficial owner’s failure to receive any Common Shares or ADSs, or from any delay in the receipt thereof, in each case as a result of such Holder or beneficial owner (or custodian, nominee, broker or other representative thereof) failing to duly submit a Delivery Notice and the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on a timely basis or at all.

(c) If the applicable Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and Delivery Notice are not delivered to the Paying and Conversion Agent on or before the Notice Cut-off Date and the Company does not appoint the Selling Agent by the 10th Business Day after the Conversion Settlement Date, or if any Common Shares are not sold by the Selling Agent in accordance with this Section 4.09, the Conversion Shares Depository shall continue to hold any Common Shares not sold by the Selling Agent until a duly completed Delivery Notice and the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are so delivered. However, any Holder or beneficial owner (or custodian, broker, nominee or other representative thereof) of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities delivering a Delivery Notice after the Notice Cut-off Date will have to provide evidence of its entitlement to the relevant Common Shares, or if the Holder so elects, ADSs, satisfactory to the Conversion Shares Depository in its sole and absolute discretion in order to receive delivery of such Common Shares or ADSs (if so elected to be deposited with the ADS Depositary on its behalf).

Section 4.10. Delivery of ADSs . In respect of any Common Shares that Holders elect to receive in the form of ADSs as specified in the Delivery Notice, the Conversion Shares Depository shall deposit with the custodian for the ADS Depositary the relevant number of Common Shares to be issued upon Conversion of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and the ADS Depositary shall issue the corresponding number of ADSs to the DTC Participant account or registered ADS facility account specified by such Holders (per the ADS-to-Common Share ratio in effect on the Conversion Settlement Date). However, the issuance of the ADSs by the ADS Depositary may be delayed until the depositary bank or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the Common Shares have been duly transferred to the custodian and that all applicable depositary fees and payments have been paid to the ADS Depositary.

 

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ARTICLE 5

S ATISFACTION AND D ISCHARGE

Section 5.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture . This Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the direction and expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series when (a) all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which have been mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.06 and Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust with the Trustee or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.03) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; (b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series; and (c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel. each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series have been complied with.

In addition, upon the exercise of a Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to a series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which results in the redemption, cancellation, or the conversion into other securities, of all the Amounts Due on such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities otherwise ceasing to be outstanding, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be deemed satisfied and discharged as to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Notwithstanding any satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 7.08 of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 7.15 of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.

ARTICLE 6

R EMEDIES

Section 6.01. Enforcement Events .

(a) Each of the following events is an “ Enforcement Event ” with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities:

(i) the breach of any term, obligation or condition binding on the Company under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series (other than any of the Company’s payment obligations under or arising from the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, including payment of any Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts (including upon a Capital Reduction), payment of the Redemption Price or payment of any damages awarded for breach of any obligations)) (a “ Performance Obligation ”); or

(ii) the occurrence of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or winding-up of the Company (a “ Liquidation Event ”).

(b) Neither the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power nor the exercise of any other resolution tool by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority or any action in compliance therewith shall constitute an Enforcement Event or other default under the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

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Section 6.02. Liquidation Distribution . (a) Subject as provided in Section 6.02(b) below, in the event of any Liquidation Event, Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series (unless previously converted into Common Shares pursuant to Article 4) shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to Holders of such series, the Liquidation Distribution. Such entitlement will arise before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares or any other instrument of the Company ranking junior to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

(b) If, before the occurrence of a Liquidation Event, a Conversion Event occurs but the relevant conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series into Common Shares pursuant to Article 4 is still to take place, Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series will be entitled to receive out of the relevant assets of the Company a monetary amount equal to that which Holders of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series would have received on any distribution of the assets of the Company if such conversion had taken place immediately prior to such Liquidation Event.

(c) After payment of the relevant entitlement in respect of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security as described in this Section 6.02, such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security will confer no further right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company.

Section 6.03. Limitation of Remedies Upon an Enforcement Event .

The sole remedies of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series and the Trustee under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series or this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event shall be:

(a) with respect to the Enforcement Event set forth in Section 6.01(a)(i), to seek enforcement of the relevant Performance Obligation; and

(b) with respect to the Enforcement Event set forth in Section 6.01(a)(ii), to enforce the entitlement set forth in Section 6.02.

Section 6.04. No Other Remedies and Other Terms .

(a) Other than the limited remedies specified in this Article 6, and subject to paragraph (c) below, no remedy against the Company shall be available to the Trustee (acting on behalf of the Holders) or to the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, whether for the recovery of amounts owing in respect of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, or in respect of any breach by the Company of any of the Company’s obligations under or in respect of the terms of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture in relation thereto; provided, however , that the Company’s obligations to the Trustee under, and the Trustee’s lien provided for in Section 7.08 of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Trustee’s rights to have money collected applied first to pay amounts due to it under such Section pursuant to Section 6.08 of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall not be limited or impaired by this Article 6 and expressly survive any Enforcement Event and are not subject to the subordination provisions of Section 13.01.

(b) Notwithstanding the limitations on remedies specified in this Article 6, (i) the Trustee shall have such powers as are required to be authorized to it under the Trust Indenture Act in respect of the rights of the Holders under the provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and (ii) nothing shall impair the rights of a Holder of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities under the Trust Indenture Act, absent such Holder’s consent, to sue for any payment due but unpaid with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as provided for in Section 6.10; provided that , in the case of (i) and (ii) above, any payments in respect of, or arising from, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, including any payments or amounts resulting or arising from the enforcement of any rights under the Trust Indenture Act in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, shall be subject to the subordination provisions set forth in Section 13.01.

 

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(c) In furtherance of Section 7.01 of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture:

(i) For purposes of Sections 315(a) and 315(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, the term “default” is hereby defined to mean an Enforcement Event which has occurred and is continuing.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to the contrary, the duties and responsibilities of the Trustee under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be subject to the protections, exculpations and limitations on liability afforded to an indenture trustee under the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 6.05. Agreement with Respect to Limitation of Remedies for Breach of a Performance Obligation . By its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder and beneficial owner of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series acknowledges and agrees that such Holder and beneficial owner will not seek, and will not direct the Trustee to seek, a claim for damages against the Company in respect of a breach by the Company of a Performance Obligation and that the sole and exclusive remedy that such Holder, beneficial owner and the Trustee may seek under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture for a breach by the Company of a Performance Obligation is specific performance.

Section 6.06. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, winding-up or other similar judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series or to the property of the Company or such other obligor or their creditors (other than under or in connection with a proceeding not involving bankruptcy or insolvency), the Trustee (irrespective of whether the Liquidation Preference of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of any overdue Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) or Additional Amounts) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents or counsel) allowed in any such proceeding; provided that the Company shall not, as a result of the bringing of such proceedings, be obliged to pay any sum representing or measured by reference to Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) or Additional Amounts on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities sooner than the same would otherwise have been payable by it. In particular, and subject as aforesaid, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys and other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder and beneficial owner of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to such Holders or beneficial owners, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.08.

Subject to Article 9 and Section 10.02, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder or beneficial owner of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, or composition affecting any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the rights of any Holder or beneficial owner of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any such Holder or beneficial owner in any such proceeding.

The provisions of this Section 6.06 are subject to the provisions of Section 13.01.

 

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Section 6.07. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . All rights of action and claims under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, if any, may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel (subject, with regard to the Company, to the provisions of Article 13) be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

Section 6.08. Application of Money Collected . Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article or, after an Enforcement Event, any money or other property distributable in respect of the Company’s obligations under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture in respect of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall, subject to the provisions of Section 13.02 in relation to waiver of rights of set-off and Section 13.01 in relation to the subordination of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) or Additional Amounts upon presentation of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts applicable to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected and is due and owing to the Trustee (including any predecessor Trustee) under Section 7.08;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, Distributions (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) on and Additional Amounts with respect to, such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities for Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) and Additional Amounts, if any, respectively; and

THIRD: To the payment of the balance, if any, to the Company or any other Person or Persons entitled thereto.

Section 6.09. Limitation on Suits . No Holder (which, for the purposes of this Section 6.09, includes each holder of a beneficial interest in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series) of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

(a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Enforcement Event with respect to Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the same series specifying such Enforcement Event and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Enforcement Event” hereunder;

(b) the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Enforcement Event in its own name, as Trustee hereunder;

(c) such Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security has offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

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(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a particular series shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holder or Holders of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other such Holder or Holders or to enforce any right under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series or Holders of any other Contingent Convertible Preferred Security.

Section 6.10. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Liquidation Preference (and Premium, if any), Distributions and Additional Amounts . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and subject to as otherwise provided in this Article 6, Article 13 in relation to the subordination of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series and Article 14 on the exercise of the Spanish-Bail in Power, the Holder of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, any Distribution (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) on and any Additional Amounts with respect to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security when due and payable in accordance with the provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture (including Article 3, Article 6, Article 13 and Article 14 hereof) and as expressed in such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date, as the case may be) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

Section 6.11. Restoration of Rights and Remedies . If the Trustee or any Holder of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

Section 6.12. Rights and Remedies Cumulative . Subject to the limitations on remedies provided for in this Article 6, except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in the last paragraph of Section 3.06, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not, subject as aforesaid, prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 6.13. Delay or Omission Not Waiver . No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Enforcement Event shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Enforcement Event or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, as the case may be.

 

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Section 6.14. Control by Holders . The Holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee hereunder, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee hereunder, with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, provided that :

(a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series;

(b) the Trustee shall not determine that the action so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series not taking part in such direction with respect to which the Trustee is acting as the Trustee; and

(c) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

Section 6.15. Undertaking for Costs . All parties to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture agree, and each Holder and beneficial owner of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant to such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder or group of Holders holding in the aggregate more than 10% in Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, any Distribution (where not cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to, or otherwise subject to the limitations on payment set out in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09) on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security on or after the dates upon which such amounts become due and payable pursuant to the terms hereof or the terms expressed in such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (or, in the case of redemption on or after the Redemption Date).

Section 6.16. Waiver of Past Enforcement Events . (a) Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series waive any past Enforcement Event that results from a breach by the Company of a Performance Obligation. Holders of a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall not be entitled to waive (i) any past Enforcement Event that results from a Liquidation Event and (ii) any Enforcement Event in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article 10 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of such series affected.

(b) Upon the occurrence of any waiver permitted by paragraph (a) above, such Enforcement Event shall cease to exist, and any Enforcement Event with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred for every purpose of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Enforcement Event or impair any right consequent thereon.

ARTICLE 7

T HE T RUSTEE

Section 7.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities .

(a) Except during the continuance of an Enforcement Event,

 

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(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture against the Trustee, except as otherwise required by the Trust Indenture Act; and

(ii) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

(b) In case an Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

(c) No provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that

(i) this Section 7.01(c) shall not be construed to limit the effect of subsection (a)(i) or subsection (d) of this Section;

(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, determined as provided herein, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series;

(d) No provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it; and

(e) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.

