BNP Paribas sets its sights on growth in Germany

Germany, a key market for BNP Paribas 

BNP Paribas is the leading bank in the Eurozone but it still has plenty of room to grow in one key country—Germany. The country emerged from the 2008 financial crisis as one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. Germany today is by far Europe’s largest economy in terms of both population and production, accounting for 20% of the continent’s EU GDP.  The country’s massive size offers crucial opportunities for the Group, but also many challenges. The country’s highly competitive and fragmented banking sector comprises more than 1,800 banking establishments, including many small local savings banks and credit unions. Although German customers traditionally opt for cautious, low-risk savings products, the country’s exceptionally low interest rates, made possible by the European Central Bank’s quantitative easing policies, combined with rising consumer demand, has helped to stimulate greater interest in other investment products. 

Pursuing organic growth through three drivers

To strengthen its position in the country, BNP Paribas has set an ambitious revenue goal in Germany. It is aiming to increase its revenue from €1.5 billion in 2016 to €2 billion in 2020, representing a growth rate of 8% annually. To achieve this goal, the Group will enact a targeted strategy based on three key drivers: 

1. Developing a strong digital and mobile banking network: to capitalize on its strong position in a country with a solid reputation for digital innovation in banking, the Group will build on the success of its two online banking and financial services brands, Consorsbank ! and Consors Finanz, to consolidate the robust digital platform by developing new customer journeys and mobile banking features. 
   
2. Improving relations with business customers: the goal is to expand its market penetration in the country’s dense fabric of medium-sized enterprises, known as the German Mittelstand. With its strong regional presence and its position as a global bank, BNP Paribas is ideally positioned to accompany their growth as a long-term partner, while facilitating access to international markets, notably in Asia and the United States. In addition, the Group also serves as a single point of contact for a full range of financial services, such as leasing and factoring. 
   
3. Expanding its wealth management offer in Germany: BNP Paribas Wealth Management aims to boost its staff in Germany from 40 to 240 employees as it seeks to quadruple the assets under its management by 2020. To achieve this goal, the Group will flex its position as a universal bank to focus on the priorities of wealthy individuals in Germany - international real estate, private equity and more. 
   

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