For a changing world
BNP Paribas, which bills itself as "the bank for a changing
world," is one of the largest and most successful banks in
Europe. BNP Paribas's international business is comprised of
three key divisions: retail banking, corporate and investment
banking, and investment solutions. The banking group's retail
banking operations include retail banking both in France and
internationally, branch banking, personal finance, and equipment
financing. The corporate and investment banking business
encompasses various divisions, including equities and commodity
derivatives, fixed income, corporate finance, structured finance,
and cash management. And the investment solutions unit is
comprised of wealth management, asset management, insurance,
securities services, and real estate. In addition to enviably
strong European operations, the banking powerhouse has a solid and
growing international presence, spanning more than 80 countries,
with strong operations in both the United States and Asia. Although
BNP Paribas can trace its roots back to the early 1800s, the modern
day version of the bank began to take form in 1966 when Comptoir
National d'Escompte de Paris and Banque Nationale pour le Commerce
et l'Industrie united to form Banque National de Paris
(BNP). The Paribas Group was formed in 1988 after many years
of French nationalization and reorganization. In 1999, BNP
took control of the Paribas Group, creating one of the largest
financial institutions in Europe. (In case you're curious,
Paribas comes from the phrase "Paris et Pays-Bas," which means
"Paris and The Netherlands."). BNP Paribas also has a strong
presence in Belgium and Italy.BNL banca commerciale , founded in
1913 and based in Rome, was acquired by BNP Paribas in 2006.
Fortis, originally part of the prestigious Société Groupe de
Belgique, founded in 1822, joined the group in 2009 and becameBNP
Paribas Fortis . Today, the banking group's total employee network
worldwide boasts approximately 185,000 employees, most of which
work in Europe. It is led by its CEO, Jean-Laurent Bonnafe.