Section 7.02. Spanish Tax Procedures and Obligations of the Trustee . In connection with each payment made on any Payment Date (as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto) in respect of the issued Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities hereunder, the Trustee or Paying Agent (as the Company may determine in connection with the establishment of each series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) shall comply with the tax procedures set forth in Appendix 1 hereto. The Trustee or Paying Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to comply with other Spanish tax obligations arising out of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture. The Company shall be responsible for the payment of any and all amounts due under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. Therefore, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall not be liable for any amounts owed to any person due to its failure to properly comply with the tax procedures referred to in this Section 7.02 and Appendix 1 hereto, except such as may result from the negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of the Trustee or

 

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Paying Agent or any of its employees. The Trustee or Paying Agent may request and rely conclusively upon any instructions from the Company in respect of any action necessary or required to be taken by the Trustee or Paying Agent pursuant to this Section 7.02 and Appendix 1 hereto; provided, however , in no event shall the Trustee or Paying Agent be required to expend or risk its own funds in the performance of any of its duties pursuant to this Section 7.02 and Appendix 1 hereto, or be obligated to take any legal or other action which might in its judgment involve or cause it to incur any expense or liability unless it shall have been furnished with acceptable indemnification and security.

Section 7.03. Notice of Enforcement Events . Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Enforcement Event hereunder with respect to Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice, the Trustee shall transmit in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 1.06 to Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series notice of such Enforcement Event hereunder of which the Trustee has received written notice, unless such Enforcement Event shall have been cured or waived; provided, however , that the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it determines in good faith that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

Section 7.04. Certain Rights of Trustee . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 and Sections 315(a) through 315(d) of the Trust Indenture Act:

(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officer’s Certificate, or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

(c) whenever in the administration of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officer’s Certificate and/or an Opinion of Counsel;

(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation or inquiry into (i) the performance of the Company of any of its covenants set forth in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and (ii) the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine, during business hours and upon reasonable notice, the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney; provided that the Trustee shall not be entitled to such information which the Company is prevented from disclosing as a matter of law or contract;

 

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(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any third-party agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

(h) anything in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee be liable to the Company for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to loss of profit), even if the Trustee has been advised as to the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of whether the claim for loss or damage is made in negligence or otherwise;

(i) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, unless the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

(j) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Enforcement Event unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, written notice of such an Enforcement Event and such notice references the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and/or this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and is given in the manner required by Section 1.05(a) hereof;

(k) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed by the Company to act hereunder, provided, however , that each such Person shall be deemed to have acknowledged, accepted and agreed to be bound, and will be bound, by Section 14.02 hereof, on the same terms as the Trustee, with respect to any BRRD Liability of the Company to any such Person;

(l) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, which certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded;

(m) the permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties; and

(n) the Trustee shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of, or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, flood, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, civil or military disturbances, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, nuclear or natural catastrophes or fire; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable best efforts which are consistent with generally accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

Section 7.05. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . The recitals contained herein and in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, except the Trustee’s and any Authenticating Agent’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, except that the Trustee represents and warrants that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, authenticate the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 supplied to the Company are true and accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the proceeds thereof.

 

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Section 7.06. May Hold Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar and any Calculation Agent or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and, subject to Section 7.11 and Section 7.15 and Sections 310(b) and 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar, Calculation Agent or such other agent.

Section 7.07. Money Held in Trust . Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Moneys received by the Trustee shall be held uninvested and the Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

Section 7.08. Compensation and Reimbursement . The Company agrees:

(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder as agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Trustee from time to time (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

(b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to the Trustee’s negligence or bad faith; and

(c) to indemnify the Trustee (which for the purposes of this Section 6.07(a)(iii) shall include its officers, directors, employees and agents acting on behalf of the Trustee) for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent that any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith.

In addition to, but without prejudice to its other rights under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, when the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Enforcement Event specified in Section 6.01, the fees, costs and expenses (including the charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

The Trustee shall notify the Company in writing of the commencement of any action or claim in respect of which indemnification may be sought promptly after a Responsible Officer of the Trustee becomes aware of such commencement ( provided that the failure to make such notification shall not affect the Trustee’s rights hereunder) and the Company shall be entitled to participate therein. The Trustee shall not be authorized to settle a claim without the written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a senior lien to which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are hereby made subordinate, upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of Liquidation Preference (or premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Trustee ” for purposes of this Section shall include any predecessor Trustee; provided, however , that the negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.

 

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The Trustee’s rights to payment of its fees, reimbursement and indemnity under this Section 7.08 shall survive the payment in full of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the termination for any reason of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and (without prejudice to Section 14.02 of this Indenture if, and to the extent applicable, as set out therein) any exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series.

Section 7.09. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests . If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

Section 7.10. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to each series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which shall be a Person organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state or territory or of the District of Columbia (or a corporation or other person permitted to act as Trustee by the Commission), eligible under Sections 310(a)(1), 310(a)(5) and 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act to act as trustee under an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and that has a combined capital and surplus (computed in accordance with Section 310(a)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act) of at least $50,000,000 subject to supervision or examination by a U.S. federal or state authority. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article 7.

Section 7.11. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor .

(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 7.12.

(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 7.12 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 7.12 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of removal, the Trustee may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

(d) If at any time:

(i) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 7.09 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of the series as to which the Trustee has a conflicting interest for at least six months, or

(ii) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 7.10 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder, or

(iii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge, or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

 

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then, in any such case, (i) the Company, by or pursuant to a Company Order, may remove the Trustee with respect to any or all series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or (ii) subject to Section 6.15, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security for at least six months (and, in the case of (i) above, who is a Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of the series as to which the Trustee has a conflicting interest) may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Company Order, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series (it being understood that any successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any particular series), and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 7.12. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 7.12, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter required by Section 7.12, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

(f) The Company shall give notice to Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 1.06. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

Section 7.12. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor .

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee, all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its claim, if any, provided for in Section 7.08.

(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of each such series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (i) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (ii) if the

 

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retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (iii) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee, upon payment of its charges with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series to which the appointment of such successor relates shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, subject to its claim, if any, provided for in Section 7.08.

(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 7.12, as the case may be.

(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article 7.

Section 7.13. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business . Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 7.14. Preferential Collection of Claims . If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor).

Section 7.15. Appointment of Authenticating Agent . The Trustee may at any time appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents acceptable to the Company with respect to one or more series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series upon original issue, or issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption or Conversion thereof or in lieu of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be issued and authenticated in New York.

 

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Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and, except as provided in or pursuant to this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, shall at all times be a Person that would be permitted by the Trust Indenture Act to act as trustee under an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, is authorized under applicable law and by its charter to act as an Authenticating Agent and has a combined capital and surplus (computed in accordance with Section 310(a)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act) of at least $50,000,000. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

Any Person into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such Person shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice to the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 1.06. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 7.15.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in substantively the following form:

This is one of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
By:  

 

  as Authenticating Agent
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

Section 7.16. Appointment of Additional Trustees . The Company may appoint a Trustee for a particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities other than the Trustee named in the first paragraph of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture by executing and delivering an indenture supplemental hereto where such Trustee accepts such appointment as contemplated by Section 10.01(l) (it being understood that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any particular series); provided that , at the time of such acceptance, such Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article 7. Upon such acceptance, such Trustee shall be vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of a Trustee under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

 

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Section 7.17. Tax Withholding . Any amounts to be paid by the Company on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be paid net of any deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code, or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code (or any law implementing such an intergovernmental agreement) (a “ FATCA Withholding Tax ”), and the Company shall not be required to pay Additional Amounts on account of any FATCA Withholding Tax.

In order to enable the Trustee and the Paying Agent to comply with applicable tax laws (inclusive of rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) in effect from time to time, including, without limitation FATCA Withholding Tax (“ Applicable Tax Law ”) that the Company, Trustee or any Paying Agent is subject to, the Company agrees (i) to cooperate in good faith with the Trustee and each Paying Agent by providing information, to the extent within the Company’s possession, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, about the parties and/or Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (including any modification to the terms of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) that is reasonably necessary for such entity to determine whether it has tax related obligations under Applicable Tax Law and (ii) that the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall be entitled to make any withholding or deduction from payments to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Tax Law. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent shall have any obligation to gross up any payment hereunder or pay any additional amount or otherwise indemnify a Holder as a result of such withholding tax. The terms of this section shall survive the termination of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee or any Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 8

H OLDERS L ISTS AND R EPORTS BY T RUSTEE AND C OMPANY

Section 8.01. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders . The Company, with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

(a) not more than 15 days after each Regular Record Date (except if the Distribution payable on the Distribution Payment Date relating to such Regular Record Date is cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to Section 3.08 or Section 3.09), and in any event at intervals of not more than six months, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as of such Regular Record Date, and

(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished.

The Company need not furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 8.01 the names and addresses of Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so long as the Trustee acts as Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 8.02. Preservation of Information; Communication to Holders .

(a) The Trustee shall comply with the obligations imposed upon it pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders (i) contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 8.01 and (ii) received by the Trustee in its capacity as Paying Agent or Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Registrar (if so acting). The Trustee may dispose of any list furnished to it as provided in Section 8.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

 

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(b) The rights of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

(c) Every Holder, by receiving and holding a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with this Section 8.02 or otherwise made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 8.03. Reports by Trustee .

(a) On or before May 15 in each year following the date hereof, so long as any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are Outstanding hereunder, the Trustee shall transmit to Holders as provided in the Trust Indenture Act a brief report dated as of a date required by and in compliance with Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act. The Trustee shall transmit reports required by Section 313(b) of the Trust Indenture Act at the times specified therein.

(b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each securities exchange upon which the Trustee has been notified that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are listed on any securities exchange.

Section 8.04. Reports by Company .

So long as any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are Outstanding, the Company shall:

(a) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officer’s Certificate);

(b) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officer’s Certificate); and

 

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(c) transmit to Holders, in the manner and to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs 8.04(a) and 8.04(b) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

ARTICLE 9

C ONSOLIDATION , M ERGER , C ONVEYANCE OR T RANSFER

Section 9.01. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms .

The Company may, without the consent of Holders of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series Outstanding under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into any other Person or Persons (whether or not affiliated with the Company) or sell, convey or transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Person (whether or not affiliated with the Company), provided that :

(a) any Person formed by any consolidation, amalgamation or merger, or any transferee or lessee of the Company’s assets shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all obligations of the Company under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture;

(b) immediately after giving effect to such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, no Enforcement Event and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Enforcement Event, shall have occurred and be continuing;

(c) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and

(d) immediately prior to such assumption, the successor entity shall have ratings for long-term senior debt assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or their respective successors) which are the same as, or higher than, the credit rating for long-term senior debt of the Company (or, if applicable, the previous successor entity) assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or their respective successors).

