FAQ: Our positions on current issues

Updated On 2026-05-22

These topics are – or have been – in the headlines in the press or on social media… They may raise questions about BNP Paribas’ role or actions, and often require clarification. These answers are therefore regularly updated to reflect the bank’s stated positions.

Our answers to the key questions

    1. BNP Paribas has never financed activities related to the genocide in Darfur. The transactions referred to in October 2025 by the American courts were standard commercial operations aimed at securing trade in essential goods such as cotton, oil, or grain. The Bank did not facilitate any transactions involving arms or military equipment. These transactions were legal and complied with European and Swiss law, which permitted banking activities with Sudanese entities that did not involve military equipment, in order to avoid worsening the economic and humanitarian situation for civilians.
    2. Regarding the verdict handed down by a jury in New York in October 2025 in civil proceedings: this verdict is fundamentally flawed in terms of both the facts and the law. This is because it is based on an incorrect interpretation of Swiss law, which has been highlighted by the Swiss Government and the European Court of Human Rights, in particular because the banking services provided by BNP Paribas did not cause any harm to the plaintiffs and no evidence to the contrary has been provided. Furthermore, BNP Paribas was prevented from presenting crucial evidence during the trial. A full and fair review of the facts requires dismissal of the case. Moreover, this verdict is specific to three plaintiffs and should not have broader application. Any attempt to extrapolate or any speculation is necessarily wrong.
    3. Following the decision issued in early 2026, which cleared the path to pursue its appeal, BNP Paribas filed its opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals on the 22th of May 2026. On the 29th of May, several respected amici filed proposed amicus briefs in support of the Bank’s legal arguments. BNP Paribas seeks reversal of the trial court judgment and looks forward to presenting its case before the Second Circuit. The Bank is confident in its arguments.

    For more information:

  • BNP Paribas fully complies with the law on the duty of vigilance and strictly adheres to all applicable conventions, laws and regulations, including those relating to embargos.

    A report in circulation lists companies active in the occupied territories and in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which are supported by BNP Paribas. BNP Paribas denies any support for controversial projects: our financing to the companies mentioned is intended for projects in Europe or elsewhere in the world.

    Finally, the Bank is not financing this conflict: BNP Paribas’ sectoral policy on “Defense and Security” includes strict criteria, which illustrate the Group's vigilance, particularly in conflict zones.

    Regarding the bond issue arranged by BNP Paribas and other banks for the State of Israel, this was finalised before the conflict. As a major investment bank, BNP Paribas regularly plays a similar role supporting many governments with bond issues around the world, including in other countries in the region.

    While calling for a diplomatic resolution, BNP Paribas has supported humanitarian intervention in the region to help civilian victims of this conflict, without distinction.

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  • Prior to the war in Ukraine, BNP Paribas had already a limited presence after having reduced gradually its presence in the Russian Federation over the past years, exiting the retail banking business in 2012 and ending completely the consumer finance activities in 2020. BNP Paribas was as a result among the least active foreign banks operating in the country.

    BNP Paribas complies strictly with all international sanctions. The bank has decided to stop any new business in the Russia Federation.

    In particular, and as a consequence, BNP Paribas has informed in march 2022 its corporate clients that its subsidiary BNP Paribas ZAO is no longer be able to process their transactions.

  • BNP Paribas has long supported initiatives led by trusted partners (such as NGOs or government agencies) that provide on the ground support to civilians experiencing natural disasters or conflicts, particularly in regions where the Group has a presence. There are two main ways in which BNP Paribas gets involved:

    • The Rescue & Recover Fund (RRF) was set up in 2012 after employees eagerly sought ways to help those affected by natural disasters and catastrophes. Fully integrated into the Group’s corporate philanthropy programme, this fund raises donations from BNP Paribas employees and retirees, as well as Commercial Banking clients in France. When disaster strikes, the RRF allows the Group to move quickly, launching fundraising campaigns within a matter of days. All donations collected are then matched — or even tripled on occasions such as Giving Tuesday — by the RRF’s founding members (BNP Paribas and its Commercial Banking network in France, BNP Paribas Cardif, BNP Paribas Personal Finance, BNP Paribas Fortis, and BNP Paribas Switzerland). The money raised via the RRF is then donated to partner NGOs working directly in the field, such as Doctors without Borders, CARE, and the French Red Cross. The RFF has donated over eighteen million euros to its partner NGOs since 2012.
    • Ad hoc funding is also deployed to support civilian victims in emergencies situations. For example, BNP Paribas has implemented several initiatives to support local populations in Ukraine, where nearly 4,300 Group employees are based. Beyond the countries where the Group directly operates, BNP Paribas has also supported the Crisis and Support Centre of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs since 2025, to respond to crises and conflicts as they emerge. The Centre provides assistance and protection to vulnerable populations, including the most recent humanitarian crises in the Middle East and Africa. This support helps facilitate the delivery of emergency humanitarian supplies to provide shelter and improve community access to clean water, better hygiene and necessary care.

    For more information:

    “When disaster strikes, we need to leap into action”: interview with Dorine Carton, Head of the Rescue & Recover Fund