What is the fundamental objective of ISO standards and labels for an international banking group such as BNP Paribas?
ISO standards and labels are essential in the banking and financial sector. They provide a common framework for the exchange of information, transactions and services. Many services offered to clients, such as payment cards, securities, message exchange, identification and risk management, are covered by rules derived from ISO standards.
The adoption of these standards by financial institutions helps strengthen their operational integrity, foster transparency and support regulatory compliance, along with consumer protection.
These are keys to success in improving the way in which the organisation works, making it possible to develop the efficiency of its processes as well as their performance.
What is the difference between ISO standards ans labels?
(Internationals) standards : The ISO (International Organization For Standardization) was established shortly after the Second World War to develop the now widely recognized “ISO standards,” with the goal of facilitating the revival of international trade. Today, nearly 172 countries collaborate to draft these standards.
There are two types of ISO standards:
- Certifying standards, which require formal audits and certification.
- Non-certifying standards, which are collections of best practices focused on specific topics.
ISO standards cover an incredibly wide range of subjects—from the dimensions of a bolt to the management of information security within an organization. There are now more than 20,000 ISO standards, including 14,500 that are directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
(French) Labels : In France, the “label” designation must be officially recognised, meaning it must be published in the Official Journal (JO). These labels are awarded based on specifications.
Particularly well-known in sectors such as food (e.g., AB – Organic Farming) and the environment (e.g., Ecolabel), they they are also present in Human Resources practices with “Top Employer”, urban planning with “High Environmental Quality” (HQE) or skilled trades with “Best Worker in France” (MOF).
Why is BNP Paribas committed to standards and labels?
Contrary to common belief, ISO standards and French labels are not limited to industrial sectors. Services, and particularly banking, are equally concerned with issues such as quality, environmental impact, information security, and corporate responsibility.
For BNP Paribas, certifications and labels are fully aligned with the Group’s strategic objectives. They enable the implementation of concrete actions with all stakeholders, aimed at generating a positive impact and contributing meaningfully to the environmental, societal, technological, and economic challenges of our time.
This voluntary certification process provides international recognition for BNP Paribas’ commitments. It reinforces the Group’s focus on risk management and continuous process improvement, helping to meet the evolving needs and expectations of stakeholders and partners.
Presenting a certification or label to our customers serves as tangible proof that our commitments have been independently assessed and validated by an external expert. It confirms that our operations and organizational practices meet recognized standards.
For example, in areas such as environmental management or service quality, while many banks are content with drafting internal charters, BNP Paribas chooses to undergo audits by certified external bodies. This responsible and transparent approach has become essential in certain domains, as both clients and regulatory authorities increasingly require specific certifications, particularly in areas like information security and energy management.
Which standards are most important to BNP Paribas?
BNP Paribas holds more than 80 certifications and labels worldwide. The majority of these certifications relate to service quality, with ISO 9001 being the most prominent. Often referred to as the “mother of all standards,” ISO 9001 is fundamental in building trust among internal stakeholders and aligning efforts around a single goal: customer satisfaction.
The Group also holds ISO 27001 certifications, a standard that is increasingly adopted across BNP Paribas. It enables the implementation of a robust system for managing risks related to the security of both its own data and the data it is entrusted to process. This ensures the secure handling and free circulation of personal data. In the IT and technology sectors, legislators often rely on international best practices described in voluntary standards, which are later transcribed into law. By being certified, BNP Paribas remains at the forefront of technological innovation. Clients are increasingly demanding proof of security and resilience from their service providers’ information systems.
In addition, BNP Paribas holds ISO 14001 certifications for environmental management and ISO 50001 for energy management. Combined with the Sustainable Digital label, these certifications demonstrate the Group’s proactive approach to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.
How can standards support BNP Paribas' CSR policy?
As a major player in the global economy, BNP Paribas is committed to conducting its business in an ethical and responsible manner. To uphold this commitment, the Group engages in dialogue with its partners and sets social and environmental objectives aligned with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Principles for Responsible Banking. BNP Paribas’ dedication to making a positive and lasting contribution to environmental, societal, technological, and economic challenges is reflected in a wide range of initiatives.
BNP Paribas SA, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, and Personal Finance have obtained the Responsible Procurement and Supplier Relations label. This certification is part of a broader CSR strategy aimed at ensuring that purchasing practices generate a positive impact. It promotes a partnership-based approach with suppliers, grounded in ethical and sustainable principles.
In France, BNP Paribas SA was among the first companies to be certified for Diversity and Inclusion, followed by the Professional Equality between Women and Men label. Subsidiaries such as BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Arval, BNP Paribas Factor, and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions are also included in this certification, which has been extended to other European countries, including Italy and Belgium.The Group's commitment to diversity, inclusion and gender equality - as recognised by the Alliance label - helps foster a respectful and inclusive working environment, while actively preventing all forms of discrimination.
The main BNP Paribas certifications/ labels
- ISO 9001 : Quality Management System
- ISO 14001 : Quality Management System
- ISO 20000-1 : Environmental Management System
- ISO 22301 : Operational Resilience and Business Continuity Management System
- ISO 27001 : Information Security Management System
- ISO 37001 : Anti-bribery Management System
- ISO 39001 : Road Safety Management System
- ISO 45001 : Occupational Health and Safety Management System
- ISO 50001 : Energy Management System
- Diversity, Inclusion and Professional Equality between Women and Men labels
- Responsible Sustainable Procurement and Supplier Relations label
- Responsible Sustainable Digital label
- Ecovadis label
- Top Employer label