Section 9.02. Successor Corporation Substituted . In the event of any merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conveyance, transfer or lease permitted by Section 9.01 above, Additional Amounts under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series will thereafter be payable in respect of taxes imposed by the successor corporation’s (as defined below) jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence (subject to exceptions equivalent to those that apply to the obligation to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 11.04 in respect of taxes imposed in the Kingdom of Spain) rather than taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Spain. Additional Amounts with respect to payments of Distributions due prior to the date of such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conveyance, transfer or lease will be payable only in respect of taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Spain.

The successor corporation will also be entitled to redeem the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in the circumstances described in, and in accordance with, Section 12.09, except that if such successor corporation is not incorporated or tax resident in the Kingdom of Spain (i) references to Spain or the Kingdom of Spain in the definition of “Tax Event” shall be deemed to refer to the successor corporation’s jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence, and (ii) the change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of such jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence or of any political subdivision thereof or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax, or the change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration of any such laws or regulations giving rise to a Tax Event shall become effective subsequent to the date of any merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conveyance, transfer or lease permitted by Section 9.01.

 

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In the event of assumption of the Company’s obligations in connection with a merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conveyance, transfer or lease of substantially all of its assets, the Company shall be released from all obligations and covenants under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, as the case may be, and the acquiring or resulting successor corporation (the “ successor corporation ”) formed by such consolidation or amalgamation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with the same effect as if such successor corporation had been named as the Company.

Section 9.03. Assumption of Obligations . Any holding company of the Company or any wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ successor entity ”) may without the consent of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, assume the obligations of the Company (or of any Person which shall have previously assumed the obligations of the Company) under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, provided that :

(a) the successor entity shall expressly assume such obligations by an amendment to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, executed by the Company and such successor entity, if applicable, and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee;

(b) immediately after giving effect to such assumption of obligations, no Enforcement Event and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Enforcement Event, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(c) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such assumption complies with this Article 9 and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such assumption have been complied with.

Upon any such assumption, the successor entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to any such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named as the Company in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and the Company or any legal and valid successor entity which shall theretofore have become such in the manner prescribed herein, shall be released from all liability as obligor upon any such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

In the event of any assumption, Additional Amounts under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series will thereafter be payable in respect of taxes imposed by the successor entity’s jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence (subject to exceptions equivalent to those that apply to the obligation to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 11.04 in respect of taxes imposed in the Kingdom of Spain) rather than taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Spain. Additional Amounts with respect to payments of Distributions due prior to the date of such assumption will be payable only in respect of taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Spain.

The successor entity will also be entitled to redeem the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in the circumstances described in, and in accordance with, Section 12.09, except that if such successor entity is not incorporated or tax resident in the Kingdom of Spain (i) references to Spain or the Kingdom of Spain in the definition of “Tax Event” shall be deemed to refer to the successor entity’s jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence, and (ii) the change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of such jurisdiction of incorporation or tax residence or of any political subdivision thereof or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax, or the change in the application or binding official interpretation or administration of any such laws or regulations giving rise to a Tax Event shall become effective subsequent to the date of such assumption.

ARTICLE 10

S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURES

Section 10.01. Supplemental Indenture without Consent of Holders . Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

 

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(a) to evidence the assumption by a successor Person of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series;

(b) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (and, if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;

(c) to add any additional Enforcement Events;

(d) to make changes to procedures relating to Conversion, delivery of the Common Shares, or ADSs, as applicable; provided, however , that, unless such changes are made as a result of any change in, or amendment to, any relevant laws or regulations, no such change shall adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series in any material respect;

(e) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, or any supplemental indenture, provided, however , that any such addition, change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture effecting such addition, change or elimination which would be adversely affected by such addition, change or elimination and in respect of which such supplemental indenture would apply;

(f) to establish the form or terms of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series as permitted under Sections 2.01 or 3.01 and 10.01(e);

(g) to change any Place of Payment, so long as the Place of Payment as required by Section 3.01 (if any) is maintained;

(h) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein or in any supplemental indenture;

(i) to vary, substitute or change specified terms of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities subject to the conditions set forth under Section 3.01, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series in any material respect;

(j) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 7.12(b);

(k) to change or eliminate any provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as permitted by Section 1.08;

(l) to name a Trustee for a particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities other than the Trustee named in the first paragraph of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and to provide for the appropriate changes related to such appointment for a particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(m) to delete, amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture as a result of, and to the extent required by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority;

(n) to delete, amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture as a result of, and to the extent required by, Applicable Banking Regulations;

 

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(o) with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (including a Global Security) issued on or after the date hereof, to amend any such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to conform to the description of the terms of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security in the prospectus, prospectus supplement, product supplement, pricing supplement or any other similar offering document related to the offering of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security; or

(p) to change or modify any provision of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as necessary to ensure that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall be convertible into ordinary shares of Newco in the event of a Newco Scheme.

Section 10.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders . With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of each series affected by such supplemental Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture (voting as a class), by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture; provided, however , that no such supplemental indenture may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Security affected thereby,

(a) change the terms of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security to reduce the Liquidation Preference (or premium, if any) payable upon the redemption of, or the Distributions payable on any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security (without prejudice to the provisions of Article 3, including, without limitation, the right of the Company to cancel the payment of any Distributions on any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities), or change the obligation of the Company (or its successor) to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 11.04 (except as permitted by Section 9.01(a), Section 9.03(a) and Section 10.01(a)) on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or the currency in which payments under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are to be made, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment when due and payable on or with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, or modify the calculation of and any adjustment to, the Conversion Price;

(b) reduce the percentage in aggregate Liquidation Preference of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or of certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or reduce the requirements for a quorum or voting;

(c) modify any of the provisions of this Section 10.02 or Section 6.16 except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Security affected thereby; or

(d) change in any manner adverse to the interests of the Holders of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities the subordination provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or the terms and conditions of the obligations of the Company in respect of the due and punctual payment of any amounts due and payable on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, except in each case with respect to any modification or amendment of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture which is entered into as a result of, and to the extent required by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority or Applicable Banking Regulations, as the case may be (in which case neither the consent nor the affirmative vote of any Holder of an Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Security affected shall be required).

 

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It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture which has expressly been entered into solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, or the interests, of the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any other series.

Section 10.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures . In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, subject to customary exceptions. The Trustee may, but shall not be obliged to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or otherwise.

Section 10.04. Effect of Supplemental Indentures . Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby, except as otherwise expressed therein.

Section 10.05. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act . Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

Section 10.06. Reference in Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to Supplemental Indentures . Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities may be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series.

ARTICLE 11

C OVENANTS

Section 11.01. Payment of Liquidation Preference and Distributions . Except and to the extent as may be limited by the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, the Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities that it will duly and punctually pay, to the extent required by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of and Distributions on, if any (subject to the subordination provisions of Section 13.01 and Section 3.01) the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series when due and payable in accordance with the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture. Except as otherwise specified, as contemplated by Section 3.01 hereof, the Trustee shall act as Principal Paying Agent with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 11.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency . The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities an office or agency where Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and

 

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demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture may be served; provided, however , that at the option of the Company in the case of definitive Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, payment of any Distributions thereon may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled herein as such address shall appear in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security Register. With respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, such office or agency in each Place of Payment shall be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01, and if not so specified, initially shall be the principal corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon in New York. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01, the Company will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series and this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee in New York. The Company hereby initially appoints The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286, United States, as its agent to receive all presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies (in or outside the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York) where the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of any obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment (except as otherwise indicated in this Section) for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to Section 3.01, if and so long as the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a Foreign Currency or (ii) may be payable in a Foreign Currency, then the Company will maintain with respect to each such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, or as so required, at least one exchange rate agent.

Section 11.03. Money for Payments to be Held in Trust . If the Company shall at any time act as Paying Agent with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, it shall, on or before each due date, if any, for payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, Distributions on or Additional Amounts with respect to, any of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series) sufficient to pay the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and shall promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, it shall prior to any due date for payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, Distributions on or Additional Amounts with respect to, any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series, deposit with any Paying Agent a sum (in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or its failure so to act. The obligation of the Company to pay any such Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, Distributions on or Additional Amounts with respect to, any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series, shall be satisfied upon the deposit referred to in this paragraph. Receipt of the relevant sum by the Paying Agent shall discharge the Company’s obligations in respect of the relevant payment.

 

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The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent shall:

(a) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions on or Additional Amounts with respect to Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;

(b) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series) in the making of any payment, when due and payable, of Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts on Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of that series; and

(c) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such sums.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) of, Distributions on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any), Distributions or Additional Amounts have become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request (or if then held by the Company shall be discharged from such trust); and the Holder of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however , that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published at least once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be paid to the Company.

The Trustee and any Paying Agent promptly shall deliver or pay to the Company upon Company Request any excess money, as applicable, held by them at any time with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

Section 11.04. Additional Amounts .

(a) Unless otherwise specified herein or unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01, all payments of Distributions payable in respect of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities by the Company will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges (collectively “ Taxes ”) of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of Spain or any political subdivision thereof or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax, unless the withholding or deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges is required by law. In that event, the Company shall (to the extent such payment can be made out of Distributable Items of the Company on the same basis as for payment of any Distribution in accordance with Article 3) pay, in respect of any withholding or deduction imposed on payments of Distributions only (and not Liquidation Preference (and premium, if any) or other amount), such additional amounts (“ Additional Amounts ”) as will result in Holders of any series of Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities receiving such amounts as they would have received in respect of such Distributions had no such withholding or deduction been required.

 

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(b) The Company shall not be required to pay any Additional Amounts in relation to any payment in respect of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security:

(i) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a Holder if the Holder or the beneficial owner of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series is liable for such Taxes in respect of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security by reason of his having some connection with Spain other than the mere holding of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security; or

(ii) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a Holder if the Holder or the beneficial owner of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities fails to provide the Company or the Trustee or Paying Agent (as the Company may determine in connection with each series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities) acting on behalf of the Company the information concerning such Holder or beneficial owner as may be required in order to comply with any procedures that may be implemented to comply with any interpretation of Royal Decree 1065/2007, as amended, made by the Spanish Tax Authorities; or

(iii) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a Holder if the Holder or the beneficial owner of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series failed to make any necessary claim or to comply with any certification, identification or other requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the taxing jurisdiction of such Holder or beneficial owner, if such claim or compliance is required by statute, regulation or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction of the Company as a condition to relief or exemption from such taxes; or

(iv) presented for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the Relevant Date, except to the extent that the relevant Holder would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts on presenting the same for payment on the expiry of such period of 30 days; or

(v) to, or to a third party on behalf of, individuals resident for tax purposes in the Kingdom of Spain; or

(vi) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a Spanish-resident legal entity subject to Spanish corporation tax if the Spanish tax authorities determine that the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series do not comply with exemption requirements specified in the Reply to a Consultation of the Directorate General for Taxation ( Direcci ó n General de Tributos ) dated July 27, 2004, and require a withholding to be made; or

(vii) where the withholding or deduction is required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the Code or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (“ FATCA ”), any regulations or agreements thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, any intergovernmental agreements with respect thereto (including the intergovernmental agreement between the United States and Spain on the implementation of FATCA), or any law implementing an intergovernmental agreement or any regulations or official interpretations relating thereto.

