Organization and governance

A policy coordinated at the highest level

The CSR policy is a central part of BNP Paribas’ strategic decision-making and as such is initiated and driven by Group General Management. It shows a clear determination at the highest level of the company to strive for greater performance, responsibility, ethical conduct and transparency. The Group Executive Committee makes decisions on CSR issues whenever necessary and presents the strategy to the Board of Directors at least once a year.

CSR: a Group support function

In 2001, BNP Paribas set up a specific department in charge of sustainable development. It has expanded considerably over the years, becoming a function reporting to the Company Engagement Department and represented in the Group Executive Committee. The CSR function’s tasks and responsibilities are clearly specified in a directive from General Management. It is tasked to:

1. Design and steer the sustainable development strategy
   
2. Implement this strategy
   
3. Coordinate reporting
   
4. Coordinate dialogue with stakeholders
   
5. Act as an reference hub for the entire Group
   

A dedicated team at headquarters and a global network of CSR correspondents

A team of experts outlines the CSR strategy and steers its central tenants:

1. Environment and energy transition
   
2. Non-financial risk management
   
3. CSR stakeholder dialogue and Promotion of human rights
   Read the “How BNP Paribas listens to and takes into account the expectations of its stakeholders”
   
4. Investments and financing with a positive impact
5. Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship
6. Rescue & Recover Fund, etc.
   

The Group has also set up a network of 130 CSR correspondents across all of our core business divisions, business lines, branch networks, support functions and subsidiaries, to help implement CSR policies throughout all activities and countries where we are present. Within each entity, the CSR manager sits on the Executive Committee to ensure that CSR becomes an integral part of its business strategy.

Our strategy

Launched in September 2015 by the UN, the Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty by 2030 while protecting our planet’s environment. As a global company and Bank, BNP Paribas has a key role to play in this challenge facing our society. Our social and environmental responsibility (CSR) approach allows us to take part in building a sustainable future while promoting the Group’s performance and stability.

An ambition continually reinforced over 15 years

Since 2001, BNP Paribas has implemented its CSR policy while relying on the Group’s governance. Today, the policy is based on four pillars and 12 commitments. 

These actions are steered with the help of 9 indicators  focusing on key issues for the Group. Some of these indicators are used to determine 20% of the variable incentive plan for 5,000 top managers.

Our public positions

Our CSR approach at BNP Paribas has led us to publish several public positions in a variety of sensitive sectors. These positions may arise from the application of external practices specific to the banking sector or from the establishment of our own voluntary commitments at BNP Paribas.

Voluntary commitments in key CSR sectors:

• A Commitment to the Environment

• Our Declaration with respect to Human Rights
  
• An anti-corruption policy
  
• A Charter for responsible representation with respect to public authorities 
  
• A CSR Charter for BNP Paribas suppliers
  
• Financing and investment policies in sensitive sectors
• Goods and activities on exclusion list: Group public disclosure
• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
  
• Governance that supports the long-term strategy of the BNP Paribas Group
  
• A position "BNP Paribas and ocean protection"
• Code of Tax Conduct
  

Active participation in the financial sector’s leading initiatives:

• Equator Principles
• Responsible Investment Principles
• UNEP FI’s Principles for positive impact finance
  
• Principles for Responsible Banking
  

Commitments specific to the environment

• Montreal Pledge 
  
• Portfolio Decarbonization Coalition 
  
• French Business Climate Pledge 
  
• Paris Pledge for Action
  
• Principles for Mainstreaming Climate Action within Financial Institutions 
  
• Financial Institutions’ Declaration of Intent on Energy Efficiency from the EBRD and UNEP FI

Commitments to a more inclusive society

• Business collective for a more inclusive economy in France
• Business for Inclusive Growth
  

The Group also exercises its activity in a way that respects universal rights and principles, as a contributor or active member of:

• The Global Compact
• Women's Empowerment Principles