(c) In addition, Additional Amounts will not be payable with respect to any Taxes that are imposed in respect of any combination of the items listed in (b)(i) through (b)(vii) set forth above.

(d) Additional Amounts will also not be paid with respect to any payment to a Holder who is a fiduciary, a partnership, a limited liability company or person other than the sole beneficial owner of that payment, to the extent that payment would be required by the laws of Spain (or any political subdivision thereof) to be included in the income, for tax purposes, of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, a member of that partnership, an interest holder in that limited liability company or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts had it been the Holder.

For the purposes of this Section 11.04, “ Relevant Date ” means, in respect of any payment, the date on which such payment first becomes due and payable, except that, if the full amount of the moneys payable has not been duly received by the Principal Paying Agent on or prior to such due date, it means the date on which, the full amount of such moneys having been so received and being available for payment to Holders, notice to that effect is duly given to the Holders in accordance with Section 1.06.

 

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Whenever in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of Distributions on, or in respect of, any Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided by the terms of such series established hereby or pursuant hereto to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms, and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

Section 11.05. Corporate Existence . Subject to Article 9, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, provided, however , that the foregoing shall not obligate the Company to preserve any such right or franchise if the Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of its business and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to any Holder.

Section 11.06. Statement as to Compliance . The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate in compliance with Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act.

ARTICLE 12

R EDEMPTION AND P URCHASE OF C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES

Section 12.01. Applicability of Article . Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall be redeemable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article. Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series may not be redeemed except in accordance with provisions of the Applicable Banking Regulations. The Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall not be redeemable at the option of the Holder thereof. Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall be redeemable in whole and not in part.

Section 12.02. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee . The election of the Company to redeem any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or approved by a person authorized to make such election pursuant to a Board Resolution. Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Company shall, at least 30 calendar days prior, but not more than 60 calendar days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series to be redeemed (which shall not be less than all).

Section 12.03. [Reserved]

Section 12.04. Redemption Procedures; Notice of Redemption .

(a) The decision to redeem the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series must be irrevocably notified by the Company to Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 calendar days’ notice prior to the relevant Redemption Date (unless a shorter period is specified in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be redeemed) (i) through the filing of a relevant information ( informaci ó n relevante ) announcement with the CNMV and its publication in accordance with the rules and regulations of any applicable stock exchange or other relevant authority and (ii) in the manner and to the extent required by Section 1.06 (in which case, such notice may be given at the Company’s request by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company, provided the Company has requested the Trustee to so give notice in writing accompanied by a copy of the form of notice, and the Trustee shall give such notice by the fifth Business Day following its receipt of such request).

 

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Failure to give notice in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities designated for redemption, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities.

(b) Any notice of redemption will state: the Redemption Date; the Redemption Price; that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, become due and payable upon each Contingent Convertible Preferred Security being redeemed and that Distributions will cease to accrue on or after that date; the place or places where the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and the CUSIP, Common Code and/or ISIN number or numbers, if any, with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities being redeemed.

(c) If the Company gives notice of redemption of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, then on or prior to the relevant Redemption Date, the Company will (except as provided in Section 12.04(f) and Section 12.06):

(i) irrevocably deposit with the Principal Paying Agent funds (in the currency in which the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to be redeemed are payable) sufficient to pay the Redemption Price; and

(ii) give the Principal Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the Holders thereof.

(d) If the notice of redemption has been given on any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, and the funds deposited and instructions and authority to pay given as required above, then on the date of such deposit:

(i) Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall cease to accrue (unless such deposit is made prior to the Redemption Date, in which case Distributions on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series shall cease to accrue on the Redemption Date);

(ii) such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series will no longer be considered Outstanding (except as provided in Section 12.04(f), if there is a Trigger Event prior to the Redemption Date, and Section 12.04(h), if the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities prior to the payment of the Redemption Price to the Holders); and

(iii) the Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series will no longer have any rights as Holders except the right to receive the Redemption Price (except as provided in Section 12.04(f) if there is a Trigger Event prior to the Redemption Date).

(e) Subject to Section 12.04(f), if in connection with any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities the Company improperly withholds or refuses to pay the Redemption Price of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, Distributions will continue to accrue, subject as provided in Section 3.08 and Section 3.09, at the rate specified from (and including) the Redemption Date to (but excluding) the date on which the Redemption Price is deposited with the Principal Paying Agent.

(f) The Company may not give a notice of redemption pursuant to this Section 12.04 with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series if a Trigger Event Notice has been given with respect to such series. If any notice of redemption of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities has been given pursuant to this Section 12.04 and a Trigger Event with respect to such series occurs prior to the Redemption Date,

 

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the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, there shall be no redemption of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities on such Redemption Date and, instead, the Trigger Conversion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall take place as provided under Article 4.

(g) If a Capital Reduction Notice has been given with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series, the Company may not give a notice of redemption pursuant to this Section 12.04 with respect to such series until the end of the Election Period. If a redemption notice is given by the Company after the end of the Election Period, unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to the relevant series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the Company may redeem all (but not part) of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series which remains outstanding following the Capital Reduction Conversion. If any notice of redemption of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities has been given pursuant to this Section 12.04 and a Capital Reduction with respect to such series occurs prior to the Redemption Date, such Capital Reduction will be disregarded for all purposes of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and there shall be no conversion of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to Section 4.02 and, instead, the redemption of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall take place as provided under this Article 12. Accordingly, the provisions of Section 4.02 shall not apply to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities with respect to any such Capital Reduction and Holders and beneficial owners of such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall be deemed to have irrevocably waived their rights under Article 418 of the Spanish Companies Act.

(h) If the Company has elected to redeem the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series but, prior to the payment of the Redemption Price to Holders, the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, there shall be no redemption and consequently no payment of the Redemption Price (and any other amounts payable in accordance with this Article 12) will be due and payable.

Section 12.05. [Reserved.]

Section 12.06. Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Payable on Redemption Date . Notice of redemption having been given as set forth in Section 12.04, and subject to Section 12.04(f), the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price as described in Section 12.04(e)) such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall cease to accrue Distributions. Upon surrender of any such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security for redemption in accordance with the notice of redemption, such Contingent Convertible Preferred Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price. Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities in definitive form shall be presented for redemption to the Principal Paying Agent.

Section 12.07. [Reserved]

Section 12.08. Optional Redemption . Subject to Sections 12.09 and 12.10 and unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities shall not be redeemable prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (or such other period as Applicable Banking Regulations may require). All, and not only some, of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series may be redeemed at the option of the Company at any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities at the Redemption Price, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations then in force.

Section 12.09. Optional Redemption Due To A Tax Event . Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, if, on or after the date of issuance of any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, there is a Tax Event, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, at the option of the Company at any time at the Redemption Price, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations then in force.

 

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Prior to any notice of redemption of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to Section 12.04, the Company shall provide the Trustee with (i) an Officer’s Certificate of the Company stating that the Company is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth in reasonable detail a statement of circumstances showing that a Tax Event has occurred; and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that a Tax Event has occurred.

Section 12.10. Optional Redemption Due To A Capital Event . Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, if, on or after the issue date of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, there is a Capital Event, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, at the option of the Company at any time at the Redemption Price, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations then in force.

Section 12.11. Purchases of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities . (a) Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the Company or any member of the Group may purchase or otherwise acquire any of the Outstanding Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series at any price in the open market or otherwise, in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of CRR, Article 29 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 241/2014 and/or any other Applicable Banking Regulations in force at the relevant time.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and subject to compliance with the provisions of any applicable law (including the Spanish Companies Act and the Applicable Banking Regulations), the Company or any member of the Group may exercise such rights as it may from time to time enjoy to purchase or redeem or buy back any shares of the Company (including Common Shares) or any depositary or other receipts or certificates representing the same without the consent of the Holders.

Section 12.12. [Reserved]

Section 12.13. Cancelled Distributions Not Payable Upon Redemption . Any Distributions that have been cancelled or deemed cancelled pursuant to Sections 3.08 or 3.09 hereof shall not be payable if the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are redeemed pursuant to Sections 12.08, 12.09 or 12.10.

ARTICLE 13

S UBORDINATION OF C ONTINGENT C ONVERTIBLE P REFERRED S ECURITIES

Section 13.01. Subordination . (a) Unless previously converted into Common Shares pursuant to Article 4, the obligations of the Company under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series will constitute direct, unconditional, unsecured and subordinated obligations of the Company and, in case of insolvency ( concurso de acreedores ) of the Company, in accordance with Additional Provision 14.3 of Law 11/2015 and the Spanish Insolvency Law but only to the extent permitted by the Spanish Insolvency Law or any other applicable laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in Spain and subject to any other ranking that may apply as a result of any mandatory provision of law (or otherwise), for so long as the obligations of the Company in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series constitute an Additional Tier 1 Instrument of the Company, such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities will rank with respect to claims for any Liquidation Preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities:

(i) junior to:

(A) any unsubordinated obligations of the Company (including where those obligations subsequently become subordinated pursuant to Article 92.1º of the Spanish Insolvency Law); and

 

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(B) any claim for principal in respect of any other contractually subordinated obligations of the Company, present and future, not constituting Additional Tier 1 Capital of the Company for the purposes of Section 3.(a) of Additional Provision 14 of Law 11/2015 (other than, to the extent permitted by law, any Parity Securities, whether so ranking by law or their terms);

(ii) pari passu with:

(A) each other claim for any Liquidation Preference of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities;

(B) all other claims in respect of any liquidation preference or otherwise for principal in respect of contractually subordinated obligations of the Company under any outstanding Additional Tier 1 Instruments, present and future; and

(C) any other Parity Securities (whether so ranking by law or their terms), to the extent permitted by law; and

(iii) senior to the Common Shares or any other subordinated obligations of the Company which by law rank junior to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities (including, to the extent permitted by law, any contractually subordinated obligations of the Company expressed by their terms to rank junior to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities).

The obligations of the Company under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities are subject to, and may be limited by, the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

(b) The Company agrees with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities and each Holder and beneficial owner of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, by his or her acquisition of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security, will be deemed to have agreed to the subordination as described in this Section 13.01. To the extent permitted by Spanish law, each such Holder and beneficial owner will be deemed to have irrevocably waived his or her rights of priority which would otherwise be accorded to him or her under the laws of Spain, to the extent necessary to effectuate the subordination provisions of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Security. In addition, each Holder and beneficial owner of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series by his or her acquisition of the securities, to the extent permitted by Spanish law, authorizes and directs the applicable trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination of the relevant Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as provided in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and as summarized herein and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

Section 13.02. Waiver of Right of Set-Off . Subject to applicable law, neither any Holder or beneficial owner of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series nor the Trustee acting on behalf of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series may exercise, claim or plead any right of set-off, compensation or retention in respect of any amount owed to it by the Company in respect of, or arising under, or in connection with, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series or the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and each Holder and beneficial owner of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, by virtue of its holding of any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series or any interest therein, and the Trustee acting on behalf of the Holders of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series, shall be deemed to have waived all such rights of set-off, compensation or retention. If, notwithstanding the above, any amounts due and payable to any Holder or beneficial owner of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security of any series or any interest therein by the Company in respect of, or arising under, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series are discharged by set-off, such Holder or beneficial owner shall, subject to applicable law, immediately pay an amount equal to the amount of such discharge to the Company (or, if a Liquidation Event shall have occurred, the liquidator or administrator of the Company, as the case may be) and, until such time as payment is made, shall hold an amount equal to such amount in trust (where possible) or otherwise for the Company (or the liquidator or administrator of the Company, as the case may be) and, accordingly, any such discharge shall be deemed not to have taken place.

 

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Section 13.03. [Reserved]

Section 13.04. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination . Each Holder and beneficial owner of a Contingent Convertible Preferred Security by his acceptance thereof, to the extent permitted by Spanish law, authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities provided in this Article 13 and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

Section 13.05. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Senior Creditors . With respect to the senior creditors, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the Senior Creditors shall be read into this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture against the Trustee. Unless otherwise provided in any applicable law, the Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the Senior Creditors and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of the series or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any Senior Creditors shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.

Section 13.06. Rights of Trustee as Senior Creditor; Preservation of Trustee s Rights . To the extent permitted by any applicable law, the Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article with respect to any claims of senior creditors which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other Senior Creditor, and nothing in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or the Trust Indenture Act shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.

Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 6.08 and Section 7.08.

Section 13.07. Article Applicable to Paying Agents . At all times when a Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term “ Trustee ” as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however , that Section 13.06 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 14

S PANISH B AIL -I N AND R ESOLUTION A CTIONS

Section 14.01. Agreement and Acknowledgment with Respect to the Exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power .

(a) Notwithstanding any other term of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any other agreements, arrangements, or understandings between the Company and any Holder of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, by its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder (which, for the purposes of this Article 14, includes each holder of a beneficial interest in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series) acknowledges, accepts, consents to and agrees to be bound by: (i) the exercise and effect of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, which may be imposed with or without any prior notice with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, and may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof: (A) the reduction or cancellation of all, or a portion, of the Amounts Due on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series; (B) the conversion of all, or a portion, of the Amounts Due on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series into shares, other securities or other obligations of the Company or another Person (and the issue to or conferral on the Holder of any such shares, securities or obligations), including by means of an amendment, modification or variation of the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities; (C) the cancellation of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series; (D) the amendment or alteration of the maturity, if any, of the Contingent Convertible Preferred

 

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Securities of any series or amendment of the Liquidation Preference or Distributions payable on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, or the date on which Distributions become payable, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and (ii) the variation of the terms of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series or the rights of the Holders thereunder or under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, if necessary, to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

(b) By its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder acknowledges and agrees that neither a reduction or cancellation, in part or in full, of the Amounts Due on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series or the conversion thereof into another security or obligation of the Company or another Person, in each case as a result of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the Company, nor the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series shall: (i) give rise to a default or event of default for purposes of Section 315(b) (Notice of Defaults) and Section 315(c) (Duties of the Trustee in Case of Default) of the Trust Indenture Act; or (ii) be a default or an Enforcement Event with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities or under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture. By its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder further acknowledges and agrees that no repayment or payment of Amounts Due on the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series shall become due and payable or be paid after the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority if, and to the extent that, such amounts have been reduced, converted, cancelled, amended or altered as a result of such exercise.

(c) By its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder, to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, waives any and all claims, in law and/or in equity, against the Trustee for, agrees not to initiate a suit against the Trustee in respect of, and agrees that the Trustee shall not be liable for, any action that the Trustee takes, or abstains from taking, in either case in accordance with the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series. Additionally, by its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder acknowledges and agrees that, upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series: (i) the Trustee shall not be required to take any further directions from the Holders with respect to any portion of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series that is written down, converted to equity and/or cancelled under Section 6.14 of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture; and (ii) this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture shall not impose any duties upon the Trustee whatsoever with respect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority; provided, however , that notwithstanding the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series, so long as any Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series remain outstanding, there shall at all times be a trustee for the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series in accordance with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, and the resignation and/or removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee shall continue to be governed by this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, including to the extent no additional supplemental indenture or amendment is agreed upon in the event the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of such series remain outstanding following the completion of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power.

(d) By its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder shall be deemed to have authorized, directed and requested the relevant Depositary, Clearing Systems and any direct participant in any relevant Clearing System or other intermediary through which it holds such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities to take any and all necessary action, if required, to implement the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities as it may be imposed, without any further action or direction on the part of such Holder.

(e) Upon the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, the Company or the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as the case may be) shall provide a written notice to the relevant Depositary as soon as practicable regarding such exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power for purposes of notifying the Holders of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities. The Company shall also deliver a copy of such notice to the Trustee for information purposes.

 

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(f) If the Company has elected to redeem the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series but, prior to the payment of the Redemption Price to Holders, the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority exercises its Spanish Bail-in Power with respect to such series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the relevant redemption notice shall be automatically rescinded and shall be of no force and effect, there shall be no redemption and consequently no payment of the Redemption Price (and any other amounts payable in accordance with Article 12) will be due and payable.

(g) By its acquisition of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, each Holder acknowledges, accepts, consents to and agrees to be bound by (i) the exercise and effect of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, which may be imposed with or without any prior notice, with respect to any Common Shares that may be delivered to it upon the Conversion (if any) of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series, and (ii) the variation of the terms of such Common Shares to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

(h) Each Holder that acquires Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of any series in the secondary market or otherwise shall be deemed to acknowledge and agree to be bound by and consent to the same provisions specified in this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to the same extent as the Holders that acquire the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities upon their initial issuance, including, without limitation, with respect to this Article 14.

Section 14.02. BRRD Liabilities. Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture or any other agreements, arrangements, or understandings between the Company and the Trustee, the Trustee acknowledges and accepts that a BRRD Liability arising under this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture may be subject to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, and acknowledges, accepts, and agrees to be bound by:

(a) the effect of the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority in relation to any BRRD Liability of the Company to the Trustee, which (without limitation) may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof:

(i) the reduction of all, or a portion, of such BRRD Liability or outstanding amounts due thereon;

(ii) the conversion of all, or a portion, of such BRRD Liability into shares, other securities or other obligations of the Company or another Person, and the issue to or conferral on the Trustee of such shares, securities or obligations;

(iii) the cancellation of such BRRD Liability; and/or

(iv) the amendment or alteration of any interest, if applicable, on such BRRD Liability, and the maturity or the dates on which any payments on such BRRD Liability are due, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and

(b) the variation of the terms of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, as deemed necessary by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority, to give effect to the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority.

The terms of this section shall survive the payment in full of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the satisfaction and discharge of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture with respect to any series of Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the termination for any reason of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

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This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or electronic format (i.e., “pdf” or “tiff”) transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes permitted under applicable law.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Trustee have caused this Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.
By:  

/s/ Antonio Joaquín Borraz Peralta

  Name: Antonio Joaquín Borraz Peralta
  Title: Authorized Representative
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS TRUSTEE, PAYING AND CONVERSION AGENT AND PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT
By:  

/s/ Maria Bertolin

  Name: Maria Bertolin
  Title: Authorized Signatory
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY REGISTRAR
By:  

/s/ Maria Bertolin

  Name: Maria Bertolin
  Title: Authorized Signatory


APPENDIX 1: PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SPANISH TAX LEGISLATION

Information Procedures and Certification Obligations of the Paying Agent in respect of payments under the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

These procedures set forth the steps to be followed by the Company and the Paying Agent in respect of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a series, pursuant to Section 7.02 of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to which this Appendix 1 is appended. Terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture to which this Appendix 1 is appended.

Payment Amount ” means (i) with respect to a Distribution Payment Date, the aggregate Distribution payable on such date, and (ii) with respect to a Redemption Date, the aggregate amount of the difference, if any, between the aggregate Redemption Price of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities being redeemed on such date and the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities provided that such difference corresponds to a Distribution or a premium paid by the Company.

Payment Date ” means a Distribution Payment Date or a Redemption Date, as applicable.

Payment Statement ” means the statement to be delivered to the Company by the Paying Agent, substantially in the form set forth in Annex I to this Appendix 1 , pursuant to Section 7.02 of the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture.

 

(1) In the case of a Redemption Date, no later than 5:00 p.m. New York time on the Business Day prior to such Redemption Date, the Company shall notify the Paying Agent of the Payment Amount.

 

(2) On or before each Payment Date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of funds sufficient to pay the applicable Payment Amount gross of Spanish withholding tax, in accordance with the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities Indenture, together with any other amounts to be deposited thereunder.

 

(3) No later than 11:00 p.m. New York time on the business day immediately preceding the relevant Payment Date (“ PD-1 ”), the Paying Agent shall deliver an executed Payment Statement to the Company, which the Paying Agent shall reasonably believe to be duly completed, substantially in the form set forth in Annex I hereto, setting forth certain details relating to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities, including the relevant Payment Date, the Payment Amount to be paid by the Company on such Payment Date, and the portion of the Payment Amount corresponding to each clearing agency located outside Spain (including DTC).

 

(4) The Payment Statement shall be dated as of PD-1, shall set forth information as of the close of business of PD-1 and shall be executed after the close of business of PD-1.

 

(5) The Company shall review the Payment Statement submitted by the Paying Agent as soon as practicable. If the Company believes that the information contained in the Payment Statement is incomplete or inaccurate or that the Payment Statement is otherwise not in compliance with the applicable regulation, it will notify the Paying Agent no later than 5:30 a.m., New York time, on the relevant Payment Date and state the reasons for such belief. Following such notification, the Paying Agent shall deliver to the Company a further executed Payment Statement, revised, if necessary, as reasonably determined by the Paying Agent and which the Paying Agent shall reasonably believe to be duly completed, as soon as practicable but in any event no later than 9:30 a.m. New York time on the relevant Payment Date (the “ First Statement Deadline ”).

Procedures applicable if the Paying Agent does not deliver a duly executed and completed Payment Statement to the Company by the First Statement Deadline

 

(6)

If the Paying Agent fails or for any reason is unable to deliver a duly executed and completed Payment Statement to the Company by the First Statement Deadline, the Paying Agent undertakes to make all reasonable efforts to provide an executed Payment Statement to the Company which the Paying Agent shall


  reasonably believe to be duly completed, as soon as practicable but no later than 9:00 a.m. New York time on the 10th calendar day of the month immediately following the relevant Payment Date (or if such day is not a Business Day, the first Business Day immediately preceding such day). The Payment Statement shall be dated as of PD-1 and shall set forth information as of the close of business of PD-1.

 

(7) The Company shall review the Payment Statement submitted by the Paying Agent as soon as practicable. If the Company believes that the information contained in the Payment Statement is incomplete or inaccurate or that the Payment Statement is otherwise not in compliance with the applicable regulation, it will notify the Paying Agent no later than 11:00 a.m., New York time, on the 10th calendar day of the month immediately following the relevant Payment Date (or if such day is not a Business Day, the first Business Day immediately preceding such day) and state the reasons for such belief. Following such notification, the Paying Agent shall deliver to the Company a further executed Payment Statement, revised, if necessary, as reasonably determined by the Paying Agent and which the Paying Agent shall reasonably believe to be duly completed, as soon as practicable but in any event no later than 5:00 p.m. New York time on the 10th calendar day of the month immediately following the relevant Payment Date (or if such day is not a Business Day, the first Business Day immediately preceding such day).

Original copies

 

(8) The Paying Agent must deliver an original copy of any duly executed and completed Payment Statement issued hereunder to the Company no later than the 15th calendar day of the month immediately following the relevant Payment Date.

Notices, etc.

Except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to the Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities of a particular series, any notice, statement or other paper, document or communication made or given by the Company to the Paying Agent pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Appendix 1 shall be sent by email or fax or communicated by telephone, as follows (or as the Paying Agent shall have notified the Company in writing): c/o The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, United Kingdom (Attention: Global Corporate Trust), telephone: +44 1202689787, fax: + 44 (0)20 7163 2536; email address: corpsov4@bnymellon.com . Any notice, statement or other paper, document or communication made or given by the Paying Agent to the Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Appendix 1, other than a Payment Statement, shall be sent by email or fax or communicated by telephone, as follows (or as the Company shall have notified the Paying Agent in writing): Attention: Finance Department, telephone: +34 (91) 5377253 and +34 (91) 5378195, email address: finance.deparment@bbva.com . Non-original copies of a Payment Statement shall be sent by email or fax to the Company. The original copy of a duly executed and completed Payment Statement shall be sent by posted mail or courier to the Company, at the following address: Calle Azul 4, 28050 Madrid, Spain (Attention: Raúl Moreno and Cristina Cortadi).

 

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Annex I

FORM OF PAYMENT STATEMENT TO BE DELIVERED BY THE PAYING AGENT

[English translation provided for informational purposes only]

Modelo de declaración a que se refieren los apartados 3, 4 y 5 del artículo 44 del Reglamento General de las actuaciones y los procedimientos de gestión e inspección tributaria y de desarrollo de las normas comunes de los procedimientos de aplicación de los tributos 3

Model declaration form referred to in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of section 44 of the General Regulations of conduct and procedures relating to tax administration and inspection and the development of general rules of procedures for the enforcement of taxes

Don (nombre), con número de identificación fiscal (1) (…), en nombre y representación de (entidad declarante), con número de identificación fiscal (1) (….) y domicilio en (…) en calidad de (marcar la letra que proceda):

Mr. (name), with tax identification number (1) (...), in the name and on behalf of (declaring entity), with tax identification number (1) (...), with domicile in (address) acting in its capacity as (check as appropriate)

 

(a) Entidad Gestora del Mercado de Deuda Pública en Anotaciones

 

(a) Managing Entity of the Public Debt Book-Entry Market

 

(b) Entidad que gestiona el sistema de compensación y liquidación de valores con sede en el extranjero

 

(b) Clearing and settlement entity located outside Spain

 

(c) Otras entidades que mantienen valores por cuenta de terceros en entidades de compensación y liquidación de valores domiciliadas en territorio español

 

(c) Other entities that hold securities on behalf of third parties in clearing and settlement systems domiciled in Spain

 

(d) Agente de pagos designado por el emisor

 

(d) Paying Agent appointed by the issuer

Formula la siguiente declaración, de acuerdo con lo que consta en sus propios registros:

Files the following statement, in accordance with the information set forth in its own records:

 

1. En relación con los apartados 3 y 4 del artículo 44:

 

1. Regarding sections 3 and 4 of section 44:

 

1.1 Identificación de los valores

 

1.1. Identification of the securities

 

1.2 Fecha de pago de los rendimientos (o de reembolso si son valores emitidos al descuento o segregados)

 

1.2. Date on which payment will be made (or reimbursement date in case of securities issued at a discount or segregated securities)

 

 

3   The Paying Agent will only need to provide responses to the questions set forth in Section 2 of this form (i.e., questions 2.1 to 2.6).

 

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1.3 Importe total de los rendimientos (o importe total a reembolsar, en todo caso, si son valores emitidos al descuento o segregados)

 

1.3 Total amount of payment (or total amount to be reimbursed, in any event, in case of securities issued at a discount or segregated securities)

 

1.4 Importe de los rendimientos correspondiente a contribuyentes del Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas, excepto cupones segregados y principales segregados en cuyo reembolso intervenga una Entidad Gestora

 

1.4. Amount of payment corresponding to Spanish Individual Income Tax taxpayers, except with respect to segregated coupons and segregated principal the payment of which is handled by a Managing Entity

 

1.5 Importe de los rendimientos que conforme al apartado 2 del artículo 44 debe abonarse por su importe íntegro (o importe total a reembolsar si son valores emitidos al descuento o segregados)

 

1.5. Amount of payment that, pursuant to section 2 of section 44, must be paid in full (or the total amount to be reimbursed in the case of securities issued at a discount or segregated securities)

 

2. En relación con el apartado 5 del artículo 44:

 

2. Regarding section 5 of section 44:

 

2.1 Identificación de los valores

 

2.1. Identification of the securities

 

2.2 Fecha de pago de los rendimientos (o de reembolso si son valores emitidos al descuento o segregados)

 

2.2. Date on which payment will be made (or reimbursement date in case of securities issued at a discount or segregated securities)

 

2.3 Importe total de los rendimientos (o importe total a reembolsar si son valores emitidos al descuento o segregados)

 

2.3 Total amount of payment 4 (or total amount to be reimbursed, in any event, in case of securities issued at a discount or segregated securities)

 

2.4 Importe correspondiente a la entidad que gestiona el sistema de compensación y liquidación de valores con sede en el extranjero A

 

2.4. Amount of payment 2 corresponding to clearing and settlement entity “A” 5 located outside Spain

 

2.5 Importe correspondiente a la entidad que gestiona el sistema de compensación y liquidación de valores con sede en el extranjero B

 

2.5. Amount of payment 2 corresponding to clearing and settlement entity “B” 4 located outside Spain

 

2.6 Importe correspondiente a la entidad que gestiona el sistema de compensación y liquidación de valores con sede en el extranjero C

 

4   Refers to: (i) with respect to a Distribution Payment Date, the aggregate Distribution payable on such date, and (ii) with respect to a Redemption Date, the aggregate amount of the difference between the Redemption Price and the Liquidation Preference of the Securities being redeemed on such date provided that such difference corresponds to a Distribution or a premium paid by the Company.
5   References to A, B and C, respectively, shall be replaced by the complete name of the relevant foreign clearing and settlement entity (such as The Depository Trust Company). If there is a single foreign clearing and settlement entity, only question 2.4 need be completed.

 

4


2.6. Amount of payment 2 corresponding to clearing and settlement entity “C” 4 located outside Spain 6

Lo que declaro en ..................….a …. de ...................…de ….

I declare the above in [location] on the [day] of [month] of [year].

Name:                    , on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Paying Agent with respect to the securities.

 

(1) En caso de personas, físicas o jurídicas, no residentes sin establecimiento permanente se hará constar el número o código de identificación que corresponda de conformidad con su país de residencia.

 

(1) In case of individuals or corporations that are not resident in Spain and do not act through a permanent establishment in Spain, please include the identification number or code that corresponds in accordance with the laws of their country of residence.

 

 

6   To be complemented as appropriate if the relevant payment is made through more than three different clearing and settlement entities outside Spain.

 

5

Exhibit 5.3

25 September 2017

To:

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Plaza de San Nicolás, 4

48005 Bilbao

Spain

Re: Post-Effective Amendment Nº 1 to Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Dear Sirs,

We have acted as Spanish legal counsel to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (“ BBVA ”), a corporation ( sociedad anónima ) organized under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment Nº 1 to its Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File Nº 333-212729) (the “ Registration Statement ”) filed by BBVA on the date hereof with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), for the registration of the offering from time to time in one or more offerings of BBVA’s contingent convertible preferred securities, which may be issued pursuant to a contingent convertible preferred securities indenture dated as of 25 September 2017 among BBVA and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “ BBVA Coco Trustee ” or the “ Trustee ”) (the “ BBVA Coco Indenture ” or the “ Indenture ”).

 

1. SCOPE

 

1.1 Documents examined

For the purposes of issuing this legal opinion, we have reviewed and examined originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the documents listed below, and made such inquiries with officers of BBVA as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed:

 

  a) a copy of the Registration Statement;

 

  b) a copy of the BBVA Coco Indenture;


  c) a photocopy of the merger deed granted on 25 January 2000 before the Notary Public of Bilbao Mr. José María Arriola y Arana, registered at the Mercantile Registry of Vizcaya in volume 3858, sheet 1, page number BI-17 A and entry 1035;

 

  d) a copy of the articles of association ( estatutos ) of BBVA, as publicly available at the web page of BBVA ( www.bbva.com ) on 25 September 2017;

 

  e) a copy of the resolutions passed by the Shareholders Meeting of BBVA on 17 March 2017;

 

  f) a copy of the public deed executed before the Notary Public of Madrid Mr. Ramón Corral Beneyto on 17 November 2011 under number 2.120 of his official records under which BBVA granted powers of attorney in favor of Mr. Antonio Joaquín Borraz Peralta, such deed being duly registered with the Commercial Registry of Vizcaya under Volume 5.249, Sheet 17, Page BI-17(A), entry nº2725;

 

  g) an on-line excerpt ( nota simple telemática ) of the data filed at the Mercantile Registry of Vizcaya as of 25 September 2017, about BBVA; and

 

  h) searches dated 25 September 2017, for BBVA on the website of the registers of the Bank of Spain, on the CNMV website and on the online Public Register of Insolvency Decisions ( www.publicidadconcursal.es ).

 

1.2 Limitations

 

  a) Our opinion is limited in all respects to the laws of Spain in force as of the date hereof.

 

  b) We do not express any opinion on the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of Spain in force as of the date hereof, on public international law or on the rules of or promulgated under or by any treaty organization.

 

  c) Except where otherwise expressly stated in this opinion, we have not made any independent verification of any factual matters disclosed to us in the course of our examination for the purposes of rendering this opinion. We have relied as to factual matters on the documents and the information furnished to us by BBVA.

 

2


2. ASSUMPTIONS

For the purposes of this opinion we have assumed that:

 

  a) All signatures and initials appearing in all documents examined in the course of our examination are genuine and such signatures are the signatures of the persons purported to have signed such documents; all documents submitted to us in the course of our examination as originals are authentic and complete and all documents submitted to us in the course of our examination as copies conform with authentic originals and are complete; all documents examined in the course of our examination and dated prior to the date of this opinion remain in effect and have not been amended as of that date; and the drafts of the documents reviewed are the same as the documents finally subscribed and approved;

 

  b) BBVA has submitted to us all their relevant corporate records and proceedings, that such records and proceedings are truthful transcriptions of the resolutions passed, that they are validly executed, convened and held, and, where applicable, registered with the relevant registries;

 

  c) All information regarding matters of fact rendered to us by BBVA as well as (when appropriate) by governmental officials or public registries, is accurate, complete, and up to date; and the information held at the Commercial Registry is assumed to be correct and valid pursuant to article 7 of the Commercial Registry Regulations ( Reglamento del Registro Mercantil );

 

  d) There is nothing under any law (other than the laws of Spain) that affects our opinion; in particular, we assume all necessary compliance with applicable laws of the United States of America and the several States thereof;

 

  e) The absence of fraud and the presence of good faith on the part of BBVA;

 

  f) The Trustee, is duly incorporated; validly exists under the laws of its country of incorporation at the time of execution of the Indenture; has the corporate power to enter into and perform as provided for under the Indenture; and has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Indenture, and the obligations under the Indenture are valid and legal obligations binding on the Trustee (and are not subject to avoidance by any person) under all applicable laws and in all applicable jurisdictions (other than the laws of Spain) and insofar as the Indenture and other documents falls to be performed in any jurisdiction other than Spain its performance will not be illegal or ineffective by virtue of the laws of that jurisdiction;

 

3


  g) The individuals that execute the Indenture other than individuals from BBVA have the power and capacity, and have been authorized by all necessary corporate action, to execute and deliver the Indenture;

 

  h) The representations and warranties (other than any representations and warranties as to matters of law on which we are expressing opinion herein), if any, given by each of the parties to the Indenture and any ancillary certificate or confirmation are in each case true, accurate and complete in all respects;

 

  i) Without having made any investigation, that the Indenture, governed by the laws of the State of New York, and any other applicable laws other than the laws of Spain, constitute legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations to the respective parties thereto under such laws;

 

  j) There are no contractual or similar restrictions binding on any person which would affect the conclusions of this opinion resulting from any agreement or arrangement not being a document specifically examined by us for the purposes of this opinion and there are no arrangements between any of the parties to the documents which modify or supersede any of the terms thereof (it being understood that we are not aware of the existence of any such agreement or arrangement);

 

  k) Insofar as any obligation under the Indenture falls to be performed in, or is otherwise subject to, any jurisdiction other than the Kingdom of Spain, their performance will not be illegal or ineffective by virtue of any law of, or contrary to public policy in, that jurisdiction;

 

  l) The Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission;

 

  m) The aggregate principal amount of contingent convertible preferred securities to be issued pursuant to the Indenture and any supplemental indenture thereto does not exceed and will not exceed the maximum aggregate principal amount of contingent convertible preferred securities authorized to be issued by BBVA, from time to time;

 

  n) The contingent convertible preferred securities will be issued, executed, paid and delivered pursuant to the terms of the Indenture; and

 

4


  o) With respect to any series of contingent convertible preferred securities, a public deed of issuance ( escritura de emisión ) will be executed and registered with the Commercial Registry.

 

3. OPINION

Based upon and subject to the scope and limitations, assumptions and qualifications set forth herein and subject to any documents or events not disclosed to us in the course of our examination, we are of the opinion that:

 

  3.1. In relation with the Spanish legal requirements:

 

  a) BBVA is a limited liability company ( sociedad anónima ) duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain and has the corporate power to, and has taken all necessary corporate action to, execute, deliver and file the Registration Statement.

 

  b) When the issuance of contingent convertible preferred securities by BBVA has been duly authorized by a resolution of the General Shareholders’ Meeting, or delegated, as it has being done by the General Shareholders’ Meeting, on March 17, 2017, to the Board of Directors and, should it be the case, by the Board of Directors of BBVA as requisite corporate action on the part of BBVA and upon the disbursement of the new contingent convertible preferred securities and compliance with any applicable securities law or regulation, a public deed shall be executed and registered within the Mercantile Registry ( Registro Mercantil ). By effect of such registration thereof, the new contingent convertible preferred securities will be duly authorized, fully paid, non-assessable and validly issued under the existing laws of Spain, and to the extent governed by the laws of Spain, valid and binding obligations of BBVA in accordance with their own terms.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the claims of the holders of contingent convertible preferred securities, will be subject to the exercise of any power in compliance with any laws, regulations, rules or requirements in effect in the Kingdom of Spain, relating to the transposition of Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, as amended from time to time, including, but not limited to (i) Law 11/2015 of 18th June on the Recovery and Resolution of Credit Institutions and Investment Firms (Ley de Recuperación y Resolución de Entidades de Crédito y Empresas de Servicios de Inversión) (“ Law 11/2015 ”), as amended from time to time, (ii) Royal Decree 1012/2015 of 6th

 

5


November, as amended from time to time, (iii) Regulation (EU) No. 806/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 15, 2014 establishing uniform rules and a uniform procedure for the resolution of credit institutions and certain investment firms in the framework of the Single Resolution Mechanism and the Single Resolution Fund and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1093/2010, as amended from time to time, and (iv) any other instruments, rules or standards made in connection with either (i), (ii) or (iii).

 

3.2. In relation with the Indenture:

 

  a) BBVA has full power and capacity to enter into the Indenture, and to undertake and perform its obligations established thereunder.

 

  b) BBVA has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Indenture and has taken all necessary actions to approve and authorize its delivery and performance.

 

  c) The execution, delivery and performance by BBVA of its obligations under the Indenture does not require any consent, approval, authorization, registration or qualification of or with any other governmental or regulatory authority in Spain (except with respect to the issuance of securities contemplated under the Indenture, as detailed in section 3.1 of this opinion).

 

  d) The execution and delivery of the Indenture and the compliance by BBVA of all its obligations arising thereunder and the consummation of the transactions therein contemplated and compliance with the terms thereof do not conflict with or result in a breach of:

 

  (a) Any provision of its articles of association ( estatutos );

 

  (b) Any present law or regulation of Spain;

 

  (c) Any judicial or administrative order binding on BBVA or its assets of which we are aware taking into account that no review or investigation on this subject has been performed;

 

  (d) The principles of public policy ( orden público ) as these are construed in Spain as of the date of this opinion.

 

  e)

The Spanish courts will give effect to the choice of the State of New York law as the governing law of the aspects expressly stated into the Indenture

 

6


  subject to the terms and conditions of Regulation (EC) No 593/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 on the law applicable to contractual obligations (Rome I), and Regulation (EC) 864/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 11, 2007 (Rome II). The effectiveness of this choice is subject to the laws of the State of New York being evidenced to the Spanish courts pursuant to article 281 of the Spanish Civil Procedural Law ( Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil ) as further described below.

 

  f) A judgment duly obtained in the courts of New York in connection with the Indenture will be recognized and enforceable, under the laws of Spain, against BBVA by the courts of Spain without a retrial or re-examination of the matters thereby adjudicated. The judicial courts of Spain will recognize and enforce, without re-examination of the merits of the case, as a valid judgment, any final judgment obtained against BBVA in respect of the Indenture, subject to full compliance with the requirements set forth in the international treaties that may be applicable from time to time and, as the case may be, Spanish Civil Procedural Law ( Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil ). For the recognition and enforcement in Spain of a judgment or decision with executive force rendered by said courts, it will have to be submitted to the exequatur procedure, for which purpose the following requirements under Spanish Civil Procedural Law must be met: (i) the decision to be enforced must have been rendered as the result of the bringing of a personal action; (ii) the judgment must be final, sworn-translated into Spanish and apostilled, as the document to be enforced must meet the requirements for it to be considered authentic in the country where it was rendered and the requirements demanded by Spanish law for it to be considered sufficient evidence of the corresponding judgment or decision in Spain; (iii) the judgment shall not be contrary to Spanish public policy, it should not have been rendered in default, and the obligation whose performance is demanded must be lawful in Spain; (iv) there shall not be a judgment rendered between the same parties and for the same cause of action in Spain or in another country provided that in this latter case the judgment has been recognized in Spain; (v) where rendering the Judgment, the courts rendering it must have not infringed an exclusive ground of jurisdiction provided for in Spanish law or have based their jurisdiction on exorbitant grounds; and (vi) the rights of defense of the defendant should have been protected where rendering the Foreign Judgment, including but not limited to a proper service of process carried out with sufficient time for the defendant to prepare its defense.

 

7


4. QUALIFICATIONS

This opinion is subject to the following qualification:

 

  a) Our opinion is subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, temporary receivership, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or any process affecting creditors’ rights generally, as well as to any principles of public policy ( orden p ú blico ), and in particular, as detailed in opinion 3.1 b) above, including the effect of the application to BBVA of any restructuring or resolution procedures undertaken under Law 11/2015, and including, for the avoidance of doubt, any exercise by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority of the Spanish Bail-in Power (as these terms are defined in the Indenture).

It should be noted that according to articles 12.3 (related to the non- application of foreign laws contrary to public policy) and 12.4 of the Spanish Civil Code (whereby fraud of law will be considered when a conflict of law rule is used for the purpose of avoiding the application of a mandatory Spanish law) and related legislation, the laws other than those of Spain would not be applied by Spanish courts if submission to such laws is deemed to have been made in order to avoid the application of mandatory Spanish laws, or to be contrary to public policy.

 

  b) The term “enforceable” means that the obligations assumed by the relevant party are of a type that the Spanish courts would enforce and it does not mean that those obligations will be necessarily enforced in all circumstances in accordance with their terms.

 

  c) Spanish law precludes the validity and performance of contractual obligations to be left at the discretion of one of the contracting parties. Therefore, a Spanish court may not uphold or enforce terms and conditions giving discretionary authority to one of the parties.

 

  d) A Spanish court might not enforce any provision which requires any party thereto to pay any amounts on the grounds that such provision is a penalty within the meaning of Articles 1152 et seq. of the Spanish Civil Code, which the court would consider said amounts obviously excessive as a pre-estimate of damages, in case of partial or non-regular compliance of the debtor. In this event, the Spanish court may reduce the amount of damages, pursuant to Article 1154 of the Spanish Civil Code.

 

8


  e) Enforcement may be limited by the general principle of good faith; Spanish courts may not grant enforcement in the event that they deem that a right has not been exercised in good faith or that it has been exercised in abuse of right ( abuso de derecho ). Likewise and pursuant to article 6.4 of the Spanish Civil Code, acts carried out in accordance with the terms of a legal provision whenever said acts seek a result which is forbidden by or contrary to law, shall be deemed to have been executed in circumvention of law (“ fraude de ley ”) and the provisions whose application was intended to be avoided shall apply.

 

  f) Pursuant to the general principles of Spanish Civil Procedural Law ( Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil ), the rules of evidence in any judiciary proceeding cannot be modified by agreement of the parties, and consequently, any provision of any agreement by which determinations made by the parties are to be deemed conclusive in the absence of error would not necessarily be upheld by a Spanish court.

 

  g) Claims may be or become subject to defenses of set-off or counter-claim.

 

  h) A waiver of all defenses to any proceedings may not be enforceable.

 

  i) The admissibility as evidence before Spanish courts and authorities of any document that is not in the Spanish language requires its translation into Spanish. An official translation, made by a recognized Spanish official translator, may be required.

 

  j) The ability to terminate an agreement is subject to judiciary review and the Spanish courts may provide for a different remedy for the non-defaulting party.

 

  k) Enforcement of clauses providing for specific performance of an obligation may be replaced by Spanish courts with a monetary compensation.

 

  l) Some of the legal concepts are described in English terms and not in their original terms. Such concepts may not be exactly similar to the concepts described in English terms. This opinion may, therefore, only be relied upon with the express qualification that any issues of interpretation of legal concepts arising hereunder will be governed by Spanish law.

This opinion is being furnished by us, as Spanish counsel to BBVA, to you as a supporting document in connection with the above referenced Registration Statement.

 

9


We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to us under the caption “Validity of the Securities” contained in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement. By so consenting, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933.

Yours faithfully,

/s/ J&A Garrigues, S.L.P.

 

10

Exhibit 5.4

 

    

New York

Northern California

Washington DC

São Paulo

London

  

Paris

Madrid

Tokyo

Beijing

Hong Kong

 

 

LOGO

     

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP      91 768 9600 tel

Paseo de la Castellana, 41        91 768 9700 fax

28046 Madrid

September 25, 2017

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

Calle Azul, 4

28050 Madrid

Spain

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (“ BBVA ”), a sociedad anónima organized under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain (“ Spain ”), is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Post-effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-212729) (the “ Registration Statement ”), and the related Prospectus (the “ Prospectus ”) for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), in addition to the securities previously registered, BBVA’s contingent convertible preferred securities (the “ Securities ”), which may be issued pursuant to a contingent convertible preferred securities indenture dated as of September 25, 2017 (the “ Indenture ”) among BBVA and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, paying and conversion agent and principal paying agent (“ BNYM UK ”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as contingent convertible security registrar (“ BNYM NY ”).

We, as your counsel, have examined originals or copies of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of rendering this opinion.

In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have, without independent inquiry or investigation, assumed that (i) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic and complete, (ii) all documents submitted to us as copies conform to authentic, complete originals, (iii) all documents filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have not been executed will conform to the forms thereof, (iv) all signatures on all documents that we reviewed are genuine, (v) all natural persons executing documents had and have the legal capacity to do so, (vi) all statements in certificates of public officials and officers of BBVA that we reviewed were and are accurate and (vii) all representations made by BBVA as to matters of fact in the documents that we reviewed were and are accurate.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the additional assumptions and qualifications set forth below, we advise you that, in our opinion, assuming that (i) the Indenture and any supplemental indenture to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Securities have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by BBVA, BNYM UK and BNYM NY, (ii) the specific terms of a particular series of Securities have been duly authorized and established insofar as Spanish law is concerned and in accordance with the Indenture and (iii) such Securities have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered insofar as Spanish law is concerned and in accordance with the Indenture and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, such Securities (other than the terms governed by Spanish law, as to which we


  2   September 25, 2017

 

express no opinion) will constitute valid and binding obligations of BBVA, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability, and may be subject to possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights, provided that we express no opinion as to the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of any provision that permits holders to collect any portion of stated principal amount upon acceleration of the Securities to the extent determined to constitute unearned interest.

In connection with the opinions expressed above, we have assumed that at or prior to the time of the delivery of any Security (i) the Board of Directors of BBVA shall have duly established the terms of such security and duly authorized the issuance and sale of such security and such authorization shall not have been modified or rescinded, (ii) each of BBVA, BNYM UK and BNYM NY is, and shall remain, validly existing as a corporation under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation, (iii) the Registration Statement shall have become effective and such effectiveness shall not have been terminated or rescinded, (iv) the Securities (other than as expressly covered above in respect of BBVA) and the Indenture are each valid, binding and enforceable agreements of each party thereto; and (v) there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity or enforceability of such security.

We have also assumed that (i) the execution, delivery and performance by BBVA of any Security whose terms are established subsequent to the date hereof are within their corporate powers, and (ii) none of the terms of any security to be established subsequent to the date hereof, nor the execution and delivery of such security by BBVA, nor the performance by BBVA with the terms of such security, will (a) contravene, or constitute a default under, the certificate of incorporation or bylaws or other constitutive documents of BBVA, (b) require any action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official or (c) contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law, regulation or public policy or any judgment, injunction, order or decree or any agreement or other instrument binding upon BBVA.

We express no opinion as to (i) any provisions in the Indenture that purport to waive objections to venue, claims that a particular jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum or the like, (ii) whether a United States federal court would have subject-matter or personal jurisdiction over a controversy arising under the Indenture or the Securities or (iii) the effectiveness of any service of process made other than in accordance with applicable law.

We express no opinion as to (i) whether a New York State or United States federal court would render or enforce a judgment in a currency other than U.S. Dollars or (ii) the exchange rate that such a court would use in rendering a judgment in U.S. Dollars in respect of an obligation in any other currency.

We also express no opinion with respect to any provision of the Indenture or the Securities giving effect to or providing for the exercise of the Spanish Bail-in Power by the Relevant Spanish Resolution Authority (as such terms are defined therein).

We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States. Insofar as the foregoing opinion involves matters governed by the laws of Spain, we have relied, without independent inquiry or investigation, on the opinion of J&A Garrigues, S.L.P., Spanish legal counsel for BBVA, to be filed on the date hereof as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and our opinion is subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations set forth therein.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement referred to above and further consent to the reference to our name under the caption “Validity of the Securities” in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Exhibit 12

STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIOS(1)(2)

 

          Six
Months Ended
June 30,
     Year Ended December 31,  
          2017(3)      2016      2015      2014      2013      2012  
          (in thousands of euros, except ratios)  
   Earnings                  

1

  

Income before taxes, minority interest and extraordinary items, adjustment for minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries or income or loss and dividends from equity investees

     4,032,404        6,366,798        4,514,699        3,728,276        475,000        1,658,985  

2

  

Add: Interest expenses and preferred dividend

     1,102,267        2,322,604        2,502,576        2,475,993        3,582,256        5,211,821  

3

  

Earnings excluding Interest on deposits

     5,134,671        8,689,402        7,017,275        6,204,269        4,057,256        6,870,806  

4

  

Add: Interest on deposits

     3,776,350        7,324,620        5,641,035        5,318,431        5,842,547        5,729,255  

5

  

Earnings including Interest on deposits

     8,911,021        16,014,022        12,658,310        11,522,700        9,899,803        12,600,061  
  

Fixed Charges

                 

6

  

Fixed Charges excluding Interest on deposits (Line 2)

     1,102,267        2,322,604        2,502,576        2,475,993        3,582,256        5,211,821  

7

  

Add: Interest on deposits (Line 4)

     3,776,350        7,324,620        5,641,035        5,318,431        5,842,547        5,729,255  

8

  

Fixed Charges including Interest on deposits

     4,878,617        9,647,224        8,143,611        7,794,424        9,424,803        10,941,076  
  

Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

                 
  

Including Interests on deposits (Line 5 / Line 8)

     1.83        1.66        1.55        1.48        1.05        1.15  
  

Excluding Interest on deposits (Line 3 / Line 6)

     4.66        3.74        2.80        2.51        1.13        1.32  

 

(1) For the purposes of calculating ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before taxes for the period from continuing operations before adjustment for minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries or income or loss from equity investees and distributed income of equity investees, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges for these purposes consist of interest expenses from financial liabilities that include debt certificates, subordinated liabilities and deposits.
(2) In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the EU (“EU-IFRS”) required to be applied under the Bank of Spain’s Circular 4/2004 (“Circular 4/2004”) and in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS-IASB”).
(3) Unaudited.

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-212729 on Form F-3 of our reports dated March 31, 2017, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and subsidiaries composing the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group (the “Group”) and the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. for the year ended December 31, 2016, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte, S.L.

Madrid, Spain

September 25, 2017

Exhibit 25.3

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

 

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

New York   13-5160382

(Jurisdiction of incorporation

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

225 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y.   10286
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Legal Department

The Bank of New York Mellon

225 Liberty Street

New York, NY 10286

(212) 635-1270

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Kingdom of Spain   Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

Calle Azul, 4

28050 Madrid

Spain

  Not Applicable
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Contingent Convertible Preferred Securities

(Title of the indenture securities)

 

 

 


1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name

  

Address

Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services of the State of New York

  

One State Street, New York, N.Y. 10004-1417, and Albany, N.Y. 12223

Federal Reserve Bank of New York    33 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y. 10045
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation    550 17 th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20429
The Clearing House Association L.L.C.    450 West 33 rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10001

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York, itself formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits la and lb to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121195 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152735).


  4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-207042).

 

  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-188382).

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in London, England, on the 25th day of September, 2017.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

By:

 

/s/ Maria Bertolin

 

Name: Maria Bertolin

 

Title: Authorized Signatory


Exhibit 25.3

EXHIBIT 7

 

 

Consolidated Report of Condition of

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

of 225 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y. 10286

And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 2017, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

ASSETS    Dollar amounts in thousands  

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

  

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

     4,189,000  

Interest-bearing balances

     85,914,000  

Securities:

  

Held-to-maturity securities

     40,424,000  

Available-for-sale securities

     74,557,000  

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

  

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

     0  

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     13,632,000  

Loans and lease financing receivables:

  

Loans and leases held for sale

     0  

Loans and leases, held for investment

     32,260,000  

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     137,000  

Loans and leases, held for investment, net of allowance

     32,123,000  

Trading assets

     3,022,000  

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

     1,391,000  

Other real estate owned

     4,000  

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

     570,000  

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

     0  

Intangible assets:

  

Goodwill

     6,308,000  

Other intangible assets

     876,000  

Other assets

     17,866,000  
  

 

 

 


Total assets

     280,876,000  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Deposits:

  

In domestic offices

     126,191,000  

Noninterest-bearing

     80,114,000  

Interest-bearing

     46,077,000  

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

     112,793,000  

Noninterest-bearing

     9,023,000  

Interest-bearing

     103,770,000  

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

  

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

     693,000  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     2,388,000  

Trading liabilities

     3,136,000  

Other borrowed money:

  

(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

     2,784,000  

Not applicable

  

Not applicable

  

Subordinated notes and debentures

     515,000  

Other liabilities

     6,552,000  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     255,052,000  
  

 

 

 

EQUITY CAPITAL

  

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

     0  

Common stock

     1,135,000  

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

     10,643,000  

Retained earnings

     15,327,000  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     -1,631,000  

Other equity capital components

     0  

Total bank equity capital

     25,474,000  

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     350,000  

Total equity capital

     25,824,000  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity capital

     280,876,000  
  

 

 

 


I, Thomas P. Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Thomas P. Gibbons,

Chief Financial Officer

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.

 

Gerald L. Hassell

Catherine A. Rein

Joseph J. Echevarria

   Directors